Aussie Bird Count is a nationwide citizen science event that invites everyday Australians to get outside, slow down, and take a closer look at the incredible birdlife in their own backyard. 

Run annually by BirdLife Australia, the count encourages people of all ages – whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or a total beginner – to spend just 20 minutes observing birds in any outdoor space: your backyard, a local park, a school oval, your balcony, or even the staff car park at work. 

It’s simple, surprisingly relaxing, and contributes to real scientific data that helps protect native species.

All observations are logged via the free Aussie Bird Count App (available from the Apple App Store and Google Play or website), which makes identifying birds easy with built-in images and calls. 

The Aussie Bird Count website also has a ton of resources available, from bird ID tips, to field guides and podcasts, to help you become a confident bird counter.

Each sighting, even as common as a magpie or noisy miner, helps researchers understand how bird populations are tracking across different regions. The data is especially valuable over time, revealing trends in urbanisation, climate impacts, habitat loss, and which Aussie birds are adapting well to human environments — and which ones are struggling.

It’s also a brilliant excuse to rediscover joy in the everyday. Families often make it a mini backyard adventure, while schools and early learning centres love it as a nature-based learning activity.

Some workplaces are even running ‘bird breaks’ to get staff outdoors! And because you only need 20 minutes, it’s one of the easiest ways to directly support conservation without donating a cent or leaving your suburb.

This year, organisers are again hoping for record participation. In past counts, more than five million birds were logged in a single week — from iconic kookaburras and lorikeets to shy wrens and wandering ibises. 

Every count matters. And the best part? Once you start noticing the birds around you, it’s almost impossible to stop.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Canva

The last decade has seen chaplains at both elite and grassroots levels become commonplace, helping athletes and support staff tackle life’s other challenges.

It’s been a massive couple of weeks for Brisbane footy fans of all persuasions. 

With the Brisbane Lions demolishing Geelong in the second half of the AFL Grand Final, and the Broncos taking out the NRL Premiership against the Melbourne Storm. 

For many footballers, success at the highest level defines who they are. But what about away from the bright lights, the packed stadiums and hordes of adoring fans? 

Who’s there for them when they struggle with not just the pressure of their jobs, but the normal things we all go through? 

The numbers of sports chaplains, serving not just football clubs, but all sports at both elite and grassroots levels have increased dramatically over the past decade. 

These days chaplains are common place, but it wasn’t always that way. 

In a 2015 column for ‘The Australian’, Melbourne Storm coach and former Canberra Raiders player Craig Bellamy encouraged all clubs to consider appointing a chaplain. 

He spoke of Father John Woods who has served the Raiders since Bellamy’s playing days in the eighties, and of the Melbourne Storm chaplain Grant Stewart – describing them as ‘two of the finest men I have ever met’. 

Such is the respect that John Woods, now a Monsignor, holds with the Canberra Raiders for his almost 40 years of voluntary service, that they bestowed him with life membership of the club in 2022. Monsignor Woods was only the tenth life member of the Raiders at the time.

Even ten years ago Bellamy saw the benefits that chaplains brought to a footy club, especially in the areas of mental health. 

“I believe chaplains are a much needed resource in our game,” Bellamy wrote in that column. “I think a lot of clubs don’t even realise the value they bring.” 

Clearly, much has changed over the past decade.  Someone who has seen the role of the sports chaplain elevated over that time is Paul Reis, who has been chaplain to the Brisbane Lions for sixteen years. 

Originally a state level representative player and coach in Squash, Paul got his start in the space with a two-year stint at the Gold Coast Suns, as they gained entry into the AFL. 

Paul gushes with pride as he speaks of the Lions taking out a second straight AFL premiership flag at the MCG. 

Having been involved with AFL clubs for almost two decades, Paul has seen the growth of chaplaincy first hand. 

“ There was some older, established chaplains that had been in their AFL clubs for some time, but a number of clubs still didn’t have chaplains. 

“That’s now been remedied with chaplaincy represented across all AFL clubs, as well as at the AFLW level and VFL level.  There’s now also many chaplains at community level so we’ve seen chaplaincy recognised at all levels of the sport.”  

Paul’s role at the Lions sits in the wellbeing team, which compromises a wellbeing manager and an assistant, a psychologist and the indigenous officer. 

At the heart of his role, Paul sees building relationships and investing time as key to supporting the Lions’ players and support staff. 

“ I’ve always worked to two things in my chaplaincy; one is to be visible and the other is to be available,” Paul says. 

Another sports chaplain who has seen footy chaplaincy go from strength to strength is Warren Crank, whose first involvement was with the Rugby League World Cup in 2008. 

He subsequently spent five years as chaplain with the NRL’s North Queensland Cowboys, as well as serving in the Queensland Cup with the Townsville Blackhawks. 

Warren is currently chaplain with Brisbane based North’s Devils, who also compete in the Queensland Cup. 

“It’s a great hashtag – chaplain to the Devils,” laughs Warren, who agrees that an investment of time is paramount. 

“What we learn as chaplains is that being around a lot is how relationships best form and how chaplaincy really thrives. 

“With the Cowboys, I was there for a couple of years and then there was a very sad event, which I was called into immediately and asked to be around the club all the next day. And suddenly they thought this is why we have a chaplain here.” 

Warren said that his role is to support players holistically and not just as professional athletes. 

Like Paul, Warren has also seen the leadership of elite competitions become increasingly open to chaplaincy. 

“In rugby league, especially with the Pasifika involvement,  spirituality is increasingly understood as part of human flourishing and important in a club.  

“I did the NRL wellbeing course a couple of years ago, and of the eight slices of the wellbeing pie, spirituality is one of them. 

“Chaplaincy featured in a day long discussion about, for what many coaches and players can be that mysterious dimension of us called spirituality.” 

“ I was on a recent NRL and Queensland Cup chaplain Zoom call, and one of the key wellbeing people from the NRL was on it too. Not necessarily a person of faith, but they said this is good – we want to encourage you in this.  

“And they see that impact that you’re having on the teams, on the individuals. Everyone knows that what happens outside of footy affects what happens on the park.” 

If you’re considering serving in a sports chaplaincy role, Warren’s book ‘Unofficial Chaplain’ is a great place to start. 

There’s also plenty of information available at Sports Chaplaincy Australia’s website. 

Paul says that it’s a great way to impact your community outside of the four walls of the church. 

“When you consider the number of Aussies that play sport, to be able to walk into a sporting community and be that person of light, hope and support is invaluable.  

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to be the right person at the right time, in those places.” 

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Supplied

After taking a break from touring in 2025, Aussie brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone are stepping into what they’ve called a “new season of passion and purpose.” 

The duo announced late last year that they were hitting pause on their live shows to spend this year focusing on family as well as new projects.

“We will be focusing on creating our next album, and creating our next feature length film,” the band told fans in a statement.

The brother’s first feature film Unsung Hero, directed by Joel, told the story of the Smallbone family’s relocation from their native Australia to the US in the early 90s. 

Grossing over $20 million at the US box office, the film also won ‘Feature Film of the Year’ at the 2024 Dove Awards, and was nominated for an Australian AACTA Award.

This year has seen the band take their first proper break from touring since the release of debut record ‘Crave’ in 2012.

That time away from the road has been well spent; a collaboration with Christian hip-hop artists Steven Malcolm and KB was released in July.

And now the first taste of a new album is on the cards, with the new single ‘World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill)’ releasing everywhere on Friday October 3.

The new single comes as Joel and Luke prepare for a return to the stage this December.

Their ‘A Little Drummer Boy Christmas’ is set for a run of fifteen shows, including five consecutive nights at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry.

With live appearances slated for the US, Europe and the UK in 2026, fans are hopeful for more announcements from the band, as FOR KING + COUNTRY enters their new era refreshed and full of life.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Supplied (Supplied and Used wit Permission)

Known for creating welcoming spaces that encourage open exploration of the Christian faith, Alpha has become a pivotal tool in fostering community and understanding among diverse groups of faith seekers.  

The Alpha course has now been translated into over 100 languages, with over 30 million people worldwide who have experienced Alpha, either in person or online.

Earlier this year Alpha Australia reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1 million participants within Australia.

The Australian arm is led by Ben Higgins, the National Director of Alpha Australia, who says that genuine connection is at the heart of the ministry.

“Alpha is all about creating spaces where people can freely explore the basics of the Christian faith together,” Ben explains.

This inclusive approach allows anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, to join and learn in a communal setting—be it online, in churches, cafes, or homes.

The move to online platforms especially during the pandemic has drastically increased accessibility, enabling more people to explore faith at their convenience.

And it’s not just in Australia that interest in the course has grown; recent studies in the UK reveal an intriguing quiet revival, with increased church attendance especially among Gen Z. 

“From 2018 to 2025, weekly church attendance amongst Gen Z in the UK went from 4% to 16%,” Ben notes.

Inspired by this trend, Alpha continues to reach out to younger generations, helping them explore spiritual questions in spaces they find comfortable and meaningful.

For those interested in exploring Alpha, finding a course or starting one in their local community, all resources can be found at the Alpha Australia website.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Canva

I moved back to Queensland in December, 1987.  For five years my family had been living on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, and we arrived back to a state in turmoil. 

Even as a 10-year-old schoolboy, I could appreciate the gravitas of Queensland’s longest serving premier being unceremoniously dumped, after the revelation that corruption was systemic within his government and his police force.

The new feature-length documentary ‘Joh: Last King of Queensland’ is streaming now on Stan, with one of Australia’s most controversial political figures being brought to life by director Kriv Stenders (Red Dog, The Correspondent, The Go-Betweens: Right Here) and actor Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge!, Elvis, Rake). 

Stenders, along with investigative journalist Matthew Condon, (whose own true crime trilogy Three Crooked Kings, covers in detail police and government corruption in Queensland) puts Joh’s legacy under the microscope with a diverse range of voices from across the political and social landscape. 

Richard Roxburgh does a superb job of portraying Joh Bjelke-Petersen in his tumultuous final days in office – when he famously locked himself in his office for three days, refusing to engage with his party, Parliament, or the press in a desperate bid to cling on to power. Joh even attempted to contact Buckingham Palace, reportedly trying to speak directly to the Queen in a bid to have the Queensland Parliament dissolved.

From federal National’s leader David Littleproud and former government colleague Bob Katter, to journalists, musicians and Joh’s own children, the documentary paints a picture of a leader who was either loved or loathed.

There was no middle ground with Joh Bjelke-Petersen; immensely popular and widely loved with his conservative base, he essentially went to war with those he saw as his political enemies, or those he saw as not fitting into his vision for Queensland.

Trade unionists, students, musicians and first nations peoples were all in the firing line, with Bjelke-Petersen also playing a not insignificant role in the dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975.

Born to a devout Danish Lutheran family (his father Carl was a Lutheran pastor), and raised on a farm in Kingaroy, Bjelke-Petersen was first elected to the Queensland Parliament in 1947.  He would eventually work his way through the ranks of the Country Party (now the Nationals), becoming State Premier in 1968.

He stayed in the top job for just shy of two decades, helped in part by what became known as the Bjelke-mander; a malapportioned electoral system that gave much more voting power to rural and regional areas, where the National Party had strong support.

A vote in a remote or rural seat could be worth two to three times more than a vote in an inner-city seat, because a rural electorate might have 10,000 voters, while a city seat could have three or four times that number, but each would elect one MP.

And while there’s no argument that Joh was good for business and the economic development of Queensland, it came at a huge social cost.

He ran things like a police state, famously declaring a state of emergency during the 1971 Springboks rugby tour, with anti-apartheid protesters being violently dispersed, beaten, or arrested by police.

In 1977, Joh effectively banned protest saying, “The day of the political street march is over. Don’t bother applying for a permit. You won’t get one. That’s government policy now!”

Throughout his tenure, it was progress at all costs, with many of Queensland’s heritage buildings being demolished in the middle of the night, as was the case with Brisbane’s iconic ballroom Cloudland in November 1982.

Throughout the late 70s and early 80s, suburban concerts were a favourite target of police raids, with that period seeing a virtual exodus of Brisbane’s creatives and musicians to interstate or overseas.

The most famous of these were The Go-Betweens and The Saints, with members of both groups appearing in Last King of Queensland. 

Ultimately, it was an iconic piece of investigative journalism that saw Joh’s house of cards collapse, with Chris Masters’ 1987 expose ‘The Moonlight State’ uncovering systemic and widespread corruption throughout the Queensland Police and State Government. 

This corruption, nicknamed ‘The Joke’, saw both police and government ministers benefiting from organised crime – prostitution, illegal gaming and casinos and drug trafficking.

The subsequent Fitzgerald Inquiry which investigated systemic corruption in the police and politics, would be the downfall of Joh, and end the decades long rule of the National Party in Queensland.

It would also see former government ministers serve jail time, as well as the former Police Commissioner Terry Lewis, who was stripped of his knighthood and sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption.

It should be noted that Joh was never convicted of official corruption, although did stand trial in 1991 for perjury as a result of his testimony during the Fitzgerald Inquiry.

That trial was controversially thrown out of court, when it was discovered that the jury foreman was a member of the Young Nationals, as well as the ‘Friends of Joh’ movement.

Due to his age (then 81) and declining health, a retrial was not pursued.

Joh: Last King of Queensland is an extraordinary insight into Queensland during an infamous period, and essential viewing if you have an interest in Australian history, politics, or have big questions about power, democracy, and what Queensland once was. 

You can stream Joh: Last King of Queensland on Stan now. 

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Publicity Images Supplied by Stan

Coober Pedy’s Catacomb Church is unlike most other churches in Australia, carved out of a hillside in the opal mining capital of the world.
And although the church has found a way to beat the extreme heat of the desert, Catacomb Church isn’t immune from the realities of operating in a remote part of Australia.

Pastor Dave Wood and his wife Margaret joined the church 18 months ago as its full-time ministry couple, ironically after a 30 year career as a mining engineer.

He says that he seemed destined to wind up in the outback following a decision to enter ministry full-time.

Bush Church Aid is an organisation that is dedicated to ensuring the gospel message is available to everyone living in remote and regional Australia.

Partnering predominantly with Anglican Dioceses, BCA helps to provide gospel workers in the outback, support those bush locations through prayer and ensure that experienced clergy and other volunteers are available to pastorally care for those in the field.

Without the support of Bush Church Aid, churches like Catacomb Church would struggle to keep the doors open in remote areas.

“Our church has around 12 regular members, but then in the tourist season it goes up to 30 or 35,” Dave said. “There’s no way we could afford a minister. So there’s ourselves and about 40 other churches around Australia supported by BCA.”

Dave says that the support of BCA not only keeps the doors of the church open, but enables him and wife Margaret to get out in the community.

“ The days of people just walking into the church is long over, you’ve got to go out to them. You’ve got to go to their church. So myself and Margie join a lot of things. 

“Margie’s in the historical society and she helps out at the drive-in. So we have South Australia’s last drive-in and we’re both on the committee for the drive-in, which is a load of fun. 

“I’m part of the SES and I do a Christian radio show, Dusty Radio, so it’s all about being arms and legs.”

“We had a mission group not long ago do some work down in the Aboriginal community, and they were so thankful. It was such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to a fairly hurting minority, to be honest. 

“Doing stuff in the community is really impactful, and then you get to have those conversations.”

If you happen to find yourself in Coober Pedy, you can visit the Catacomb Church at Lot 746 Catacomb Road.

You can also visit the Bush Church Aid website to find out more about serving with, or supporting the work of BCA in regional and remote Australia.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Supplied and Used with Permission 

He redefined the sound of gospel music, racking up 20 Grammy Awards – and now Kirk Franklin has announced his Australasian tour this December.

Aussie fans have waited decades, but finally the gospel music legend has announced a tour of Australia and New Zealand, coming this December.

The Tour runs from 10 to 19 December, kicking off in Christchurch before heading to Wellington, Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with the final show taking place in Perth.

For the past 30 years, Kirk Franklin has redefined gospel music, taking the genre to a mainstream audience globally. His 1993 debut, Kirk Franklin & The Family, revolutionised gospel by blending the traditional sounds of the church with contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences.

A few years later, Kirk’s track ‘Stomp’ from the 1997 record God’s Property, would enjoy crossover success on secular charts; a rare feat for a Christian artist.

Franklin’s bold, unapologetic style, combined with his message of faith, redemption, and social justice, helped redefine what gospel music could be. He broke barriers by collaborating with mainstream artists and introduced gospel to audiences who might never have engaged with the genre otherwise. 

Albums like The Nu Nation Project and Hero have won multiple Grammy Awards, affirming his status as a groundbreaking artist. All up, Franklin has pocketed 20 Grammys – his most recent being last year when the #1 hit single ‘All Things’, taken from his latest album Father’s Day, took out the Best Gospel Performance/Song category.

Tickets for Kirk Franklin’s The World Tour are on sale now.  For complete tour, ticket and VIP information, visit the Live Nation website.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Supplied and Used With Permission

In today’s world, anxiety has become a common issue that affects millions of people. 

This heightened state of worry and fear can interfere with daily life, making it essential to recognise and understand its signs and effective ways to manage it.

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, presenting as feelings of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. For some, it’s a fleeting sensation before a significant event, but for others, it can be a persistent concern that disrupts their everyday activities.

Anxiety disorders encompass various conditions, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety requires attention and care.

Some of Sandy’s tips for managing anxiety include:

• Grounding Techniques: One effective way to curb anxiety is using grounding techniques, which help bring your focus back to the present moment. A popular method is the 5 to1 technique – start by naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This exercise engages your senses and redirects your thoughts from anxiety-inducing struggles.
• Mindfulness and Deep Breathing: Practicing mindfulness through meditation or deep breathing exercises can significantly reduce anxiety. Deep breathing helps slow down the heart rate and promotes relaxation. Try inhaling deeply for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds. Repeating this simple activity can calm your mind and body.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical exercise is a powerful anxiety reducer. Activities like walking, running, or yoga release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Physical activity also helps in distracting the mind from anxious thoughts and improves overall well-being.
• Seek Professional Help: Consulting a mental health professional is crucial for those who find anxiety overwhelming. Therapists can offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other treatments tailor-suited to individual needs. Medication might also be an option for some, prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Anxiety, while challenging, is manageable with the proper tools and support. Remember, you’re not alone in your journey, and with the right strategies, you can regain control over anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Canva

When music critics rate the best albums of all time, the top two positions are almost always taken out by two records – The Beatles with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band from 1967, and Pet Sounds, the 1966 masterpiece from The Beach Boys.

Put simply, without Pet Sounds, there’s no Sgt. Pepper – because that friendly transatlantic rivalry would not only usher in one of the most important eras in musical history but also push The Beatles and The Beach Boys to greater heights.

When Brian Wilson, founder and musical visionary of The Beach Boys heard The Beatles 1965 offering Rubber Soul, he responded with Pet Sounds, which ultimately paved the way for The Beatles albums Revolver in 1966 and Sgt. Pepper’s in 1967.

Wilson’s family has announced his death overnight, while recognising the impact he made globally through his music.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” his family has said in an online statement. We are at a loss for for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realise that we are sharing our grief with the world.”

Born in 1942 and raised in Hawthorne, California, the young Brian Wilson had his first exposure to music within the walls of the church.

Having been encouraged in his musical giftings early, he was an accomplished piano player by the age of eight, and a regular in his church choir.

It was his early days in the church, and exposure to the music of the church that influenced his love for harmony and layered vocal arrangements.

And it was here that he, along with brothers Dennis and Carl, would develop the intricate harmonies and vocal stylings that would give rise to The Beach Boys, a group that was formed with their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine.

And although at the height of The Beach Boys’ fame his beliefs became more private and occasionally ambiguous, there are themes littered throughout Wilson’s music focusing on spiritual longing or an exploration of deeper meaning.

Songs like Love & Mercy, Heaven, In My Room and ‘Till I Die span the years of his career, are some of his most introspective compositions, and flirt with divine longing, transcendence, and emotional surrender.

It was his 1966 masterstroke God Only Knows, taken from Pet Sounds, where he combined his spiritual influences and his musical genius to create one of pop music’s defining moments.

That song is no pop banger though, there’s not an electric guitar to be heard – rather the arrangement is comprised of harpsichords, French horns and Wilson’s trademark vocal layers.

Paul McCartney has labelled God Only Knows as “the greatest song ever written”, and told BBC Radio 1 in a 2007 interview that “God Only Knows is one of the few songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it… It’s just a love song, but it’s brilliantly done. It shows the spiritual side of Brian.”

Brian Wilson’s influence wasn’t just confined to the musical mainstream though; his music has also influenced a generation of artists of faith.

• Amy Grant has spoken about being influenced by the harmonies of The Beach Boys, with her 1997 album Behind the Eyes showcasing arrangements that echo Pet Sounds.
• Kevin Max, the artsy voice of dc Talk, has often cited Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys as part of his sonic palette. His solo work is particularly Beach Boys-esque in places—especially in the use of layered vocals and lush arrangements.
• A legend in Christian music, Phil Keaggy is known for his guitar mastery, but he has also shown a love for Wilson-esque harmony and melodic invention in albums like The Master and the Musician.
• While not always overt, the layered harmonies and introspective lyrics of Jars of Clay were shaped in part by artists like Brian Wilson who blurred the line between pop and spiritual depth.
• Matt Thiessen of Relient K has openly acknowledged the influence of Brian Wilson on the band’s music. As the band matured you can hear clear echoes of Brian Wilson’s musical fingerprints with stacked vocal harmonies and layered arrangements, and sad or introspective lyrics with beautiful, upbeat musical elements.

Throughout his life Wilson suffered from a range of physical and mental health issues, retiring from touring with the Beach Boys at age 22 to focus on songwriting and production due to anxiety and paranoia caused by travel and public performances.

Wilson was almost completely deaf in his right ear which led to a habit of him speaking from the side of his mouth, often leading to incorrect assumptions of having had a stroke.

In 2024, following the death of his wife Melinda, it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with a major neurocognitive disorder, likely a form of dementia. His family was granted conservatorship to oversee his care as his health declined.

And while thousands of his contemporaries and those influenced by his career share their sadness at his passing, Brian Wilson will ultimately be remembered as a true musical genius of the 20th Century.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Photo by Lance Shields on Unsplash

The Bluey’s World season has been officially extended through to February 2026, with fans of the hit TV show travelling from all corners of the globe to visit.

Since opening in November 2024, Bluey’s World has already welcomed 200,000 visitors, a significant milestone that reflects the attraction’s popularity with families, fans and travellers alike.

The immersive experience, inspired by the globally loved TV series Bluey, has also gained international recognition, recently earning a coveted spot on TIME Magazine’s 2025 World’s Greatest Places to Visit list – a nod to its growing status as a must-see destination.

Andrew Kay, who is the producer and creative behind Bluey’s World said “The response to Bluey’s World has been phenomenal. Seeing families laugh, play, and explore the attraction firsthand has been incredibly rewarding. We set out to create a truly special experience, and it’s wonderful to watch it become a must-visit Brisbane destination for fans of all ages.”

The lucky 200,000th visitor to Bluey’s World Ben Armstrong, who was visiting with his partner and two daughters from Perth, was recently gifted an exclusive VIP Blue Card – granting unlimited access to Bluey’s World. They join fellow Bluey fans with Blue Cards, including Eva Mendes, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue.

Andrew Powell MP, Queensland’s Minister for Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and Innovation praised Bluey’s World for delivering significant economic benefits to the region, attracting visitors from across Australia as well as New Zealand, North America, United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore.

“Bluey’s World is a global sensation, drawing fans from around the world to the Heeler family’s home state of Queensland. We anticipate that Bluey’s World will help to generate as much as $18 million for our state economy, as visitors make the most of our hotels, restaurants and other hospitality in their time here. Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement and we hope to attract 200,000 more across the now extended season of the event.”

Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane Lord Mayor also acknowledged the attraction’s impact on the city.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and Bluey showcases our great city to millions of fans worldwide. Celebrating 200,000 visitors at Bluey’s World is a wonderful reflection of the series’ success and what it’s done for our local economy. Allowing fans to experience Bluey’s hometown in real life is another way Brisbane is capturing global attention as one of the best places in the world to visit.”

Bluey’s World is in Brisbane at 281 Macarthur Drive, Hamilton Northshore. Pre-release tickets are set for Tuesday 6 May 2025, ahead of the general public on-sale from Wednesday 7 May 2025.

Article supplied with thanks to 96five.

Feature image: Melanie Zanetti (Chilli) & Dave McCormack (Bandit) at Bluey’s World in Brisbane (supplied BBC Studios).