Our Journalists

Brendan O’Malley has been a journalist with The Courier-Mail and Quest Newspapers for 30 years, covering Council, state politics, the environment, science and the far north Qld bureau. He currently covers courts and local issues in Brisbane’s inner-west, southwest, inner south and inner north suburbs.

Brendan O'Malley

Latest

North

Ongoing demolition at Toombul Shopping centre. Picture Lachie Millard

Federal MP slams delays, ‘secrecy’ over Toombul redevelopment

A senior Brisbane federal politician has slammed developer Mirvac over delays and a lack of information about its plans to revamp the flood-wrecked Toombul Shopping Centre.

Southeast

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos MARCH 30, 2023: A Commonwealth Bank sign at a branch on Liverpool Street in the Sydney CBD.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

‘Amazed it hasn’t closed sooner’: Another ‘burb bank bites the dust

Commonwealth Bank will shut yet another suburban branch, this time in an inner-west suburb which has seen a wave of closures despite its elderly population.

Redlands Coast

The light pole in the middle of the footpath in Graceville, which a Council committee heard at May 28's meeting was "not finished yet''. Picture: Facebook/Nicole Johnston

‘Had one job’: Bizarre light pole has southsiders scratching heads

It’s the street “improvement’’ that’s left southsiders scratching their heads. A Brisbane councillor has questioned how a light pole was installed smack bang in the middle of a footpath. But Council says a photo she posted is outdated and not all it seems.

Local

Kent and Kylie Payne, next to their son HarrisonÃ¢â¬â¢s memorial at home. Harrison was 18, when he was killed in a 4WD accident. His parents have started the Harrison Payne Initiative, where they are advocating safe 4WD use.

Mum posts heartbreaking birthday video for son ahead of fundraiser

The grieving mother of a teen killed in a high-profile Bribie Island 4WD crash has posted a heart-wrenching video ahead of a major fundraiser next month.

South West

Push for no confidence vote in elite Brisbane school leader

A parent at one of Brisbane’s top private schools has launched an unprecedented petition calling for a no-confidence vote in the head of college.

Ipswich

Mayor of major regional town joins 2032 Games committee

The popular mayor of a major southeast Queensland council has been announced as the replacement for the Noosa mayor on the 2032 Olympics organising committee.

Moreton

Consultation closes this week on a Prep-Year 12 school at Narangba to be built by the Catholic Church. It already has approval for a separate retail area on the huge site.

Revealed: Plans for 1800-student Moreton school out for comment

Public comment closes this week on a major new faith-based Prep-Year 12 school proposed for a huge site in a Moreton growth hub. SEE THE PLANS

North

New beer garden, bistro, sports bar: Bayside pub’s mega makeover

A popular waterfront southeast Queensland pub has thrown open the doors on a major facelift featuring a new beer garden, sports bar and more. There’s also an exciting new menu.

North

Brisbane clowns, Dagwood (David Bissell - purple shirt) and Peebo (Peter Bissell- yellow shirt) - brothers with cystic fibrosis had lung transplants and were said to have 3-5 years, but they've survived 12 years. Pic Mark Cranitch.

Aussie clown’s heartbreaking health battle

An Aussie clown has sparked a huge reaction with his daily musings from a hospital bed as he faces the biggest battle in a lifetime.

North

Brisbane’s once proud live music scene on its knees as punters vanish, costs spiral

They were the stepping stones to rockers like Powderfinger and Violent Soho but now Brisbane’s small live music venues are facing destruction of its “business model” as booze sales dry up and costs spiral.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/brendan-omalley/page/23