Our Journalists

Ayla Connolly is a reporter for The Queensland Times in Ipswich. Originally from the Bundaberg Region, she has recently graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Communications and Media, majoring in journalism.

@AylaRConnolly

Ayla Connolly

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QLD Taste

KCS Chicken, East Brisbane. Five SEQ Fried Chicken to Try. Photo: Instagram @kcschicken

Five to try: SEQ’s best fried chicken spots

From an inner-city hidden gem to “all-you-can-eat” buffets, we’ve scoured the best fried chicken joints across Brisbane, Gold and Sunshine coasts.

VideoQLD Taste

8000 doughnuts sold in two days: Cult bakery arrives on Brisbane’s doorstep

A cult-favourite Queensland bakery has smashed its opening week at a new storefront near Brisbane, with it’s revered doughnuts selling by the thousand each day. WATCH THE VIDEO

QLD Taste

Seven magnificent mixologists: The best bartenders in SEQ

South East Queensland’s bar scene is rising rapidly in reputation, and it’s in no small part to these seven global award winners, innovators and all-round masters of their craft. SEE THE LIST

QLD Taste

South Beach Social, South Bank. Photo: Instagram @southbeach_bne

‘Filthy’: Hospitality giant’s hefty fine over rat-infested venue

A venue owned by one of Brisbane’s hottest hospitality groups has been fined a whopping $40k over serious food safety concerns.

VideoQLD Taste

Names to come celebrates Birdees re-opening in Fortitude Valley. Photo - Luke Marsden

Iconic Valley nightclub completely unrecognisable in $7m revamp

One of the most iconic nightclubs to hit the Fortitude Valley scene this century is about to reopen with a bang following a five-year hiatus. WE TAKE A SNEAK PEEK INSIDE

QWeekend

The Sunshine Plate: Major first for 10-day Qld feast

From locally grown coffee and a vast array of fruits, to lipsmacking alcoholic beverages and top notch Asian cuisine, this major South East Queensland food festival has truly raised its game.

QLD Taste

Jack Gosiewski and Avalon McRae at their new restaurant 'Chargrilled Charlie's' in New Farm., Friday, June 20, 2025 - Picture: Richard Walker

Love at first bite key to league couple’s new business venture

A loved-up Brisbane Broncos player and his partner are set to launch their latest business venture next week, as they reminisce on the love that brought them there.

QLD Taste

Five to try: The best croissants in South East Qld

They’re one of the most celebrated pastries in the world, and no continental breakfast is complete without one, so where do you find South East Queensland’s best croissants? Here are our five top picks.

QWeekend

Wellness influencer Leah Itsines is pregnant with her second child. L to R- Leah, daughter Gigi and Mitch Caon. Picture: Supplied,

‘Take it day by day’: Influencer reveals baby health scare

A Queensland influencer has opened up about the moment her joy following the birth of her first child quickly descended into three weeks of terror.

Lifestyle

We reveal the best restaurant dishes we've tried in the past 18 months.

Ultimate list: Qld’s 17 best restaurant dishes you must try right now

From bold, savoury flavours to beautifully crafted plates, these are the standout Queensland restaurant dishes you’ll want to savour right now.

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