An exciting new retail food outlet is set to be enjoyed by fans attending The Ashes Test in Perth, with the opening of Proper Burgers by world-renowned chef and restauranteur Matt Moran at Optus Stadium.

Matt joined Optus Stadium as a culinary ambassador in August 2022, bringing his expertise and inspirations to the Stadium’s culinary offerings in premium event spaces and through one-off retail food specials at major events.

His new outlet is an Australia-first and will be open on all major event days, from sporting spectacles to sold-out concerts. Optus Stadium is operated and catered for by VenuesLive, on behalf of Venues West and the West Australian Government.

“I have been cooking my whole life, and one thing I have learnt is: simple, done properly is hard to beat,” Matt said at Optus Stadium.

“That’s what Proper Burgers is all about, keeping it simple with good produce done really well.

“For me, that means starting with grass-fed beef, seasoned properly and cooked with care. It means soft milk buns, sharp cheese and sauces we make ourselves.

“It’s the kind of burger you remember – simple, satisfying, and bloody delicious. Big flavour. Nothing fancy, just damn good burgers.”

The opening of Proper Burgers at Aisle 128 inside Optus Stadium is the next stage of the Stadium’s culinary evolution, following the introduction of Biggie Smalls, a kebab shop with a twist, from fellow ambassador Shane Delia.

The introduction of Biggie Smalls in July 2024 has proven so popular with fans that a second outlet has since opened on Level 5.

Optus Stadium CEO Mike McKenna said the VenuesLive team liked to have fun and do things differently with its retail food offerings.

“It’s really exciting that we will be able to offer all fans the opportunity to sample Matt’s food across the Stadium,” Mr McKenna said.

“Proper Burger is another addition to our huge range of items offered in the Stadium. We will continue to offer our fan-favourite Stadium cheeseburger, and other popular burgers, but think the time is right to provide this elevated burger and snack offering.

“If you’re not seated nearby, take the time to go and visit the outlet and explore all the other fan favourites at different locations.”

Matt said launching Proper Burgers in collaboration with VenuesLive was a natural extension of what they had already built together.

“Over the years it’s been fantastic working alongside Executive Chef Alasdair Thompson to showcase Western Australian producers and to continue bringing my paddock-to-plate philosophy to life on such a grand stage.”

Matt said he was particularly stoked that Proper Burgers would launch at The Ashes Test in Perth.

“Being at the cricket is about soaking up the Aussie summer, the buzz of the crowd, and each other’s company. The food is a part of that too, celebrating the season and keeping it simple but special.”

Layla, the celebrated Brisbane restaurant from chef Shane Delia in partnership with VenuesLive, has been awarded Best New Restaurant Opening of 2025 in Queensland in the Sitchu Awards 2025, as voted by diners across Australia.

Since opening within the Thomas Dixon Centre in early 2025, Layla has quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s most captivating dining experiences – a celebration of food and culture inspired by ancient spice trails with an Australian accent. Set within the heritage-listed arts precinct, the restaurant blends refined warmth and contemporary design with a menu that brings together flavour, culture and connection.

“To be recognised by the people who dine with us and share in what we do is incredibly humbling,” says Shane Delia. “Layla was created to bring together spice, culture and connection and this award reflects not only the hard work of our team but the amazing Brisbane community who’ve embraced us from day one.”

Daryl Kerry, CEO of VenuesLive, adds: “Layla was envisioned as a key part of the Thomas Dixon Centre’s transformation into a cultural and hospitality destination. This recognition is a testament to Shane’s leadership, the team’s creativity and the warmth with which Brisbane has welcomed Layla.”

Dilshani Weerasinghe, Executive Director of Queensland Ballet, adds: “We’re thrilled with this accolade from the Sitchu Awards. When redeveloping our home, the Thomas Dixon Centre, a key priority was creating a lively cultural precinct and must-visit destination for locals and visitors.

“It exemplifies how public and private investment can deliver outstanding outcomes for audiences, community, and Queensland’s vibrancy.

“Layla, with Shane Delia’s inspired menu and the team’s warm hospitality, has become a standout foodie experience. I acknowledge the support of the Queensland Government and our capital enablers, who believed in our vision to include destination hospitality in the redevelopment.

“Congratulations to Shane, and the Layla, VenuesLive, and Queensland Ballet teams on this well-deserved recognition.”

The accolade marks a significant milestone in Layla’s first year of operation, reaffirming its place among Queensland’s leading restaurants and one of Australia’s most exciting new openings.

Still haven’t experienced Layla? Put it on the must-do list for the Queensland summer. Go here – laylabrisbane.com.au

Layla Brisbane
Corner of Montague Road and Raven Street, West End
Website: laylabrisbane.com.au
Instagram: @laylabrisbane

The CommBank Matildas are returning to the Central Coast for an important international friendly against the New Zealand Football Ferns – a key lead-up match ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia.

Football Australia has announced that the Matildas will host New Zealand for a two-match series during the November/December FIFA women’s international window.

Thanks to the support of the NSW Government through its tourism and major events authority, Destination NSW, the CommBank Matildas will kick off the series at polytec Stadium, Gosford, on Friday 28 November 2025 (7:30pm AEDT), taking on Oceania’s strongest team.

The match will provide fans with another opportunity to support the national team as they continue their preparation on the road to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.

Tickets for the match go on sale to FA+ Members from 10am Thursday 23 October. General Public tickets go on sale 2pm Friday 24 October via Ticketek.

The polytec Stadium team has curated a range of corporate hospitality packages and premium experiences for this iconic fixture. Packages are on sale now exclusively here

Australia has played the Football Ferns 50 times in A internationals, becoming Australia’s most frequent opponent. The last time the two nations met was in a 2022 two-match series with Australia coming out on top with 2-1 and 3-1 victories in Townsville and Canberra respectively.

Football Australia Interim Chief Executive officer, Heather Garriock, said: “We are delighted the CommBank Matildas will be heading to Gosford for what promises to be a fantastic night of football.

“New Zealand has played a pivotal role in our history and over the years the rivalry has grown into one of mutual respect and fierce competition.

“Playing at polytec Stadium gives us a chance to connect with our Central Coast fans and to showcase the team’s talent and spirit in a region that is passionate about football.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government and Destination NSW for their continued support in helping us bring elite football to fans right across the State. We look forward to seeing fans turn up to cheer on the team.”

NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper, said: “I’m thrilled to have the CommBank Matildas taking on New Zealand in Gosford. This international football match will bring a huge buzz to the Central Coast, which is such a strong football fan base and nursery for future talent.

“It’s going to be an incredibly exciting six months of international football for the Matildas culminating in next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with the Final to be played in Sydney.

“Having the Matildas and New Zealand in Gosford is an exciting opportunity for fans from across the country and across the Tasman to get behind their national teams ahead of next year’s tournament and will also provide an economic boost to the businesses of the Central Coast, who’ll benefit from thousands of visiting football fans.”

This will be the first of two games played in Australia against New Zealand with the second game location and details to be announced in the coming days.

The CommBank Matildas’ match against New Zealand will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.

CommBank Matildas v New Zealand

Date: Friday 28 November 2025

Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT

Venue: polytec Stadium, Gosford

TV Broadcast: Paramount+ Exclusive

Tickets: Pre-sale from 10am AEDT on Thursday 23 2025. General Public On-sale from 2pm AEDT on Friday 24 October 2025. Tickets from Ticketek.

Honouring Audrey Griffin and uniting the Central Coast for a safer future

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025

On Saturday 4 October, polytec Stadium in Gosford will come alive for LIGHT UP, playing host to a raft of Australia’s biggest names and brightest emerging artists, standing shoulder to shoulder for a day of music, community, and change.

Born from the tragic loss of Audrey Griffin, who was denied the basic right to get home safely, LIGHT UP is more than an event. It’s a community movement to reclaim our right to move freely, live fully, and shape a future where safety and respect are a reality for everyone.

From high-profile bands to rising talents, the line-up will deliver an unmissable All Ages and family friendly day of music, hope and solidarity.

This is about our community working together for our future that is safe, inclusive and inviting for all of us. After the main event, Gosford’s restaurants, live music venues and newly formed precinct will all “light up” – creating a connected, safe pathway through the city and showcasing the future of Gosford as a vibrant and welcoming destination.

All proceeds from the event will go to Stand With Audrey, funding critical work in safety advocacy and education. Together, we stand to honour lives and demand better.

Light Up

Saturday 4 October, 2025

Polytec Stadium, Gosford

All ages welcome. Babies on lap 0-2 free.

The full line-up will be revealed Wednesday 27 August

Sign up now https://bit.ly/LU-signup

Your support changes lives. Every ticket, every dollar, every share fuels our advocacy for safety, education, and reform. We’re so thankful to the donors who have shown support and to everyone who stands with us. Sign up to the Mailing list https://bit.ly/LU-signup and be part of the movement.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or for any event related enquiries, please reach out to: [email protected]