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Brisbane Boys’ College Toowong Secures Historic Podium at GPS Swimming Championships

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), based in Toowong, delivered an outstanding performance at the Great Public Schools (GPS) Swimming Championships. The Senior School Swim Team secured a historic third-place finish—the school’s first podium result in nine years.

Meanwhile, the Junior swimmers also impressed, finishing fourth in their category and showcasing the depth of BBC’s swimming program. The competition at Brisbane Aquatic Centre saw both teams achieve multiple podium finishes and break several school records.

A Unified Send-Off for Junior and Senior Swimmers

BBC’s swimming program was in full force as both the Junior and Senior School teams competed at the GPS Championships on 13 March 2025. The Junior swimmers kicked off the competition in the morning, while the Senior team followed in the afternoon.

Junior swimmers — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook*

The Junior squad impressed with a fourth-place finish, with 63% of the swimmers achieving personal bests. Their standout performances included:

U12 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions:
- Edward S, Wilbur H, Michael G, Timmy M
U11 4x50m Freestyle Relay Second Place:
- Kyne W, Peter Z, James S, Oscar I
Five team relay personal bests and 11 individual relay personal bests

The support of the entire Year 6 cohort, who filled the stands cheering for the #GreenWhiteBlack, added to the spirited atmosphere of the event.

Senior Swimmers Make History with Podium Finish

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook*

BBC’s Senior School Swim Team delivered a remarkable performance, securing:

Three GPS Champions:
- Jacob Algate (All Age 200m Individual Medley)
- Campbell Watt (U14 50m Freestyle)
- Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
Five BBC Records:
- Tom Symonds (U15 50m Backstroke – the second-fastest swim in GPS history)
- Jacob Algate (Open 100m Breaststroke)
- Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
- U15 Medley Relay
  - Tom Symonds, Harrison Hill, Mitch Warman and Gus Lawrence
- Open Medley Relay
  - Jacob Algate, Derwin Lee, Jack McMahon and Dylan Clive

The team’s dedication paid off, with 62% of Senior School swimmers achieving personal bests, reinforcing the strength of BBC’s swimming program.

A Tradition of Excellence in GPS Swimming

The GPS Swimming Championships, held annually by the GPS Association of Queensland, is a premier event for young athletes. It fosters commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, values exemplified by BBC’s swimmers throughout the competition.

This year’s results highlight BBC’s growing presence in GPS Swimming, with both Junior and Senior squads demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.

Looking to the Future

With the Senior team securing a historic third-place finish and the Junior squad showing great promise with their fourth-place result, BBC’s swimming program is on an upward trajectory. The support from the school community, coaching staff, and families has played a pivotal role in this success.

As BBC looks ahead to future competitions, the momentum from this year’s GPS Championships sets a strong foundation for continued achievements in the pool.

Published 17-Mar-2025

Toowong Active Transport Projects Secure New Funding Injection

Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr

The Toowong area is set to benefit from significant active transport improvements. The long-planned Sylvan Road Bikeway and the Toowong-West End Bridge secured new funding. The projects, which have also received state and local government support, aim to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

Toowong project funding — *Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr*

Long-Standing Plans Now Advancing

The planned upgrades for Toowong’s transport infrastructure have been discussed for several years. The State and BCC previously set aside funds for these projects. The recent commitment from the federal government has now ensured all three levels of government are financially contributing, allowing the long-awaited developments to proceed.

Under the $100 million Active Transport Fund, the Federal Government has allocated $5 million to the Sylvan Road Bikeway, a key cycling corridor connecting the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Bicentennial Bikeway. Additionally, $1 million has been earmarked for an updated business case for the Toowong-West End Bridge, a new active travel connection over the Brisbane River.

Sylvan Road Bikeway: Addressing Safety Concerns

Sylvan Road in Toowong has long been identified as a high-risk cyclist area. According to BikeSpot 2023 rankings, it is one of Brisbane’s most hazardous cycling routes, due to high traffic speeds, dangerous intersections, and a lack of separation from vehicles.

Currently, cyclists outnumber cars at peak times at intersections such as Jephson and Croydon Street, yet sporadically enforced parking restrictions continue to pose risks. The new funding will help BCC implement a safe, separated bikeway, eliminating a critical gap in Brisbane’s active transport network.

Toowong Active Transport Projects — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Toowong-West End Bridge: Scaling Back But Moving Forward

Initially part of a broader “Bridges for Brisbane” strategy proposing five new river crossings, the Toowong-West End Bridge remains one of the last projects to proceed. Rising construction costs and budget pressures led to the cancellation of the West End-St Lucia Bridge. Still, efforts to deliver the Toowong connection remain on track, with a focus on securing funding ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

While the project is still in the business case phase, the Federal Government’s funding injection signals strong support for the bridge, which will provide a vital active transport link between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the inner city.

Community Support for Active Transport Investment

Local cycling advocacy groups, including Brisbane West BUG and Space4CyclingBNE, have long pushed for these projects. These groups are engaging with representatives across political lines to prioritise investment in active transport.

With Brisbane’s population continuing to grow and the 2032 Olympics approaching, community advocates hope this funding marks a broader commitment to safer and more sustainable transport solutions.

Next Steps for Toowong’s Infrastructure

With funding now secured, BCC will proceed with detailed planning and implementation of the Sylvan Road Bikeway. Feasibility studies for the Toowong-West End Bridge continue.

Timelines for construction are yet to be confirmed. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these upgrades will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in Toowong.

Published 14-Mar-2025

Regatta Hotel Protest Legacy: Activist Merle Thornton Receives Top Award

Photo Credit: Trove

Merle Thornton, who famously challenged the ban on women drinking in public bars by chaining herself to the Regatta Hotel bar in Toowong, has been recognised with an honorary doctorate and a pledge named in her honour to combat corporate gender inequality.

Fifty-five years after her protest at the Regatta Hotel, the University of Queensland bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Letters upon Merle Thornton, celebrating her profound impact on Australian Society. The 1965 protest where Thornton and Rosalie Bogner chained themselves to the Regatta Hotel Bar, resulted in repeal of section 59A of the Queensland Liquor Act five years later. UQ Vice-Chancellor Debbie Terry stated that the doctorate was awarded for Thornton’s extraordinary contribution to society.

The “Merle’s Pledge”

Merle Thornton — *Photo Credit: Merle’s Pledge*

In addition to the doctorate, UQ has launched the “Merle’s Pledge,” an initiative to increase female representation in professional settings. This pledge requires individuals to commit gender equity as a condition of their participation in panels and conferences.

Dr Dee Gibbon, UQ’s Head of Workplace Diversity and Inclusion, confirmed that the senior leadership team has pledged to avoid panels or events lacking adequate female representation. This initiative addresses the gender imbalance in physics and electrical engineering, where conferences often lack female speakers.

Dr Jacqueline Romero, a physics and mathematics fellow at UQ, acknowledged the gender disparity in science and emphasised the importance of visible female role models for young people. She also admired Thornton’s advocacy for women’s and Indigenous rights.

Family and Legacy

Merle Thornton’s daughter, Sigrid Thornton, conveyed her mother’s deep honour and delight at the recognition. Sigrid Thornton, a gender-quota advocate in the film and television industry, highlighted the significance of the “Merle’s Pledge” in redressing gender imbalances. She emphasised the need for both female and male feminists to champion gender equity. The “Merle Pledge” provides guidelines for other institutions to adopt the pledge, and encourages the use of the pledge’s messaging and logo.

Thornton’s Broader Activism

Merle Estelle Thornton AM, who passed away on August 16, 2024, was a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Beyond the Regatta Hotel protest, she co-founded the Equal Opportunities Association for Women in 1965 and helped establish the first Women’s Studies course at UQ in 1973. Her activism extended to demanding equal pay and the removal of the marriage bar for women in public service.

In 2015, Thornton was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, particularly her advocacy for women and Indigenous rights and her contributions to the arts. In 2014, the Regatta Hotel acknowledged her impact by renaming its bar “Merle’s Bar. ” In 2009, her 1965 protest was recognised as a “Q150 Icon.”

Published Date 11-March-2025

Cyclone Alfred Brings Heavy Rain and Flooding to Brisbane, Local Creeks near Toowong Overflow

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has brought heavy rainfall and flooding to Brisbane, impacting local creeks and causing disruptions across various suburbs. Creeks such as Cubberla, Witton, Toowong, and Sandy have experienced significant water flow, raising concerns for residents and community groups.

Read: Petition Launched to Halt Auction of Sylvan Road Greenspace

Creeks in Full Flow

Residents have reported high water levels in several creeks. One resident shared an image of Sandy Creek in full flow as of Sunday, March 9, reflecting the heavy rainfall’s impact on the waterway.

Sandy Creek (Photo credit: David Muir/Facebook)

Similarly, Toowong Creek has also experienced surging water levels. A local resident shared: “And is just past us now. It is producing a lot of local run-off. The picture shows the current flow from nearby Toowong Creek entering the river. For us, local run-off is not much of an issue. For others, not so nice.”

The Toowong Creek Catchment covers an area of 3.86 square kilometres, with its centre located about 5 km southwest of Brisbane’s CBD. The catchment partially includes the inner-city suburbs of Toowong and Taringa. Its headwaters originate in the bushland reserves of Mount Coot-Tha and Brisbane Forest Park, before eventually flowing into the Brisbane River.

UQFC Fields Closed Due to Flooding

The University of Queensland Football Club (UQFC), located at Cubberla Creek Reserve in Chapel Hill, has announced that all its fields will remain closed until further notice.

“UQFC will continue to monitor the flooding situation at Cubberla Creek and Gem Road and ask that you please stay off the fields,” the club stated through social media. The club is urging players and visitors to avoid the area until conditions improve.

The flooding has also caused infrastructure issues, with an unplanned power outage currently impacting 97 customers in the Holland Street and Sherwood Road areas of Toowong. Local authorities and power companies are working to restore service as soon as possible.

With floodwaters still present in many parts of Brisbane due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid flood-prone areas. The Bureau of Meteorology continues to monitor the situation, and further updates are expected.

Keep track of the latest developments post-Cyclone Alfred:

emergency dashboard

Read: Darra to Toowong Tunnel: Queensland’s Tunnel Plan Sparks Infrastructure Debate

Evacuation Centres Open for Residents Affected by Flooding

Updated: 11 March 2025

Council has opened evacuation centres for residents needing to leave their homes due to flooding.

Evacuation Centres Now Open:

Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) – 757 Tilley Road, Chandler, 4155 (access via Old Cleveland Road, Car Park 3)
Kedron Wavell Services Club – 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside, 4032
Community-led Evacuation Centre: Riverlife Community Centre – 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks, 4073

Safety Reminders:

Check alerts and road conditions before evacuating.
Leave early and avoid driving through floodwaters.
If stopping, avoid parking near trees, creeks, or drains.

What to Bring:

Essential items – mobile phone, charger, spare clothing, toiletries, towel, important documents (e.g., insurance papers, passports, medical prescriptions).
Medication and infant supplies – formula, nappies, or any special medical needs.
Bedding – pillows and blankets are recommended.
Before leaving: Inform neighbours, turn off electricity and gas, and lock your home.

Pet Guidelines:

Sleeman Sports Complex & Riverlife Community Centre – Pets allowed but must be crated, leashed, and securely transported. Owners must bring food and litter trays.
Kedron Wavell Services Club – No pets allowed, except for registered service animals.

Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred

Updated: 11 March 7:00 a.m.

Brisbane City Council has adjusted its services and facility operations due to Alfred’s impact.

Closures Until Further Notice:

Cemeteries, City Hall, Community Halls, Libraries, Pools, and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Five Council Customer Service Centres (North & South Regional Business Centres, Indooroopilly, Carindale, Brisbane Square)
Golf Courses and Off-Street Parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks at Gap Creek and Mt Coot-tha Reserve
All Council-run playground water play areas
CityCat, KittyCat, and most bus services
Story Bridge footpaths

Service Suspensions:

Brisbane Greeter tours, Immunisation Clinics, Active & Healthy classes (until 11 March)
Visible Ink youth hub (until 11 March)
Council Cabs and Personalised Public Transport services
Kerbside large item collection and bin repair services

Open Facilities & Services:

Chandler and Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centres (offering free green waste drop-off)
Regular bin collections (yellow and green bins resume 10 March)

Residents are advised to stay informed through local council updates and emergency services for further developments on the flooding situation.

Published 10-March-2025

Toowong Library Services Cut as Brisbane Restructure Continues

Photo Credit: BCC

Toowong Library is among several Brisbane libraries affected by the recent major library restructure, which includes reductions to key community programs as part of broader budget adjustments.

First 5 Forever — *Photo Credit: First5Forever*

Library Funding and Job Pressures

BCC’s library services are undergoing a significant restructure, raising concerns among staff and the community. A recent survey by The Services Union revealed that half of Brisbane’s librarians are considering quitting, citing low morale, heavier workloads, and a lack of consultation in the restructuring process.

BCC has denied claims that $17 million has been cut from library funding, stating that the budget remains intact while adjustments are being made to maintain financial stability. Local official Fiona Cunningham said the BCC is committed to balancing the delivery of essential services with responsible spending.

Program and Staff Reductions at Toowong Library

As part of the changes, Toowong Library has reduced its Toddler Time sessions from two per week to one. Other Brisbane libraries have also seen cuts to programs, including First 5 Forever, a state-funded early childhood literacy initiative, which has seen a 25% reduction in weekly sessions citywide.

While funding from the State for First 5 Forever has remained unchanged since 2019, BCC has faced increasing operational costs. As a result, they scaled back some sessions, despite continued high demand in certain locations, including Indooroopilly, where parents reported overcrowding in past sessions.

Library Staff Push Back Against Changes

Library staff have voiced strong opposition to the restructure, with some participating in industrial action to push for improved working conditions. According to The Services Union, a recent survey of library staff found:

97% of workers felt the restructure was poorly planned.
82% believed the changes negatively impacted their mental health.
Over 50% were considering resigning due to increased stress.

Union leaders criticised the restructure, arguing that it has exacerbated workload pressures, physical strain, and workplace aggression from customers while prioritising cost-cutting over community needs.

Community Reaction and BCC’s Response

Parents and community members have expressed frustration over the program reductions, arguing that libraries provide more than just book lending—they serve as vital community hubs offering educational resources, digital services, and early learning programs.

BCC has defended its position, stating that the changes are necessary to maintain financial sustainability. The BCC has promised to monitor attendance levels and adjust schedules where needed, but some fear library services will be deprioritised as part of broader council budget constraints.

What’s Next for Toowong and Other Libraries?

With these changes rolling out in the coming weeks, residents in Toowong and across Brisbane will have to wait and see how their local library services will be affected. While BCC has assured that services will continue, fewer sessions, reduced staff, and growing discontent from workers and the community indicate ongoing challenges for Brisbane’s public libraries.

Published 4-Mar-2025

No Answers in Unsolved Lesley Trotter Case in Toowong

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Lesley Trotter, a 78-year-old retired school teacher known for her active lifestyle and dedication to recycling, disappeared from her Toowong home in March 2023. The coroner ruled her deceased, but the cause of death remains undetermined.

Ms Trotter last contacted her family on 27 March 2023. Her brother found her Maryvale Street unit unlocked the following day, with her phone, wallet, and car left behind. Concerned, he reported her missing, prompting an immediate police search.

Lesley Trotter case remains unsolved — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Investigation and Theories

Authorities found traces of blood near bins outside her unit. They determined that her body was inside a wheelie bin collected by a BCC rubbish truck from Clayton Lane on 28 March 2023. Despite an extensive search of over 3,000 tonnes of waste at landfill sites in Swanbank and Rochedale, her remains were never recovered.

Police considered three possibilities:

A medical episode while sorting through bins.
Accidental misadventure.
Foul play, potentially linked to tensions with neighbours over her recycling habits.

Ms Trotter was known for meticulously checking bins to ensure recyclables were correctly sorted. While some neighbours appreciated her efforts, others found her behaviour intrusive. Police acknowledged possible tensions but found no direct evidence linking disputes to her disappearance.

Extensive Search Yields No Answers

The search for Ms Trotter’s body was one of Queensland’s largest waste facility operations, involving the Australian Defence Force. Investigators quarantined waste sites and sifted through rubbish, finding various “items of interest,” but none linked to her. Decomposing waste hindered recovery efforts, and the search was called off.

Lesley Trotter Toowong case — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Information

The case remains open. Queensland Police urge anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from 28 March 2023 to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Even minor details may be crucial in determining how Ms Trotter’s body ended up in the bin and whether foul play was involved.

Published 27-Feb-2025

Toowong Students Face Education ‘Hunger Games’ with Selective School Entry

Photo Credit: QASMT

Thousands of Queensland students, including those in Toowong, are vying for limited spots in the state’s top selective schools, with just over a third making the cut. As competition intensifies, parents are turning to expensive tutoring from as early as age six to improve their children’s chances.

Queensland’s selective state high schools are facing unprecedented demand, with entry rates at an all-time low. Recent figures show that out of nearly 2,500 applicants, only 700 students were accepted into the three Queensland Academy campuses—one of which is located in Toowong, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.

Parents are investing heavily in tutoring services, with some enrolling their children in preparation courses years in advance. Experts warn that the extreme competition is not only financially straining families but also putting unnecessary pressure on young students.

Limited Spots, High Costs, and Rising Parental Pressure

The Queensland selective school system currently consists of three state-run institutions:

Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI)
Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS)

Each year, thousands of students compete for entry, paying a $250 non-refundable application fee.

QACI had only 174 places available.
QAHS offered 179 spots.
QASMT in Toowong, the most sought-after, admitted just 250 students.

Brisbane State High School (BSHS) also runs an out-of-catchment entrance exam, but of the 524 students who applied last year, only 124 secured a spot, with families paying $420 in processing fees.

Tutoring From Age Six: A Growing Trend in Toowong and Beyond

Education experts report that parents are enrolling children in tutoring from as early as Year 1, hoping to prepare them for the rigorous entrance exams.

E-Yong Lee, founder of Lee Excellence Education Academy, said many parents worry that their children will not get into high-performing schools. He explained that some families start tutoring when their child enters primary school.

Six-year-old Emily Paterson, already enrolled in tutoring, is part of this growing trend. Her mother, Jettie Fan, believes early preparation will give Emily a strong foundation.

Tutor Prabhjot Singh, who prepares students for QASMT entrance exams, has seen a sharp rise in demand. He stated that even Year 5 students are coming in for high school entrance exam tutoring.

Students at QASMT Toowong preparing for exams. — *Photo Credit: QASMT*

Queensland’s Selective Schools Lag Behind NSW

Experts argue that Queensland’s limited number of selective schools is putting regional students at a disadvantage.

Currently, NSW has 17 fully selective schools and 25 partially selective schools, many located outside Sydney. In contrast, Queensland’s three academies are all concentrated in Southeast Queensland, leaving gifted students in regional areas with few options.

Dr Matthew White, an inclusive education expert from Australian Catholic University, believes Queensland should expand its selective school network. However, a Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed that there are no plans to establish additional selective schools. Instead, she pointed to regional ‘Programs of Excellence’, such as those at Cairns State High School and Rangeville State School in Toowoomba.

Critics argue that while these programs provide enrichment opportunities, they do not match the academic intensity of selective schools.

The Mental Toll of Selective School Exams

While some students thrive in competitive academic environments, experts warn that rejection from selective schools can negatively impact students’ self-esteem.

Dr White highlighted that students who fail to secure a spot often experience lower academic self-confidence. Additionally, the high cost of tutoring and exam fees is placing financial strain on many families, raising concerns that selective schooling is becoming an exclusive opportunity for wealthier students.

What’s Next for Queensland’s Selective Schools?

As pressure mounts on the state government to address Queensland’s selective school shortfall, education experts continue to push for a more inclusive model.

With no immediate plans for new selective schools, the debate will likely intensify as more families turn to expensive tutoring services to boost their children’s chances. For now, students in Toowong and across Queensland face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the state’s most sought-after high schools.

Published 19-Feb-2025

Rock ’n’ Roll George’s FX Holden Finds New Home in Toowong

Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

The beloved 1952 FX Holden of Brisbane icon Rock ’n’ Roll George has found a new home at Hutchinson Builders’ office in Toowong. After years on display at the Queensland Museum, the vehicle has been relocated to a dedicated space at the company’s reception foyer.

For decades, George Kiprios, better known as Rock ’n’ Roll George, was a fixture on Brisbane’s streets, driving his distinctive FX Holden through the city from the 1950s to the late 1990s. The Greek-Australian worked various jobs, including at a suit factory, a luggage manufacturer, and the Golden Circle cannery, before retiring from the Government Printing Office.

With rock ’n’ roll blaring from the car radio, Mr Kiprios became synonymous with Brisbane’s urban culture, often spotted in Queen Street, Melbourne Street, and West End. He frequented Cloudland’s dances, local milk bars, and cafes, always in his signature flat-top haircut. Legends arose about his near-daily laps through the city, with one story claiming he spent decades searching for a blonde woman he once saw but never found again.

Rock ’n’ Roll George at Queen Street (1973) — *Caption: Rock-n-Roll George at Queen Street (1973*)
*Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook*

His car, adorned with a personalised “Rock ’n’ Roll” number plate, became as famous as the man himself. The FX Holden and Mr Kiprios were immortalised in the 1960s song “Rock ’n’ Roll George,” with lyrics describing his daily route past Brisbane landmarks.

A Final Ride and Museum Display

Mr Kiprios passed away in November 2009 at the age of 82. His funeral at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane was attended by more than 200 mourners, including then-premier Anna Bligh. In a fitting tribute, his FX Holden led the funeral procession down Queen Street one last time before he was laid to rest.

Following his passing, Hutchinson Builders acquired the car and later donated it to the Queensland Museum, where it featured in the Rock Around the Block exhibition. Over time, the FX Holden became a centrepiece of Brisbane’s cultural history.

Returning to Toowong

Recently, Hutchinson Builders arranged for the FX Holden’s relocation after the museum no longer required it for display. The vehicle was delivered to Hutchies’ Toowong premises in December 2024, where a special area is being set up in the office’s reception foyer for public viewing.

Caption: Holden FX (48-215) that once belonged to George Kyprios.
Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook

Scott Hutchinson, chairman of Hutchinson Builders, emphasised the cultural significance of Rock ’n’ Roll George, stating that he was a Brisbane icon who did laps in the city for over half a century. He also added that every adult in Brisbane knew him. Mr George had four songs written about him.

The move ensures that the car remains accessible to the public, preserving the legacy of one of Brisbane’s most recognisable figures.

A Lasting Piece of Brisbane’s History

Rock ’n’ Roll George’s FX Holden remains a symbol of Brisbane’s once-thriving car culture, now reshaped by changing road laws and urban development. While modern restrictions would have made his daily laps more difficult, Mr Kiprios’ legacy endures through stories, songs, and now, a permanent home in Toowong.

Published 18-Feb-2025

Big Screens, Bigger Plays: Catch the Super Bowl LIX at Regatta Hotel

Toowong’s Regatta Hotel is bringing the electric atmosphere of Super Bowl LIX to locals, transforming its Courtyard into a football fan’s paradise this Monday, 10 February.

With a high-stakes showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles set to unfold, the historic riverside venue is going all out to deliver an authentic American game-day experience.

Read: Legacy Way Tunnel Power Failure Brings Brisbane Traffic to a Standstill

Game-Day Feasts and Ice-Cold Drinks at the Regatta Hotel

From 10:00 a.m., the Courtyard will come alive with the sights, sounds, and, most importantly, the flavours of American football culture. Sports fans can dig into loaded fries, a full kilo of flavour-packed wings, and a trio of sliders. For those with heartier appetites, the venue’s signature smoked meat plates, featuring slow-cooked brisket and house-made barbecue sauce, are set to be a fan favourite. Ice-cold beers and classic game-day drinks will be available to keep the celebrations going.

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High-Stakes Football and Halftime Entertainment

While fans feast on American favourites, the action on the field promises to be just as thrilling. With both teams coming off dominant playoff runs, analysts predict a tight contest. The Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, have lost by more than eight points just once all season. Meanwhile, the Eagles, now under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and revitalized by MVP finalist Saquon Barkley, are determined to avenge their previous Super Bowl loss to Kansas City.

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Adding to the spectacle, this year’s halftime show will feature Grammy Award-winning artist Kendrick Lamar, known for his dynamic stage presence and critically acclaimed hits. Performing live at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Lamar is expected to bring an unforgettable show to one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

Read: BOQ Transitions to Digital, Toowong Branch Among 16 Closures

The Regatta Hotel is offering a range of packages to enhance the viewing experience, including beverage deals and food-and-drink combinations. Management ensures a safe and enjoyable event, with responsible service of alcohol policies in place. The event is strictly 18+, so attendees are encouraged to book early to secure their spot. Seats are limited, so book your spot now for this must-see Super Bowl event at the Regatta Hotel.

Published 05-February-2025

Legacy Way Tunnel Power Failure Brings Brisbane Traffic to a Standstill

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Editor’s note: Transurban reopened Legacy Way after 5:00 p.m. 5 February 2025.

Legacy Way tunnel closure caused severe traffic congestion across Brisbane after a power supply issue forced its sudden shutdown.

Severe Traffic Jams Across Brisbane

The shutdown began at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning and caused major delays across key routes into the CBD. Some commuters reported their usual 20-minute trips stretching to over 90 minutes.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads quickly issued an alert advising motorists to find alternative routes.

However, the diversion led to even more congestion, as surrounding roads became heavily clogged. It wasn’t until just before 10am that traffic conditions started to improve.

Legacy Way tunnel — *Driving along the tunnel*
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia*

The tunnel closure triggered widespread gridlock, with several major roads experiencing heavy congestion. The worst-affected areas included:

– Milton Road and the Inner City Bypass – long delays and bumper-to-bumper traffic.
– Western Freeway – city-bound traffic backed up 10km from Mount Coot-Tha to Sumner.
– Kelvin Grove Road and Coronation Drive – crawling speeds of just 8km/h.
– Moggill Road – journey times from Kenmore to the CBD stretched to nearly an hour.

By mid-morning, traffic on the Inner City Bypass was gridlocked from Bowen Hills to the Riverside Expressway, with flow-on effects reaching as far as Sandgate Road in Albion.

Frustrated Commuters Call It ‘Apocalyptic’

Many Brisbane commuters described the traffic as some of the worst they had ever experienced.

One commuter shared that her usual 10-minute drive along Abbotsford Road ended up taking 35 minutes, despite her GPS estimating just 18 minutes. Another driver said the congestion was “insane”, adding that they had never experienced anything like it before.

What Caused the Legacy Way Tunnel Shutdown?

A Transurban spokesperson confirmed that the closure was due to a power supply issue caused by an incident at one of the tunnel’s substations.

Power restoration is ongoing to reopen the tunnel as soon as possible. Meanwhile, motorists are advised to seek alternative routes as both directions are closed, the spokesperson added.

There is no confirmed reopening time yet, and authorities are urging drivers to stay updated with live traffic reports and allow for extra travel time while repairs continue.

Published 5-Feb-2025