Tag: Queensland

Anzac Day Pipe Bands Return to Brisbane Parade Following Outcry

Several pipe bands originally excluded from this year’s Brisbane Anzac Day Parade have now been welcomed back, following strong public support and renewed dialogue between the South Eastern District RSL Sub Branch and affected groups.

Read: Dawn Service and Parade Lead ANZAC Day Events in Brisbane CBD

The reversal came after a meeting held on Monday, 22 April, where band representatives and RSL officials reached an agreement to allow the bands to participate. While some had already committed to other events and cannot return this year, they have been assured a place in next year’s parade. Among those returning are the Brisbane Pipe Band and the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band.

A Return to Tradition

The decision marks a shift from earlier plans that saw half of Brisbane’s traditional pipe bands cut from the 2024 Anzac Day Parade. Those initial cuts, first revealed in February, drew widespread concern from veterans, musicians, and members of the public who view pipe bands as a vital part of the day’s commemorations.

Pipe Bands Queensland, which represents community and military-affiliated groups across the state, said that the change is a welcomed outcome and thanked the RSL for taking steps to resolve the issue. They added that this ensures pipe bands will remain a core element of honouring Anzac traditions in the Brisbane CBD.

The bands, known for their solemn and stirring performances, have accompanied Anzac marches for decades. The Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, for instance, has marched nearly every year since the 1930s, with its only absence occurring after World War II due to a lack of members.

Community Response Made the Difference

Public reaction played a key role in reversing the decision. A post by Pipe Bands Queensland regarding the exclusion reached more than 200,000 views and received over 30,000 interactions in support of the bands. Messages of encouragement poured in from veterans, families, and residents across the state.

Nick Tomkins, Chair of Pipe Bands Queensland, previously said there was confusion over the reasons for the cuts, citing inconsistent explanations such as marching tempo and logistics. However, with the latest development, the focus has now shifted to the positive outcome and the continued presence of bands in future parades.

Read: Oakman’s Lagoon to Undergo Major Rehabilitation for Improved Water Quality

Tomkins acknowledged the overwhelming support and said it was the strength of community voices that led to the change. “This outcome was only made possible by the community,” he noted in a statement released Monday.

Published 22-April-2025

Tesla Powers Up in Fortitude Valley

Tesla, the world’s largest clean energy-based manufacturer of automobiles, is opening a flagship showroom at the Homemaker Centre on Ann Street, in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. This development comes on the heels of Tesla’s announcement of an almost-complete link between Queensland and New South Wales, after the opening of three new supercharger stations connecting Sydney to Brisbane, Adelaide, and Melbourne in November last year. Travel from Sydney to Melbourne is a route that’s guaranteed to test any automobile’s mettle, and Tesla owners can now enjoy greater mobility on-the-road with the Supercharging Network facilities en route.

Tesla considers Queensland to be an important part of its strategy to further establish the brand and promote the use of electric vehicles throughout Australia, where a growing demand for the zero-emission technology has been detected. Fortitude Valley has been identified as a key location to help drive Tesla’s desired market growth in the sunshine state, particularly in the South-East Queensland area, where both brand presence and infrastructure support are currently limited.

Australia’s Third Full-Service Facility

Once open, Tesla’s Fortitude Valley showroom and service centre will be its third full-service dealership in Australia, after Melbourne and Sydney. Design firm Geyer has been tapped to do the fit-out, which will include updating the building’s façade and overhauling the interior of the former Videopro tenancy at the Homemaker Centre.

The design encompasses three levels. The basement level will have four public-use, round-the-clock supercharging stations and a dedicated car-wash bay. The ground floor will house the showroom and an ancillary sales office, along with servicing and delivery zones, parts storage, and a well-appointed customer lounge. The first floor will have more space for parts storage, administrative offices and staff recreation and amenities areas. An existing lift will provide easy access among levels.

Charging to Charge

To recall, late last year, Tesla announced that cars which have been ordered starting January 2017 shall come bundled with 400kWh per year of free Supercharging credits, roughly the equivalent of 1,600 kilometres of driving. This is given annually, on the anniversary of the car’s delivery. However, these new vehicles will now be charged for access to the Supercharging Network once their free credits are used up.

All existing owners will still enjoy free Supercharging access for the life of their vehicle.  This includes cars which were ordered prior to January 2017, as long as their owners take delivery before April 1, 2017.

According to Tesla’s company blog, “What’s important is that in every region, Supercharging will remain simple, seamless and always significantly cheaper than gasoline. We are only aiming to recover a portion of our costs and set up a fair system for everyone; this will never be a profit center for Tesla. Customers can just plug in, charge up, and access their charging history on our website.”

Supercharging-compatible charging equipment will continue to be considered as standard inclusions for all new vehicles delivered directly from the manufacturer. All Tesla showrooms are company-owned and operate under a direct manufacturer-to-consumer model; unlike most dealerships of other car makers, which commonly operate under a franchise model.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Development DA