Home Crowd Watches Harry Wilson’s Wallabies Fall To France At Suncorp

Harry Wilson had hoped to give Brisbane supporters something to celebrate.

Leading the Wallabies in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland captain saw his side produce an encouraging first half before France stormed home with 30 unanswered second-half points to claim a 42-26 victory in Round 2 of the Nations Championship on Saturday night.

Earlier in the week, Wilson had predicted there would be “a few supporters coming on Saturday who need a win after Wednesday night” following Queensland’s State of Origin defeat. For 40 minutes, it looked as though the Wallabies might deliver.

Three days after Suncorp Stadium hosted the State of Origin decider, another capacity crowd turned out hoping to see the Wallabies bounce back from last week’s narrow loss to Ireland.

Wilson, a St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace Old Boy, led a side featuring several Queensland Reds players in front of his home supporters, while McReight was Australia’s standout performer with two tries and Paenga-Amosa made the most of his unexpected opportunity off the bench.

Wallabies Make Their Move

France struck first when Emmanuel Meafou crossed from close range after just two minutes, with Maxime Lucu converting for an early 7-0 lead.

Australia’s plans were disrupted almost immediately when hooker Josh Nasser left the field with a head injury. Brandon Paenga-Amosa entered the contest after only a few minutes and made an instant impact, barging over for the Wallabies’ opening try in the 10th minute. Ryan Lonergan’s conversion reduced the margin to two.

France responded through debutant Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, who gathered a clever Romain Ntamack kick to score in the corner. Lucu missed the conversion, leaving the visitors ahead 12-7.

The momentum shifted midway through the half.

Meafou was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Rob Valetini, and Australia quickly made the extra player count. Fraser McReight crossed from close range before adding a second from a driving maul seven minutes later. Lonergan converted both tries as the Wallabies took a deserved 21-12 lead into halftime.

France Take Control

France emerged from the break with greater composure.

Lucu narrowed the margin with an early penalty before Australia’s task became harder when Tom Wright was sent to the sin bin.

The visitors capitalised.

Grandidier-Nkanang collected another attacking kick for his second try before Ntamack sliced through the Wallabies’ defence to put France in front.

Further tries to Florian Verhaeghe and Theo Attissogbe, combined with Lucu’s reliable boot, pushed France clear before Jeremy Williams crossed late for Australia after sustained pressure near the line.

The late try reduced the margin, but France had long since taken control.

Australia’s opening 40 minutes showed what the side is capable of. The second half belonged to France, whose clinical finishing and ability to capitalise on key moments secured an impressive away victory in Brisbane.

Published 11-July-2026

Howard Smith Wharves Shared Path Debate Rekindled After Near Miss Near Fortitude Valley

A recent incident involving an e-scooter rider and a toddler on the shared walkway at Howard Smith Wharves near Fortitude Valley has prompted mixed public reactions and renewed debate over how pedestrians and riders can safely use the same space. The incident comes just days after Queensland introduced updated personal mobility device laws on 1 July.



The shared pathway through Howard Smith Wharves is a key active transport link connecting the Brisbane CBD with the New Farm Riverwalk via Boundary Street. It is regularly used by pedestrians, runners, cyclists and e-scooter riders travelling through one of Brisbane’s busiest riverfront precincts.

The incident occurred near Felons Brewing Co when an e-scooter rider narrowly avoided colliding with a toddler who stepped onto the shared path. A verbal exchange followed between the rider and a nearby diner, with differing opinions over whether the rider’s speed or the child’s unexpected movement was the main factor behind the near miss.

The incident sparked mixed reactions from the public. Some argued that riders should reduce their speed further in busy pedestrian areas, while others said parents and carers also share responsibility for closely supervising young children around shared pathways. The differing views have renewed discussion about balancing the needs of pedestrians and riders in high-traffic public spaces.

Queensland’s New E-Scooter Rules

The incident occurred only days after Queensland introduced updated personal mobility device laws on 1 July.

Under the new rules, e-scooter and e-bike riders must slow to no more than 12 km/h when passing pedestrians on shared paths. They are also required to travel at a safe speed for the conditions, give way to pedestrians and remain in control of their devices. While bicycle riders are not subject to the same 12 km/h passing limit, they are still expected to ride responsibly around other path users.

State officials said the updated laws are designed to improve safety for both personal mobility device riders and pedestrians. They have indicated the rules are being actively enforced and have reminded riders to exercise extra caution in busy public areas to help reduce the risk of injuries.

Brisbane City Council has also reinforced that shared pathways are intended for all users and that riders should adjust their speed to suit crowded conditions rather than prioritising faster travel through busy precincts.

Ongoing Safety Concerns

Concerns about the Howard Smith Wharves shared pathway have been raised previously. Active transport advocates have questioned whether the current layout provides enough separation between faster-moving riders and pedestrians in one of Brisbane’s busiest hospitality destinations.

The route remains an important connection between Fortitude Valley, the Brisbane CBD and the New Farm Riverwalk, resulting in a high volume of mixed pedestrian and rider traffic.

During planning discussions last year, planning consultancy Urbis opposed proposals to introduce separate pedestrian and cycling paths within the precinct. Its submission stated that since Howard Smith Wharves opened in 2018, there had been 14 reportable incidents, including six involving pedestrians and bicycles or e-scooters. Based on those figures and an estimated five to six million annual visitors, the submission concluded the 500-metre shared route did not present an inherent collision risk.



Council approved an expansion of Howard Smith Wharves in May. The recent near miss has once again drawn attention to the challenge of safely accommodating pedestrians and riders along one of Brisbane’s busiest riverfront shared pathways.

Published 10-July-2026

Wintergarden Redevelopment Plans Submitted as Brisbane CBD Landmark Set for Major Overhaul

A long-awaited redevelopment of Brisbane’s Wintergarden precinct has moved a step closer, with plans lodged to transform the ageing Queen Street Mall complex while removing one of its most recognisable architectural features.



A development application (DA A007057493) has been lodged with Brisbane City Council for the Wintergarden and adjoining InterContinental Brisbane precinct, outlining extensive upgrades to the retail areas beneath the hotel and improvements to pedestrian connections between Queen Street Mall and Elizabeth Street.

The proposal, designed by global architecture practice Woods Bagot, includes a redesigned retail gallery across two levels, new escalators and lifts, changes to internal layouts and upgraded public spaces. The retail wing between Tattersall’s Arcade and the Embassy Hotel is proposed to remain largely unchanged, while the InterContinental’s Elizabeth Street entrance and porte cochère would also be refurbished. The hotel tower itself is not included in the application.

Butterfly Façade Set To Disappear

One of the most noticeable changes would be the removal of Wintergarden’s distinctive butterfly façade.

Installed in 2012, the sculptural frontage stretches about 86 metres across Queen Street Mall and features approximately 24,000 LED lights. The artwork was created by Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio 505 in collaboration with Canadian lighting designer Bruce Ramus.

Under the redevelopment plans, the butterfly installation would be removed, with the underlying façade proposed to be restored.

Photo Credit: IFM Investors/DA A007057493

From Retail Destination To Underused Space

Wintergarden opened in 1982 ahead of the Brisbane Commonwealth Games with 92 specialty stores and one of Brisbane’s earliest enclosed food courts, quickly becoming a popular destination for shoppers, diners and city workers.

In recent years, however, large sections of the complex have become vacant as retail activity shifted across the CBD. Several major tenants remain, including Strike Bowling, Goodlife Health Clubs, Zara, M.J. Bale, Sheike and Mecca Maxima, but many shopfronts are no longer occupied.

The changing fortunes of the centre have stood in contrast to other busy retail and dining precincts across Brisbane’s CBD.

New Owners Driving Revitalisation

The redevelopment follows the acquisition of the precinct by IFM Investors from property funds manager ISPT.

The proposal continues work previously undertaken for the site by Woods Bagot under its former ownership. Earlier concepts for the precinct envisioned a broader mixed-use destination featuring revitalised retail, improved pedestrian links, landscaped public areas and expanded hospitality offerings.



While the current development application focuses on the existing retail podium and hotel arrival experience, it marks the first formal stage of a broader effort to revitalise one of Brisbane CBD’s best-known commercial addresses.

If approved, the project would modernise the ageing precinct while retaining key parts of the existing complex and strengthening its connection to the surrounding Queen Street Mall.

Published 10-July-2026

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

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

Glasgow 2026
Photo Credit: Swimming World

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 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.

Photo Credit: Mister Zimi

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.

Photo Credit: Mister Zimi

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City

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

Photo credit: Google Maps/UniLodge Brisbane City

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

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

pokemon go
Photo Credit: Pokemon Go

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

pokemon go
Photo Credit: Pokemon Go

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 

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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