The local community is grieving the loss of John Zupp, a prominent figure in Queensland’s automotive industry and a former Mt Gravatt businessman, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 93.
Zupp, known for his larger-than-life personality and innovative approach to car dealership, died peacefully at his Sanctuary Cove home after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife of 60 years, Wendy, and his daughters Toni and Terri.
For decades, Zupp was a household name in Mt Gravatt and across Queensland, recognised for his catchy slogans “Big John Zupp” and “Any Old Iron” that resonated through radio and television advertisements. His Zupps of Mount Gravatt dealership became a landmark in our community, known for its distinctive yellow elephant logo.
Beyond his business acumen, Zupp played a significant role in Australian motorsport history. In the early 1970s, he provided crucial support to Dick Johnson, who would later become a multiple Australian Touring Car Champion and Bathurst 1000 winner. Johnson drove a yellow Torana for Zupps, competing in Series Production and Group C races, which helped launch his illustrious career.
Zupp’s contributions extended beyond the automotive world. His philanthropic efforts and support for various social welfare organisations earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2006.
After selling his car business to Eagers in 2007, Zupp ventured into property development, founding the Zupp Property Group. His legacy in Mt Gravatt and Queensland’s business landscape remains indelible.
John Zupp’s passing marks the end of an era for Mt Gravatt’s business community. He is survived by his wife Wendy, daughters Toni Mills and Terri McGuire, and his extended family. The funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Mount Gravatt Hawks product Marquez Walters’ outstanding form has propelled Moreton City Excelsior to the brink of a historic season as they gear up for their biggest challenge yet: the Australia Cup RO16 clash against giants Perth Glory.
‘Sharky’ Marquez Walters, the 22-year-old striker known for his iconic goal celebration, has become the talisman for Moreton City Excelsior, rising from Mount Gravatt Hawks U11s under his father’s tutelage to the verge of national prominence.
“I’m going to make the ‘Sharky’ go national,” Walters boldly declared to his teammates. His signature celebration, with Walters placing his right hand on his forehead like a shark fin, has become a visual staple of his goal-scoring exploits, aptly symbolising his predatory instinct on the field.
An inside joke turned trademark, his ‘Sharky’ celebration has become synonymous with his goal-scoring prowess. With 19 goals in 20 matches in the current NPL Queensland competition, he’s already surpassed his league-leading tally of 17 goals from the previous season.
This consistent performance has been crucial in propelling Moreton City to consecutive second-place finishes in the league ladder and a grand final appearance in 2023—with immense hope for a better final series this year.
Walters’ impact was most evident during Moreton City’s Australia Cup Round of 32 triumph against Campbelltown City. His second-half brace, showcasing his ability to finish on his weaker foot, was instrumental in the team’s commanding 5-1 victory.
From childhood training to national stage
Walters’ success on the field is no accident. A childhood training session focused solely on left-foot play, insisted upon by his Jamaican-born father, laid the foundation for his current two-footedness.
“He said only the top-class strikers finish, dribble and pass with both of their feet,” Walters spoke about his father’s advice. “Next thing you know, I’m using my left foot like it’s nothing.”
Beyond his goal-scoring, Walters’ leadership, both on and off the field, has galvanised the team, turning previous close matches into dominant victories.
History lies ahead
As Moreton City Excelsior prepares to host two-time Australia Cup finalists Perth Glory, Walters is poised to lead his team to what could be the most significant victory in the club’s recent history.
Lifting the Australia Cup would not only be historic but would also lead to participation in a continental tournament, the AFC Champions League Two.
Before their cup clash, Excelsior will face Rochedale Rovers away at Underwood Park in their final NPLQ game of the league season. Although this match won’t impact seeding, it presents Walters with an opportunity to leap into the top scorer position in the league.
Olympic champion Sally Pearson has cautioned that Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, or the QSAC in Mt Gravatt, the chosen athletics stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, could embarrass Australia internationally due to its small size and lacklustre facilities. The warning comes as the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded, setting a high bar for future host cities.
Pearson highlighted that QSAC’s 40,000-seat capacity pales in comparison to recent Olympic venues.
The Stade de France, which hosted the Paris 2024 athletics events, boasts an impressive 80,000 seats. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the Memorial Coliseum will accommodate 77,500 spectators.
In stark contrast, QSAC offers only 40,000 seats, with a mere 14,000 being permanent. This significant disparity has raised concerns about Brisbane’s ability to create the electric atmosphere that Olympic athletes and spectators have come to expect.
Photo Credit: Olympics.com.au
The gold medallist hurdler, expressed deep concern about the stadium’s capacity to generate the same level of excitement and energy seen in previous Games. Pearson, drawing from her personal experiences at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, emphasised the crucial role that a packed, enthusiastic crowd plays in an athlete’s performance.
“I attended two Olympics. Beijing in 2008 in the outstanding Birds Nest arena where I won a famous silver medal and London in 2012 where I won gold,” Pearson wrote.
“Both of these stadiums had the capacity to seat 80,000 people. Now I’m not sure of the exact number of people that were in attendance on those nights but I can tell you the empty seats were hard to spot from the track.
“The sound from the crowd was electric, it was deafening and it was exciting, it gave you the lift that you needed to perform at your best.”
Planned expansion of the QSAC in Mt Gravatt Photo Credit: BCC
Defending the QSAC Choice
Despite mounting criticism, Premier Steven Miles continues to defend QSAC as Queensland’s best option for the 2032 Games. Miles argues that the venue offers the most suitable legacy for athletics, pointing out that IOC Vice President John Coates explicitly recommended it. He maintains that QSAC is the only choice that provides permanent track and field facilities, ensuring a lasting impact on the sport beyond the Olympic event.
Miles has dismissed alternative proposals, including a $3.4 billion plan for a new inner-city stadium at Victoria Park. He contends that these alternatives would only deliver a new cricket oval without offering any tangible benefits for athletics.
The Premier’s stance reflects a broader shift in the Queensland government’s approach, prioritising cost of living relief measures over investing billions in new Olympic venues.
The debate surrounding QSAC has sparked a growing chorus of concern from Australia’s sporting elite.
Growing Concerns from Sports Community
Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell has joined Pearson in voicing her worries about Brisbane’s preparedness for the 2032 Games.
Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram
Campbell stressed the need for Brisbane to “step up its game,” urging the government to think bigger and more proactively about the city’s future. Both athletes emphasised the importance of showcasing Brisbane’s unique qualities to the world, arguing that the Olympics present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define the city’s identity on a global stage.
Campbell’s comments, made during a radio interview, highlighted the potential long-term benefits of investing in world-class facilities. She argued that while the cost of living is a pressing issue, the legacy of the Olympic Games extends far beyond the event itself, potentially shaping the city’s growth and development for decades.
The controversy surrounding QSAC has ignited a broader debate about balancing fiscal responsibility and the ambition to host a truly memorable Olympic Games. With eight years remaining, stakeholders from across the sporting and political spectrum are calling for a renewed focus on creating an Olympic experience that will not only avoid embarrassment but also leave a lasting, positive legacy for Brisbane and Australia.
Westfield Mt Gravatt is gearing up for a literary extravaganza as it prepares to welcome Australia’s number one children’s author, Andy Griffiths, for a special event. Renowned for his captivating and humorous books, including the beloved “Treehouse” series, Griffiths is set to delight young readers and their families at the BIG W store.
The event promises to be memorable for attendees on 17 August, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Children will have the unique opportunity to meet their literary hero, get their books signed, and immerse themselves in a world of fun activities inspired by Griffiths’ stories.
This visit coincides with the nationwide celebration of Book Week and the launch of Griffiths’ latest book, “The 169-Storey Treehouse,” a new addition to his wildly popular Treehouse series. The event at BIG W Mt Gravatt is part of a more significant celebration to mark the release of this exciting new title.html
In addition to the book signing, the event will feature a range of engaging activities to keep young minds entertained. Children can expect games, crafts, treats, and even face painting, all themed around his captivating stories. There will also be a remarkable collection of his books for kids to explore.
Born in Melbourne in 1961, Andy Griffiths is a celebrated children’s author and comedian known for his humorous and engaging writing style. His collaboration with illustrator Terry Denton has resulted in numerous successful series, including “Just!” and the iconic “Treehouse” series, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Griffiths’ works are characterised by their blend of toilet humour and heartwarming messages, striking a balance between chaos and kindness that resonates with young readers. His contributions to children’s literature have earned him numerous accolades, including the Dromkeen Medal and the Australian Book Industry Awards’ Book of the Year.
Beyond his writing, Griffiths is a passionate advocate for literacy, actively working to promote reading among children across Australia. The upcoming event at Mt Gravatt is a testament to his dedication to inspiring young minds and fostering a love for books.
Behind Santley Street in the Mount Gravatt area lies a hidden piece of local history that has captivated generations of residents. The Mount Gravatt Cave, now sealed off from public access, was once a playground for adventurous children and a source of wonder for curious adults.
This natural formation, while not as grand as some of Australia’s more famous cave systems, held a special place in the hearts of local residents. For decades, it served as a secret hideaway, a place of exploration, and a rite of passage for many young people growing up in the area.
The cave’s existence dates back well before the suburban development of Mt Gravatt. In 1927, a writer known only as “Wanderer” described the cave in a local newspaper, painting a picture of a modest yet intriguing natural wonder.
Photo credit: David Radford – Old Brisbane Album/Facebook
According to this account, the main chamber measured approximately 20 feet in height and width, extending about 40 feet in length. The entrance, partially obscured by lantana, led to a network of smaller tunnels and caverns.
Photo credit: Google Maps
One of the most intriguing aspects of the cave, as reported by “Wanderer,” was a tunnel rumoured to stretch for hundreds of yards under the mountain. While the accuracy of this claim remains unverified, it adds to the mystique that has surrounded the cave for nearly a century.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the cave became a popular hangout for local children. One resident, recalling their experiences from the 1970s, described how “most kids in the neighbourhood went there at some time.”
The cave’s interior was more spacious than its entrance suggested, with a hole in the roof allowing natural light to filter through. Multiple tunnels branched off from the main chamber, with one reportedly emerging 20 to 30 yards up the hill.
Another local, sharing memories from the mid-1960s, remembered the cave as “quite big inside” but admitted to feeling uneasy within its confines. This sentiment echoes the mix of excitement and trepidation that often accompanies childhood adventures.
Photo credit: Blanto/Google Maps
The cave’s layout included at least one chamber that required crawling through a narrow passage to access, adding to the sense of adventure for young explorers. Some locals also reported the presence of smaller caves in the vicinity, suggesting a more extensive network of geological formations in the area.
Photo credit: sloshy__/Reddit
Today, the Mount Gravatt Cave is no longer accessible to the public. Barricades prevent entry, sealing off this piece of local history. The cave’s location at the base of a creek that runs down the hill is now part of the Federation Track, with hikers crossing the creek on a small bridge, often unaware of the hidden cavern nearby.
While the cave may not rival the grandeur of more famous Australian cave systems, its significance lies in its role as a local landmark and a repository of community memories. For many long-time residents of Mt Gravatt, the cave represents a connection to their childhood and a reminder of a time when suburban adventures could lead to unexpected discoveries.
The sealing of the Mount Gravatt Cave, likely done for safety reasons, has transformed it from a physical space of exploration into a subject of local lore. In many ways, this hidden cave embodies the spirit of local history itself – not always grand or widely known, but deeply meaningful to those who remember and cherish it.
Mt Gravatt Street Food gears up for its upcoming Greek Night event. Scheduled for Saturday, August 17, the popular open-air venue promises an evening of Mediterranean flavors, lively entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.
The Greek Night event will take place at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds from 4 PM to 9 PM, offering attendees a chance to experience Greek culture through food, drink, and performances.
A highlight of the evening will be the Hellenic Dancers, who are set to showcase traditional Greek dances, adding an authentic touch to the Mediterranean-themed night.
Mt Gravatt Street Food, located at 1644 Logan Road, has become a local favorite for its diverse food choices, bar offerings, and live music. The venue, which typically prohibits pets, is accessible via Broadwater Road.
Organizers have set the entry fee at $3 for adults, while children 16 and under can attend free of charge. This family-friendly pricing is expected to attract a diverse crowd of food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
After nearly seven decades of serving the community, Pet City Mt Gravatt is looking for new ownership, marking a new chapter for the beloved local institution that hopes to continue servicing local customers and their pets for many more years to come.
The shop, now up for sale, has been a cornerstone of the Mt Gravatt community since its inception as Mt Gravatt Produce Agency in 1957 by Evio Contenati and his brother-in-law Frank.
Photo Credit: Pet City Mt Gravatt
As Pet City Mt Gravatt prepares to pass the torch, Kim Peries, the daughter of Mr Contenati, envisions a future where the shop remains family-owned, perhaps even taken over by a loyal customer who understands its deep roots in the community. She hopes its legacy as a destination store cherished by generations of customers will continue.
The sale marks a bittersweet moment for Mr Contenati and Ms Peries, who have poured their hearts into the business.
The store’s evolution from a produce supplier to a thriving pet emporium mirrors the community’s changing needs. In the 1960s, the shop started selling dog food due to television advertisements on the Graham Kennedy Show. Following this foray into pet supplies, the company started selling clean, graded bird seeds and racing pigeons, which quickly became significant parts of the business.
By the 1970s, with his brother-in-law’s retirement and a growing demand for pet products, Mr Contenati rebranded the store as Pet City Mt Gravatt. The new shop, spanning 1000 sq m, became a destination for pet owners and enthusiasts, a reputation it maintains today.
Ms Peries started working at the shop at the tender age of 13 and played a pivotal role in shaping its unique identity.
Photo Credit: Pet City Mt Gravatt
It was a pioneer in many ways. It was the first pet store in Queensland to offer puppy preschool, and is actively engaged in charity work, bird conventions, and even reptile care training courses for other pet shops. The store’s dedication to the industry was noticed.
Pet City Mt. Gravatt stands out as a leading pet care center, offering a unique all-in-one experience for pet owners. The store has pioneered the concept of a complete pet department store, employing over 40 specialist staff across various pet care areas to provide expert knowledge and advice to all customers.
This commitment to expertise has earned Pet City Mt. Gravatt multiple industry awards and accreditation from the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA). The store boasts an extensive range of pet products rarely found under one roof, catering to diverse pet care needs.
For enquiries about the sale, phone Grant Turner Ray White Commercial via 0457 766 812 or Julie Ryan at 0447 445 453.
Nathan star and Churchie old Boy Zac Stubblety-Cook secured a silver medal while battling COVID in a thrilling Olympic men’s 200m breaststroke final, narrowly missing out on defending his Olympic title.
French swimming sensation Leon Marchand took the gold, completing a remarkable double victory. Marchand dominated the race, finishing in 2:05.85, nearly a second ahead of Stubblety-Cook’s 2:06.79. The Frenchman’s performance comes just two hours after his triumph in the 200-metre butterfly.
Zac Stubblety-Cook battles the virus
The celebration of Stubblety-Cook’s silver medal is tempered by the revelation of a growing COVID cluster within the Australian Olympic team. Stubblety-Cook disclosed that he competed while battling a coronavirus infection, having completed a five-day course of antivirals on the day of the race.
Stubblety-Cook’s resilience in the face of adversity and his sportsmanship shine through as he commends his rival, Marchand, for his historic performance.
This new facility will offer walk-in services for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses, operating from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
The Mt Gravatt nurse-led clinic will provide free healthcare services staffed by highly qualified nurses. It aims to treat a range of conditions including conjunctivitis, colds, simple respiratory conditions, cuts, bruises, strains, and skin conditions. Notably, the clinic will also address women’s health concerns, offering access to contraception and care for menopause and period pain.
Photo credit: Negative Space/Pexels
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman stated, “Not only will this boost access to treatment and care, it will also help to reduce demand on our emergency departments.” She added, “We heard loud and clear from rural communities and thousands of Queensland women and girls who told us they need more options to access healthcare.”
Photo credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels
The clinic is designed to improve healthcare accessibility for the local community. Patients requiring care beyond the clinic’s capabilities will be promptly referred to appropriate services, including emergency departments, general practitioners, rapid access clinics, or mental health services.
A fourth clinic location has been announced for Gympie, furthering the commitment to providing accessible healthcare across the state. The free nurse-led clinics will be available for Queenslanders aged two and over for walk-in appointments starting from 30 September.
Corrine McMillan MP, State Member for Mansfield said the new nurse-led clinic will complement the community’s new Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital which is now open and the hospital expansions at the QEII Hospital and the PA Hospital which are now underway.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the Queensland Government’s website for the exact location of the Mt Gravatt clinic. An announcement will be made closer to the September opening.
A recently released image of the planned redevelopment reveals that the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan will become the smallest Olympic stadium since Amsterdam 1928, with just 40,000 seats planned for the Brisbane 2032 Games.
The image, designed by architecture firm Populous, shows a permanent covered grandstand, with most spectators seated in uncovered temporary seating. This design significantly departs from recent Olympic venues, as most athletics fans will be exposed to the elements.
Smallest Capacity
With only 40,000 seats, the QSAC in Nathan will have the smallest capacity for an Olympic athletics stadium in nearly a century. This limited capacity is expected to restrict admission for the general public severely.
For comparison, the Stade de France in Paris will seat approximately 80,000 people for this year’s Games, while the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host 77,500 people during the 2028 Olympics athletics events.
At the current estimate, each seat at QSAC would cost approximately $115,000. This is significantly higher than other recent stadium projects, such as Perth’s Optus Stadium, which cost about $26,650 per seat when completed in 2017.
Photo Credit: RTI Queensland Government
Officials caution that the current design is not final. A representative from the Department of State Development and Infrastructure emphasised that the image is for discussion purposes only. They explained that the ongoing project validation process involves input from various government and external stakeholders, often using visual aids to facilitate these consultations.
The project validation report for QSAC is currently underway, with technical analysis and costings expected to be completed by the end of 2024. A spokesperson for the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority stated that the report would be considered by the authority’s board and the government in the first quarter of 2025.
As the project progresses, more detailed renders will be developed with input from various stakeholders, including Stadiums Queensland, technical advisors, and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
Cost and Design Concerns
The Queensland government estimates the QSAC redevelopment will cost about $1.6 billion. However, this figure does not include the temporary seating, which will be funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace stated that questions have been raised about the need for a flat, concrete podium to underpin QSAC, accounting for $1 billion of the estimated cost. The remaining $600 million would replace the current western grandstand.
Grace insisted that Queensland taxpayers would not bear any additional costs. However, Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie expressed skepticism, suggesting the final cost could be higher based on the government’s track record with other projects.
The Committee for Brisbane’s chief executive, Jen Williams, expressed concern that public discussion is now focused on costs rather than the long-term benefits of new infrastructure. Williams noted that images of iconic French landmarks used for the Paris Games are prompting Queenslanders to consider how their city will be viewed globally.
Future Plans and Ongoing Debate
After the Games, the QSAC in Nathan will be downsized to 14,000 permanent seats. The State Government chose this option after abandoning a $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild and rejecting a proposal for a new $3.4 billion stadium at Victoria Park.
Premier Steven Miles defended the decision, stating that Queenslanders did not support spending large amounts on a new stadium.
“To be frank, no one tried harder than I did to convince people that the Gabba was a good idea,” Miles said. “But it was clear to me, from talking to Queenslanders, that they did not think that was a good use of money.”
Local community groups remain vehemently opposed to the previously proposed Victoria Park stadium, which would have occupied part of the expansive inner-city green space. However, the QSAC option presents its own challenges, including limited public transport access.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has estimated that at least an additional $400 million would be required to provide adequate public transport to the venue, a 3.1-kilometre walk from the nearest train station.
