In a gripping Round 5 encounter of the 2025 Bond University QAFLW, the Morningside Panthers secured a narrow, four-point victory over the Coorparoo Kings, marking a significant milestone in their inaugural season at the state league level.
Final Score: Morningside: 3.1 (19) Coorparoo: 2.3 (15)
Venue: Giffin Park, Coorparoo Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025
The match, dubbed the ‘War of Wynnum Road,’ was contested under challenging wet and blustery conditions, which played a significant role in the low-scoring affair. Both teams struggled to maintain possession, resulting in a combined total of just 278 disposals—the lowest recorded in a Bond University QAFLW match to date.
Morningside’s forward Lucy Bellinger emerged as the hero, delivering two crucial set shots that ultimately decided the game’s outcome. Her first goal came from a free kick in the left pocket, navigating a 30-metre shot into the wind. The second, a remarkable 35-metre set shot from the right boundary, extended the Panthers’ lead in the third quarter.
Coorparoo’s Chelsea Chesterfield kept the Kings in contention, scoring two goals, including one early in the final quarter that narrowed the margin to five points. Despite a late surge, the Kings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, with Jenae Govan’s challenging chip shot veering left of the goal.
Defensively, Morningside’s halfback Gracie Roy stood out with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks, effectively disrupting Coorparoo’s advances. Ruck Teresa Dixon was dominant in the air, recording 47 hit-outs—just four shy of the competition record.
The victory propels Morningside alongside Southport as the only teams to win their first five matches in the 2025 season. A win against Maroochydore in their next outing would set a new competition record. Additionally, Morningside’s Reserves team triumphed 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7), marking a perfect ten wins across both grades to start the season.
Coorparoo, despite the loss, maintains the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 65 points over five rounds. They will look to rebound in their upcoming match against reigning premiers Southport.
For fans who missed the live action, the full match replay is available below:
FULL MATCH | Coorparoo vs. Morningside – Round 5 QAFLW
This hard-fought victory not only cements Morningside’s strong start in the QAFLW but also adds a thrilling chapter to the burgeoning rivalry between these two clubs.
A brand-new two-day chocolate festival arrives in Morningside this weekend, promising a huge range of decadent treats at The Hills of Rivermakers from the established team behind the Sweet As Dessert Festival.
The first-ever Brisbane Chocolate Festival is set to delight residents and visitors this Saturday, 26 April, and Sunday, 27 April. Gates will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day at the riverside precinct, The Hills of Rivermakers. It offers a dedicated occasion for enjoying chocolate even after the Easter season has passed.
Attendees can look forward to an extensive selection of chocolate-themed food and drinks. Vendors will offer chocolate fountains, brownies, soufflé waffles, cupcakes, doughnuts, gelato, ice cream, slices, and meringue.
Organisers have stated that options catering to lactose-free, gluten-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and vegan dietary needs will also be available. Beyond the sweets, pop-up bars will serve dessert cocktails, and market stalls will feature unique gifts and artisan products. Free tastings of chocolates and desserts are also planned.
The festival aims to provide fun for all ages with activities and entertainment. Live music will create a festive atmosphere throughout the weekend. Families can expect various children’s activities, including a chocolate treasure hunt where kids can search for hidden goodies. For those looking for a challenge, a chocolate-eating contest is also scheduled.
Entry to the festival grounds requires a ticket, priced at $5 per person. However, entry is free for children under the age of 14. Once inside, visitors will pay for the food, drinks, and market items they wish to purchase.
The event is organised by the same team responsible for the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival, which is known for attracting large crowds of between 5,000 and 10,000 people to its previous West End location before the COVID-19 pandemic. This indicates that significant interest is expected for this new chocolate celebration.
Following community feedback, Jeremiah O’Toole Park in Morningside is set for a significant upgrade, featuring a completely redesigned playground, new pathways, and refurbished facilities.
The planned improvements aim to enhance the park’s usability and appeal for local residents of all ages and abilities. Final designs for the playground component are still being developed, and exact start dates for the work are yet to be confirmed.
Playground Transformation
Photo Credit: Google Map
A central part of the project involves a major overhaul of the playground area. Plans include installing new swings, climbing equipment, and slides. The redesigned space will adopt a more natural look and feel. Officials indicated that images of the final playground design will be shared with the community once available.
Enhanced Accessibility and Amenities
Photo Credit: Google Map
Accessibility throughout the park is flagged for improvement by adding new pathways. These paths are intended to benefit children on scooters and bikes and people pushing prams or using mobility devices. Alongside the pathways, the project includes refurbishing the basketball shooters’ box.
To improve park visitors’ comfort, more seating will be installed around the playground and basketball court. An additional shaded shelter will also be constructed next to the playground area.
Initial construction work will commence within the current financial year, focusing on the new pathways, extra seating, and the shaded shelter. Further updates on precise timing for all upgrade stages, including the playground construction, are expected soon. The announcement emphasised that the upgrades are a direct result of community input.
Emergency services responded to calls reporting a fire at a property on Britannia Avenue around 10:30-10:45 PM. The young victim suffered significant burns to his face, head, chest, and arms in the incident.
The boy was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, though specific details about how the fire started remain unclear.
This incident has raised concerns in the Morningside community.
A 50-year-old Morningside man was assaulted during a violent armed home invasion in what police believe may be part of a string of connected break-ins across Brisbane’s southern suburbs.
The incident occurred in the early hours of March 20, when a group of armed intruders broke into the man’s Morningside residence. When confronted by the homeowner, the perpetrators threatened him and demanded car keys, leading to a physical altercation that left the resident injured.
Police report the suspects fled the scene in a black sedan that had been stolen from a Cannon Hill home the previous day.
Significant to the Morningside community, security footage has emerged showing the suspected group attempting to break into another Morningside home approximately one hour before the assault. The footage captures the individuals using louvre removal tools in their attempt to gain entry.
This marks two targeted properties in Morningside within the same night, suggesting an increasing risk to local residents. The proximity and timing of these incidents have raised concerns about home security throughout the suburb.
Local authorities believe these Morningside break-ins may be connected to other property offences that occurred overnight in neighbouring suburbs. The crime spree appears to have begun in Bulimba at around 11 PM, before moving through Cannon Hill, Wakerley, and culminating in the violent Morningside assault.
Police are continuing their investigation and have called on Morningside residents with security cameras or any information related to suspicious activity in the area to come forward to assist with their inquiries.
Raw, untreated sewage has been discharged into the Brisbane River at Morningside, contaminating flood waters in the area, as part of a temporary relief overflow structure in the area. Urban Utilities is also undertaking critical pipe replacements on a 70-year-old, 600-metre underground siphon connecting Bulimba to Hamilton.
Major Wastewater Pipe Repairs Lead to Emergency Overflow
Urban Utilities has confirmed that untreated sewage has been discharged into the Brisbane River at Morningside. This is due to ongoing work on the ageing Bulimba-Hamilton Siphon. The siphon is a 600-metre underground wastewater tunnel connecting Bulimba to Hamilton. It has transported sewage for nearly 70 years and is currently undergoing critical pipe replacements.=
With one of the two pipes offline for maintenance, excess wastewater from recent heavy rainfall has been managed through an emergency relief point. As a result, residents have been advised to avoid contact with floodwaters, particularly near Vic Lucas Park at Bulimba and Colmslie Beach Reserve at Murarrie.
Public Health Concerns as Residents Ignore Warnings
Despite public health warnings, some residents have been spotted swimming and fishing in contaminated floodwaters. Social media users expressed alarm, with one person noting sewage and toilet paper debris in local parks.
Urban Utilities has reassured residents that Brisbane’s drinking water remains safe and continues to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, authorities have advised people to boil or filter their drinking water as a precaution.
Flooding and Power Outages Continue Across Brisbane
The crisis in Morningside is part of a larger emergency unfolding across South East Queensland. Heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused severe flooding, with multiple creeks overflowing and major roads inundated.
Energex crews have restored power to 31,000 homes, but more than 211,000 properties remain without electricity. Emergency teams are working in hazardous conditions, with helicopters on standby to assess damage once the weather improves.
As floodwaters begin to recede, authorities will assess the full extent of the damage, particularly the health risks posed by contaminated water. Urban Utilities will continue repairs on the Bulimba-Hamilton Siphon, with efforts underway to complete the project as soon as possible.
Brisbane residents are urged to stay updated on the latest developments, report any sewage overflows, and follow health guidelines when cleaning up flood-affected properties.
Latest Updates on Brisbane Services & Recovery Efforts
Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred (Updated: 10 March 2025, 11:20 a.m.)
BCC has announced several service closures and changes due to ongoing flood recovery efforts:
Closures Until Further Notice:
City Hall, community halls, libraries, pools,
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
North & South Regional Business Centres, Carindale, Indooroopilly, Brisbane Square Customer Service Centres
Golf courses, off-street parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks (Gap Creek & Mt Coot-tha Reserve)
Council-run playground water play areas
CityCat, KittyCat
Most bus services
Story Bridge footpaths
Open Facilities & Services:
Chandler and Ferny Grove Resource Recovery Centres (offering free green waste drop-off)
Sandbag stations
All sandbag stations have closed.
Transport Disruptions & Road Closures
Ferry services are suspended and unable to operate due to debris found in the water.
Bus and train services are operating on limited schedules.
Roma Street Station remains closed due to flooding.
Personalised Public Transport services and Council Cabs are still suspended.
For public transport updates, visit TransLink or contact 13 12 30.
Waste Collection & Bin Repairs
Regular collection of general waste, recycling, and waste bins (green) has resumed.
Bin repair and maintenance services are still suspended until further notice.
For more information, visit BCC website or contact 07 3403 8888.
Evacuation Centres Remain Open for Flood-Affected Residents
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions as flooding conditions persist. Those needing emergency shelter can still access the following evacuation centres:
Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) at 757 Tilley Road, Chandler
Kedron Wavell Services Club at 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Riverlife Community Centre (Community-Led Evacuation Hub) at 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Residents are urged to leave early, avoid driving through floodwaters, and prepare emergency kits with essential items.
Cannon Hill residents are preparing for a community-wide End of Summer Party at Regent Park on Friday, 4 April 2025. The party aims to raise funds for local educational and community organisations.
The event, timed to coincide with the conclusion of the first school term, will support the Cannon Hill State School Parents and Citizens Association, Cannon Hill Kindergarten, YMCA Cannon Hill Community Centre, and St Oliver Plunkett Primary School.
From 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Regent Park is expected to come alive with various activities. Organisers are planning live musical performances to provide a festive atmosphere. Children and families can look forward to face painting and interactive games such as pluck-a-fish. Market stalls offer diverse goods, while food trucks cater to various culinary preferences.
A bar will serve refreshments, and various performances will entertain attendees throughout the afternoon. The intent is to create a welcoming and engaging environment for all ages.
The event will transition into a more relaxed phase as the day progresses. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., attendees can socialise and enjoy the remaining festivities. Live music will continue, providing a background for the evening. This period will allow community members to connect and celebrate the end of the first school term.
The funds generated from the 2025 End of Summer Party will be distributed among the four beneficiary organisations. These organisations provide essential educational and recreational services within the Cannon Hill community. Organisers are working to encourage strong local participation and foster a sense of community.
They have expressed their anticipation of a successful event and are preparing to thank all attendees and volunteers for their contributions.
Morningside local Catherine Isaac, founder of Two Souls Co., is changing the conversation around early pregnancy loss by providing compassionate support and dignified options for women experiencing miscarriage at home.
On 5 January 2021, Ms Isaac’s life was forever changed. At 10.5 weeks pregnant, she began bleeding and was diagnosed with a missed miscarriage. The experience of losing her baby at home over seven traumatic weeks exposed a major gap in early pregnancy loss care.
Women experiencing miscarriage at home are often left without clear guidance on what to expect or how to handle their baby’s remains. Ms Isaac, struggling with the idea of flushing her baby, searched for a respectful alternative. Eventually, she and her husband held a graveside ceremony, giving their baby a dignified farewell.
After experiencing three pregnancy losses and witnessing the lack of resources available, Ms Isaac founded Two Souls Co. to support other women navigating the same heartbreak.
Introducing the Soul Collection Kit
Recognising the need for a compassionate solution, Two Souls Co. developed the Soul Collection Kit—a resource designed for women experiencing early pregnancy loss through natural or medication-assisted management.
An opaque jar for secure storage or pathology testing
A comprehensive instruction card for guidance
Facial tissues for emotional support
A brochure from The Pink Elephants Support Network
Priced at $29.95 per kit or $149.75 for a five-kit bundle, the kits provide an alternative to the distressing reality many women face. Healthcare professionals can also subscribe for regular supply to support their patients.
Bridging the Gap in Pregnancy Loss Care
Despite one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage, resources for dignified early pregnancy loss management remain limited. Many women, like Ms Isaac, are advised to go home and wait for the “tissue” to pass without further guidance.
City official Lucy Collier has praised Ms Isaac’s work, acknowledging the gaps in pregnancy loss care and the silence surrounding difficult conversations. She described Two Souls Co. as a crucial step towards improving support and information for affected women.
Ms Isaac recently addressed a BCC meeting, advocating for better resources and awareness. Her speech highlighted the emotional and physical impact of early pregnancy loss, urging for more accessible support systems.
A Community-Driven Solution
Two Souls Co. is not just about providing kits—it is about giving women a choice. The initiative empowers them to honour their loss in a meaningful way, whether through burial, cremation, or pathology testing.
By partnering with healthcare professionals, Two Souls Co. aims to integrate the Soul Collection Kit into standard early pregnancy loss care, ensuring no woman has to face this experience without compassionate support.
Moving Forward
Ms Isaac’s journey has come full circle with the birth of her daughter in August 2023. While her personal grief remains, her advocacy has transformed the pregnancy loss experience for countless women.
Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods, born from a community cook-up that crafts authentic Asian flavours using local ingredients, has gained a significant following and national distribution for its award-winning sauces and handmade dumplings.
Saucy Wench Gourmet Foods, based in Morningside, represents a successful career change for founder Lisa Liu, whose vibrant brand personality matches her popular products. The company produces a range of Asian sauces, condiments, and ready-to-cook frozen dumplings, earning a dedicated customer base. The products focus on quality and authenticity, using fresh, seasonal Australian ingredients while avoiding preservatives and artificial additives like MSG.
Many offerings cater to gluten-free and vegan dietary needs. Production occurs in their Morningside facility, where a team of passionate retired migrants hand-makes the items in small batches. This commitment to quality was recognised when Saucy Wench was named “Brisbane’s Best Handmade Business” and received several product awards, including Best Vinegar or Dressing at the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards, during 2024.
The brand’s unique name and identity emerged unexpectedly from a neighbourhood gathering during a flood threat in East Brisbane in 2016. Lisa Liu explained that after neighbours suggested she sell the chilli oil made during a community cook-up powered by a generator, the name “Saucy Wench” was jokingly proposed and stuck. The distinctive logo, featuring Liu wearing ‘Dame Edna’ style onion goggles, originated from a photo taken that same day.
Initially selling at local markets like New Farm Markets for three years, Saucy Wench products gained popularity through word-of-mouth. They are now featured on restaurant menus from Kedron to Tweed Heads and stocked in boutique grocers.
The business is expanding its reach, partnering with The Essential Ingredient to stock sauces in New South Wales, Victoria, and ACT stores, and gaining range in selected Woolworths supermarkets across Sydney and Melbourne. Liu expressed that while the brand started almost as a joke, its growth reflects her lifelong passion for sharing good food.
The success of local businesses like Saucy Wench occurs within a city that actively supports its food sector’s growth. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) runs initiatives such as the Future Food Global Accelerator program to help local food and beverage companies expand into international markets. Now in its eighth year, this month-long program connects businesses with industry experts and provides tailored mentoring.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that Brisbane’s dynamic food and beverage scene contributes significantly to the city’s appeal as a place to live and work. He affirmed the city’s commitment to supporting local businesses aiming for global audiences, highlighting Brisbane’s strong manufacturing capabilities, research institutions, and advantageous proximity to the Asia-Pacific market, which represents a $90 trillion GDP and nearly half of global trade. BEDA’s State of The City report noted Brisbane’s advanced manufacturing sector is growing five times faster than the national average.
Brisbane’s supportive environment and strategic location also attract established businesses aiming for growth. Grove Juice, Australia’s largest Valencia orange grower, recently joined the 2025 Future Food Global Accelerator cohort and has established its headquarters in Brisbane. Grove Juice CEO Greg Quinn cited the city’s skilled workforce and proximity to major ports as key factors in their decision. He explained that their Brisbane base aided their efficient process of moving citrus from farm to juice to transport within days.
Quinn added that joining the Future Food Initiative provides valuable connections and resources to accelerate Grove Juice’s global expansion plans, positioning It ideally for opportunities like the Brisbane Olympics. Since 2018, BEDA’s Future Food Initiative has assisted over 400 businesses, including well-known names like Merlo Coffee and Hilton Foods. The 2025 accelerator program will run throughout February.
The Do-Op Shop in Morningside, known for its community focus and sustainable practices, has raised over $85,000 for local charities in the past three years.
Do-Op Shop isn’t your typical store. It wants to make buying second-hand clothing cool and encourage people to reuse items. It offers free and low-cost workshops showing people how to upcycle their old clothes into something new.
Anything that can’t be sold or upcycled is given to companies that can use the fabric for other purposes. It also ensures that any electrical items they sell are safe, using special equipment to test them.
The shop to be more than just a place to buy clothes. They want to create a welcoming space where everyone feels comfortable. The shop provides a place for people to connect and feel like they belong. It’s a place where people can find affordable items and volunteers feel appreciated.
It also supports other charities. For example, they recently gave $15,000 to Ocean Crusaders to help them clean up the Brisbane River.
Do-Op Shop is passionate about protecting the environment. They believe encouraging people to buy second-hand goods can help keep items out of landfills. They also want to show people that upcycling is a fun and creative way to give old clothes a new life.
