SEPTEMBER 2026
MAGAZINE
Best Of Brisbane
A selection of new listings presented by Ray White COLLECTIVE
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
01
BEST OF BRISBANE
BRISBANE FESTIVAL
02
CUSH FOR COMMENT
03
THE COLLECTIVE
04
WESTERN SUBURBS
PRESTIGE & LEAFY LIVING
05
NORTHERN SUBURBS
CHARACTER & URBAN DESIGN
06
EASTERN SUBURBS
RIVERFRONT & BAYSIDE STYLE
BRISBANE MARKET UPDATE
RAY WHITE QLD ANNUAL AWARDS 25/26
Cover Image @David Kelly
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
Switch On. Light Up. Come Alive.
Brisbane Festival transforms the city from 4–26 September 2026.
Image Credit Mellumae Camera
#BrisbaneFestival
Charlie Cush is celebrating his ninth year as Brisbane Festival CEO, and it is possibly his finest effort yet. Under his leadership, and the guidance of new artistic director Ebony Bott, Brisbane Festival 2026 brilliantly showcases the river city by connecting people through arts and culture. “We’re very lucky,” Cush said from Verso Projects Festival Village, South Bank.
Image Credit Alex Brüel
“This is a great city with great momentum, and our job is helping amplify that for locals and visitors. Brisbane is worldclass, and we love to share that message.” Charlie Cush - Brisbane Festival CEO
Image Credit Nikita Pere
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As one of Australia’s leading international arts festivals, Brisbane Festival takes place across Brisbane’s theatres, parks, riverbanks, neighbourhoods and public spaces throughout September. The festival runs from first light to after dark, with experiences spanning sunrise ceremonies and wellbeing through to latenight performances and nightlife. “I’m most proud of the impact on the city,” Cush said. “What we try to do is embody the great characteristics of the city and amplify them. This year we’ve got a wonderful river installation in Bright Nights by ANZ, and great Queensland artists, the Veronicas, doing the soundtrack to it, so we try to find those moments that really kind of bring the personality of the city to life.” Cush would be the first to admit they don’t take themselves too seriously as they attempt to drive a sense of community they love and respect.
“Brisbane’s the kind of city that can love sport and love the arts, and that’s okay,” he said. “I’m a massive Brisbane Lions fan, and we’ve got a beautiful play about the formation of women’s AFL. I can’t wait to take my daughters to see it. It’s called Strong is the New Pretty, and it’s a play about the journey, challenges and celebration of forming the women’s AFL league. Suzie Miller is the celebrated Australian playwright behind it, and it’s something we’re really, really proud of, and it speaks to the values of the festival as well.” Perthborn Bott has produced an incredibly exciting and popular program in her debut year in the job, one that’s a “real testament to her producing chops”, according to Cush. “She’s curated such a beautiful program this year,” Cush said. For her, having a really strong civic heart for the festival was important, so the Festival Village at South Bank is a focus. It’s really heralding the fact the festival is on, as you watch the village come to life and be a part of it.”
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
From a conversation between Bott and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner last year came the concept of a “dawn economy”. “Before she got the job, Ebony came to Brisbane and walked the city to get a sense of Brisbane,” Cush said. “She really noticed that the city is alive in the morning, and since then, statistics came out to say we’re the earliest-rising city in the world. Ebony came up with this idea of a dawn economy, and since then it’s been called the sunrise economy, but it was a moment of realising no one is programming for this audience.” Until now. Brisbane Festival 2026 includes sunrise ceremonies, yoga, dance, music, workshops, talks and family-friendly activities before the evening performances begin.
“We’ve partnered with our friends at Function Well gyms, and they’re doing sonic healing and yoga classes in the morning,” Cush said. “We’ve got a really beautiful First Nations sunrise ceremony every Friday, and we’re working with the Queensland Chamber Orchestra, the Camerata, who are doing Musical Mantras in the morning.” The aim is to capture the morning audience and speak to them without ignoring the traditional evening crowd. Brisbane Festival 2026 has also welcomed the return of Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust, one of Australia’s most electrifying fireworks displays and an unforgettable night of community celebrations.
Brisbane Festival runs from September 4 to 26. Tickets are on sale now. Visit brisbanefestival.com.au.
“It’s a very distinctly Brisbane thing, that we’re up at this time of day, and no other festival in the world is spreading out to really focus on that morning programming,” Charlie Cush - Brisbane Festival CEO
Image Credit JD Lin
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
Cush for Comment. Brisbane Market is still good, just not as sweet.
Someone said to me recently, almost like they were talking about my favourite footy team, “I hear auctions aren’t working.” I looked at them with my head tilted to the side, the same way a Labrador looks at its owner doing something it doesn’t quite understand. I knew what they meant. Auction clearance rates are down but that doesn’t mean auctions aren’t working. Auctions have been used for thousands of years. It’s how some of the world’s most expensive art is sold, how courts determine true market value and how charities create competition and excitement around fundraising. Auctions work. Currently, our auction clearance rate at Ray White Collective is 62%, rising to 82% when you include properties sold within two weeks after auction. That’s certainly down from the pre-Budget market, when our clearance rate was around 85% by auction day. But some perspective is important. Before Covid-19, when the Brisbane market began its recovery, auction clearance rates were around 50%, increasing to roughly 60% in the following two weeks. And here’s the part that is often overlooked. The alternative to an auction isn’t some magical method where every property sells.
Generally, it’s putting a price on the property and waiting for a buyer to agree with you. Currently, the success rate for properties selling with a price within 30 days is around 54%, increasing to Compare that with auctions: 62% on or before auction day and 82% within two weeks afterwards. So are auctions not working or has the market simply changed? Brisbane at the moment is a little like eating your main meal after dessert. It’s still good, it’s just not as sweet. Property values remain supported by our inability to create new supply quickly, evergrowing demand and the decade-long lull Brisbane experienced before Covid-19. But buyers have changed, confidence has changed and the urgency in the market has changed. I didn’t give my mate that entire lecture. Instead, I gave him the short version. “Auction clearance rates are a measurement of the market, not a measurement of auctions.” When clearance rates fall, it doesn’t mean auctions have stopped working. It means the market has changed and auctions are simply showing us by how much. Haesley Cush - Auctioneer and co-founder of the Ray White Collective
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Light Your Spark. Ray White Queensland 2025-26 Annual Awards
The Ray White Collective made network history at the annual Ray White Queensland awards at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre, securing a clean sweep of major honours and solidifying its standing at the peak of Queensland real estate. Spanning key offices across New Farm, Bulimba, Toowong, Clayfield, and Kim Olsen Property, the group earned top accolades across both local and international categories. Ray White Collective was named No. 1 Business in Queensland and No. 1 International Partner Group, alongside taking out No. 2 Business for Total Number of Sales. Flagship agency Ray White New Farm continued its long standing dominance, claiming No. 1 Office in Queensland and No. 2 International Office.
The emotional pinnacle of the evening arrived with the presentation of the Max White Award - Ray White’s highest individual honour, now in its 47th year. Group Operations Manager Leesa Paull was awarded the prestigious recognition in honor of three decades dedicated to setting standards across the group. Described by Ray White Queensland leadership as modest and unassuming yet absolute in her impact, Paull received a standing ovation from the room. Upon taking the stage, she dedicated the win to the administrative framework of the network. As a deeply valued member of the Ray White Collective, Leesa’s dedication continues to shape the culture of the team, and receiving the group's highest honour truly cements her place within the business.
""This is for the administrators, the receptionists, the EAs and the operations managers... They dot our i's and cross our t's and they're just amazing." Leesa Paull, Max White Award Winner
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
Addressing more than 1,450 attendees, Ray White Queensland CEO Jason Andrew acknowledged the changing economic landscape while reiterating the network's unwavering drive to remain market leaders: "Market headwinds do not alter our destination. They demand a higher standard of leadership. They demand that we are, unequivocally, Best in Market." Jason Andrew, Ray White Queensland CEO Ray White Managing Director Dan White reinforced the strength of the network, highlighting record market share and pointing to long term leadership as the true gauge of performance: "Market share is the truer measure of performance because it reflects our own leadership and effort, gained even in tough markets." Dan White, Ray White Managing Director Marking 21 years of business ownership at Ray White New Farm, co-principals Haesley Cush and Matt Lancashire reflected on the strategic choices, relentless drive, and strong mentorship that built the group into a market leading force. Together, their shared vision and leadership have established the agency as an industry benchmark.
Cush recalled the decisive advice early in his career that launched his path: "David Price called me and said, 'Do the math on the market. Buy the business.' It was one of the best calls of my life." Haesley Cush, Ray White Collective Co- Principal Reflecting on the challenges of navigating economic shifts and high inflation, Cush noted that holding market dominance ultimately comes down to focus and resilience: "When the market turns and you're saying no to things you really want to do, that's when character calls." The night served as a powerful testament to the Ray White Collective's culture of excellence. By honouring operational pillars like Leesa Paull alongside top performing agents and principals, the evening celebrated a unified team driven by shared values, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to remaining best in market. With record setting results behind them and clear ambitions ahead, the group proved why it continues to set the benchmark for Queensland real estate.
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
Ray White Collective Award Winners Max White Award: Leesa Paull (Group Operations Manager) No. 1 Business & No. 1 International Partner Group: Ray White Collective No. 1 Office & No. 2 International Office: Ray White New Farm No. 2 Business (Number of Sales): Ray White Collective No. 1 Principal & No. 2 International Principal: Matt Lancashire No. 3 Salesperson & No. 6 International Salesperson: Josh Brown No. 5 Principal: Kim Olsen (Kim Olsen Property) No. 8 Salesperson: Tom Lyne
Dual-Living Luxury | ArchitectDesigned Queenslander with Private Guesthouse 26 Morley Street, Toowong AUCTION
Reuben Packer-Hill 0401 840 361 Massimo Di Paolo 0401 595 142 raywhitetoowong.com.au
MORE SPACE. LESS WORK. PLENTY TO LOVE. 134 Fig Tree Pocket Road, Chapel Hill AUCTION
Jo Langstaff 0433122557 Evan Bancroft 0409397304 raywhitetoowong.com.au
Architect-Designed Mid-Century Renovation in the Heart of Kenmore 34 Princeton Street, Kenmore AUCTION
Jo Langstaff 0433122557 Evan Bancroft 0409397304 raywhitetoowong.com.au
Renovated Family Living with Room to Grow 29 Fallbrook Street, Kenmore AUCTION
Jo Langstaff 0433122557 Evan Bancroft 0409397304 raywhitetoowong.com.au
Spacious Family Living with Poolside Entertaining Near the Waterfront 8a Donald Street, Woody Point SALE
Damien Misso 0403 044 424 Matthew Smith 0452 669 010 raywhitewoodypoint.com.au
Skye - A Living Canvas of Light, Landscape and Luxury 2402/8 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point SALE
Robyn Hoare 0419 758 904 Nick Hodge 0414 881 845 raywhitebulimba.com.au
Architectural Luxury Meets Camp Hill Convenience 32 Long Street, Camp Hill AUCTION
Brandon Wortley 0447 269 591 Breyton Hammond 0432 656 396 raywhitebulimba.com.au
Picture Perfect Family Home in Blue Chip Position 83 Elliott Street, Hawthorne AUCTION
Brandon Wortley 0447 269 591 Bri Suey 0412 720 744 raywhitebulimba.com.au
Riverside Living with Scenic InnerCity Views 30/83 O'connell Street, Kangaroo Point SALE
Robyn Hoare 0419 758 904 Nick Hodge 0414 881 845 raywhitebulimba.com.au
What is your property worth? Scan the QR code below for a complimentary digital property report highlighting the market value of your home and so much more.
LIVING HERE CUSH PARTNERS
P 07 3606 8300 E cushpartners@livinghere.com.au W:livingherecushpartners.com.au It’s rare to find an office that puts Property Management first. We do. For over two generations, and 30 years, my family and I have managed the investment properties of thousands of Brisbane landlords and we love it! We are recognised nationally and internationally as leaders in the real estate fraternity. From investing in the latest technology, to making the time for a simple phone call, we are committed to making your experience with us beyond your expectation. HAESLEY CUSH I PRINCIPAL
The only luxury estate service. Select listings, record results.
6 1 2 B R U N SW I C K ST R E E T, N E W FA R M Q L D 4 0 0 5 R AY W H I T EC O L L ECT I V E LU X U RY.C O M . AU
RWC Collective Unlocking maximum value for your commercial property requires the right strategy, market insight, and scale. Our dedicated commercial division delivers end-to-end real estate solutions tailored to your investment and operational goals. • Sales, Leasing & Property Management • All Commercial Assets • Development Projects • Land Transactions Partner with an industry-leading team to buy, sell, lease, or manage your commercial assets. Contact us today to discuss your next property move.
Isaac Sarra |
Joint Head of Collective Commercial Ph: 0426 880 193 Email: isaac.sarra@raywhite.com
Neal Orpin |
Joint Head of Collective Commercial Ph: 0484 550 876 Email: neal.orpin@raywhite.com
THE COLLECTIVE MAG
RAY WHITE NEW FARM
612 BRUNSWICK STREET NEW FARM QLD 4005 RWNF.COM.AU
RAY WHITE BULIMBA
UNIT 6, 57-59 OXFORD STREET, BULIMBA QLD 4171 RAYWHITEBULIMBA.COM.AU
RAY WHITE TOOWONG
1/30 SYLVAN ROAD, TOOWONG,QLD 4066 RAYWHITETOOWONG.COM.AU
LIVING HERE CUSH PARTNERS
RAY WHITE CLAYFIELD
RAY WHITE KIM OLSEN PROPERTY
RAY WHITE WOODY POINT
860 BRUNSWICK STREET, TENERIFFE QLD 4005 LIVINGHERECUSHPARTNERS.COM.AU
UNIT 3, 730 SANDGATE ROAD, CLAYFIELD, QLD 4011 RAYWHITECLAYFIELD.COM
82 NELSON STREET, KALINGA QLD 4030 KIMOLSENPROPERTY@RAYWHITE.COM
1/54 OXLEY AVENUE, WOODY POINT QLD 4019 WOODYPOINT.QLD@RAYWHITE.COM
@raywhitecollective collective.qld@raywhite.com (07) 3254 1022
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