Brisbane's Morning Briefing: Storm Resilience and a Broncos Bombshell

The City Mood: Resilient and Humid

Good morning, Brisbane. As we head into Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the mood across the River City is one of cautious resilience. After severe storms lashed the South-East over the weekend with wind gusts exceeding 95km/h, the community is largely back on its feet. While Energex crews have successfully restored power to the majority of the 60,000 homes originally affected, some lingering cleanup remains. The atmosphere today is a classic Brisbane summer blend—thick with 85% humidity and a forecast top of 30°C. With patchy rain expected throughout the day, the city feels active but steady, anchored by the typical subtropical persistence that defines February in Queensland.

The Talk of the Town: An Era Ends and New Laws Begin

The primary talking point dominating local headlines today is the 'Reynolds Bombshell.' Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has officially announced that the 2026 NRL season will be his final year in professional rugby league. Having recently helped end a 19-year premiership drought, the legendary half-back’s decision to retire has sent shockwaves through the fan base, turning this year’s campaign into an emotional farewell tour. Fans are already looking ahead to the World Club Challenge later this month as the first step in what they hope will be a fairytale exit for their captain.

Simultaneously, a significant legislative shift is taking place at 100 George Street. Today, the Crisafulli Government is scheduled to introduce draft hate-speech legislation to Parliament. The bill proposes strict penalties, including up to two years of imprisonment, for the use of specific prohibited phrases with intent to harass. The move follows a detailed review and has sparked a robust city-wide debate regarding the balance between public safety and freedom of speech, which is expected to intensify as the session proceeds.

Feel-Good News: Needle-Free Wins for Families

On a lighter note, there is great news for parents of toddlers. The Queensland Government has confirmed that the 2026 flu immunisation program will include a free, needle-free nasal spray for children aged two to five. This 'FluMist' option is designed to make the annual vaccination process much less stressful for both children and parents. Additionally, excitement is mounting for the historic arrival of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which begins its exclusive residency at Suncorp Stadium this Thursday. The city is also observing Safer Internet Day today, with the State Library of Queensland leading the charge in promoting digital safety and literacy across the community.

• Live Tonight: Pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs at The Tivoli, while Deacon Blue takes over The Fortitude Music Hall.
• Weather: High of 30°C with high humidity and a 65% chance of afternoon showers.
• Community: State Parliament resumes with the introduction of new public safety reforms.