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

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

Inside The Queensland Academy Of Creative Industries Community

Queensland Academy of Creative Industries sits in the centre of Kelvin Grove and accepts students from across Queensland who want a mix of creative learning and an academically demanding program. The school operates as a selective, state-funded campus that serves students from Year 10 to Year 12.

Campus And Community Culture

The school promotes a close community where students support one another. Staff describe teamwork as a central value across the campus. Student-created artwork fills hallways, and the school includes theatre facilities, a dance studio, design rooms with 3D printers and production booths.

Students produce visual pieces for the school environment, including the Blue Goose tuckshop branding. The goose theme appears throughout the campus and represents collective effort. Lockers are used without locks because students are expected to respect one another’s belongings.

Academic Program And The IB Structure

Queensland Academy of Creative Industries delivers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program across Years 11 and 12. The program includes Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and the Creativity, Activity and Service requirement.

Staff say the IB structure supports students in independent research and study. Many subjects operate at a high level equal to first year university courses. The school states that this prepares students for the expectations of higher education.

Entry, Diversity And Student Pathways

Entry begins in Year 10 and is based on applications from families across the state. The school evaluates each application to identify students who fit its learning environment and expectations. Enrolment sits at more than 480 students, with girls making up most of the cohort. Queensland Academy of Creative Industries also accepts a small number of international students.

Students choose the school for its subjects in dance, music, theatre, visual arts and film, while others combine creative subjects with science pathways. Past students have moved into university study in Australia and overseas. A smaller number work in creative fields including music and film.

Costs And Access For Families

The school does not charge tuition because it is part of the state system. Families pay for equipment such as laptops, textbooks and calculators, costing about $850 in the first year.

They also pay the International Baccalaureate fee for the two-year program, which was $2571 in 2025. The school’s Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage value places about half of the student population in the higher quarter of socio-educational advantage nationally.

Published 12-November-2025

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

Brisbane’s most famous sporting pub, the Caxton Hotel, has a new owner. After nearly three decades under the stewardship of the Farquhar family, the historic Petrie Terrace venue has been sold in an approximately $50 million deal backed by Sydney Roosters chairman and NSW billionaire, Nick Politis.

Read: ARLC Buys Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace

The Caxton Hotel: A Brisbane Institution

The Caxton Hotel has been closely linked to Brisbane’s sporting and social events for more than a century. Originally established in 1864 and rebuilt in 1884 following a fire, the venue has stood on Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace for more than 150 years.

Photo credit: The Caxton Hotel/Google Maps

Its proximity to Suncorp Stadium (formerly Lang Park) has made it the go‑to spot for pre‑ and post‑match gatherings across sporting codes, especially rugby league. The nearby ‘running of the buses’ tradition during State of Origin sees team buses travel down Caxton Street, just metres from the venue.

Caxton Hotel — Photo credit: Michael Copland/Google Maps

Under the Farquhar family, who owned the pub for nearly 30 years, the Caxton evolved into a multi‑faceted hospitality hub. Their management introduced tiers of offering including the Char Grill & Terrace Bar, the Cauldron Bar, gaming facilities, function spaces and live entertainment areas. In 2023 the Farquhar brothers were inducted into the AHA National Hall of Fame in recognition of their contribution to Queensland’s hospitality sector.

The venue is large‑scale, with multiple bars and external space allowing it to host thousands of patrons. It has been reported to handle up to 3,000 guests across its bars and car‑park areas. The site has been described as the unofficial headquarters for sporting celebrations in Brisbane.

A New Chapter: Nick Politis and SEQ Hospitality

Nick Politis (Photo credit: roosters.com.au)

The sale of the Caxton Hotel was conducted off‑market and negotiated by Leon Alaban and Drew Mitchell of Savills Australia and New Zealand. Politis’ company, SEQ Hospitality Group, in which he holds a controlling interest via Eumundi Group, is adding the Caxton to its growing southeast Queensland portfolio of hotels and hospitality assets. Already the group owns a number of venues including the Treetops Tavern, the Ashmore Tavern and the Queens Arms Hotel in New Farm.

For Politis, whose net worth is estimated in the multiple billions, this purchase adds to his interests in sport, real‑estate and hospitality. The acquisition places him in direct competition with nearby NRL‑owned venues, such as the Beetson Hotel (formerly the Gambaro Hotel), which has been transformed into a sports‑bar experience by the ARL Commission.

Although based in Sydney, Politis has long‑standing ties to Queensland, and the acquisition continues the venue’s strong connection to the rugby‑league community. With SEQ Hospitality overseeing operations, the Caxton Hotel is set to continue its longstanding role as a landmark in Brisbane’s cultural and sporting landscape.

Read: Magic Round Brings a Buzz to Caxton Street

Looking Ahead

With the transaction finalised, fans in Brisbane can expect the Caxton Hotel to remain a major destination for sport, entertainment and community gatherings. Its long history, combined with new ownership and management, positions it to stay an important hub for generations of supporters.

Published 10-November-2025

Red Hill Wine Store Leads Charge in Changing How Brisbane Drinks

Photo Credit: Craft Wine Store

A humble Red Hill wine store sparked a quiet revolution across Brisbane, creating a new wave of independent shops focused on teaching curious locals how to drink better.

A New Way to Buy

For years, buying alcohol in Brisbane was a predictable trip under fluorescent lights, facing walls of familiar labels. But a change has been brewing, starting in the suburbs. A new generation of independent bottle shops is offering a different experience, one that feels more like visiting a bookshop than a supermarket. These spaces are warm, human-scale, and designed to encourage browsing and conversation.

This shift was pioneered by Craft Wine Store, which began in Red Hill in 2012. Its founders, Tony and Tanya Harper, had spent decades in hospitality and wanted to offer something different. They set a clear rule: if a wine was advertised in major chain catalogues, they would not stock it. Tanya Harper explained that they were reacting against a retail scene where hundreds of shops all sold the same few brands. They wanted to provide something more interesting.

Community Hubs, Not Just Shops

That “bookshop” philosophy is now common across Brisbane’s independent scene. These shops are not just places to buy alcohol; they are becoming community gathering points. Dan Wilson brought this idea to his LPO Neighbourhood Wine Store in Tarragindi. After running restaurants in London, he returned to Brisbane wanting to create a local hub, similar to places where he had built community overseas.

His shop, which started in March 2025 in a former post office, keeps eight to 12 bottles open for tasting every day. This approach blurs the line between a retail space and a bar. Wilson said the wines are there for education, conversation, and the joy a new experience can bring. This model is made possible by a newer Queensland wine merchant licence, which allows small businesses to host tastings and let customers linger, moving away from a simple transaction.

Learning in the Glass

This new model is heavily focused on education. Wineism, which began in late 2021 in Albion, operates as both a bar and a bottle shop. Co-owner Ian Trinkle, a former sommelier, uses his background to make wine less mysterious. He believes people have good palates but often lack the specific vocabulary.

Before starting Wineism, Trinkle was already teaching formal WSET wine courses. He continues that educational approach in the shop, whether a customer is asking about a bottle at the bar or signing up for a class. He noted there is a huge appetite for education, pointing to the high volume of enquiries he gets weekly. At the original Craft store in Red Hill, education is more casual. Its weekly tastings have become a neighbourhood event, described by Harper as equal parts socialising and learning, full of chatter and familiar faces.

A Thirst for Something New

These shops assume their customers are curious, not just thirsty. By hosting free weekly tastings of wine, spirits, and beer, shops like Cru Bar & Cellar, The Reserve Cellar, and The Wine Emporium are helping expand palates across the city. They also give small producers a chance to reach customers who would otherwise never find them.

Tanya Harper observed how much tastes have evolved, noting that a gin once considered “premium” 15 years ago now sits among hundreds of local options. She stated that independent shops exist to fulfil a thirst they helped create. As people grew bored with big, familiar brands, these stores were ready to offer them a different, more interesting experience. In a market long shaped by supermarkets, each new independent shop represents a win for discovery and community.

Published Date 07-November-2025

Rightsizing, Not Downsizing: Finding More Life in Just the Right Space at Somerset Indooroopilly

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

With average life expectancy now stretching into the mid-80s, many Australians are realising that the family home—once a symbol of success—can quietly become a source of work and worry.

Nearly three-quarters of over-75s still live in houses larger than they need, while about 30 per cent are considering a move that fits their lifestyle today rather than the one they built decades ago.

Those themes will be be at the heart of Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025, where locals can hear about Somerset Indooroopilly—a new village that allows locals to downsize in the area they know and love.

Set beside the Indooroopilly Golf Club, Somerset is a series of light-filled apartments around shared gardens, terraces and a café rather than cul-de-sacs and fences. The aim is to make life simpler without making it smaller.

Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Woollam Constructions, the whole complex is shaped around the concept of rightsizing: a lifestyle that trades maintenance for meaning, routine for connection, and isolation for ease.

The shift speaks to a broader cultural change. Retirement communities are no longer seen as endpoints but as extensions of an active life. Research shows residents in such settings are physically healthier, more socially engaged and report higher overall happiness than those ageing alone. It’s less about giving things up than gaining back time—the chance to travel, volunteer or just enjoy an unhurried morning coffee.

Source: Meaningful Aging Australia infographic

Research shows that residents of well-designed retirement villages are more active, more socially engaged and less likely to need hospital care than peers who continue living alone.

People living in retirement communities can experience a reduction in patterns of hospitalisations, have the potential to reduced need for GP visits, and can stay healthy living independently.
RLC Report Better Housing for Better Health

Increasingly, people are choosing communities that give them freedom and flexibility, not just a smaller footprint. In practice, that means more time spent walking, reading, travelling—or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends—without the endless to-do list that comes with a large property.

At Somerset, that philosophy is built into everyday life, capturing that balance through thoughtful design. Apartments open onto gardens and shared terraces; the café hums with conversation; and facilities like the pool, gym, and library encourage activity without pressure.

Each home includes a 24-hour monitored EEVI system for peace of mind, while a Village Manager and Wellness Advisor ensure help is close by but never intrusive. “Knowing the place is managed, looked after and secure—that’s a big factor,” one resident said. “It’s lovely knowing you’re in a safe area, surrounded by good people.”

The community is pet-friendly, the gardens maintained, and the atmosphere quietly sociable. “Moving here gave me freedom,” said another resident. “I can just close the door and go.”

For many, that’s the essence of rightsizing—choosing a space that fits this stage of life as comfortably as the last one did. “When you make the choice sooner rather than later, you give yourself the gift of freedom and the chance to enjoy more of what matters,” Aura Director Mark Taylor said at a recent Somerset event.

Pictured (L-R) Somerset Residents: Elsie, Ross, Elaine and Iris Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

And for anyone curious, participating in Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025 offers the simplest introduction: a walk through the gardens, a cup of coffee, and a conversation about how less maintenance can make room for more living.

Aura Holdings is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News

Published 6-November-2025

Volunteers Curate Healing Art Collection at The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower

Photo Credit: The Wesley Hospital/Facebook

The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower continues to strengthen its commitment to patient wellbeing through a volunteer-led art collection featuring more than a thousand donated works.

A Legacy of Healing Through Art

The Wesley Hospital’s art program traces back to the 1990s when volunteers began curating donated artworks to create a calm and uplifting environment for patients, visitors, and staff. In December 2022, volunteers displayed a summer-themed exhibition by Sunshine Coast artist Tony Coles titled A Time to Reset, encouraging reflection and relaxation during the festive season.

hospital art program — Photo Credit: The Wesley Hospital/Facebook

Expanding the Collection and Volunteer Efforts

By 2025, the hospital’s collection had grown to include more than 1,000 paintings, prints, photographs, and drawings contributed by international, Australian, and Indigenous artists. Volunteers Caroline McCormack and Kathy Praine have taken key roles in rotating and maintaining the collection across wards and corridors, supported by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Their work ensures that new artworks are regularly displayed, fostering an atmosphere that complements the hospital’s holistic approach to care. In 2025, Darryl, a new volunteer and former diversional therapist, joined the curation team to assist with cataloguing and preserving the growing collection.

Photo Credit: The Wesley Hospital/Facebook

Community Contributions Enhance the Program

The collection also reflects the generosity of patients, staff, and local artists. In 2024, artist and former patient Glenise Clelland donated paintings inspired by her travels in Italy to help brighten patients’ days. Palliative Care doctor and photographer Dr Ralph McConaghy donated nature photographs captured in Iceland, New Zealand, Tasmania, and Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, bringing touches of natural beauty to the hospital’s Palliative Care Ward.

Art as a Form of Care

The Wesley Hospital’s art program represents more than decoration — it symbolises connection, creativity, and care. Through the combined efforts of volunteers and donors, the Auchenflower hospital continues to use art as a tool for comfort, reflection, and healing for all who walk its halls.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Aware Real Estate Confirms Purchase of The Barracks in Petrie Terrace

Photo Credit: The Barracks/Facebook

Aware Real Estate has acquired The Barracks in Petrie Terrace for about $150 million, with plans to activate new leasing and upgrade facilities across the mixed-use precinct.

Background and Site History

The Barracks at 61 Petrie Terrace was developed in 2008 by Property Solutions with QM Properties. The 1.09-hectare site integrates three heritage-listed buildings with a modern A-grade office tower and retail spaces, totalling 19,433sq m across five buildings. It includes 10,393sq m of office space, 9040sq m of retail tenancies and 451 car bays.

The precinct was acquired in 2018 for $162.32 million by Fortius Brisbane Barracks Trust, an unlisted single-asset vehicle.

Details of the 2025 Acquisition

On 30 and 31 October 2025, Aware Real Estate exchanged contracts to purchase full freehold ownership of The Barracks for approximately $150 million. The sale was managed by JLL and CBRE. Navigator Property Group advised Aware Real Estate during the transaction and will continue to work with the group on long-term asset planning.

Planned Upgrades and Leasing Activation

Aware Real Estate has outlined several value-creation strategies for the precinct. These include activating vacant food and beverage tenancies, improving the presentation of the centre and undertaking upgrades to the office buildings. The group is also preparing for a future relaunch of the precinct once key works are completed.

Market Factors Influencing the Purchase

The purchase aligns with Aware Real Estate’s broader Queensland expansion, following its acquisition of 145 Ann Street for $215.5 million. The group noted strong performance in Brisbane across office, retail and industrial assets.

Nearby development activity includes new residential, build-to-rent and student accommodation projects. Aware Real Estate also expects long-term uplift from infrastructure linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Barracks Petrie Terrace — Photo Credit: The Barracks/Facebook

Environmental Credentials

The Barracks holds 6-Star NABERS Energy and Water ratings across both modern and heritage office buildings. A rooftop solar installation of about 335kW supports peak load reduction across the precinct.

Next Steps For The Precinct

The group plans to improve retail activation and building performance before relaunching the precinct. Upgrades are expected to enhance the role of The Barracks as a mixed-use destination in Petrie Terrace.

Published 4-Nov-2025