A DECADE of live music at the Russell Island IGA Shopping Complex is set to come to an end with local busker Constantin Valdouka issued a pending banning notice under new centre management rules.
Valdouka, who has performed in the foyer of the shopping complex for the past 10 years, was directed to stop busking as part of changes introduced by Bay Islands Property, which took over management of the site on July 1, 2025.
On February 21, 2026, the company issued Valdouka with a written “Pending Banning Notice,” stating he had been asked not to busk in the foyer — including in December 2025 — and warning that if he returned without written approval he would be banned from entering the complex for a minimum of 30 days.
In a letter signed by Bay Islands Property Founder and Principal Chris McGregor, Valdouka was told the notice had been issued due to his “refusal to stop busking when requested to do so.”
Mr McGregor said the move was part of broader efforts to manage growth and improve safety at the centre.
He said an audit of activities taking place in the concourse — including sausage sizzles, raffles, busking and art stalls — found that most organisers had not submitted event plans, public liability insurance documents or risk assessments.
“With multiple events trying to operate at the same time, one group even set up in front of the fire hoses,” he said.
“This needed to be addressed.”
Under the new requirements, anyone wishing to conduct activities at the centre must formally apply and provide copies of their public liability insurance.
If the activity is commercial, applicants must also outline dates and times and make an offer to occupy the space for the duration of the activity.
“The application process is not discriminatory,” Mr McGregor said.
“The process is fair and equitable for all parties, to ensure the safety of all stakeholders as well as the ease of access to the IGA.”
He confirmed that on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Valdouka was busking without permission and was asked to stop.
The correspondence states that if Valdouka returns to busk without written approval from management, the banning notice will be enforced.
The directive applies not only to busking but also to other foyer activities previously seen at the site.
A separate area opposite the White Goods store has now been allocated for such events, which management says still benefits from passing foot traffic while reducing congestion in the main concourse.
Valdouka, 55, previously shared his disappointment with the community, saying he had “loved every moment” of performing at the centre and thanking residents for their support over the past decade.
“I’m nothing but an asset to the foyer of that IGA,” he said.
“I don’t want to get into trouble but for a little peaceful island, this is the only place where I felt welcome.”
“They’re ruining the vibe here.”
Arts advocate Cindy Jensen has publicly questioned the approach taken by centre management.
“Why is a centre manager asking for a proposal from a busker to pay money to busk at a shopping centre?” she said.
“Nearly every time I’ve come to Redland Bay there’s an amazing busker at the Woolworths centre, entertaining shoppers, many who sit and stay.
“It’s a privilege to the centre that an artist shares their craft at no cost to them.”
Ms Jensen said she previously programmed buskers at Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast and has experience in large-scale arts activation.
“Those centres don’t silence performers — they curate them,” she said.
“Many now pay artists, recognising the value live music brings to community, dwell time and vibrancy.”
