The closure of Victoria Park has sparked a wave of concern among international students, who fear the loss of a vital space for connection and community. The park, located on the northern fringe of Brisbane's Central Business District, has been a sanctuary for students seeking solace and camaraderie. For many, it was more than just a park; it was a place of healing, friendship, and cultural celebration. The $3.6 billion Olympic stadium project, set to be the centerpiece of the 2032 Brisbane Games, has divided community opinion, with Indigenous groups citing its deep cultural significance. But for international students, the impact goes beyond the physical space. The park served as a hub for social gatherings, providing a sense of belonging and support that is often lacking in a new country. Indonesian PhD student Yesika Maya Ocktarani, who lives nearby and attends the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), regularly visited Victoria Park for both personal relaxation and community gatherings. She found solace in the park's ability to bring together Indonesian students, offering a sense of catharsis and healing for the challenges of PhD life. "It's incomparable," she said. "I think it [was] a good place for us to heal ourselves, really." Vietnamese QUT masters student Micky Mai shared a similar sentiment, describing the park as a place of friendship, belonging, and cultural celebration. He fondly recalls attending the Mid-Autumn Festival at the park with friends, making traditional Vietnamese lanterns and sharing cultural traditions, which made him feel closer to home. The impact of the park's closure extends beyond the personal. American PhD student Aidan Estes, for instance, cited the park's green spaces as a drawcard when choosing Brisbane as his study destination. He used to ride through Victoria Park on his way to QUT's Kelvin Grove campus, finding comfort in the park's natural beauty. International Students Representative Council of Australia (ISRC) president Weihong Liang emphasized the broader implications of the park's closure. He believes it could affect international students' sense of connection to the city and their ability to engage with community life outside campus. "More broadly, the attractiveness of a study destination is not determined only by university rankings, employment opportunities or visa settings," he said. "It is also shaped by quality of life, safety, affordability, public transport, access to open space, and whether students feel included in the wider community." QUT urban planning lecturer Dr. Mark Limb echoed this sentiment, highlighting the vital role of parkland in the well-being of not only international students but also everyone living in apartments or accommodations with limited gardens and greenery. "Especially so for students because students are typically trying to save some money," he said, emphasizing that parks are free meeting spaces. The closure of Victoria Park has sparked a sense of loss among international students, who have found solace in the park's ability to foster connection and community. However, some, like Diaswati Mardiasmo, a member of the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics 2032 Legacy Committee, urge students and community groups to consider other options, including Roma Street Parkland, King Edward Park, Centenary Place Park, and South Bank Parklands. "It's not the house that makes a home, it's the people that make it a home," she said. The closure of Victoria Park serves as a reminder of the importance of public spaces in fostering community and connection. As Brisbane moves forward with its Olympic ambitions, it is crucial to recognize the impact of such spaces on the lives of international students and the broader community. In my opinion, the loss of Victoria Park is not just a physical space but a symbol of the challenges and opportunities that come with urban redevelopment. As we navigate the complexities of city planning and development, it is essential to prioritize the needs and well-being of all community members, especially those who rely on public spaces for connection and support.
