Homepage Latest News Archives - Mount Gravatt News

Ambulance Wish Shines at 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards

A palliative care organisation in Mt Gravatt is being celebrated on the stage after Ambulance Wish Queensland was named a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards.

Read: Upper Mt Gravatt Volunteer Denise Lewis Celebrates 25-Year Milestone at Mater

Palliative Care Queensland, which operates its Brisbane southside office from Mt Gravatt, was recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Volunteering Impact Award, one of six categories at this year’s awards ceremony held to honour the contributions of volunteers across the state.

Photo credit: Facebook/Ambulance Wish Queensland

The annual awards, sponsored this year by Queensland and organised by Volunteering Queensland, recognised 49,722 volunteers through 275 nominations, with 21 finalists and eight recipients celebrated across all categories.

What Is Ambulance Wish Queensland?

Ambulance Wish Queensland exists to give Queenslanders living with a life-limiting condition the planning, coordination, specialist transport and clinical care they need to fulfil a last wish and create lasting memories.

The organisation relies on the commitment of volunteers who give their time in emotionally demanding circumstances to make those wishes a reality.

In a Facebook post following the awards, Ambulance Wish Queensland said the finalist recognition belonged to its volunteers.

“Their compassion, generosity and commitment make every wish possible, giving their time to help create meaningful moments for Queenslanders when they matter most,” the organisation wrote.

Celebrating Volunteers Across Queensland

The Queensland Volunteering Impact Award’s community category was taken out by Foodbank Queensland for its Food Distribution and Community Food Relief Program, with The Older Men’s Network (TOMNET) and its Seniors Volunteering Program also named as a finalist alongside Ambulance Wish.

Across the other award categories, volunteers were recognised from a wide range of backgrounds. Carolyn Robinson from Beyond DV took out Queensland Volunteer of the Year, while Jaylyn Rongo from DonateLife Queensland claimed the Youth Volunteer of the Year title. Roger Whyte, recognised for his contribution to Queensland Rugby League, received the Lifetime Contribution to Volunteering Award.

Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger noted the particular significance of this year’s event, pointing out that 2026 is the United Nations International Year of Volunteers.

“The Queensland Volunteering Awards offer a special moment to honour and value every person who is contributing through volunteering to growing a thriving Queensland,” Ms Hedger said.

She also acknowledged the broader context in which Queensland’s volunteers are operating right now. “At a time when cost of living pressures and increasing demand for support are placing strain on Queenslanders, volunteers continue to step up and be the steady hands helping to hold our communities together.”

Read: Mt Gravatt Road Safety Leader Recognised In Australia Day 2026 Honours

The finalist recognition is an acknowledgement of the volunteers who make Ambulance Wish Queensland’s work possible.

The Queensland Volunteering Awards have run since 2016, providing an annual platform to recognise meaningful contributions to Queensland communities.

Published 20-May-2026

A New Chapter for a Southside Landmark: Brookland Robertson Hits Full House

For decades, the familiar brick homes of Mt Gravatt, Sunnybank, and Robertson have been the backdrop for thousands of Brisbane families. But as the kids grow up and those big backyards become more of a chore than a sanctuary, many locals are looking for a way to stay in the neighborhood they love—just with a little less lawn to mow.

That shift has reached a major milestone on 11 May. Brookland Robertson, a fixture on the southside since 1984, has officially welcomed its final residents, marking the end of a massive six-year transformation.

The project, which began in 2018, wasn’t just a facelift. It was a $50 million bet that Southsiders didn’t want to move to the coast or the city fringes to retire; they wanted to stay right here, near their grandkids and their favorite local cafes.

Staying Put, Just Scaling Down

For Neil and Judy Cahill, the move wasn’t about leaving their community—it was about securing their future in it. After 50 years in their Sunnybank family home, the couple decided it was time to trade the old family house for something more manageable.

With eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren scattered across the southeast, staying central was a non-negotiable. Like many of their neighbors, the Cahills found that the biggest hurdle wasn’t the desire to downsize, but the fear of being pushed out of the area they’ve called home for half a century.

What’s New Behind the Gates?

The redevelopment has significantly changed the village’s footprint, adding 92 modern apartments across two new stages, The Waratah and The Banksia. But it’s the communal spaces that are getting the most talk among the residents:

Active Living: A new indoor pool, gym, and health club.
Social Hubs: An on-site cinema, library, and lounge spaces for Friday night drinks.
Location: Staying within five kilometers of Westfield Mt Gravatt means residents are still in the heart of the action.

The project hasn’t gone unnoticed by the industry, either, recently being named a finalist for Best Redevelopment at the Property Council of Australia awards.

A Changing Southside

The “full house” sign at Brookland Robertson reflects a broader trend across Brisbane’s southern suburbs. We are seeing a quiet evolution of our streets. As long-time residents move into these community-centric hubs, it opens up the traditional family homes for a new generation of young families, keeping the cycle of the neighborhood moving.

For the final residents moving in this month, the boxes are unpacked and the kettle is on. They may have a new floor plan, but their view of the southside remains exactly as they like it: home.

Published 11-May-2026

Mt Gravatt Selected as Launchpad for Firehouse Subs Australian Debut

Photo Credit: Westfield

Locals in Mt Gravatt will be the first in the country to try the famous hearty sandwiches of Firehouse Subs as the American brand begins its official move into the Australian market.

Photo Credit: Firehouse Subs/ Facebook

Retail Food Group reached an agreement with the brand’s parent company in February 2023 to bring the sandwich chain to local shores. The plan involves a major investment of US$4 million every year for the first three years to establish 15 company-owned locations.

This move aims to take advantage of the growing interest in international food brands while offering something different from the usual sandwich shops found in Brisbane.

Photo Credit: LinkedIN/Tom Elliot Retail Food Group

Firehouse Subs is known for its use of the best ingredients: tasty meats, high-quality cheeses, and fresh, delicious breads that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Firehouse Subs makes their delicious sandwiches in their exclusive ovens, designed to maintain their signature juiciness, flavours and textures.

While the brand is known globally for its hot speciality subs, the Australian menu at Westfield Mt Gravatt will be expanded to include new options specifically designed to suit local tastes and preferences.

Even with the official Mt Gravatt menu still under wraps, Firehouse Subs’ international lineup offers a clear sense of what locals can expect — a mix of hot, loaded specialty subs and fresh, made-to-order salads. Across other international locations, the range typically includes:

Signature subs like Hook & Ladder, Italian, and Turkey Bacon Ranch

Hearty favourites such as Firehouse Meatball, Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar, and Steak & Cheese

Spicier options including Firehouse Captain’s Club and Spicy Cajun Chicken

Classic deli-style builds like New York Steamer and Club on a Sub

Lighter options with a variety of salads, from Italian with Grilled Chicken to Firehouse Salad with Turkey or Ham

It’s a menu built around bold flavours, generous portions, and the brand’s trademark hot subs — with local tweaks expected once it lands in Brisbane.

From Fire Stations to Local Neighbourhoods

Photo Credit: Firehouse Subs/ Facebook

The business started in Florida back in 1994 when two brothers, who had served as firefighters, decided to start a restaurant. This history is still a major part of the company today, with many locations using fire station themes and decorations. Beyond the food, the organisation is well known for its charity work through its Public Safety Foundation.

This non-profit group focuses on saving lives and helping local emergency services. Because of these efforts, the chain has been recognised multiple times as a top brand for supporting community activities and local safety initiatives.

Read: A Build-Your-Own Cake Bar Is Coming to Westfield Mt Gravatt on 28 March

Long Term Growth and Community Impact

Photo Credit: Firehouse Subs/ Facebook

The expansion into Brisbane is part of a 20-year development plan that could see hundreds of new stores across the country. Following the initial three-year period of building company-owned shops, the focus will shift toward offering franchise opportunities to local business people and veterans starting in 2027.

The brand currently has more than 1,300 locations worldwide, including sites in Canada, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. By bringing this model to Mt Gravatt, the creators hope to build a strong business that supports both the local economy and public safety projects.

Published Date 30-April-2026

Brisbane’s Build-Your-Own Cake Bar Is Drawing Crowds — But Only for a Limited Time

The Cake Bar

Brisbane’s first build-your-own cake bar has been drawing crowds at Westfield Mt Gravatt since opening on 28 March, but The Cake Bar is only here for three months, making it one of the southside’s most time-limited sweet experiences of 2026.

Read: A Build-Your-Own Cake Bar Is Coming to Westfield Mt Gravatt on 28 March

It was first flagged to return in March, and now that it has arrived, early visitors say it is delivering on that promise, offering freshly assembled, fully personalised cakes in the time it takes to walk from the carpark.

“I ordered a red velvet cake with vanilla icing, caramel sauce and Oreo crumbs on top,” one early visitor said. “I just about melted when I tasted it, and finished the whole thing right there.”

The Idea Behind It

The Cake Bar is the brainchild of Brisbane entrepreneur Raman Singh, who drew direct inspiration from the frozen yoghurt model that made Yo-Chi a fixture in Australian food courts.

The concept applies the same logic to cake: pick your base, choose your frosting, load up your toppings, and watch it come together fresh in front of you. No pre-orders, no minimum numbers, no waiting until tomorrow.

Photo Credit: The Cake Bar

Singh is not new to inventive food concepts. She also runs The Bake Drop, a bakery vending machine she launched last year that dispenses handcrafted treats including gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options, and La Fleur Macaron, a home-based macaron business that preceded both ventures. The Cake Bar is her most ambitious format yet, and the first of its kind in Australia.

The inspiration from Yo-Chi is visible in how the counter works, but the product is a different proposition entirely. Where a froyo is built around cold, light, fast consumption, a cake from The Cake Bar is the whole occasion: a proper slice of something layered and assembled to your exact brief, made from premium ingredients that never sit pre-made in a display fridge.

What You Can Actually Order

The build starts with a cake base from a solid range of flavours. From there, customers move across frosting options and into the topping selection, where the range spans from crowd-pleasing classics through to full childhood nostalgia territory.

Raspberry jellies, sherbet, sour straps and M&Ms sit alongside marshmallows and more straightforward options for those who prefer a cleaner finish.

Gluten-free and vegan options are built into the menu, so dietary requirements do not mean missing out. The same counter can produce a clean, frosted red velvet for the purists or a tower of colour and crunch for whoever turns eight this weekend.

Three Months, Then It’s Gone

The Cake Bar is running as a pop-up, which means the window is genuinely limited. Opening on 28 March and running for approximately three months, it is on track to close around late June 2026. For Mt Gravatt, Macgregor, Wishart, Mansfield and Rochedale South families who have been meaning to go, that deadline is worth taking seriously.

Westfield Mt Gravatt is at Logan Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, approximately 12 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD. The Cake Bar is inside the centre. For updates on hours and any extension to the pop-up run, follow The Cake Bar on Instagram and TikTok , or visit thecakebar.com.au.

Read: Haigh’s Chocolates to Open Its First Queensland Store at Westfield Mt Gravatt

Published 26-April-2026

Two Charged Over Alleged Property and Vehicle Offences in Upper Mount Gravatt

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Two men have been charged following alleged property offences and unlawful use of a motor vehicle in Upper Mount Gravatt, after police responded to reports of a stolen vehicle on Dawson Road.

Read: Mt Gravatt Fashion Market Closed After Trespassing Complaint Filed Against Organisers

Dawson Road Call Triggers Police Response

Police were called to Dawson Road at approximately 9:30 am on 21 April after receiving reports relating to a stolen vehicle in Upper Mount Gravatt. It will be alleged a man attempted to gain entry to multiple properties in the area before entering a residence along the street.

The man is alleged to have then entered the address while attempting to steal a white Mercedes-Benz.

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Police Vehicle Allegedly Struck Before Arrest

Officers attended shortly after the report was made. During the response, it will be alleged the man reversed the vehicle into a police car positioned in front of the residence.

He then fled on foot and was located and taken into custody a short time later.

Second Man Charged During Response

During the initial police response in Upper Mount Gravatt, a second man was also taken into custody. He is alleged to have obstructed police while officers were managing the situation.

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Charges Confirmed And Court Appearance Set

A 25-year-old man from Loganlea has been charged with one count each of enter dwelling with intent, robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. A 28-year-old man from Acacia Ridge has been charged with one count of obstruct police.

Both men have been remanded in custody and were due to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 22 April.

Read: ANZAC Day Services in East Brisbane

Police have issued reference number QP2600769004 in relation to the Upper Mount Gravatt incident.

Published 23-Apr-2026

Mt Gravatt Fashion Market Closed After Trespassing Complaint Filed Against Organisers

A local fashion market was brought to an abrupt halt after police were called to the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds over a trespassing complaint, leaving stallholders scrambling to pack up their goods before the day had barely begun.

Read: Logan Road Transformation: Mount Gravatt High Street Faces Major Density Overhaul

Her Wardrobe Markets, a community-oriented fashion and lifestyle market that has called the showgrounds home, was shut down on 12 April after Queensland Police responded to a complaint lodged at 6:36 am, just as stallholders were setting up their stands. The incident has brought a dispute between the market organiser and the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds Trust into public view.

The showgrounds trust stated on a Facebook post that the area where the markets were held had become an active construction site, and that the organiser had made an unauthorised attempt to operate a market on the day. The trust said it had issued a notice to cease operations back in October, citing concerns about the organiser’s casual use of the site, and had since followed up with multiple communications confirming that no further approval existed to use the space.

Photo credit: Instagram/Her Wardrobe Markets

For shoppers who turned up early, with the organiser noting crowds had arrived in significant numbers, the scene was an unexpected one. Earth-moving equipment sat on the pitch. Police were on site. Stalls that had already been set up were being packed away.

The organisers addressed the situation directly via Instagram later that day, describing it as a difficult and unexpected outcome. They noted that there was considerable activity on the ground before the decision to shut down was ultimately made, and that one of the attending constables acknowledged it appeared to be a civil matter best handled through the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the courts, a position the organiser said they shared.

Photo credit: Instagram/Her Wardrobe Markets

In a candid post, Her Wardrobe Markets described the surreal experience of arriving to find earth-moving equipment on the pitch. Despite the difficulties of the morning, they drew comfort from the turnout. “It’s been a long and pretty gruelling 18 months. But today, seeing the community the way we did, that’s what I’m taking with me. The joy, the connection, the people showing up. It’s clear this market has a place here and serves a real need,” they wrote.

Her Wardrobe Markets confirmed via social media that a live dispute with the showgrounds is ongoing and is being worked through via the appropriate process. The organisers said their legal team would be involved in next steps, and that the day’s events would be treated as further information in what they described as a long and gruelling process.

Not everyone was sympathetic, however. Some community members and social media commenters were critical of the decision to proceed with the market while the dispute remained unresolved, particularly given that stallholders had already paid fees, arranged staff, and travelled to the site.

Acknowledging the mixed reactions from the community, the organisers closed their post with a note of resilience. “To everyone who came up to me with kindness, thank you. It meant a lot. And to the person who yelled at me, I hear your frustration. We’re not there today, but this isn’t the end of the road for us,” Her Wardrobe Markets wrote.

For their part, the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds Trust has indicated that operations will continue under new management. Fab Finds Markets, described by the trust as an independent, approved operator, is set to take over the event from 10 May.

Read: Mt Gravatt Suburban Renewal Precinct to Boost Homes, Shops, and Transport

It remains to be seen what the next steps will look like for Her Wardrobe Markets and its stallholders and shoppers. Sunday’s events have clearly left stallholders and regular shoppers with questions about how the market arrived at this point, and where it goes from here.

Published 15-April-2026

Newnham Hotel Becomes Holiday Hub for Upper Mt Gravatt Families

Families in Upper Mt Gravatt now have a go-to local destination for free children’s entertainment as the Newnham Hotel transforms its grounds into a dedicated activity centre for the Easter break.

Read: Hertford Street Transformation: 199 New Apartments Headed to Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Supplied

The hotel has arranged for a variety of interactive stations to keep younger residents busy throughout the working week. From Monday to Friday, children can visit specifically designed craft tables intended to encourage creativity while parents relax in the nearby dining areas.

These daily sessions provide a structured way for families to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the suburb, making use of the venue’s open-air beer gardens and communal spaces.

Photo Credit: Supplied

As the holidays move into the weekend, the style of entertainment shifts toward live performance and interactive art. Professional face painters and balloon artists will be on-site to provide free entertainment for visiting families during the Saturday and Sunday sessions.

Read: Police Statistics Show 375 Stolen Vehicles in Upper Mount Gravatt

To accommodate the expected increase in local visitors, the venue has moved to an all-day dining schedule on these days, serving traditional pub meals from morning through to the evening. These additions are part of a broader effort to provide local parents with accessible options for holiday childcare and family bonding.

Published Date 01-April-2026

Haigh’s Chocolates to Open Its First Queensland Store at Westfield Mt Gravatt

Haigh's Chocolates

Haigh’s Chocolates, Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, will open its first Queensland store at Westfield Mt Gravatt in August 2026, marking the Adelaide brand’s long-awaited retail debut in Brisbane after more than a century in business.

Read: A Build-Your-Own Cake Bar Is Coming to Westfield Mt Gravatt on 28 March

Two further stores at Chermside and Carindale will follow later in the year, bringing Haigh’s total national footprint to 26 stores across Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. The three-store rollout represents the brand’s most significant expansion since it entered the Sydney market, and for Brisbane chocolate lovers who have spent years relying on online orders or interstate trips to get their hands on Haigh’s product, the arrival of a local store feels genuinely overdue.

A Brand Built on Over a Century of Craft

Haigh’s Chocolates was founded on 1 May 1915 by Alfred E. Haigh in Adelaide, South Australia, making it Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker. What began as a small confectionery shop at the Beehive Corner on King William Street has grown across four generations of family ownership into one of Australia’s most recognisable premium food brands, with a loyal following that stretches well beyond its South Australian home.

Photo Credit: Haigh’s Chocolates

Haigh’s has maintained its primary manufacturing operations in Adelaide since its founding, where it produces its range of chocolates using a bean-to-bar approach, roasting its own cocoa beans to create its milk and dark chocolate blends from ethically sourced ingredients. That commitment to in-house production from bean to finished product distinguishes Haigh’s from most other chocolate retailers operating in Australia, where the majority of premium brands import finished chocolate rather than manufacturing it locally.

In September 2025, Haigh’s opened a new $120 million state-of-the-art facility in Salisbury South, spanning 18,000 square metres and incorporating advanced European-made equipment for production, warehousing and online fulfilment. The new facility increases Haigh’s production capacity from 1,100 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes of chocolate per year, providing the manufacturing headroom needed to support both the Brisbane expansion and the company’s broader national growth strategy.

Photo Credit: Haigh’s Chocolates

Haigh’s Chocolates – Bean to Bar Process:

Haigh’s Chocolates, established in 1915, is Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker focused on premium, small-batch chocolate production.

The process begins with sourcing high-quality, ethically produced cocoa beans from regions like Ghana and Peru, with most coming from Rainforest Alliance certified farms.

The beans are cleaned using sieves, magnets, and airflow systems, then roasted at about 120°C for 30–90 minutes to enhance flavour and remove moisture.

Roasted beans are crushed and winnowed to remove the outer shell, leaving cocoa nibs, which are ground into a bitter liquid cocoa liquor.

The cocoa liquor is mixed with cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla, and sometimes milk powder, then refined through rollers to create a smooth texture.

The chocolate undergoes conching, where it is heated, aerated, and mixed for several hours to develop its flavour and silky consistency.

Tempering follows, where the chocolate is carefully cooled and reheated to achieve a glossy finish and stable structure.

The tempered chocolate is moulded into shapes or hand-dipped to create products like truffles and other specialty chocolates.

Small-batch production methods are used to maintain freshness and ensure high-quality output across a wide range of products.

Finally, chocolates are hand-finished, carefully packaged, and continuously improved through new product development released during special occasions.

Why Brisbane, Why Now

The Brisbane move is driven by clear commercial evidence. Queensland customers currently represent 18 per cent of Haigh’s total online sales, making the state a significant and demonstrable market despite having no physical retail presence to date. For a brand that sells exclusively through its own stores and website, that level of online demand from a market with no bricks-and-mortar outlet signals a substantial untapped opportunity.

View this post on Instagram

Chief Executive Peter Millard confirmed that the combination of strong Queensland online demand and the newly expanded production capacity at Salisbury South made 2026 the right moment to enter the Brisbane market. The three-store strategy reflects confidence in the city’s appetite for premium chocolate, with Westfield Mt Gravatt anchoring the initial launch before Chermside and Carindale extend the brand’s reach across the northern and eastern suburbs later in the year.

Westfield Mt Gravatt draws shoppers from across a wide catchment spanning the southern and south-eastern suburbs, and the arrival of a Haigh’s store adds a genuinely distinctive retail experience to a centre that already serves as a significant southside anchor.

Haigh’s Chocolates will open at Westfield Mt Gravatt in August 2026, with Chermside and Carindale to follow later in the year. Further information about Haigh’s products and the Brisbane openings is available at haighschocolates.com.au.

Read: Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Precinct Plan Opens for Community Consultation

Published 27-March-2026.

Your Suburb, Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Upper Mt Gravatt

Residents and business owners are being invited to help shape the future of Upper Mt Gravatt, as Brisbane kicks off community consultation on a new suburban renewal precinct plan.

Read: High-Density Zones Approved for Upper Mount Gravatt Shopping Centre Precinct

Brisbane has launched the Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan, and locals have until Sunday, 12 April 2026 to have their say. Whether you live nearby, run a business in the area, or simply use the centre regularly, your input will help shape what the suburb looks like for years to come.

Why Upper Mt Gravatt?

Photo credit: Google Street View

Upper Mt Gravatt is one of Brisbane’s major centres, servicing southern Brisbane and beyond with shopping, entertainment and employment opportunities. It is well connected to Brisbane’s city centre and the broader region via road, public transport and active travel networks. The Upper Mt Gravatt Busway and the V1 Veloway, which runs along the Pacific Motorway, are key parts of the area’s transport and active travel network.

The area is also home to the Upper Mt Gravatt Library, sporting fields and the nearby Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve.

What the Plan Aims to Do

The plan aims to increase housing choice close to services, employment and business, while maximising connections between residences and businesses along the busway and veloway corridors.

New buildings would be encouraged to embrace the area’s outdoor lifestyle and subtropical character by incorporating landscaping, shade and climate-appropriate design. On the economic side, the plan seeks to expand local opportunities by identifying an appropriate mix of business, retail, personal and community services and facilities.

A Long-Term Process, Starting Now

This is not a rushed process. Brisbane is using technical investigations, community feedback and Queensland’s input to develop the plan, with the draft expected to go to public consultation in mid-to-late 2026, and final approval anticipated around mid-2027 before being adopted into Brisbane City Plan.

That means the feedback gathered now will directly inform what goes into the draft plan. This is one of the earliest opportunities for the community to influence the plan’s direction, before a draft is prepared.

Read: 2026 College Captains Named At Upper Mount Gravatt School

How to Get Involved

Residents can complete an online survey or add comments directly to an interactive map at Brisbane’s Have Your Say portal.

For those who prefer to engage by phone or in writing, Brisbane can be reached on 07 3403 8888 or by post to Neighbourhood Planning, Brisbane City Council, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane QLD 4001.

Consultation closes Sunday, 12 April 2026. If you’ve got thoughts about where Upper Mt Gravatt is headed, now is the time to speak up.

Published 27-March-2026

How 51 Languages are Shaping the Future of Upper Mt Gravatt Students

The Upper Mt Gravatt community is home to one of Queensland’s most diverse education hubs at Clairvaux MacKillop College, where students from 41 different countries speak 51 different languages at home.

Local Schools Leading the Way

Photo Credit: Supplied

While the local area is a focal point for this cultural mix, the broader Brisbane Catholic Education system supports nearly 80,000 students across 146 schools. St Augustine’s College in Augustine Heights currently holds the title for the most linguistically diverse school in the system, with 56 languages spoken. During Harmony Week, held from 16 to 22 March 2026, these schools are focusing on how different backgrounds help students learn.

At St Thomas More College in Sunnybank, which is the third most diverse school in the group, leaders noted that having many different perspectives in a classroom actually helps children improve their grades and learning growth.

New Career Paths for Refugees

A major part of the local effort involves the Work and Welcome programme, which helps people who have moved to Australia find steady jobs. At the college in Upper Mt Gravatt, a refugee from the Republic of Burundi named Douce began working in the school canteen this year. This programme allows migrants to practice their skills in a supportive environment.

Douce is using this experience to learn how to run a hospitality business, with the goal of eventually owning a café in Australia. During the recent celebrations, students also participated in a project where they marked their birthplaces on a massive world map to show how many parts of the globe are represented in one suburb.

Strengthening First Nations Connections

Photo Credit: Supplied

The focus on identity extends to First Nations students through a series of dance workshops and cultural days held between 24 and 26 March. These events are led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Team and take place across the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast. A new session is also planned for the South Burnett region on 1 June.

These workshops are designed to be safe spaces where over 200 students can connect through traditional storytelling and music. The initiative is part of a larger plan for 2026 and 2027 that focuses on wellbeing and helping young Indigenous people become leaders in their communities.

Read: Upper Mt Gravatt Centre Precinct Plan Opens for Community Consultation

Training for Staff and Future Growth

To ensure teachers and staff understand these diverse backgrounds, many participate in learning days at the Ngutana-Lui Cultural Studies Centre. These sessions cover topics like spiritual traditions, weaving, and the history of different cultures. This training helps staff follow the system’s Reconciliation Action Plan and brings more cultural awareness into daily lessons. As these school communities continue to grow, new buildings like the Giramee Hall are being finished to make sure there is enough space for everyone to gather and share their stories.

Published Date 26-March-2026

Posts pagination

Page 1 Page 2 … Page 41 Next page