Australian Open Tennis

BRISBANE fell in love with Kim Clijsters in 2010.

This year, the Belgian who has long been dubbed "Aussie Kim" lived up to that name when she won the Australian Open.

Yesterday, she became the latest in a string of big-name signings for the Brisbane International, where she will start preparing the defence of her Australian Open crown from January 1-8.

"I am looking forward to getting back on the court in Australia," Clijsters said.

"Australia has always been a home away from home for me and I am very comfortable there."

After she won a punishing 2010 Brisbane International final against countrywoman Justine Henin, Clijsters donated her champion's cheque to the Royal Children's Hospital, winning hearts all over the state.

"The final against Justine was a big match," Clijsters said.

Australian Open Tennis

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Madonna will tour Australia in April, 2012 according to a leaked Live Nation document.

Live Nation is the touring company Madonna signed with after leaving Warner Music.

Fansite drownedmadonna.com published a scan of the document. It include the following dates:

April 5, Sydney, ANZ Stadium
April 12, Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
April 15, Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
April 18, Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
April 24, Perth, Patersons Stadium

According to the document Madonna will also play Auckland, New Zealand on March 31, 2012.

Madonna has only toured Australia once before. She was last here in 1995 for The Girlie Tour

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Australia is set to renew its focus on wooing the cash rich middle class population of India and China at the Australian Tourism Directions conference in Canberra. According to a PTI report, the conference, to be held from tomorrow, will also analyse the progress of plans to double overnight visitor spending to USD 140 billion by 2020.

“Now more than ever we need to remain focused on the big picture improvements that can enhance the long-term competitiveness of the sector,” said Martin Ferguson, Federal Tourism Minister, Government of Australia. He added that the conference will renew the industry's focus on Asia and the rise of China as Australia's most valuable tourism market.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Australia to Renew Focus on Indian and Chinese Middle Class Tourists

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Tourism pulls in 5% of GDP - Sydney Tourism News

The proceeds of tourism were worth $72 billion, or about 5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, to the Australian economy in 2009-10, new statistics show.

The latest research from Tourism Research Australia reveals that the direct proceeds from tourism in that year were at $33.9 billion, an increase of 3.2 per cent on the previous period.

Indirect proceeds, or funds generated because of tourism but through other industries, totalled $37.8 billion.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: Tourism pulls in 5% of GDP - Sydney Tourism News

Shows Australia: Little Orphan Annie is back - the Broadway Stageshow

The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, ANNIE is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time.

Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York 'zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone’s favourite villain Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones (Sydney only) will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Shows Australia: Little Orphan Annie is back - the Broadway Stageshow

What's On Ipswich: Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.

Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.


Accommodation twin share
Plus1 x$ 20 gift voucher for
Platform 9 restaurant and bottle of wine on arrival
$75.00 per person
Looking for a bit of retail therapy... Exclusive boutiques... Novelty gifts... Fabulous homewares... Local art... One stop-shopping? Then check out a sample of some of our retailers and centres.

Within walking Distance from the METRO HOTEL IPSWICH INTERNATIONAL you will find the historic vibrant section of the City boasting a broad diversity of retail, cafes and commercial and community enterprises nestled within a unique streetscape boasting preserved and restored historic buildings.

What's On Ipswich: Shop Until You Drop - Get the Girls Together for Christmas Shopping Spree and a Fantastic Night Out.

Stosur to Kick Off 2012 in Brisbane

US Open singles champion Sam Stosur will start her tennis year in her hometown tournament, the Brisbane International.

The world No.7, who is currently enjoying a quick post-US Open break at home on the Gold Coast, said she was looking forward to starting her Australian summer campaign in Queensland.

“It is a very exciting time for me and it is great to be able to come home and share what has been a huge achievement with my family and friends in Queensland,” Stosur said.

“I don’t get the chance to get home often so to have this time is very special. It also seemed to be the perfect time to confirm that I would be back again in January to play at the Brisbane International.

“It is my home State and home tournament and I can’t think of a better way to kick off the tennis year.

“I have always enjoyed playing at the Brisbane International. It has great facilities, a fantastic atmosphere and a Queensland crowd who really love their sport and support me year round.

“I am looking forward to the event and cannot wait to see the new facilities following the floods last year. From what I have heard the facilities will be even better.

“Hopefully I can bring my best US Open form to the event and be in with a chance to win my first Brisbane International title in 2012.”

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said: “We are thrilled that Sam has committed to playing the Brisbane International again. As the hometown girl and Australia’s No.1 ranked player, Sam’s commitment is yet another endorsement of the event, which just gets bigger and better each year.

“Australians were in awe of Sam’s performance at the US Open last week and we know the people of Queensland will get right behind our latest grand slam champion in January.

“Winning a Grand Slam is not easy. We are thrilled that the first two girls to confirm their attendance at the Brisbane International are Grand Slam champions”.
Stosur is currently ranked No.7 in the world after impressive performances at the US Open, Cincinnati, Toronto, Eastbourne and Rome in 2011.
She is the first Australian in 10 years to win the US Open after Lleyton Hewitt’s US title in 2001. She is also the first Australian Grand Slam female champion since Evonne Goolagong Crawley in 1980 and the first female to make it to singles final at Roland Garros since Wendy Turbull in 1979.
The Queenslander has defeated top players Serena Williams, Vera Zvonareva, Li Na and Francesca Schiavone in 2011 and reached a career high ranking of No.4 in February.

Stosur has claimed singles titles at the 2010 Family Circle Cup, Charleston, USA and 2009 HP Open International, Osaka, Japan and is a former world No.1 in doubles with two grand slam doubles titles at the US Open and Roland Garros and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

(Source: Brisbane Marketing 4th October 2011)