Clare Polkinghorne Honoured as Packed Suncorp Stadium Cheers Her Farewell

An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.


Read: Milton to Get New Residential Tower with Affordable Housing


Gutierres brace sparks early drama

The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.

The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.

Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum

However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.

Clare Polkinghorne farewell shines bright

While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.

The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.


Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts


Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.

Published 30-November-2024

Brazil Challenge Awaits as Matildas Head to Suncorp Stadium

A month after their first victory over Germany in 19 years, the Matildas return to Suncorp Stadium this Thursday, 28 November, at 8:00 p.m. to take on football powerhouse Brazil.


Read: Laughs Await at PIP Theatre in Milton with ‘Esther Hicks’ Show


Celebration match for local hero Clare Polkinghorne

The fixture carries special significance as veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne prepares for her final international window in front of her home crowd. Notably, the last time Australia faced Brazil on home soil, Polkinghorne kicked off the scoring in a 3-1 victory for the Matildas.

Adding to the occasion, vice-captain Emily van Egmond stands poised to earn her 150th cap, which would make her just the fourth Australian footballer to reach this milestone.

Matildas squad shuffle

Interim coach Tom Sermanni has made several squad adjustments ahead of the Brazil encounter. The Matildas will compete with a 34-player squad following the withdrawal of WSL midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler due to injuries sustained in recent club matches.

Gorry suffered a shoulder injury in the same game she opened her scoring account for West Ham with a brace; Wheeler, on the other hand, sustained a lower leg injury playing for Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has also pulled out of the upcoming matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing a need to rest and recover after a hectic playing schedule.

World Cup hero Cortnee Vine remains unavailable, having announced an indefinite break from football to prioritize her mental health. Vine, whose penalty secured Australia’s historic World Cup semi-final appearance, continues to manage the challenges that have accompanied her rising profile.

The extended roster reflects strong domestic talent, with 16 players currently competing in the A-League Women competition. Notable returns include Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo, all recalled following impressive domestic form.

Milestone victory over Germany

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci in the fifth minute, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime, followed by Clare Hunt’s first international goal which secured the triumph.


Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts


Following the Suncorp Stadium opener, the Matildas will rematch with Brazil at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

Published 25-November-2024

Laughs Await at PIP Theatre in Milton with ‘Esther Hicks’ Show

A unique and interactive comedy show exploring the quirky teachings of New Age speaker “Esther Hicks” is set to entertain audiences at PIP Theatre’s Toucan Club Festival in Milton. 



A Comedy with a New Age Twist Comes to Milton

The show, titled “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking,” running from 27 to 30 November, is the brainchild of local writer and performer Claire Pearson, who brings her 20 years of theatre experience back to Brisbane after a stint in Melbourne. The production has gained popularity for its humorous take on the teachings of real-life figures Esther and Jerry Hicks, known for promoting ideas around the “Law of Attraction” and manifesting one’s desires through positive thinking.

Originally staged in Melbourne, where it garnered strong reviews for its originality and humour, “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking” will now make its Brisbane debut at the PIP Theatre as part of the annual Toucan Club Live Arts & Cabaret Festival. Ms Pearson, an Indooroopilly-based talent, stars in the show alongside comedian Kyle Walmsley, a RAW National finalist from 2012.

About the Show

In “Esther Hicks is Vibrationally Speaking,” Ms Pearson plays “Esther,” who channels a non-physical entity called “Abraham” and imparts New Age wisdom in a comedic, workshop-like setting. Her husband, “Jerry,” portrayed by Mr Walmsley, adds to the absurdity as they guide the audience through the strange concepts of the vortex, manifestation, and other beliefs associated with the Law of Attraction. The show’s humour is rooted in its satirical approach to these teachings, engaging the audience with interactive elements that make each performance unique and unpredictable.

Directed by award-winning director Elizabeth Millington, the performance promises laughs and an immersive experience as the audience is encouraged to dive into the bizarre world of “vibrational speaking.” Past viewers have described the show as “absurd, unpredictable, and utterly hilarious,” with Ms Pearson’s comedic timing and Walmsley’s quick wit keeping the energy high throughout.

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Returning to Brisbane for Local Audiences

Ms Pearson is thrilled to bring this show to Brisbane, highlighting the local communities of Milton, Indooroopilly, and Toowong. Having performed in Melbourne for over a decade, Ms Pearson is now based in Brisbane and eager to reconnect with audiences in her home city. 

She expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase her work at PIP Theatre, known for supporting independent artists and promoting live performances in the local community. With Brisbane audiences set to experience the show for the first time, Ms Pearson hopes to introduce them to the humour and insight that made the Melbourne shows such a hit.



The Toucan Club Festival, held annually at PIP Theatre in Milton, celebrates live arts and cabaret that attracts diverse local talent and audiences. This year’s festival is expected to draw interest from residents and comedy fans alike, especially those intrigued by New Age culture and the humour of self-help parodies.

Published 15-Nov-2024

Milton to Get New Residential Tower with Affordable Housing

A new residential tower is set to rise in Milton. A development application has been lodged for a 30-storey building at 33 Manning Street.



Photo Credit: SFD-01017

The Goldfields Group’s proposal, dubbed Goldfields House, will feature 304 apartments, including a significant 15% affordable housing component comprising 46 dwellings. These affordable units will be rented at a 25% discount to market rates, targeting low to moderate-income households and essential workers.

The 1,620 square metre site in the heart of Milton is strategically positioned within a Regional Activity Centre, aiming to address the area’s housing demand. The tower will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with most affordable housing allocated to one-bedroom units.

Photo Credit: SFD-01017

The development’s design incorporates sustainable features like deep planting zones, vertical greenery, and shaded outdoor spaces. It will also include extensive resident amenities like a rooftop pool, lounges, and landscaped gardens.

A key aspect of the project is its alignment with the Queensland Government’s State Facilitated Development (SFD) framework. This streamlined approval process aims to expedite infill developments, including a mandatory 15% affordable or social housing component. Goldfields House is part of the Inclusionary Planning Pilot under the Homes for Queenslanders plan, which seeks to deliver one million new homes by 2046.



By leveraging the SFD framework and the Inclusionary Planning Pilot, the project aims to contribute to Brisbane’s housing supply while ensuring long-term affordability and accessibility.

Published Date 11-November-2024

Suncorp Stadium and Ticketek Renew Partnership, Ensuring Premier Ticketing for Queensland Events

Ticketek has officially renewed its long-standing partnership with Suncorp Stadium in Milton, solidifying its position as the exclusive ticketing provider for one of Australia’s premier sporting and entertainment venues.


Read: Class Acts at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton Over the Years


The renewal follows a competitive tender process led by Stadiums Queensland, demonstrating the trust and confidence in Ticketek’s capabilities to deliver “best-in-class” ticketing technology for the stadium’s diverse array of events.

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps

With over 40 years of experience in ticketing and event management across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the UK, Ticketek is part of TEG, the Asia Pacific’s leading ticketing, live entertainment, and data analytics company. 

This extensive background enables Ticketek to offer innovative solutions that enhance the fan experience at Suncorp Stadium, which has hosted some of Queensland’s largest events for more than two decades.

Geoff Jones, CEO of TEG Group, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, stating, “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Suncorp Stadium. For over 20 years, we have ticketed some of the largest events in Queensland.”

“Together, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in ticketing and fan engagement, ensuring that every event at Suncorp Stadium is an unforgettable experience for all fans.” This commitment underscores Ticketek’s dedication to not only maintaining but also enhancing the quality of service provided to attendees.

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Google Maps

Stadiums Queensland’s Chief Executive, Todd Harris, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of innovative technology in delivering world-class events. “We needed an innovative ticketing services partner to provide world-leading technology for our amazing Suncorp Stadium events,” he said. 

“After a very competitive tender process, we are extremely pleased to be renewing our partnership with Ticketek. Stadiums Queensland looks forward to working closely with Ticketek to continually evolve and enhance the fan experience, providing accessible, inclusive, safe, and enjoyable events at Suncorp Stadium.”

In addition to the renewed partnership, Suncorp Stadium will benefit from TEG’s advanced data insights and marketing research platform, Ovation. This powerful tool allows venues to better understand their audience, tailoring future events to meet the preferences and expectations of fans. By leveraging data analytics, Ticketek and Suncorp Stadium are poised to create experiences that resonate deeply with attendees, ensuring each event is not only memorable but also reflective of fan desires.


Read: Etched in History: Matildas’ Legacy Carved in Bronze at Suncorp Stadium


The renewed partnership between Ticketek and Suncorp Stadium marks a significant step forward in the evolution of ticketing services in Australia, setting the stage for unforgettable events that bring communities together and create lasting memories.

Published 5-November-2024

Roar vs Sydney FC: Brisbane Hunt for Glory in Home Opener

Brisbane Roar will seek redemption in their home opener this Friday, November 1, as they face Sydney FC looking to recover from their season-opening defeat. Roar vs Sydney FC kick off 6:35 p.m. at Suncorp Stadium.


Read: Metallica to Rock Suncorp Stadium for First Brisbane Show in 12 Years


Opening day setback

The Roar began their 2024/25 campaign with a 2-0 loss to competition newcomers Auckland FC at a packed Go Media Stadium. An eighth-minute own goal from debutant Harry Van Der Saag set the tone, with Logan Rogerson’s 75th-minute strike sealing the result for the hosts.

Despite the setback, the match showcased promising signs for the club’s future, featuring seven players in their Roar debuts. Newcomers Neicer Acosta and Thomas Waddingham demonstrated their potential, forcing Auckland goalkeeper Alex Paulsen into crucial saves. The squad received an additional boost from the return of Ben Halloran, while Sam Klein’s integration added fresh tactical options to the team’s approach.

Head coach Ruben Zadkovich maintains a positive outlook despite the opening day result. “It was an even game, very patchy,” Zadkovich says. “There were some moments for us where I thought we did really well and started to control it.”

“It was a very even game but a couple of moments that went against us.”

The coach’s commitment to youth development remains a cornerstone of his strategy, evidenced by the debuts of Sam Klein and local Queensland product Ivan Ozzi. “There’s nothing better in my position than being able to reward young players that are fighting to become professional footballers,” Zadkovich notes.


Read: Proposed Changes in Milton May Lead to Fewer Parking Spots in New Developments


Roar vs Sydney FC

Brisbane now turn their attention to Friday’s crucial clash against Sydney FC, who enter the match following a 1-nil loss to Auckland FC. The fixture presents an early opportunity for the Roar to demonstrate their resilience and secure their first points of the season in front of their home supporters.

Fans can secure their tickets here to witness the Roar’s first home fixture of the 2024/25 season as they aim to get their campaign back on track against Sydney FC.

Published 30-October-2024

Metallica to Rock Suncorp Stadium for First Brisbane Show in 12 Years

Suncorp Stadium in Milton will host American heavy metal legends Metallica on 12 November 2025 as part of their M72 World Tour, marking the band’s first Australian visit in over a decade.



Metallica Returns to Australia

Metallica will be returning to Australia for their first tour since 2013. After cancelling their 2020 Australian stadium tour due to frontman James Hetfield’s return to rehab, fans have eagerly awaited the band’s return. This tour will take place in five major cities across Australia, including Brisbane, and a final stop in Auckland, New Zealand.

The tour will kick off at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 1 November 2025, with performances following at Adelaide Oval, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. It will conclude at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. Auckland’s Eden Park will host the final show on 19 November.

Supporting Acts and Tour Features

Joining Metallica on this Australian leg of the tour are Evanescence, famous for hits like “Bring Me to Life”, and “Suicidal Tendencies,” best known for “Institutionalized.” This combination of metal and rock bands is expected to draw fans of all ages.

The tour will feature Metallica’s renowned “Snake Pit,” a fan-favourite stage setup that allows some audience members to be close to the action in the centre of the stage.

In addition, there will be opportunities for meet-and-greets, backstage tours, and other exclusive ticket experiences such as the “I Disappear Ticket,” which gives die-hard fans access to all six shows in Australia and New Zealand. Travel packages including tickets and accommodation will be available in most cities.

Metallica
Photo Credit: Live Nation

Tickets and Sales Information

Pre-sale tickets will be available for Live Nation members, Vodafone, and CommBank Mastercard holders starting 1 November 2024. General ticket sales will begin on 4 November 2024 at noon Brisbane local time.

For Brisbane fans, residents and 2024 Suncorp Stadium members will have early access to purchase tickets from 2:00 pm on 1 November until 11:00 am on 4 November.

Metallica’s Legacy

Formed in 1981, Metallica is one of the world’s most successful heavy metal bands, with over 120 million albums sold globally and nine Grammy Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing their status as metal icons. Their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons was released in 2023 and reached number one on the ARIA chart.

Metallica’s last tour in Brisbane was during the Soundwave Festival on 23 February 2013 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. This was part of the larger Soundwave 2013 festival, where Metallica headlined alongside bands like Linkin Park and Blink-182. They performed a setlist packed with fan favourites, including “Master of Puppets,” “Enter Sandman,” and “One.” The show spanned their career, opening with their iconic intro cover of “The Ecstasy of Gold” and ending with a powerful encore featuring “Creeping Death,” “Battery,” and “Seek & Destroy​.”



This was their last time in Brisbane, and the 2025 tour will mark their first return since then, which is highly anticipated by local fans.

Published 24-Oct-2024

Proposed Changes in Milton May Lead to Fewer Parking Spots in New Developments

Milton is among the inner-city suburbs where plans are progressing to change parking requirements for new developments, potentially leading to fewer parking spaces in residential buildings. 



The move aims to increase housing affordability by allowing developers to construct buildings with reduced parking provisions, encouraging residents to embrace alternative transport options and potentially forgo car ownership altogether.

Under the proposed changes, suburbs like Milton, Bowen Hills, West End, and Newstead would be subject to the same planning regulations as the Brisbane CBD. This would effectively cut the mandatory parking spaces for new apartments by approximately half.

Parking
Photo Credit: Pexels

Council argues that this shift will help address housing affordability issues in the inner city. By reducing the cost of construction associated with building car parks, developers could potentially pass on savings to buyers and renters. This could make inner-city living a more viable option for those currently priced out of the market.

However, the proposal has sparked concerns from some community groups who worry about the potential strain on existing public transport and active transport infrastructure.  They argue that the inner city’s current transport network might not be adequate to accommodate a potential influx of new residents who may rely more heavily on public transport, cycling, and walking.

Parking
Photo Credit: Pexels

This is not the first time these changes have been tabled. Council initially presented the plan in May, gaining the support of the State Government. However, community concerns prompted this latest public consultation round, set to close on 5 November.



Following the community consultation period, the plan will undergo final reviews before potentially being adopted early next year. If approved, the changes could significantly reshape the urban landscape of suburbs like Milton and influence the future of inner-city living in Brisbane.

Published Date 21-October-2024

Enterprising Teenager Now Owns Polo Espresso

Polo Espresso, the bright pink coffee spot on Park Road in Milton, has been a local favourite since 2022, offering top-quality coffee and light bites. Now, the café is entering a new chapter under the ownership of 18-year-old Riley Mitchell, who took over the business in 2024 as his first venture into entrepreneurship.



Riley, a recent St Laurence’s College graduate, purchased the café earlier this year after developing a passion for business through various home-based ventures during his school years. 

“Business ownership has always been a strong interest of mine,” he said in an email to Brisbane Suburbs Online News. He plans to build on Polo Espresso’s success by expanding its reach, to open additional container-based locations and coffee vans to serve events around Brisbane.

A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey to Business Ownership

From childhood ambitions of owning a zoo to running various small home-based ventures during his school years, Riley has always been drawn to entrepreneurship. 

“I really wanted to get into something during my last year of school,” he explained, and after graduating in 2023, he found the opportunity to turn that ambition into reality.

Extensive research and learning marked Mitchell’s path to owning Polo Espresso. 

“The research that took place was an endless amount of trial and error,” he said, reflecting on the countless entrepreneurial summits, networking events, and courses he attended. A turning point came earlier this year when Mitchell joined a business masterclass that introduced him to the idea of acquiring an existing business rather than starting one from scratch. This shift in perspective led him to pursue Polo Espresso, a business he discovered through a business broker, ultimately setting him on the path to achieving his self-set goals.

A Milton Favourite for Coffee and Snacks

Polo Espresso is known for serving locally roasted coffee from The Black Lab Coffee Co. The café offers its popular  Platinum blend through espresso machines and regularly rotating single-origin batch brews. Alongside the coffee, customers can enjoy a variety of drinks, including Simple Juicery juices, StrangeLove sodas, and Pinnacle sparkling iced teas.

Polo Espresso’s food offerings range from quick breakfast options like bacon, egg, and pesto muffins to Bircher muesli and chia pudding. For lunch, the café’s cabinet is stocked with a selection of sandwiches, and pork bahn is provided by a local supplier.

Community Hub with a Bright New Look

Polo Espresso operates out of a cosy shipping container originally home to Wanderer Coffee before Polo’s launch in 2022. The café’s striking pink colour and outdoor seating, complete with pink and white-striped umbrellas, make it an eye-catching and inviting spot for Milton locals. It’s a perfect place to grab a coffee on the go or sit for a while and enjoy the neighbourhood atmosphere.

Riley loves the location for its community feel, saying he was looking for a place with “foot traffic, growth potential, marketability and something that connects with the local area.” With its new ownership and continued dedication to quality coffee, Polo Espresso remains a much-loved café in Milton. 



Polo Espresso is located at 47 Park Road, Milton, and is open daily for coffee and light eats.

Milton to Spearhead Housing Boom with Fast-Tracked Approvals

Milton is set to become a key player in Queensland’s fight against the housing crisis, with a new development promising 305 units just 2.5km from the Brisbane CBD. 



Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map

This project, which includes over 300 affordable housing units, is part of the state government’s bold move to shorten approval times and accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes.

The Milton project, a build-to-rent development by a Melbourne-based developer, will see a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units on a 1620sq m site at 33 Manning Street.  

Fifteen per cent of these units will be dedicated to affordable housing. This initiative forms part of the broader “Homes for Queenslanders” plan to tackle the state’s housing crisis.

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced a fast-track approval pathway for 12 Queensland developments to deliver almost 5,000 new homes. This initiative will reduce approval times to as few as 75 days while enforcing a two-year construction deadline.  

Ms Scanlon explained that the government was removing barriers and speeding up approvals to boost housing construction, emphasising the urgent need to address housing affordability. She highlighted that these projects will offer various housing options in areas well-connected to essential amenities like transport, schools, and jobs.

The first two fast-tracked projects include a 2,750-home development in Robina on the Gold Coast and a 45-home build-to-rent development in Wakerley. Of the 12 projects in the pipeline, the largest include developments in Indooroopilly (525 homes), Woolloongabba (435 homes), and the Milton project. 



Other areas earmarked for potential development include Redland Bay, Forest Lake, Toowoomba, Lutwyche, Pallara, Tewantin, and Noosa Heads. A quarter of the homes across these 12 projects are slated to be affordable housing. Ms Scanlon stressed that this expedited process was not a “free pass” for developers, with a strict two-year timeframe for substantial construction to begin.

Published Date 02-October-2024