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Bluey Video Game Released by Red Hill’s Halfbrick Studios

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

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

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

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

It’s Not You, It’s the Car Park: Why Parking in Paddington and Red Hill Is a Nightmare

Anyone who has held their breath while navigating Red Hill’s steep pharmacy car park or squeezing into a tiny spot at Paddington Woolworths can finally feel validated, as the real culprits behind the chaos are shown to be restrictive regulations and challenging terrain.

Community Frustration Proven Right

A long-simmering debate among Brisbane residents about the city’s worst car parks has finally found solid ground. While drivers have pointed fingers at numerous locations for years, data shows the issue in suburbs like Paddington and Red Hill isn’t driver error.

In the 2023-24 financial year, neither suburb ranked among the city’s top ten for parking fines. This fact validates the community’s belief that the problem is a genuine, verifiable scarcity of parking, not a culture of breaking rules. The frustration felt by countless motorists is, it turns out, a planned outcome of geography and regulation.

This official data gives weight to a wave of recent online discussions where residents shared their daily parking struggles. The conversation named dozens of difficult spots across the city, from the “deadly” Officeworks at Woolloongabba to the perpetually congested Market Square in Sunnybank. However, the complaints consistently returned to two inner-city suburbs known for their unique challenges.

Inside the Problem Zones

The experiences of local drivers paint a vivid picture of the daily struggle. Shoppers frequently describe the Woolworths in Paddington as having awkwardly tight spaces that make parking a challenge for even the most confident driver. For many, a simple trip for groceries becomes a test of patience and precision.

Nearby in Red Hill, the Day & Night Pharmacy car park has earned a reputation for being daunting and is known by the nickname “Red Hill Rollercoaster.” Residents describe navigating its “terrifying” steep angles as a nerve-wracking experience, with some admitting the steep slope gives them nightmares, particularly for those driving a manual car. These specific examples have become symbols of a much larger issue felt across the community.

How Policy Shapes the Problem

The reasons behind these parking black spots go beyond just poor layout. Official council policy plays a major role. Paddington, for instance, is part of the Lang Park Traffic Area. On days when Suncorp Stadium hosts an event, on-street parking for visitors is restricted to just 15 minutes, effectively choking off supply and pushing cars into already stressed local car parks.

In Red Hill, the difficulty of creating parking is so well-understood that the Brisbane City Council made a significant policy change in early 2024. The council removed the requirement for new apartment buildings in the area to provide a minimum number of car spaces. This move, aimed at making it easier to build new housing, serves as a direct acknowledgement from officials that providing adequate parking in the hilly suburb is exceptionally difficult and expensive. Together, these factors confirm that the parking headaches in Paddington and Red Hill are built into the very fabric of the suburbs.

Published Date 31-August-2025. Updated 8-October-2025

Broncos Legends Meet Young Cancer Battler in Red Hill

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Nine-year-old Myah McGuigan, who has been battling a rare form of ovarian cancer, met Brisbane Broncos legends Sam Thaiday and Corey Oates at the team’s training centre in Red Hill, where the visit marked the end of her treatment and celebrated her strength through illness.

Visit at Red Hill

The visit took place as the Broncos prepared for their preliminary final against Penrith, providing both players and staff with a morale boost ahead of the game. Myah was welcomed to the training centre by Thaiday and Oates, who spent time with her during a team walk-around and training session. Her father, David McGuigan, described the day as symbolic of her recovery and an opportunity to celebrate how far she had come.

Thaiday and Oates acknowledged Myah’s courage, noting how her story inspired those around her. The event served as a positive moment for both the family and the team, with the players drawing strength from her determination.

Broncos legends Red Hill — Photo Credit: GoFundMe

From Diagnosis to Recovery

Earlier in 2025, Myah was diagnosed with an ovarian germ cell tumour after her parents noticed she had lost her appetite and was feeling unwell. Tests revealed a tumour measuring about 15 centimetres by 8 centimetres, prompting immediate chemotherapy at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.

Within a week of diagnosis, she began treatment, which successfully reduced the tumour’s size and allowed doctors to remove it surgically along with one ovary. Her family has since discussed fertility options with specialists. As of 30 July 2025, Myah was preparing for her final round of chemotherapy, and by late September, the Red Hill visit signified the conclusion of her treatment.

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Fundraising for Sick Kids

During her hospital stay, Myah drew inspiration from the “prize trolley” — a cart filled with donated toys given to children after difficult treatments. Wanting to help others, she launched a lemonade stall fundraiser and a GoFundMe campaign on 30 July 2025 to stock the hospital’s trolley with toys, books and crafts.

Family friends Sophie and Josh Burnett helped organise the fundraiser, with proceeds directed towards children undergoing chemotherapy at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Any additional items are donated to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Community Support

The Brisbane community rallied around Myah’s cause, with support flowing in from neighbours, friends and schoolmates. The campaign has raised $28,013 AUD from 189 donations, surpassing its original $20,000 goal.

Myah continues to raise awareness and funds for young patients while transitioning into her recovery phase. The meeting in Red Hill not only celebrated the end of her treatment but also highlighted her mission to bring comfort to others facing similar challenges.

Published 1-Oct-2025

Fierce Bidding War Drives Red Hill Townhouse $300K Above Previous Sales

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

A modest two-bedroom townhouse in Red Hill has become the centre of an intense bidding battle, ultimately selling for $1.255 million in what local agents are calling a remarkable demonstration of buyer demand in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

The Arthur Terrace property drew an impressive crowd of 70 onlookers and 14 registered bidders to its weekend auction, highlighting the continued strength of Brisbane’s townhouse market. The sale comes as Brisbane unit prices have risen significantly, jumping from $450,000 in 2021 to $688,000 recently, with the national median for units and townhouses now sitting at $695,440.

Ray White Paddington’s Judi O’Dea, who handled the sale, said the level of interest was extraordinary. Pre-auction offers had already exceeded $1 million, well above the $940,000 achieved by the last townhouse sale in the same complex.

The auction opened at $800,000, but excitement peaked quickly when the second bid jumped dramatically to $1.1 million – immediately surpassing the $1.075 million reserve and leaving only two serious contenders in the race.

What followed was a spirited contest between an interstate buyer calling in from Sydney and a local purchaser from Chelmer. Over approximately 20 bids, the price climbed steadily until the Chelmer buyer secured the keys at $1.255 million.

The successful purchaser, a woman planning to occupy the property herself, has big plans for her new home. She’s considering installing a pool in the courtyard and other upgrades to make the most of the inner-city lifestyle the townhouse offers.

For the vendors, the sale represents a life-changing opportunity. The couple, who had been renting after moving out of the townhouse due to their growing family’s space needs, will use the proceeds to purchase a larger family home with a significantly increased budget.

The remarkable sale price – more than $300,000 above recent comparable sales – reflects broader trends in Brisbane’s property market. Red Hill has experienced strong capital growth, with some data showing annual growth rates of nearly 17%, making it one of Brisbane’s most sought-after inner suburbs.

O’Dea noted that first-home buyers are particularly drawn to townhouse living, appreciating the balance between affordability and lifestyle that these properties offer compared to standalone houses in the same area.

The Arthur Terrace complex is increasingly attracting owner-occupiers rather than investors, with many new residents choosing to renovate and upgrade their properties to create their ideal inner-city homes.

The strong result demonstrates the continued appeal of Red Hill’s lifestyle offering, with its proximity to the city centre and established amenities continuing to drive buyer demand even in a challenging economic environment.

Published 1-September-2025

Broncos Legend Renouf Penalised After Red Hill Drink Driving Incident

Photo Credit: National Rugby League

Steve Renouf, a prominent figure in Brisbane rugby league, has faced consequences after being caught drink driving in our local Red Hill neighbourhood earlier this month.

Former Brisbane Broncos centre, 55, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop in Red Hill on the evening of 1 July.

According to court proceedings, Renouf was returning home from socialising at a Paddington licensed venue when police conducted a random breath test at approximately 11pm. Officers immediately detected signs of intoxication, with Renouf appearing unsteady and having difficulty speaking clearly.

The situation became complicated when Renouf attempted to leave the scene after providing an initial positive breath test result. Police placed him in custody and transported him to the watch house, where further testing revealed a blood alcohol reading of 0.197 per cent – nearly four times the legal limit.

Defence lawyer Angelo Venardos explained to the court that his client had been experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode at the time, related to his Type 1 diabetes condition. Venardos noted that police recognised Renouf’s medical situation and provided appropriate assistance, including glucose supplies whilst he was in custody.

The former footballer, known by his playing nickname “The Pearl,” enjoyed a stellar career with the Broncos. He finished his career with a club record 142 tries in 183 games and was a four-time premiership winner in 1992, 1993, 1997 and 1998, according to the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.

Magistrate proceedings included character references from several prominent figures, including NRL coach Wayne Bennett. Venardos emphasised Renouf’s integrity and community standing, describing him as someone who had undertaken serious reflection about his actions.

The court heard that Renouf had no prior traffic offences and had voluntarily completed a traffic offending programme following the incident. Magistrate imposed a $1,200 fine and an 11-month driving disqualification, though no conviction was recorded.

Following his court appearance, Renouf acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility for his actions. He recognised his role model status within the community and apologised to anyone who may have been disappointed by his behaviour.

The incident has had professional consequences, with Queensland Health confirming that Renouf has resigned from his position on the North West Hospital and Health Service Board.

Renouf expressed gratitude to police for their professional handling of his medical situation during the arrest and emphasised that such behaviour would not occur again.

Published 16-July-2025