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Tom Neill and Ed Sommerville Earn Places in Glasgow 2026 Swimming Team

Photo Credit: Swimming Queensland/ Facebook

Brisbane Grammar School is celebrating the selection of alumnus Ed Sommerville (Class of 2022) in Australia’s squad for Glasgow 2026. Fellow Queensland swimmer Tom Neill, a graduate of St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, has also been named in the national team.

Elite Foundations

For Neill, the journey to the pool in Glasgow is built upon a foundation of Olympic experience. Having secured back-to-back bronze medals in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the Tokyo and Paris Games, he brings a level of composure that few can match.

Balancing a degree from the University of Queensland with an intensive regimen under coach Damian Jones, he has transformed early potential into sustained international performance.

A Rapid Rise

Sommerville, by contrast, embodies the adrenaline of a sudden breakout. His 2025 campaign turned heads across the country, particularly when he smashed the 200m freestyle in 1:44.73 during the Australian World Championship Trials.

Could this be the spark that redefines the Australian freestyle relay? After capturing a bronze medal at the World Aquatics Championships and sweeping the Queensland Championship and Japan Open, the young swimmer arrives in Scotland carrying significant momentum.

The Bigger Picture

The Australian Dolphins are taking a 60-member group to Glasgow for competition between 23 July and 2 August 2026. This team operates as an ambitious blend of household names and fresh faces, with roughly one-quarter of the group experiencing their first major international meet.

While veterans like Kaylee McKeown prepare for their final campaign, the inclusion of debutants like 14-year-old Mia Hogan ensures that the future of Australian swimming remains firmly in the spotlight. Whether they are seasoned veterans or rising stars, every athlete in the squad is now tasked with building upon a proud record of 25 gold medals.

Published Date 10-July-2026

Mister Zimi’s Warehouse Sale Is Coming to Brisbane for the First Time

Mister Zimi/Facebook

Mister Zimi will bring its first Brisbane warehouse sale to Fortitude Valley, with shoppers able to pick up samples, archive pieces and unreleased styles for as little as $15.

The four-day sale runs from 23 to 26 July at 1 Arthur Street, with fresh stock added daily across the event.

The brand behind the prints

Mister Zimi was founded by husband and wife duo Zoe and Jimi Paul — the name itself a fusion of theirs.

The idea began with a single leather jacket Zoe had made by a craftsman in Bali, which her Melbourne friends immediately loved and wanted for themselves.

That jacket became a brand, the brand became seven collections a year, and Mister Zimi grew from a Bali dream into one of Australia’s most recognised resort wear labels, now based in Byron Bay with stores across the east coast.

The brand’s permanent Brisbane home is at The Calile Hotel on James Street, where Jimi Paul once described the precinct as “a place we are proud to be part of.” The warehouse sale takes the label somewhere new — a ground floor space in the Valley open to anyone who turns up.

What to expect inside

Stock spans archive styles, sample pieces, seconds and unreleased designs, covering dresses, jumpsuits, swimwear and accessories in the bold prints and relaxed silhouettes the brand is known for.

Prices start from $15 with nothing over $35, and fresh stock arrives daily — so repeat visits across the four days are entirely justified.

Sample pieces will largely be in sample sizes, while archive and seconds styles span Mister Zimi’s standard range of sizes 6 to 16. No two visits will look the same.

Before you go

You won’t need to pay for entry, but keep in mind that all sales are final. Because Arthur Street parking is incredibly tight, organizers suggest taking public transport and bringing your own reusable bags.

Opening hours are 9am to 4pm on Thursday 23, Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July, and 9am to 3pm on Sunday 26 July. To sign up for updates before the sale, click here.

Published 9-July-2026

Blind Paralympian Swaps the Track for Chocolate Making

The smell of melting chocolate has replaced the roar of stadium crowds for Gerrard Gosens. The three-time Paralympian has reinvented himself as a Brisbane chocolatier, marking World Chocolate Day with handcrafted creations entirely made without sight at Chocolate Moments, his boutique chocolate shop and café on Albert Street.

A remarkable second act

Before becoming a chocolatier, Mr Gosens was an international Paralympian.

Born blind, he represented Australia at three Paralympic Games across two sports, making his debut in goalball at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games before switching to athletics. As a T11 middle- and long-distance runner, he competed at the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Gerrard Gosens competing at the Sydney Olympics — *Sydney Paralympics*
*Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported*

His sporting achievements extend beyond the Paralympics. Mr Gosens has competed internationally in para-triathlon, represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and completed numerous endurance challenges, including long-distance charity runs and open-water swimming projects.

Gerrard Gosens — *Photo Credit: Chocolate Moments/Facebook*

Away from elite sport, he has built a business around another lifelong passion.

As a totally blind chocolatier, Mr Gosens develops many of his recipes by relying on his senses of smell, taste and texture rather than sight, producing premium handmade chocolates from his Brisbane boutique.

Building Chocolate Moments

Opening Chocolate Moments was about more than starting a business. Developed with his wife, Heather, the boutique chocolate shop was designed around the belief that chocolate should be experienced through the senses rather than simply admired.

Chocolate Moments in the CBD — *Photo Credit: Chocolate Moments/Facebook*

The couple named the business Chocolate Moments because they believe “there’s a moment for chocolate in everyone’s lives,” whether it’s celebrating a milestone, saying thank you or simply sharing time with friends and family.

His unique career transformation was highlighted as part of 4BC’s World Chocolate Day coverage, where he spoke about making chocolate without sight and the business he operates with his wife, Heather.

A sweet way to celebrate

Last 7 July, Gerrard Gosens marked World Chocolate Day by inviting customers to celebrate with a handcrafted seasonal treat. To coincide with the annual celebration, Chocolate Moments baked a Dark Chocolate, Date, Walnut and Fig loaf, served as thick toasted slices and paired with premium barista coffee or a hot chocolate drink.

The special offering was available at both Chocolate Moments on Albert Street in Brisbane’s CBD and its sister venue, Graceville Moments Café & Catering.

Rather than hosting a large public event, the business marked the occasion by showcasing artisan chocolate through its café experience, where customers can enjoy handcrafted chocolates alongside coffee, hot chocolate and house-made sweet treats.

This year’s celebration centred on a handcrafted seasonal loaf and an invitation for customers to pause and enjoy what the business describes as a “chocolate moment.” For Mr Gosens, it was another opportunity to demonstrate that life after elite sport can take unexpected and delicious directions.

Published 8-July-2026

George Street UniLodge Redevelopment Offers Blueprint For Brisbane’s 2032 Housing Challenge

The opening of UniLodge Brisbane City at 41 George Street is being highlighted by industry figures as an example of how adaptive reuse and modular construction could help Brisbane deliver accommodation more efficiently as the city prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Singaporean Group Acquires George Williams Hotel in Brisbane CBD

Originally completed in 1979, the building served as office accommodation for more than four decades before Dexus acquired the vacant property in 2024. The redevelopment has converted the tower into a 1,180-bed UniLodge student accommodation complex within the Queen’s Wharf precinct. According to Dexus, the project demonstrates the potential for adaptive reuse to accelerate project delivery while reducing environmental impacts.

Delivered by Dexus and Marquette Properties, the redevelopment was completed about five months ahead of schedule, according to Dexus. The project has attracted attention as Brisbane faces increasing pressure to expand housing and accommodation capacity ahead of the Games.

Modular Construction Helps Speed Delivery

Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City

Project leaders have credited a combination of adaptive reuse and modular construction techniques for helping shorten the construction program. Rather than relying solely on conventional building methods, the redevelopment incorporated hundreds of prefabricated bathroom pods manufactured off site and transported to Brisbane for installation.

The project also benefited from converting an existing office tower instead of constructing a new building from the ground up. Its layout, including dual lift cores, allowed demolition and construction teams to work across different levels simultaneously, helping maintain construction momentum.

The George Street redevelopment has also renewed discussion about the role modular construction could play in Queensland’s building sector.

Researchers said prefabrication has the potential to reduce construction time, improve efficiency and reduce the number of workers required on site. They also note that modular construction requires much more planning during the early design stage because components must be carefully coordinated before work begins.

Experts said this additional upfront planning can present challenges but believe modular construction will become increasingly important as Brisbane works to deliver major accommodation projects within tight timeframes.

Some developers remain selective about where modular construction is most effective. While transport and installation costs can reduce its financial advantages on some residential developments, projects featuring large numbers of similar rooms, including student accommodation and hotels, are considered better suited to prefabricated building components.

Meeting The Olympic Accommodation Challenge

The redevelopment comes as Brisbane faces significant accommodation demands leading into the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Industry forecasts indicate the city needs to deliver around 8,000 apartments each year through to 2031 and more than 7,100 annually after that to keep pace with demand. However, apartment construction has consistently fallen well below those levels in recent years.

Against that backdrop, the George Street redevelopment has attracted attention as an example of adaptive reuse. Project leaders and industry experts say it illustrates how existing commercial buildings can be repurposed while incorporating construction methods that may help deliver accommodation more quickly.

Read: Waterfront Brisbane: Dexus’ New Retail and Office Development Approved

Project leaders also believe future developments are likely to combine traditional building techniques with modular elements rather than relying exclusively on one approach. The George Street redevelopment has added to industry discussion about how Brisbane could deliver the homes, student accommodation and hotel rooms needed before 2032.

Published 8-July-2026

Fortitude Valley Goes Digital for Brisbane’s Massive Pokémon GO City Safari

Photo Credit: Pokemon Go

Thousands of local gamers and visiting Pokémon trainers are preparing to transform the bustling streets of Fortitude Valley into a massive digital hunting ground for the upcoming Pokémon GO City Safari.

A Citywide Community Adventure

pokemon go — *Photo Credit:* *Pokemon Go*

The event will run on Saturday, 26 September, and Sunday, 27 September, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AEST. While players will explore vibrant neighbourhoods across the city, the official City Safari hub will be set up at the Queen Street Mall. This central spot is designed as a meeting place for the local community to connect, share tips, and collect free merchandise like Pikachu visors and exclusive sticker packs while supplies last.

Interactive Exploration and Rewards

The core of the weekend is the GO Stamp Rally, which encourages players to visit iconic locations around the city. By spinning specific PokéStops, participants collect digital stamps and earn chances to catch an Eevee wearing a special explorer hat. The design of the stamps will even change depending on how long a player presses their screen, making every collection unique. Gamers with tickets will also get access to special research tasks, helping the in-game character Professor Willow investigate the area.

Rare Creatures and Gameplay Boosts

Throughout the weekend, special creatures will appear across Brisbane, including Mudbray, known as the donkey Pokémon. Ticket holders will enjoy several gameplay boosts between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on their chosen day.

Lure modules will last for four hours, and the party play feature will get an extended duration to keep friends connected. Players can complete up to five special trades each day at half the usual stardust cost. There is also a higher chance of finding shiny variants, and buddy Pokémon might dig up an exclusive tiny compass souvenir.

Customising the Safari Experience

Getting involved is a straightforward process through the game’s app. Players simply open the main menu, navigate to the events tab, and select the Brisbane City Safari to secure their spot. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are generally non-refundable. Dedicated community members who have reached the “Great Friends” status or higher in the game can even purchase tickets as gifts for their local squad.

For those wanting to maximise their weekend, optional upgrades are available for purchase. The raid lover add-on grants up to 12 free raid passes daily, along with extra experience points and candy rewards. The egg-thusiast upgrade cuts egg hatch distances in half while boosting hatch rewards like stardust. Finally, players can buy an extra day pass to keep the adventure going across both Saturday and Sunday.

Published Date 29-June-2026

The Wickham To Host 20th Brisbane Madonna Party In Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook

The Brisbane Madonna Party will return to Fortitude Valley for its 20th annual event, with The Wickham hosting a Madonna-only dance night led by Kristian Fletcher and hosted by Yana Michelle.

Fortitude Valley Event Reaches 20 Years

The 20th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party will be held upstairs at The Wickham, 308 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley, on Saturday 15 August 2026.

The event is presented by Kristian Fletcher, who has staged the Brisbane Madonna Party annually since 2006. It is billed as Australia’s longest-running Madonna party and will mark 20 years of the Brisbane event.

This year’s event will also coincide with Madonna’s birthday and the release of her new album, Confessions II.

The Fortitude Valley event is scheduled to run from 7pm to midnight and is listed as an 18+ event.

Brisbane Madonna Party at The Wickham — *Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook*

The Wickham Dancefloor To Play Madonna Across Eras

The upstairs area at The Wickham will be turned into a dance space playing only Madonna’s music, covering tracks from the 1980s, 1990s, Noughties and recent releases.

From 7pm to 8pm, attendees will be able to meet other fans, visit the bar and hear rarer Madonna songs and mixes.

From 8pm to midnight, DJ Kristian Fletcher will play Madonna’s greatest hits, fan favourites, recent songs and music from the newest album.

The event will include a licensed bar, cocktails and roving photographers.

Fortitude Valley Madonna dance event — *Photo Credit: Annual Brisbane Madonna Party Fans/Facebook*

Best-Dressed Prizes And Hosted Program

Yana Michelle will host the 20th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party, which is listed under drag, LGBTIQ+ and DJ event categories.

Prizes will be offered for best dressed, with the night also centred on Madonna’s music and fan participation.

Tickets are available through Oztix. General tickets are listed at $29.60, while other event details list tickets at $25 plus booking fee.

Madonna’s catalogue includes Material Girl, Into the Groove, Vogue and Hung Up. In Australia, she has had 11 Number One hits and 40 Top Ten hits, with every studio album reaching the Top Ten.

The Brisbane Madonna Party will bring those different eras into one Fortitude Valley event, with the program built around Madonna’s music from early releases through to newer material.

Published 30-June-2026

Sunnyboys Reunion In Brisbane Set For One-Off Roma Street Parkland Show

Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook

A Sunnyboys Brisbane concert at Roma Street Parkland will bring the Australian power-pop band back for a one-off show tied to 4ZZZ’s ZED51 celebrations.

The performance is scheduled for Friday, 23 October, three years after the band’s farewell tour. It will also mark 45 years since the release of Sunnyboys’ self-titled debut album, which remains closely linked to the band’s early catalogue.

The announced line-up features founding members Jeremy Oxley, Peter Oxley and Richard Burgman. Drummer Paul Larsen will sit in for the recently retired Bil Bilson.

Sunnyboys Brisbane Concert Marks Album Milestone

Sunnyboys formed in Sydney in 1979 and became known as an Australian power-pop and garage rock band.

The group’s self-titled debut album was released in September 1981. The album includes Happy Man and Alone With You, two of the band’s most recognised songs.

The album was later listed at number 37 in the 2010 book 100 Best Australian Albums. The Brisbane show is tied to the anniversary of that release, placing the band back on stage after its 2023 farewell run.

Roma Street Parkland concert setting — *Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook*

Roma Street Parkland Bill Brings Together Australian Acts

The Roma Street Parkland show will sit within the wider ZED51 celebrations.

The bill includes The Clouds, who are also heading out on their own singles tour. vSpy vSpy are also listed, marking the 40th anniversary of Harry’s Reasons and A.O. Mod. TV. Vers. Mick Medew and The Ursula 4 are also part of the event.

The broader ZED51 celebrations also include performances by Mudhoney, Custard, BARKAA, The Mark Of Cain, Shonen Knife, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks and I Heart Hiroshima.

Vinyl Boxset Linked To The Anniversary

Sunnyboys are also releasing a 4LP vinyl boxset connected to the anniversary of the debut album.

The collection includes the original Sunnyboys album, demos recorded before it, the 1981 remix of the band’s 1980 EP, interview material and a live performance recorded at the Governors Pleasure in Sydney in February 1981.

The boxset is scheduled for release on Friday, 23 October, through record stores and the band’s website.

Sunnyboys promotional band image — *Photo Credit: Sunnyboys Fan Club/Facebook*

Ticket Dates Set For July

Sunnyboys fan pre-sale and 4ZZZ subscriber pre-sales are scheduled to open on Wednesday, 8 July, at 10am AEST.

General tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Thursday, 9 July.

The one-off Brisbane performance links the band’s return to the anniversary of its debut album and the wider ZED51 program at Roma Street Parkland.

Published 6-July-2026

Drink Spiking Crackdown Hits Fortitude Valley as Detectives Take Charge of Every Report

Queensland Police have rolled out a new detective-led approach to drink spiking in Fortitude Valley, with every reported incident now triggering a full investigation — a change authorities hope will finally persuade more victims to speak up.

For anyone who’s ever brushed off a strange night out as “just one too many,” the new approach carries a pointed message: police say they believe you, and they’re prepared to put real time and resources into finding out what happened.

Former detective sergeant Peter Maroney, speaking to Sunrise, described the shift as a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust with victims who might otherwise stay silent. The reassurance matters, he said, because the gap between how often drink spiking actually occurs and how often it gets reported is enormous. Many people never contact police at all — some out of embarrassment, others because they don’t think they’ll be taken seriously.

That gap has long made it difficult for authorities to understand the true scale of the problem. Research published in a peer-reviewed international study found that only around 7 per cent of people who experienced drink spiking reported it to police, with underreporting driven by fear of judgement and a lack of confidence that anything would be done. Maroney noted that while official statistics remain sparse, a glance at social media conversations suggests the crime is far more common than many parents, in particular, might realise.

The crackdown is especially significant for Fortitude Valley, which sits at the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife. The Valley’s entertainment precinct draws large crowds across the week, and incidents that once might have been logged and filed can now expect a detective looking into them.

Maroney also flagged something that may surprise people who think of drink spiking as purely a nightclub problem: it isn’t only alcoholic drinks being targeted. Water and soft drinks have also reportedly been spiked, meaning the risk isn’t limited to those drinking alcohol. Internationally, spiking incidents have been recorded not just in clubs and bars but also in private homes, underscoring that no single setting is inherently safe.

His practical advice was straightforward: never leave a drink unattended, stick with people you trust who can keep an eye on each other’s drinks, and don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know. If you start to feel unexpected side effects — dizziness, confusion, nausea — get to bar staff or a manager immediately and let them know what’s happening.

Perhaps most disturbing is what available data suggests about why some spiking occurs at all. According to Maroney, some perpetrators appear to target victims at random, with no motive beyond wanting to observe the effects of a substance on an unsuspecting person.

Queensland Police have announced that every suspected drink spiking report in Fortitude Valley will now receive a full detective investigation. Whether other Australian states follow with a similar model remains to be seen.

If you believe your drink has been spiked, contact Queensland Police or report via Policelink at police.qld.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Published 6-July-2026

Judith Wright Arts Centre Enters a New Era after $10-Million Refurbishment

Wikimedia/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

One of Fortitude Valley’s best-known arts venues has entered a new phase after a $10-million refurbishment that has transformed the Judith Wright Arts Centre into a larger and more accessible home for Queensland’s creative community.

Located on Brunswick Street, the centre has long been part of the Valley’s cultural identity. Artists, performers and audiences have gathered there for decades, making it a familiar landmark alongside the suburb’s live music venues, galleries and hospitality scene.

The recent works have expanded rehearsal and studio facilities, improved accessibility and modernised workspaces, giving resident arts organisations more room to create while helping secure the centre’s place as one of Brisbane’s leading performing arts hubs.

More creative space inside one of the Valley’s best-known buildings

Before the refurbishment, the Judith Wright Arts Centre had three rehearsal studios. It now has eight dedicated creative spaces, giving artists and organisations much greater flexibility to rehearse, develop new productions and host workshops.

The project also introduced new meeting rooms, collaboration areas and upgraded office facilities. Accessibility improvements have been made throughout the building, alongside new security and building services designed to support the centre’s daily operations.

While many visitors will notice the refreshed interiors, the redevelopment has also focused on making the venue more practical for the creative organisations that use it every day.

The centre remains a heritage-listed building, with the upgrades designed to improve functionality while preserving its distinctive character.

The organisations that help shape Queensland’s performing arts

The Judith Wright Arts Centre is far more than a performance venue. It serves as a permanent home for several of Queensland’s leading arts organisations, many of which produce work seen across Australia and overseas.

Among the resident organisations are Circa, one of the country’s best-known contemporary circus companies; the Australasian Dance Collective; the Institute of Modern Art; BlakDance; Musica Viva Australia; the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts; and The Little Red Company.

These organisations support performers, dancers, musicians, directors, designers and technicians throughout the year. Many also run education programs, workshops and community activities that connect emerging artists with established professionals.

A stronger creative hub brings more life to Brunswick Street

The Judith Wright Arts Centre has helped shape the Valley’s identity as Brisbane’s creative district since it began operating as an arts venue in the 1990s. Alongside nearby music venues, galleries and independent businesses, it contributes to the suburb’s reputation as a place where creativity is part of everyday life.

The expanded facilities are expected to support more rehearsals, creative development and industry events, bringing additional visitors into the precinct throughout the year. More activity at the centre can mean more customers visiting nearby cafés, restaurants, bars and retailers throughout the week.

Preparing one of Brisbane’s cultural landmarks for the future

The refurbishment comes as Brisbane continues investing in cultural facilities ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rather than changing the centre’s purpose, the project strengthens its ability to support artists over the coming decades. The upgraded facilities are intended to meet growing demand from resident organisations while providing a better experience for visiting performers, creative teams and community groups.

Bookings have resumed for the upgraded spaces, allowing organisations to begin using the expanded facilities for rehearsals, meetings and creative development.

Published 25-June-2026

John Kilroy, Who Helped Shape Brisbane’s Dining Culture, Dies at 73

Photo Credit: Il Centro Restaurant & Bar/Facebook

For many Brisbane diners, a meal at Cha Cha Char was more than a steak dinner. It was where business lunches were held, milestones were celebrated and visitors experienced a city whose food scene was coming into its own. Behind much of that rhythm was John “Killer” Kilroy.

Born on a grazing property in western Queensland, Kilroy brought his country roots into a hospitality career that spanned more than four decades. He became one of the restaurateurs credited with helping shape Brisbane’s dining culture by championing Queensland beef, supporting local producers and creating venues that became part of the city’s story.

Now, Kilroy is being remembered not only for the restaurants he built, but for the influence he had on Brisbane’s hospitality industry.

Kilroy died at the age of 73 after being reported missing in Brisbane on Monday, 29 June 2026. Queensland Police said officers found the body of a 73-year-old man in a car park near Howard Street in Brisbane City after receiving a missing person’s report earlier that day. Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.

A country upbringing shaped his philosophy

Kilroy believed diners should know where their food came from, especially the beef that became the centrepiece of his restaurants. He was among the early Brisbane restaurateurs to identify the properties supplying the beef on his menus, strengthening the connection between Queensland producers and the dining experience.

Over more than 40 years, he owned and operated pubs, restaurants and function venues across Queensland, earning respect for his business knowledge and commitment to customer service.

The restaurant that became a Brisbane landmark

When Cha Cha Char opened at Eagle Street in 1997, Brisbane’s restaurant scene was growing rapidly. Over the next two decades, the steakhouse became one of the city’s best-known dining destinations, welcoming business leaders, politicians, visiting celebrities, interstate travellers and families marking special occasions.

Cha Cha Char owned by John Kilroy — *Photo Credit: Hidden City Secrets*

Kilroy combined premium Australian beef with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. After selling Cha Cha Char in 2020, he retired to Hervey Bay, leaving behind a restaurant that had become closely associated with Brisbane hospitality.

Tributes reflect a career built on respect

The tributes that followed news of Kilroy’s death reflected the regard he earned throughout Queensland’s hospitality industry.

Long-time friend and fellow restaurateur Andy Georges remembered operating alongside Kilroy at Eagle Street, describing him as someone who valued friendship over rivalry.

Hairdressing entrepreneur Steve “Stefan” Ackerie remembered Kilroy as a generous and colourful host whose restaurants reflected his personality.

Gambaro Group director John Gambaro described Kilroy as one of the pioneers who helped shape Brisbane’s restaurant industry, while former employees, customers and fellow hospitality workers remembered him as someone who gave people opportunities and made a lasting impression.

His final days in Brisbane

Media reports said Kilroy had been staying with friends in Brisbane while receiving cancer treatment.

Friends quoted in those reports said he went for a walk on Sunday evening but did not return, prompting a missing person’s report and a police search.

A lasting place in Brisbane’s story

John Kilroy’s legacy extends well beyond the restaurants he owned. It lives on in the Queensland producers he supported, the hospitality professionals whose careers crossed his path and the memories created by thousands of diners who gathered around his tables.

Published 1-July-2026