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

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.

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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”.

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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

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

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

The Brisbane Broncos have revealed a sweeping rebrand set to roll out in 2026, marking the club’s most significant image overhaul in 25 years. Fresh off their drought-breaking 2025 premiership, the club says the timing could not be better to redefine how Brisbane presents itself to the rugby league world. The full redesign includes a new logo and a striking tribute jersey that nods to one of the club’s most influential figures.

For locals across Paddington, Red Hill and the inner west, the change feels particularly close to home. The Broncos’ training base sits in our neighbourhood, and the announcement has already sparked plenty of chat in cafés along Given Terrace. Love it or question it, the redesign marks a moment in the city’s sporting story.

A Forward-Facing Bronco for a Forward-Moving City

The centrepiece of the refresh is a completely new logo, only the third to appear in the club’s nearly four-decade history. This version features a front-facing Bronco locked into a more assertive stance, framed by a shield inspired by the original 1988 crest. A flowing stripe cutting through the horse pays tribute to the Brisbane River, grounding the design in local identity.

For the first time, the word “Broncos” has been removed from the crest entirely. Instead, “Brisbane” stands boldly at the top, reflecting the club’s intent to represent the city on a global stage. The club says the change mirrors Brisbane’s growth and the opportunities ahead of the 2032 Olympics, noting that the redesign was shaped over 18 months of consultation with players, staff, member groups and branding specialists.

Cyril Connell Honoured With New Away Strip

While the classic maroon-and-gold home kit remains untouched, the away jersey has undergone a major shift.

The 2026 strip will feature a deep midnight blue in honour of Cyril Connell, the revered Broncos scout who helped identify and nurture many of the club’s great players.

Cyril Connell tribute jersey. Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos

Connell, who passed away in 2009, is remembered as a quiet influencer whose belief in emerging talent shaped the club’s DNA. The last tribute jersey in his honour appeared in 2010, worn by a young Ben Hunt.

With the return of the design next season, current players say they feel proud to carry on Connell’s legacy and the values he embedded both on and off the field.

A Bigger Show for the Fans

Alongside its visual refresh, the club is planning an upgraded game-day experience at Suncorp Stadium. With strong home-crowd averages this season, the Broncos say supporters deserve a show that matches the energy and atmosphere seen in major American and European sports events.

Game days will lean further into entertainment, production and spectacle, building on the electric scenes at this year’s preliminary final. The club has also begun updating billboards across Queensland and will roll out Broncos colours on the iconic BRISBANE letters at South Bank.

Community Reaction: Pride, Curiosity and a Bit of Debate

In Paddington, reactions to the rebrand have been passionate but varied. Some longtime fans say the forward-facing Bronco captures the confidence of a modern club, while others admit they need time to adjust after decades of familiarity. Many locals agree, however, that the Cyril Connell tribute is a respectful and well-deserved nod to the club’s roots.

What is clear is that the rebrand has sparked renewed conversation about identity, tradition and the shared pride that comes with supporting Brisbane’s flagship rugby league team. For a suburb deeply tied to the Broncos’ story, the shift feels like another chapter in an ongoing bond.

Charging On Toward 2026

For the club, the redesign signals both a tribute to the past and a stride into the future. With a premiership behind them and an Olympic-era Brisbane emerging ahead, the Broncos have made their intentions clear: the next era starts now, and they are ready to charge on.

Published 26-Nov-2025

Terraces by Twilight returns to Paddington

Terraces by Twilight is set to return to Paddington on Friday, 5 December 2025, bringing an evening of festive activities to the iconic shopping strip. The free community event runs from 4pm to 8pm and will take place along Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace.

Read: Paddington’s Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers Named Finalist in 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

The program includes late-night shopping, exclusive in-store Christmas discounts, market stalls, dining options and entertainment spread across the precinct. Many retailers and hospitality venues will be open throughout the evening, giving visitors a chance to browse for gifts, enjoy food and drink, and explore what the terraces have to offer.

Families can expect face painting, Christmas carols and photo opportunities with Santa. Event information also notes that visitors are welcome to bring their dogs, adding to the relaxed, family-friendly feel of the night.

The popular Twilight Stroll & Win promotion will return, with more than $2,000 in prizes available. The activity encourages attendees to wander the length of the event route, from Lower Given Terrace up to Trammys Corner on Upper Latrobe Terrace.

Terraces by Twilight also provides an opportunity for local traders to connect with the community in the lead-up to Christmas. With its mix of boutique shops, independent eateries and creative businesses, the Terrace precinct uses community events such as this to highlight the variety of local operators in the area.

Read: A Trio of Chefs Makes a Home in Paddington With a Unique Dining Concept

No ticket is required to attend, though organisers encourage sign-ups so they can estimate attendance numbers and share event updates. Terraces by Twilight aims to deliver an accessible, festive evening for all ages — a chance to enjoy the precinct, support local businesses and celebrate the season in one of Paddington’s most distinctive neighbourhood settings.

Published 25-November-2025

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

A stolen car caught fire in the car park beside the Brisbane Broncos’ Clive Berghofer Centre in Red Hill, prompting a rapid response from emergency crews.

Emergency Response Near Major Facility

The incident involved a vehicle alleged to have been stolen that was later found burning close to the club’s 27 million dollar headquarters. Police and fire crews arrived to put out the flames, and officers began investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Emergency services reached the scene soon after the blaze was reported. Police took control of the scene once the fire was out and began checking early evidence as part of their investigation. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Staff Vehicle Damaged In Heat

The burning vehicle caused heat damage to a staff member’s car parked nearby. Media reports confirmed that the staff vehicle was affected as a result of the blaze.

The training buildings and fields were not harmed. The club is expected to review parking and access points around the facility as a routine security measure.

Training Centre Not Affected

Reports stated that the main facility did not suffer structural damage. The club noted no impact to the centre or training grounds. Regular team activities are expected to continue without interruption.

Community And Safety Considerations

The fire drew interest within the local area due to the training centre’s position in a busy part of Red Hill. The incident prompted attention to general safety around the precinct.

Police are investigating the matter and will examine available surveillance and witness reports to gather more information about the stolen car and how it was brought to the site.

Published 21-November-2025

Brolly Coffee Set to Join the Caffeine Scene in Red Hill

Photo Credit: Brolly Coffee/Instagram

The founders of Botanica are preparing to open Brolly Coffee in Red Hill, adding a new grab-and-go venue to their original neighbourhood.

Background of the Red Hill Connection

The operators behind Botanica first launched their boutique salad concept on Enoggera Terrace in Red Hill 13 years ago. Over the years, they expanded to several other Brisbane suburbs, though the Red Hill flagship remained their foundation site.

Their return to the strip follows an opportunity to take over the former Couverture & Co. space a few doors from their original venue. The new project adds another chapter to their long-running connection with Red Hill.

Establishing Brolly Coffee in Red Hill

The team has been working to convert the space into a streamlined coffee spot designed for quick service. The fit-out includes a terracotta-tiled counter, rendered concrete walls, timber elements and a glass door replacing the previous solid entry to increase natural light. Only a small number of seats will be available.

Brolly Coffee will focus on takeaway drinks and simple food, similar to a previous coffee concept the team operated in Teneriffe in 2017. The menu will include breakfast cups, chia puddings, overnight oats, cinnamon rolls, biscuits and pastries. Coffee will be supplied by Single O, with specialty iced options available as summer approaches.

Brisbane cafés — Photo Credit: Brolly Coffee/Instagram

Community Interest and Local Response

Social media responses show interest from locals and businesses acknowledging the upcoming opening in Red Hill. Comments reflect excitement about the addition to the area’s café offering.

Botanica — Photo Credit: Brolly Coffee/Instagram

Opening Timeline

Brolly Coffee is scheduled to open later this month, adding a new stop for regular visitors travelling through the shared Paddington–Red Hill strip. The venue is expected to draw interest from locals familiar with the Botanica team’s long-standing presence on Enoggera Terrace, further strengthening the area’s established café cluster.

Published 18-Nov-2025