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Why Brisbane’s Biggest Summer Tennis Week Belongs to Tennyson

Photo Credit: Stanley Choi/Google Maps

If you follow the Brisbane River through the city’s southern bends, Tennyson can feel like one of those suburbs people “pass by” rather than “go to.” It’s quiet, riverside, and tucked between larger neighbours — until January arrives, and the world starts turning up with racquets, broadcast crews and centre-court tickets. That moment happens at the Queensland Tennis Centre (QTC), home of the Brisbane International each summer.

Read: Brisbane International: Rising Star Emerson Jones Makes Her Mark

But what makes Tennyson’s tennis story unusual isn’t only the tournament schedule. It’s what the suburb represents: a place where the former Tennyson Power Station site was redeveloped into a purpose-built sporting precinct.

A river suburb built for a very different kind of power

Before it became the home of top-level tennis in Queensland, Tennyson was linked to another kind of large-scale energy. 

The Queensland Tennis Centre was built on the site of the former Tennyson Power Station. The power station was decommissioned, and the site was later redeveloped, including the construction of the tennis centre.

That transformation is part of what gives Tennyson its distinctive identity. Few modern sporting venues are so clearly connected to a former industrial footprint, especially one directly beside the river.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Public Domain

Queensland Tennis Centre: built to host the world

QTC includes a centre court stadium plus 23 International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard courts and supporting facilities. The centre’s focal point is Pat Rafter Arena, a 5,500-seat stadium with corporate suites designed for major tournaments and events.

Surrounding it is a network of courts across clay, grass and cushion acrylic (plexicushion) surfaces. Both the Queensland Tennis Centre and Stadiums Queensland describe this as the first facility in Australia built with all three “Grand Slam” surfaces in one location.

That variety is part of what makes the site useful for both tournament play and broader tennis activity across different court types.

Photo Credit: Chris Duffy/Google Maps

The Brisbane International: Tennyson’s annual spotlight

Every year, Brisbane’s tennis calendar effectively begins here.

The Brisbane International, founded in 2009, is staged each January at the Queensland Tennis Centre as part of the summer lead-in to the Australian Open. It features a WTA 500 event and an ATP Tour 250 tournament, making it a key warm-up stop in the early-season calendar.

For 2026, the Brisbane International ran from 4–11 January 2026 at QTC.

That’s the modern rhythm of Tennyson: quiet suburb most months; international sporting address in early January.

More than a single stadium

Stadiums Queensland describes QTC as a venue that functions as a hub for tennis enthusiasts “of all levels,” not only for elite events.

Rather than being built around a single arena alone, QTC brings together centre-court events, extensive match and practice courts, and Tennis Queensland administration on the same riverfront site.

It’s a modern model for a sporting venue, designed to host major-tournament crowds while remaining an active tennis precinct outside the main event weeks.

There’s a bigger Brisbane story inside this redevelopment as well. The former power station site wasn’t simply replaced by a tennis venue; it became part of a renewed riverfront precinct anchored by the Queensland Tennis Centre.

It’s hard to imagine a more symbolic contrast than a former power station site becoming the stage for professional sport — where the energy is measured in applause, not megawatts.

Why Tennyson matters to Brisbane’s tennis identity

Tennyson’s tennis story isn’t only about where matches are played. It’s about how Brisbane chose to build its modern home for international-standard tennis.

QTC opened in the late 2000s as a newly constructed venue, with Pat Rafter Arena as its centrepiece. Since then, the Brisbane International has helped cement the suburb’s role as a major lead-in event to the Australian Open season.

In that way, Tennyson has become a modern sporting landmark, not through gradual evolution, but through purposeful reinvention.

And each January, as the first serves land on the hard courts at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the suburb briefly becomes one of Brisbane’s most visible stages for summer sport.

Read: Changing Clubs, Not Leaving the Course: Rethinking Home at The Evelyn in Mt Ommaney

Published 15-Jan-2026

Changing Clubs, Not Leaving the Course: Rethinking Home at The Evelyn in Mt Ommaney

In golf, the course stays the same, but the way you play it changes. Distance, terrain and timing all call for different choices as the round unfolds. That idea sits neatly behind The Evelyn, a new retirement community taking shape beside the McLeod Country Golf Club in Mt Ommaney, at a time when many Australians are quietly rethinking what home should look like later in life.

Read: Life Begins at 60: Enjoying More of What Matters at Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Across the country, that rethink is already underway. National research shows that 26 per cent of people over 55 have already moved into housing better suited to how they live today, while another 29 per cent are actively considering it. Data also shows that one in five Australians over 65 requires help with property maintenance.

When the Family Home Stops Fitting

Against this backdrop, downsizing has steadily become something closer to recalibration. Ease of living, reduced upkeep and flexibility now rank ahead of financial pressure as reasons older Australians consider a move.

Like changing clubs mid-round, it is less about starting again and more about adjusting approach. People are not necessarily seeking smaller lives, but homes that allow them to stay active and connected, without the physical and mental load that can come with maintaining a large family property.

Evelyn and a Different Way of Living

Set within a golf course environment, The Evelyn reflects that shift in practical ways.

Residents live independently in private apartments and townhouses, while maintenance across homes and shared spaces is handled within the village. An on-site Village Manager and a 24-hour response system provide support when needed, without intruding on daily routines.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Shared facilities are designed to be used naturally rather than formally programmed. Residents can join activities, socialise casually or simply keep their own rhythm. Like a clubhouse, the spaces are there to support connection without obligation.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

The development comprises 126 residences, including apartments and townhouses, delivered in stages.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Designed by Marchese Partners | Life 3A, the community includes landscaped outdoor areas, a pool, gym, library, wine room and billiards room, all set within the grounds of the golf course.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Shared facilities and communal areas are designed to be used naturally rather than programmed heavily. They offer a place to gather, linger or pass through, depending on the day. Connection is available, not compulsory.

The Role of Golf Beyond the Game

Golf’s presence here is not incidental. Golf courses, by their nature, act as large, stable green buffers within suburban environments. They offer visual openness, reduced noise and opportunities for restoration that are increasingly recognised as important for mental health.

While not everyone plays, research increasingly points to golf environments as supportive of healthy ageing in broader ways. Studies examining golf participation among older adults have found that the activity often delivers moderate-intensity physical movement, particularly walking, alongside cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. Even when played at a lower intensity, golf has been shown to produce short-term improvements in cardiovascular profiles among older participants.

Golf at The Evelyn
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

What matters just as much is the social and environmental context. Golf courses function as ready-made walking networks and social landscapes. People walk the fairways, meet others at the clubhouse, or simply move through open green space as part of daily routines. The Evelyn’s location within the McLeod Country Golf Club places residents adjacent to that ecosystem, whether they play the game or not.

The benefits of this setting extend beyond activity alone. A growing body of research, including Australian longitudinal studies, has linked exposure to green space with better mental health outcomes. More recent research focusing on mid-to-older adults has strengthened the evidence, showing associations between access to public green space and improved mental wellbeing over time.

The Evelyn’s proximity to the McLeod Country Golf Club taps into that reality, embedding the community within an active, established setting rather than isolating it from the surrounding suburb.

That everyday rhythm matters as people get older. Familiar places, regular movement and casual interaction are often what sustain wellbeing over time.

Infographic from Meaningful Aging Australia

McLeod Country Golf Club President Diane Lally said the partnership was about more than development. “The Evelyn represents more than a new retirement community — it represents the long-term sustainability of the McLeod Country Golf Club. This partnership allows us to strengthen our future, maintain a premier course, and continue to serve our members and the wider community.”

The Evelyn in Mt Ommaney

Housing That Supports How People Live

Research into retirement living models suggests that where and how people live can influence how active and socially engaged they remain. Communities designed around accessibility and shared space tend to support regular movement and interaction, while reducing some of the practical pressures of home ownership.

By reducing barriers to physical activity and
providing access to fitness and recreational facilities,
retirement communities help residents remain
approximately 15 per cent more frequently active
than those living independently in the community.
Residents are also 20 per cent less likely to be
hospitalised after entry.

Better Housing for Better Health (Retirement Living Council)

Mt Ommaney itself offers a balance many retirees value. Established parklands, river views and shopping centres sit alongside strong transport links to the Brisbane CBD. For long-term locals, staying close to familiar places often matters as much as changing how they live.

The Evelyn allows for that continuity. It offers an option to remain within the same neighbourhood while adapting housing to better suit changing needs. It is a shift in position rather than a change of course.

Who Is Behind The Evelyn?

Tim Russell and Mark Taylor of Aura Holdings
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

The Evelyn is owned and operated by Aura Holdings, a Brisbane-based retirement living company founded by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor. The company’s approach is informed by professional experience and personal perspective, with both founders having parents living in communities they operate.

“The Evelyn will set the benchmark for retirement living in Brisbane, delivering modern apartments, strong community connections, and a premier golf club setting, unlike anything else in the Centenary suburbs,” Aura Holdings Chief Executive Officer Sean Graham said.

“We are pleased to see … the community’s confidence in both the project and Aura’s commitment to the ongoing partnership with the McLeod Country Golf Club,” he added.

Read: Tim Russell and Mark Taylor Made Retirement Living So Enjoyable, Their Parents Had to Move In

Playing the Long Game

Not everyone will choose this path, and many Australians will continue to age in place. What is changing is the range of options available and the way people think about them.

Golf at The Evelyn
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

The Evelyn reflects a broader shift in mindset. Life does not narrow as priorities change. It simply calls for a different approach. And sometimes, staying in the game means recognising when it is time to change clubs, not courses.

The Evelyn has emerged within that moment, amidst a gradual shift rather than a rush. People are not abandoning the course, they are choosing a different club to use.

Published 2-January-2026.

Read: Life Begins at 60: Enjoying More of What Matters at Kingsford Terrace Corinda

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

This article explores broader trends in housing and ageing and does not constitute health or lifestyle advice.

Brisbane International: Rising Star Emerson Jones Makes Her Mark

Seventeen-year-old Emerson Jones, who honed her skills at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, has delivered a masterclass in fearless tennis at the Brisbane International, proving that youth and talent can trump decades of professional experience.

Read: Ash Barty Comparisons Abound as Emerson Jones Rises from Tennyson Courts

The Queensland wildcard dispatched German veteran Tatjana Maria with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 victory at Pat Rafter Arena, stunning the 38-year-old world No. 45 in her main-draw debut at the tournament. It was a performance that showcased not only Jones’ aggressive baseline game but also the mental toughness of an emerging Australian star.

The age gap between the competitors—21 years—tells only part of the story. Maria entered professional tennis in 2001, seven years before Jones was even born. The German has accumulated a wealth of experience across two decades on tour. Yet none of that mattered once the young Queenslander stepped onto the court.

Jones set the tone from the opening game, playing with an aggression and purpose that kept her opponent on the back foot throughout. She rushed the net, executed precise cross-court shots, and followed through with conviction on every stroke. The world No. 147, a former junior world No. 1, controlled the tempo and never allowed Maria to settle into her rhythm.

Jones acknowledged the challenge her opponent presented. Maria’s game was tricky to face, but the teenager was delighted to secure the win. She praised the German as an amazing player with significant experience—something Jones readily admits she hasn’t accumulated yet—while expressing satisfaction with her own performance.

The second set provided the most compelling evidence of Jones’ maturity beyond her years. After falling behind 0-2, many teenagers might have crumbled under the pressure of facing a seasoned professional. Instead, Jones composed herself at a crucial deciding point that threatened to put her 0-3 down. A clever backhand marked the turning point, and she surged to win six of the next seven games to claim both the set and the match.

Playing in front of family and friends on home soil clearly energised the Sunshine State local. Jones described the Brisbane International as the best tournament with the best crowd, expressing joy that her family could attend to watch her compete.

Jones’ approach to the tournament has been refreshingly pressure-free. She doesn’t put pressure on herself to win and instead focuses on excitement about playing, a mindset that appears to be serving her well.

This victory represents Jones’ second career win over a top-50 player, following her defeat of world No. 37 Wang Xinyu at the recent Adelaide tournament. The consistency of these breakthrough results suggests the teenager is ready to make her mark at the highest level.

The timing couldn’t be better. Jones has been granted a wildcard into next week’s Australian Open main draw at Melbourne Park, where she’s guaranteed significant prize money regardless of her result. First-round participants will collect $150,000 this year—a 14 per cent increase from 2024—as part of Tennis Australia’s record $111.5 million prize pool.

Last year, Jones made her grand slam debut at the Australian Open but lost in the first round to sixth seed Elena Rybakina. She’ll enter this year’s tournament with considerably more confidence and momentum.

Photo credit: Facebook/Tennis Australia

Before Melbourne, however, Jones faces another significant challenge. She will take on world No. 17 Liudmila Samsonova in the second round at the Brisbane International—yet another test against higher-ranked opposition. But if her performance against Maria is any indication, the young Queenslander won’t be intimidated by reputations or rankings.

Jones acknowledged that every round at the Brisbane International presents a challenge, with all players ranked in the top 100. She’s willing to give it her best shot, demonstrating the determination that’s propelling her rapid rise through the professional ranks.

Read: Homecoming Queen: Ash Barty Returns to Tennyson for Brisbane International

Australian tennis fans should get used to hearing the name Emerson Jones. The future looks bright for this young Queenslander.

Published 7-January-2026

Local Restaurant Guide – 4075

We’ve combed Corinda, Graceville, Graceville East, Oxley, and Sherwood for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

Read: West Brisbane Area Sports Results Dec 26-28

1. Oxley Tavern

About Oxley Tavern
4.4 Google Rating

146 Blunder Rd, Oxley QLD 4075

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Peter Bill
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went to watch the test cricket at the tavern. I had spaghetti Bolognese, which was a lunch special. Good lunch sized portion, very nicely cooked with garlic bread on the side. The garlic bread was incredibly soft and tasty. The staff were very professional and friendly and very helpful. I hardly drink alcohol, but I thought I would have a drink. I asked one of the staff for a drink recommendation. I took up her suggestion. I asked for extra lemon, which I got. I went and watched the cricket on the massive screen they have and I left after a few hours. I’m not good to be around when I’ve had a few drinks, so I left before the truth serum set in. I highly recommend Oxley tavern. It was going to become one of my go to places for food and drink, however my circumstances have changed.

Craig Riley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The girl who served us was AMAZING (wish I remembered her name). Friendly, personable and always with a smile. I raved about her exceptional customer service and was just blown away by her everything. Nice work to her. She said she usually works Mondays so lucky for us she was working on a Tuesday as well. I gave her a nice little tip $$$.
Food was alright (we all had burgers for dinner). Couldn’t finish it I was that full. Chips and gravy and onion rings were very nice.

Sue Folliott
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a very impromptu family dinner last night for my Nephews birthday. We had a lovely time. Great food, and staff very helpful. Even the music playing was great. Pity for such a great menu that it was a small bistro area, It was a bit overshadowed by the “sports bar” section and the pokies at the end. Compliments to the chef and the team.. to the novice coffee maker, it was great. 🙂

2. Bann Suan Thai Restaurant

About Bann Suan Thai Restaurant
4.8 Google Rating

Unit 5/1118 Oxley Rd, Oxley QLD 4075

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Dede boon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I ordered 3 dishes. Pad Kee Mao is my favorite dish or so-called Dunken Noodle. It’s really great. This dish is really full of flavor. If you like Thai spicy food, I recommend it. I’ll try the iced tea today. I like that the shop opens during the day.

Filippo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have been to Bann Sian Thai restaurant numerous times.
This Thai never fails when eating here. Their food is absolutely delicious! Chicken Penang is my favourite dish. My wife loves the Drunken Noodles!
This family business never is wavering with true values of what food and service is about!
The service is always so good, with a genuine welcome when we arrive. Can’t recommend this Thai any stronger!

Lilian Nguyen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hosted dad’s bday dinner here and every dish we ordered was flavourful and delicious, super well seasoned and authentic flavours in the dishes. Would definitely recommend the massaman curry, pineapple rice, pad thai and the satay chicken entree. Every staff that helped us was so lovely and kind!

3. KatsuCo Sherwood

About KatsuCo Sherwood
4.8 Google Rating

4/699 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood QLD 4075

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Louraine Monedero
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We came in like 7mins before kitchen closes but they still accommodated us 🥹🙏🏻 Staff are so friendly and food was amazing! Cheese katsu is the best! We’ll definitely be back and recommend to friends! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Noppamas Sutthanun
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Second time visiting this place and the taste is just as great as the first time. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and excellent tonkatsu at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended!
Easy to get to — only a 1-minute walk from Sherwood Station if you’re not driving.

laura kwon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great food and excellent service! Not only is the food always delicious, but the staff go above and beyond. We didn’t even know we left our baby’s pacifier once, but they kept it safe and remembered to return it to us on our next visit. Truly thoughtful!

4. The Ox

About The Ox
4.1 Google Rating

Cnr Ipswich &, 1235 Oxley Rd, Oxley QLD 4075

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Kirsten Olyott
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Went for lunch, beautiful Xmas decorations and great atmosphere. Had Sunday roast and Chicken Parmi and both were delicious. Coffee and lemon meringue and brownie to finish and served beautifully and fast service. Friendly staff and a great meal. Thanks all.

Jaida Wienert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Took the family for their Mothers Day buffet and what a truly beautiful experience! The absolute love and care poured into the set up was incredible, the tables where stunning with beautiful fresh flowers, candles and nametags, obviously not a regular day but the effort of it all was outstanding! The staff were charming and so lovely, they even had little tea gifts for the mothers of the day! If the atmosphere and staff are even half as amazing on other days this place is absolutely worth a visit! The food was amazing, all of it was kept wonderfully warm and was absolutely delicious! The mini Sausages were particularly delightful! I truly can’t wait to come back for a dinner experience and hope to update my review then!

Donna Bake
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a group for dinner the food was great. Had pizza and cheese bread, lamb shanks, and steak. All served in good time and was really good food. Lots of kids for a Wednesday night so don’t site next to the kids play area is you don’t want to hear loud kids all night.

5. ROMA ROMA Pasta Bar

About ROMA ROMA Pasta Bar
4.8 Google Rating

Shop 1/600 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood QLD 4075

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Anceliana Maria Ramos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently visited Roma Roma Pasta Bar and was thoroughly impressed with their fun and satisfying pasta concept. The ordering system is simple but effective — pick your protein, veggies, pasta style, sauce, and cheese, then watch it all come together in a generous bowl. Everything arrived fresh and steaming hot, with bold flavours that hit the spot.
The pricing is excellent for the portion size—around $18.90 for a fully loaded bowl, which felt like great value given the quantity and quality.
Their sauces ranged from creamy Alfredo to zesty tomato and spicy arrabbiata, with vegan options readily available.
Service was friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming—perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even pick-up.

Silvana Sparkles
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love this incredible Pasta Bar with delicious Italian inspired pasta you can customise anyway you like woth a variety of sauces, toppings and cheeses. Enjoyed the delicious gnochi with chorizo, green goddess pasta, linguini with prawns. We also ordered the delicious truffle fries made with flavour filled truffle and parmeson cheese and the delicious truffle arancini balls which melt in your mouth. So much variety to choose from and fun way to get together with family and friends to create and enjoy a delicious meal. 10/10. Will be back 🍝😋

Read: New Road Markings Trial Aims To Cut Bridge Strikes In Corinda

Thomas Copp
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The suburbs have been needing something like this place for so long. A make your own pasta bar, so cool. Lovely fresh pasta that you can make to your liking. Great prices too. A liquor licence would really take this place to another level as well. Will be back!

New Road Markings Trial Aims To Cut Bridge Strikes In Corinda

Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

Queensland Rail has begun a road-marking trial in Corinda aimed at reducing repeated rail bridge strikes caused by over-height vehicles at the Oxley Road crossing.

Read: Bridge Strike Causes Major Delays for Corinda Rail and Bus Commuters

Trial Targets Rail Bridge Strikes In Corinda

The trial forms part of ongoing efforts to address bridge and protection beam strikes across the South East Queensland rail network, which continue to pose safety risks and disrupt rail services. Between January and the end of November 2025, rail bridges and protection beams across the network were struck 348 times by over-height vehicles.

bridge strike
Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

Why Corinda Was Selected

Oxley Road in Corinda is among the locations most frequently impacted by bridge strikes. Records show the bridge was struck 14 times between January and November 2025. This follows 10 strikes during the same period in 2024 and five in 2023, indicating a sustained pattern of incidents at the site.

Due to its history of repeated strikes, the Corinda bridge was selected as one of two trial locations, alongside a similar site at Pine Street in Wynnum.

Corinda bridge trial
Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

What The Trial Involves

The trial introduces bright red and yellow painted boxes on the road surface leading up to the rail bridge in Corinda. The markings display “low bridge” warnings and are designed to prompt drivers to slow down and check their vehicle height before reaching the bridge.

The markings are intended to draw attention earlier than standard signage alone. They complement existing measures already in place at some rail bridges, including advance warning signs, height indicators, monitoring cameras and, in certain locations, protection beams.

Ongoing Safety And Disruption Concerns

Rail bridge and protection beam strikes have been linked to safety risks for drivers and other road users, as well as delays to rail services. In the previous year, bridge-related incidents resulted in more than 300 hours of delays for rail customers across the network.

Drivers who damage rail infrastructure face fines of $1,335 and four demerit points. If a matter proceeds to court, the maximum penalty cited for causing damage to rail infrastructure is $13,352. Queensland Rail also seeks to recover repair costs from those responsible.

What Happens Next

The Corinda trial is scheduled to run for up to two years. Monitoring will continue to assess whether the road markings lead to a reduction in bridge strikes. Outcomes from the trial will help determine whether similar treatments are introduced at other frequently hit rail bridges.

Read: Queensland School Sport Pathways Link Sherwood To AFL Development

Any rail bridge strike should be reported immediately using the telephone number displayed on the bridge identification plate or by calling Emergency Network Control on 1800 079 303.

Published 28-Dec-2025

Brisbane International 2026 Set to Light Up Tennyson Courts

Photo Credit: Brisbane International/Facebook

The Brisbane International will return to Tennyson, with the Queensland Tennis Centre hosting a major international tennis tournament featuring leading ATP and WTA players.

Read: Life Begins at 60: Enjoying More of What Matters at Kingsford Terrace Corinda

A Major Summer Event in Tennyson

The 2026 Brisbane International will be held from 4 to 11 January 2026 at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, marking the 15th edition of the tournament. Matches will again be centred on Pat Rafter Arena, using outdoor hard courts as part of the Australian Open lead-up.

The event continues its role as one of the opening tournaments of the Australian Summer of Tennis.

Birsbane International
Photo Credit: Brisbane International/Facebook

Elite Player Field Confirmed

Seven of the world’s top ten women are confirmed for the women’s draw, led by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. She will be joined by Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, and Ekaterina Alexandrova.

The men’s field includes Daniil Medvedev, reigning Brisbane champion Jiri Lehecka, Tommy Paul, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Grigor Dimitrov, Frances Tiafoe, Joao Fonseca, and Alexei Popyrin.

Australian players set to compete include Alexei Popyrin, Daria Kasatkina, Adam Walton, and Emerson Jones, with entries across direct qualification and wildcard positions.

Wheelchair Tennis Program

The tournament schedule will again include the ITF 500 Australian Wheelchair International, featuring eight leading men’s wheelchair tennis players competing alongside the main event.

Crowds and Local Impact

Around 63,400 spectators are expected to attend the Brisbane International across the eight-day program. The event is projected to generate approximately $12 million in economic activity, driven by visitor attendance during the tournament period.

Tickets and Key Dates

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with prices starting from $30. A Family Fun Day is scheduled for Sunday, 4 January, allowing children to attend for free with the purchase of an adult ticket, subject to availability.

Looking Forward

Read: Queensland School Sport Pathways Link Sherwood To AFL Development

With a full international field confirmed and competition scheduled across eight days, the Brisbane International will once again place Tennyson at the centre of the early-season tennis calendar in January 2026.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Queensland School Sport Pathways Link Sherwood To AFL Development

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Queensland Representative School Sport has supported the development of student athletes across multiple disciplines for more than a century, with Sherwood linked to the pathway through the junior football progression of Brisbane Lions player Jaspa Fletcher.

Read: Christ the King Students Bake for a Cause as BCE Communities Share Christmas Kindness

A Long-Running School Sport Program

Queensland Representative School Sport provides competitive pathways across 21 sports, supporting students through district, regional, state and national championships. The program allows students to compete in structured environments while continuing their education, helping athletes develop both sporting and personal skills.

The program has operated for more than 100 years and has supported athletes across a wide range of sporting codes, creating consistent pathways during school years.

Jaspa Fletcher
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Highlighting Athlete Journeys

Queensland Representative School Sport maintains an athlete portal that profiles students who have participated in representative competitions. The portal outlines how involvement in school carnivals and championships has contributed to later sporting opportunities.

Athletes featured include Grace Brimelow, Rhani Hagan, Kobi Walker, Deanna Turner and Alexa Leary. Each progressed through representative school sport in disciplines such as swimming, athletics, rugby, triathlon and netball, gaining experience through interschool and championship events.

Queensland Representative School Sport
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Sherwood’s Connection Through Jaspa Fletcher

Sherwood’s direct link to the program is reflected through Jaspa Fletcher’s junior football pathway. Fletcher progressed through Queensland Representative School Sport as a junior athlete, competing at district, regional, state and national levels.

He began his junior football career with Coorparoo before later playing for Sherwood Districts, where he continued his development in Brisbane’s local competition structure.

school sport pathways
Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Transition To Professional Football

Fletcher’s under-18 performances in 2022 resulted in his selection with pick 12 in the national draft. He made his AFL debut in 2023 and has since been part of Brisbane premiership-winning teams in 2024 and 2025.

Read: Life Begins at 60: Enjoying More of What Matters at Kingsford Terrace Corinda

His progression demonstrates how representative school sport pathways can support long-term athlete development, connecting junior participation to elite competition through structured programs.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Life Begins at 60: Enjoying More of What Matters at Kingsford Terrace Corinda

For many people, retiring is no longer about slowing down. It is about choice — choosing how to live, how to spend time, and how much energy to give to the things that matter. At Kingsford Terrace Corinda, that philosophy is clear: downsizing is not a step back, but a step into a fuller, more deliberate chapter of life.

Located at Cliveden Avenue in Corinda, Kingsford Terrace sits within an established residential pocket close to train services, shops, green spaces and essential health care. It remains firmly connected to the surrounding suburb, allowing residents to stay close to family, friends and the routines they know, while enjoying the benefits of a purpose-built retirement community.

Not One Type of Resident — But Many Lives Well Lived

Kingsford Terrace is home to people who have lived widely different lives, united not by age but by curiosity and independence.

Bill Newnham. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Among them is Bill Newnham, a former engineer whose career spanned Europe, the Middle East, South America and the North Sea oil fields. After decades of high-pressure international project work, Bill and his wife Pamela chose Kingsford Terrace after leaving their three-level family home in nearby Chelmer. Retirement has not meant retreat. Bill remains active through Men’s Shed, Toastmasters, regular gym sessions and plans for future travel, appreciating the freedom that comes with a low-maintenance home.

Val Donovan signing her published memoir. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Creativity is also part of village life. When Val Donovan launched her memoir ‘Memories of a Life Well Lived’ at Kingsford Terrace, she also raised funds for the Melanoma Institute Australia in memory of her late husband. The event brought together residents, family and friends, reflecting the strong sense of community that has formed within the village.

Ronnie Christie in action. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

New resident Ronnie Christie’s life journey has taken him from Scotland to Sydney and Perth, before coming to Corinda. He is a performer by heart and has been actively sharing his talent with everyone.

Trevor, the resident Champion. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Achievement does not stop at the village gates either. One resident, Trevor, won a gold medal at the Queensland Championships in the 10-metre air rifle event at Belmont. Competing in the SH2 category, his win was celebrated widely within the Kingsford Terrace community as a reminder that ambition does not retire.

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

Everyday Life, Shared Well

Community life at Kingsford Terrace grows naturally rather than being imposed.

NIA (neuromuscular integrative action) classes to support fitness and mobility
Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda
Pilates. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Residents can take part in gentle fitness options such as NIA movement classes, Pilates and other low-impact activities designed to support strength, balance and wellbeing.

Paint and Sip. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda
Crafters in action. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Creative and social groups include paint-and-sip sessions, craft circles and informal gatherings built around shared interests.

Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

From time to time, other groups gather and meet. ROMEO — Retired Old Men Eating Out have become part of village culture.

Food is a major point of connection. The on-site KT Café, operated in partnership with Brisbane Valley Protein, offers residents access to freshly prepared meals, produce and shared tastings, reinforcing the village’s emphasis on quality, convenience and sociability.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Kingsford Terrace is also completely pet-friendly, offering the perfect place to walk about, with even the occasional obedience class or “puppaccino” treat.

Puppachino. Photo Credit: Facebook/Kingsford Terrace Corinda

Spaces Designed for Living — Without the Fuss

Kingsford Terrace Corinda
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Kingsford Terrace has evolved over time, with each new stage shaped by resident feedback and changing expectations around retirement living. The community includes seven residential buildings: Litchfield, Duporth, Mitchell, Francis, Lingrove, Taylor and the newest addition, Radcliffe.

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Apartments are designed with accessibility and comfort at their core. Step-free access, lifts, generous layouts and modern fittings reduce physical strain while supporting independence. Homes are light-filled, secure and easy to manage, allowing residents to spend less time on upkeep and more time on the things they enjoy.

Shared facilities and landscaped spaces are positioned to encourage connection without sacrificing privacy. Residents can join in as much — or as little — as they wish. Importantly, the village sits within Corinda rather than apart from it, allowing residents to remain active participants in the broader community rather than observers from the sidelines.

A Company With Skin in the Game

Tim Russell and Mark Taylor. Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Kingsford Terrace is owned and operated by Aura Holdings, a Brisbane-based retirement living company founded by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor. Their approach to retirement living is shaped not only by professional experience but by personal insight: both founders have parents who live in Aura communities.

That lived experience informs Aura’s philosophy — that retirement living should expand life rather than narrow it. Communities are designed to support independence, dignity and connection, recognising that people do not stop evolving simply because they stop working.

Read: Tim Russell and Mark Taylor Made Retirement Living So Enjoyable, Their Parents Had to Move In

Life, Reimagined After 60

Photo Credit: Aura Holdings

Australians aged 60 and over now make up more than one-fifth of the population, and expectations around ageing are shifting. Increasingly, people are choosing homes that support active, connected living rather than isolation.

At Kingsford Terrace Corinda, that shift is visible every day — in shared meals, personal achievements and the quiet relief of living without constant maintenance. For many residents, life did not slow down at 60. It simply found a better rhythm.

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Published 12-December-2025

Christ the King Students Bake for a Cause as BCE Communities Share Christmas Kindness

The Mini Vinnies team at Christ the King School in Graceville has been baking up kindness this festive season, making and selling home-made biscuits to raise funds for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. The student-led effort is a simple, hands-on way for young people to contribute to others in need and to learn about community service.

Read: Historic Graceville Homes Sells for $1.8M after Stunning Renovation

Their biscuit drive comes amid a wider swell of generosity across Brisbane Catholic Education’s 146 schools. Staff and students are taking part in programs and activities that reflect the season’s focus on care, support, and connection.

Photo credit: Facebook/Christ the King School, Graceville

At BCE’s Woolloongabba office, staff again supported the long-running Adopt-a-Family initiative. Now in its 21st year, the program offers relief to families facing hardship, including unemployment, homelessness, family breakdown or those seeking asylum. This year the team prepared 91 wrapped boxes of gifts and non-perishable food items for 20 families. 

BCE’s Woolloongabba office (Photo supplied)

The program involves staff, program founder and former recipient Sue Treweek, Father Wally Dethlefs and Life Without Barriers National Immigration Services. Helen Hartwig, BCE Officer Services Team Leader, said the program builds hope and brings joy to those who need it most. Father Dethlefs and his helpers are delivering the boxes to families ahead of Christmas.

Students across BCE are also contributing in varied and practical ways. At Mt Maria College Petrie, pupils placed donations for the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal beneath the school’s Giving Tree during a special Christmas liturgy. Jared Press, Assistant Principal Formation and Identity, said donations have grown for the second year running, and staff at the college raised more than $700 in food vouchers to support local families.

Prep classes at Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West, brought the Nativity story to life for their school community, offering a straightforward retelling of the Christmas story that connected children, families and staff.

At St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket, students returned for a third year to sing carols, do crafts and spend time with residents at Mercy Community Aged Care. The visits help students build meaningful intergenerational relationships while providing companionship and seasonal cheer to aged-care residents.

Photo credit: Facebook/Christ the King School, Graceville

Back in Graceville, Mini Vinnies members at Christ the King have turned baking into a charitable activity, selling biscuits with the proceeds donated to St Vincent de Paul. It is a small-scale enterprise with a clear purpose: to teach students that practical acts of service, whether a cake stall, a donation or a visit, can make a real difference for people doing it tough.

Read: Sherwood Guides Receive Facility Upgrade Grant

Across Brisbane, these coordinated efforts by BCE schools and staff demonstrate a focus on community and generosity. In the lead-up to Christmas, hampers are packed, trees become donation points and children practise giving — all simple actions that together send a message of care and solidarity.

Published 12-December-2025

Oxley Set for Immersive ‘Fawlty Towers’ Dining Experience

Photo Credit: Eventfinda

Oxley will host the “Fawlty Towers” The Dining Experience at Oxley Golf Club, offering an interactive mix of comedy and improvisation that has become a hallmark of the long-running show. The event is expected to draw interest from locals who enjoy theatre that brings the audience directly into the action rather than keeping the performance on a distant stage.

Read: Tim Russell and Mark Taylor Made Retirement Living So Enjoyable, Their Parents Had to Move In

A Community Event with Returning Fans

The show has toured for 29 years and features an improvised format that keeps performers interacting closely with guests throughout the meal. The dining experience is produced by Interactive Theatre International, a company known for creating immersive, site-specific comedy shows that blend theatre and improvisation.

The company trains its actors to embody the series’s familiar personalities while adapting to unpredictable, real-time interactions, which is why the show is often described as mostly improvised. 

On 14 February 2026, attendees will enjoy a three-course meal while performers portray characters inspired by the original television series. These performances shift in real time due to the show’s improvised nature, giving Oxley audiences a version shaped in the moment.

The classic British sitcom “Fawlty Towers”  starred John Cleese and became known for its sharp humour and unforgettable characters. The live experience places guests in the middle of a recreated hotel dining room where performers take on the roles of Basil, Sybil and Manuel, bringing the sitcom’s chaotic charm into a real-world setting. 

Multiple sources describe the experience as the longest-running “Fawlty Towers”-inspired show in the world. Because the performance is largely improvised, no two shows are the same. This is an interactive experience that relies on audience involvement and a shifting timing that changes from moment to moment.

The format mixes scripted moments with spontaneous comedy, making every performance different while keeping the spirit of the original television series at its core.

What Guests Can Expect from the Oxley Golf Club

Details provided by the Oxley Golf Club and theatre listings state that the event includes a two-hour interactive comedy experience paired with a menu influenced by the 1970s era in which the original series was set. The ticket covers both the meal and the performance, with drinks available for purchase separately. 

Organisers also note that flash photography is not permitted during the show. Event pages explain that doors open 30 minutes before the show begins, giving guests time to arrive and settle before seating starts.

Read: After More Than 100 Years, Graceville Croquet Club Continues to Thrive

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Published 9-Dec-2025