Musgrave Park Archives - West End Today

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

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 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

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

First Details of Brisbane Pride 2025 Revealed in West End

Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Brisbane Pride Festival will begin its 2025 celebrations in West End, with the official launch marking the start of a citywide series of LGBTQIA+ events.

Festival Launch in West End

Brisbane Pride Festival’s 2025 program will commence with its official launch on Saturday, 6 September, at Come to Daddy in West End. This event will open a month-long calendar of activities celebrating LGBTQIA+ communities across the city.

West End continues to play a prominent role in Brisbane’s cultural scene, with the launch marking the beginning of September as Pride Month in the city.

Pride March — Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Pride Rally and March

The annual Brisbane Pride Rally and March is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2025. Participants will begin gathering at Queens Gardens Park in the Brisbane CBD from 9:00 a.m..

The Rally will start at 9:30 a.m., featuring speeches, community updates, personal stories, and a moment of reflection. The March will follow at 10:00 a.m., travelling over Victoria Bridge and ending at Musgrave Park, where Fair Day will be held.

The event will include LGBTQIA+ groups, allies, floats, and performances, with Dykes on Bikes leading the procession and the historic Gilbert Baker Memorial Rainbow Flag featured prominently. Registration for community groups is open online.

LGBTQIA+ festival — Photo Credit: Brisbane Pride

Fair Day Tickets and Participation

Fair Day 2025 will be held at Musgrave Park following the March. Early bird tickets are available at discounted rates until 15 August 2025. Businesses and organisations can register their interest for stalls via the official Brisbane Pride website.

Volunteer opportunities are also open for those wanting to assist with setup, attendee support, and event coordination. Accessibility zones and community group areas will be designated at the starting point in Queens Gardens.

Attendees are advised to use public transport, with several bus, train, and ferry options available nearby. Street closures are expected around the march route.

35-Year Pride March Legacy

The 2025 Brisbane Pride Festival marks the 35th anniversary of the city’s first Pride March, held on 30 June 1990. That march followed the same path that current participants walk today.

The festival has since grown into Queensland’s largest LGBTQIA+ event, expanding each year to include awards, grants programs, and a broad range of cultural celebrations.

Published 15-July-2025
Updated 6-Aug-2025

Homeless Tents Cleared from Musgrave Park in West End

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Police and city officials have removed homeless residents and tents from Musgrave Park in West End, prompting concerns from community groups and advocacy organisations.

Repeat Clear-Outs Ahead of Festival

Dozens of rough sleepers were displaced from Musgrave Park in West End during an early-morning operation involving police and BCC workers. The move occurred ahead of the Paniyiri Greek Festival, which is scheduled to return to the park next weekend.

Similar operations took place in 2023 and 2024, with over 50 people removed from the park before the festival each year. Council maintains the timing is coincidental and not linked to the event.

Police clear tents in West End — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Official Stance and Actions

BCC stated the action aligned with its policy to intervene only when accommodation has been offered and declined. Officers affixed notices on Wednesday morning, with removals beginning around 6 a.m. the next day. Reports indicate that people were woken and given 30 minutes to gather their belongings.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed no arrests or move-on directions were issued. Police were present to maintain safety during the operation.

Housing and Data Issues

Local official Sam O’Connor said outreach workers had recently visited Musgrave Park and would continue offering support. He denied any directive from the new state government influenced council actions.

The Department of Housing has faced criticism for relying on outdated census data from 2021. There is no publicly available up-to-date data on how many people are currently sleeping rough in Brisbane.

At the last census, over 2000 people in Queensland were believed to be living without shelter, with about 22,000 classified as having no secure housing.

Tents moved ahead of West End festival — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Community Reactions and Criticism

Several advocacy groups, including the Community Union Defence League and Anti-Poverty Network, expressed concern over the operation’s execution. Witnesses described the process as abrupt, distressing, and lacking adequate notice or support.

Volunteers reported being threatened with obstruction charges when attempting to assist with packing. Some people relocated tents to another area of the park.

Local officials Trina Massey and Lucy Collier criticised the council’s approach, describing it as coercive and misrepresentative of the actual housing support offered.

BCC officials argued the encampments raised safety issues, citing violence, drug use, and anti-social behaviour. They accused the local officials of resisting housing development while criticising enforcement actions.

West End homelessness — *Photo Credit: Community Union Defence League/Facebook*

Paniyiri Committee Response

The Paniyiri Greek Festival organisers released a statement distancing themselves from the eviction decision. They acknowledged homelessness as a sensitive issue and reiterated that decisions around removals were made by council.

They noted that in 2024, accommodation and alternative spaces were made available for those affected and said they aimed to ensure a similar approach this year.

Outlook

While some residents accepted housing offers, others claimed they were left with limited options. Advocacy groups continue to call for exclusion zones to protect rough sleepers during public events.

The State officials maintain that homelessness outreach will remain in place at Musgrave Park in West End, with longer-term housing strategies still in development.

Published 9-May-2025

Brisbane Moves to Clear Homeless Camps

Photo Credit: Jenny Pumford/Google Maps

The imminent removal of homeless encampments in West End has been announced, citing safety concerns and the need to reclaim public spaces. The directive will see authorities dismantling tent communities in Musgrave Park and Kurilpa Point, where officials claim many residents have declined accommodation offers.

Context: The Growing Issue of Public Encampments

For months, public parks in West End have become a focal point for homelessness, with an increasing number of individuals setting up tents in key locations. Complaints from residents and local businesses have raised concerns about crime, violence, and unsociable behaviour linked to the encampments.

The BCC’s decision mirrors similar actions taken by the City of Moreton Bay, where unauthorised camping has been criminalised, with potential fines imposed on those who refuse to leave. Authorities in Brisbane argue that without intervention, encampments may continue to expand, creating further issues in public spaces.

Authorities Justify Removal Efforts

BCC city authorities have maintained that tents in parks should not be considered a substitute for proper housing. The BCC asserts that most individuals residing in these camps have been offered accommodation but have refused, leaving officials with no option but to enforce removals. According to officials, the focus is on ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.

To prevent the re-establishment of these encampments, BCC will also remove empty and unused tents. Brisbane authorities insist that the approach is not about criminalising homelessness but maintaining order and ensuring assistance is directed toward those genuinely seeking help.

Criticism from Community Advocates

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and advocacy groups, who argue that the removals will not solve the underlying issue of homelessness. Some organisations claim that many people have not actually received viable housing offers, despite official statements suggesting otherwise.

Community groups working closely with rough sleepers have pointed out that available accommodation options are often inadequate or unsuitable. Some boarding houses reportedly charge high rents and lack proper living conditions, leaving displaced individuals with few alternatives.

Advocates fear that dispersing the homeless population without a clear long-term solution will only push individuals into other public areas, increasing the visibility of rough sleeping across the city. Concerns have also been raised that this approach could lead to a rise in trespassing and break-ins as people struggle to find new places to stay.

Homeless camps West End — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

What Happens Next?

With the enforcement of removals set to proceed, there are lingering questions about the effectiveness of the approach. While the BCC insists that housing support remains available, advocates argue that without significant investment in affordable housing, the issue will persist.

The broader debate on homelessness in Brisbane continues, as community organisations call for stronger measures to ensure people in crisis receive appropriate and sustainable housing solutions. The coming weeks will reveal whether the BCC’s strategy effectively addresses safety concerns or simply shifts the problem elsewhere.

Published 14-Mar-2025

Council Cuts Musgrave Park Power After Violence Reports

Photo Credit: Facebook / Wes Leake

Brisbane City Council cuts power access at Musgrave Park following what officials describe as a serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour at homeless encampments.

**Musgrave Park, Brisbane**
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The council’s action comes after reports of stabbings, fires, and vandalism at the sites over the past month, according to Councillor Sarah Hutton.

“We’re genuinely concerned about the serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour in these encampments, including alleged stabbings, fires, and vandalism of electric barbecues, and have switched off the power for safety reasons,” Hutton said.

While park lighting remains operational, residents who need power can access charging services at nearby facilities including West End Community House and Emmanuel City Mission, which are within walking distance of the park and open seven days a week.

The decision follows a recent tent fire at Musgrave Park where one resident lost all their belongings. Police have determined this particular fire was non-suspicious, with investigators finding it was caused by a power board connected to multiple appliances.

Alisha Risley, who has been living in a tent at Musgrave Park for more than two years, confirmed an increase in drug-fuelled violence at the site. Risley expressed concerns about available housing options and reported that the power cut has affected her ability to charge her phone and communicate with family members.

At Kurilpa Point Park, workers were observed repairing a damaged electrical box lock. Workers reported that residents had been breaking into the switchboard to turn off park lights at night.

Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh acknowledged the camps have been “unsettled” over the past month. “There has certainly been an increase in fires and there’s certainly violence, it happens regularly, when you get that tense build up,” Walsh said.

Walsh called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders, including Brisbane City Council, state government, and community agencies. “We need a coordinated response to how long people are going to be using Musgrave Park as a campsite,” she said, adding that “living in a tent in a park is no way for anyone to live.”

Published 22-October-2024

Fire Destroys Tent at West End Homeless Camp

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A fire broke out at Musgrave Park in West End on Monday, October 14, 2024, destroying a tent that was part of a major homeless camp. Emergency services responded to the incident just before 11:15 AM.

Upon arrival at the corner of Russell and Cordelia Streets, fire crews found the tent engulfed in flames. A Queensland Fire Department spokesman reported that the blaze was quickly extinguished and brought under control, but the tent was completely destroyed.

**Musgrave Park**
Photo Credit: Google Maps

The occupant of the tent, who was not present during the fire, returned to find his shelter and possessions gone. He reported being out to get a new phone after his previous one had been stolen. The man expressed distress over the loss, stating that the tent contained all his belongings and served as a living space shared with a friend.

The resident missed a scheduled job training session at the QA Hotel due to the loss of contact information stored on his phone.

Other residents of the tent city commented on the severity of the loss, emphasising that the destroyed tent represented the man’s home and all his possessions.

In response to the fire, the Fire Investigation Unit was on scene to determine the cause. Staff from Brisbane City Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works were also present.

The Department of Housing spokesperson confirmed that the Brisbane Critical Response Team had returned to Musgrave Park following their routine morning visit. They aim to offer support to those affected by the fire, including temporary accommodation and connections to support services.

This incident occurs in the context of ongoing discussions about homelessness in Brisbane. Earlier this year, over 70 people living in tents at Musgrave Park were relocated ahead of the Paniyiri Greek Festival, a move that sparked controversy.

Published 14-October-2024

Paniyiri Greek Festival to Go Ahead Amidst Musgrave Park’s Rough Sleepers

Photo Credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook

It’s all systems go for the annual Paniyiri Greek Festival, which has attracted over 60,000 people in recent years, amidst fears of a cancellation due to the presence of rough sleepers at Musgrave Park.

The biggest cultural event in Brisbane will take place as planned on 20 and 21 May 2023 to showcase the rich history of the Greek community.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that the 47-year-old festival will not be cancelled but they have taken measures to ensure that the homeless people temporarily setting up camp in Musgrave Park will not be displaced.

Speaking with Neil Breen at 4B, the mayor acknowledges the challenging conundrum of keeping the festival enjoyable for the attendees but also safe for the rough sleepers.

A section of the park will be cordoned off to allow the homeless to stay. The Council’s team has been discussing with people in the park for a number of weeks leading up to the Greek community’s event to move them to a different section of the park.

Musgrave Park Homeless — Photo Credit: Oksana Stepanova/Facebook

“[We have been] working with Paniyiri and the State Government to make sure that the event can go ahead but also to make sure that people aren’t being displaced,” said Mr Schrinner.

“We’ve come up with what we believe is a good workable solution. So, no one is going to be evicted from the park. That’s certainly not what we want to see happen. But we’re working with the State Government to make sure housing options are provided to the people that are living in Musgrave Park. There are 15 accommodation options and we’re working through there.”

The mayor also acknowledges that the number of homeless is growing progressively due to the cost of living crisis and the housing crisis. Many renters are now forced to sleep in their cars, under bridges, or in tents in parks like Musgrave Park because landlords stockpile housing for financial gain.

Mr Schrinner has been pushing to open the Pinkenba facility for the homeless.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Paniyiri Greek Festival have also released this statement to confirm that the event will not be cancelled:

“For Paniyiri 2023, GOC St George has been in contact with all levels of Government to chart a path forward with the running of the Festival. Brisbane City Council has worked closely in support of both Paniyiri Greek Festival and those living in the Park to ensure the Festival can continue in a co-ordinated and cohesive way. Our planning with Brisbane City Council puts the needs of those living in the Park as a key consideration for the Festival and a range of community initiatives will support the welfare of all involved.”

Tickets to the Paniyiri Greek Festival

Published 9-May-2023

Coming Together at the ‘Paniyiri Greek Festival 2022’ in South Brisbane

After being postponed due to severe weather events earlier in the year, the much-loved Paniyiri Greek Festival is finally happening, just in time for some serious spring-summer fun in Musgrave Park, South Brisbane!

And just like how it’s done every year, ‘Paniyiri,’ which means ‘coming together’ in Greek, will see friends and family taking over Musgrave Park for a weekend of music, dancing, and loads of food.

Read: Discover Westoria, West End’s New Weekend Night Market

Cultural presentations

Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook

The Paniyiri Festival started in 1976 when a group of Greek-Australians decided to share their culture and cooking with the wider community.

Pretty soon, other Greek-Australian groups joined the annual celebrations, bringing not just food, but also a healthy dose of music, entertainment, and Greek culture into the mix.

Brisbane’s first Hellenic dance club was formed in 1978 and has participated at every Paniyiri Festival since. The dance club showcases traditional dance in costumes from the various regions of Greece.

Live performances

The main stage will be filled with live performances and competitions throughout the two-day party, courtesy of The Coffee Club, which is one of the sponsors of the festival.

Food and Cooking Demos

There will be multiple food stalls that will represent the different regions of Greece. One of the dishes you’re sure to find here is Souvlaki, which is grilled meat served on a skewer, best served with soft pita bread and zesty tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber dip).

A Greek foodie experience is not complete without seafood, so grab the chance to taste some grilled octopus! There’s also something to satisfy all dessert lovers, such as the festival’s iconic sweet and fluffy honey puffs.

Food lovers surely wouldn’t want to miss the cooking demonstrations, to be presented by The Greek Club.

A Taste of Greece

Nostimo (Photo credit: Paniyiri Greek Festival/Facebook)

Ticket-holders will also have a chance to win a private dining experience with up to nine of their friends at Greek restaurant Nostimo restaurant. Prizes includes food and drinks with a maximum spend of $1500.

Mark Your Calendars!

What	Paniyiri Festival 2022
Where	Musgrave Park, South Brisbane
When	Saturday, Oct 15 2022 (12pm – 10pm) – Sunday, Oct 16 (10:00 am – 7pm)

Read: Renovated West End Cafe Offers Immersive, Full-Service Dining Experience

To learn more about the upcoming event, visit https://paniyiri.com/

Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival Returns for Year 2 at Musgrave Park

You can forget about your diet this coming weekend as the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival is back for a second year at the Musgrave Park in West End! Indulge in everything sweet at this delightful event happening on Saturday and Sunday, the 14th and 15th of Sept 2019.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., go ahead and enjoy brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack of cupcakes, gelatos, meringues, ice creams, chocolates, waffles and every sweet treat you can imagine. There’ll be no judgment if you decide to skip a healthy diet for this two-day fest because everyone else will also be satisfying their sweet cravings.

Featuring Queensland’s best dessert makers, this year’s lineup will include special dessert selections without nuts, gluten or lactose. There will be vegan desserts for those with specific dietary needs, too!

*Photo Credit: The World Food Markets/Facebook*

Don’t have a sweet tooth? Not a problem! Some savoury selections will also be offered at the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival. There will be heaps of options for street food and food truck gourmands.

Whilst you’re enjoying your treats, live music, competitions and activities will be going on throughout the two-day event. It’s guaranteed to be a veritable feast for your senses.

Follow The World Food Markets for the list of dessert makers, food trucks and performers you can expect at the second Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and cups for refilling at the water station as this is an eco-friendly party. This is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly event so bring the whole family to experience the sugar rush!

Score tickets here but kids under 15 years old may enter for free.