Milton Archives - Page 3 of 20

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

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

How a Stadium Upgrade and Super Bar Will Redefine Brisbane Entertainment

Photo Credit: Suncorp Stadium

Backed by music promoters, sporting bodies, and the state government, a multi-million dollar plan to expand Suncorp Stadium and build an immersive new sports bar will reshape Milton into a major economic hub for live entertainment.

The push for this revitalisation has gained significant momentum, with the Queensland government confirming it will proceed with major upgrades to the iconic stadium. This decision follows widespread calls from community leaders and prominent figures in both the music and sporting industries.

The work is set to be completed before Brisbane hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, ensuring the precinct is ready for the world stage. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner supported the move, stating that an upgraded venue benefits not just sport but a whole range of events that bring the community together.

Answering the Call for Global Entertainment

For years, Brisbane music fans have watched major international tours bypass the city. Music industry leaders have identified Suncorp Stadium’s current capacity and infrastructure as significant hurdles. Promoters from giants like Live Nation and Frontier Touring explained that bringing blockbuster stadium tours to Australia is an expensive and challenging exercise.

They argue that an expanded Suncorp Stadium would make Brisbane a more financially sustainable and attractive destination. According to Frontier Touring CEO Dion Brant, increasing the number of seats and adding a roof would be crucial. Such enhancements would not only help offset the high costs of international tours but also reduce weather-related risks and insurance expenses for promoters. These changes would play a decisive role in convincing the world’s biggest artists to include Brisbane on their tour schedules, ensuring the city is no longer overlooked.

A Modern Fortress for Sport and Fans

The vision for the precinct extends beyond the stadium walls and into the heart of the community on Caxton Street. The National Rugby League is moving forward with plans to establish a cutting-edge sports bar at the site of the Beetson Hotel. ARL Commission chief Peter V’landys described the project as a future Mecca for sports fans, designed to be the best and biggest sports bar in the country.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo added that the venue will provide a completely immersive experience, using modern LED and sound technology to make patrons feel like they are at the game. This development complements the passionate calls from rugby league legends for the stadium itself to be upgraded. Former champion Johnathan Thurston suggested an expansion to 70,000 seats would be needed to keep pace with Queensland’s growth and its ability to host world-class events. Broncos captain Adam Reynolds also used a major public platform to call for a bigger stadium, reflecting the high demand from local fans.

Building a Precinct for Generations

The planned upgrades are being framed as more than just a renovation; they represent a long-term investment in the community’s future. Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, who oversaw the stadium’s last major revamp, stated that an expansion to 65,000 seats with a roof would cement its status as Australia’s premier rectangular venue. He believes such a move would create a forward-thinking image for Brisbane and allow it to genuinely compete with Sydney and Melbourne for major national events.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a lasting legacy from the 2032 Games that benefits Queenslanders for decades. By improving capacity, accessibility, and overall quality, the project aims to ensure the Milton precinct remains the spiritual home of sport and a vibrant centre for culture and entertainment for generations to come.

Published Date 16-October-2025

Food, Markets, and Culture at the Polish Club in Milton

Photo Credit: Polonia

Polish Market Day is held monthly at the Polish Club in Milton, offering food and crafts, while the venue also runs Sunday Sessions with live music, pierogi, and game screenings.

Market Day at the Polish Club

The Polish Club in Milton runs Polish Market Day once a month on Saturday mornings, with the market closing at 1 p.m. Many stalls sell out before closing, drawing visitors early for food and cultural products.

Food and Stalls

Market Day features groceries such as marinated mushrooms, pickled cabbage, flavoured vodkas, and smallgoods available for pre-order. Fresh baked goods including rye bread, Polish doughnuts, and pierogi are always in demand.

Craft stalls offer jewellery, Baltic linen, christening gowns, and boutique wines. A beer garden serves kranski hotdogs, Polish beer, coffee, and Polish doughnuts. The club’s restaurant also opens for lunch from 11 a.m. on Market Day Saturdays.

*Photo Credit: The Polish Club/Facebook*

Market Dates

For the last quarter of 2025, the Market Days are scheduled on 18 October, 15 November, and 13 December. In 2026, Polish Market Day will run from 31 January to 19 December on scheduled Saturdays.

Longstanding Community Hub

The Polish Club, known as Polonia, has been based at Marie Street since 1968, when its current building opened. It remains a cultural centre for Brisbane’s Polish community and hosts a range of events throughout the year.

Other Events at Polonia

Alongside Market Day, the club holds regular poetry gatherings, degustation lunches, national day celebrations, and Sunday Sessions.

The club’s December Christmas Market Day is another highlight, combining festive foods, stalls, and community celebrations.

Looking Ahead

Polish Market Day remains a key event at the Polish Club in Milton, running monthly through 2026. With markets, Sunday Sessions, and cultural programs, the venue continues to showcase Polish traditions in Brisbane.

Published 24-Sep-2025

Major Crypto Acquisition Drives Growth at Milton-Based Swyftx

Photo Credit: Pexels

Cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx, headquartered in Milton, is expanding rapidly following two significant acquisitions and new developments in customer support infrastructure.

Background on Swyftx’s Growth

Swyftx, based in Milton, Brisbane, has entered a phase of accelerated expansion. In March 2025, the company acquired Easy Crypto, a New Zealand-based platform also operating in South Africa. More recently, on 1 July 2025, Swyftx confirmed the acquisition of Melbourne-based brokerage Caleb & Brown, in a transaction valued between $100 million and $200 million USD.

These moves follow earlier challenges, including a downturn in trading volumes and a failed merger that led to workforce reductions. Despite this, the company’s leadership has maintained focus on growth and international expansion.

Details of the Caleb & Brown Deal

The acquisition of Caleb & Brown marks the largest high-net-worth crypto brokerage transaction in Australasia. Founded in 2016, Caleb & Brown operates with more than $2 billion AUD in digital assets under custody and serves a global client base with personalised crypto trading services.

The brokerage’s relationship-based model assigns dedicated brokers to each client and includes services such as 24/7 trading support for over 250 assets, over-the-counter desk trading, crypto custody, and managed crypto funds.

With this acquisition, Swyftx gains a fast-tracked entry into the United States market, leveraging Caleb & Brown’s regulatory framework and access to a high-net-worth customer base spanning multiple countries.

AI Enhancements at Milton Headquarters

Alongside its acquisitions, Swyftx has introduced AI-powered customer support tools from Intercom at its Milton base. By using the Fin AI Agent, the company now resolves nearly half of all customer inquiries through automation, achieving a 91% answer rate and saving over 40 hours of team time weekly.

This system was implemented to address the increasing complexity of user questions, with improvements focused on clarity, responsiveness, and security compliance. The AI solution is being scaled further across new communication channels, including SMS and email.

cryptocurrency exchange — Photo Credit: Pexels

Company Identity and Operations

Founded in 2018 by Alex Harper and Angus Goldman, Swyftx is fully Australian-owned and has become one of the country’s largest crypto exchanges. The company now supports over 1.2 million users and offers more than 440 crypto assets for trading.

While its Milton office remains central, more than half of Swyftx’s staff operate remotely across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, the UK, the US, the Philippines, and India.

Outlook

With the successful acquisition of Caleb & Brown and its adoption of AI-driven support systems, Swyftx continues to scale from its Milton headquarters. The company has signalled that further developments may follow as it expands its footprint in both local and global markets.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Polish Market Day Draws a Crowd in Milton

Photo Credit: The Polish Club/Facebook

Milton was full of energy as The Polish Club welcomed visitors for its popular monthly Market Day, with a special guest appearance adding excitement to the local event.

A Lively Day in Milton

The Polish Club Milton’s Market Day brought together people from across Brisbane to enjoy authentic Polish food, crafts, and a warm community spirit.

Traditional Polish hospitality was on show, with the sharing of bread and salt, and everyone enjoyed the flavours of home-baked pastries and other treats.

The event took place on 26 July 2025, highlighting the club’s role in bringing people together through culture and connection.

Visitors, including Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, explored market stalls alongside the Club’s President, Stan Macionis, and Honorary Consul for Poland in Queensland, Dr Theresa Lauf. The Premier mingled with the crowd, trying local foods and chatting with market-goers, as Milton locals embraced the atmosphere.

Milton’s Polish Club: A Place for Everyone

Founded in 1953, The Polish Club Milton remains a meeting place for both the Polish-Australian community and anyone interested in learning about Polish culture. Market Day is a regular highlight, run by volunteers and offering a taste of Poland in the heart of Milton. The club also provides venue space for community groups and local events, helping build connections across the city.

Continuing the Tradition

Club President Stan Macionis said he was grateful for all the support the club receives, noting how important it is for cultural organisations to have a place in the local area.

“We were delighted to host Premier Crisafulli and deeply appreciate his recognition of the important role ethnic community clubs like ours play in enriching Queensland’s multicultural fabric, particularly as we look forward to Brisbane hosting the Olympics in 2032. His visit was a meaningful show of support for our volunteers, our Polish small business stallholders, and
the broader Polish-Australian community,” said Macionis.

“Together with our Honorary Consul, Dr Theresa Lauf, we look forward to supporting the Queensland Government in its work with multicultural communities and stand ready to provide assistance as needed, both for forward planning for major events and otherwise.”

The Polish Club Milton plans to keep welcoming the community with monthly Market Days and cultural events. Event details are available on the club’s website, with highlights and photos shared on social media.

Published 29-July-2025

He’s Back: Ed Sheeran Announces 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ With Two Milton Shows

Photo Credit: Ed Sheeran/ Facebook

Just over a year after his last record-breaking visit, Ed Sheeran has announced he is returning to Australia in 2026 for his ‘Loop Tour’, with a massive two-night stadium stop planned for Milton.

A New Album, A New Sound

The tour will support Sheeran’s upcoming album, ‘Play’, which is scheduled for release on Friday, 12 September. The new record already features the recently released singles “Azizam”, “Sapphire”, and “Old Phone”. According to promotional materials from Frontier Touring, the album is an explorative, technicolour pop album that aims to capture the fun and heart of an artist who has been reinvigorated by life and travel.

The tour itself is presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live and will see the English singer-songwriter perform across Australia and New Zealand through January, February, and March of 2026.

Return to Record-Breaking Venues

Brisbane music lovers will be especially excited to hear that Sheeran is booking two nights at Suncorp Stadium in Milton. The suburb is familiar territory for the star, who has a history of hugely successful, sold-out performances at the venue during his 2018 ‘Divide Tour’ and more recently on his record-breaking ‘Mathematics Tour’ in 2023. Beyond Brisbane, the tour will also stop in Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, as well as three cities in New Zealand. Christchurch will welcome Sheeran for the first time in 11 years.

From Pubs to a Phenomenon

The announcement continues a long and successful relationship between Sheeran and his Australian fans. His journey in the country has seen him grow from playing smaller theatres on his first major headlining tour in 2012 to becoming an artist who consistently sells out the nation’s largest stadiums.

The musician, who got his start performing tirelessly in small London pubs with just a guitar and a loop pedal, has become one of the world’s most recognisable artists through iconic albums like + (Plus), × (Multiply), and ÷ (Divide). He is also a highly respected songwriter, having written hit songs for artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber.

How to Secure Your Tickets

For fans eager to attend, tickets will be sold in stages. A Telstra Plus Member presale for the Australian shows will run for 48 hours starting tomorrow, Friday, 25 July. This will be followed by a 24-hour Frontier Member presale beginning on Monday, 28 July. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Tuesday, 29 July, with on-sale times staggered for each city. All shows are for all ages, though it is recommended that children 14 and under are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Published Date 24-July-2025

Milton by Moonlight Set to Dazzle Cribb Street Once Again

Get ready, Brisbane — Milton by Moonlight is back and brighter than ever. On Saturday, 21st June, the Cribb Street precinct will transform into a twinkling winter wonderland filled with street eats, artisan markets, crackling bonfires, live entertainment, and even a pop-up bar serving authentic Glühwein.

Read: Milton by Moonlight Returns This June for a Night of Food, Fire, and Festivities

Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, bringing the whole family, or tagging along with your fur-baby, this magical night market promises something for everyone.

A Feast for the Senses

This isn’t your average market. With over 140 stalls featuring South East Queensland’s best gourmet bites and hand-crafted treasures, Milton by Moonlight is a sensory experience from the moment you arrive.

Indulge in international flavours, from Argentinian empanadas at Pipi Cucu Empanadas to sweet Korean treats from Press Em Bake House. Savour Brazilian BBQ from Brazzo Boys, crispy cassava chips from Mystica Burgers, and handmade dumplings from Hong Kong Dumpling House. Don’t forget to try the heavenly Japanese soufflé pancakes from Lamun: Asian Fusion Sweets, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat from OMG Decadent Donuts.

It’s a market built for foodies, so bring your appetite (and a tote bag) to stock up on favourites from Gourmet Taste Creations and more.

Winter Vibes and Warm Moments

As night falls, the precinct will glow with the warmth of crackling bonfires and the buzz of live music. Sip steaming Glühwein from the pop-up bars and soak in the cosy winter atmosphere while roving performers add sparkle to the evening. Kids will be kept entertained too, with activities designed to keep little ones smiling.

Plan Your Visit

Where: Corner of Cribb and Little Cribb Street, Milton
When: Saturday, 21st June | 4PM – 10PM
Entry: $3
RSVP and updates: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YiKpr2f2y/

Want to win a $200 Gourmet Market Hamper or a $200 Bar Tab?
Click the link above to enter the draw.

Read: Global Tour Brings Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM Ball to Milton

This winter, don’t just go out — go all out. Milton by Moonlight is your chance to eat, shop, sip and soak in the very best of Brisbane’s evening magic. See you under the stars.

Published 12-June-2025

Court Sides with XXXX Brewery in Milton Over Church Objections

A long-running battle between Brisbane’s XXXX Brewery and the Anglican Church has ended with a court decision allowing the brewery to expand its ethanol storage near the heart of Milton.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday, June 6, by Planning and Environment Court Judge Nicole Kefford. It clears the way for Lion-Beer, Spirits and Wine Pty Ltd, which owns the iconic 130-year-old brewery on Milton Road, to build three 40,000-litre ethanol tanks on the site.

The Dispute Next Door

The Anglican Church, through the Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane, launched a legal appeal against the Brisbane City Council’s earlier approval of the brewery’s development plans (DA A006226036). The tanks are planned to sit just eight metres from the boundary shared with church-owned land, which includes St Francis Theological College, student residences, and historic buildings.

The church argued that the tanks posed a serious safety risk, suggesting the potential for a dangerous explosion scenario near where students and staff live, study and worship. It also raised concerns about ethanol vapours affecting the health of residents.

The land owned by the Anglican Church includes the heritage-listed Old Bishopsbourne and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and is used not just for training clergy, but also for public events like weddings, funerals, school tours and conferences.

*Photo Credit: Milton Anglican Church/Google Maps*

Court Decision: Risks Managed

After several months of hearings, including sessions in February, April and May, Judge Kefford rejected the church’s concerns. She found that the claims of a likely explosion, specifically a stoichiometric tank chamber explosion, were not backed by credible scientific evidence.

She ruled that the development could proceed, provided it followed strict safety conditions. These include certification from a qualified dangerous goods consultant and compliance with relevant storage and safety guidelines.

The judge stated that the brewery’s risk management measures were sufficient to protect public safety and the local community. She noted that the brewery and its consultants had demonstrated a clear understanding of the risks and how to control them.

Milton’s Brewery to Grow

The XXXX Brewery, operating since 1877, has long been regarded as a local landmark in Milton, possessing significant heritage and cultural value. The site spans over 58,000 square metres and includes several buildings used to make beer and mixed alcoholic drinks.

Ethanol is already stored on the premises in smaller containers, but the new tanks will allow for larger-scale production of drinks such as alcoholic ginger beer and other seltzers.

Council supported the brewery’s application throughout the case, saying the development aligned with the area’s planning codes and did not pose an unacceptable risk to the community.

Published 8-June-2025

Milton to Gain Affordable Housing Amidst Major Housing Approvals

Photo Credit: SFD-01017

Milton is set to gain 304 new homes, with 46 of those dedicated to affordable housing offered at a 25 per cent discount to market rates, as part of a significant push to deliver over 2,400 new housing lots across South East Queensland. This month, the government has approved more than 2,400 new home lots across South East Queensland.

Boosting Housing Supply

The Queensland Government is moving to address the housing shortage, approving a substantial number of new homes in both established city areas and rapidly growing regions. The new approvals aim to provide more places for Queenslanders to live sooner.

In the Greater Flagstone Priority Development Area, 1,631 housing lots have been given the go-ahead, ready to welcome around 4,500 residents. These plans also include important facilities like a future State primary school, shopping areas, and green spaces. Additionally, 782 new homes have been approved for inner Brisbane suburbs, including Indooroopilly and Milton.

Inner-City Development: Milton

The Milton project, located at 33 Manning Street, is a 30-storey residential tower. It will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units. This development is part of the State Facilitated Development program, which speeds up approvals for projects that help increase housing, especially those with affordable housing.

The building’s design focuses on sustainable features suited to Queensland’s climate, with elements such as deep planting, vertical greenery, and shaded outdoor areas. It will also include extensive shared spaces for residents, like a rooftop pool. The project’s location near the Brisbane CBD and public transport is seen as a key benefit, helping to create connected communities.

Government’s Approach and Community Impact

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, stated that these new developments will provide more homes in both inner-city areas and emerging growth corridors. He noted that construction in Flagstone, one of the region’s fastest-growing areas, has already begun.

The government is also focused on delivering affordable housing through build-to-rent models in inner-city suburbs, reflecting a commitment to a variety of new housing options. The Deputy Premier explained that the plan aims to meet the different needs of Queensland’s growing population, from first-time buyers to families and those looking to downsize.

Troy Thompson, Peet’s Development Director for Flagstone, explained that this approval is an important step in bringing their vision for the new community to life. He mentioned that Flagstone is already home to 10,000 residents and continues to grow by 40 new families each month.

This approval allows them to offer more housing choices and facilities, ensuring 500 new homes are built in Flagstone every year. He added that the Greater Flagstone PDA includes 330 hectares of green open space.

However, the Milton development has raised some concerns within the community. There have been discussions about the increased building density, the potential lack of green spaces, and the State Government’s power to fast-track such projects with less local government oversight.

Published Date 26-May-2025

Know the Legacy of the Man Behind Adam Smiddy Park in Milton

To most passers-by the Adam Smiddy Park on the corner of Park Road and Gordon St in Milton is a small grassy area with some benches to eat lunch, however the significance of the name leaves a strong legacy of Adam Smiddy’s fight against cancer.

Adam Smiddy was a talented triathlete and respected physiotherapist, but his life was cut short in 2006 when he passed away at just 26 years old from an aggressive melanoma. Despite his battle with cancer, Adam never lost his disarming smile and kind-hearted nature. His death left a profound impact on his family and friends.

Six weeks after Adam died, his friend and triathlon coach, Mark ‘Sharky’ Smoothy, along with two other mates, fulfilled one of Adam’s unrealised dreams by cycling 1,600 kilometres from Brisbane to Adam’s hometown of Home Hill. They had nothing but a credit card in their back pockets and in the process, raised an incredible $24,000 for cancer research.

This journey was just the beginning of something bigger. In the following year, 22 friends joined Sharky, Ron Steel, and Oliver Bodak for the ride, and in 2008, the group had grown to 50 riders, who raised an astounding $420,000 for cancer research. The Smiling for Smiddy Foundation was born.

Since then, the Smiling for Smiddy legacy has continued to grow, with more and more people joining the fight against cancer. The foundation has raised over $10 million for world-class cancer research at Mater in the areas of melanoma, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. The Smiling for Smiddy Foundation is proof that every contribution counts, no matter how small it may seem.

His legacy also lives on through the Smiddy Fun Run, an event organized by the Physiotherapy Department of the Princess Alexandria Hospital (PA) to celebrate and remember Adam through something he loved doing. The run takes place every year to help raise funds and awareness for skin cancer research at the PA, and has raised over $150,000 to date.

Adam may have left this world too soon but his legacy and the fight against cancer continue. The Adam Smiddy Park is a stark reminder of his valuable work.

Published 8-May-2023