Latest news with #Bluey'sWorld
7NEWS
28-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Brisbane shines on the world stage with booming tourism industry
Brisbane's tourism industry is booming like never before, redefining the city's place on the global stage while transforming local communities and businesses. New data from Tourism Research Australia reveals the sector has injected $12.1 billion into the economy and supported nearly 80,000 jobs in the past year. More than 9.4 million visitors spent nearly 54 million nights in the city, boosting key sectors including hospitality, retail, transport, and events. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city's world-class lifestyle precincts and packed events calendar are at the heart of the boom. 'Brisbane's incredible lifestyle and soaring global reputation is driving a tourism boom, which is boosting our economy and supporting local jobs,' Schrinner said. He pointed to hotspots like Howard Smith Wharves, Fish Lane and South Bank, alongside major events including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Bluey's World, as key attractions drawing crowds. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) CEO Anthony Ryan said the boom is no coincidence. ' Brisbane's tourism success is the result of outstanding collaboration, bold ambition and a focus on delivering an exceptional visitor experience,' Ryan said. Ryan described the Australian Tourism Exchange last months as a defining moment for Brisbane, 'putting our city on the world stage and creating opportunities that will be felt for decades'. 'The momentum we're building is extraordinary — and we're just getting started.' With new direct international flights connecting Brisbane to major global hubs such as Dallas, Los Angeles, Bangkok and Manila, and with the 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, the city's tourism sector is set to receive an even bigger boost. BEDA's report forecasts Brisbane's experience economy will grow by 41 per cent by 2031 in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The tourism boom is creating thousands of new jobs and breathing new life into local businesses, offering fresh opportunities for families and communities across the city. However, experts warn sustainable growth is crucial to protect Brisbane's liveability and infrastructure as visitor numbers continue to climb. Stream free on
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dianne Buswell's baby bombshell amid plan for kids - 'This is for them'
Dianne Buswell is on top of the world. She's just won a Bafta, she's starting a new tour and she's the reigning Strictly champion. However, Dianne has plans for a new phase in her life too... She's the reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, she's just won her first Bafta and she's in a relationship with her former Strictly celeb partner, Joe Sugg. But there's one thing missing from Dianne Buswell 's life – children. Dancer Dianne, 36, has been maternal for as long as she can remember, when growing up in Australia with two older brothers left her yearning for a younger sibling to look after. She filled the void by babysitting her cousins, but she says she'd like kids of her own at some point. 'Ever since I was a little girl, I used to want a little sister or brother,' says Dianne. 'I was always the babysitter for all my little cousins – I've always been a real lover of children. They fascinate me so much.' About to head out on tour with Strictly colleague Vito Coppola, followed by a new series of Strictly, Dianne isn't planning to start a family any time soon, but she's been working on a project she hopes her future kids would enjoy – a series of Bluey Dancealongs. The films will be on the official Bluey YouTube channel and teach children dance routines set to Bluey musical hits. 'I always think that in the future, if I was to have my own kids, that they would be able to potentially watch this,' says Dianne. 'It plays at the back of my mind and that's pretty cool.' The dancealongs were filmed at Bluey's World in Brisbane and afterwards Dianne flew to see her family in Western Australia, where she is from. She's also been on a minibreak to Bruges and a safari trip to South Africa this year with Joe, 33, who she met when she partnered him on Strictly in 2018. But the hard work is about to start with the Dianne & Vito – Red Hot And Ready tour kicking off in June and then Strictly rehearsals beginning as early as August. ' We had a couple of days in Bruges, which was lovely,' says Dianne. 'And Joe and I got to do a trip to South Africa as well, which was incredible – and I got to go home to Australia. I feel like there's a big chunk of work coming up but I definitely have prioritised downtime.' Most celebrities who sign up for Strictly are shocked by the physical toll the dancing takes on them. And even though she's a pro dancer, Dianne says she shares their pain. 'I love moving my body,' she says. 'I do it a lot for mental health and it just makes me so happy, but when I go back to dance, it's a different lot of muscles you're using and you do feel it. When celebrities say, 'Wow, this is intense on my body!' I'm like, 'I understand!' If I've had a month or two off, my body goes into shock mode.' Last winter, Dianne and her Strictly celebrity partner Chris McCausland made an impact on viewers as Dianne taught comedian Chris, who is blind, to dance. At the heart of their routines lay their friendship and shared sense of humour. Viewers rewarded their efforts with the Glitterball Trophy, then they relived their triumph when Dianne collected a Bafta for most memorable TV moment earlier this month. In her acceptance speech, she recalled Chris performing the dance that won them the Bafta, saying, 'He closed his eyes and he smiled a smile I've never seen from him before and that meant it came straight from his heart. This moment meant so much to the both of us, so I'm so thrilled that we have this.' Her speech summed up the special relationship between the pair, which has continued thanks to the success of their podcast Winning Isn't Everything. 'He's so funny,' says Dianne. 'It's definitely a friendship that will last forever, for sure.' Dancing with Chris also taught Dianne an important life lesson. 'Before, I was always looking for perfection,' she says. 'But with Chris, if something wasn't perfect, I almost loved it even more. For people to resonate with it on an emotional level is even more powerful. He taught me that.' Dianne joined Strictly in 2017 and since then she's found love, become a champion and is a fan favourite. She admits it's been a whirlwind that's changed her life. 'I wonder if I didn't join the show, what I'd be doing now,' she says. 'It's mad but it's a ride I've enjoyed.' For Dianne, every Strictly series is different thanks to her changing celebrity partners – and each time she makes it her mission to understand them. I do my research so that I know more about them,' she says. 'But you always find out the most about them when you work with them in the room.' For her, it's about building a connection and transporting it to the dancefloor. She strives to instil a love of dance in her partners. 'You don't want to feel like you're making them dance,' she explains. 'You want them to want to dance. If they're wanting to do it, then you'll be absolutely fine. But you've got to know their limits and choreograph to their strengths.'
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Strictly star lands new TV gig in Australia – and it's worlds away from the ballroom
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR Strictly Come Dancing star has landed a new TV gig in Australia - and it's worlds away from the ballroom. Dianne Buswell - who won Strictly last year with comedian Chris McCausland - is now taking on a whole new challenge, in her native country. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Dianne Buswell has landed a brand new TV gig Credit: BBC Studios 6 The star is teaming up with the cartoon Bluey for a series of dance videos Credit: BBC Studios 6 The star will teach kids how to dance in the videos Credit: BBC Studios 6 Dianne won Strictly last year partnering comedian Chris McCausland Credit: PA Now it's been revealed the in demand Strictly pro dancer has been snapped up to join the Bluey cartoon family. The show is made in Australia, and Dianne features on their new digital series, Blueydancealongs. Filmed in Brisbane, the Australian dancer returned to home soil to shoot the new show, which is being produced by BBC studios. Dianne choreographs and stars in a series of five dance videos. Each video features a beloved song from the popular cartoon and takes place in a different location within Bluey's World. Dianne is also joined by young fans of the show, who she will seen teaching dance routines to. Speaking about being the show, the popular star said: "How cool that I got to go to Bluey's World in Australia to dance in Bluey's house with some incredibly talented kids dancing to some of Bluey's favourite tunes. "I love the message that Bluey sends out, to not just kids but grownups too. "I can't wait to see everybody trying the dance moves at home and joining in the party." HECTIC SCHEDULE It comes after Dianne recently told The Sun On Sunday how she wants to start a family soon, but at the moment her work schedule is just to hectic. Strictly's Dianne Buswell stuns in black swimsuit on the beach as she enjoys Christmas with Joe Sugg and her poorly dad The dancer is in a relationship with YouTuber Joe Sugg, who she met when they competed together on Strictly in 2018. In our exclusive interview last weekend, she said: 'I would like to have children, 100 per cent. 'Joe and I love kids, and that's definitely something that we would absolutely love. I haven't really thought about how many I would like. It will definitely happen.' But Dianne said one of her biggest challenges may just be finding the right time. 6 The popular star won a Bafta at the weekend for one of her performances on Strictly Credit: Getty As well as her new Bluey show, she and fellow Strictly pro Vito Coppola have just announced a 30-date tour, Red Hot And Ready, starting next month. Dianne and her winning Strictly partner Chris — the programme's first blind contestant — have also just launched their own podcast, Winning Isn't Everything. On the prospect of motherhood, Dianne said: 'It is quite tough because my job is quite demanding, and I love it so much. 'It is a tough one to balance out and think about. It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we will get there, but there is lots happening at the moment. It will happen when it's supposed to.' BECOMING A STAR Dianne toured with hit show Burn The Floor in 2011, and also appeared on So You Think You Can Dance Australia. In 2015, she starred in Australia's version of Strictly and landed the role in the UK show in 2017. As well as dancing, she and Joe are one of social media's highest- earning couples in the UK, with a reported combined fortune of £8.8million. 6 Dianne met partner Joe Sugg when he competed on Strictly in 2018 Credit: Instagram
The Age
28-04-2025
- Climate
- The Age
Brisbane news live: Bluey's World to stay open longer, with 200,000 visitors recorded
Latest posts Latest posts 7.11am Bluey's World to stay open longer, 200,000th visitor gets unlimited access By Brisbane's visitor attraction dedicated to the world's favourite blue heeler puppy has officially extended its season. Bluey's World in Hamilton, which recently welcomed its 200,000th visitor, has been extended through to February 2026, with the next ticket pre-release set for next Tuesday, May 6. Andrew Powell MP, Queensland's Minister for Environment and Tourism, says Bluey's World has attracted visitors from across Australia as well as New Zealand, North America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. Loading '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,' he says. The 200,000th visitor to Bluey's World was Ben Armstrong, who was visiting with his partner and two daughters from Perth. Armstrong received an exclusive VIP Blue Card granting unlimited access to Bluey's World, putting him in the company of Eva Mendes, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue. 7.01am April sun in Brisbane Expect another mostly sunny day in Brisbane today, although it might feel much, much cooler than the maximum temperature would suggest. Although the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 28 degrees, the 'feels like' temperature could be almost 10 degrees cooler. From late tomorrow, the weather is predicted to turn, with the possibility of showers increasing into the weekend. Here's a glance at what the next seven days could bring, weatherwise. 6.56am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: State governments will be offered $2 billion over the next four years to boost housing supply with the help of federal concessional loans in a Labor pledge to counter Coalition claims that the government will miss a crucial target to build more homes. Separatist Christian sect the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren), which objects to voting, is campaigning for the Liberal and National parties. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off his final week with a half-hour walk through a south-west Sydney suburb – replete with selfies, hecklers and obscenities. If you're rolling up your sleeves for a flu or COVID vaccine, you may not give much thought to which arm receives the jab. But new Australian research suggests location does matter. A group of men dubbed the 'grandpa gang' were among 10 suspects who went on trial overnight on charges of robbing reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Melbourne Storm have taken responsibility for what they say was an internal miscommunication that meant the Welcome to Country for their Anzac Day clash at AAMI Park was cancelled at the last minute, a situation that has left the chairman disappointed 'beyond words'. 6.43am This morning's top stories Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Tuesday, April 29. Today the city can expect a sunny day with a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: For more than a decade, Brisbane property mogul Ted Amos has been locked in a battle over unpaid land tax and court costs with the Queensland government. Now the revenue office has been given the green light to seize and sell Amos' nine properties in Clayfield, Ascot, Wooloowin, Newmarket, Northgate, Albion, Virginia and Surfers Paradise to recoup unpaid court costs. An international student allegedly murdered a flatmate and kept her body in a box on a balcony for months, as well as impersonating her to steal more than $700,000, a jury has heard. Once seen as one of the more affordable capital cities, Brisbane's median house price has risen 71.5 per cent in the past five years to March 2025. At this weekend's Magic Round, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu will 'walk towards the fire' of his first sold-out Suncorp Stadium encounter since his blow-up with Queensland icon and Channel Nine commentator Johnathan Thurston.
Sydney Morning Herald
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane news live: Bluey's World to stay open longer, with 200,000 visitors recorded
Latest posts Latest posts 7.11am Bluey's World to stay open longer, 200,000th visitor gets unlimited access By Brisbane's visitor attraction dedicated to the world's favourite blue heeler puppy has officially extended its season. Bluey's World in Hamilton, which recently welcomed its 200,000th visitor, has been extended through to February 2026, with the next ticket pre-release set for next Tuesday, May 6. Andrew Powell MP, Queensland's Minister for Environment and Tourism, says Bluey's World has attracted visitors from across Australia as well as New Zealand, North America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. Loading '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,' he says. The 200,000th visitor to Bluey's World was Ben Armstrong, who was visiting with his partner and two daughters from Perth. Armstrong received an exclusive VIP Blue Card granting unlimited access to Bluey's World, putting him in the company of Eva Mendes, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue. 7.01am April sun in Brisbane Expect another mostly sunny day in Brisbane today, although it might feel much, much cooler than the maximum temperature would suggest. Although the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top of 28 degrees, the 'feels like' temperature could be almost 10 degrees cooler. From late tomorrow, the weather is predicted to turn, with the possibility of showers increasing into the weekend. Here's a glance at what the next seven days could bring, weatherwise. 6.56am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: State governments will be offered $2 billion over the next four years to boost housing supply with the help of federal concessional loans in a Labor pledge to counter Coalition claims that the government will miss a crucial target to build more homes. Separatist Christian sect the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (formerly known as the Exclusive Brethren), which objects to voting, is campaigning for the Liberal and National parties. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese kicked off his final week with a half-hour walk through a south-west Sydney suburb – replete with selfies, hecklers and obscenities. If you're rolling up your sleeves for a flu or COVID vaccine, you may not give much thought to which arm receives the jab. But new Australian research suggests location does matter. A group of men dubbed the 'grandpa gang' were among 10 suspects who went on trial overnight on charges of robbing reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Melbourne Storm have taken responsibility for what they say was an internal miscommunication that meant the Welcome to Country for their Anzac Day clash at AAMI Park was cancelled at the last minute, a situation that has left the chairman disappointed 'beyond words'. 6.43am This morning's top stories Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Tuesday, April 29. Today the city can expect a sunny day with a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: For more than a decade, Brisbane property mogul Ted Amos has been locked in a battle over unpaid land tax and court costs with the Queensland government. Now the revenue office has been given the green light to seize and sell Amos' nine properties in Clayfield, Ascot, Wooloowin, Newmarket, Northgate, Albion, Virginia and Surfers Paradise to recoup unpaid court costs. An international student allegedly murdered a flatmate and kept her body in a box on a balcony for months, as well as impersonating her to steal more than $700,000, a jury has heard. Once seen as one of the more affordable capital cities, Brisbane's median house price has risen 71.5 per cent in the past five years to March 2025. At this weekend's Magic Round, Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu will 'walk towards the fire' of his first sold-out Suncorp Stadium encounter since his blow-up with Queensland icon and Channel Nine commentator Johnathan Thurston.
