Latest news with #BrendanChristou
Sydney Morning Herald
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Game-changer': Construction finishes on upgraded Exhibition station
People catching the train to the Caravan and Camping Supershow on Wednesday will be the first to experience the much-anticipated revamp of the train station at Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds. The upgrade of the Exhibition station after years of construction brings new lifts, wider platforms, better shading and accessibility features such as hearing aid loops. But the station will operate only for major events, including Brisbane's annual agricultural show, the Ekka, and this week's caravan and camping show, until Cross River Rail opens in 2029. RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said the facilities would be a 'game-changer' for his organisation and the events precinct around Bowen Hills, which was set to host an athletes village for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. The station was still under construction during last year's Ekka, but would be operational for this year's event, in about 10 weeks. 'It's been a tough couple of years and we've worked really well with Translink in particular and QR on the alternative plans, but there's nothing like coming to the show on a train,' Christou said. 'We look forward to everyone coming and enjoying the experience of this new station. I'm sure they'll see what we see, which is this fantastic, much more accessible, easy to access, station for all of those patrons of the show.' Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the station would be open year-round when Cross River Rail opened to passengers in 2029.
The Age
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
‘Game-changer': Construction finishes on upgraded Exhibition station
People catching the train to the Caravan and Camping Supershow on Wednesday will be the first to experience the much-anticipated revamp of the train station at Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds. The upgrade of the Exhibition station after years of construction brings new lifts, wider platforms, better shading and accessibility features such as hearing aid loops. But the station will operate only for major events, including Brisbane's annual agricultural show, the Ekka, and this week's caravan and camping show, until Cross River Rail opens in 2029. RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said the facilities would be a 'game-changer' for his organisation and the events precinct around Bowen Hills, which was set to host an athletes village for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. The station was still under construction during last year's Ekka, but would be operational for this year's event, in about 10 weeks. 'It's been a tough couple of years and we've worked really well with Translink in particular and QR on the alternative plans, but there's nothing like coming to the show on a train,' Christou said. 'We look forward to everyone coming and enjoying the experience of this new station. I'm sure they'll see what we see, which is this fantastic, much more accessible, easy to access, station for all of those patrons of the show.' Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the station would be open year-round when Cross River Rail opened to passengers in 2029.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Ekka's sweet surprise: mega strawberry sundae stand and job opportunities
For decades, the beloved strawberry sundae has been an Ekka favourite — and in 2025, it's making a grand return. 'This year we're expecting over 180,000 strawberry sundaes to be sold,' Ekka event manager Brendan Christou told 7NEWS. With demand sky-high, a new mega stall has been set up to ease the crowd. 'We've got a mega outlet, so it's a super-sized outlet to make sure that the queueing is better,' Christou said. 'Everyone can get their strawberry sundae really easily.' A sweet, local favourite And the good news? There'll be plenty to go around. 'We are producing 34,000 litres,' said Lick Ice Cream CEO Simon West, explaining the scale of this year's operation. 'We will never sell out,' Christou added. The recipe for the Ekka icon is still kept under lock and key at Seventeen Mile Rocks, a suburb just a 30-minute drive south of Brisbane's city centre. 'This is our 15th year… so we've had fairly good practise at getting the formula right,' West confirmed. And, wherever they can, they use Queensland p roduce. 'We try as best we can to use as much Queensland produce as possible,' he said. This year, proceeds from the strawberry sundae sales will go towards funding future Ekka events, ensuring the show continues to thrive for years to come. Ever dreamt of working at the Ekka? But organisers say they need your help to make it all happen. More than 300 paid roles and 1000 volunteer positions are on offer — and for some, no experience is needed. 'Everything from food and beverage roles to chefs… to animal attendants… to ushers… there's something for everyone,' said Christou. Information on how to apply for the roles will be available on the official Ekka website about 7pm on Thursday, May 22. The Ekka is Queensland's biggest annual event, bringing the country to the city with agriculture, food, and family fun. This year, it will be running from August 9 to August 16. Stream free on
