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Timothy Aaron Cooper Joins Mamma Mia! Cast At The Star Gold Coast

Ipswich performer Timothy Aaron Cooper is stepping into the spotlight as Harry Bright in Mamma Mia!, joining the Australian cast for its upcoming season at The Star Gold Coast.

Timothy Cooper Takes On Harry Bright

Cooper has been cast as Harry Bright in the limited Gold Coast season, which will begin at The Star Gold Coast on 4 September. A blue carpet premiere is scheduled for 8 September.

The role places him in a 31-member Australian cast led by Erin Cornell as Donna Sheridan, with Emily Monsma as Sophie Sheridan, Chloe Rose Taylor as Tanya and Jo-Anne Jackson as Rosie.

Mamma Mia! follows a mother, her daughter and three possible fathers on a Greek island, with the story built around 22 ABBA songs, including Dancing Queen, SOS and Mamma Mia.

Timothy Cooper cast as Harry Bright — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

From Local Stages To Major Productions

Cooper is originally from Brisbane and is a well-known name in the Ipswich and Western Suburbs theatre communities.

Before moving into major international work and Broadway national touring credits, he was heavily involved with Ipswich Musical Theatre Company and local Brisbane independent stages.

His professional stage credits include the Broadway National Tour of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in the United States, along with Off-Broadway productions The Light Rail and Vox Lumiere’s Phantom in New York City.

He has also appeared in professional productions including Jersey Boys, Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, Ragtime, Disney in Concert and Georgy Girl The Seekers Musical.

Cooper’s screen credits include True Crime with Aphrodite Jones and BYU Spectacular with Brian Stokes Mitchell, as well as television commercials. He has also worked as a main stage performer for Disney and as a featured guest entertainer on Celebrity Cruises.

Queensland performers in Mamma Mia cast — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Queensland Talent In The Cast

The Gold Coast production includes several Brisbane and Gold Coast performers in principal and ensemble roles.

Cornell will play Donna Sheridan, while Gold Coast performer Monsma will play her daughter Sophie. Brisbane performer Taylor will appear as Tanya, with Gold Coast performer Jackson as Rosie.

The three characters form Donna and the Dynamos, the fictional 1970s band at the centre of the musical’s story.

Other principal cast members include Matt Edwards as Sam Carmichael, Danny Folpp as Bill Austin, Harley Dasey as Sky, Samuel Allsop as Eddie, Jake Ameduri as Pepper and Brisbane performer Juliette Coates as Ali.

The ensemble includes South East Queensland performers from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, alongside cast members from other parts of Australia.

Mamma Mia! Heads To The Star Gold Coast

Mamma Mia! will be staged at The Star Theatre, located on the Casino Level of The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach.

The musical first opened in London’s West End in 1999 and has since been seen by more than 70 million people worldwide. The 2008 film adaptation also became one of the highest-grossing movie musicals of all time.

For Cooper, the Harry Bright role adds another major production to a career that has moved from local theatre circles through to international and touring work.

Published 22-June-2026

Orion Springfield Central Rewinds the Clock for a ’90s School Holiday Adventure

Remember spending Friday nights choosing a movie from the local video store or carrying a Walkman loaded with favourite songs? Orion Springfield Central is bringing those memories back through The Rewind Room, a new immersive attraction celebrating the culture and everyday experiences of the 1990s.

There was a time when Friday afternoons meant a trip to the local video store. Families wandered the aisles searching for the perfect movie, friends swapped CDs and cassette tapes, and arcade games drew crowds eager to beat the high score. The 1990s were filled with moments like these. While technology has transformed daily life in the decades since, memories of the era continue to hold a special place for those who grew up during it.

The Rewind Room, running from 19 June to 12 July, transforms part of the Springfield Central shopping destination into a series of interactive spaces inspired by everyday life during the decade.

The experience is part of their NowStalgia winter campaign, which aims to bring together many of the decade’s most memorable aspects, including music, movies, fashion, games and popular culture. It hopes to create something that feels familiar to those who remember the era while remaining entertaining for first-time visitors.

From VHS Tapes to Walkmans: Inside The Rewind Room

The Rewind Room takes visitors on a journey through a collection of themed spaces that reflect different aspects of life in the 1990s.

One of the centrepieces is a video store inspired by Blockbuster, the once-dominant movie rental chain that became a symbol of home entertainment before streaming services changed the industry. In the past, browsing shelves packed with film covers was a regular weekend activity, making the recreation an instant reminder of a different era.

The experience also includes a 90s hallway and teen bedroom, spaces designed to capture the look and feel of homes during the decade. Visitors can continue through a school locker zone before stopping at retro arcade and board games that were popular long before smartphones and online gaming became part of everyday life.

Music fans can explore a karaoke space and revisit portable listening devices through a Walkman-themed area. The journey finishes in a nostalgic 90s kitchen, bringing together another familiar setting that many visitors may remember from childhood.

Rather than focusing on a single trend, the attraction draws together several aspects of 1990s culture, allowing visitors to move through spaces that reflect entertainment, music, fashion and everyday family life.

Why the 1990s Continue to Capture Attention

Nostalgia has become a growing force in popular culture. Fashion trends from the 1990s continue to return to shop shelves, classic video games remain popular, and television programs and films from the decade regularly find new audiences through modern streaming platforms.

Part of that appeal comes from the memories attached to everyday experiences. While major world events help define an era, people often remember smaller details: the music they listened to, the games they played with friends and the places they spent time after school.

The Rewind Room taps into that connection by focusing on recognisable moments rather than simply displaying objects from the decade. It has been designed as an interactive experience.

For parents, the experience offers an opportunity to share a piece of their own childhood with their children. Younger visitors, meanwhile, can discover technologies and trends that were once common but have largely disappeared from daily life.

Orion Springfield Central Centre Manager Mel Kite said The Rewind Room is about creating an experience that feels both familiar and surprising.

“The 90s was such a memorable decade for music, movies, fashion, games and pop culture, and The Rewind Room brings all of that energy together in a way that is playful, interactive and highly shareable,” said Kite.

“Whether you grew up in the 90s or are discovering it for the first time, this is a fun school holiday experience for families, friends and anyone who loves a good throwback moment.”

Entertainment with a Community Focus

The Rewind Room is also linked to a charitable cause.

Entry costs $5 per person, with proceeds going to The Hope Hub, a Queensland-based organisation that provides support and assistance to people experiencing hardship.

Visitors can continue the retro theme elsewhere within the centre through Retro Sketch, located in the Target Mall, where guests can receive a complimentary magnetic-style sketch delivered directly to their phone.

The centre is also running a winter promotion that offers shoppers the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a $15,000 holiday after spending $10 and completing an online entry.

The Rewind Room will run until 12 July on Main Street at Orion Springfield Central.

Published 19-June-2026

Sam Walker: The New Maroons Star from Ipswich Grammar

Dead Eye Dick couldn’t find the black dot from the touchline like Sammy Walker in Origin 2.

If he hadn’t been perfect from the kicking tee, and by perfect I mean if his old man didn’t have a remote control behind the posts to enable Sam to dissect the posts perfectly, then my name’s Gunger Din… He would still have been considered one of the most influential players in a great Maroons performance in Origin 2.

His kicking game, while not as powerful as Mitchell Moses’—as Joey Johns noted, “Mitch Moses kicks 60 metres and Sam Walker barely 40”—was consistently effective and constantly tested the Blues’ defence. Walker’s “inside 10” grubbers were really classy, finding narrow gaps with great weighting.

After blowing his very first kick on the hard bouncing surface, dead in goal, Walker’s onboard computer recalibrated and his deft touch secured repeat sets to enable the grinding and relentless Maroons pressure.

His looped wrap-around pass for Kalyn Ponga to put Selwyn Cobbo away for his second try, was a disruptor that created defensive pandemonium for the Blues.

His grubber for Robert Toia, to score the Maroons opening try in Origin 1, was a beauty.

Genetics for Footy

His father, Ben Walker, played 72 games for the Broncos during an 11-year NRL career that spanned six clubs. In 2001, he set the record for the most points scored by a five-eighth in a single NRL season, tallying 279 points in 26 games. That same year, he shared the Dally M Top Point Scorer Award with the eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns.

Ben still holds the record for the most points in that single season for the Northern Eagles.

His uncle, Chris Walker, played 67 games for the Broncos, in a 12-year playing career across seven different clubs and represented the Maroons in the 2001 and 2002 State of Origin serieses. In 2001 he scored tries in all three Origin games and got so deeply inside the head of Blues coach, Nathan Brown, that he shouted “Walker’s on! Walker’s on!” seemingly in a panic about the impact he could make.

Ipswich Grammar

Of course, Sam’s footy career started with GPS Rugby Union at Ipswich Grammar School, where Broncos and Maroons legend and former coach, Kevvie Walters went to school. Kurt Capewell, another current Origin legend from the same school, has contributed massively to the Maroons since his Origin debut in 2020.

In 2019, at the age of 16, Sam signed with the Roosters for two years, whilst still in his final year of school. On the school’s Facebook page he said, “I am focussing on finishing the school year and achieving the best grades I can.”

*Photo Credit: Ipswich Grammar School/Facebook*

In 2020 the school picked their team of the decade, including Sam, where they said:

Samuel Walker (Class of 2019) had incredible vision and was electric in attack. A great exponent of the counterattack, he managed to bamboozle opposition defence whenever he handled the ball. He was an Australian Rugby League Representative and is now signed with the Sydney Roosters NRL Team.

By 2021 he was well-established in the NRL and had been crowned the Dally M Rookie of the year.

Now closing in on his 100th game for the Roosters, what a State of Origin future he has, with ball in hand, kicking from the tee and grubbering through narrow holes.

Surely he lines up on July 8 at Suncorp to do Ipswich Grammar and Queensland proud, once again.

Published 18-June-2026

Springfield-Redbank Special School Moves Into Construction, On Track for 2027

The Education Department has confirmed it is progressing the new special school for Springfield-Redbank, with construction now underway and the first stage on track to welcome students at the start of Term 1, 2027.

Read: New School Campus to Serve Thousands of Students in Booming Walloon Region in Ipswich

The update came via State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen, who shared confirmation from the department that Stage 1 of the project has been approved for 120 students.

The department’s own project page shows the build has moved out of planning and into the construction phase, with earthworks and the installation of new buildings now the immediate focus. Fleetwood Australia has been engaged as contractor, though the final budget and number of jobs created remain subject to detailed design and contract award.

A shared campus, with each school keeping its own identity

The new school will cater for Prep to Year 6 students and will sit adjoining Woogaroo Creek State School, on land already owned by the state. Under the master plan being developed, Woogaroo Creek State School is expected to expand to around 1200 primary-aged students over time, alongside the roughly 120 special school students enrolled in Stage 1.

Despite sharing a site, the two schools have been planned to operate largely independently. Each will have its own classrooms, play spaces and support areas, and there may be dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones for each campus, although staff and visitor parking could be shared. Where the two will overlap is in things like the existing hall, resource centre and some administration facilities, which will be managed by the leadership team.

There’s also a flow-on effect for an existing local school. Over time, Goodna Special School will transition to serve Year 7 to Year 12 students only, according to the department’s update.

Part of the state’s biggest special school investment

Springfield-Redbank’s new school isn’t an isolated project. It’s one of seven special schools being delivered under a $500 million state commitment, which Queensland has called the largest special school investment in the state’s history. The push reflects a steep rise in need, with special school enrolments across the state having climbed more than 38 per cent since 2019.

Other projects in the program are at different stages. As of the most recent update in October 2025, Logan Reserve and Central Logan (Berrinba) had progressed into construction, Ipswich West had early works underway, and Coomera’s tender process was in motion.

At that time, Springfield-Redbank was grouped with Beenleigh and Moreton Bay South as still in the planning and consultation stage, a status that has since changed with this confirmation that Springfield-Redbank has now moved into construction.

Read: Greater Springfield to Boost Education with 11 New Schools

Ms Mullen has indicated further details, including enrolment information for interested families, will be shared as they come to hand.

Published 17-June-2026

The Meaning Behind the Free Daisy Pins at IGA Springfield Lakes

Shoppers at IGA Springfield Lakes may notice something different at the checkout this week — free Police Legacy Daisy pins being handed out to raise awareness of a charity supporting Queensland police families.

The initiative coincides with National Police Legacy Day on Wednesday, 17 June, with IGA Queensland stores contributing a combined $25,000 donation to Queensland Police Legacy, an independent charity that supports children and families of Queensland police officers facing hardship.

IGA Queensland Board Member and proprietor of IGA Springfield Lakes, Terry Slaughter, said IGA stores across Queensland were proud to support the organisation.

“IGA stores in Queensland are incredibly proud to be supporting Queensland Police Legacy this National Police Legacy Day. Police play an important role in the communities where IGA stores are, and to thank them for their service and support, IGA QLD stores have rallied together to donate $25,000 to Queensland Police Legacy,” Mr Slaughter said.

Ahead of National Police Legacy Day, Mr Slaughter met with Luke and Renee Tulacz from Springfield Police and Queensland Police Legacy President Kent Ellis to mark the donation and raise awareness of the initiative.

Why Daisy Pins

The Police Legacy Daisy is the national symbol of Police Legacy organisations across Australia.

Inspired by the Michaelmas daisy, the flower is associated with St Michael, the patron saint of police. The symbol honours police service and remembers those no longer with us.

National Police Legacy Day is held annually to recognise the work of Police Legacy organisations and the support they provide to police families navigating difficult circumstances.

Supporting Queensland Police Families Beyond the Badge

Queensland Police Legacy works with children and families of Queensland police officers who have experienced hardship, helping them access educational opportunities, emotional support and practical assistance.

Since its establishment in 1971, the charity has supported 291 Queensland Police families and funded the educational expenses of 517 legatee children.

Support can include assistance with schooling costs, camps, laptops, extracurricular activities and programs designed to connect young people who have experienced similar challenges.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Legacy/Facebook*

Queensland Police Legacy Manager Andrew Gough said community support plays an important role in helping the organisation continue its work.

“This generous donation will make a difference to the lives of many of our young Police Legatees who are doing their best to continue on with their lives after facing tragedy. We are very grateful to IGA QLD stores,” Mr Gough said.

One Family’s Experience with Queensland Police Legacy

One of the young people supported by Queensland Police Legacy is Brodie Forte, whose father, Senior Constable Brett Forte, was killed in the line of duty on 29 May 2017.

Now 18, Brodie has spoken publicly about the support the charity provided to his family in the years that followed.

Through annual camps and ongoing assistance, he was able to connect with other young people who had experienced similar loss while receiving support with schooling and activities.

“I think having people who went through a similar experience to me and spending a week with them at a time, it really helped,” Brodie said.

Reflecting on the charity’s role in his life, he said Queensland Police Legacy had become much more than a support organisation.

“I think that dad would be beyond grateful for the help that we’ve gotten from Police Legacy. They are kind of filling in for another parent pretty much,” he said.

How Springfield Lakes Residents Can Show Their Support

Residents who would like to support the cause can visit IGA Springfield Lakes and collect a free Police Legacy Daisy pin while stocks last.

The pins are intended to raise awareness of Queensland Police Legacy’s work and the support it provides to police families across the state.

DONATE TO THE QLD POLICE LEGACY

Published 16-June-2026

Ipswich Teen Gout Gout Takes On Sprinting Idol in Diamond League Debut

Photo Credit: DavidJames/YouTube

Gout Gout, the Ipswich star athlete, has drawn comparisons to sprint legend Usain Bolt since emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting athletics prospects. Yet when asked which athlete inspired him as a youngster, Gout pointed to a different name — Letsile Tebogo.

Just days after the press conference for the Oslo Diamond League, the pair lined up in the same men’s 200 metres race, with Gout making his first appearance in the world’s leading athletics series and Tebogo, 23, arriving as the reigning Olympic champion.

For the young Australian, it was another milestone in a sporting journey that has attracted attention both at home and overseas.

The Sprinter Gout Followed as a Young Athlete

Gout’s performances over the past year have placed him among the most talked-about young athletes in Australian sport. While comparisons with Bolt have followed many of his races, Gout revealed before the Oslo meeting that Tebogo was the athlete he looked to when he first became interested in track and field.

The connection is shaped in part by their ages. Tebogo’s rise through the junior and senior ranks happened much closer to Gout’s own generation than Bolt’s peak years. The Botswanan sprinter first gained international attention as one of the world’s leading junior athletes before establishing himself among the sport’s elite competitors.

Today, Tebogo has become one of the biggest names in sprinting after winning Olympic gold in the men’s 200 metres at the Paris Olympics. The chance to race Tebogo added another layer to Gout’s Diamond League debut.

Tebogo Delivers a Statement Win in Oslo

When the race got underway at Oslo’s Bislett Stadium, Tebogo showed why he remains one of the world’s leading 200-metre runners. The Olympic champion crossed the finish line in 19.84 seconds, making him the only athlete in the field to break the 20-second barrier.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile finished second in 20.12, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards claimed third in 20.50.

Gout stopped the clock at 20.60 seconds to finish sixth after a slow start left him with ground to make up against a strong international field. Although it was not the result he had hoped for, Gout later indicated he viewed the race as part of the learning process as he adjusts to competing at the highest level of the sport.

Olympic Champion Urges Patience and Experience

After claiming victory, Tebogo spoke about the importance of experience for young athletes moving into senior competition.

Drawing on his own path through the sport, Tebogo pointed to junior-level racing and careful development as ways for young sprinters to build experience and reduce injury risk before regularly competing against established senior athletes. The exchange added a respectful note to their first Diamond League meeting.

The Oslo result may not have delivered the finish Gout wanted, but the occasion marked another significant step in his development as an athlete. Competing in a Diamond League meeting places athletes among the best in the world, and Gout has already attracted major attention as a teenager through his performances on the track.

As a young athlete, Gout was watching Tebogo climb through the international ranks. In Oslo, he was standing on the same starting line.

Published 11-June-2026

Southern Queensland Detective Among Seven QPS Officers Awarded Australia’s Top Policing Honour

A senior Queensland Police Service detective with a career spanning youth justice, child protection and illicit firearm crime has been named among seven QPS officers awarded the Australian Police Medal, the nation’s highest policing honour, as part of the 2026 King’s Birthday awards.

Read: New Ripley Police Station Opens as Ipswich District HQ, Strengthening Local Policing

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini, Regional Crime Coordinator for the QPS Southern Region, which covers the Ipswich, Darling Downs and South West policing districts, received the medal in recognition of his long career in frontline policing across some of law enforcement’s most demanding areas.

The Australian Police Medal is awarded by the Governor-General of Australia on behalf of the Sovereign. It recognises distinguished service in law enforcement, community safety, emergency response and governance, and is presented to only a small number of officers nationally each year.

Australian Police Medal (Photo credit: The Governor-General of Australia)

According to the QPS, Detective Superintendent Marchesini developed initiatives and strategies that provided frontline officers with enhanced safety processes and decision-making tools, as well as more effective information and intelligence sharing across units and agencies. He also developed programs to support early intervention and reduce repeat offending.

Detective Superintendent Marchesini was one of seven QPS officers named in this year’s King’s Birthday list. He is joined by Chief Superintendent Marcus Hill of the Aviation Capability Group, Chief Inspector Tyler Crosby, Detective Inspector Lisa Scully of the Ethical Standards Command, Retired Senior Sergeant Ritchie Callaghan, Senior Sergeant R of the Special Emergency Response Team, and Rockhampton Highway Patrol Sergeant Christopher Sullivan.

QPS Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing, himself an APM recipient from 2008, extended congratulations to all award recipients.

“The 2026 King’s Birthday awards represent the highest standard of policing, law enforcement and emergency service across the country, and our recipients embody the integrity, respect and courage the QPS is guided by,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

“Their dedication to serving the community with compassion, professionalism and integrity reflects the very best of the QPS, and I proudly acknowledge their accomplishments. Their contributions across regional operations, frontline support, specialist roles, training and investigations directly strengthen the Service’s ability to enhance community safety.”

Read: Frontline Police Deployment Boosts Springfield and Nearby Suburbs

Two Queensland State Emergency Service members were also recognised in the honours. Cindel Richardson, a volunteer with more than 20 years of SES service, received the Emergency Service Medal for her work in search and rescue, disaster response and community preparedness. Far Western Area Controller John Wallace was also awarded the ESM for more than three decades of service coordinating volunteer capability across southwestern and far western Queensland.

Published 9-June-2026

Greenbank Sporting Community United by Loss of David McBey

Photo Credit: Middle Green/Facebook

Greenbank’s sporting community does not often speak with one voice. Rugby league clubs, football clubs and touch football organisations each have their own competitions, volunteers and priorities. Yet in the hours following the sudden passing of David McBey, they found common ground in their grief.

The longtime leader of Middle Green Sports is being remembered across Greenbank as a man whose influence reached far beyond a single club. Tributes from sporting groups, community organisations and residents have painted a picture of someone who spent years helping local teams find a home, build connections and keep community sport moving.

McBey’s death was announced by Middle Green, where he served in leadership roles for many years, including as president, manager and secretary. They described him as a central figure in its history and someone who dedicated much of his life to creating a place where people could come together through sport.

The Man Behind Middle Green

For many people in Greenbank, David McBey and Middle Green were closely linked.

Public records show McBey held senior positions within the organisation for more than a decade. His professional profile indicates he became president of Middle Green in 2010 and later held management roles that helped guide the club’s growth.

His involvement coincided with a period in which Middle Green strengthened its position as a major community sporting venue in the district. A 2019 story identified McBey as the club’s General Manager and highlighted Middle Green’s role in bringing local residents together.

Those who knew him say his contribution extended well beyond administration. He became a familiar face around the grounds and someone many clubs turned to when they needed support.

A Leader Respected Across Different Sports

The breadth of tributes following McBey’s passing offers perhaps the clearest measure of his influence.

At Greenbank Raiders, club representatives remembered him as a dedicated supporter who gave significant time and energy to the local rugby league community. They said his impact on players, families and volunteers would be felt for years to come.

A similar message came from Teviot Downs Soccer Club, which reflected on McBey’s willingness to help when access to sporting fields was needed. The club credited him with working alongside community organisations and helping create opportunities for local players.

His support also extended to touch football. In 2021, South Queensland & Border Districts Touch acknowledged McBey’s role in helping establish Middle Green Touch, an initiative that expanded sporting opportunities within the area.

Together, the tributes suggest McBey became a trusted figure across multiple sporting codes, earning respect not through public recognition but through years of practical support for clubs and volunteers.

A Lasting Mark on Greenbank

Messages shared by residents following his death have echoed many of the same themes. Friends, colleagues and community members remembered a man known for his welcoming nature, his commitment to local sport and his belief in bringing people together.

Many also reflected on the role he played in helping Middle Green evolve into one of the district’s most recognised sporting venues.

While scoreboards change every weekend and seasons come and go, the response to McBey’s passing has shown that his greatest contribution may have been the relationships he helped build.

For a community that gathers on fields, sidelines and club grounds throughout the year, David McBey’s legacy lives on in the sporting culture he helped strengthen across Greenbank.

Publish 8-June-2026

Morris Runs Riot as Lions Silence Suns and End Losing Streak in QClash

Three straight losses had raised questions about Brisbane’s premiership credentials. Logan Morris helped provide the answer with a career-best seven-goal performance.

The young forward delivered the best game of his AFL career as the Lions snapped their losing streak and tightened their grip on the QClash rivalry, defeating Gold Coast 15.16 (106) to 11.9 (75) at People First Stadium in Round 13 of the 2026 AFL Premiership season.

In a game Brisbane badly needed, Morris was the standout, but he had plenty of company. Lachie Neale was outstanding around the contest, the Lions controlled the stoppages for much of the evening, and the visitors looked far more like the side that lifted last year’s premiership cup than the team that had dropped its previous three matches.

The result handed Brisbane a timely boost heading into the middle of the season and extended a remarkable run of success against their Queensland rivals.

Lions Strike First and Keep Their Foot on the Pedal

The visitors could hardly have asked for a better start.

Jarrod Berry opened the scoring inside the first two minutes before Charlie Cameron and Morris added goals as Brisbane raced to a four-goal lead.

Gold Coast eventually settled through Ben King, but the Lions had already established the shape of the contest. They were winning the ball at the source, forcing turnovers and moving it with far greater purpose than they had shown in recent weeks.

Morris was at the centre of much of the early damage. The key forward kicked two goals in the opening term and looked dangerous whenever the ball entered Brisbane’s attacking arc.

By quarter-time the Lions held a 4.3 to 2.2 advantage and carried clear momentum.

Morris Turns a Strong Night Into a Career Night

Gold Coast made its move early in the second quarter.

King’s second goal narrowed the gap and the Suns enjoyed a period of territorial control as Ned Moyle gave the home side first use around stoppages.

The challenge lasted only briefly.

Morris took over.

He kicked four goals in the second term alone, finding space inside 50 and making the most of his opportunities. By halftime he had five majors beside his name and Brisbane had stretched the margin to 34 points.

While Morris was finishing the work, Neale was driving it. The dual Brownlow medallist repeatedly won contested possessions and clearances, helping Brisbane control both the tempo and field position. Gold Coast stars Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson were restricted to single-digit disposal counts by the main break as Brisbane’s midfield asserted itself.

Suns Keep Coming, But Brisbane Has the Answers

The Suns were far from finished.

King continued to present a threat, Jed Walter hit the scoreboard and Christian Petracca worked his way into the contest as Gold Coast searched for a route back into the match.

There were moments when the margin looked manageable. There were periods when the home crowd sensed a surge.

Each time Brisbane found a response.

Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna and Darcy Fort all contributed important goals, while Morris pushed his tally to six before the final change.

The Lions were not flawless. Their finishing occasionally let them down and Gold Coast remained efficient whenever it generated opportunities. But Brisbane consistently won the critical contests around the ball and prevented the Suns from building sustained momentum.

Midfield Battle Decides the Contest

Much of the damage was done at stoppages.

Brisbane finished with a 31-21 advantage in clearances and generated more than twice as many inside-50 entries from stoppages as Gold Coast. The Lions converted that dominance into a significant scoring advantage from the source that mattered most.

Neale was central to that effort.

The dual Brownlow medallist produced one of his strongest displays of the season and joined an exclusive group of Lions players to record at least 35 disposals, 19 contested possessions and 10 clearances in a QClash.

For a Brisbane side that had been searching for its identity over the previous month, the performance around the contest was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the night.

A Statement Finish

Gold Coast never stopped attacking.

King finished with four goals, while Ben Long added two in the final quarter as the Suns continued to search for a late rally.

Brisbane never looked rattled.

Its pressure remained high, its midfield continued to win territory and, fittingly, Morris delivered the final flourish. His seventh goal arrived midway through the last term, setting a new career high and capping a performance that will rank among the finest of his young career.

When the final siren sounded, the Lions had ended their losing streak with a 31-point victory and reminded the competition that they remain a dangerous proposition when their best football surfaces.

For a side that entered the night under scrutiny, it was exactly the response Brisbane needed.

Goals

Gold Coast: Ben King 4, Jed Walter 2, Ben Long 2, Matt Rowell, Christian Petracca, Mac Andrew

Brisbane: Logan Morris 7, Charlie Cameron 2, Jarrod Berry, James Tunstill, Sam Draper, Ty Gallop, Conor McKenna, Darcy Fort

Final Score

Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106)
Gold Coast Suns 11.9 (75)

New Heart Foundation Walking Group Brings Community Together at Spring Lake Park

A new walking group has set up at Spring Lake Park in Springfield Lakes, giving locals a fresh reason to get outside.

Read: Fitness Activities For All Ages in Springfield Lakes

The Spring Lake Park Heart Foundation Walking Group held its first walk on 3 June, giving residents a free, relaxed way to get moving together. Open to all fitness levels, the group meets at Spring Lake Park in Springfield Lakes and is part of the national Heart Foundation Walking program, which connects Australians through community-based walking.

Whether you’re a regular walker or someone just starting out, all you need are some comfortable shoes and a willingness to show up. Walk at your own pace, and enjoy the company. There’s no cost to join and no pressure to keep up — just walk at whatever pace suits you.

Photo credit: Facebook/Spring Lake Park Walking Group

“This is a friendly, free community walking group designed to help you stay active, improve your heart health, and connect with others in a relaxed and supportive environment,” the group shared on its Facebook page. “All fitness levels welcome. Walk at your own pace.”

The group itself describes Spring Lake Park as “a beautiful spot to get moving and enjoy the outdoors,” and it’s easy to see why it was chosen as the meeting place.

Why walking matters more than you might think

It’s easy to underestimate a walk around the park, but the Heart Foundation promotes regular walking as one of the most accessible ways to support heart health. According to the organisation, walking can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, help manage blood pressure and cholesterol, improve your daily mood, and strengthen social wellbeing.

The Heart Foundation has also flagged that three in four Australians have a Heart Age higher than their actual age, often driven by risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history. For many people, a heart attack or stroke can be the very first sign of heart disease, which is why taking small, consistent steps toward better health matters.

Getting active through walking can improve fitness and heart health, lift mood and energy levels, and help people feel more connected to their community. The program offers both group walks and personal walking plans through its website, with goal setting, progress tracking, and device integration for those who like to keep tabs on their steps.

How to get involved

The group launched in April 2026. Anyone keen to join can follow the group’s Facebook page for updates on walk dates and times, as well as any changes due to weather.

It costs nothing to join. Follow the Facebook page for the latest details on meeting times and what to expect on the day.

Read: Springfield Lakes Residents Asked: Is Your Suburb Actually Built for Walking?

For those who’d prefer to walk solo, the Heart Foundation Walking website also offers free personal walking plans with tips, tools, and support to help you get the most out of every step.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a bit more active, this might be exactly the nudge you needed.

Published 5-June-2026