Homepage Latest News Archives

Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace Among Defence Sites Earmarked for Divestment

One of Paddington’s most significant landmarks is set to change hands after more than a century and a half of military service, as the Commonwealth moves to sell Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace as part of a sweeping national property divestment.

Read: Revitalisation Prospects Raised for Victoria Barracks in Petrie Terrace

The historic site, located just one kilometre from Brisbane’s CBD, is among more than 60 Defence properties across Australia earmarked for divestment following a multi-year audit of the department’s 3 million hectare estate. The nationwide sell-off is expected to raise approximately $3 billion, with Victoria Barracks sites in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne alone accounting for $1.3 billion of that total.

Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace — Photo credit: Defence Australia

Defence Minister Richard Marles released the audit findings on 4 February, agreeing to recommendations to divest surplus and costly properties that serve no strategic military value. The decision will see Australian Defence Force personnel including Reserves relocated to Gallipoli Barracks, 8km away, whilst Australian Public Service personnel will move to office accommodation in the Brisbane CBD.

For local residents, the announcement revives long-standing conversations about the future of this largely inaccessible heritage precinct, positioned strategically between Roma Street station and Suncorp Stadium.

The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the sale but emphasised the critical need for rigorous design governance to protect the site’s heritage and cultural significance. Caroline Stalker, Queensland Chapter President, described it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver genuine public benefit.

Stalker said in a statement that the sale creates a rare chance to give something back to the public realm, calling for transparent processes, strong cultural and heritage safeguards, and design-led planning that prioritises streets, parks, culture and community uses alongside any housing or commercial components.

Victoria Barracks Brisbane is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register and includes 17 heritage-listed buildings, a parade ground, sandstone boundary walls, and a historic tennis court. The site also houses the Army Museum of South East Queensland, which currently offers limited public access through guided tours on three Wednesdays each month from 9:30am to 12:15pm.

The future of the museum remains uncertain, with Defence indicating it may relocate to Gallipoli Barracks or potentially remain on site depending on negotiations with future owners.

Any redevelopment will be subject to strict protections under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which requires the Commonwealth to preserve the heritage values of listed properties. The Department of Defence has committed to exploring options including adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, retention of facades, partnerships with heritage organisations, and archival recording.

National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Adam Haddow, has called for the establishment of a Federal Architect position to provide consistent design leadership across Commonwealth property transitions of this scale. Haddow said that when the Commonwealth reshapes city-defining precincts, it must do so with the same rigour expected of any major public project.

The sale process will be managed by the Department of Finance, though officials acknowledge some properties may take years to sell given the complexity of heritage requirements and potential remediation needs. The Commonwealth expects to save approximately $100 million annually in maintenance costs for ageing and underutilised facilities across the portfolio.

Net proceeds of about $1.8 billion after relocation costs and expenses will be reinvested in Defence capabilities.

A Landmark With Deep Roots

Victoria Barracks has been an integral part of Brisbane’s landscape for more than 160 years. The site predominantly provides office space to support capability management, service delivery and museum functions, and has accommodated various Defence operations throughout its long history.

The barracks experienced significant use during both World Wars, playing important administrative and logistical roles. In recent years, the Commonwealth has undertaken significant maintenance and remediation works across the heritage buildings, including a full roof and drainage system replacement, remediation of rising and lateral damp, mortar joint repairs, timber restoration, repainting, fire safety upgrades, and replacement of electrical infrastructure. Several heritage retaining walls have required attention due to age and construction methods.

Read: A Trip Down Memory Lane at the Petrie Terrace Heritage Trail

What Happens Next

The sale timeline remains unclear, though the complexity of heritage obligations and the scale of the divestment program suggest the process could extend over several years. For Paddington residents who have long glimpsed the historic buildings from Petrie Terrace, the next chapter of Victoria Barracks presents both opportunity and uncertainty about how this landmark piece of the suburb’s heritage will be integrated into the community’s future.

Published 6-February-2026

From Kookaburras to Mosaics: Discovering Paddington’s Hidden Art Collection

Forget white-walled galleries with entry fees and opening hours. Paddington has transformed its streetscape into a sprawling outdoor exhibition where art waits around every corner, accessible 24/7 to anyone willing to look up from their phone.

Read: ‘Kooka! Trail’ in Paddington Almost Ready for Unveiling

From oversized kookaburra sculptures that double as street furniture to intricate mosaics and historical murals, this inner-city suburb proves that the best art doesn’t always hang in frames.

The Kooka! Trail: 16 Birds, 16 Stories

The centrepiece of Paddington’s public art scene is the Kooka! Trail, featuring 16 vibrant kookaburra sculptures scattered along Latrobe Terrace and Given Terrace. Launched in 2022 through Brisbane City Council’s Paddington Terraces Precinct Grant Project, these aren’t your average bird statues. Each sculpture was made from waste materials before being reimagined by local artists into functional seating that celebrates the laughing kookaburra.

Brisbane design collective Derlot created the base forms, while individual artists added their distinctive interpretations. Debra Hood decorated her kookaburra with delicate dotted patterns inspired by Brisbane’s springtime blooms. Zoe Porter’s “Latrobe Kookaburra” features the vivid pinks, yellows and greens of galahs, cockatoos and lorikeets, weaving native bird species into traditional kookaburra markings.

Torres Strait Islander artist Tori-Jay Mordey created “Care and At Night”, a thoughtful reflection on the struggles native wildlife face in urban settings. The collection also includes a particularly poignant sculpture representing five cultural groups – Irish, Hungarian, Croatian, Polish and Italian – commemorating the Catholic immigrant families who made Paddington home between the 1940s and 1970s.

Other contributing artists include Rick Hayward, Stephen Mok, Hailey Atkins and Spectator Jonze, each bringing their unique artistic voice to the project. The result is a cohesive yet diverse trail that invites visitors to spot the differences and discover the stories embedded in each work.

Highland Rest: Scott Harrower’s Mosaic Masterpiece

Along your journey, you’ll encounter Scott Harrower’s “Highland Rest”, a stunning mosaic-tiled bench that offers both respite and visual delight. Harrower’s mosaic work creates a permanent installation that functions as both art and amenity. The intricate patterns reward close inspection, making it an ideal spot to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship.

Bizzell’s Garage: The Bright Siders’ Tram Tribute

History comes alive on the exterior of Bizzell’s Garage, where a mural by artist collective The Bright Siders honours Paddington’s transport heritage. The artwork depicts the bustling tram scene that defined the suburb during the 1900s, when trams were the lifeblood of the community. The mural serves as a reminder of Paddington’s transport history and the trams that once defined the suburb.

Read: Bluey Video Game Released by Red Hill’s Halfbrick Studios

Planning Your Art Walk

The beauty of Paddington’s public art trail lies in its flexibility. Start from the Bardon end of Latrobe Terrace and walk towards Given Terrace and Suncorp Stadium, or reverse the route depending on your starting point. Multiple bus routes service the area, allowing you to hop on and off as energy levels dictate.

Between artworks, you’ll pass cafés perfect for refuelling, boutique shops worth browsing, and architectural gems that make Paddington a popular destination. The entire experience is free, making it an ideal outing for families, tourists, or locals seeking a fresh perspective on familiar streets.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beauty in unexpected places, Paddington’s public art trail offers proof that creativity thrives when communities invest in making culture accessible to everyone.

Published 5-February-2026

Former Paddington Home of Broncos Legend Up For Auction on Valentine’s Day

Photo Credit: Place Kangaroo Point

A piece of Brisbane rugby league history is set to change hands next month, with the former Paddington home of Broncos legend Darren Lockyer going under the hammer on Valentine’s Day.

The property at 23 Agars Street, which Lockyer and his wife Loren called home for nine years, will be auctioned on 14 February at 6pm. The couple purchased the land in 2012 for $1.125 million and built their family residence in 2015, shortly after the NRL great retired from professional football.

The award-winning home last sold in 2024 for $6.4 million to a local family, who have since undertaken extensive renovations including a new kitchen, updated electrical systems, a fresh coat of paint, roof restoration and a new driveway.

According to listing agent Simon Caulfield from Place Kangaroo Point, the current owners—a couple with one child—have decided to sell because they believe the spacious property would better suit a larger family.

“This is Darren Lockyer’s former family home, so there’s an immediate emotional connection for a lot of people,” Mr Caulfield said. “But beyond the name, buyers are responding to what the home delivers. A finished, award-winning house on a large, flat block in Paddington is something we just don’t see very often.”

The single-level home sits on a rare 1,628-square-metre block—an unusually generous size for a property so close to the CBD. It features five bedrooms and two bathrooms, with architects Paul Owen and Michael Lineburg designing the residence as a series of interconnected spaces linked by long hallways and undercrofts.

The architectural design earned recognition at both state and regional levels, receiving the Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture (Houses – New) in 2015. The Robin Dods Award is the Queensland chapter’s premier honour for new residential architecture, awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects.

The property includes a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, solar power with battery storage, and remote-controlled entry gates leading to a private carport. Two separate backyard spaces connect to the central living areas, creating what the architects designed with what Lockyer described in a 2018 interview as a “contemporary, Tuscan feel”.

At the time, Lockyer told media outlets the location was ideal for his family. “The location is great for our kids,” he said. “It’s also close to cafes, restaurants and parks.”

Co-listing agent Courtney Caulfield said interest has been strong from high-end buyers seeking a move-in-ready property that doesn’t require renovation work. “Everything is on one level, the outdoor spaces feel safe and connected, and it’s been such a comfortable place to raise [the current vendors’] child,” she said.

The property is within walking distance of Paddington’s cafes, restaurants and boutiques, near Gregory Park’s sporting facilities, and close to several prestigious schools including Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and St Joseph’s College.

Lockyer, who played his entire 17-year professional career with the Brisbane Broncos and now serves on the club’s board, has since moved on to a New Farm property with his family. According to property records cited by View.com.au, the Lockyers purchased a renovated six-bedroom Queenslander in New Farm for $5.05 million in late 2024.

Published 24-January-2026

Auchenflower Hosted the Australian Open Long Before Melbourne

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Auchenflower has never needed to shout to be noticed. It’s a suburb of river breezes and long afternoons, where streets rise gently away from the Brisbane River and the city feels close but not quite on top of you. But tucked inside that calm, residential reputation is a sporting fact that still catches people off guard: Auchenflower once hosted the tournament we now call the Australian Open.

It was not an exhibition. It was not a warm-up event. It was the real thing in its early form, when the event was still known as the Australasian Championships and moved between cities and venues.

Before the Australian Open had a permanent home

The modern Australian Open is famously tied to Melbourne Park. But for decades, the tournament didn’t have a single base at all.

On the Australian Open’s official history, the early event is described as the Australasian Championships, and it “bounced around” various cities and venues for years before settling permanently in Melbourne in 1972.

That travelling tradition is what created a rare opening for Brisbane — and for Auchenflower — to enter national tennis history in a way that feels almost unbelievable today.

Auchenflower’s moment in the spotlight

Queensland’s editions of the tournament were held in the Brisbane suburb of Auchenflower in 1907 and 1915. Those two dates are a big deal. They place Auchenflower among the tournament’s early host locations, long before the Australian Open settled into a single permanent home.

That history is also confirmed in tournament records, with Auchenflower, Brisbane, listed as the host location for both the 1907 and 1915 championships.

The Auchenflower courts were opened with enthusiasm in 1904, but rain curtailed the official opening celebrations. It’s a small anecdote, but it tells you something important: these weren’t improvised lawns scratched into existence for a one-off tournament.

The courts were significant enough to be noted in newspaper reporting of the time. Auchenflower’s tennis story begins with the establishment of courts in the suburb in 1904.

Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Grass courts and a very different tournament era

In 1907 and 1915, the championships played in Auchenflower would have felt very different to the Australian Open we recognise today. The event was smaller, the travel harder, the draw less international — but the prestige was real.

The 1907 tournament is recorded as being played on grass courts at Auchenflower in Brisbane. The 1915 edition is also recorded as being played on outdoor grass courts in Auchenflower.

That grass-court detail matters because it reminds readers what early tennis demanded: a different pace, different footwork, and a different relationship between sport and setting. The surface itself belonged to the landscape in a way hard courts don’t.

Auchenflower as part of Brisbane’s river suburbs story

It’s hard not to see a pattern when you look at where Brisbane’s famous tennis moments have happened. Auchenflower sits close to the river and close to the city — the kind of place where organised recreation could thrive early. In later decades, Brisbane’s major tennis venue shifted to nearby Milton. Different suburb, different era — but a similar relationship to access, crowds and public life.

Auchenflower’s tournament years show a version of Brisbane that doesn’t always appear in the usual sporting narratives: a city capable of hosting national-level events much earlier than people assume.

Methodist Home Mission tennis players from England in Brisbane, 1912. Photographed at the residence of Rev. W. H. Harrison in Auchenflower. | Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

What to take from Auchenflower’s tennis past

Auchenflower doesn’t need a stadium today to prove it mattered then. Its tennis story is a quiet Brisbane story: a suburb by the river that once hosted the national championships during the tournament’s travelling years.

And if you ever hear someone say Brisbane was never part of tennis history, Auchenflower has an answer: It already has been.

Published 15-Jan-2026

Oliver Foran Targets Mt Everest Speed Record to Support Youth Mental Health

Photo Credit: Oliver Foran/LinkedIn

A Paddington-based mountaineer is preparing to attempt a world-record journey from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest, using the expedition to support youth mental health initiatives.

From Paddington to the World’s Highest Peak

Paddington resident Oliver Foran is training for a fully human-powered expedition from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest. The attempt is scheduled to begin on 1 April 2026.

The journey will involve cycling more than 1,300 kilometres from Bengal in India to Nepal, followed by a trek to Everest Base Camp and a summit climb.

The current fastest time for the route is 67 days. Foran is aiming to complete the journey in 60 days, setting a new benchmark for the challenge.

Mount Everest speed record — Photo Credit: Oliver Foran/LinkedIn

Personal Motivation Behind the Expedition

The record attempt is being undertaken in memory of Foran’s mother, who died from stage four brain cancer when he was 16. He has spoken about experiencing significant mental health challenges in the years following her death, including a prolonged period of personal struggle.

The expedition has been framed as a way to demonstrate resilience and encourage young people facing mental health difficulties to seek connection and support.

High-Altitude Experience and Preparation

Foran has completed multiple high-altitude expeditions across the Himalayas and Central Asia, including technical climbs above 6,000 and 7,000 metres. His preparation for the Everest attempt includes intensive physical training, recovery planning, and logistical preparation.

Recent expeditions have reinforced the importance of safety, decision-making, and teamwork in extreme environments.

Supporting Youth Mental Health

The expedition is partnered with YouTurn through its Climbing for Young Minds initiative. Funds raised will support the development of YouConnect Gyms, which combine physical activity spaces with access to qualified mental health professionals for young people aged 12 to 17.

The first YouConnect Gym is scheduled to open in Tewantin, with further locations dependent on fundraising outcomes.

donate now

What Happens Next

Training will continue in the lead-up to departure, with fundraising and sponsorship activity ongoing. Progress updates are expected once the expedition begins, with the outcome measured against the existing world record.

Published 7-Jan-2026

Former Broncos Star and Wife Launch Luxury Property Venture in Paddington

Photo Credit: Instagram / @kaylaboyd_

A former Brisbane Broncos player and his wife have revealed the first images of their inaugural Paddington venture through their newly established boutique property development company.

Kayla Boyd shared renderings of “Pavélle”, a Paddington heritage home transformation, via Instagram on New Year’s Eve. The project marks the first development under Deseño Group, the couple’s business venture with husband Darius Boyd, which describes its offering as “curated luxury from concept to completion”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KAYLA. (@kaylaboyd_)

The Boyds have previously gained attention for their residential property renovations across Brisbane’s inner suburbs. Their most recent sale, a property called “Mala” in Grange, achieved $4.5 million in July 2024 and became the most viewed listing nationally on realestate.com.au, according to the source article.

The Paddington project involves relocating and raising the existing pre-war structure while constructing new lower levels. Plans indicate the development will incorporate a sauna, carport, and mud room, along with a swimming pool.

Working within heritage conservation requirements, the development aims to preserve the home’s street-facing character whilst modernising the interior spaces. The couple has previously completed two other pre-war renovations: House of Hendra and Vogue Haus, the latter also located in Paddington and subsequently used for photography purposes.

Kayla Boyd handles interior design responsibilities, collaborating with Rogue Architects, Arqo Building, and Westera Partners on the project. According to the source material, construction is scheduled to commence this month.

The development represents the formalisation of the Boyds’ property activities under the Deseño Group brand, transitioning from individual renovation projects to an established development firm operating in Brisbane’s prestige property market.

Published 1-January-2026

Paddington’s Neighbouring Pubs in Spotlight as Brisbane Looks to Add Hotel Rooms for 2032

Iconic pubs just outside Paddington — the Normanby in Red Hill, the Regatta in Toowong and the Caxton in Petrie Terrace — have been identified as possible venues to include hotel-style rooms as Brisbane works to boost accommodation supply ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Historic Caxton Hotel Secures New Owner in $50-M Deal

Brisbane’s new Suburban Pub Stays Strategy proposes encouraging suburban pub owners to redevelop under-utilised sites to include guest rooms and function spaces. The strategy, now open for public consultation, focuses on pubs sitting on larger sites that could be adapted for mixed use.

Photo credit: The Caxton Hotel/Google Maps

Council’s analysis found more than 70 pubs across Brisbane are on sites of 2000 square metres or more, but only a portion currently provide accommodation. If about 20 of those venues were redeveloped to include hotel rooms, planners say this could add more than 1,600 beds to Brisbane’s accommodation inventory, a figure aimed at helping meet demand during major events and everyday tourism needs.

The Normanby, Regatta, and Caxton hotels are long-established fixtures near Paddington, close to transport links and activity hubs in Brisbane’s inner west. Their inclusion in discussions around the strategy reflects both their size and central role in local communities.

Council has signalled that planning changes could be considered to help make it easier for pub owners and operators to add accommodation and conference facilities to their sites. The intention is to increase the city’s overnight visitor capacity in a way that does not unduly reduce long-term rental housing in existing residential areas.

Brisbane’s accommodation market has been flagged by tourism bodies as under pressure. South-east Queensland currently has around 46,000 hotel rooms and is projected to grow modestly over the next few years, leaving room numbers below levels seen in other major global cities that have hosted Olympics. Industry stakeholders argue that diversified accommodation models, beyond large, inner-city hotel towers, are part of a broader solution.

Smaller projects based in suburban centres can respond more quickly to market conditions and may be delivered by builders who are less constrained than those engaged in larger developments. Recent suburban hotel additions in Brisbane have shown there is interest for local stay options outside the central business district.

Leaders from the Queensland hotel industry have pointed out that pubs are spread across the city and well positioned to offer convenient places for visitors to stay, whether they are in town for work, events or to see friends and family. They also stress that easing planning hurdles can help venues reinvest in their properties and support local jobs.

For residents near Paddington and neighbouring suburbs, any proposal to add accommodation will be shaped by the planning system and subject to community feedback. Issues such as building design and neighbourhood character are likely to be part of that conversation.

Proponents of the strategy say that putting rooms on existing suburban sites could ease pressure on the inner-city hotel market and deliver a legacy of more diverse stay options for Brisbane long after the 2032 Games have concluded.

Read: Aware Real Estate Confirms Purchase of The Barracks in Petrie Terrace

Public consultation on the Suburban Pub Stays Strategy remains open, giving local residents and business owners a chance to have their say on whether some of Brisbane’s best-known pubs should once again offer overnight accommodation.

Published 16-December-2025

Bluey Video Game Released by Red Hill’s Halfbrick Studios

Photo Credit: Bluey

Halfbrick Studios in Red Hill has partnered with Bluey creator Joe Brumm to develop Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, the first Australian-made Bluey video game.

A New Bluey Story Launches from Red Hill

Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, the first Australian-made Bluey video game, has now been released by Halfbrick Studios in Red Hill. The game launched globally on the App Store on 11 December 2025, bringing a new story from creator Joe Brumm to players for the first time since the announcement of the upcoming 2027 film.

Developed with Brumm’s direct involvement, the title places players inside a drawn-to-life imagination world created by the Heeler family. It marks the first time an Australian studio has produced a Bluey video game.

A Brisbane Partnership Behind the Project

The collaboration reflects a long-running creative relationship between Halfbrick CEO Shainiel Deo and Bluey creator Joe Brumm. Their connection began a decade earlier when Brumm contacted Halfbrick after his Dan the Man pilot gained online traction, leading to the 2016 game adaptation. Revenue from that project helped support Brumm during the development stage that later led to Bluey.

As Bluey’s global popularity grew mid-pandemic, Brumm invited Halfbrick to take on the new project. Deo initially resisted, preferring the studio to focus on its own titles, but the idea moved forward after strong internal enthusiasm. With backing from Brumm and approval from the BBC, the Red Hill studio became the first Australian team trusted with the franchise.

Designing a Game True to the Series

Brumm guided the development to ensure the project reflected the show’s grounded tone. Halfbrick, known for arcade-driven titles, shifted toward imagination-focused gameplay, expanding on concepts from Bluey episodes Dragon and Escape. This approach allowed for exploration, movement through creative landscapes and interactions that fit the show’s family-focused style.

The game follows Bluey as she chases Bandit, who appears as King Goldie Horns after taking the Gold Pen. Bingo takes on her Bingoose form, and Chilli’s drawing style shapes much of the game’s backdrop. The title includes nine levels featuring forests, beaches, snowy areas and the Australian outback, each designed around small puzzles, hidden items and short quests.

A Return to Longer Story-Driven Development

The project represents a return to earlier console-style work for Halfbrick. The game includes animated cutscenes supporting Brumm’s new narrative and is structured as a one-off purchase model rather than subscription or ad-supported play.

Deo sees the project as part of a wider interest in creating memorable games that carry the same nostalgic impact as earlier Halfbrick titles. The studio continues to operate with a strong back catalogue and has expanded into Virtual Reality, supported by resources built throughout the 2010s.

Upcoming Releases Across Other Platforms

While already available on the App Store, the game will arrive on Google Play on 10 January 2026 with a free experience and an optional single payment for full access. Halfbrick and PM Studios will release versions for PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later in 2026.

Ongoing Creative Work in Red Hill

Halfbrick’s work on Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen reinforces the role of Brisbane’s Red Hill game development sector in producing internationally recognised projects. It also marks another chapter in a long-running partnership between Deo and Brumm, built over more than a decade of Brisbane-based creative work.

Published 12-Dec-2025

Record Assaults on Brisbane Bus Drivers Raise Safety Concerns After Kelvin Grove Attack

An alleged violent assault on a route 340 bus in Kelvin Grove has placed renewed attention on the rising number of attacks against Brisbane bus drivers. The incident left a veteran driver with multiple facial and neck fractures, and has intensified calls for improved protection across the city’s bus fleet.

Read: Kelvin Grove Teenager Henry Coward Launches Toll Cashback Program to Help Motorists Save on Toll Costs, Promote Local Businesses

According to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), September recorded 208 assaults on drivers, the highest monthly figure on record. On average, two drivers each day are being punched, spat on or threatened while performing routine duties. Union representatives say the increase has heightened concern among drivers working in Kelvin Grove, Paddington and neighbouring suburbs.

QUT Kelvin Grove Station (Photo credit: S. Dawood/Google Maps)

The driver injured in Kelvin Grove had many years of service and had previously requested a bus fitted with a full protective barrier. Union officials say such buses were available at the depot on the day of the attack, but the driver was instead assigned a vehicle with only a partial screen. They argue that this type of barrier leaves space for offenders to reach around and restrain or strike a driver, which has occurred in several previous attacks.

Of roughly 1300 buses in Brisbane’s fleet, the union estimates that only about 300 currently have full driver screens installed. They anticipate that this number may increase to approximately 400 by the middle of next year, though they say that progress remains too slow to address immediate risks. According to the union, full screens create an enclosed space that helps prevent spitting, punching and objects being thrown — hazards that partial barriers cannot reliably stop.

City leaders say they are seeking clarity on why the Kelvin Grove driver was not offered a fully screened vehicle. They note that buses used on night services or on routes with known safety concerns are typically prioritised for full protection. Funding responsibility for driver shields has been the subject of competing claims, with disagreements over how many screens have been funded and how quickly installations can proceed.

Photo credit: Masuyo Hayashi/Google Maps

Opposition councillors say a five‑year funding allocation for bus shields had been committed in 2022, while city leadership states that recent financial contributions include a sum from the State. Both contend that protective measures are vital to improving workplace safety.

A lawyer representing affected workers says she has seen a clear rise in assault‑related compensation claims from bus drivers since 2019. According to her, she now deals with new cases almost every week — many involving drivers who believe their injuries could have been avoided with better physical protection in the driver’s cabin.

Read: Brisbane Broncos Facility Hit By Fire As Stolen Car Burns Near Training Base

For communities across inner-west Brisbane, from Paddington, through Kelvin Grove, to the city, the escalating violence raises serious questions about how frontline transport staff can be kept safe while continuing to provide an essential public service.

Published 2-December-2025

New Broncos Recruits Support Full of Kindness Christmas Toy Drive

Newly settled in Red Hill, Broncos recruits Tom Duffy and Aublix Tawha are already lending a hand off the field, supporting the Kia Full of Kindness Christmas Toy Drive to bring joy to children this festive season.

Read: Broncos Reveal Bold New Look as Brisbane Charges Into a New Era

Just weeks into their preseason at Broncos HQ, Duffy and Tawha are settling into life in Red Hill while also giving back to the community. The pair joined a launch event with Broncos Ambassador Matt Gillett and local schoolchildren for the fifth annual Kia Full of Kindness Christmas Toy Drive.

The initiative invites south‑east Queensland residents to donate toys for children in need. Drop‑off points are set up at Broncos headquarters in Red Hill and at participating Kia dealerships until 7 December. After the collection period, Broncos players will help deliver gifts to local hospitals on 15 December.

This year’s drive includes a giveaway: a brand‑new Kia Tasman will be awarded to a Queenslander nominated by fans for community kindness. Nominations can be submitted via the Broncos website.

Duffy, who recently relocated from Townsville, said joining the toy drive offered a meaningful start at the Club. He saw it as a chance to help bring happiness to families doing it tough during the festive season and welcomed the Club’s commitment to the community.

Tawha, who joined the Broncos as part of a cross‑city move, said he appreciated the warm welcome at Red Hill and valued the opportunity to give back. He reflected that being involved in community efforts helped make settling in easier and more positive.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy noted the initiative is about more than gifts; it reflects the Club’s commitment to community, connection, and generosity. Kia Australia’s Brisbane network also expressed pride in collaborating on the toy drive and supporting families in need.

For Red Hill residents and Broncos supporters, the toy drive emphasises the Club’s focus on community engagement. Whether by donating a toy, nominating a “Kia kind Queenslander,” or helping with deliveries, people are encouraged to take part.

Read: Broncos Legends Meet Young Cancer Battler in Red Hill

The Kia Full of Kindness Christmas Toy Drive highlights the importance of giving back during the festive season. With Duffy and Tawha now settling into Red Hill and supporting the cause, the initiative underlines how players can contribute to community welfare beyond the field.

Published 26-November-2025