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Suncorp Stadium to Host 10 Rugby World Cup Matches in 2027

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will host 10 matches during the Rugby World Cup 2027, including two quarter-finals, as Brisbane prepares to welcome international rugby fans between October and November 2027.

The match schedule released this week confirms the 52,500-capacity venue will stage six pool matches, two round-of-16 fixtures, and two quarter-finals as part of the expanded 24-team tournament running from 1 October to 13 November 2027.

Brisbane’s fixtures include England versus Tonga on Saturday 2 October, followed by pool matches featuring Argentina, Canada, France, Japan, South Africa, Georgia, Scotland, and Portugal. Australia’s Wallabies will face Chile on Saturday 16 October in a highly-anticipated home fixture.

The tournament represents Queensland’s largest rugby event before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with projected economic impact of $212 million across accommodation, hospitality, and tourism sectors.

Tournament Schedule and Matchups

Brisbane’s Rugby World Cup programme opens with England facing Tonga on Saturday 2 October, launching Queensland’s tournament involvement. Pool stage matches continue throughout October, featuring established rugby powers and developing nations.

Argentina meets Canada on Monday 4 October, followed by France versus Japan on Saturday 9 October. South Africa takes on Georgia the following day, establishing a weekend of high-calibre rugby across multiple weight divisions.

Australia’s Wallabies fixture against Chile on Saturday 16 October provides Brisbane audiences with direct involvement in the host nation’s campaign. Scotland faces Portugal on Sunday 17 October, completing the pool stage schedule.

Round-of-16 matches on Saturday 23 October and Sunday 24 October will determine quarter-final participants, with specific matchups dependent on pool stage results. The knockout format ensures winning teams advance whilst eliminating defeated sides from tournament contention.

Brisbane’s quarter-finals on Saturday 30 October and Sunday 31 October represent the tournament’s critical juncture, determining the final four teams competing for the Webb Ellis Cup. These fixtures carry heightened significance as they decide which nations advance to semi-finals in Sydney.

Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium hosts four pool matches, featuring Georgia versus Romania on Sunday 3 October, Chile versus Hong Kong China on Saturday 9 October, Tonga versus Zimbabwe on Friday 15 October, and Spain versus Canada on Saturday 16 October. The regional Queensland fixtures extend tournament benefits beyond Brisbane whilst showcasing North Queensland’s sporting infrastructure.

Economic Impact and Tourism Planning

Queensland tourism authorities project the games will generate $212 million in economic benefit through visitor expenditure across accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transport sectors.

Brisbane accommodation providers expect significant demand surges surrounding quarter-final weekend, with advance bookings essential for securing preferred locations. The tournament occurs during Australian spring, when Brisbane experiences daytime temperatures averaging 18-28°C with low rainfall probability.

Brisbane’s designation as host city positions the region for international broadcast exposure reaching hundreds of millions of viewers globally. Caxton Street’s precinct of sports bars, pubs, and restaurants surrounding Suncorp Stadium creates pre-match atmosphere that enhances matchday experience.

Photo Credit: Caxton Street / Visit Brisbane

Milton Stadium Ready for Global Audience

Suncorp Stadium‘s selection as a major Rugby World Cup venue reflects its established reputation as one of rugby’s premier facilities. The Milton precinct stadium, officially known as Brisbane Stadium during the tournament due to naming rights protocols, last hosted Rugby World Cup matches in 2003 when nine fixtures drew capacity crowds.

The venue’s nickname “The Cauldron” derives from its atmospheric intensity, with three-tiered seating positioning spectators within six metres of the sideline at closest points. This colosseum-style design creates acoustics that amplify crowd noise, establishing the stadium’s reputation for intimidating visiting teams.

Suncorp Stadium underwent comprehensive redevelopment in the early 2000s, transforming from a 40,000-capacity ground with terracing into the current all-seater configuration. The $280 million modernisation completed in 2003 created facilities that have since hosted rugby league’s 2008 and 2017 World Cup finals, NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin matches, and international rugby union fixtures.

The stadium’s rugby credentials extend beyond infrastructure. Queensland Reds relocated from historic Ballymore Stadium to Suncorp in 2005, establishing the venue as Queensland’s premier rugby union destination. Regular Wallabies Test matches have created familiarity for Australia’s national team, providing home advantage during World Cup fixtures.

New Zealand rugby journalist Wynne Gray described Suncorp Stadium as potentially the world’s best rugby venue, noting the intimate atmosphere allows spectators to hear physical collisions and boot strikes on ball. Comparisons to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and London’s Twickenham Stadium reflect the venue’s international standing.

Transport Infrastructure and Access

Milton Railway Station sits 350 metres from Suncorp Stadium via dedicated pedestrian walkway, providing direct rail access from Brisbane CBD and suburban stations. Special event services operate before and after matches, with increased frequency managing spectator volumes.

Roma Street Railway Station, located 1.2 kilometres from the venue, serves as Brisbane’s major rail hub, connecting interstate services with suburban networks. Multiple bus routes stop on Caxton Street adjacent to the stadium, including services 375, 379, 385, 470, 475, 476, and 477.

CityCat ferry services to North Quay terminal provide water-based transport option, with 15-minute walks through CBD reaching Suncorp Stadium. TransLink’s Go Card system provides integrated ticketing across train, bus, and ferry services.

Victoria Bridge and Goodwill Bridge provide pedestrian and cycling links between South Bank and CBD. The 2-kilometre distance from Queen Street Mall to Suncorp Stadium accommodates pre-match walks through Caxton Street’s hospitality precinct.

Stadium History and Heritage

Lang Park, Suncorp Stadium’s historical name, was established in 1914 on former North Brisbane Cemetery grounds. The site’s transformation from burial ground to recreation space followed Queensland redevelopment plans serving surrounding suburbs.

Reverend John Dunmore Lang provided the park’s original naming. Early Lang Park hosted diverse sports including cycling and athletics before rugby league’s dominance emerged. Brisbane Rugby League assumed the park lease in 1957, establishing the venue as Queensland rugby league’s home.

Suncorp Stadium / Lang Park — Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium

The stadium suffered significant damage during 2010-2011 Queensland floods when the entire playing field submerged. $16 million repair costs addressed flood impacts, with works completed the following year.

Aboriginal community connections include rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson leading Queensland onto the field for the inaugural State of Origin match, linking indigenous heritage with the stadium’s rugby legacy.

Suncorp Stadium’s redevelopment eliminated car parking—Australia’s first major sporting facility taking this approach. Pedestrian links to Milton station and CBD replaced vehicle access, positioning surrounding pubs and restaurants as matchday destinations whilst reducing traffic impacts.

Ticket Access and Presale Information

Rugby World Cup 2027 ticket presale will commence on 18 February 2026, providing registered fans priority access before general sale. The Superfan Pass at $750 offers guaranteed access to purchase up to four tickets for any of the 52 tournament matches (match ticket costs are additional).

Ticket categories span general admission through premium hospitality options, with pricing reflecting match significance. Quarter-final fixtures command higher rates than pool stage games.

Official travel packages through authorised agents combine match tickets with accommodation and transport. Brisbane-specific packages focus on quarter-final weekend, with accommodation emphasising proximity to Milton station and CBD for easy stadium access.

Legacy and Future Events

Rugby World Cup 2027 forms part of Australian rugby’s “golden decade” including British and Irish Lions tour in 2025, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, and Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland’s tournament involvement provides operational testing for Brisbane 2032 infrastructure and event management protocols.

Suncorp Stadium’s versatility across rugby codes, football, and concerts demonstrates economic sustainability. Regular NRL fixtures, Queensland Reds Super Rugby matches, and State of Origin events maintain consistent activation. NRL Magic Round attracted 149,329 attendees in 2025, showcasing Brisbane’s capacity for concentrated sporting programmes.

Community rugby participation initiatives tied to tournament hosting aim to inspire 200,000 new Australian rugby participants by 2029, creating sustainable legacy beyond professional competition.

Published 07-February-2026.

Frew Park Keeps Milton’s Tennis Story Alive

Photo Credit: EmersonTennisGear/Facebook

Walk through Frew Park today and you’ll see a green pocket of Milton that’s built for everyday life — a place for picnics, play, and a casual hit of tennis. It looks and feels like a modern neighbourhood park, but it carries a history that made Milton one of Australia’s significant tennis venues.

Long before Brisbane’s major tennis events were staged at Tennyson, Milton hosted Queensland’s best-known tennis venue.

Photo Credit: National Archives of Australia

A suburb with tennis in its foundations

Milton has long been a suburb shaped by sport and big events. For much of the 20th century, tennis was part of that identity, and not just at a local level.

At the centre was the Milton Tennis Centre, which opened in 1915 and hosted major tournaments and international ties for many decades. Over time, the courts at Milton became known for staging major events, including Davis Cup ties, that drew attention well beyond the suburb itself.

If Queensland tennis had a long-term home base through much of the last century, Milton was it.

*Davis Cup*
Photo Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY 2.0

A history that’s well documented

Even now, Milton’s tennis story isn’t hard to trace because so much of it has been recorded and preserved.

The State Library of Queensland has highlighted the breadth of Queensland tennis material tied to this history, including photographs and printed items that reflect decades of tennis culture in the state.

Those records point to something larger than match results: tennis as a major part of public life and entertainment in earlier decades in Brisbane.

Milton’s place in the national tennis story

Milton’s tennis history also connects directly to the national timeline. The suburb hosted the 1969 Australian Open, known as the first Open-era edition of the tournament.

That alone places Milton among Australia’s landmark venues, not simply as a suburban facility, but as a site trusted to host one of tennis’s biggest events.

*Rod Laver in action at Milton, 1969*
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

From Milton Tennis Centre to Frew Park

By the end of the 1990s, the Milton Tennis Centre era had come to a close. But the story didn’t end with demolition or closure. Instead, the site shifted into a new chapter as a public park, while still keeping tennis woven into its identity.

Frew Park, formerly the Milton Tennis Centre’s site, retained its tennis connections, including the Roy Emerson Tennis Centre and Wendy Turnbull Green. The State Library of Queensland also notes that the site’s redevelopment included a new tennis centre with courts on the grounds of the former venue.

A legacy that still has a place in Milton

Today, Frew Park represents a different kind of sporting legacy — one that sits inside the daily life of the suburb rather than outside it. It’s a reminder that Milton’s tennis history isn’t only something to look back on.

The suburb still hosts tennis on the same site where Queensland’s biggest tennis venue once stood. The Roy Emerson Tennis Centre remains active as a competition venue and is listed as a Tennis Brisbane centre for players of all ages and standards.

Photo Credit: Roy Emerson Tennis Centre/Google Maps

Brisbane’s centre court may have shifted over time, but Milton’s tennis chapter still matters, not only for what happened here, but for how the suburb continues to carry that identity forward.

Published 15-Jan-2026

Historic First: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Suncorp Stadium

For the first time in its 75-year history, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is marching into Brisbane, and Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will be the stage for one of the world’s most spectacular live events this February.

Read: Milton To Host 2026 World Cup Finals At Suncorp Stadium

From 12 to 15 February 2026, over 1,000 performers from across the globe will converge on the stadium for four consecutive shows of The Heroes Who Made Us – the Tattoo’s milestone 75th anniversary production.

Photo credit: Facebook/The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Brisbane 2026

The spectacle promises to be everything fans have come to expect from Edinburgh’s iconic summer tradition: massed pipes and drums, stirring military bands, precision performances, and cultural displays that celebrate both Scottish heritage and international talent. The Brisbane production will feature performers from the UK, Europe, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.

What makes this event particularly special for Milton and the broader Brisbane community is the involvement of local talent. Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band, based in nearby Toowong, has been announced as the only school in Australia and New Zealand invited to perform at the shows. It’s a remarkable achievement for the college.

To mark the three-month countdown to the Brisbane shows, Year 10 student Jules Crane made headlines by becoming the first person in the world to play bagpipes atop Brisbane’s Story Bridge – a stunning publicity moment that highlighted both the student’s talent and the college’s unique role in this historic event.

Read: Planning for Suncorp Stadium Upgrades to Tap AI Technology

Presented by RACQ, the event represents a significant addition to Brisbane’s major events calendar. The production will showcase the signature elements that have made the Tattoo famous: Scottish bagpipes, stirring anthems, massed military bands, Tattoo Dancers, and international performers bringing together the best of Scottish tradition with cultural performances from a global cast.

For local residents, this means a world-class performance right on their doorstep at one of Australia’s premier sporting venues in Milton.

Published 13-January-2026

Milton Crime Snapshot: Theft, Traffic, and Drug Offences Lead Past 12 Months

Milton recorded 662 reported criminal offences over the 12 months from 7 January 2025 to 6 January 2026, according to data from the Queensland Police Service Online Crime Map. As an inner-city suburb with major roads, public transport links and a large sporting venue, Milton’s crime data reflects patterns commonly seen in busy urban areas rather than quieter residential suburbs.

Read: Queensland Police Pipes and Drums to Light Up Suncorp Stadium at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Whilst overall figures do not explain individual circumstances, the data provides a clear snapshot of where offences were recorded, when they were most common and the types of incidents most frequently reported during the year.

Where offences are concentrated

The Queensland Police Service crime heatmap shows strong concentrations of reported offences along Milton Road, Hale Street near Suncorp Stadium and sections of Railway Terrace. These locations account for a significant share of reported incidents across the suburb.

These areas are major corridors within Milton and coincide with locations of high reported activity. In contrast, residential streets away from these thoroughfares show far fewer clusters of reported offences. This indicates that reported incidents are more frequently recorded in high-activity public areas than in residential streets.

Most common offence types

Across the 12-month period, the most frequently reported offence category in Milton was other theft excluding unlawful entry. This category includes offences such as shoplifting and stealing personal property.

Traffic and related offences were also common throughout the year, consistent with Milton’s role as a major transport corridor linking the suburb to Brisbane’s CBD and surrounding areas. Drug offences rounded out the three most reported offence categories recorded in the suburb.

Together, these offence types indicate that a large proportion of reported incidents occurred in public settings rather than involving unlawful entry to homes.

When offences are most likely to occur

Time-of-day data shows a clear pattern in when offences were reported. The busiest period was between 2 pm and 10 pm, which recorded 320 offences, accounting for almost half of the annual total.

The late-night to early-morning period from 10 pm to 6 am recorded 203 offences. The quietest time of day was between 6 am and 2 pm, when 139 offences were reported. Overall, the figures show higher reporting during afternoon and evening hours compared with early mornings.

Looking at the days of the week, Fridays and Saturdays recorded the highest number of reported offences over the 12-month period. Mondays and Tuesdays consistently recorded fewer incidents, making them the quietest days of the week for reported crime in Milton.

This variation mirrors changes in activity levels across the week rather than a consistent daily pattern.

Crime levels fluctuated across the year rather than remaining steady from month to month. May 2025 recorded the highest number of offences at 75, followed by November with 72 and October with 66.

The quietest months were August, which recorded 39 offences, January 2025 with 43 offences and July 2025 with 44. While the data does not explain why certain months recorded higher or lower totals, it shows that reported crime in Milton rose and fell across the year.

The broader picture

Overall, the data shows that reported offences in Milton were more concentrated in busy public spaces and transport corridors. Incidents were most frequently recorded during afternoons and evenings and were dominated by theft, traffic and drug-related offences.

Read: Milton Heritage Trail Links Past to Present in Brisbane’s Changing Suburb

As with all crime statistics, these figures provide context rather than conclusions. They offer residents and readers a clearer understanding of reported crime patterns across the suburb, including where and when reported activity was highest over the past year.

Published 7-January-2026

Planning for Suncorp Stadium Upgrades to Tap AI Technology

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Suncorp Stadium in Milton is being assessed for a potential technology-led refurbishment, with artificial intelligence identified as a key tool to improve event operations and spectator experience ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

First Major Refurbishment Since 2003

Suncorp Stadium has not undergone a major refurbishment since 2003, and planning discussions are now examining how the venue could be modernised to meet future event requirements. The review forms part of broader considerations about how the stadium will continue to operate as a major sporting and entertainment venue in Milton.

The stadium seats 52,500 patrons and is located close to Brisbane’s CBD, supported by surrounding entertainment precincts and established public transport infrastructure. Its configuration as a rectangular venue places spectators close to the field of play.

Artificial Intelligence At The Centre Of Planning

Venue operator Legends Global has been compiling upgrade concepts informed by stadiums it manages internationally. These concepts include the use of artificial intelligence systems to improve how large-scale events are delivered.

The proposed technology focuses on improving efficiency during event changeovers, particularly between sporting fixtures and concerts. These systems are intended to reduce operational costs for major events while maintaining venue standards.

AI stadium technology — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Playing Surface And Operational Efficiency

Upgrade discussions also include the use of technology to better manage and maintain the playing surface. Protecting turf quality is considered important for a venue that hosts frequent sporting fixtures alongside concerts and other non-sport events.

Improved surface management is viewed as a way to support year-round scheduling without compromising field conditions.

Structural Options Remain Under Discussion

Broader ideas such as installing a roof or expanding seating capacity have been referenced as part of long-standing discussions. These options are subject to detailed cost–benefit analysis, with no confirmed decision or design announced.

The material provided indicates that these structural proposals remain unconfirmed and under consideration only.

Milton Suncorp Stadium — Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Ongoing Role As A Major Events Venue

Suncorp Stadium hosts four anchor tenants and is a regular venue for major annual sporting events, national team fixtures, and international entertainment acts. The stadium is operated by Legends Global and remains a central part of Queensland’s major events calendar.

What Happens Next

Planning and evaluation for a potential upgrade of Suncorp Stadium in Milton are continuing. No construction timeline, final scope, or approved design has been confirmed based on the available sources.

Published 29-Dec-2025

Milton To Host 2026 World Cup Finals At Suncorp Stadium

Suncorp Stadium in Milton will host the Men’s and Women’s Rugby League World Cup Finals in 2026, placing the suburb at the centre of two major matches expected to draw large crowds and steady activity for local businesses.

Milton’s Role In The Finals

Milton will serve as the main gathering point for the closing day of the Rugby League World Cup, with Suncorp Stadium named as the venue for both championship matches. The finals will take place on 15 November 2026.

*Photo Credit: Rugby League World Cup/Facebook*

Event details from organisers and stadium listings show that while the tournament stretches across several regions, the final results will be decided in Milton. Its position near major transport links and local shops places the suburb in a strong position to host fans throughout finals week.

Local Business Expectations

Tourism statements and planning documents estimate more than 110,000 visitors across Queensland during the tournament, with Milton expected to see heavier crowds on finals day.

Cafes, pubs and small shops in the suburb are likely to experience increased foot traffic as supporters arrive before and after the matches. Officials project an economic impact exceeding 18 million dollars statewide, with Milton positioned to benefit directly from stadium traffic and fan activity.

Finals Day At Suncorp Stadium

The confirmed schedule shows the tournament running from 15 October to 15 November, ending with both major finals at Suncorp Stadium. The wheelchair final will take place two days earlier in Wollongong.

buy tickets here

The double final in Milton offers supporters a chance to see two world champions crowned in one day. Stadium representatives report strong early interest in tickets through Ticketmaster and expect demand to increase as the event nears.

Messages From Organisers

Statements from organisers describe the finals as an opportunity for Queensland communities to welcome local supporters and travelling fans. They highlight the suburb’s strong community links and the value of spreading match activity across nearby areas.

Stadium management notes positive engagement from local businesses and steady preparation efforts for crowd flow, transport movement and event-day services.

Published 08-December-2025

Global Tour Brings Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM Ball to Milton

Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium

Lady Gaga will perform at Suncorp Stadium in Milton as part of her global MAYHEM Ball tour, marking her first live Australian appearance in over a decade.

A Decade Away: Gaga’s First Aussie Shows Since 2014

Lady Gaga is returning to Australia for the first time in 11 years with three stadium performances, including a show in Milton at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Her last visit in 2014 featured arena shows only, with the ARTPOP Ball tour. The 2025 visit includes stadiums for the first time in her Australian touring history.

Her new album, “Mayhem,” which the tour supports, debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. It also marked her biggest streaming debut, recording 240 million streams globally in its first week.

The Mayhem Ball Milton — *Photo Credit: Lady Gaga/Instagram*

Beyond the Stage: Lady Gaga’s Global Profile

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, has established a multi-dimensional career spanning music, film, business, and activism. With estimated global record sales of 170 million, she remains one of the world’s best-selling artists.

Gaga is also recognised for her philanthropic efforts, having contributed to relief campaigns following major global crises including the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, and Hurricane Sandy. Her televised 2020 fundraiser, “One World: Together at Home,” raised $127 million for COVID-19 response efforts.

Through the Born This Way Foundation, launched in 2012, Gaga has led initiatives supporting youth mental health, emotional intelligence, and kindness campaigns.

Mayhem tour — *Photo Credit: Lady Gaga/Instagram*

A long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights, Gaga has actively supported anti-bullying legislation, spoken out against discriminatory policies, and amplified LGBTQ representation globally. She has been recognised by several organisations for her advocacy, including receiving the LennonOno Grant for Peace and the Yolanda Denise King High Ground Award.

Gaga’s influence is also evident in fashion, digital media, and higher education, with multiple institutions offering academic courses analysing her impact on culture, gender, and identity. Her legacy includes being the only female artist with four singles selling over 10 million copies each, and having six of her studio albums debut at number one in the US.

Milton Goes Monster: What to Know About the Show

Gaga’s Milton performance is scheduled at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, from 7:30 p.m. The venue will operate under its standard event policies, including mandatory tickets for all attendees and supervision requirements for children under 12.

Standing areas are available, though not recommended for patrons under 15 due to sightline and crowd density issues. The ticket limit per customer is four for presales and eight for general release, which opens Thursday, 17 April.

BUY TICKET

SET LIST

From Vegas to Milton: The MAYHEM Ball Tour Expands

The MAYHEM Ball officially begins on 16 July 2025 in Paradise, Nevada. Nine promotional performances in international cities will precede the full tour launch. A total of 48 shows will run through to 12 December, concluding in Sydney.

Announced on 26 March 2025, the tour rapidly expanded from an initial 32 shows due to strong demand. Billboard projects the tour could gross between $100 million and $125 million.

Though originally favouring arena venues to maintain production control, Gaga added the Australian stadium shows following the success of “Mayhem” and fan demand.

The Final Note

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium show will be one of three major Australian events marking Lady Gaga’s return to local stages. As her only Queensland appearance, the Milton show is expected to draw fans from across the region. With the broader tour receiving strong commercial backing, the Australian leg highlights the artist’s enduring reach.

Updated 30-November-2025

Bakewell-Doran Named Sole Queensland Firebirds Captain for 2026 SSN Season

Photo Credit: Ruby Bakewell-Doran/Instagram

Queensland Firebirds defender Ruby Bakewell-Doran has been appointed sole captain for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season, with midcourt duo Lara Dunkley and Macy Gardner to support her as vice-captains.

Bakewell-Doran’s appointment was confirmed to the Firebirds playing group at Nissan Arena on Tuesday and the 26-year-old cannot wait to lead the team into what she believes will be a big year.

“I’m so excited. Words can’t really put into what I can envisage this team achieving,” she said.

“Even where we are at the moment compared to where we were last year we’re leaps and bounds from there.

“I can’t wait to show them what we’ve got.”

It’s the fifth season Dunkley has held a leadership role with the Firebirds after initially being appointed vice-captain in 2022.

The 30-year-old, who has been with the Firebirds since 2020, is eager to use her influence and experience as the team aims to rise up the SSN ladder.

“The history of this club is super special something that I hold close to my heart, not even being a Queenslander, but I feel like I am now because of the people are here and welcome me,” Dunkley said.

“I just love bringing the best out in people. I love supporting my teammates day-in, day-out and I can’t wait to take it on again this year.”

Queensland pathways product Gardner will be holding a formal leadership role with the Firebirds for the first time as her star continues to grow.

The 25-year-old made her 50th SSN appearance during the 2025 season and has been an ever-present across the past two seasons after recovering from a season-ending wrist injury midway through the 2023 campaign.

A former Queensland 19 and Under co-captain, the 2024 Laura Geitz Medallist was excited about stepping into the leadership group in 2026.

“It means so much. From being a young girl supporting the Firebirds and being a part of this club and this community for a really long time, I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be in this position and just to be able to support Rubes and Larz and the whole team on our venture be successful is just an amazing opportunity for me,” Gardner said.

“I want to make sure that I do our club, our community, our fans and our team proud.”

Firebirds Head Coach Kiri Wills said Bakewell-Doran had proven her leadership qualities in 2025 and would be ably supported by the pairing of Dunkley and Gardner.

“With Lara and Ruby they both did such a fantastic job last year that there was really no reason to change that,” Wills said.

“We were really proud of them and how they led this team through a season with not many successes. So that was really a no-brainer for us.

“Then the third position that was left vacant, we had a look at our group and, to be honest, we’ve got a lot of leaders within the group but I think Macy has really stepped up in 2025.

“She owns her role. She knows what her job is and she does it whilst also supporting everybody else as any good midcourter should.”

Published 26-Nov-2025

Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Feature Star-Studded Lineup in Milton

Photo Credit: Ed Sheeran/Instagram

Ed Sheeran’s 2026 Loop Tour will bring a major stadium show to Milton, featuring performances by Australian acts Vance Joy, Mia Wray and Aaron Rowe.

Global Tour Returns to Australia and New Zealand

Global singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is set to return to Australia and New Zealand in early 2026 for his all-new Loop Tour, following the release of his latest album Play. Presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live, the stadium series will run through January, February, and March, with stops including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Milton’s Suncorp Stadium will host the Brisbane leg of the tour, scheduled for 20–22 February 2026. The shows will feature Vance Joy, Mia Wray and Aaron Rowe as special guests.

Background on the Loop Tour

The Loop Tour continues Sheeran’s strong connection with Australian audiences, having sold more than 3.1 million tickets across the region throughout his career. The tour follows his record-breaking Mathematics Tour in 2023, where he played to over 200,000 fans in Melbourne.

Sheeran’s new live show is designed to highlight his trademark looping performances, combining intimate moments with large-scale production. The setlist will include songs from Play, featuring tracks such as Azizam, Sapphire and Old Phone.

Suncorp Stadium concert — Photo Credit: Ed Sheeran/Instagram

Supporting Acts Join the Milton Show

Australian chart-topper Vance Joy will perform at all stops across the tour. Known for his breakout hit Riptide and multiple platinum albums, he has become one of Australia’s most successful international artists.

Mia Wray, who earned an ARIA nomination for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award, will also perform across all Australian and New Zealand shows. Her debut album Hi, It’s Nice To Meet Me gained critical recognition earlier this year.

Irish acts Biird and Aaron Rowe will round out the lineup. Biird, an all-female Irish trad collective, will appear in New Zealand and Perth, while Rowe will perform in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Ticketing Details for Milton

Tickets for the Milton concerts at Suncorp Stadium are available through AXS, the authorised ticketing partner. Presales were offered to Suncorp Stadium members and local residents, with general sales now open.

Strict anti-scalping measures apply, and all tickets are digitally delivered via official channels. Fans are advised to purchase only through approved platforms listed on frontiertouring.com/edsheeran.

The Album Behind the Tour

Released in September 2025, Play marks a creative shift for Sheeran, drawing inspiration from Indian, Persian and Irish musical traditions. Produced with international collaborators, the album has been described as an explorative and colourful body of work showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Looking Ahead

With new material and a refreshed live format, Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is set to be one of the most anticipated concert series of 2026. Milton’s Suncorp Stadium is expected to welcome thousands of fans as Sheeran returns to Queensland with his signature looping performances and a strong Australian support lineup.

Updated 22-Nov-2025

Dopo Eatery Opens as Tognini’s Successor in Milton

Photo Credit: Dopo Eatery

Dopo Eatery has officially opened in Milton, marking the next chapter for the long-established Tognini family venue that previously operated as Tognini’s Café & Deli.

Background and Context in Milton

After operating for 32 years, Tognini’s Café & Deli closed earlier in the year due to a planned redevelopment at Milton Village on Baroona Road. The construction works prompted the Tognini family to reassess the venue’s future, leading to a rebrand that aligned with changing visitor preferences and the growth of younger residents moving into nearby apartments across Milton Road and Railway Terrace.

The transition to Dopo Eatery also responded to shifts in the retail landscape, including the rise of large supermarkets that affected traditional deli operations. The family retained their catering business while preparing a refreshed café concept for the former deli site.

A New Fit-Out and Direction

Dopo Eatery opened this month with a design developed alongside Blackbox Design Co. The interior features a lighter colour palette, sand-toned tiles, a curved terrazzo-style communal table, sconce lighting, and rattan furniture. The alfresco area at the front remains, though updated to suit the new layout. The redesign aims to retain familiarity for long-time customers while appealing to new visitors.

Although the venue has changed significantly, the Togninis continue to welcome guests on the floor, maintaining the longstanding community connection.

Updated Menu Offerings

The all-day breakfast and lunch menu was rebuilt to modernise classic dishes while retaining an Italian influence. Breakfast selections include items such as heirloom tomato bruschetta with pumpkin hummus, chilli scrambled eggs with ‘nduja and paprika oil, Turkish eggs, corn fritters, and a rich yolk omelette with saffron butter and comté cheese.

Lunch from 11:30 a.m. features starters, salads, and mains. Options include calamari fritti, cacio e pepe, crab-and-prawn ravioli, herb-crusted salmon, buttermilk chicken burgers, baby gem caesar salad with crispy prosciutto, and other dishes listed in the venue’s menu. A cabinet offers sandwiches, pastries, and salads for grab-and-go customers, continuing a small deli-style section with ready-made meals and provisions.

Tognini’s Café & Deli — Photo Credit: Dopo Eatery

Drinks include coffee supplied by QCMS, teas, shakes, and a concise wine range made up of Italian and Australian varieties, alongside a small selection of beers.

Community Sentiment Around Milton

Regulars who had visited the former deli for decades returned immediately upon reopening, with some customers revisiting the venue multiple times a day. Long-time patrons expressed relief at the reopening, while the refreshed menu and updated design were created to welcome new residents now living in surrounding developments.

Outlook

Dopo Eatery reflects the evolution of the precinct at Milton Village while maintaining the legacy built over three decades by the Tognini family. The updated menu, revised layout, and continued presence of the owners position the café to serve both returning diners and the next generation of locals. The venue is open seven days, with hours varying across weekdays and weekends.

Published 20-Nov-2025