What events have been cancelled due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred?
By Nick Dent
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred bringing ocean swells, destructive winds and torrential rain, event organisers are faced with the difficult decision of postponing or cancelling events in south-east Queensland.
Griffith University disaster specialist Dr Jamie Ranse said he expected most organisers to make cancellation decisions if or when the category 2 system, which was 560 kilometres east of Brisbane on Tuesday morning, begins to track towards land on Tuesday evening.
“With commercial operations, they’re wanting to make decisions based around profit and loss,” he said.
Casey Donovan (centre) leads the cast of Sister Act at QPAC, where events were still proceeding as of Tuesday.Credit: Daniel Boud
“But, more importantly than dollars, is consideration of the safety of the people attending their events.
“The third consideration is around reputation, and that comes down to the participant experience.”
Brisbane City Council has advised that all public transport services and rubbish collection services have been suspended. All council pools are closed.
The following are the latest event updates, as of Thursday morning.
Dolphins v Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, Friday, March 7
The NRL has confirmed that the Friday night clash between the Dolphins and Rabbitohs will be moved from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to CommBank Stadium in Sydney due to Cyclone Alfred.
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats at the Gabba, Thursday, March 6
Both of the AFL’s opening-round clashes scheduled for Queensland have been postponed. The timing of the new fixtures will be determined as soon as possible, according to an AFL spokesperson. But neither of the games will be held during opening round, despite talk of the Gold Coast and Essendon matches being pushed back to Sunday afternoon.
Moreton Bay Kids Festival, Sunday, March 9
The event has been cancelled and refunds are available.
QPAC – Sister Act, Pride & Prejudice and more
All performances at QPAC are cancelled or postponed from 6pm Wednesday, March 5 until Friday March 7 (inclusive). Patrons affected by cancellations or postponements will be advised directly by email and SMS. The QPAC Performing Arts carpark (P1) has also been closed as a precautionary measure against flooding.
Macbeth at the Roundhouse Theatre, March 6-22
La Boite’s production was scheduled to open in preview on Thursday night but now all previews and the opening night have been postponed. Affected customers will be contacted.
International Women’s Day Fun Run, Saturday, March 8
Mater Health said on its website: “It is with regret that due to the forecasted impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in South East Queensland, the International Women’s Day Fun Run presented by Queensland X-Ray has been cancelled.”
QAGOMA
Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art will be closed from Wednesday to Friday.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The sanctuary will be closed from Wednesday to Saturday, inclusive.
Mooloolaba Triathlon, March 8-9
The event was cancelled after the Sunshine Coast Council reportedly revoked its permit.
Brisbane Powerhouse events
Several events have been postponed. Affected customers will receive an email.
Bluey’s World Brisbane opened in November 2024 – an immersive themed experience.Credit: Bluey's World Brisbane
Bluey’s World
Even Bluey’s World has been affected by the weather, and will be closed at this stage from Wednesday to Friday.
Philip Bacon Galleries
Philip Bacon Galleries in the Valley will be closed Thursday to Saturday, and Robert Brownhall’s exhibition opening event scheduled for Saturday is cancelled.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Diabetes Australia’s Living Well event on Saturday has been cancelled. Registered attendees will be contacted.
Markets and market events
Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse, Carseldine, West End, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane City, South Bank, Redcliffe, HOTA, Milton and Nundah were all cancelled. Brisbane Markets at Rocklea are pausing operations from Thursday afternoon.
The Tivoli
Oliver Anthony’s show on Friday and the Courteeners on Saturday have been cancelled.
Riverstage
The NIKI Buzz World Tour concert on Friday has been relocated to the Eatons Hill Hotel. The Alexisonfire and Underoath concert scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
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