The significant win occurred during draw 1540 on Thursday, 20 November 2025. As the sole winner of the top prize, the Brisbane local will take home a total of $5,251,913.32. She is set to receive the funds on Friday, 5 December 2025, which she noted would arrive perfectly in time to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
The excitement began on a Friday morning when officials called to deliver the news. The winner admitted she was initially hesitant to answer the phone, fearing the unknown number was a scam or a “dodgy” caller.
Once the news was confirmed, however, her reaction shifted from suspicion to physical shaking. She described being in absolute disbelief alongside her husband, who was with her when the call came through.
The winning 12-game entry was purchased using The Lott app. The winner revealed that the numbers were not chosen at random but were a combination of family birthdates and wedding anniversaries. With the $5 million prize soon to be deposited, she shared her main priority for the future. Her husband will now be able to retire from work. Although she had previously promised herself she would keep any big win a secret, the magnitude of the news made her want to share her joy with everyone.
Brisbane ’s draft Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan lays out a significant transformation for the neighbourhood. The proposal outlines updated zoning rules, new opportunities for housing diversity, improved public spaces, and a revitalised Logan Road corridor. But while the plan aims to modernise the suburb, many locals and conservation groups warn that development must not come at the cost of the area’s already vulnerable koala population.
An artist’s impression of Logan Road (Photo credit: BCC/Draft Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan)
The draft plan proposes changes to zoning and building-height limits to support a wider range of housing options, from townhouses to multigenerational living and apartments. It also outlines intentions to strengthen local business activity, improve walkability, encourage greater use of public transport, and enhance key areas including Glindemann Park, Mt Gravatt Plaza and surrounding precincts. BCC has stated it intends to maintain Mt Gravatt’s existing character even as new development proceeds.
Public consultation is currently open until 14 December 2025, giving residents time to review the details and provide feedback through Council’s website.
Why Koala Preservation Must Be Part of the Plan
Mt Gravatt sits along a network of koala movement routes that stretch between Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve, the Showgrounds, Glindemann Park, Whites Hill, Panorama Place and the Bulimba Creek corridor. These green pockets allow koalas to move between feeding and resting sites — but that movement is already becoming increasingly dangerous.
Local wildlife groups have expressed alarm following reports of 113 koala deaths in 2024 within 6 kilometres of Whites Hill Reserve, an area that includes suburbs close to Mt Gravatt. Several fatalities have also been recorded within Mt Gravatt itself. One case that deeply affected the community was that of “Luke,” a well-known koala who was fatally struck on the M3 after surviving two previous vehicle collisions in less than a year.
Habitat loss, fragmentation and road strikes continue to place stress on the species, and advocates warn that without strong protections, increased development could worsen these risks.
What Residents and Wildlife Advocates Want Included
Community groups, conservation organisations and many local residents are calling for clear, wildlife-safe design requirements to be incorporated into the renewal plan. These include:
Retaining mature trees and koala food gums, especially those along established movement pathways.
Protecting and expanding wildlife corridors so koalas can move safely between reserves and bushland areas.
Introducing wildlife-safe traffic and infrastructure design, such as lower speed limits in key zones, wildlife-sensitive lighting, clear signage, and safe-movement solutions like underpasses or escape routes where needed.
Some measures are already being trialled in nearby suburbs. Recent reporting highlights the installation of fauna escape hatches along Boundary Road near Eric Sivell Park, designed to help koalas move away from danger zones and return to surrounding bushland.
A Critical Opportunity for Mt Gravatt — and Its Koalas
Advocates emphasise that thoughtful planning can allow development and wildlife protection to work together, rather than compete. They warn that without strong safeguards, further habitat reduction and increased vehicle risks could threaten the few remaining koalas in Mt Gravatt.
But with consultation still open, residents have a meaningful opportunity to influence the final precinct plan. By submitting feedback, locals can help ensure that Mt Gravatt’s renewal strengthens the community while preserving the wildlife that makes the suburb unique.
Centenarian Rosa Tominich has marked a rare milestone at Carinity Wishart Gardens, where residents and visiting family gathered to honour her remarkable journey from Italy to the heart of the local community.
Born in Frosinone, Italy, Rosa grew up as the only daughter in a family of four children. She spent her childhood helping her mother mend clothes, walking long distances for bread during wartime shortages and swimming with her brothers whenever they could find a free moment.
She later married Stelio Tominich in Trieste before the couple migrated to Australia by boat. After arriving in 1954, they spent two years at the Bonegilla immigration camp in Victoria before moving to Sydney, where they built a new life through persistent work and community ties.
Building a New Life in Australia
Rosa became an Australian citizen in 1960 and worked across industries that reflected the growing nation’s needs, from producing garments in a Bond’s factory to assembling glasses components and tending a tobacco farm in Tenterfield. Her family described her as someone who was always in motion, committed to caring for those around her. Her granddaughter said Rosa’s life showed how duty shaped her days and how she made sure her family felt supported wherever they lived.
A New Chapter in Wishart
After her husband’s passing and later the loss of her youngest son, she lived in several parts of Queensland before settling at Carinity Wishart Gardens. Staff and family say she continues to bring warmth into the aged care community, especially when watching animal videos that never fail to make her smile.
Rosa is also remembered for quietly bringing home a kitten hidden under her shirt when she was 80, a moment that her relatives still enjoy retelling. Her family travelled from across Australia, including the Gold Coast, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Canberra, to celebrate her milestone at the Wishrt home.
With six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Rosa is regarded as the heart of her growing family. They describe her as a source of strength who encourages them with her favourite saying, reminding them that every day brings another chance to keep going.
A male koala perched on the roof of St Agnes Primary School in Mt Gravatt drew urgent attention from residents after he became stuck with no safe way back to nearby trees, highlighting how close wildlife is living to suburban hazards.
The incident happened after volunteers from Koala Rescue Brisbane South had been watching the koala in a large eucalypt near the school grounds. Residents said the koala climbed onto an overhanging branch, then stepped onto the roof.
Once there, he found no clear route back. The gap between the roof and the tree made the jump risky, and he paced for some time before deciding what to do. Volunteers prepared to help if needed, but the koala eventually made the leap and reached the trunk safely.
Calls For Better Habitat Protection
Comments from locals showed rising concern about shrinking habitat and daily dangers koalas face. Some residents stated that koalas near the school face more complex situations than they do in forests, with roofs, fences, dogs and traffic adding risks.
Others said the community should demand stronger protection for habitat so koalas can move safely between trees without entering unsafe areas.
Push For More Support Services
Several commenters said the area needs secure spaces where koalas are monitored and kept safe. Others asked for more attention from local leaders, while still keeping the message centred on community cooperation.
Many thanked the volunteers who check on wildlife near Mt Gravatt, noting that their fast response helps prevent injuries.
Community Response And Shared Alerts
Residents shared the incident in community groups across the south-east Brisbane suburbs to raise awareness. Many urged neighbours to drive slower near known koala areas, keep dogs indoors at night and store rescue contact numbers in case an animal needs help.
They said simple actions from residents make a difference in keeping wildlife safe. Local rescue contacts for emergencies include Koala Rescue Brisbane South on 0424 807 470, Queensland Koala Society on 0419 709 639, RSPCA on 1300 264 625 and Wildcare on 5527 2444.
St Bernard’s Primary School in Upper Mount Gravatt is currently renovating the existing Penola building. The redesigned facility will feature two new dedicated Prep classrooms and three new Year 1 and 2 classrooms, all tailored to support a variety of learning styles and social interactions.
While builders carry out the work, the school’s youngest learners have been visiting the site in high-vis vests and hard hats to watch progress on the spaces that will become their classrooms. The renovation is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 Prep cohort.
Principal Daniel Hodge said the project was developed with student needs in mind. “The school leadership team worked closely with architects to ensure the new environment is both contemporary and inspiring,” Mr Hodge said. “The classrooms have been thoughtfully planned with flexibility and wellbeing in mind, incorporating natural light, smart storage solutions and dedicated sensory corners to support everything from small group learning to imaginative play.”
Principal Daniel Hodge with students at the external facade of the Penola building (Photo supplied)
The redevelopment refocuses the former Prep building to provide flexible learning spaces for early years students. A central corridor will serve as a hub for creativity and collaboration and will include tiered seating, informal gathering zones and quiet reading nooks. According to the school, these features are intended to give teachers adaptable areas for group and independent activities.
“The design of the building is focused on encouraging our early learning students to engage, explore and connect in meaningful ways,” Mr Hodge said. He added that the new spaces are designed to support early learning educators to adapt environments for diverse teaching approaches. “This will provide the critical foundation for students to start their successful academic journey, incorporating a play-based and curriculum-focused learning experience,” he said.
Artist’s impression of activity zone by architects Punch Design (Photo supplied)
The works include a refreshed façade and roof. The school says these upgrades will improve comfort and energy efficiency for the building. The Penola project complements recent improvements elsewhere on the Upper Mount Gravatt campus, which include a revitalised Early Learning playground with an in-ground trampoline, new amenities, and refreshed library and classroom spaces within the Administration building.
As the building work continues, staff, students and families have been engaged with the project through on-site visits and school communications. The redevelopment is intended to deliver purpose-built learning spaces for the school’s youngest cohorts and align with the school’s approach to early learning.
For families wanting further details about the school or enrolment, St Bernard’s provides enrolment information and a visit-booking process on its website.
On October 4, the Upper Mount Gravatt Wishart Parish welcomed parishioners and their pets for the annual Pet Blessing Liturgy. The event coincided with the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, and provided an opportunity for families to celebrate their pets and the joy they bring to daily life.
The Pet Blessing Liturgy is an established tradition at the parish. Fr Francis Fernandes led the ceremony, which took place in the parish community centre. Attendees brought a variety of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits, each receiving a blessing. The service included prayers and rituals recognising the bond between humans and animals.
St Francis of Assisi inspired the focus of the liturgy. Known for his respect and care for all living creatures, he viewed animals as part of God’s creation. The parish’s event reflected this philosophy, providing a space for parishioners to gather with their pets in a shared celebration.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of the parish’s participation in the Season of Creation, a time dedicated to appreciating the natural world and all living beings. For many attendees, the blessing was a meaningful occasion to pause and acknowledge the companionship of their pets. Families shared the experience together, bringing children and adults alike to witness and participate in the liturgy.
The gathering fostered a sense of community, as people from Upper Mount Gravatt and surrounding suburbs came together to celebrate the animals that enrich their lives. By offering blessings for pets, the parish continues to honour the tradition of St Francis and provide opportunities for parishioners to connect through shared values and faith.
The annual Pet Blessing Liturgy has become a valued event in the parish calendar, highlighting the bonds between humans and animals and the place of pets in everyday life. The parish encourages those interested to visit their website or social media pages for information about upcoming liturgies and community activities.
A development application for land at 23 and 25 Cremin Street, Upper Mt Gravatt, was lodged on 1 August 2025 under reference A006830995. The record creation was finalised on 5 August 2025. The project, designed by VSA Design, is categorised as a Material Change of Use and requires Impact Assessment, as the planned height exceeds the neighbourhood plan’s five-storey benchmark.
Photo Credit: DA/A006830995
Development Details
The proposal outlines an eight-storey residential building with 40 units, made up of 14 two-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom apartments.
Parking plans include 91 car spaces for residents and visitors, along with seven motorcycle bays and 50 bicycle parking spaces. Communal facilities cover 210.83 square metres across rooftop and ground levels, supported by 185.16 square metres of deep planting with subtropical vegetation. Vehicle access is proposed from Cremin Street.
Planning and Design
The development has been designed to align with the Medium Density Residential Zone under the Mount Gravatt Corridor Neighbourhood Plan. The project will replace existing dwellings on the site and is positioned near transport links, services, and Westfield Garden City.
Landscape design has been prepared by AGLA, with Devalign listed as both applicant and consultant. The assessment officer for the application is Jack Woolston.
Photo Credit: DA/A006830995
Assessment Process
The application was confirmed as properly made on 6 August 2025. An information request was issued on 3 September 2025, and the proposal is currently marked as “In Progress – With Customer.”
As an Impact Assessable development, the proposal will require public notification. Submissions may be made during that period, and properly made submissions will provide submitters with appeal rights when Council makes its decision.
The Cremin Street proposal remains under review with no decision date yet set. The outcome will depend on the completion of the public notification stage and further assessment steps.
Officers from the Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol have increased their focus on road safety, intercepting a series of dangerous drivers on southside roads as thousands of children return to school and police launch a statewide motorcycle safety campaign.
With the spring school holidays ending, Brisbane drivers are being reminded to readjust to busier roads and active school zones. The increased police presence is part of the ongoing Operation Xray Spring Break, but it also marks the beginning of October’s Motorcycle Awareness Month, a statewide effort by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to highlight the vulnerability of riders. The timing is critical, as two motorcyclists tragically lost their lives in separate crashes across Queensland in the 24 hours leading up to the campaign.
Reckless Behaviour on Local Roads
The call for caution follows two recent incidents in the area handled by the Mt Gravatt patrol. On the evening of 27 September, an officer conducting speed checks on the Gateway Motorway near Stretton intercepted a motorcyclist allegedly travelling at 168 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. The 25-year-old Capalaba man received a $1,919 fine, a six-month licence disqualification, and his motorbike was immobilised for seven days.
Just a few days later, on 1 October, another Mt Gravatt officer witnessed a driver allegedly performing a burnout at a red light in Park Ridge. When the officer instructed the driver to pull over, the man allegedly performed a second burnout while reversing. The 48-year-old Boronia Heights man was charged with two counts of wilfully making unnecessary noise or smoke and his car was impounded. He is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on 21 October.
Police are stressing that road safety is a responsibility shared by everyone in the community. Inspector Gareth Bosley of the QPS’s Road Policing Command explained that motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of modern car safety features, and a simple moment of inattention from a driver at an intersection or while changing lanes can have devastating results for a rider. He urged drivers to actively check their blind spots and give riders enough space, while reminding motorcyclists to wear protective gear and ride to the conditions.
Closer to home, Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Jordan specifically reminded the community that reduced speed limits in school zones are now back in effect to ensure children, who are often walking or cycling, can get to and from school safely. He encouraged all motorists to stick to the speed limit and remain vigilant, particularly around school crossings.
These safety campaigns are underscored by sobering statistics. As of early October, the road toll in Queensland stood at 231 lives lost for the year. Within the Brisbane region, 33 fatalities have been recorded, with 24 of those occurring on the city’s southside. The statewide total for motorcyclist fatalities has now reached 46 for the year, a stark reminder of the risks faced on the road every day.
Upper Mount Gravatt’s Clairvaux MacKillop College is once again hosting its Battle of the ROCK Bands Festival, a three-night celebration of young Queensland talent that has grown from a small school event into a major student rock showcase.
Now in its eighth year, the festival will take place from 9 to 11 October, with an exclusive media preview on Thursday morning, 9 October. The event will see over 1,000 student performers take the stage, representing 30 schools across Queensland. From classic covers to original songs, these young musicians will perform with professional lighting, pyrotechnics, and full live staging.
Event co-founder and teacher John Daly said it’s a milestone year for the college. “This is a special year as we have our 1000th student performer ready to hit the stage,” he said. “We’re also celebrating our 100th student crew member working backstage in 2025. It’s such an achievement from what started as a small, simple event in 2016 to now a three-day festival.”
Daly, along with school officer Tim Hondroudakis, started Battle of the ROCK Bands after realising there were few opportunities for young musicians to perform live. What began as a one-night show in 2017 has expanded each year, giving more students the chance to perform and collaborate.
“We created the event in 2016 because there was no avenue for school-aged musicians to perform their craft,” the organisers said in a joint statement. “After careful planning, we staged the first Battle in 2017, and it’s been growing ever since.”
The festival also showcases the work of student crew members who assist with lighting, sound, and stage production. It gives participants practical experience in running live events, complementing what they learn in the classroom.
The event has become a highlight for the Clairvaux MacKillop College community, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate their shared love of music. It also highlights the school’s commitment to creative learning and performance.
This year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet. Audiences can expect “epic performances” from student bands channelling raw energy and musical passion. With fireworks, smoke machines, and strobes, the festival continues to give students a taste of what performing on a professional stage feels like.
As the amps warm up and the instruments tune, Battle of the ROCK Bands Festival stands as a testament to how local schools can nurture young talent, one song, one band, and one unforgettable night at a time.
When the smell of crispy fried chicken drifts across Mt Gravatt this week, locals will know something new has arrived. The Sydney-born brand Pappa Flock has chosen Westfield Mt Gravatt for its biggest restaurant to date, bringing with it the same crunch, TikTok-famous Flock Boxes, and buzz that saw hundreds queue at its Chermside launch last month.
The official opening takes place on Thursday, 2 October at 12:00 p.m., and the first 100 visitors will walk away with $100 gift cards. From there, the celebration will spill into the weekend with live DJs and a steady flow of the brand’s much-talked-about Flock Boxes. It’s the kind of fanfare the team hopes will turn Mt Gravatt into its next community stronghold.
At Chermside, some customers stood in line for up to four hours just to be among the first to try the viral chicken. Marketing staff described the turnout as overwhelming and a proud moment, one that reinforced the appetite Queenslanders have for the brand’s Sydney take on American-style tenders.
Built for locals
While the food might carry an American influence, the business is quick to point out its roots are firmly Australian. The Mt Gravatt store is designed with families in mind, offering space for 80 diners in an open-air setting, splashed with colourful murals and fitted out with an air hockey table for children and groups to enjoy.
Every detail ties back to the idea of food made fresh. Staff squeeze about 2,500 lemons daily for the brand’s signature lemonade, while each chicken tender is hand-breaded on site. Head chef Eddie’s family recipe for buttery toast is another menu staple locals can expect alongside wraps, sandwiches, and the signature sauces.
The chicken itself is free-range, Halal-certified, and hand-breaded daily to achieve what fans call the ‘Pappa crunch.’
Mt Gravatt marks Pappa Flock’s eleventh restaurant, with nine already across Sydney and one at Chermside. More locations are expected in 2025, reflecting the growing following across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. For now, the team says it is focused on making sure Mt Gravatt feels every bit as welcome as the original community in Sydney’s suburbs.
Westfield Mt Gravatt, on the corner of Logan and Kessels Roads, will host the restaurant within its outdoor dining precinct. With space, music, and its now-famous crunchy chicken, Pappa Flock is setting out to become part of the southside’s dining rhythm.
