Red, Pink, and Blue: Brisbane Welcomes the Year of the Horse

Morning Briefing: Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Good morning, Brisbane. Today the city wakes up to a vibrant atmosphere as we officially mark the Lunar New Year. With clear skies and a pleasant top of 26°C, it is a perfect day to get out and enjoy the cultural energy currently sweeping through the River City.

The Mood: A City in Celebration

The mood across Brisbane today is one of high energy and optimism. As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse, the city is embracing the momentum of the BrisAsia Festival. Commuters crossing the river tonight will notice the Victoria Bridge illuminated in a striking palette of red, pink, and blue to celebrate the festival’s peak. From the CBD to the suburbs, there is a distinct sense of community as families prepare for the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Residents are encouraged to head to Queen’s Wharf this evening, where the precinct is hosting a nightly spectacle featuring a five-metre steel Fire Horse sculpture that erupts in flames, choreographed to a symphonic score.

Key Talking Point: Shaping Our Olympic Future

The biggest conversation at the water cooler today remains the newly unveiled designs for the $3.8 billion Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park. The 63,000-seat venue is a cornerstone of the Brisbane 2032 legacy, and the latest architectural renders have sparked intense debate regarding the stadium's integration with the surrounding parklands. While the long-term vision is exciting, the city is currently navigating the reality of major infrastructure growth. This includes ongoing work at Roma Street for the Cross River Rail project. Locals should note that the temporary shared user path between George and Roma streets is currently closed, with cyclists and pedestrians being diverted as construction ramps up on the new underground precinct.

Feel-Good Story: Tradition in the Suburbs

In a wonderful display of local culture, the Ipswich Services Club is hosting a major community immersion event starting at 5:00 PM today. The celebration features traditional lion dancers and a full percussion team, bringing the sights and sounds of the Lunar New Year to life. It is part of a wider wave of community-led festivities, including the debut of three young local artists in Woolloongabba and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s latest "Favourites" program, proving that Brisbane’s local arts scene is as healthy and diverse as ever.

Quick Notices for Your Tuesday

• Travel: Expect detours around Roma Street; pedestrian access is maintained but follows traffic control near the Herschel Street work area.
• Community: Ashgrove Library remains closed for air conditioning upgrades; residents are directed to use nearby branches until mid-March.
• Weather: A beautiful clear day with a low of 17°C and a high of 26°C. Perfect for evening outdoor festivities.