Families living across Graceville and Tennyson are being warned to keep their children and pets away from the water’s edge after local testing found Oxley Creek to be one of the region’s most consistently contaminated waterways.
Recent data collected between November 2024 and December 2025 shows a worrying trend for residents in Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs. While many locals enjoy the walking tracks and parks that line the creek, the actual water quality often fails to meet basic safety standards. Unlike the open beaches on the Gold Coast that benefit from ocean currents, the geography of Oxley Creek means it does not flush out pollutants easily. This leads to a build-up of Enterococci, a type of bacteria that signals the presence of faecal matter from either animal or human sources.
Health Risks Lurking in the Water
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The presence of these pathogens is more than just a numbers game for the community. Health experts, including Griffith University microbiologist Associate Professor Helen Stratton, explain that swimming in such conditions can lead to serious gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as infections in the ears and eyes.
For those in the Tennyson area, the risk is particularly high because the bacteria can survive in the water for long periods. Safety guidelines suggest that anything over 500 units of the bacteria per 100 millilitres of water is unacceptable for any form of recreation, yet several local spots have far exceeded these limits during the testing period.
The Impact of Heavy Rainfall
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The situation becomes significantly more dangerous following the heavy storms that often hit the region. When a big downpour occurs, rain flushes chemicals, oils, and waste from gutters and backyards directly into the creek system through stormwater drains. In some cases, the volume of water is so great that it causes sewerage pipes to overflow and mix with the stormwater.
Professor Ian Wright from Western Sydney University suggests that while open beaches might clear up after a day, rivers and estuaries like those near Graceville can remain dangerous for at least three days after the rain stops. He compares the movement of the bacteria to a flood, noting that even when the rain ends, the contamination continues to flow through the system for several days.
While Graceville and Tennyson residents face challenges with Oxley Creek, other parts of the city have seen much better results. Nearby Wynnum and the Redlands area, specifically Wellington Point and Raby Bay, were noted as some of the cleanest swimming spots in the region. For those willing to travel to the Gold Coast, Main Beach remains the top-rated spot for water purity.
To stay safe, the local community is encouraged to check for permanent warning signs at popular entry points. If there has been heavy rain within the last 72 hours, the safest choice for families is to stay on the grass and out of the water until the system has had a chance to naturally clear itself.
The fire was reported near Sherwood Road at Oxley Creek Common, close to the Brisbane Markets precinct at Rocklea.
Queensland Fire Department issued an Advice-level “Avoid Smoke” warning at 5:11 a.m. on Monday, 9 February 2026, for Sherwood, Rocklea, Oxley, Tarragindi and surrounding areas. The department advised residents to remain indoors where possible, close windows and doors, keep respiratory medication nearby if required, and avoid driving through smoke.
Queensland Fire Department stated no properties were at risk. However, smoke was expected to make breathing difficult for some residents and reduce visibility on local roads. Authorities also advised motorists to watch for firefighters operating in the area and not to fly drones near the fire.
It was also reported that the area was backburned around 8:30 a.m. to protect nearby factories. It was understood the fire was not planned, and firefighters said it did not pose a risk to infrastructure.
Earlier Fire Near Park Ridge
A separate vegetation fire was reported near Talinga Drive, close to the Mount Lindesay Highway at Park Ridge, just after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Queensland Fire Department said about 10 crews responded at the height of the incident.
That fire was contained around midnight, with crews remaining on patrol until 2:00 a.m. on Monday.
Photo Credit: Viz-O-Kn33/Reddit
Air Quality And Visibility Impacts
Bureau of Meteorology said light winds across the city allowed smoke to drift and linger. Visibility at Brisbane Airport dropped to about 2 kilometres during the morning.
Air monitoring data showed Brisbane CBD recorded PM2.5 levels of 124 micrograms per cubic metre at 7:00 a.m., while South Brisbane recorded 76.8 micrograms per cubic metre.
Residents across suburbs including Woolloongabba, Morningside, New Farm, Hamilton, Hawthorne, Kangaroo Point, Newstead and Annerley reported waking to a strong smoke smell and visible haze. Some initially believed there was a nearby structure fire before learning of the Sherwood vegetation fire.
Queensland Fire Department advised residents to monitor official warning channels for updates. Further information will be issued if conditions change.
In Graceville, Botellón sits on a leafy stretch of Honour Avenue where Valentine’s Day can be kept pleasantly low-key. It’s the sort of place that rewards lingering — shared plates, passing forks, and conversation that outlasts the first round.
The venue sits within the Central Buildings, a row of shops designed and built around 1924 by builder and designer Walter Taylor. It’s the sort of place that anchors a neighbourhood. It’s recognisable, well-worn, and still doing what it was made for: bringing people in off the footpath.
Botellón leans into that intimacy rather than fighting it, with a cosy indoor dining room and alfresco seating that suits long, light-strung evenings. The restaurant itself is relatively young by Graceville standards, opening in 2019 and quickly becoming a western-suburbs favourite for Spanish-inspired dining.
That mix — a new restaurant inside an old building — gives it a particular character. The food feels celebratory, but the room still feels like the neighbourhood.
This Valentine’s Day (Saturday, 14 February), Botellón is keeping things straightforward: lunch runs à la carte, while the evening shifts into a set menu ($95 per person). It’s an approach that suits the day’s many versions. Some people want a date-night ritual; others want a catch-up with friends; plenty will come as families, because a shared meal is one of the easiest ways to keep everyone talking.
At lunch, the restaurant’s à la carte format lends itself naturally to seasonal, shareable dishes. In its Valentine’s promotion, the venue features starters such as burrata with smoky escalivada and baked saganaki finished with salsa agridulce and oregano, alongside paella as the centrepiece.
The mariscos paella is described in the same promotion as a generous mix of prawns, scallops, octopus and chorizo, brought together with saffron aioli — the kind of dish that does what good food should do on a day like Valentine’s: it gives the table something to gather around.
Dinner is more structured. It begins with a choice of oysters with mignonette or manchego cheese with caperberries and quince, followed by bread — sourdough with garlic chive butter or a gluten-free house-made loaf — alongside whipped ricotta with chilli honey, walnut and oregano. From there, the menu moves into king prawn with brown butter, soy sauce, paprika oil, parsley, capers and guindillas, plus eggplant chips with lime honey.
For mains, diners choose between paella (chicken and chorizo, prawn and chorizo, or vegetarian) with chimichurri, or a 250 g striploin served with spicy XO sauce or chimichurri. Dessert offers two distinct finishes: chocolate cremeux, or churros with dulce de leche.
What makes the night feel like Botellón, though, isn’t just the sequence of courses. It’s the way the whole format encourages lingering. The venue’s Valentine’s promotion also mentions cava as the celebratory thread, from classic sparkling pours to a playful cava sangria with fruit and brandy. If you’re not marking an occasion with bubbles, you can keep it quieter: a glass of something Spanish and chilled, a long chat, and the kind of evening that doesn’t need a grand gesture to feel special.
In a suburb that prizes its local rituals — cafés you return to, walking routes you can do without thinking, shopfronts that don’t change much even when the businesses inside them do — Botellón has slipped into place with ease.
On Valentine’s Day, it’s less about “the perfect night” and more about a very Graceville idea: good food in a familiar spot, shared with whoever you’re lucky enough to have on the other side of the table.
Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia, joining an exclusive group of just 10 Australians to receive the nation’s highest civilian honour on Australia Day 2026.
Raised in Durack, Ms Palaszczuk has been recognised for her eminent service to the people and Parliament of Queensland, particularly during her tenure as Premier from 2015 to 2023, as well as her contributions to educational equity, multiculturalism, and public health, according to the Governor-General’s official honours list.
From Durack to Queensland’s Top Office
Photo credit: Facebook/Annastacia Palaszczuk
Ms Palaszczuk’s journey from Durack to the premier’s office represents a remarkable chapter in Queensland’s political history. Before entering politics, she worked as a policy adviser to several Labor ministers, including Minister for Communities, Disabilities and Seniors Warren Pitt, and former Minister for the Environment Dean Wells, according to the Governor-General’s citation.
In 2006, she succeeded her father, Henry Palaszczuk, as the Member for Inala, beginning a 17-year parliamentary career. She held ministerial positions including Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs (2009-2011) and Minister for Transport and Multicultural Affairs (2011-2012).
Her elevation to Premier in 2015 marked a historic moment—she became the first woman in Australian history to win a state premiership from opposition. Under her leadership, Queensland formed the first majority-female cabinet in Australian state and federal history.
Ms Palaszczuk’s eight years as Premier were defined by significant challenges, particularly her government’s management of Queensland’s COVID-19 response, which her citation acknowledges as part of her service to public health.
Recognition and New Chapters
Photo credit: Facebook/Annastacia Palaszczuk
The Australia Day honour adds to Ms Palaszczuk’s previous accolades, which include the International Leadership Award from the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation in 2018 and the Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership from Women and Leadership Australia in 2016, as listed in the official citation.
Since stepping down from politics in December 2023, Ms Palaszczuk has taken on new roles, serving as a board member of Australia Post since 2024 and as an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland.
Australia Day 2026 Honours
The 2026 Australia Day Honours List recognises 949 Australians across various categories, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. This represents an increase of over 200 awards compared to Australia Day 2025.
Only 10 individuals received the Companion of the Order of Australia designation in the General Division this year, placing Ms Palaszczuk among the nation’s most distinguished citizens. Other recipients of the AC honour include Olympic legend Cathy Freeman, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, quantum physicist Professor Michelle Simmons, and prominent medical scientist Professor Anne Kelso.
Ms Palaszczuk is one of three ex-premiers to receive one of the nation’s top honours in the 2026 Australia Day awards. Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally received the second-highest honour, an Officer of the Order of Australia, while former South Australian Premier Steven Marshall also received an AC honour.
For residents of Durack and surrounding western Brisbane suburbs, Ms Palaszczuk’s appointment as a Companion of the Order of Australia represents not only recognition of distinguished public service but also a testament to the community that helped shape one of Queensland’s most significant political figures.
Recipients of Australia Day honours will receive their insignia at investiture ceremonies to be held at Government Houses in their respective states and territories in the coming months.
Early works are now underway at Brisbane Boys’ College’s Oxley sporting precinct site, following compliance approvals issued in 2025 that support sports and education facilities development under existing approvals.
The school is moving ahead with development on its Oxley property following the approval of two compliance assessments in 2025 for land fronting Cliveden Avenue and Oxley Road.
Property And Development Scope And Latest Approvals
The Oxley property is owned by Brisbane Boys’ College, whose main campus is located in Toowong. The land, previously used as a driving range and golf club, spans approximately 35 hectares and fronts 433 Cliveden Avenue and 980 Oxley Road.
Planning records describe the approved development as allowing education-related uses, indoor sport and recreation, parking areas, internal access roads and supporting infrastructure across the site.
Two compliance-related applications were approved in 2025 for the Oxley site. A construction management plan was approved on 14 October 2025, and an acid sulphate soils management plan was approved on 7 November 2025. For both applications, public notification is listed as not applicable in the planning register.
Earlier submissions and community materials outlined objections to the scale and placement of facilities on the Oxley land.
The site was described as flood-prone, with concerns that additional buildings, fill, vegetation clearing or changes to watercourses could increase flood impacts on nearby homes and local roads.
Objections focused on the inclusion of tennis courts and a multi-use indoor court near residential properties, particularly along the Cliveden Avenue frontage, citing potential impacts from noise.
Photo Credit: DA/A006860052
Concerns were also raised about stormwater management, waterways, biodiversity protection and vegetation management linked to the size and intensity of the proposed development.
Traffic and access were another focus, with references to increased vehicle movements affecting Cliveden Avenue, Oxley Road, Oxley Station Road and Cook Street.
Photo Credit: DA/A006860052
Planning History
A material change of use application was submitted in October 2010 to enable education purposes, indoor sport and recreation, and a medical centre on the Oxley land.
The application was publicly notified between 31 March 2011 and 20 May 2011 and was approved on 27 March 2013.
A revised application was lodged in September 2016 and approved in July 2017, retaining the same categories of use under a different assessment pathway.
With the original approvals and the 2025 compliance assessments in place, works on the Oxley property may proceed in line with the recorded conditions and management plans associated with the Brisbane Boys’ College site.
Brisbane Boys’ College has apologised to nearby residents after sudden works were noticed along Cliveden Avenue in early 2026, despite the broader Oxley sporting precinct plans having been approved years earlier. Residents felt “blindsided” after construction fencing and signage appeared and trucks began arriving, with concerns raised about the lack of community notice and the absence of updated environmental impact studies following major floods since the initial approvals.
The school expects the current works to finish by mid-year and describes the activity as phase 1a of the overall development plan, including a car park and rowing sheds to be used by BBC and Stuartholme School. It also notes the site continues to operate as the Corinda Golf Course and Oxley Driving Range and is designated as a mixed-use sports zone, while longer-term plans beyond the initial stage remain an ongoing goal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. 🙂
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!
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!
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.
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 🍝😋
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
