Brisbane Broncos Faithful in for Thrilling Ride with 2024 NRL Fixtures

The Brisbane Broncos will embark on a historic 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership season, with games scheduled in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. The Broncos home season begins against the Rabbitohs in Round 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Milton.

Read: Pink’s Electrifying Show at Suncorp Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide

Vegas opener sets stage for homecoming blockbusters

The Broncos will face the Sydney Roosters in Las Vegas in the “main event” season opener double header on March 2. They will make history as one of just two NRL sides to play in Australia, New Zealand and the United States in one season

After a bye week, Brisbane will welcome fellow USA travellers the South Sydney Rabbitohs on March 14. The Broncos then travel to Penrith for a Grand Final rematch before the Queensland XXXX Derby against the Cowboys on March 29 — with the game being a tribute to legend Carl Webb.

Opens 2024 ‘Battle’ against Dolphins at home

The Broncos’ first three home games conclude with a bang when they host the Dolphins on April 12 for the first “Battle of Brisbane” matchup of 2024. This rivalry will be put on hold after Round 6, as the Queensland foes will not meet again until the penultimate round of the regular season.

To add fuel to the fire, Herbie Farnworth and Thomas Flegler will now suit up for the Dolphins after joining them in the offseason. Both will aim to prove themselves against their ex-club, while former teammates are eager to show the Farnworth and Flegler what they’re missing.

Reynolds re-signs through 2025

Adam Reynolds
Captain Adam Reynolds before their flight to Vegas. Photo Credit: Facebook/Brisbane Broncos

In other news, the Broncos have just secured a major coup with star halfback and team captain Adam Reynolds inking a one-year extension through 2025.

The veteran playmaker will finish his illustrious career in Brisbane at age 35 after re-upping his contract prior to the 2024 Vegas opener.

Read: Brisbane Lions Poised for Another Strong Regular Season

Friday Night Lights and strong home stretch

The Broncos are scheduled for the most Friday night home games in 2024, with five Friday night matches set for Suncorp Stadium.

They will also play most of their last ten matches in Queensland, with just one out-of-state trip to Newcastle scheduled during the run home. See their full schedule here.

Published 24-February-2024

Tom Lynagh to Start at Flyhalf As Reds Name Team For Waratahs Clash

Amid fierce competition, Tom Lynagh earns a start at the No.10 position as the Queensland Reds announce their starting lineup for their highly anticipated Round 1 match against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Read: Pink’s Electrifying Show at Suncorp Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide

Nine Wallabies named

QLD Reds vs NSW Waratah
Here’s how the team will lineup against the Waratahs. Photo Credit: Instagram/Queensland Reds

Head coach Les Kiss has named nine players with Wallabies experience in the starting lineup, including co-captains Tate McDermott and Liam Wright. 

Twenty-year-old Tom Lynagh has been given the nod to start at flyhalf ahead of Saturday’s clash. Lynagh gained valuable Super Rugby experience last season and will look to use that in steering the Reds around the park.

“I’ve got good options at No.10 and this week it is Tom Lynagh’s opportunity.”

Three potential debutants named on bench

Three players are in line to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts if called upon from the bench – flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, backrower John Bryant and Irish lock Cormac Daly.

McLaughlin-Phillips and Bryant are Queensland juniors who earned their first Reds caps against Japan last year. Daly joined the Reds from Sydney club Randwick and previously represented Ireland Under-20s.

Queensland v NSW, a classic rivalry

Saturday’s match reignites one of rugby’s great rivalries between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs. Both sides will be eager to start their Super Rugby Pacific campaigns with a win.

Read: ‘Art of Courage’ in Milton Illuminates the Unyielding Spirit of Ukraine

According to Coach Kiss, Reds versus Waratahs matches bring out the best in the rivalry between the states. The Reds have won the past three games against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium and will look to continue that streak.

Published 22-February-2024

Pink’s Electrifying Show at Suncorp Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide

Did you know that long before Pink became a singer-songwriter and attained pop music icon status as the first non-British to have won the 2019 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music, she was at various times in her life a skateboarder, hip-hopper, and gymnast? The colourful, multi-faceted artist is currently in Brisbane to perform a series of electrifying performances before packed crowds at the Suncorp Stadium.



The superstar, aged 44, is expected to mesmerise around 40,000 fans with her two-hour shows on Friday and Saturday, 16 and 17 February 2024. She will return at the Suncorp Stadium on 19 March 2024 for the final leg of her tour in Australia.

The shows this February weekend in Milton are expected to commence at 8:30 p.m., with the opening act by Tones and I.

Pink’s last visit to Brisbane was in 2018 as part of her “Beautiful Trauma” World Tour, making this concert a long-awaited event for her loyal Australian fans. Joined by her husband Carey Hart and their two children, Willow, 12, and Jameson (7), Pink promises a spectacular show filled with her greatest hits, aerial performances, and her trademark infectious energy.

Pink at the Suncorp Stadium
Photo Credit: Pink/Instagram

About Pink

Born Alecia Beth Moore on 8 September 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, U.S., Pink is an American singer and songwriter renowned for her rock-influenced pop songs, powerful voice, and dynamic concerts filled with gymnastics. Raised amidst her parents’ divorce, Pink harboured dreams of becoming a singer from an early age. She began performing in Philadelphia clubs as a young teenager and later sang backup for a hip-hop band. 

Eventually, she ventured into songwriting and joined the R&B band Basic Instinct before transitioning to the all-female R&B group Choice. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name P!nk, partly inspired by the character Mr. Pink from Quentin Tarantino’s film “Reservoir Dogs” (1992). 

After Choice disbanded, Pink embarked on a successful solo career, releasing her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000, followed by albums like “M!ssundaztood” (2001) and “I’m Not Dead” (2006). Her hit singles include “Get the Party Started,” “Just Give Me a Reason,” and “What About Us.” Beyond music, Pink has appeared in films, supported various causes, and served as a UNICEF ambassador. 

She married Hart, a motocross racer, in 2006.

Setlist

Here’s the expected setlist:

  • Intro Montage
  • Get the Party Started
  • Raise Your Glass
  • Who Knew
  • Just Like a Pill
  • Try
  • What About Us
  • Heartbeat
  • Turbulence
  • Glitter in the Air
  • Make You Feel My Love
  • Our Song
  • Just Give Me a Reason
  • F**kin’ Perfect
  • Just Like Fire / Heartbreaker
  • Please Don’t Leave Me
  • Cover Me in Sunshine
  • When I Get There
  • I Am Here
  • Irrelevant
  • Are You Gonna Fall?
  • TRUSTFALL
  • Blow Me (One Last Kiss)
  • Never Gonna Not Dance Again
  • aerial stunt; extended intro & outro
  • So What


Tickets

Ticket sales opened in August 2023 but those late to the party still have a chance to grab seats. Whilst VIP packages for Brisbane’s show are already sold-out, fans can choose from general admission tickets, especially for the 19 March 2024 show, starting at $178.50, to the premium Gold Circle Standing tickets at a steeper $311.00. 

Transport and Parking

Suncorp Stadium recommends arriving early to avoid last-minute rush.

Ticket holders are encouraged to utilise free public transport on Brisbane bus and train services. Special Event shuttles will also commence at 4:30 p.m. from various city and suburban hubs. 

Attendees are advised to plan their journey using the TransLink website and be mindful of parking restrictions in the surrounding Lang Park Traffic Area. 

Secure Parking at The Barracks on Petrie Terrace offers parking spots available from $75 on Friday and Saturday nights.

‘Art of Courage’ in Milton Illuminates the Unyielding Spirit of Ukraine

“Art of Courage,” an immersive theatre experience that depicts hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people, is nearing its conclusion at the PIP Theatre in Milton.



Running until the 17th of February 2024, this not-for-profit production promises to take viewers on a profound journey through the heart and soul of Ukraine.

Inspiring Empathy and Solidarity Through Storytelling

Through the art of storytelling, the creators of “Art of Courage” aim to inspire empathy, understanding, and solidarity among audiences, fostering a deeper connection with the rich culture and history of Ukraine. The performance serves as a reminder of the profound impact of theatre as a medium for introspection, learning, and cultural exchange.

The idea for “Art of Courage Ukraine” emerged from the personal devastation experienced by creator Sophia Hodych and all Ukrainians during the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022. Faced with the question of how to respond, Hodych sought to channel her skills and resources into a meaningful initiative to support children affected by the conflict. The journey from conception to fruition involved years of dedication, collaboration, and the unwavering generosity of Brisbane’s artistic community.

“After an invitation to perform the show at a Meeting of European Theatrical Academies in Florence, Italy, we staged our first iteration of the play. It was a great success with the applause calling actors for encore bows. It took us two years, two directors, five writers, andan exceptional production team of Brisbane’s best emerging artists to put the final version ofthe show together.

All along, creatives were signing up for an overwhelming workload, without any expectation of compensation. This incredible generosity of Brisbane’s artists should instil hope for not only the future of Ukraine but the future of Australia also.

Art of Courage is a wonderfully ambitious undertaking. It’s ambitious in its use of technology and the film theatre fusion. It’s ambitious in its political messaging and the wide array of
historical topics it covers. The cultural and emotional journey promises a unique experience for any audience member. With an interactive set, audiences can choose their own
adventure and which storyline to follow. They’ll be able to come multiple times and witness different human circumstances in times of war.”

Sophia Hodych

Unveiling a Profound Exploration

“Art of Courage” offers a captivating narrative that delves deep into the history, tradition, and indomitable courage of Ukraine. Audiences are meant to be transported through time, experiencing ancient pagan traditions, witnessing haunting readings, and immersing themselves in the bloom of young romances. The quest for the elusive fern flower, symbolizing hope in despair, serves as a central motif, intertwining with tales of resistance against oppression.

All profits from this show will be donated to RAZOM for Ukraine. RAZOM’s initiatives, including toy drives and therapy programs, aim to provide support and aid to children impacted by the ongoing war. 

The collaboration between “Art of Courage” and RAZOM underscores the commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.



Published 13-Feb-2024

Milton House View Protection Snags Kings Row Approval

The ambitious four-tower Kings Row project proposed for the Milton riverfront has hit a roadblock over protecting sightlines to the heritage-listed Milton House. 


Read: Milton Residents Voice Concerns Over Billionaire Developer’s Ambitious Project


Developer Shayher Alliance seeks to transform the Coronation Drive site into a mixed urban village, but the plan’s scale has drawn scrutiny from state and local entities.

The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) postponed its ruling on the 37-storey towers until April amidst worries of obstructed views of the Milton House from the Brisbane River. 

Milton House (Photo credit: Heritage Branch/Queensland Heritage Register)

Constructed from 1852-1853, Milton House served as the residence of pioneering Brisbane chemist Ambrose Eldridge and his politically active family until 1855. 

The landmark home located at McDougall St, was then sold to pastoralist John Frederick McDougall, who expanded the estate and leased it out to a series of prominent tenants, such as Arthur Manning, the Colonial Under-Secretary, Henry Walsh, MLC and speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and James Crombie.

Milton House, Milton, ca. 1870. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland 

SARA asked Shayher for more time to evaluate compliance with heritage codes safeguarding the colonial homestead’s visibility.

Meanwhile, Brisbane City Council has resumed discussions with Shayher after the company paused the development application process in late December. Over 120 public submissions objected to the proposal’s size, lack of greenspace, traffic impacts and interference with views.

Artist’s impression of heritage view from Coronation Drive (Photo credit: Urbis)

Greens MP Stephen Bates echoed similar community concerns, applauding council officers for highlighting issues like obscured sightlines to Mount Coot-tha. 

Residents also argued that the 30 to 37-storey height violates the City Plan and the Milton Neighbourhood Plan, conflicting with zoning intentions. 

Photo credit: Urbis

Responding to such objections, Urbis, on behalf of the developer, conceded exceeding area building limits but rationalised the towers as suitably bridging Brisbane’s CBD with outer regions amidst the city’s housing shortage.

Photo credit: Urbis

Shayher defended the project in the application as a landmark design suitably transitioning from Brisbane’s CBD whilst providing needed housing.


Read: Historic Homes in Brisbane: Milton House


The $300 million vision would transform 14,780 sqm into a retail plaza surrounded by 30-37 storey towers combining public riverfront access with units, sports facilities and shops. But unlocking Milton’s river edge hinges on satisfying worries about dwarfed heritage vistas. After almost a year in review, the future of the Kings Row project remains clouded by the past.

Published 12-February-2024 

Investigations Underway After Dead Fish Wash Up in Milton, Other Suburbs Near Brisbane River

Hundreds of dead fish have mysteriously appeared along the banks of the Brisbane River over the past few days, including in Milton, sparking an investigation by authorities.


Read: Milton’s Missing Ibis: Bin Chicken Statue Stolen


The dead fish, including species such as mullet, bream, catfish and mud crabs, have also been spotted by residents and passersby in locations along the river including West End, Kangaroo Point, and Indooroopilly.

Experts are studying the exact cause of the mass fish deaths, which have prompted warnings from authorities for people to avoid the affected areas.

Photo credit: Jonathan Sriranganathan/Facebook 

“We’ve received reports of dead fish and crabs in the city reaches of the Brisbane River, spanning from Jindalee to Kangaroo Point. Our environmental officers are on the case and have taken water and fish samples to investigate the cause of these deaths,” the Queensland Department of Environment and Science stated

Whilst some suspect the deaths may be linked to recent flooding in the region, a university professor believes it is unlikely to be caused by freshwater alone. The species found dead are known to be quite resilient in freshwater. The professor believes It could likely be caused by localised spill or some sort of toxic event in the area.

Dead fish at the banks of the river in West End (Photo credit: Jenne Roberts/Facebook)

Some local West End residents agree, saying there was nothing like this after major floods in 2022. However, other long-time residents disagree, recalling mass fish deaths in the river after previous flood events.

Jonathan Sriranganathan, Greens’ candidate for Lord Mayor of Brisbane, stated in a social media post that he observed the river looking very oily over the past few days. He suspects the mass death of fish is connected to an oil spill rather than just stormwater runoff. 


Read: The West End-Milton (Park Road) Ferry Service: A Slice of History


Authorities continue to investigate the cause and have warned people to avoid touching or eating the dead fish as tests are conducted for potential contaminants.

Residents have expressed alarm at the unusual and unexplained fish kill spreading along sections of the river. Queensland Environment says it is collaborating with technical specialists to identify any pollutants that may have caused the sudden deaths.

Published 6-February-2024 

Milton’s Missing Ibis: Bin Chicken Statue Stolen

An ibis statue has been stolen from Milton bus station, the latest in a series of thefts of the city’s popular bin chicken art.


Read: Suncorp Stadium Management Addresses Community Concerns With Improved Security Measures


The ibis sculpture was one of six initially installed around Brisbane by artist Ryan Forster (Sethius Art) as part of the “Brisbane Bin Chicken Trail.” Forster’s bin chicken art aims to celebrate the iconic Australian native bird that is often found rummaging through trash.

According to Forster, the beloved statues unfortunately seem to be targets of theft despite being so popular with the local community.

Photo credit: sethius.art

“I made metal bin chickens and installed them around Brisbane as public art. But unfortunately they kept getting stolen. People loved them and they went viral all the time so I knew I needed a way to make them more permanent,” said Forster.

“I came up with the Bin Chicken Trail where businesses, homeowners and communities would buy a ‘Binny’ and I would attach it securely on their premises. It helps to bring eyes to their business and feet in their door. But moreover it’s a bit of fun, gives people a laugh and supports wildlife conservation charities.”

Photo credit: sethius.art

After a previous sculpture was taken from the Milton bus station, Forster responded by boldly putting one on the roof of a brewery. That brewery statue remains in place.


Read: 14 Park Road, Milton: The Last Remaining 19th Century Shop


The divisive yet quintessentially Australian white ibis, also known as the bin chicken because of their scavenging activities, has even become a surprising contender to represent the city as the official mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The missing ibis had become a landmark in the area. Many hope it will be returned. With Brisbane’s bin chickens beloved by many, Forster and the community are determined to spread the bin chicken art and joy around the city. 

Published 2-February-2024

Developer Brings Rooftop Vision to Life with ‘Ruby Ruby’

A boutique developer plans to capitalise on Milton’s rapid growth of young residents and businesses with their latest project, the 144-apartment Ruby Ruby.


Read: Milton Residents Voice Concerns Over Billionaire Developer’s Ambitious Project


To be located behind Milton Station on Crombie Street, the 21-storey Ruby Ruby from Kokoda Property offers convenience and vibrancy. Residents can easily commute via train or immerse themselves in the area’s craft breweries and hip cafes like the XXXX Brewery, Milton Common.

Kokoda crafted Ruby Ruby’s design with Milton’s crowd of young professionals and families in mind. The striking wellness rooftop, featuring a pool, gym and yoga studio, caters to an active demographic. 

Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects

Families are also expected to be interested in the location, with several reputable schools within walking distance and the CBD just three train stops away. Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, it also abounds with greenspace, bike paths and sports facilities nearby. 

Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects

Kokoda Property Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens said that he is excited for Ruby Ruby to play a leading role in such a robust Brisbane property market.

“Brisbane is rapidly transforming into a new world city; its culture, business centre, technology, and lifestyle is evolving with over $40 billion of infrastructure investment planned, so naturally there is a shift occurring with demand now skewed towards sophistication and luxury residential design.

Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects

“Ruby Ruby is packed with an incredible range of extensive amenities that offer buyers an elevated luxury apartment living experience in Brisbane,” said Mr Stevens.

Future residents with families will appreciate the proximity to some of Brisbane’s most reputable schools, including Milton State School just around the corner and Hubbard’s School and Brisbane Grammar School located less than 600 metres away. For university students, Queensland University of Technology can be reached in under 10 minutes by car or public transport.

Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects

Ruby Ruby crystallises Kokoda’s development strategy – identify up-and-coming areas like Milton and create living spaces tailored to both the location and changing lifestyles. After success in nearby Newstead with the successful Chester & Ella and The Ambrose projects, Kokoda again flexes their market expertise.

With construction on the project beginning 2024 and a targeted completion date of late 2025, Kokoda is positioning themselves in one of Brisbane’s most connected and up-and-coming neighbourhoods.


Read: Historic Milton Site to be Transformed into a Thriving Urban Village


Published 20-December-2023

Milton Petrol Manager Jailed for Fraud and Money Laundering

A former manager of a prominent petrol station in Milton has been sentenced to a six-year jail term for his involvement in a complex web of fraud and money laundering.



In a recent legal verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Brisbane community, Carlos Adelino Henrique Ferreira, 59, who was also a president of a local athletics club, faced Brisbane District Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of committing fraud as an employee and one count of money laundering.

Crown prosecutor Victoria Adams revealed that Mr Ferreira had exploited his position as the manager of a BP petrol station in Milton over eight years, from July 2015 to November 2019, to siphon more than $400,000 from his employer.

The Devious Scheme

Mr Ferreira’s fraudulent activities were carried out by undermining the established cash management systems of the petrol station. There were two safes on the premises, with the first requiring staff to use unique codes to access it. 

The second safe, used for exchanging larger notes, was intended for regular audits. However, Mr Ferreira instructed his staff to forgo these checks, instead depositing money into the less secure second safe. 

At the end of his shifts, he would then transfer these funds into accounts under his control, accumulating the substantial sum over four years. Mr Ferreira went to great lengths to conceal his deception by creating inaccurate daily reports to give the illusion that all financial transactions were in order.

Furthermore, Mr Ferreira engaged in a cunning cigarette-related fraud, recording transactions as low as 10 cents on the till when customers purchased cigarettes, pocketing the cash payments and sometimes retaining packets of cigarettes for himself. This deceptive practice cost the business over $10,000 across more than 560 transactions.

Laundering Through Community Involvement

Mr Ferreira utilised his position as the volunteer president of the Brisbane Athletics Club to launder the ill-gotten funds. The court heard that he diverted $10,000 from the club’s account.

Mr Ferreira’s barrister, Matthew Hynes, explained that he orchestrated this scheme by channeling the money through the athletics club’s accounts, his personal account, and another accessible account.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

His crimes came to light, resulting in his termination from the BP Milton station in November 2019. He faced legal repercussions for his actions, receiving fines in August 2023 for falsely claiming to be a qualified physiotherapist and treating patients while unqualified.

Judicial Sentencing and Final Reflections

Judge Jennifer Rosengren, presiding over the case, sentenced Mr Ferreira to six years in jail, highlighting the gravity of his offenses and his deliberate intent to take “a lot of money” from his employer. 



She emphasised that his actions were a clear violation of the trust placed in him by both his employer and the athletics club. Furthermore, his history of dishonesty and attempts to obtain a Portuguese passport while on bail raised doubts about his prospects for rehabilitation. 

Ferreira will become eligible for parole in September 2025.

Published 20-Dec-2023

Brisbane, Meet Benny’s: American Burger Chain Opens 10th Store

Brisbane has a new spot for mouthwatering American burgers, milkshakes, wings and more with the opening of Benny’s American Burger in Milton.


Read: Beurre Pastries: Buttery Goodness From This New, Experimental Bakery in Milton


Bringing a flavourful bite of the States to Queensland, Benny’s offers hungry locals over 20 varieties of juicy burgers, with vegetarian, vegan and loaded options available.

Originating in Adelaide in 2013, Benny’s has rapidly grown over the last decade with now 10 locations, and is considered one of the leading American burger chains in Australia. 

Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook 

The brand considers itself a pioneer in bringing authentic American burgers to South Australia and beyond. After achieving success in Adelaide and Melbourne locations, Benny’s set its sights on bringing its signature flavourful food to Brisbane.

Bennys American Burger
Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook 

Situated in the previous home of Cribb St Social at 1/19-23 Cribb St, the new burger restaurant in Milton aims to satisfy cravings for a true blue American burger experience.

The chain’s signature Iron Lotus burger (Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook) 

Patrons can indulge in menu stars like the Iron Lotus – featuring a beef patty, chicken patty, pulled pork, bacon, double cheese, hash brown and BBQ sauce. Or opt for lighter fare with veggie or vegan patties. All burgers and sandwiches are loaded with Benny’s special sauce.

Benny's American Burger
Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook 

In addition to burgers, the restaurant offers chicken wings fried up just right and served with a range of dipping sauces. Milkshake lovers can choose from Biscoff, Nutella or Oreo loaded varieties whipped up thick and creamy. With flavours this bold, Benny’s is sure to become a go-to for Brisbane residents with a craving for American comfort food.


Read: After Milton Debut, Guzman y Gomez Plans Further QLD Expansion


The Milton location celebrated its grand opening on November 20 by giving away up to 300 free burgers to early visitors. Moving forward, the restaurant will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Based on the success of other Benny’s locations, Milton’s outpost is surely destined to become a local favourite.

Published 22-November-2023