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Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm to Host S2O Festival

The Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm will host Brisbane’s first-ever S2O Festival next year, bringing the internationally recognised water-soaked music event to Australian shores. Scheduled for 28 February 2026, the festival combines electronic dance music (EDM) with interactive water experiences for attendees.

Read: Redevelopment Aims to Preserve Heritage of Paddock and Members Stands at Eagle Farm Racecourse

S2O Festival began in Bangkok in 2015 as part of the Songkran celebration, and has since expanded internationally. The festival combines water activities, high-powered water cannons, and visual production with performances from top-tier DJs. Following successful editions in New York and Los Angeles, S2O Australia marks the festival’s first edition in the country.

Festival organisers have emphasised that the event is designed as a full sensory experience, combining music, water, and production elements. Simon Coyle, a partner of S2O Australia, said the festival would bring “water, music, community, energy and production all rolled into one.” The Royal Queensland Golf Club’s open-air setting, just outside Fortitude Valley, will host multiple stages, water activities, and visual production for the festival. Attendees will also have access to chill-out areas, dry zones, food vendors, market stalls, and on-site changing facilities.

Talents Performing at S2O Australia

Photo credit: Facebook/S2O Australia Songkran Music Festival

The festival’s lineup features international and Australian DJs. Headlining is UK house DJ James Hype, known for his energetic mash-up-driven sets. Brazilian DJ Alok will bring his bass-heavy productions and crossover anthems, while UK singer and performer Becky Hill will contribute live vocals to the electronic music performances.

Becky Hill (Photo credit: s2oaustralia.com)

Australian DJ Will Sparks will showcase his Melbourne Bounce style. Supporting acts include Marie Vaunt, Lance Savali, and Tita Lau, each bringing their own styles to the festival’s music programming.

Festival Experience

S2O Festival — Photo credit: Facebook/S2O Australia Songkran Music Festival

Beyond the music, S2O Australia will feature interactive splash zones, water cannon moments, pyrotechnics, and visual production. The festival is designed to provide attendees with a combination of music and water-based activities, creating a unique experience for EDM fans and those seeking a new type of festival event.

Read: New Shared Path to Connect Eagle Farm to Brisbane Airport

Tickets and Access

Tickets for S2O Australia go on general sale at 9:00 a.m. on 9 October via MegaTix. The festival brings together international headliners, local talent, and water-based entertainment for the first time in Australia, offering a distinctive addition to Brisbane’s summer music calendar.

Published 7-November-2025

Landers Pocket to Open Near Brisbane Airport, Bringing Food, Sport, and Entertainment Together

Brisbane Airport is about to welcome a new neighbour that aims to transform the area from a travel hub into a destination in its own right. Landers Pocket, a 16-hectare lifestyle and entertainment precinct, is scheduled to open in November 2025.

Read: New Shared Path to Connect Eagle Farm to Brisbane Airport

Situated a short distance from the airport and DFO Brisbane, Landers Pocket brings together sport, dining and leisure in one large development. It has been described by its developers and hospitality partners as the biggest entertainment precinct to open in Queensland since Howard Smith Wharves, covering an area roughly four times the size of the popular waterfront venue.

The precinct’s anchor tenant will be 4 Pines Brewing Co., which is opening an 800-seat brewery, distillery and gastropub. The venue will include 32 draught taps pouring the company’s core range and limited-release beers brewed on site. The kitchen will offer a menu highlighting local produce and seafood, with food and drinks served across an indoor dining space and a large alfresco beer garden.

Landers Pocket will also include a distillery from Never Never Distilling Co., the South Australian gin producer known for its award-winning spirits. The distillery will craft products on site and form part of the precinct’s dining and beverage experience.

The new development will incorporate the existing Golf Central, located near Brisbane Airport. Golf Central will continue to operate within the precinct, adding new facilities such as party driving bays, a redesigned mini golf course and a high-performance training area for players seeking advanced coaching.

According to project information, Landers Pocket is being designed as a destination that caters to a wide range of visitors, including families, corporate groups and travellers. The venue will be accessible by car and is supported by a large parking area.

Plans for the next stage of the development include a 3,000-person amphitheatre for concerts and major events, along with a 1,000-person lawn designed for festivals, pop-up markets and community activities. These future additions are intended to expand Landers Pocket’s role as a venue for cultural and social gatherings in Brisbane’s north.

Read: Brisbane Airport Takes Flight with $50 Million Australia Post Facility

Developers and operators describe Landers Pocket as a space that celebrates award-winning beer and gin, contemporary golf experiences and elevated dining in a relaxed Queensland setting. The opening marks the beginning of what is expected to become a new chapter in Brisbane’s hospitality and recreation landscape.

Landers Pocket will officially open in early November 2025 near Brisbane Airport.

Published 1-November-2025

Luxury Necklace Among Hundreds of Lost Items Up for Auction at Brisbane Airport

A glittering 18-carat gold and diamond Bvlgari necklace has become the highlight of Brisbane Airport’s annual lost property auction, where hundreds of forgotten items are being sold to raise money for Queensland children’s charities.

Read: Landers Pocket to Open Near Brisbane Airport, Bringing Food, Sport, and Entertainment Together

The luxury piece, officially listed as the Bvlgari 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pendant Chain Necklace, is currently attracting strong attention from bidders, with a current bid of $8,800 on Lloyds Auctions as of this week. Valued at more than $11,000, it sits at the top of a catalogue featuring over 800 unclaimed items left behind by travellers at Brisbane Airport over the past year.

Hosted online by Lloyds Auctions, the event has become a fixture on Brisbane’s community calendar. With starting bids as low as one dollar, it offers locals and collectors the chance to secure everything from designer handbags and laptops to surfboards, guitars, golf clubs and aviation memorabilia.

Each year, airport staff catalogue thousands of lost items left in terminals, lounges and aircraft cabins. While many are reunited with their owners, a significant number remain unclaimed. After being held for at least three months, these items are passed to Lloyds Auctions, with all proceeds donated to Queensland-based children’s charities.

Last year’s sale raised about $90,000, and this year’s larger collection is expected to surpass that figure. The auction also coincides with Brisbane Airport’s centenary, marking 100 years since its beginnings as a key transport hub for the state.

Among the more unusual listings are decommissioned aircraft seats, aviation signage and pilot uniforms, alongside more familiar travel leftovers such as cameras, watches and tech accessories. The variety of items reflects the scale of an airport that serves tens of thousands of passengers every day, where the rush of travel often leads to misplaced belongings.

For residents of Ascot, Hamilton and nearby suburbs, the airport precinct feels like an extension of their own neighbourhood. The annual auction offers a local glimpse into the stories of travellers passing through — a mix of luxury, loss and rediscovery that ultimately supports community causes.

Beyond the sparkle of the Bvlgari necklace lies a deeper story of shared benefit. What begins as someone’s lost possession transforms into support for children’s programs across Queensland, turning misplaced items into meaningful contributions.

The online auction is open now and closes on Sunday, 2 November. All items, including the sought-after Bvlgari necklace, can be viewed and bid on through the Lloyds Auctions website.

Read: Hands-On Training Takes Flight with Qantas 717 at Brisbane Airport

Whether you’re searching for a luxury find, a piece of aviation history or simply a chance to support a good cause, Brisbane Airport’s lost property auction proves that even forgotten things can find new purpose close to home.

Published 30-October-2025

Hendra Residents ‘Priced Out’ of Legal Fight Against McDonald’s

Photo Credit: DA A006543699

A Hendra community group has been forced to abandon its legal challenge against a new McDonald’s drive-through on Nudgee Rd, stating the overwhelming cost of a court battle against the multinational corporation made their fight impossible to continue.

Community Abandons Appeal

The group, Hendra Locals Against McDonald’s (HLAM), recently dropped its Planning and Environment Court appeal over the restaurant proposed for 330 Nudgee Rd.

A spokesman for the group, Bill Moore, said it should not be up to local “mums and dads” to find money for expensive legal battles during an affordability crisis. He expressed frustration that residents had to withdraw their appeal in August after lodging it in March, simply because they ran out of money.

Mr Moore suggested the case shows the need for an independent planning tribunal, similar to one used in Sydney. He argued that local councils often lack the financial and human resources to fight large corporations and that new exclusion zones are needed to protect communities.

‘Unrealistic’ Traffic Claims at Centre of Dispute

The residents’ core concern centred on traffic safety, specifically the risk of cars queuing on Gerler Rd and backing up onto the busy Nudgee Rd intersection.

The developer’s application included a traffic report claiming the drive-through would be highly efficient, assuming an average service time of just 25 seconds per vehicle. This, the report claimed, would allow for 144 vehicles an hour and prevent queuing, noting the site has space for 13 cars.

However, Mr Moore challenged this figure as unrealistic. He said he timed patrons at the nearby Albion McDonald’s during an evening peak period and found the actual time from ordering to exiting was closer to 2.5 minutes. He noted that US studies put average wait times at four minutes.

The article noted that the developer’s traffic report conceded the data was “provided by the client” and was based on a desktop investigation conducted in January of last year.

Council Approved Scaled-Down Plan

The council approved the project in January despite receiving 436 formal objections from the community. Residents believe this decision set a dangerous precedent, fearing it could allow more fast-food outlets to be built in residential zones.

According to town planners for the site’s owner, the 2120-square-metre property had been used for non-residential businesses, such as a car rental storage area, since the 1960s.

The developer’s initial proposal in July 2022 was for a full-scale restaurant. After meetings with the council, the owner agreed to scale back the project. The approved plan is for a drive-through-only facility on one lot, which is about 65 per cent of the standard restaurant size, and has all vehicle access limited to Gerler Rd.

Published Date 30-October-2025

Brisbane Student Names Construction Crane At Bernborough Ascot Retirement Project

Bernborough Ascot in Brisbane has given a Macgregor State High School student the opportunity to name the construction crane that will help build Magnolia House, the development’s third building.

Community-led Recognition

The crane will arrive on site in November to support construction of Magnolia House. It is part of Queensland’s first vertical retirement village beside the Doomben racecourse. The naming was organised through the national Girls in Property program run by the Property Council of Australia. The program introduces young women to real career pathways in the property and construction sector.

Macgregor State High School student Zainabu Abdulganiu was selected as the winner, submitting the name Eternal Stable. She said the choice reflected long-lasting strength, balance and a connection to the location’s history. The development team said the name aligns with Bernborough Ascot’s position beside Doomben racecourse and its status as a vertical retirement village built within a racing precinct.

Girls In Property Program Impact

Nationally, the Girls in Property program is in its seventh year and has reached more than 600 students from 25 schools. In Queensland, the program is in its eighth year. It involves workshops, site tours and mentorship to help students understand the career paths that exist within the property industry.

Program leaders said it aims to broaden students’ understanding of who can work in the sector. In Queensland, four Brisbane schools and eight Townsville schools are participating in 2025.

Magnolia House Development

Magnolia House will include two- and three-bedroom apartments, three penthouses and a rooftop dining and alfresco space overlooking the racetrack. Construction is underway and sales are expected to open soon, with the first residents planned to move in from late 2027.

The development is being delivered by Keyton, which operates more than 75 retirement villages nationally and houses around 17,000 residents.

Connection Beyond Construction

Members of Keyton’s development team said involving students in real project decisions is a practical way to help young women see a place for themselves in the industry.

They said the crane naming gives students a visible contribution to a project that will soon become a home for older residents. Program organisers describe the initiative as a meaningful way to connect education with real-world development.

Published 28-October-2025

What’s On Brisbane: Unmissable Events to Catch This Week: Oct 20-26

Published 20-Oct-2025

Ascot Home Sells for $9.8 Million After Just Five Days on Market

Photo Credit: Ray White

In one of Brisbane’s most exclusive postcodes, a heritage home at 104 Alexandra Road, Ascot has made headlines after selling for about $9.8 million — and it happened in just five days.

The sale marks a new record for Alexandra Road, a street already known for its grand homes and leafy outlook.

The Home and Its History

The property sits on a generous 1,275-square-metre block and features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and parking for four cars. Originally built around 1936, it was carefully modernised to balance its classic charm with contemporary comfort.

The design encourages indoor-outdoor living, with wide terraces, open pavilions, and landscaped gardens that make the most of Queensland’s subtropical climate.

Among its standout features are a 25-metre lap pool, a separate pool house, and an underground level that includes a wine cellar, cold room, and four-car garage. Smart-home technology has been integrated throughout, along with a sustainable irrigation system.

The Sale and Its Significance

The property was listed through Ray White New Farm and attracted strong buyer interest immediately. Despite its premium price point, the campaign lasted less than a week before a sale was finalised.

The quick turnaround reflects both the limited supply of prestige properties and the continued strength of Brisbane’s high-end housing market. Industry analysts noted that few properties in Ascot or nearby Hamilton achieve prices near $10 million, making this transaction a clear indicator of confidence in Brisbane’s luxury sector.

Agents described it as a new benchmark for the suburb and a sign that demand for top-tier homes remains firm even amid broader economic uncertainty.

A Record and a Reflection of Demand

The vendors, who had owned the property for about 15 years, decided it was time to move on, opening an opportunity for a new buyer to take on one of the suburb’s standout homes. The sale adds to a growing list of multimillion-dollar results across Brisbane’s inner north, a trend driven by limited stock and a preference for established prestige suburbs like Ascot.

The success of this short campaign highlights that well-presented, architecturally distinctive homes continue to attract buyers quickly when they appear on the market. It reinforces Ascot’s long-standing reputation for elegance, privacy, and lifestyle — qualities that make it one of Brisbane’s most desirable addresses.

Published 22-Oct-2025

The Gallery to Revive Racecourse Road with Design-led Living and Retail Spaces

A new era is taking shape along Hamilton’s Racecourse Road, as The Gallery, a contemporary mixed-use precinct, aims to revitalise the community spirit at the high street, long known for its leafy poincianas, boutiques and café culture.

Read: Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

For decades, Racecourse Road has been a favourite among Brisbane locals and visitors alike. But as social and shopping patterns have shifted, local stakeholders see a need to reinvigorate the strip.

The Gallery is designed to respond to this by blending urban convenience with local character, encouraging more people to live, shop, and gather along the street once again.

Developed by Graya and designed by the architecture studio bureau^proberts, The Gallery has been approved by Brisbane’s local officials and is set to combine high-end retail, dining, wellness, and residential living within one thoughtfully designed building.

Andrew Bell, Partner at bureau^proberts, said the project was shaped by a desire to reimagine the traditional suburban high street through good design and community thinking.

“We believe that increased density is the answer to arresting the decline of high street precincts,” Bell said. “When people live close to quality retail and hospitality, they bring new life to their neighbourhoods.”

At the heart of The Gallery’s vision is the idea of connection between residents, businesses, and the wider community. The project will include ground-floor retail and dining spaces, together with a wellness centre and apartments above. According to the project’s media release, the development will offer about 1,500 square metres of retail space.

The architectural design draws heavily from Hamilton’s heritage. Bureau^proberts looked to the suburb’s well-known Queenslander homes and historic landmarks for inspiration, incorporating broad verandahs, layered balcony gardens, and stone arbours that reflect the suburb’s architectural lineage.

Liam Proberts, Managing and Creative Director at bureau^proberts, said the design intent was to create a building that felt both contemporary and connected to its surroundings.

“These architectural elements ground the building in place while embracing Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle,” Proberts said. “The Gallery reimagines the high street through a contemporary design response, creating a meeting place for activation, engagement, and renewal.”

According to the architects, nearby heritage features such as the Eagle Farm Racecourse gatehouses and local civic buildings influenced the project’s stone textures and detailing.

Architects and developers involved in the project suggest that, as more people seek convenience and connection, mixed-use developments can help support high street vitality. Bureau^proberts and Graya hope The Gallery will serve as an example of how suburban renewal can occur while maintaining a sense of local identity.

Bell said the project’s goal is to bring new dynamism to Racecourse Road and inspire more people to make the neighbourhood part of their daily routine, whether by dining, shopping, or enjoying the vibrant street life that Hamilton is known for.

As the project progresses through approvals and planning, developers and some local businesses have expressed optimism about the precinct’s future. Developers expect The Gallery will add notable architecture to Hamilton and contribute to re-establishing Racecourse Road as a prominent suburban destination.

Read: Rundown Lancaster Road Home Now on the Market Following Years-Long Ownership Dispute

If realised as planned, The Gallery could help reconnect locals with a cherished part of Brisbane’s story, where community, commerce, and design come together under the shade of the poincianas once more.

Published 15-October-2025

North Brisbane Area Sports Results – Oct 10 to 12

Sun, October 12, 2025 – NRL – Round 1
• PNG PM XIII 10 | AUS PM XIII 28

Sun, October 12, 2025 – WNCL 2025-26 – Women – Match 11
• Queensland Fire 8-278 (49.1) | ACT Meteors 8-277 (50.0)

Award-Winning Ascot Kindergarten to Build New Nature Play Spaces with Prize Money

Photo Credit: Childcare & Kindergarten Ascot

A local Ascot kindergarten is translating its significant national and internal awards into tangible benefits for its children and families, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the community’s early learning landscape.

A Commitment to Positive Impact

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten has recently been the focus of major recognition, celebrating a win at the national HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards. This honour acknowledged the centre’s dedication to advancing pedagogy and practice.

Adding to the accolades, the kindergarten’s team was also named a finalist for the prestigious Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award at the 2025 C&K Awards, highlighting their collaborative efforts to create lasting positive outcomes for the children and families they serve. The Inspiring Impact award specifically celebrates teams that demonstrate a deep commitment to their local communities.

Cultivating Confidence and Respect

The national HESTA award was given for the kindergarten’s ‘Proud to Be Me’ initiative, a program designed specifically for its three- to five-year-old children. The initiative focuses on building a welcoming and inclusive environment where children are empowered to express their authentic selves. It integrates lessons on emotional literacy and respecting diversity into the daily learning program.

Teacher Director Karina Hannan-Lopez stated that the award provides hope that the foundations they lay for children today will inspire brighter futures. She affirmed the team’s encouragement to continue exploring new ways of teaching equity and embracing innovative practices that enrich a child’s development.

From Accolades to Action

Demonstrating a direct link between the recognition and the children’s experience, the kindergarten plans to use the prize money from the HESTA award to enhance its outdoor environment. The funds will go toward developing natural play spaces designed to spark imagination and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

This project aligns perfectly with the centre’s core philosophy, which uses its beautiful, large landscaped gardens as an open learning environment. The C&K curriculum model, led by university-qualified teachers, centres on the principle of learning through play, with educators skilfully extending children’s experiences in both indoor and outdoor settings.

A Partner for ASCOT Families

Beyond its award-winning programs, C&K Ascot serves as a vital resource for local families through its practical and supportive offerings. The centre provides an extended hours program that runs until 6 p.m. as well as a holiday program during Queensland school holidays, with both services included in the daily fee.

Families can choose from two, three, or five-day-a-week attendance options. To ensure parents remain an integral part of their child’s learning journey, the kindergarten fosters close relationships with families and uses the Storypark app to share documentation and daily highlights, creating a strong, collaborative community.

Published Date 09-October-2025