Tag: Greek Festival

Fire Ant Nests Found At Musgrave Park As Residents Sound The Alarm

A cluster of fire ant nests has been discovered at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane after a local resident spotted the nests earlier in May and alerted Brisbane’s local officials and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

Read: Homeless Tents Cleared from Musgrave Park in West End

The nests were located in the corner of the park nearest to Musgrave Pool and Edmondstone Street, close to a large green shed. Nearby residents shared additional nest location information with Cr Trina Massey, who raised the matter directly with officials through the Committee for Sustainability, Greenspace and Environment.

Treatment and community response

Photo credit: Google Maps/Valerie “V”

Cr Massey confirmed two rounds of treatment were carried out at the park. Cr Massey encouraged residents to continue monitoring the park, noting that recent rainfall can make nests harder to identify. 

Some residents expressed concern that Brisbane mowers had passed over the nests prior to treatment, potentially pushing the ants underground and out of sight. Residents also understood that hormones, rather than contact-kill treatments, had been used on the nests. This method does not kill ants immediately but works to reduce a colony’s ability to repopulate over time.

Residents can report sightings to BCC on 3403 8888, the National Fire Ant Hotline on 13 22 68, or to Cr Massey’s office on 3403 2165.

About fire ants

Fire Ant
Photo credit: Pexels/Alif Alatas

Fire ants were first detected in Australia in 2001 at the northern port of Brisbane. Since then, they have spread across Queensland, into parts of northern New South Wales, and into the Murray-Darling Basin, according to the Invasive Species Council.

Their stings can be fatal to people and livestock in severe cases. They also pose a threat to native ecosystems and can spread through cargo containers, potted plants, soil and mulch.

The Mount Gravatt Showgrounds recently experienced temporary closures across the grounds and car park after fire ants were found there.

Festival preparations continue

Fire Ant
Photo credit: Google Maps/Ldn Bne

Set-up for the Paniyiri Greek Festival, which this year marks its 50th anniversary, is set to take place at Musgrave Park, with the event running 23 to 24 May. Around 50,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Read: West End Transforms for Paniyiri, Queensland’s Largest Greek Festival

Co-chairman of the Paniyiri volunteer organising committee Kos Kastrissios said in a media interview that the committee was monitoring the situation and would follow direction from Brisbane local officials and Queensland’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce if any changes to the festival’s layout were needed.

Published 19-May-2026

West End Transforms for Paniyiri, Queensland’s Largest Greek Festival

West End is set to transform into a lively celebration of Greek culture as Queensland’s largest multicultural festival, Paniyiri Greek Festival, returns for its 48th year in 2024.

Read: Yamas Greek & Drink Named Best Greek Restaurant in Southeast QLD

Attracting over 50,000 people annually, this two-day extravaganza will take over Musgrave Park in West End and the Greek Club in South Brisbane on May 18 and 19.

Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Paniyiri is not only Queensland’s longest-running Greek fest but also one of Australia’s most enduring celebrations of Hellenic culture. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that transports them to the heart of Greek culture. 

Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook 

From lively Zorba dancing and the traditional plate smashing to indulging in delectable honey puff eating competitions, the festival promises a true taste of Greek revelry.

Beyond the festivities, attendees can explore a pop-up Greek village, witness captivating cooking demonstrations, and savour a mouthwatering array of Greek culinary delights from food stalls and cafes.

Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook 

The festival’s significance extends far beyond its cultural offerings. As Minister for Multicultural Affairs and a second-generation child of Greek parents, Charis Mullen, proudly acknowledges Paniyiri’s immense importance on Queensland’s multicultural calendar. “Queensland is a proudly multicultural state,” Mullen states. 

Greek Festival
Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook 

“We speak hundreds of languages and come from all corners of the globe, and it’s festivals like this that bring us all together to proudly share our multicultural heritage.”

Echoing these sentiments, Chris Kazonis OAM, Chair of the Paniyiri Organizing Committee, emphasises the festival’s role in showcasing the Greek community’s rich culture. 

Greek Festival
Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook 

“This is one of the nation’s biggest festivals to showcase our food, music, and art, and Australia’s longest-running Greek festival,” he said. “It’s time to dine, dance, and party like a Greek.”

cHECK THE MAIN STAGE PROGRAM

CHECK THE COOKING PROGRAM

CHECK THE CULTURAL PROGRAM

As the state embraces its multicultural tapestry, Paniyiri stands as a vibrant celebration of unity, diversity, and the enduring spirit of Queensland’s Greek community.

Read: Authentic Asian Flavours Meet Aussie Brews at West Village’s Goodtime Restaurant

Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event, where the flavours, sounds, and traditions of Greece will come alive in the heart of Brisbane. Visit https://paniyiri.com/ for more details.

Published 1-April-2024