Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 4 of 39

Disney and Pixar’s Cars Event To Roll Into Mt Gravatt

Westfield Mt Gravatt will feature Disney and Pixar’s Cars Activity Zone these school holidays, offering hands-on activities for children and families.

Disney and Pixar’s Cars Arrive In Mt Gravatt

Westfield Mt Gravatt is one of several Queensland centres teaming up with Disney to bring Cars-themed activities to families this September school holiday period.

From Monday, 22 September, to Friday, 26 September, the Cars Activity Zone will run daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Level 1 near Telstra. Activities are centred around popular Cars characters, with opportunities to create personalised pencil cases and paint themed plasters. Visitors at select centres may also receive LED light-up bands as part of the experience.

Prize Trip To Disneyland Resort

As part of the program, Westfield members can enter a competition to win a family trip to Disneyland Resort in California. The prize includes a three-night stay and return economy airfares for two adults and two children in partnership with Flight Centre.

The competition runs from 18 September to 13 October, with entries available daily through the Westfield app.

Activities Not Included In Queensland

While some Westfield centres across Australia will host Cars: Drive-In Stories and other large-scale attractions such as a life-sized Lightning McQueen at Westfield Knox in Victoria, these features will not be part of the Mt Gravatt program.

What Families Can Expect In Mt Gravatt

For Mt Gravatt, the Cars Activity Zone will focus on a series of craft-based activities for children over the five-day period. The program is located in a central section of the shopping centre, providing an accessible option for families during the school holidays.

Looking Ahead

Westfield Mt Gravatt’s Cars Activity Zone provides a local school holiday program built around creative activities and supported by a national competition, giving families the chance to experience Cars Land in California.

Published 22-Sep-2025

Young Owner Quadruples Sales at Mt Gravatt Chicken Shop with Father’s Recipe

Photo Credit: Sizzling Birds/ Facebook

An unforgettable charcoal chicken, seasoned with a secret family recipe and cooked over smoky mangrove charcoal, is drawing diners from all over Southeast Queensland to a small, bustling shop in Mt Gravatt.

Five years ago, Kesra Sefian took a leap of faith. He used savings from his shisha delivery business to buy the charcoal chicken shop his parents had been running for just over a year. While they had experience from a similar venture in Sydney decades earlier, they found the Brisbane market much tougher. Sefian saw the potential and decided to purchase the business from them, repaying their initial investment and setting out to build on their foundation.

A Modern Twist on Tradition

The heart of Sizzling Birds remains its food, which is deeply rooted in family history. The signature chicken is based on one of his father’s Lebanese-inspired recipes. Sefian explained that his father experimented with about five different marinades, but when he landed on the current one, his son knew it was a winner. He insisted on keeping that specific recipe when he took over the business.

While he honours his father’s creation of Middle Eastern herbs, sea salt, and fresh lemon, Sefian has adapted processes to keep up with overwhelming demand. He no longer brines the halal-sourced birds, a step his father used to take, noting that the difference in flavour is minimal compared to the time saved. The chicken is cooked over mangrove charcoal, which Sefian says provides a perfect smoky flavour. The family connection continues at the front counter, where cookie pies from his mother’s business, Get Stuffed Cookie Pies, are sold.

Building a Community Hub

Sefian credits much of the shop’s explosive growth to his focus on digital marketing, using platforms like Instagram to build a following and attract new customers. This modern approach has turned the small shop in the Civic Fair shopping complex into a well-known name in Brisbane’s food scene.

The strategy has paid off, creating a diverse and loyal customer base. On any given night, the shop is bustling with a mix of longtime locals and families who have driven from as far as Ipswich and the Gold Coast. Sefian noted the strong support from the area’s large Greek community, alongside other migrant families and local Aussies. The menu has also expanded to include hugely popular halal snack packs, grilled chicken burgers, and wings.

The success of Sizzling Birds is a story of generational change, where a son’s belief in a family recipe, paired with a modern business mindset, has created a thriving community hub. After years of hard work, Sefian remarked that the business is finally doing well enough for him to pay himself a wage.

Published Date 15-September-2025

Brooki Bakehouse Expands With New Store in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

Brooki Bakehouse has opened a new store at Westfield Mt Gravatt, expanding its Brisbane presence alongside a Gold Coast location at Pacific Fair.

From Fortitude Valley to Mt Gravatt

Founded by Brisbane local Brooke Bellamy in 2022, Brooki Bakehouse first gained attention at its Fortitude Valley store, where viral cookies drew queues and a large online following. The brand’s reputation has since grown internationally, attracting visitors eager to sample its popular baked goods.

The new Mt Gravatt outlet is located on Level 1 of Westfield Mt Gravatt, near Sephora. Customers can now access Brooki’s signature products, including its best-selling stuffed cookies such as Biscoff and Nutella flavours, along with a wider range of sweet treats.

Brisbane bakery — Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

Expansion Across Queensland

In May 2025, Bellamy announced the opening of two new Queensland stores — Westfield Mt Gravatt and Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast — as well as an international pop-up in the United Arab Emirates later in the year. By 3 July 2025, the Pacific Fair kiosk had launched with large crowds in attendance, and by late August both Queensland stores were fully open.

The Pacific Fair store is currently trading as a kiosk on the ground floor near Cotton On. While temporary, Brooki Bakehouse is seeking a permanent space within the centre.

Cookbook Controversy

The expansion followed a plagiarism scandal earlier in 2025, when RecipeTin Eats cook Nagi Maehashi accused Bellamy of reproducing recipes in her cookbook Bake with Brooki. U.S. baker Sally McKenney also raised allegations. Bellamy and her publisher Penguin Random House Australia denied the claims, though the issue sparked strong debate across the food community.

At the time of the allegations, Bellamy’s cookbook had already achieved more than $4 million in sales. Maehashi indicated she was not seeking financial compensation but suggested a charitable donation from Bellamy and the publisher.

Business Resilience

Despite the online scrutiny, Bellamy continued to engage her audience with weekly social media updates and pregnancy announcements. In May 2025, Brooki Bakehouse celebrated its third anniversary at the Fortitude Valley store, where customers lined up early for free cookies and to meet Bellamy.

Looking Ahead

With Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast stores now operational, Brooki Bakehouse is preparing to expand further overseas with its UAE pop-up later this year. The business continues to grow its presence, with demand for its signature products showing no signs of slowing.

Published 11-Sep-2025

Yarranlea Primary School Future Unclear as Mt Gravatt Campus Winds Down

Photo Credit: Yarranlea Primary School

Yarranlea Primary School and community facilities at Mt Gravatt face uncertainty as Griffith University transitions its long-standing campus operations to Nathan.

Background and Campus History

Griffith University is winding down operations at its Mt Gravatt campus, with students and staff transitioning to Nathan. The university has said the move will allow resources to be consolidated and improve access for the community.

The site began in 1969 as the Brisbane College of Advanced Education and merged with Griffith University in January 1990. It became known for its programs in education, criminology, psychology, and social sciences. Griffith College also operated there until its relocation to Brisbane CBD in 2024.

Yarranlea Primary School’s Position

Yarranlea Primary School, located within the Mt Gravatt grounds, has a long and shifting history. It first opened in 1883 and was later closed in 1977. The heritage-listed building was moved to the Mt Gravatt campus in 1979, where it was initially used as a display school before reopening as Old Yarranlea State School in 1987. After another closure in 2013, it reopened as an independent school in July 2014.

As of 2024, enrolment sat between 56 and 60 students from prep to year 6. Members of its board have raised concerns that the school cannot expand due to restrictions on using nearby teaching spaces. Suggestions have been made to repurpose existing buildings and to turn the campus tennis courts into a community hub.

Mt Gravatt campus — Photo Credit: Yarranlea Primary School

Aquatic and Sporting Facilities

The Mt Gravatt Aquatic and Fitness Centre has been earmarked for closure, with operations expected to cease at the end of 2025 unless a new operator is secured. The centre has been a base for swimming lessons, school carnivals, and community fitness.

The university has stated that other facilities on the site will remain supported until mid-2026. Community members have emphasised the importance of the aquatic centre in maintaining health and social connection.

SIGN THE PETITION

Stakeholder Interests and Alternatives

The 42-hectare campus site has attracted attention from different groups. Public housing advocates have expressed interest in utilising part of the land as a response to housing demand. At the same time, Yarranlea Primary School is seeking space to accommodate growth.

Mt Gravatt campus closure — Photo Credit: Yarranlea Primary School/Facebook

Community Sentiment

Former students have described the Mt Gravatt campus as quiet, accessible, and closely linked, with its café noted as a highlight. Many residents have voiced support for keeping Yarranlea Primary School active and preserving local recreational spaces, including the aquatic centre.

Outlook

The gradual transition of Griffith University’s operations to Nathan has left the future of Yarranlea Primary School and the wider Mt Gravatt site unresolved. With interests ranging from education to housing and community recreation, the eventual use of the campus land remains uncertain.

Published 5-Sep-2025

Petition Grows to Save Aquatic Centre on Former Griffith Campus

The looming closure of a much-loved swimming pool has become the focal point in the debate over the future of the former Griffith University Mount Gravatt campus.

Read: From Heritage to Higher Learning: Griffith University in Nathan Expands into Iconic Treasury Building

The 42-hectare site, perched in Toohey Forest near the summit of Mount Gravatt Mountain, was vacated earlier this year as the university consolidated operations at its Nathan campus and prepared for its new Brisbane City base.

Photo credit: Griffith University Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Mt Gravatt/Facebook

The campus still contains student dormitories, lecture halls, an auditorium, Yarranlea Primary School, tennis courts, and the Mount Gravatt Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

It is the aquatic centre that has drawn the most urgent attention. Unless a new operator is secured, the pool is set to close at the end of 2025 when Griffith’s lease expires, leaving the community without a key facility. Nearly 1000 people have already signed a petition via Change.org calling on Queensland to step in and ensure the pool’s survival.

The petition highlights the role the pool has played for decades, not just as a fitness venue but as a hub for community life. Generations of local children have learned to swim there, while schools have relied on its waters for swimming carnivals. Residents say the centre has promoted healthy lifestyles and provided a vital meeting place that fosters community spirit.

Its closure would affect both the families who rely on it and the staff who live locally, with no immediate alternatives in the area. Petition organisers argue that the loss of the facility would disrupt school programs and swimming education while stripping the community of an important social and recreational hub.

The wider campus remains in limbo, with speculation over whether it could be repurposed for housing, education facilities, or commercial development. Plans to convert the former student accommodation into emergency housing were abandoned in 2022 due to bushfire risks and prohibitive upgrade costs, despite millions already spent on partial works.

Yarranlea Primary School, located within the site, has also flagged interest in expanding into unused spaces to cater for growing enrolments. Urban researchers have suggested the land could be suitable for a new selective high school or academy, while others argue that some cleared areas could be redeveloped for high-density housing or even returned to bushland.

Read: Griffith University and PsiQuantum to Open Quantum Computing Test Lab

For now, however, the pool remains at the heart of the discussion. Local residents are urging the state government to act quickly, warning that its closure would be a major blow to community wellbeing.

Published 5-September-2025

Geoff Toakley Park Bridge Reopens After Major Upgrade

Geoff Toakley Park in Mount Gravatt East has reopened its bridge after a major replacement, giving locals back a safe crossing closed earlier this year.

Community Link Restored at Geoff Toakley Park

The bridge at Geoff Toakley Park in Mount Gravatt East has been replaced and is now open to the public, restoring a key connection for local residents.

*Photo Credit: cr.ryan.murphy/instagram*

The old timber structure was closed earlier this year after it was deemed unsafe, but the new bridge will provide a safe crossing point for years to come.

Why the Upgrade Was Needed

The previous bridge had reached the end of its service life and could no longer be safely used. Its closure left a gap in the park’s pedestrian and cycling link, a feature used regularly by families, walkers and joggers in the area.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cr Ryan Murphy (@cr.ryan.murphy)

The new bridge was constructed to ensure the park remains both safe and accessible.

Benefits for the Local Community

The reopening of the bridge reconnects the shared pathways in Geoff Toakley Park, which include walking and cycling tracks. Parents with children, runners, and cyclists can once again move freely through the space without detours.

The park itself offers a playground, water facilities, and shaded areas, making it a popular spot for families. With the bridge back in place, the flow of visitors can return to normal.

Looking Ahead

The completed bridge project is a boost for the Mount Gravatt East community. Residents now have a reliable link within the park that supports everyday recreation and active transport.

It’s a small but meaningful change that ensures Geoff Toakley Park continues to serve as a safe and welcoming outdoor space.

Published 28-August-2025

Mt Gravatt Joins Nationwide Women’s Health Week with Local Pop-up Stall

Shoppers at Westfield Mt Gravatt will be able to access free health information and resources during Women’s Health Week (1–5 September), as the centre hosts a special information stall to encourage locals to put their wellbeing first.

Read: Lifeblood Launches Mt Gravatt Blood Donation Site

The national campaign, run by not-for-profit organisation Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, is Australia’s largest event dedicated to women’s health. This year’s theme, “Say yes to you”, is about reminding women to prioritise their own health rather than putting it last.

Women’s Health Week — Photo credit: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health/Facebook

Starting 1 September, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health will release a new tool designed to make it easier for women to keep track of their health checks. By completing a short questionnaire, women will receive a tailored list of recommended check-ups along with guidance on when they should be done.

Across Queensland, iconic landmarks such as Suncorp Stadium, Victoria Bridge and Reddacliff Place will also light up purple during the week to shine a spotlight on women’s health issues.

Jean Hailes CEO Dr Sarah White said the campaign encourages women to make time for their health, from booking check-ups to looking after their mental wellbeing.

The week will highlight topics such as heart health, chronic pain and mental wellbeing, with new expert-led resources released daily online. More than 2,200 community events are taking place nationwide to support the initiative.

Read: Playtime Revolution: Area 51 Garden City Opens in Mt Gravatt

They are also welcoming enthusiastic volunteers to lend a hand on the ground and support the week’s activities. Mt Gravatt residents can learn more at the stall or by visiting www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week.

About Jean Hailes for Women’s Health

Photo credit: Jean Hailes for Women’s Health/Facebook

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting women’s health and wellbeing at every stage of life.

Established in 1992 in memory of respected medical practitioner Dr Jean Hailes, the organisation continues her vision of improving women’s lives by providing practical, evidence-based information. Dr Hailes is recognised as a pioneer in menopause care in Australia, and her legacy remains central to the organisation’s work today.

Published 21-August-2025

Classical Education Academy Expands in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy

A Mt Gravatt school has become a leading part of Australia’s classical education movement, offering traditional teaching methods as an alternative to mainstream approaches.

Background and Origins

The St John of Kronstadt Academy in Upper Mount Gravatt was formally established in 2022 and accredited in 2023 to operate classes from Preparatory to Year 6. Located at 13/2120 Logan Road, the school opened in 2024 with the support of the Orthodox community and has capacity for up to 60 students under its current lease, which runs until 2026.

The idea for the academy originated in 2017, inspired by the birth of the founder’s daughter. A feasibility plan was prepared in 2021, leading to its registration as a not-for-profit entity the following year.

Mt Gravatt classical education — Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy

Focus on Classical Education

The Mt Gravatt school embraces classical education, rejecting modern digital-focused teaching in favour of explicit instruction, phonics, numeracy, and cursive handwriting. Lessons feature literature such as Aesop’s fables and Brothers Grimm stories, as well as recitation and chanting to aid memory.

Technology is avoided in the early years, with an emphasis on books and artwork. The aim is to foster literacy, mathematical skills, and reasoning as a foundation for later learning.

International Context and Local Development

The approach follows a trend that began in the United States, where more than 1,500 classical schools serve over 400,000 students in a sector valued at $12 billion.

In Australia, new classical schools have opened in Sydney and Adelaide, with Mt Gravatt hosting the first classical Orthodox academy in the country. A recent conference in Brisbane featured educators from the United States, who highlighted the importance of studying history in full rather than omitting difficult topics.

Funding and Operations

Parents contribute $5,000 annually in tuition, while additional support comes through federal and state funding to cover teaching staff and operational costs. The academy currently employs two teachers and a teacher aide.

Community Sentiment

Public responses to the rise of classical education have been strongly supportive. Online discussions emphasise the value of traditional teaching, the encouragement of debate, and the focus on critical thinking. A smaller number of comments raised concerns about balancing these traditions with modern educational needs.

book a tour

Future Plans

Planning is under way for a larger site of about four acres to expand the school into a full primary and secondary campus. A building grant application is proposed for 2025, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026 and the new Mt Gravatt academy expected to open in 2027.

Published 20-Aug-2025

Koala Luke Fatally Struck on M3 in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White's Hill/Facebook

A young koala known as Luke has died after being struck by a vehicle in Mt Gravatt for the third time in under nine months, prompting renewed concerns over habitat safety.

Repeated Incidents on Urban Roads

A koala referred to as Luke was fatally struck on the M3 in Upper Mt Gravatt in July 2025. This marked the third time he had been hit by a vehicle within a nine-month period. The first incident occurred in October 2024 on Creek Road in Mt Gravatt East, followed by a second collision on the M3 in April 2025. While he had previously survived both events and was released with ear tag #1613, the most recent impact proved fatal.

Luke was approximately 4.5 years old at the time of his death and had not yet reached full breeding maturity, raising concerns about the long-term survival of the local koala population.

Mt Gravatt’s Urban Pressures on Koalas

Luke’s death is part of a broader trend affecting koalas in and around the Mt Gravatt region. Conservation groups have pointed to habitat fragmentation, urban road infrastructure, and the lack of safe crossings as key contributors to koala mortality.

In 2024 alone, 113 koala deaths were recorded in the area surrounding Whites Hill Reserve, with nearly 70 percent of those occurring during the four-month breeding season. The region known as “Brisbane’s Triangle of Death”—bounded by Mount Gravatt Mountain, Seven Hills Reserve, and Bulimba Creek—has been identified as a hotspot for incidents, with Whites Hill at its centre.

Koala Luke — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Koala Activity Patterns and Risk

Koalas are typically active for roughly 20 percent of the day, mainly between dusk and dawn. During these hours, they move between trees in search of food, territory, or mates. These natural behaviours bring them into increased contact with roads and urban developments.

Community organisations report that even small changes can reduce risks, such as walking dogs on leads, driving cautiously at night, and maintaining trees in yards and footpaths. In particular, planting more trees and creating accessible escape paths for koalas are suggested as simple protective measures.

Public Reaction and Concerns

Local conservation pages have documented strong public responses following Luke’s death, with residents expressing frustration over repeated incidents in the same area. Many community members have raised concerns about the long-term viability of koala populations in suburban environments and questioned the adequacy of wildlife protections and urban planning in koala zones.

Concerns have also been raised about whether current monitoring efforts are sufficient, with uncertainty about the number of remaining koalas in the region and whether the local population may already be nearing functional extinction.

koala death — Photo Credit: Save the Koalas and Wallabies of White’s Hill/Facebook

Outlook for Wildlife in Mt Gravatt

Without changes to road planning, habitat management, and community awareness, conservation groups warn that further losses are likely. Luke’s case has drawn renewed attention to existing blackspots and the consequences of infrastructure intersecting with native wildlife corridors.

As breeding season continues, advocates urge residents to remain alert and take preventative measures to reduce further incidents involving koalas across Mt Gravatt and surrounding suburbs.

Published 29-July-2025

Community Feedback Shapes Future Development in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Redevelopment plans for the Mt Gravatt Centre are now being realigned, focusing on housing options, infrastructure upgrades, and improved public spaces before a second round of community consultations late this year.

The initial round yielded mixed feedback, from residents on concerns such as potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, street parking, local koala movements and habitat protection, and commercial spaces for retailers.

Suburban Renewal Initiative Targets Mt Gravatt

A planning initiative is underway to guide the long-term renewal of the Mt Gravatt Centre. The project forms part of a broader effort to revitalise underutilised suburban areas through targeted development and infrastructure improvements.

The Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan aims to deliver more diverse housing, support employment growth, and enhance liveability in the area. The proposal also contributes to regional development targets outlined in the 2023 ShapingSEQ strategy.

Initial community consultation for this stage of the project closed on 13 July 2025. Public input is now under review to inform the next draft phase.

Mt Gravatt precinct plan — Photo Credit: BCC

Focus Areas and Strategic Themes

The plan is structured around four priorities: increasing housing supply, revitalising business and retail areas, improving local transport links, and enhancing outdoor spaces to reflect the area’s subtropical climate.

The precinct is concentrated along the Logan Road corridor and is expected to deliver new residential and commercial opportunities. The proposal includes a review of zoning rules and building height limits to support a wider range of housing types, including single-occupant dwellings, family homes, and multigenerational arrangements.

Local Perspectives and Submissions

Feedback from residents reflected mixed views on the changes. Several community members welcomed new green space, improved walkability, and support for small businesses. However, concerns were raised about potential overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and reduced street parking.

Submissions highlighted narrow roads and existing safety risks in streets such as Miriam and Pickthorne, where increased density could worsen access for pedestrians and emergency services.

Multiple contributions referenced the area’s wildlife presence, particularly koala movements and habitat corridors. Others expressed a preference for moderate development that included community parks, affordable housing, and commercial spaces for independent retailers.

Suggestions were also made to repurpose vacant or degraded sites for townhouse developments or mixed-use buildings with improved pedestrian access.

Draft Plan and Timeline

Planners are now preparing a draft version of the Mt Gravatt Centre precinct plan, incorporating community feedback and technical assessments. A second round of public consultation is expected in late 2025.

Following this, the finalised version is due in mid-2026. Once endorsed by the relevant planning bodies, it will be added to the current local planning scheme and used to assess future development applications.

Published 29-July-2025