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Portside Wharf To Host Mother’s Day Market By The River

Families in Hamilton are being invited to spend a relaxed morning by the river, with Portside Wharf preparing to host a Mother’s Day market that blends local shopping with simple, family-friendly activities.

Portside Wharf Hamilton Brings Local Market To The Riverfront

Portside Wharf in Hamilton will host its Mother’s Day Market on Saturday 2 May, with the riverside precinct set to fill with more than 20 stalls from 9am to 1pm. The event is free to attend and will take place at 39 Hercules Street.

Held in partnership with The Market Folk, the market will showcase a range of locally made goods, giving visitors the chance to pick up something thoughtful for Mother’s Day while supporting small makers. Stalls will feature items such as ceramics, candles, handcrafted jewellery, crochet flowers, and sweet treats, offering a mix of practical and personalised gift options.

A Morning Designed For Families In Hamilton

Beyond shopping, the Portside Wharf Hamilton event is set up as an easy outing for families looking to spend time together. Children’s activities will include a baseball pitching pop-up, along with balloons and free treats, creating a casual and welcoming environment for younger visitors.

Free pilates classes will run throughout the morning at Studio Pilates, with terms and conditions applying, offering something for those wanting to take part in a more active experience. Rosé Gelateria will also introduce a special Mother’s Day rosewater pistachio flavour for the occasion.

Across the precinct, retailers will be taking part with Mother’s Day offers, adding to the overall experience and giving visitors more ways to browse and enjoy the day.

Giveaway Adds Extra Appeal For Visitors

A Mother’s Day hamper valued at more than $1,000 is also part of the event, giving attendees the opportunity to win a collection of gifts and experiences.

The hamper includes dining vouchers, pilates classes, a family cinema pass, jewellery, candles, and other items, bringing together contributions from Portside Wharf businesses and participating brands. Entries are open through Portside Wharf’s social media.

A Simple Way To Spend Time By The River

Set along the river, the Portside Wharf Hamilton market offers a straightforward way for locals to combine gift shopping with time outdoors. The format brings together stalls, activities, and small experiences into one morning, making it easy for families to drop in, explore, and enjoy the precinct at their own pace.

With free entry and a mix of things to see and do, the event provides a local option for those looking to mark Mother’s Day without travelling far from Hamilton.

Published 30-Apr-2026

Flipside Circus Among Recipients of Brisbane Airport’s Biggest-Ever Community Fund

Flipside Circus, based in Hamilton, is among 16 organisations to share in Brisbane Airport’s largest ever Community Giving Fund, with $125,000 distributed across grassroots groups this year.

Read: Flipside Circus Opens Brisbane Circus Centre, Its New Home At Northshore Hamilton

Flipside Circus received funding to support a program providing First Nations youth with access to professional mentorship and training in the creative arts, including circus and acrobatics.

The 2026 round was the largest since the fund launched in 2015, surpassing last year’s $100,000 to coincide with 100 years of Brisbane Airport. The grant program provides financial support to grassroots community organisations working across education, environment, health and inclusive initiatives, with a new community sport category added this year to recognise the role local sporting clubs play in health and wellbeing.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the airport played an active role in supporting local communities. “By supporting community-led initiatives, we’re helping organisations deliver the services, programs and opportunities that matter most to those communities,” he said.

Other funded organisations work across health, education and community services. Baby Give Back, a Queensland charity that provides clothing, nappies and other material basics to vulnerable families, will use its grant as a co-contribution to reopen its Brisbane warehouse and update the fitout to hold more supplies. Variety Queensland will deliver a financial literacy education programme across 10 special or high needs schools in Brisbane, reaching between 250 and 300 students.

Brisbane Airport Community Engagement Manager Portia Allison said the fund had attracted a diverse range of applications. “From youth programs to grassroots sport, there are organisations and groups across every corner of Brisbane delivering important work to support their local communities,” she said.

Read: Brisbane Airport Fires up Record Community Giving Fund for 2026

Since 2015, Brisbane Airport has donated more than $655,000 through the Community Giving Fund to community groups and non-profit organisations. The airport also supports the community through its annual Lost Property Auction, Community Giving Globes, Containers for Change recycling, and aeromedical partnerships with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight.

Published 22-April-2026

Local Families Invited to a Stress-Free Mother’s Day Feast in Hamilton

Hamilton will host a massive riverfront celebration where every mother in attendance is treated to a free glass of sparkling wine as part of Brisbane’s largest outdoor dining event.

A Community Feast by the River

The upcoming festivities at the Northshore precinct aim to take the stress out of the holiday by handling all the cooking and cleaning for local families. Organisers want to provide an easy way for people to gather in a familiar setting without the usual chores that come with hosting a big family meal. The event stretches across a massive area made from old shipping containers, offering enough room for everyone to relax by the water.

To make things even better for those visiting on Sunday, 10 May, the gates will be open from 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm. This extra time allows families to enjoy a slow lunch or an early dinner while soaking in the atmosphere.

New Flavours and Creative Fun

Visitors can expect to see some fresh additions to the local food scene this year. Two new small restaurants have joined the lineup, offering unique dishes like lobster rolls sourced from North Queensland and crispy fried gnocchi. For those who want to get hands-on, there are several activities planned. A local florist will be helping people put together their own flower arrangements on both Saturday and Sunday.

Additionally, there will be painting classes where guests can sip on drinks while creating their own art. These sessions are expected to be popular, so locals are encouraged to plan ahead if they want to participate in the creative workshops.

Music and Major Prizes

The entertainment schedule is packed with performers who have appeared on national television talent shows. These musicians will perform across several stages throughout the entire weekend, providing a soundtrack for the various food stalls and shops. Beyond the music and meals, there is a significant community competition running on social media.

One local family has the chance to win a prize package that includes a private dining room for 15 people and hundreds of dollars in vouchers to spend at the precinct. For those who do not win the top prize, the venue still offers plenty of convenience with over 1,400 free parking spots and easy access to the nearby ferry terminal.

Published Date 18-April-2026

Hamilton Hill Mansion Hits the Market as Pub Baron Eyes Northside Expansion

Photo Credit: Ray White New Farm

A landmark Hamilton Hill mansion linked to one of Brisbane’s best-known hospitality families is up for sale, with Norman Hotel owner James Power and his wife Jennifer choosing to downsize after more than a decade in the home.

The Spanish Mission-style estate at 33 Markwell Street has been a well-used family base for the Powers since they purchased it in 2013 for $5.05 million — two years before the couple acquired the iconic Norman Hotel in Wooloongabba for around $7 million. With their three children now grown, the couple say the time feels right to pass the home on to another family.

Built in the 1930s, the residence sits on a 1,376 square metre block commanding views across the Brisbane River, the Gateway Bridge, the Port of Brisbane, and out to Moreton Bay. Its east-facing aspect means the home catches the morning sun while staying sheltered from the heat of the afternoon — a quality that made it well suited to the generous entertaining the Powers became known for there.

The property is well appointed for that kind of use, featuring six bedrooms, four bathrooms, three powder rooms, a study, six-car garaging, a wine cellar, steam room, gym, resort-style pool, and both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. A dumbwaiter connects the levels, and Mediterranean-inspired gardens planted with citrus trees, herbs, chillies and limes speak to the family’s appreciation for food and hospitality.

A significant renovation by a previous owner between 1999 and 2000 added a top-level entertaining area and gym, while the Powers have since made their own mark on the property — including retiling the pool surrounds in travertine.

The sale comes as Power prepares to open The Norman Northside in Enoggera, a second venue under the Norman Hotel brand — long tongue-in-cheek billed as Brisbane’s worst vegetarian restaurant.

The property is being taken to market through an expressions of interest campaign with Ray White Collective Luxury principal Matt Lancashire. No price guide has been set, though comparable sales in the area suggest the home could fetch more than $10 million. Lancashire recently launched Ray White Collective Luxury as a Brisbane agency focused solely on properties valued above $4 million, pointing to growing demand at the top end of the market.

“Hamilton is a top choice for affluent buyers,” Lancashire told The Courier-Mail, citing the suburb’s elevated position, river views, and concentration of prestige homes.

Published 16-April-2026

Hamilton Crash Involving Allegedly Stolen Vehicle Leads To Teen Charge

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

A serious multi-vehicle crash in Hamilton has resulted in a teenager being charged after an allegedly stolen vehicle collided with two other cars, leaving several people in hospital.

Crash Unfolds On Kingsford Smith Drive

Emergency services were called to Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton around 4:28am on 7 April following reports of a three-vehicle collision involving a Land Rover, a Mazda and a Toyota. The incident occurred in the early hours, drawing police to the scene.

Officers later confirmed the Land Rover had been reported stolen from a residential address overnight. The vehicle was identified as part of the crash, with its occupants taken into custody a short distance from the scene.

Hamilton crash — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Teen Occupants Taken Into Custody

Four occupants of the Land Rover, all teenagers, were located nearby and taken into custody. The group included a 17-year-old boy, along with three others aged between 14 and 16.

All four were transported to hospital under police guard for treatment. The three younger occupants remained in Brisbane hospitals under police guard following the incident.

Injuries Across Other Vehicles

The crash also resulted in injuries to occupants of the other vehicles involved. Two men travelling in the Mazda sustained serious injuries and remained in hospital.

The driver of the Toyota, who was alone in the vehicle, did not sustain physical injuries.

traffic incident — Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Charge Laid Following Hamilton Crash

Following further investigation into the Hamilton crash, the 17-year-old boy was charged with multiple offences. These included enter dwelling and commit, receive tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and failing to remain at the scene of a traffic crash.

He was refused bail and was due to appear in Brisbane Childrens Court on 8 April. The matter forms part of ongoing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigations Continue

Investigators specialising in criminal and crash analysis are continuing to examine the incident. Authorities have also sought information and vision from the public to assist with inquiries.

Parts of Kingsford Smith Drive remained closed for a period as investigations were carried out in the Hamilton area.

Published 9-Apr-2026

Hamilton Small Businesses Face Uncertainty as Luxury Development Moves In

Photo Credit: Krazy AU/ Instagram

A high-stakes legal battle has broken out in Hamilton where a local dessert bar is suing a major property developer to stop the forced closure of a popular community shopping strip.

The Fight for Racecourse Road

The conflict began on a Wednesday morning when workers for the developer, Graya, allegedly arrived at the Racecourse Road site to change locks and cut power to existing shops. This move came as a shock to the owners of Krazy Dessert Hamilton, who believe they have a legal right to stay in their shop for several more years. The business owners claim their current lease includes a specific agreement that prevents them from being kicked out for demolition purposes until 2030.

Because of the sudden loss of power and access, the shop has reported a total loss of their food stock and a complete halt to their daily earnings. They are now asking the court to step in and protect their right to trade under what they describe as a valid and binding legal contract.

Developer Defends Site Clearance

The developer, known for high-end residential projects, plans to replace the current shops with a five-storey apartment complex featuring thirty-seven luxury units and a new pedestrian walkway. A representative for Graya stated that the company is confident they followed the law when ending the business leases at the site.

They suggested that if the tenants disagree with the move, the proper place to settle the argument is through the legal system. While the developer had previously handed out flyers suggesting that work would start in March 2025, the recent fencing and utility cuts suggest they are eager to begin the transformation of the Hamilton streetscape as soon as possible.

Heartbreak for Local Shopkeepers

The impact of the looming demolition stretches beyond the courtroom, hitting long-term local workers and newer investors alike. At Ascot News and Tobacconist, staff described the situation as devastating for the neighborhood, noting that there are no other available spaces nearby for the newsagent to move into. Next door, the owner of Siam Pagoda Thai Garden is facing a significant financial blow after only being in business for a few months.

The restaurant owner reportedly spent a large amount of money setting up the shop recently and is now left with deep disappointment and no immediate plans for the future. While Brisbane City Council does not require a special permit for the demolition itself, the community remains upset about the loss of a hub that has served residents for years.

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A Changing Neighbourhood

This specific block is becoming a central point for massive change in the inner north of the city. On either side of the Graya site, other developers like Fortis are also planning to tear down older buildings to make way for modern apartments and upscale food outlets. One nearby project even takes design cues from the local St Augustine’s Church to try and fit in with the area’s history.

Despite these attempts at stylish design, the current residents and shopkeepers are focused on the immediate loss of their livelihoods and the stress caused by the rapid pace of the construction takeover.

Published Date 07-April-2026

Hamilton’s Collins Foods Exits Taco Bell to Double Down on KFC in Europe

Collins Food Limited/Facebook

Collins Foods Limited, the Brisbane-based restaurant operator headquartered on Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, has announced the sale of 20 of its 27 Taco Bell restaurants as it sharpens its focus on growing its KFC business in Europe.

The ASX-listed company entered into a legally binding arrangement with YUM! Brands, the global owner of the Taco Bell brand, and Restaurant Brands Australia to transfer the 20 restaurants to new ownership. The remaining seven Taco Bell locations will close, with Collins Foods absorbing a $1.2 million hit to its bottom line as a result.

Managing director and CEO Xavier Simonet described the move as an opportunity to focus on the company’s core KFC business, with particular attention to accelerating profitable development in Germany.

A Queensland Company with More Than Five Decades of History

Collins Foods’ roots in Queensland stretch back to 1968, when it first obtained the KFC franchise for the state. The company opened its first restaurant in Kedron the following year and introduced the drive-through format to Australia in 1979, a concept now standard across the country.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The company’s headquarters moved to Brisbane in 2005 following a private equity acquisition, and it has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 2011. Its corporate offices now sit at Level 3, KSD1, 485 Kingsford Smith Drive in Hamilton, placing it among the inner-city businesses that call Brisbane’s riverside precinct home.

The Taco Bell chapter began in 2018, when Collins Foods acquired the franchise rights for Australia. At its peak, the company operated 27 locations across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. The exit marks the end of that chapter, with the business returning to the brand’s global owner and its local partner.

Focusing on What Works for Collins Foods

For a company of Collins Foods’ size, concentrating resources on its strongest performer is a considered move. In 2025, Collins Foods reported annual revenue of $1.5 billion, up 2.1 per cent from the previous year, with net operating cash flow rising $5.1 million to $181.4 million.

The European expansion is gathering pace. Earlier in March, Collins Foods acquired eight KFC restaurants in Germany for $50 million, and also extended its corporate franchise agreement with YUM! Brands covering the Netherlands. The company’s growth strategy targets the addition of 40 to 70 new KFC restaurants in Germany over the next five years.

With 288 KFC restaurants across Australia and a growing European footprint spanning Germany and the Netherlands, the Taco Bell sale clears the runway for a more focused international push.

How the Sale Affects Staff and Store Operations

YUM! Brands and Restaurant Brands Australia will take over the 20 restaurants and continue operating them under the same ownership arrangement, with employees transferring to the new owners as part of the transaction. The deal uses a stock-based purchase structure, with the incoming owners also assuming the lease liabilities for all 20 sites.

The seven locations earmarked for closure represent the smaller, harder-to-transition portion of the portfolio. Collins Foods has not specified which sites will shut, though further detail is expected as the transaction moves toward completion.

Shares in Collins Foods fell 2.62 per cent in morning trade on the day of the announcement.

Keeping Across the Story

Collins Foods is an ASX-listed company trading under the code CKF. Updates on the Taco Bell transition and the company’s European expansion plans are available at collinsfoods.com. Media and investor enquiries can be directed through the company’s Hamilton headquarters at 485 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton QLD 4007.

Published 01-April-2026

Brisbane Airport Issues Safety Alert Ahead Of Easter Travel Surge

Photo Credit: BrisbaneAirport/Facebook

Brisbane Airport has urged travellers to prioritise safety during the busy Easter period, releasing CCTV footage that reveals common injuries and incidents across its terminals.

Easter Rush Drives Safety Reminder

More than one million passengers are expected to travel through Brisbane Airport during the Easter holiday period, placing increased pressure on terminal spaces and facilities.

In 2025, the airport recorded 25 million passengers and 187 public injuries, most of which were minor and required first aid treatment. Despite rising passenger numbers, reported incidents declined across 2024 and 2025.

The safety push aims to further reduce injuries by encouraging travellers to follow signage, allow enough time, and avoid rushing through busy areas.

Footage Highlights Preventable Terminal Injuries

CCTV vision released by Brisbane Airport shows a series of incidents involving passengers navigating escalators, travelators and car park areas during peak travel periods.

The footage captures travellers losing balance while handling heavy luggage, as well as collisions occurring at boom gates. These incidents are being used to highlight preventable risks within the airport environment.

Airport authorities are encouraging passengers to remain alert and move carefully through terminals, particularly when managing baggage and travelling with children.

Escalators And Travelators A Major Source Of Injuries

About 30 per cent of injuries at Brisbane Airport occur on escalators and travelators, making them a key focus of the safety campaign.

Incidents often involve passengers attempting to manage bulky or multiple bags, leading to loss of balance and falls. Surveillance vision also highlights preventable injuries involving older travellers in these situations.

Travellers with heavy luggage or mobility concerns are being advised to use lifts instead of escalators or travelators.

Suitcase Riding Among Common Causes Of Child Injuries

The footage also highlights incidents involving children riding on suitcases inside the terminal, a practice identified as a frequent cause of injury among younger travellers.

Children positioned on luggage are more likely to lose balance due to instability, increasing the risk of falls onto hard flooring surfaces.

Parents and carers are being reminded to supervise children closely and avoid using suitcases as a means of transport.

Easter travel — Photo Credit: BrisbaneAirport/Facebook

Practical Safety Tips For Travellers At Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is encouraging travellers to follow simple measures to reduce the risk of injury while moving through terminals and surrounding areas.

Key safety advice includes not placing children or babies on suitcases, using lifts when carrying heavy bags, and holding handrails when using escalators or travelators.

Passengers are also advised to supervise children closely and avoid play around baggage carousels, trolleys and other airport equipment, while following safety signage throughout terminals.

Additional guidance includes using approved pedestrian paths in car parks, avoiding movement under boom gates, and allowing enough time to move through busy areas without rushing.

Published 30-Mar-2026

Award-Winning Hamilton Home Faces Demolition for New Three-Storey Build

A luxury Hamilton home built less than a decade ago could be demolished and replaced with a new three-storey residence under a new proposal.

Planning documents (DA A006987434) lodged for 2, 2A and 4 Perry Street on 23 March show a development application has been submitted to construct a new dwelling house on the 1,240 sqm site, which sits within one of Brisbane’s most prestigious riverside suburbs.

The report, prepared by Property Projects Australia, states the existing home on the site was built around 2017, meaning a relatively new dwelling would be removed to make way for the proposed residence.

While demolition is not formally part of the application, the planning documents make clear that the current house would need to be cleared before construction of the new home could proceed.

The proposal is being assessed under Brisbane’s character residential zoning, with the property affected by both the Dwelling House Character Overlay and the Traditional Building Character Overlay. These planning controls are designed to protect the established look and feel of older suburbs, particularly traditional Queenslander-style housing.

However, the planning report argues that the new design should still be approved despite not fully complying with some accepted standards.

In particular, the proposed house would exceed the typical preferred height of 9.5 metres and adopt a more contemporary architectural style, including a low-pitched roof and modern materials that differ from traditional character homes.

The applicant’s planners argue that the surrounding area already includes a mix of newer, non-traditional homes and that the proposal reflects the evolving streetscape of Perry Street and nearby roads such as Eldernell Terrace.

“The proposal is consistent with the emerging built form in the locality,” the report states, pointing to other approved developments that also exceed traditional expectations for height and design.

Hamilton has long been regarded as one of Brisbane’s most tightly held and affluent suburbs, known for its river views, large homes and historic streetscapes. But like many inner-city areas, it has also experienced increasing redevelopment pressure, with older homes — and increasingly newer ones — being replaced by larger or more contemporary residences.

The application highlights a growing trend in Brisbane’s high-end property market, where knock-down rebuilds are no longer limited to ageing housing stock but are extending to relatively modern homes as owners seek to maximise land value and tailor properties to changing lifestyle preferences.

If approved, the new dwelling would add to a wave of redevelopment reshaping parts of Hamilton, raising ongoing questions about how planning rules balance neighbourhood character with modern design and expectations.

The application is now subject to council assessment, with a decision to determine whether the proposal aligns sufficiently with the intent of Brisbane’s planning scheme despite its departures from traditional character provisions.

Published 27-March-2026

The Hamilton Warehouse Where You Can Paint the Walls and Grab a Coffee

Photo Credit: Warehouse Cafe/ Instagram

A shared industrial space in Hamilton is redefining the morning coffee run by letting every customer leave their mark on the walls with a spray can.

The venue, known as Warehouse Cafe, operates inside the Superordinary arts precinct at 175 MacArthur Avenue. It welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am until 12:30 pm. This space is designed to be a flexible home away from home for residents of the rapidly growing Northshore area, offering a mix of hospitality and hands-on creativity.

A Workspace Built for Connection

coffee — *Photo Credit:* *Warehouse Cafe/ Instagram*

The cafe has become a popular spot for those who work remotely, providing free access to 2GB high-speed internet. Unlike quiet traditional offices, this environment is filled with the sounds of a busy arts centre. It features both indoor and outdoor seating areas where people can finish their daily tasks.

To make the workday more enjoyable, the venue provides a community library and a collection of board games for breaks. The entire site is also pet-friendly, allowing locals to bring their dogs along while they work or catch up with friends.

Where Street Art Meets Breakfast

What sets this spot apart from a standard coffee shop is the interactive “jam walls” located outside. These walls act as an ever-changing gallery where anyone can pick up a can of paint and contribute to the decor. For those who prefer to look rather than participate, the interior serves as a large professional gallery for local creatives to display their work.

The food menu focuses on simple, high-quality items such as build-your-own crumpets and smashed avocado topped with tomato medley, capers, and a tangy balsamic reduction. All drinks are made using Allpress coffee beans, ensuring the quality of the brew matches the high energy of the surrounding art.

Fueling the Local Creative Scene

The precinct serves as more than just a place to eat; it is a functional tool for the Brisbane arts community. The venue houses an artist paint shop and a vinyl record setup that local DJs can use upon request. Throughout the month, the space hosts a variety of scheduled programming, including culinary festivals, dance music events, and hands-on workshops.

For those who commute by bike along the Brisbane River, the cafe provides plenty of dedicated parking, making it a convenient pit stop for active locals looking to connect with their neighbours in a creative setting.

Published Date 18-March-2026