Orleigh Park Archives - West End Today

Mother-of-Two Last Seen in West End, Found Dead in Brisbane River

Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of 49-year-old Crystal Beale was found in the Brisbane River. The Sunshine Coast woman was last seen in West End, having dinner with her family and ex-partner. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

A Night Out Ends in Tragedy

Crystal Beale, a mother-of-two, had been visiting family in Brisbane on 21 February. That evening, she dined at a restaurant in Sunnybank before being dropped off at Ryan Street in West End. Hours later, at approximately 5:40 a.m. the next morning, a member of the public discovered her body in the river at Yeronga.

Initially, police did not consider her death suspicious. There were no visible injuries. However, following a postmortem examination, authorities now believe her death to be suspicious. The police are treating Ms Beale’s death as a homicide.

West End homicide — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Queensland Police have released CCTV footage showing Ms Beale on the night she was last seen. She was wearing a slim-fitting white dress and carrying a brown leather satchel. Investigators believe she was near Orleigh Park and Ryan Street in West End between 9:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts confirmed multiple lines of inquiry were being pursued. The possibility of a random attack and the involvement of someone known to Ms Beale are also being considered. Police have spoken with her ex-partner, but no arrests have been made.

Family and Friends Remember Crystal Beale

Ms Beale’s children, a daughter and a 15-year-old son, are devastated by the loss of their mother. Her daughter, Charlie, described her as a talented artist and a writer. She was a deeply caring person who “constantly put herself out for others.”

Friends also shared their grief. They remembered Ms Beale as a kind-hearted woman with an infectious smile. One friend said that she was a beautiful lady, inside and out. Another recalled her generosity and warmth.

Crystal Beale — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns

The homicide investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from West End and surrounding areas. Police are also analysing tidal patterns to determine how long Ms Beale’s body had been in the river.

Community concerns over violence against women have been reignited following Ms Beale’s death. She is the 14th Australian woman killed in 2025 and the 117th since 1 January 2024. Her death prompts renewed calls for action on gendered violence.

Authorities are urging anyone in the West End area during the specified timeframe or who may have seen Ms Beale to provide information. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 13-Mar-2025

Mindful Triathlon Wanderlust 108 to Take Place at Orleigh Park in West End

What is a mindful triathlon? A triathlon consists of three challenging endurance races that test the strength, stamina and speed of the participants. A mindful triathlon, on the other hand, combines running or walking with yoga and meditation for a transformational experience. These will all take place at Wanderlust 108 in West End on Saturday, the 19th of Oct 2019.

Wanderlust 108 is the world’s only mindful triathlon. The movement began in Los Angeles in 2014 and has since expanded to different cities across the world.

Kicking off at 7:30 a.m. at Orleigh Park, participants of Wanderlust 108 will first gather, warm-up and energise with coffee near the 5km starting line. The official race will start at 9:00 a.m., where you can run, walk, trot or skip to the finish line.

By 11:00 a.m., set up your yoga mat at the park grounds for a 75-minute yoga flow session, which will be followed by a 25-minute soul-soothing and muscle-relaxing meditation led by renowned yoga teachers and spiritual leaders.

There’s more to do at Wanderlust 108 when the mindful triathlon is done, though, as this event is also a shoppers market and workshop session. After the mindful triathlon to promote a healthy body and mind, a little retail therapy might also make you feel good. You can browse or shop at the Kula Marketplace for handcrafted pieces, clothing, accessories, food and drinks.

You may also listen in and join the workshops on gut health, hormonal advice, personal power, or Tibetan sound bath healing from experts like Lara Zilbowitz, Donovan McGrath, Kemi Nekvapil, Jordanna Levin, Helen Jacobs, Chantelle Rawlings and Lee Holmes.

The market will open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

West End Fire Fest 2019: Watch a Spectacular Display of Fiery Flow Arts at Orleigh Park

A spectacular display of fiery flow arts will take place at the West End Fire Fest in Orleigh Park on Hill End Terrace.

Happening on Saturday, the 15th of June 2019, the West End Fire Fest will be underway from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and this event will also feature a yoga workout and a dance party.

Feel like a kid and marvel at the moving lights as performers dance, spin and juggle with fire or manipulate lit up objects to demonstrate the beauty of this creative activity. Set a picnic blanket on the ground as you watch the spinners and their exhibitions whilst eating tasty meals from the food trucks.

*Photo Credit:* *Andrii Slonchak/Facebook*

This community event will begin with a sunset yoga demonstration from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., where guests may also join.

For the rest of the evening, DJs and entertainers will be performing and playing hits or dance tunes to rouse the crowd. Among them are DJ Buzz, Michale Jenkins, DJ Onyx, DJ Lucid Geko, Emma Nekous, DJ Stephen, DJ Roger, PH-Zero and KOA.

Whilst this the West End Fire Frest will take place in an open space, adults with pets or children under 18 years old are expected to be watchful of their family members at all times, especially around the fire circle. Guests and fire spinners are also expected to clean up after themselves and observe the rules of the event to prevent any untoward accidents.

This is a free picnic and party which requires no registration. Just come, have fun, and mingle with the other guests and their families.