Atelier Mimi is operated by husband-and-wife team Paul and Miki. The business name reflects a focus on craftsmanship, while “Mimi” references their daughter’s nickname.
Paul is a French pastry chef with over 15 years of experience across Australia and Japan. His background includes work at Noisette and Laurent Bakery in Melbourne, followed by roles in Tokyo at Ladurée, Pierre Hermé and Sadaharu Aoki. After returning to Brisbane in 2022, he worked as head pastry chef at Brisbane City Hall before establishing the Red Hill shop.
The patisserie opened in January, taking over the site previously occupied by One Eighty Six Espresso Bar on Arthur Terrace.
Photo Caption: Tarte Passion – A crisp shortbread shell filled with smooth passionfruit curd, finished with toasted Italian meringue for a balanced blend of acidity and sweetness. Photo Credit: Atelier Mimi/Instagram
Small-Batch Production In Red Hill
The Red Hill patisserie operates from a compact in-house kitchen, shaping a deliberately limited menu made fresh each day. The selection centres on French classics including macarons, biscuits, flans, tarts and traditional cakes, with occasional Japanese influences such as matcha flavours.
Seasonal adjustments are planned, and native ingredients including Davidson plums have been identified as a potential future inclusion.
Photo Caption: Matcha and raspberry macarons, handcrafted by a French pastry chef, with a crisp shell and soft centre filled with smooth ganache. Photo Credit: Atelier Mimi/Instagram
Savoury offerings include mini gourmet sandwiches and selected pastries. Croissants are available but are not the primary focus compared with macarons, biscuits and cakes.
Macarons are described as gluten-free, and customised macarons and biscuits are available for special events. Some gluten-free cake options are also offered.
Photo Caption: “Nuage” – A macaron-based creation layered with raspberry gel, bourbon vanilla cream, soft meringue pieces and finished with fresh berries. Photo Credit: Atelier Mimi/Instagram
Coffee And Community Response
Coffee is supplied by Seven Miles Coffee Roasters. The drinks menu also includes juices and chocolate beverages made using house-made ganache.
In local community discussion following the opening, customers reported positive experiences with the coffee and pastries. One commenter raised concerns regarding limited seating inside the shop.
Atelier Mimi adds another independent food business to Red Hill, combining French technique, Japanese influence and family ownership within a neighbourhood setting.
Caxton Street is about to welcome a new player to its bustling hospitality scene, with The Milton Rooftop & Sports Bar preparing to open its doors in March 2026. The multi-level venue promises to blend classic pub culture with modern hospitality in the heart of the precinct that connects Paddington and Petrie Terrace to Suncorp Stadium.
The new establishment will join a long line of iconic venues along the street, positioning itself not just as another game-day destination but as a genuine community local that aims to draw patrons seven days a week.
Behind the venture is Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster, who is bringing his long-held hospitality ambitions to life. The 31-year-old father of three, who has represented Queensland 21 times at State of Origin level, saw the opportunity to create something lasting in a location that has played such a significant role in the state’s sporting culture.
Photo credit: Facebook/The Milton Rooftop & Sports Bar
“Caxton Street has always been the heartbeat of Brisbane sport,” Munster said. “I wanted to build a place that feels like the fans – loud, loyal, proud and always up for a good time. The Milton is that. It’s a spot for everyone, whether it’s before the game, after the game, or any day you want to feel like part of the action.”
For the Melbourne Storm halfback, the decision to invest in Caxton Street was straightforward. The precinct has long been the natural gathering point for fans before and after major sporting events, making it an ideal location for a venue designed to become part of the local fabric. While Munster’s profile will undoubtedly draw rugby league fans, the emphasis is firmly on creating a welcoming space for everyone, from families to function groups and casual diners.
What to Expect at The Milton
Photo credit: Facebook/The Milton Rooftop & Sports Bar
The venue will operate across multiple levels, each designed with a distinct purpose while maintaining a cohesive pub atmosphere throughout.
The ground floor will serve as the main pub area, built around familiar comforts and crowd-pleasing fare. The kitchen will focus on classic pub staples including parmigianas, steak sandwiches, burgers and shared plates, all designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. A signature wagyu “Munster Burger” will feature on the menu as a playful nod to the venue’s part-owner.
The drinks offering will be equally broad, with a beer and beverage list designed to appeal to a wide mix of patrons. The space has been designed to feel comfortable for families during the day while maintaining its appeal for evening crowds and social gatherings.
Photo credit: Facebook/The Milton Rooftop & Sports Bar
Upstairs, the rooftop area will offer the venue’s signature feature: views towards Suncorp Stadium. However, this won’t be purely a sports bar experience. The rooftop has been conceived as a versatile space suitable for everything from long lunches and brunches to evening functions and celebrations, with live sport and entertainment on screens.
Downstairs, The Locker Room will add another dimension to the venue’s offering. During daylight hours, the space will function as an activation and events area. As evening approaches, it will transform into a late-night destination with music and a more energetic atmosphere, catering to those wanting to extend their night beyond the traditional pub experience.
The venue’s design philosophy centres on versatility and inclusivity. Rather than catering exclusively to the sporting crowds that pack Caxton Street during Origin matches, Broncos games and major concerts, The Milton aims to establish itself as a destination worth visiting any day of the week, regardless of what’s happening at the stadium.
For those in Paddington, Petrie Terrace and surrounding suburbs, The Milton represents another option for dining, drinking and socialising in a precinct that continues to evolve. Further details about the venue, including specific opening dates and booking information, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
A historic shutout, 18 errors and a tactical gamble that misfired — Brisbane’s title defence began with a harsh reality check.
The stage was set for a coronation at Suncorp Stadium. On a humid Friday night, 45,566 fans packed the stands to welcome the 2025 premiers back home, expecting the Brisbane Broncos to reinforce their status as the NRL’s new gold standard. Instead, it turned into a sobering reminder of how hard defending a title really is.
In a performance described by a veteran observer as “shambolic,” a side that etched its name in history only months ago suddenly looked out of sync. The hunters may have become the hunted overnight, and the transition from chasing the crown to defending it is proving anything but simple.
The heaviest fall of the modern era
The 26-0 scoreline was more than just a loss; it was a statistical shock. By failing to register a single point in front of their home crowd, the Broncos suffered the heaviest Round 1 defeat of a defending premier in the history of the NRL. A shutout of this magnitude hurts because it exposes problems on both sides of the ball at once.
As noted in the official NRL record, the result echoed a moment from nearly four decades ago: “It was the biggest win against a premier in the opening round of the season since 1988 when the Broncos beat Manly 44-10 in the club’s first game in the NSWRL Premiership.”
For Brisbane to find themselves on the other side of that statistic 38 years later is a reminder that premiership hangovers can be real. The good news for Broncos fans is that Round 1 doesn’t define a season.
Madge’s ‘Super Sub’ plan didn’t quite land
In a late tactical gamble, Michael Maguire attempted to replicate part of the 2025 Grand Final blueprint. Veteran Ben Hunt was elevated to the starting five-eighth role, with Ezra Mam shifted to the bench just an hour before kickoff. With Cory Paix starting at hooker, the plan appeared to be using Hunt’s control early before unleashing Mam later as a spark against a tiring defensive line.
But the Broncos never quite generated the platform needed to make it work. Without sustained field position or pressure, Penrith’s defence stayed fresh. When Mam entered in the 30th minute with Brisbane trailing 10-0, he had little space to work with.
It was less a failure of the idea and more a reminder that even clever tactics rely on a forward pack winning the early exchanges.
A messy night for the spine
Perhaps the most frustrating part for Broncos fans was seeing a usually electric spine struggle to click.
Reece Walsh, often capable of turning a match in seconds, endured one of those nights when nothing quite falls your way. The most memorable moment came in the 27th minute when a clearing kick ricocheted off teammate Xavier Willison in an accidental-offside moment that summed up Brisbane’s luck.
Overall the Broncos made 18 errors and completed at just 61 percent. As Maguire noted post-match, when you hand over that much possession, fatigue inevitably follows.
That fatigue showed up defensively with 40 missed tackles, and Penrith’s edges took advantage. Thomas Jenkins’ double highlighted just how sharp the Panthers can be when given space.
Penrith remind everyone who they are
While Brisbane looked like a side still finding its rhythm, Penrith looked like a team determined to remind the competition they remain a force.
Nathan Cleary marked his 100th game as captain in style, while Dylan Edwards delivered a commanding performance from fullback. Edwards finished with 166 metres and a try, repeatedly inserting himself into attacking movements.
The Panthers’ defensive grit was just as telling. Their effort to hold Kotoni Staggs over the line late in the half became one of the defining moments of the night and underlined the discipline that has defined Penrith’s success in recent seasons.
A worrying pattern, but not panic stations yet
This loss also follows the 30-24 defeat to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, where Brisbane trailed 18-4 at halftime. Slow starts are starting to form a pattern, and that is something the coaching staff will want to address quickly.
There are also longer-term questions looming with Payne Haas confirmed to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027. For now, however, Haas remains a key part of the Broncos’ engine room, and the squad still contains plenty of elite talent.
Right now it feels less like a structural crisis and more like a team still adjusting to the pressures of defending a premiership.
The road ahead
The Broncos now return to the Clive Berghofer Centre to review the tape before a challenging run against the Eels, Storm and Dolphins.
The standard set in 2025 was always going to be hard to maintain. Round 1 was a harsh reminder of that.
Is the Broncos’ lack of cohesion a fixable coaching tweak, or have the Panthers just exposed an architectural flaw in the champions’ armor?
For now, the core of this side seems to still be strong. If the discipline and cohesion return quickly, the Broncos have more than enough talent to steady the ship and remind everyone why they lifted the trophy only months ago.
The champions return to centre stage on Friday night.
The Brisbane Broncos open their premiership defence against the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium, launching the 2026 NRL season with one of the competition’s biggest matchups.
It is the kind of opener that leaves no room for easing into the year. Brisbane begin their title defence against the same opponent they eliminated during last season’s finals run, with Penrith arriving eager to turn the rivalry back in their favour.
Kick-off is 7:00pm AEST (Brisbane time) on Friday, March 6, with gates opening at 5:00pm AEST and the Broncos expected to take the field for warm-ups around 6:30pm AEST.
The Broncos and Panthers have built one of the NRL’s defining matchups in recent seasons.
Last year’s preliminary final at Suncorp saw Brisbane outmuscle Penrith to reach the grand final, a performance built on ruck dominance and disciplined game control. The Panthers will arrive determined to ensure the premiers do not start the new season with another statement result.
Penrith remain one of the competition’s most structured teams, led by halfback Nathan Cleary, whose kicking game and tactical organisation shape almost everything the Panthers do with the ball.
Broncos Team News
Brisbane enter Round 1 with most of the core group that powered last season’s premiership still intact, though the long-term shape of the forward pack has already begun to change.
Middle forward Payne Haas will leave the Brisbane Broncos at the end of the 2026 season after confirming a move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for 2027. The decision, announced earlier this month, was influenced by family considerations and the opportunity to reunite with coach Wayne Bennett.
Haas remains a central figure in Brisbane’s pack for the season ahead, continuing to partner with captain Patrick Carrigan through the middle as the Broncos begin their title defence.
The hooking role is one of the key selection talking points heading into the opener. Cory Paix was named to start at dummy-half, but experienced recruit Ben Hunt has spent time training in the position during preparations, giving coach Michael Maguire flexibility in how the rotation may unfold during the match.
With Brisbane’s spine led by Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, the Broncos will again rely on strong ruck control and quick service from dummy-half to create space around the Panthers’ defensive line.
New Faces in the Broncos Line-Up
Several additions to the Brisbane roster could feature during the opening rounds.
Outside back Grant Anderson adds defensive reliability and aerial strength to the edge, while young playmaker Tom Duffy provides depth in the halves.
Forward recruit Aublix Tawha also strengthens the middle rotation, giving Brisbane additional size when the bench is deployed.
Those arrivals help offset several departures from the premiership squad, including outside back Selwyn Cobbo, who moved to the Dolphins.
Panthers Line-Up and Threats
Penrith again arrive with a roster built on continuity and discipline.
Cleary remains the controlling influence in the halves, while lock Isaah Yeo anchors the middle with his work rate and link play. The Panthers’ system places heavy emphasis on field position, defensive pressure and forcing opponents into errors.
Against Brisbane’s attacking strike, Penrith will likely aim to slow the ruck and build territorial pressure through their kicking game.
Tactical Battle
The outcome will likely hinge on the middle of the field.
If Carrigan and Haas can generate quick play-the-balls, Brisbane’s attacking spine becomes extremely difficult to contain. Walsh’s speed around broken defensive lines and Reynolds’ kicking game can quickly swing momentum.
Penrith’s approach will likely focus on controlling tempo through Cleary, forcing Brisbane to work out of their own half and limiting the space Walsh and Mam can attack.
A Big Night at Suncorp
Friday night will also introduce a redesigned Broncos gameday experience aimed at amplifying the Suncorp atmosphere throughout the season.
A Paddington home that became the subject of a protracted legal dispute between neighbours has changed hands for a suburb record of $12.075 million, bringing closure to a five-year saga that involved court injunctions and allegations of unlawful construction.
The five-bedroom property at 9 Reading Street, known as ‘Skyline’, was at the heart of a neighbourly disagreement that began in 2021 when construction commenced on the steep 810-square-metre block.
According to court documents, technology entrepreneur Steve Baxter, founder of digital signage company Mandoe Media, initiated legal proceedings against the property owners Anthony and Kylie Preston, along with builder Graya, over concerns regarding retaining walls being built next to his neighbouring $8 million home to support a swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area.
In April 2021, an injunction was filed citing safety concerns and allegations that works were being undertaken unlawfully. The Planning and Environment Court ordered a temporary suspension of construction work on the home.
The Prestons subsequently obtained both an exemption certificate and development approval for operational work from Brisbane City Council by July 2021. However, Mr Baxter raised additional allegations, prolonging the legal proceedings.
The court ultimately determined that continuing the application from July onwards was productive of serious and unjustified trouble and harassment, and had the effect of prolonging the trial. Mr Baxter was ordered to pay costs to the Prestons and Graya from 15 July 2021 through to 9 December 2021.
The Prestons had purchased the original property for $3.15 million in 2018 before demolishing the existing structure and embarking on what became one of the suburb’s most ambitious residential projects.
Designed by Brisbane-based Joe Adsett Architects, the completed home showcases a flat, fully integrated floor plan with a 20-metre frontage and commanding views across Brisbane’s CBD. Joe Adsett Architects is a national award-winning studio known for luxury residential architecture and subscribes to a design philosophy of subtropical modernism.
The property includes two separate living areas, an upstairs balcony, and a pilates studio. Each of the five bedrooms features an ensuite bathroom. External amenities include the heated infinity pool and spa that were central to the original dispute, along with an outdoor kitchen, gazebo, and sunken fire pit.
Ray White agents Matt Lancashire and Josh Brown handled the sale, which surpassed the previous Paddington record of $11.8 million set last year for a 653-square-metre property at 45 Garfield Drive.
The sale demonstrates continued strong demand for premium residential property in Paddington, despite the construction project’s contentious beginnings. The suburb, characterised by its hilly terrain and proximity to the Brisbane CBD, has seen increasing interest from buyers seeking luxury homes with city views.
Defending a premiership isn’t a victory lap. It’s more like taking the first carry of the season straight into three defenders — no space, no sympathy, no excuses.
That’s where the Broncos find themselves in 2026.
At the Clive Berghofer Centre in Red Hill, they’re not the hunters anymore. They’re the standard. The premiers. And every side in the competition has circled them on the draw.
There’s reason for confidence — and reason for caution.
After throwing the kitchen sink at Hull KR in the last 20 minutes last week to go down 30-24 in the World Club Challenge but scoring at a point per minute in those last 20, Madge may feel a bit of deja-vous.
This team has required some revving up in the last year, it does not purr like a well tuned engine, it produces large doses of fumes and spits and then powers down the track and sets a new dragster record.
The big names out are real. Selwyn Cobbo’s strike has gone to the Dolphins. Kobe Hetherington’s work rate now belongs to Manly. Martin Taupau’s experience is no longer there when things get tight. Those aren’t small departures.
The ins matter too. Grant Anderson adds reliability and defensive polish. Tom Duffy gives depth in the halves. Aublix Tawha brings size and aggression through the middle. None are headline-grabbing splashes — but premiership sides aren’t built on headlines. They’re built on balance.
This isn’t a rebuild. But it’s not complacency either.
The Broncos enter 2026 as reigning premiers after that hard-earned grand final win over the Melbourne Storm. That title wasn’t flashy. It was disciplined. It was physical. It was controlled by captain Adam Reynolds when the pressure peaked.
As fans, we know this: if the spine fires, Brisbane are dangerous.
Reece Walsh isn’t just electric — he changes defensive structures. Reynolds and Ezra Mam give the side composure and spark in equal measure. When they’re connected, Brisbane can score from anywhere.
Through the middle, Patrick Carrigan remains the defensive heartbeat, while Payne Haas continues to set the benchmark for power and work rate in the engine room. Haas confirmed this week he will join South Sydney ahead of the 2027 season, but for now the focus is firmly on one more campaign in Broncos colours.
If Carrigan and Haas win the ruck, Brisbane win momentum. When they don’t, the edges get exposed. That’s the simple truth.
Head coach Michael Maguire deserves credit for embedding defensive discipline in 2025. But year two is always different. The edge comes from within now, not from proving a point.
Early Tests
Billy Walters’ ACL recovery leaves questions around the hooking rotation early. Brendan Piakura’s Round 3 target return helps, but depth will be tested immediately.
And the 30–24 World Club Challenge loss to Hull KR? That wasn’t catastrophic — but it was instructive. Champions can’t afford to drift out of contests. The defensive standard has to be there from Round 1.
Round 1: No Grace Period
The title defence begins March 6 under lights at Suncorp Stadium against the Penrith Panthers.
That’s not easing into a season. That’s diving straight into it.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said last year there was no better way to open — and he’s right. This is the stage you want as champions.
“There’s no better way to start 2026 than under lights at Suncorp Stadium, in front of our members and fans,” Donaghy said in a club statement last year.
“No one could forget that energy and atmosphere at home against Penrith in the prelim – it was one of those defining Broncos’ moments. To open the new season against Penrith, at home, that’s the kind of stage we want and will set the tone for 2026,” he added.
Penrith arrive with Nathan Cleary cleared to play. They won’t blink. Neither can Brisbane.
Three of the first four at home is an opportunity — but it’s also pressure. If Brisbane start flat, the noise will come quickly.
Projected Round 1 Outlook
Official teams are confirmed during match week, but expect continuity.
Walsh at fullback. Reynolds and Mam steering the attack. Carrigan and Haas setting the tone in the middle. Corey Jensen and Jordan Riki working the edges. Ben Hunt’s versatility stabilising the spine.
The likely bench rotation — Xavier Willison, Ben Talty, Aublix Tawha and Grant Anderson — offers size and adaptability.
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18 • Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18 • Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (St Georges Park – St George Willawong FC – Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1 • St George Willawong 1 | Broadbeach United 5
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1 • Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Walton Bridge Reserve – The Gap FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1 • The Gap FC 0 | Logan Lightning 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1 • Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1 • Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Heath Park – Eastern Suburbs FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3 • Eastern Suburbs 4 | Brisbane City 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3 • Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22 • Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117
Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6 • Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135
Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Wep Harris Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14 • University of Queensland Mens 1st Grade 6-251 | Valley Mens 1st Grade 8-262
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Kerry Emery Oval – One Day) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Women 1st Grade – Round 21 • Sunshine Coast Womens 1st Grade 111 | Valley Womens 1st Grade 9-235
Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14 • Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 6-322 | Western Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 3-324
Two Brisbane Broncos players have thrown their support behind a major fundraising campaign to help a six-year-old Sunshine Coast girl access specialist cancer treatment in the United States.
Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have promoted a GoFundMe appeal for Tessa Perry, who is living with relapsed Stage 4 neuroblastoma.
Diagnosis And Relapse
Tessa, from Palmview on the Sunshine Coast, was first diagnosed in November 2023. She underwent chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants and was later cleared of the disease before the cancer returned at the end of frontline treatment.
Her family has been advised there are no remaining curative options available in Australia.
Tessa has been receiving treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Photo Credit: GoFundMe
$750,000 Goal For Overseas Treatment
The family is now seeking access to specialist treatment in the United States, with the fundraising target set at $750,000. Campaign organisers have called for 75,000 people to contribute $10 each to help reach the target. Donations remain open as the family continues to seek the remaining funds required.
Prize Details For Donors
As part of the awareness campaign, donations of $25 or more are eligible for prize draws promoted by the players.
The highest verified single donation received before 6 p.m. AEST on Sunday, March 1, 2026, will receive a signed pair of game-worn boots, six home game tickets for one match this year and an opportunity to meet some of the team on the day.
Additional prizes include a signed match-worn jersey and a separate four-ticket home game experience with an opportunity to meet some of the team. Winners are scheduled to be announced at 6 p.m. AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026.
A recent update on the fundraising outlined a Make-A-Wish Australia experience for Tessa in South Brisbane, where her request to see snow was recreated locally due to medical travel restrictions.
When Abbey Willcox reports for work at the Brisbane Broncos’ Red Hill headquarters, she is usually coordinating NRL game day logistics. This week, she has been coordinating something very different — her Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026.
After a heavy snowstorm postponed Tuesday night’s qualifying rounds, the Women’s Aerials competition unfolded on Wednesday, February 18, under clear skies, and the Australians made their mark.
Danielle Scott soared straight into the final in second place, while Willcox powered through qualification to secure ninth and a place in the 12-skier final. Sidney Stephens finished 15th on debut, and Airleigh Frigo placed 22nd.
Willcox landed a Back Full-Double Full in Qualification 1, scoring 88.12 to sit eighth. With only the top six progressing automatically, she returned for Qualification 2, but her first score held — locking in ninth overall and progression to the final.
“It was good to finally get out there and compete at the Olympic Games and I was pretty happy with my first jump,” Willcox said.
“[The conditions] are pretty good, not too much wind, and the sun’s out so you can’t really get a better day.”
Reflecting on reaching the final stage, she added:
“It felt so good to be out there [in an Olympic final] and land my jumps as well. It’s a dream come true.
“As soon as I made the Olympic Team, it was like a weight off my shoulders… I feel really happy and proud of myself.”
Back in Brisbane, her Broncos family has been cheering her on. Members of the NRLW squad, including captain Ali Brigginshaw, along with club figures Matt Gillett, Corey Oates and Sam Thaiday, sent her a video message of support ahead of competition. Thaiday told her they had ridden the club’s highs and lows together last season and were ready to ride the Olympic journey with her too.
The 12-skier final will see the top six advance to a Super Final to contest the medals, keeping Willcox in contention.
Tribute To Team Leader Laura Peel
Australia’s aerials campaign has also been shaped by the absence of team leader Laura Peel, who ruptured her ACL at a training camp on February 3 and withdrew on the eve of competition.
Peel, a four-time Olympian and one of Australia’s leading medal hopes heading into Milano Cortina, remained with the team in Livigno to support her teammates.
Willcox paid tribute by writing “Laura” on her glove with a love heart beneath before competition.
“She’s such a special person in our team and I’m just so sad that she’s not out here with us,” Willcox told Australian media after qualifying ninth.
“There’s not much I can do about her ACL, but just show some support,” she added.
Brisbane Base Behind The Breakthrough
Although born on the NSW Central Coast, Willcox’s Olympic preparation has been firmly Brisbane-based. She trains at the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex — the southern hemisphere’s first year-round ski-jumping facility — practising into a large outdoor pool before transitioning to snow overseas.
Her daily routine reflects the balance she has struck between elite sport and full-time work.
“We practice our jumps into a large outdoor pool for two hours,” she said.
“After that I go to the gym or do some trampoline practice for another two hours.
“Once training is finished, I jump in the car and drive to Red Hill to start work around 12:30pm.”
Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos
Her workday often runs until 6pm, sometimes followed by further training.
“Then I do it all again the next day,” she said.
That persistence follows years of setbacks — including a broken leg and missing selection for the 2022 Games — before finally earning her Olympic call-up earlier this month.
“It was 10 years in the making, if not my whole life in the making,” she said.
Stephens And Frigo Complete Their Campaigns
Stephens, called up late following Peel’s injury, performed a Back-Lay-Full (75.11) and Back-Lay-Tuck (73.84) to finish 15th.
“I’m super stoked… I’m just really proud of the effort I did today,” Stephens said.
“It’s a great experience… I think it was really cool to see I could handle that.”
Frigo attempted a Back Full-Full and a Back-Double Full-Full but was unable to cleanly land either jump, scoring 55.75 and 60.27 to place 22nd.
“I’m really proud to be here right now. It wasn’t quite the performance I wanted, but I’m here… and I gave it my all,” Frigo said.
At this stage of the competition, Scott and Willcox advance to the final, while Stephens and Frigo conclude their individual campaigns in qualification — a strong Australian showing built on depth, resilience and team unity under pressure in Italy.
A 23-storey residential tower known as Bloom has been proposed for a riverfront corner in Auchenflower, with an impact assessable development application now lodged.
The proposal relates to land at 355 Coronation Drive and 6 Lang Parade, Auchenflower. It seeks approval for a material change of use for multiple dwellings and to carry out building work, including work assessed within the Flood Overlay.
The application is listed as A006954430 and is currently marked as in progress. As an impact assessable proposal, it is subject to public notification under the assessment process.
Photo Credit: DA/A006954430
Project Details In Auchenflower
Plans describe a 23-storey tower reaching about 83.6 metres on a site of roughly 1,430 square metres at a bend of the Brisbane River. The location fronts Coronation Drive and Lang Parade, sits beside the Bicentennial Bikeway and is within walking distance of the Milton ferry terminal.
The proposal includes 90 apartments, comprising 36 two-bedroom and 54 three-bedroom units. Parking is planned across four basement levels with about 158 resident spaces and 14 visitor spaces, alongside bicycle parking for residents and visitors.
Rooftop communal facilities are proposed, including a 25-metre lap pool, hot and cold spas, barbecue area, private dining room, cinema, sauna, steam room and landscaped seating areas.
Photo Credit: DA/A006954430
Design And Public Realm
Project material describes a design approach featuring curved balcony edges, layered façades and planting integrated across the building. Publicly accessible landscaped areas are proposed at ground level, including a corner garden and elements intended to improve cycle connectivity to the Bicentennial Bikeway.
No retail component is proposed.
Photo Credit: DA/A006954430
Site Background And Assessment Status
If approved, the development would replace an existing three-storey unit block and a single-level dwelling.
The application was submitted on 6 February 2026 and remains under assessment. Submissions can be made during the public notification period for impact assessable applications, in line with Council requirements.
