The Scoop: Reece Walsh helps Labor ahead of 2024 Qld state election

It’s Brisbane’s version of Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris, with Labor’s election hopes given a boost from an unlikely source: Broncos superstar Reece Walsh. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP

Broncos superstar Reece Walsh has shared a video prompting a Labor election pledge.

From Broncos shocks to book confessions, we have it all in The Scoop.

Reece Walsh backs election promise

Labor’s campaign received a shot in the arm on week one of the campaign when Broncos sensation Reece Walsh shared a video promoting an election pledge.

Walsh, star of the Broncos, shared a video first posted by the government’s rising star Meaghan Scanlon that featured his brother, Nerang Roosters junior president Zac Walsh.

Ms Scanlon joined Zac to pledge almost $1m would be spent upgrading the facilities at Nerang Roosters if the government is re-elected.

Walsh, 22, has 536,000 Instagram followers – not a bad audience for a government that needs every vote.

Newsroom in turmoil

Staff at 10 News First Queensland are reportedly heartbroken after the shocking announcement that their highly respected Executive Director Erin Edwards will be leaving the network just 15 months into her role.

Edwards, a veteran journalist with over two decades of experience, has been poached by her former employer, 7News, to take on the coveted role of Brisbane and Gold Coast News Director.

Despite the short stint at 10, sources from the network revealed that the newsroom is in turmoil, describing a sense of devastation among staff following the news of Edwards’ resignation.

“We’re devastated … She created such a fantastic work environment,” one insider shared.

“While we understand her decision, it’s still very hard to accept.”

Erin Edwards has announced she is returning to 7News as news director in 2025. Photo: Supplied.

On the flip side, excitement is brewing over at 7News Brisbane.

Staff at the rival network are said to be “over the moon” about Edwards’ return, seeing her as the much-needed leader to steer the newsroom through turbulent times.

This move comes in the wake of a series of negative headlines plaguing 7News, including an explosive Four Corners report that detailed allegations of bullying and harassment at the network.

Though Edwards has remained tight-lipped about the exact reason for her departure, industry insiders suggest that her decision to return to Seven was influenced by the opportunity to “save” the newsroom she once called home.

In her new role, effective 2025, Edwards will be responsible for the editorial and managerial leadership of the Brisbane and Gold Coast newsrooms.

In a statement released on Thursday, Edwards, said she is excited about the return.

“I am thrilled to return home to 7NEWS Brisbane and Gold Coast and lead Queensland’s best news team,” she said in a statement.

“I was a teenager when I first walked into a Seven newsroom as an intern. I grew up within its walls and over two decades shared some of this state’s biggest stories. I can’t wait to tell more.”

Staff at the Seven network are said to be “over the moon” about Edwards’ return. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Broncos coach’s secret Qld property empire

Michael Maguire already had one foot firmly in Queensland before his seismic appointment as Brisbane Broncos coach this week.

“Madge”, who steered NSW to State of Origin glory this year in his first year as Blues coach, quit the post to take the reins at the Broncos following the sacking of Kevin Walters.

But real estate records reveal Maguire and wife Joelle already have a multimillion dollar property portfolio in the sunshine state.

The couple are listed as owning four properties across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with homes at Bracken Ridge, Everton Park, Durack and Maroochy River.

The portfolio was amassed between 2018, when Maguire was appointed head coach of both the Wests Tigers and New Zealand rugby league Test team, and 2021 when he guided the Kiwis to the World Cup semi-finals.

The Everton Park property, which was bought for $555,000 in 2018, is now worth up to $910,000, according to CoreLogic.

Brisbane Broncos new coach Michael Maguire, at Flucher Rd Red Hill. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Miss World Australia saddles up

Miss World Australia Jasmine Stringer has traded her tiara for a cowboy hat as she steps into the spotlight as the lead female character in one of Australia’s most iconic live shows, the Australian Outback Spectacular.

Stringer, who was crowned Miss World Australia in 2023, is now the face of Heartland, the thrilling production currently running at the Australian Outback Spectacular on the Gold Coast.

Dressed in a pink flannel and signature cowboy hat, the 27-year-old made her debut as ‘Sarah’ — the daughter of struggling farmers — on Wednesday night, captivating the audience with her stunning transformation from beauty queen to outback heroine.

Jasmine Stringer as 'Sarah' in the Australian Outback Spectacular show Heartland. Photo: Instagram.

The Heartland show, which transports audiences to the heart of the Australian bush, follows the story of Reg, Marge, and their daughter Sarah, portraying the romance, hardships, and resilience of Australian farmers. I

It’s a stark departure from the glamorous world of beauty pageants, but according to a spokesperson for the Australian Outback Spectacular, Stringer has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, spending several months “learning her trade” before makingher big debut.

Jasmine Stringer joined by fellow Heartland cast members. Photo: Instagram.

Crime-fighting cop showcases hidden talent

Queensland’s most artistic cop, Detective Inspector Steve Tiernan, is about to show off some of his most unique work at a new exhibition.

Det Insp Tiernan is an accomplished artist who earned a fine arts degree between locking up crooks including outlaw bikies.

He’s having a solo exhibition, called Strangers on a Train, at the Vacant Assembly gallery in West End next weekend.

The 10 paintings in the show were all done during his 15 years travelling by train between his Gold Coast home and police HQ in Brisbane where he worked in roles including organised crime and the Ethical Standards Command.

The exhibition starts at 6pm on Friday and runs until Sunday.

Det Insp Tiernan is something of a Renaissance man, having also been a handy boxer.

Two paintings by artist cop Detective Inspector Steve Tiernan which will feature in an exhibition next week, Strangers on a Train, at the Vacant Assembly gallery in West End.

Robin Bailey’s shocking book confession

Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey has dropped a bombshell about her upcoming book, warning that its explosive revelations could spark legal battles.

Speaking on air with her KIIS97.3 co-host Kip Wightman, Bailey revealed that her deeply personal manuscript, which covers single parenting, grief, and raising adolescents, might not sit well with everyone.

“There’ll be court cases, I’m sure,” Bailey said.

“There are people who would want to come after me with this book.”

The radio queen, known for her candid style, has spent four years pouring her heart into the tell-all, which currently standsat a hefty 152,000 words.

However, she’s now working with an editor to cut the manuscript down to a more manageable 80,000 words.

Bailey also admitted that writing the book has been a cathartic yet terrifying experience.

“If this ever sees the light of day, it will be the bravest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she confessed.

While Bailey has yet to settle on a title, she made it clear that the book won’t be a typical radio personality memoir.

Instead, it’s intended to offer hope and guidance for those navigating life’s toughest challenges.

“I didn’t want it to just be a memoir of some person on the radio,” she said.

“I wanted to include my kids, and I wanted it to become something that could potentially help other people going through singleparenting, going through the death of a loved one, going through raising adolescents, all that sort of stuff.”

Brisbane radio host Robin Bailey. Picture: Richard Walker

Kasey Chambers stuns fans

ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Kasey Chambers has had an extraordinary week, proving at 48 that she’s still a powerhouse in the music world.

In the span of just a few days, the singer-songwriter, 48, has released her 13th studio album, Backbone, alongside her new book, Just Don’t Be A Dickhead.

To top it all off, Chambers was honoured with the prestigious Universal Music Australia Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards, held at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on Wednesday.

This accolade places her among legendary recipients like Deborah Cheetham and Kate Ceberano.

Chambers, still in disbelief, shared her surprise at receiving the award.

“I was honestly not expecting it (the award), I was just packing up my banjo backstage because I just performed, and next thing they said my name,” she said.

“It was really surreal, actually, but it was amazing”

Kasey Chambers at The Fourth Monkey Cocktail Bar in Brisbane’s West End ahead of her appearance at Queens St mall on Friday. Picture: Nigel Hallett

While releasing an album and a book simultaneously might sound overwhelming, Chambers revealed that it was a deliberate choice.

“The book and album are really connected,” she said.

“The book inspired a lot of the songs, and the songs inspired a lot of the stories. It just made sense to release them together.”

Kasey Chmabers holding her Universal Music Australia Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards in Brisbane on October 2, 2024. Photo: Instagram.

Backbone, which dropped on October 4, is a heartfelt mix of Chambers’ past and present, featuring collaborations with her father Bill Chambers, guitarist Sam Teskey of The Teskey Brothers, and renowned drummer Brady Blade.

“There are songs on this record that could easily sit on The Captain,” Chambers explained, referring to her debut album, “but there are also tracks I could never have written until now.”

In line with her down-to-earth personality, Chambers’ book title is inspired by life advice from her father: Just Don’t Be A Dickhead.

With a 2025 national tour on the horizon, including a Brisbane stop in June, Chambers has no plans to slow down.

“I’m no spring chicken, but I’m proud to still be here doing what I love,” she said.

Tickets for the Backbone tour are now on sale at kaseychambers.com.

Originally published as The Scoop: Reece Walsh helps Labor ahead of 2024 Qld state election