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Centenarian Honoured at Wishart Gardens

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.

A Life Spanning Continents and Change

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.

Published 17-Nov-2025

St Agnes Primary School Koala Rescue Sparks Community Concern

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

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.

Rescue At A Local School

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.

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

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.

Published 14-November-2025

St Bernard’s Primary Begins Penola Building Transformation for Youngest Learners

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.

Read: Developer Seeks Changes To ‘The Pavilion’ In Upper Mt Gravatt

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.

Read: Street Spotlight: Abbeville Street, Upper Mt Gravatt

For families wanting further details about the school or enrolment, St Bernard’s provides enrolment information and a visit-booking process on its website.

Published 6-November-2025

Pets and Parishioners Unite for St Francis Day Blessing in Mount Gravatt

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.

Read: Koala Deaths Spark Fox Control Calls in Mt Gravatt

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.

Photo credit: Facebook/Upper Mt Gravatt Wishart Catholic Parish

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.

Read: Greek Orthodox Youth Gather in Mt Gravatt to Celebrate Faith and Community

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.

Published 20-October-2025

Eight-Storey Apartment Proposal in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: DA/A006830995

A proposal has been lodged for an eight-storey residential building at 23 and 25 Cremin Street, Upper Mt Gravatt, featuring 40 apartments.

Background and Context

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.

Brisbane property — 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.

Upper Mt Gravatt development — 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.

Outlook

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.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Mt Gravatt Officers Target Reckless Drivers as Community Welcomes School Return

Photo Credit: MyQueensland Police News

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.

Renewed Focus on Road Safety

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.

A Shared Responsibility on Our Streets

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.

The Human Cost

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.

Published Date 13-October-2025

Clairvaux MacKillop College Turns Up the Volume for 8th Annual Rock Bands Festival

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.

Read: Clairvaux MacKillop College in Mt Gravatt Celebrated for STEM and Co-Curricular Success

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.

Rock Bands Festival — Photo credit: Brisbane Catholic Education/bne.catholic.edu

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.”

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A post shared by Clairvaux MacKillop College (@clairvauxmackillopcollege)

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.

Read: Clairvaux MacKillop College Graduates Shine in Mt Gravatt

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.

Published 8-October-2025

Pappa Flock Lands in Mt Gravatt with Biggest Restaurant Yet

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.

A weekend of celebration

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.’

Photo Credit: Pappa Flock/Facebook

Growing the flock

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.

Published 30-Sept-2025

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

Photo Credit: Westfield

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