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Tivoli Site Shift Prioritises Community Services and Food Relief in Ipswich

Goodness Enterprises has shifted its focus toward community support in Ipswich, following the closure of the Tivoli Drive-In and the sale of part of its Chuwar property.

Community Focus Takes Priority in Ipswich

Goodness Enterprises and Tivoli Social Enterprises are now directing their efforts toward community needs, moving away from entertainment after the Tivoli Drive-In ended operations. The organisation is prioritising food assistance, youth employment pathways, koala conservation and support for vulnerable residents across the region.

This change in direction follows operational pressures that affected the venue’s long-term viability, including increasing costs, reduced attendance and extended periods of wet weather.

Background and History of the Tivoli Site

The Tivoli Drive-In opened in 1976 in Chuwar and operated until 2000. It was later purchased and reopened in 2008 with a focus on affordable family entertainment. Earlier weekly attendance exceeded 300 families, though recent numbers had fallen below 100.

The cinema’s closure was confirmed in November after identifying close to $1 million in required maintenance and upgrades, including ageing projection equipment and carpark works. A run of storms and forecasts of a wet summer contributed to the decision.

*Photo Credit: Tivoli Drive-in Theatre/Facebook*

Industry Pressures and Changing Habits

Reduced new cinema releases and the growing popularity of streaming services affected audience numbers in recent years. These pressures reflect wider industry changes, with five drive-in cinemas remaining across Queensland compared with more than 50 during the 1960s.

Land Sale and Plans for a Central Ipswich Hub

To support community programs, eight acres of the 20-acre Tivoli site have been sold to help fund a new centrally located community centre in Ipswich. The hub will provide space to warehouse food supplies, operate a community supermarket and expand outreach efforts. The shift positions the organisation closer to the Ipswich CBD, with the new centre planned for 2026.

The remaining 12 acres of the Tivoli property, together with an additional 30 acres of neighbouring land purchased by the organisation, will support koala conservation and a First Nations heritage area. Employment training for young people, including those facing barriers to work, will continue.

community services — *Photo Credit: Goodness Enterprises*

Community Need in the Ipswich Region

The Tivoli food co-op currently supports between 3,000 and 5,000 people each week. The greater Ipswich and West Moreton area is estimated to have between 138,000 and 145,000 food-vulnerable residents. Homelessness in the region has risen at a rate higher than elsewhere in Queensland.

Local Sentiment

Residents who regularly visited the Tivoli Drive-In expressed disappointment at the closure, noting its accessibility and suitability for families. Many had attended for years and viewed it as a convenient community activity.

Ongoing Operations on Site

The Tivoli food co-op continues to operate from Tuesday to Saturday. The organisation is also selling remaining memorabilia from the drive-in, including speakers. Public garage sales will be held at 50 Coal Road, Chuwar, on 29 November, 6 December and 13 December.

What Lies Ahead

Goodness Enterprises will continue expanding its community programs, with further updates expected on the koala conservation park and the opening of the new Goodness Centre in 2026. Long-term plans include supporting up to 100,000 people weekly through expanded food distribution.

Published 25-Nov-2025

Mater Hospital Expansion Progress In Springfield Central

Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook

Mater Hospital Springfield in Springfield Central is progressing toward staged openings from late 2025 to mid-2026, delivering the first emergency, maternity and paediatric services locally for public and private patients in Greater Springfield.

Foundations of the Springfield Central Upgrade

Mater first opened a hospital in the Springfield community in 2015 to address unmet healthcare needs in Brisbane’s western corridor. The current expansion includes Springfield’s first public hospital and responds to significant population growth across Greater Springfield.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled for completion in early 2026, while the existing Mater Private Hospital Springfield continues operating alongside the development.

Mater Hospital Springfield — *Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook*

Overview of the Springfield Central Expansion

The expanded hospital will provide 228 beds, with 174 allocated for public patients and the remainder supporting private care. A purpose-designed 28-bed pandemic ward forms part of the development. The new building covers roughly 38,000 square metres across nine levels and includes a central energy plant able to support future stages.

Services will open in a staged sequence between late 2025 and mid-2026. These include outpatients, antenatal clinics, intensive care, operating theatres, medical wards, maternity services, pathology, surgical wards, an emergency department and a paediatric ward. Clinical and administrative teams will relocate to the onsite facility by late June 2026.

Facility Access and Infrastructure

Following construction, the main entry will be accessible via Health Care Drive, connecting directly to a ticketed car park with more than 600 spaces. Additional access will be available from Nightingale Avenue, while ambulance arrivals and outpatient access will be via Mercy Avenue. Outpatient and antenatal clinics will initially operate offsite before transitioning to the new facility as staged openings progress.

Sustainability and Hospital Design

The project is targeting a 4 Star Green Star accreditation. Planning includes energy-efficient and water-efficient systems, renewable energy exploration and nature-based offsets. Level seven has been reserved for future expansion capacity, enabling additional services to be added if required.

hospital expansion — *Photo Credit: Mater/Facebook*

Community Sentiment In Springfield Central

Community interaction shows strong interest in the expansion, with residents noting the value of having emergency, maternity and paediatric services available locally for the first time. Public questions have focused on bed numbers, parking availability, staffing, ward features and job opportunities.

Expressions of interest are open for clinical, non-clinical and specialist roles. More than 700 construction jobs have been created, with over 1,000 permanent roles expected once the hospital is fully operational.

Next Steps for Greater Springfield

The expansion remains on track for completion in early 2026, followed by phased service openings through mid-2026. Mater will continue to provide updates as each stage becomes available. The combined facility will operate under an integrated model, offering care to both public and private patients.

Published 24-Nov-2025

Odour Inquiry Findings in Swanbank Highlight Ongoing Health Concerns

Photo Credit: QLD Gov

A public health inquiry has found that odours from industrial facilities in Swanbank are highly offensive and continue to affect the health and wellbeing of nearby residents.

Long-Standing Concerns Surrounding Swanbank

Residents living near Swanbank and New Chum have reported strong odours for more than a decade. Complaints increased after the 2022 floods, when the smell intensified and became more frequent.

The concerns led to a six-month Public Health Inquiry launched in January 2025, following sustained calls from locals for an investigation into ongoing health issues.

New Chum odours — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Over the years, households have reported symptoms linked to the odours, including headaches, skin irritations, rashes, nausea, respiratory discomfort and sleep disruption.

The inquiry examined operations across the Swanbank and New Chum industrial estates, which include landfill activities, composting operations, fertiliser production sites, asphalt plants and resource recovery facilities. Earlier regulatory action included a $600,000 fine issued in November 2024 for odour nuisance offences connected to extreme rainfall in 2022.

Findings Point to Significant Health Impacts

The inquiry, led by former Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard, assessed community reports and reviewed health data linked to odour exposure. Its findings confirmed that the odours are highly offensive and are contributing to a range of symptoms affecting residents’ daily lives.

The report found no evidence of increased cancer risk among exposed populations, but noted that odours can affect health even when chemical levels are not toxic. The most frequently reported symptoms involved respiratory, neurological, skin, gastrointestinal and mental health effects, aligning with what is known in medical literature about strong odour exposure.

Composting activities were identified as a major source of odours. The inquiry recommended long-term solutions aimed at reducing emissions, such as relocating composting operations or enclosing facilities permanently. It also advised restricting future residential development from expanding into buffer zones near industrial areas.

waste facility emissions — Photo Credit: QLD Gov

Options Considered for Odour Reduction

The inquiry assessed alternatives for reducing odour impacts, concluding that relocation or fully enclosed composting infrastructure would provide the most sustainable relief. Other possible measures included adjustments to environmental authority conditions for operators in areas close to residential communities.

Residents Respond to Inquiry Outcomes

Ipswich residents, including those in Swanbank and surrounding suburbs, have described the findings as validation of what they have experienced for years.

Many reported that the odours affected their ability to spend time outdoors, open windows or invite visitors into their homes. Some residents described developing new health problems after moving into the affected areas, noting ongoing challenges in managing their symptoms.

Long-term advocates for reform said the release of the findings marked an important step in acknowledging the scale of the issue and ensuring the concerns of residents were recognised.

Swanbank odour inquiry — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Next Steps for Swanbank and New Chum

The inquiry’s report, released in November 2025, included eight recommendations, all of which have been accepted. A dedicated Swanbank health hotline is being established to offer guidance to affected residents. Upcoming meetings between residents and officials will outline how recommendations will be implemented.

The next phase will focus on reducing odour impacts and guiding future planning decisions around industrial areas in Swanbank and New Chum.

Published 20-Nov-2025

Platypus Numbers Show Signs of Recovery After 2022 Floods

Did you know that the platypus, one of Australia’s most elusive native animals, may not have disappeared from Ipswich’s creeks after all? Recent findings suggest the species is surviving in parts of the city despite serious challenges following the 2022 floods.

Read: Ipswich Waterways Targeted for Platypus Monitoring and Creek Restoration

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, a method that detects traces of an animal’s genetic material in water, is being used to monitor platypus activity.

Ipswich City Council has employed this technique for years, and now the program has grown into a larger regional project covering more than 200 sites across South East Queensland. The Resilient Rivers SEQ initiative, backed by federal, state and local agencies, is rolling out coordinated monitoring in Ipswich, Brisbane, Logan and Moreton Bay.

Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-4.0/Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

In 2022, just months after severe flooding, council undertook eDNA surveys at 22 known platypus sites across Ipswich. That first round recorded only a single tentative positive detection in Wacol. A follow-up survey in December yielded similarly low results, highlighting the species’ fragile status in local waterways.

More recent sampling, however, has raised hopes. This year’s eDNA checks detected platypus traces in several spots on Bundamba, Six Mile and Sandy creeks. In total, 13 sites returned positive readings — a marked improvement compared with 2022.

Still, some traditional strongholds remain problematic. Woogaroo Creek and Opossum Creek recorded only one positive eDNA result across 13 sampling locations. Scientists say it remains uncertain how much of the decline is directly due to the floods, or whether platypuses are slowly returning. While the animals are known to cope with natural events such as floods and drought, researchers warn that repeated habitat damage, degraded water quality and pressures from land use may be limiting recovery.

Ipswich City Council continues to play a leading role as the regional research program expands. The city’s platypus recovery plan identifies key waterways for monitoring — including Sandy Creek, Woogaroo Creek, Opossum Creek, Six Mile Creek and Bundamba Creek. Regular eDNA sampling remains central to tracking the species’ presence and guiding habitat restoration.

The broader regional study is expected to inform long-term conservation work, helping councils to protect and rehabilitate key waterways that support platypus populations and other native aquatic species.

Read: Efforts to Save Platypus Habitat Ramp-Up in Greater Springfield

For residents of Springfield Lakes, these findings are a reminder that local creeks are more than just scenic — they are part of a living ecosystem. Healthy riparian vegetation, stable creek banks and clean water are vital not just for the platypus, but for the future of all our waterways. Somewhere beneath the surface, these remarkable animals may still be hanging on.

Published 18-November-2025

Two Million Visits Mark Revitalised City Precinct in Ipswich

Photo Credit: Nicholas Street

A major renewal milestone has been reached in Ipswich as the Nicholas Street Precinct recorded more than two million visits in the year following the opening of its Venue building.

Background on the Redevelopment

The Nicholas Street Precinct in Ipswich continued its long-term renewal with the opening of the Venue building in November 2024. This formed part of an ongoing effort to replace the former derelict mall with a modern mixed-use destination. The redevelopment links historic and cultural landmarks across Ipswich Central and includes new entertainment, dining and community spaces.

Venue building Ipswich — *Photo Credit: Nicholas Street*

Rising Visitation Numbers in Ipswich

In the 12 months following the Venue building’s opening, more than 521,000 visits were recorded at the facility. The wider precinct reached 2.12 million visitations during the same period, averaging nearly 6,000 visits per day. This represented growth of about 30 per cent since the area reopened in 2020.

The precinct now contains 21 operating businesses, with projections indicating an estimated $1.25 billion contribution to the local economy by 2032.

Ipswich redevelopment — *Photo Credit: Nicholas Street*

Community Events and Public Use

The precinct has served as a regular venue for community activities, with 30 events delivered across 67 days in the past year. Tulmur Place hosted seasonal programs, cultural celebrations, markets and youth-focused festivals.

One cultural event attracted approximately 6,500 attendees, while public commemorations and family-oriented activities continued to draw steady visitation. The Ipswich Central Library and Ipswich Children’s Library remained key attractions during these periods.

Expanded Dining and Leisure Options

Visitor numbers increased further in late 2025 after new dining venues opened within the precinct. In September, more than 326,000 visits were recorded, reflecting a nine per cent increase from the previous month and a 161 per cent rise compared with the same month in 2024.

The restoration of the heritage-listed Hotel Commonwealth added to this phase of growth.

Nicholas Street Ipswich — *Photo Credit: Nicholas Street*

Design Features and Amenities

The precinct’s features at Tulmur Place include a zero-depth water element, performance stage and a six-by-three metre LED screen. The area offers 1,000 undercover parking spaces and is located near the Ipswich Art Gallery, Top of Town, Riverheart Parklands and the Ipswich Civic Centre. The precinct was designed by Australian architectural firm Buchan Group.

Awards and Industry Recognition

In 2025, Nicholas Street Precinct received multiple awards recognising urban regeneration, social infrastructure development, commercial refurbishment, wayfinding design and hotel redevelopment. Previous awards between 2021 and 2024 acknowledged achievements in urban design, landscape architecture, tourism facilities, innovation and community service delivery.

Looking Ahead

With steady visitation, increasing tenancy activity and regular community participation, the precinct continues to play a key role in Ipswich. Further announcements regarding additional spaces and offerings are expected as development progresses.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Springfield Central at Heart of Ipswich’s Updated Bus Program

Photo Credit: Traveller QLD/CC BY-SA 3.0

Springfield Central has become a key node in a major overhaul of public transport in Ipswich, with new bus links launched to improve connections between growth suburbs, Ipswich and important destinations across the region.

Community Changes Begin

The first stage of the Ipswich Bus Improvement Package introduces four new routes designed to give more direct travel options between Springfield Central, Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Redbank, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, and nearby suburbs.

Information from Translink and Ipswich City Council shows the early changes aim to strengthen access to destinations, including Springfield Central and Redbank Plains Town Square. Rollout details are available through Translink, while Council has detailed its transport program.

What Residents Can Expect

Route 501 now offers a direct link between Springfield Central and Ipswich, travelling via Augusta Parkway, Redbank Plains Town Square, Blackstone, Silkstone and Newtown.

Routes 520, 522 and 523 serve commuters travelling between Goodna, Eden’s Crossing, Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Springfield Central, providing new cross-suburb options that reduce the need for long detours.

Ipswich Bus Improvement Package – Stage 1 (Route Summary Table)

Route	Name / Direction	Service Areas (Summary)	Weekday Service Hours	Weekend & Public Holiday Hours	Frequency
501	Springfield Central → Ipswich	Springfield Central, Augusta Parkway, Redbank Plains Town Square, Blackstone, Silkstone, Newtown, Ipswich	6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Hourly
520	Goodna → Eden’s Crossing	Goodna Station, Goodna, Bellbird Park, Redbank Plains Town Square, Eden’s Crossing	5:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:15–8:30 a.m., 4:15–6:35 p.m.); otherwise hourly
522	Redbank → Springfield Central	Redbank Station, Redbank, Collingwood Park, Redbank Plains Town Square, Augusta Parkway, Springfield Central	5:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:30–8:40 a.m., 4:00–6:40 p.m.); otherwise hourly
523	Redbank Plains → Springfield Central	Redbank Plains, Mountview, Eden’s Crossing, Redbank Plains Town Square, Augustine Heights, Springfield Central	5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.	7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.	Half-hourly in peak (5:30–9:30 a.m., 2:30–6:30 p.m.); otherwise hourly

A local representative has noted that the stop near Eden Station Drive and Augusta Parkway is confirmed for use by the new routes, while the corresponding stop across Augusta Parkway remains in the design phase between the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Ipswich City Council.

Next Steps for the Network

Planning continues for Stages 2 and 3 of the bus program, with more details to be released closer to implementation. Local representatives say they will meet with Translink and other agencies this week to obtain firmer delivery dates for future stops and additional improvements for Springfield Central and surrounding suburbs as the network evolves.

Published 17-Nov-2025

New Special School Planned for Augustine Heights to Support Growing Families

Families across Springfield, Redbank, and nearby suburbs are set to benefit from a proposed new special school planned for Augustine Heights, where it would share a site with Woogaroo Creek State School. Planning is underway for the facility, aimed at meeting the increasing demand for specialised education in the fast-growing region.

The new special school is currently in the planning stage and is being considered as part of a statewide program to address capacity pressures in communities with rapid population growth. Although an investment decision has not yet been finalised, the proposal reflects the government’s ongoing monitoring of enrolments and infrastructure needs across the state.

The planned school is expected to expand special education capacity and help ease enrolment pressures across nearby schools. It is currently scheduled to open in 2028.

Local Voices Encouraged to Take Part

The project is one of several new special schools under consideration as part of a $500-million program to improve accessibility for families. Many parents in the area currently travel long distances for specialist education services, prompting strong community support for a local facility.

To ensure residents’ input is heard, information sessions have been arranged for families connected to both Woogaroo Creek State School and Goodna Special School.

Local representatives have also invited the public to share feedback during a drop-in consultation session at the Jordan Electorate Office on Tuesday, 11 November, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Those unable to attend are encouraged to email their thoughts to jordan@parliament.qld.gov.au. These discussions are expected to help shape future decisions on the school’s design, capacity, and services offered.

A Step Forward for Inclusive Education

The planned school at Augustine Heights signals progress toward improving education options for students with diverse needs in the Ipswich region. While timelines and funding remain under review, the Department’s focus on consultation marks an essential step toward ensuring that local families have access to the support and facilities they need close to home.

Published 6-Nov-2025

Ipswich Sprinter Gout Gout Ends School Career With New 400m Mark

Photo Credit: Australian Athletics/Instagram

Ipswich sprinter Gout Gout capped his final school meet with a record 400m win for Ipswich Grammar School at the GPS Track and Field Championships in Brisbane.

Background And Athletic Progression

Gout Gout, a 17-year-old athlete from Ipswich, completed his final appearance for Ipswich Grammar School with a record performance at the GPS Championships on Friday, 24 October 2025. His junior career has included breaking national marks, winning major school titles, and progressing to international competition.

Over the past year, he set the Australian 200m record in December 2024 with a 20.04 run in Brisbane, later improving it to 20.02 in Ostrava in 2025. His strong season earned him a place at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he reached the semifinals of the 200m.

Record 400m Performance In Brisbane

At the GPS Track and Field Championships, Gout chose the 400m instead of his usual 200m event. He finished in 46.14 seconds, setting a new meet record and narrowly finishing ahead of Brisbane Grammar School’s Seth Kennedy, who also ran under the previous mark.

He then anchored Ipswich Grammar School’s 4x100m relay team, securing another win in a meet-record time of 41.30 seconds. The performance added to his history of multiple record-setting runs during his time in the school colours.

Gout Gout — *Photo Credit: Australian Athletics/Instagram*

Ipswich Grammar Connection

Gout has attended Ipswich Grammar School since Year 7, establishing himself as a leading figure in the school’s sprinting program. Across his school career, he set multiple GPS records and built a profile as one of the nation’s most promising young athletes.

*Photo Credit: Australian Athletics/Instagram*

Next Steps Beyond Ipswich

With his school athletics journey complete, Gout now turns his focus toward higher-level competition. His record-breaking year, national title, and World Championships campaign position him for continued progress on the international stage.

Outlook

Gout’s final GPS appearance closed a defining chapter of his career while reinforcing his status as a rising Australian sprinter. His achievements in Ipswich and beyond have set a strong foundation for his transition into full senior competition.

Published 4-Nov-2025

Springfield Lakes E-Scooter Pilot Ends with Lessons for Queensland

Photo Credit: IpswichCityCouncil/Facebook

The quiet streets of Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain saw a short-lived transport experiment come to an early end, despite solid community support and growing rider numbers.

A popular ride cut short

The trial ran in those suburbs from July 2023 until October 2024 under a partnership between Ipswich City Council and Beam Mobility. Council data showed between 60 and 89 trips a day, with riders typically travelling 2.4 kilometres in about 11 minutes.

An earlier Shape Your Ipswich project page shows the company initially deployed up to 125 scooters and trained riders through its Beam Safe Academy. When the pilot was extended in late 2023, the data looked promising. But by late 2024, Beam had informed Council that it would not continue operations beyond the Springfield Lakes zone.

The most common routes linked the Orion Springfield Central shopping centre, the University of Southern Queensland campus, and the Springfield train stations, revealing demand for short, flexible travel within the growing suburbs.

The official trial summary confirmed that Beam’s withdrawal was voluntary, not due to local performance issues.

Safety before speed

Although only one minor incident was recorded throughout the trial, officials were wary about e-scooter use on busy footpaths and near pedestrian areas. Beam Mobility had introduced strict safety controls, such as speed caps in high-traffic zones, automatic braking or shutdown when riders left approved areas, and restricted parking in unsafe spots.

These measures were well received, and 63 per cent of respondents in a Council survey said e-scooters felt safe to use. Still, it was concluded that community safety had to outweigh convenience.

What’s Next?

Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee chairman, Andrew Antoniolli, said many remained uneasy about the pace of e-mobility growth. While the Springfield Lakes trial had proven that residents were willing to use e-scooters responsibly, he noted that the laws governing personal mobility devices had not kept up with public use.

Mr Antoniolli said they were waiting for guidance from a national inquiry into e-mobility safety and regulation, which has received more than 1,200 public submissions. Council officials said they remain open to future trials once clear safety and legal frameworks are in place.

Published 28-Oct-2025

Brisbane Lions and Melbourne FC Clash in a Festival of Footy Under Brighton Homes Arena Lights

Springfield will come alive on Saturday night as the Brisbane Lions AFLW side welcomes the Melbourne Demons to Brighton Homes Arena for a Round 11 clash that doubles as a Diwali Festival celebration.

With gates opening from 4 pm and bounce at 6.15 pm (AEST), it promises to be a special evening for local fans — a blend of top-flight women’s football and a celebration of culture, colour and community at the Lions’ Springfield base.

Hodder returns to spark the forward line

Livewire small forward Courtney Hodder is back after overcoming quad soreness that sidelined her for last week’s 38-point win over Essendon. She replaces Sophie Peters, who has entered concussion protocols.

Coach Craig Starcevich kept faith with Claudia Wright on the interchange alongside Shanae Davison, Poppy Boltz, Ruby Svarc and Eleanor Hartill, while Dee Heslop, Rania Crozier and Ellie Hampson are listed as emergencies.

Hodder’s speed and pressure have been central to Brisbane’s attacking style. Since joining the Lions she has become one of the league’s most dangerous small forwards, known for her ability to turn a half-chance into a goal. Her return adds bite to an already confident side that has been building late-season momentum.

Demons reinforced as rivalry continues

Melbourne have also made changes, regaining Irish utility Blaithin Mackin after a long stint out with calf and knee injuries, and handing a recall to first-year forward Maggie Mahony. Sinead Goldrick misses with an eye injury and Lily Johnson has been omitted.

Saturday’s meeting marks the 11th chapter in one of AFLW’s oldest rivalries. Brisbane and Melbourne began their journeys together in the inaugural 2017 season, facing off in Round 1 of that year. Across ten contests since, the average margin has been just 13 points — a sign of how little separates them.

The rivalry has produced some defining moments: Melbourne’s preliminary-final win at the MCG in 2022 (S6) to secure a first grand-final berth; and their four-point triumph in the 2022 (S7) Grand Final, which delivered the club’s maiden AFLW premiership.

Since then the Lions have held the upper hand, winning both encounters in 2023 (8.5 53 def 4.4 28) and 2024 (5.3 33 def 2.3 15).

Festival atmosphere at Brighton Homes Arena

This weekend’s match will unfold amid the club’s first-ever Diwali Festival. Brighton Homes Arena will feature food stalls, cultural performances, live entertainment and fireworks in what the club calls “a large-scale cultural celebration integrated with an AFLW match-day experience.”

The initiative is part of the Lions’ push to make their Springfield home a hub for community events. The club has also arranged a Hindi-language broadcast for the game, acknowledging the region’s growing South Asian community.

Fans can enter via Gates 1, 2 and 6 from 4 pm, with on-ground festivities running right up to the first bounce.

What’s at stake

With the regular season winding down, both sides are chasing consistency. For Brisbane, it’s about extending recent form and defending home turf. For Melbourne, it’s a chance to rediscover the intensity that underpinned their premiership campaign and to test themselves against a fellow contender.

Whichever way it falls, Brighton Homes Arena will see two of the league’s most familiar foes write another tight chapter — this time under Springfield’s spring skies and festival lights.

MATCH PREVIEW

Match details

Saturday 25 October 2025 | 6.15 pm (AEST)
Gates open 4 pm (Gates 1, 2 & 6)
Watch live on 7Mate and 7plus, or stream via Foxtel, Kayo and Binge; also available on the AFL and AFLW apps (including a Hindi broadcast for this match).

Published 23-October-2025