Abbeville Street in Upper Mt Gravatt represents not only a thriving residential community but also a lasting tribute to Australia’s wartime heritage. The street showcases a remarkable stability in its residential makeup, with an impressive 85% owner-occupancy rate and residents staying an average of 14 years and 7 months.
With nearly half of its residents (43%) having called Abbeville Street home for more than a decade, the community demonstrates a strong sense of belonging and neighbourhood permanence. Property values have seen substantial growth over the years, with recent sales reaching $1.4 million—a dramatic increase from the modest $84,000 recorded for a property in 1999. This transformation reflects the area’s growing desirability and Brisbane’s evolving real estate landscape.
Remembrance & Commemoration
Abbeville Street honours the significant French town located between Paris and Boulogne that played a crucial role during World War I. Unlike many other French towns, Abbeville was never occupied by German forces and served as headquarters for Commonwealth lines of communication throughout much of the conflict. From October 1914 to January 1920, the town became a vital medical hub housing the No.3 British Red Cross Society and No.5 and No.2 Commonwealth Stationary Hospitals.
Of particular significance to Australians, the No.3 Australian General Hospital was established in Abbeville in 1916 to treat the casualties from the Battle of the Somme—one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Today, the Abbeville Communal Cemetery and its Extension, begun in September 1916, contain the solemn resting places of 774 and 1,754 Commonwealth service personnel from World War I, standing as a permanent memorial to those who served and sacrificed.
This street naming forms part of Brisbane’s Streets of Remembrance initiative, preserving the Anzac spirit and honouring Queensland’s service men and women through our everyday geography.
Abbeville Street, Upper Mt Gravatt Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 39 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years, 7 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 43%
Abbeville Street, Upper Mt Gravatt – As It Looked in 1936
Abbeville Street, Upper Mt Gravatt in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON ABBEVILLE STREET, UPPER MT GRAVATT
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
16 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt
$1,400,000
Nov 2024
68 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt
$1,400,000
Aug 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ABBEVILLE STREET FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
34 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt
$325,500
Mar 2004
64 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt
$198,000
Feb 2002
44 Abbeville Street, Upper Mount Gravatt
$84,000
Aug 1999
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2025 was $1,050,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2021 was $638,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN UPPER MT GRAVATT SINCE 2021: $412,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2025 was $1,260,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2021 was $739,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN UPPER MT GRAVATT SINCE 2021: $521,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2025 was $1,440,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2021 was $825,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN UPPER MT GRAVATT SINCE 2021: $615,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2025 was $630,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2021 was $380,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN UPPER MT GRAVATT SINCE 2021: $250,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2025 was $660,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Upper Mt Gravatt in 2021 was $520,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN UPPER MT GRAVATT SINCE 2021: $140,000
If you know Abbeville Street, Upper Mt Gravatt well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.
We’ve combed Mansfield, Mansfield BC, Mansfield DC, Mount Gravatt , Mount Gravatt East, Upper Mount Gravatt , Upper Mount Gravatt BC, and Wishart for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
We recently ordered Chicken Mandi from Top & Town Arabic Mandi, and it was absolutely amazing! The rice was perfectly cooked—fluffy, fragrant, and packed with rich Arabic spices. The chicken was tender, juicy, and had a beautifully smoky flavor that made every bite delicious. The portion size was generous, and it came with flavorful sauces that complemented the dish perfectly. Overall, a fantastic experience! If you’re looking for authentic and tasty Mandi, this place is definitely worth trying. Highly recommended!
Syed Zubair Hasan (Zubair)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Halal Food options in Brisbane, we found them on Google and reach there to try their claim of Best in town Mandi. And it turn out to be great, went there with my family of 2 kids and everyone loved their so tender lamb shank Mandi and the price was reasonable, went order 2 Mandi and total damage was AU$ 44, and we were happy as the meat was so tender and juicy.
Linh Ng
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ As a rice lover, I found the Mandi at Arabian Mandi Restaurant absolutely perfect, fluffy, fragrant, and well-seasoned, with tender chicken and lamb. Combined with the owner’s warm and friendly hospitality, it was an unforgettable experience!
Mary M
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The good was delicious with generous servings. I came here with 4 other friends and we got the mixed meat with rice and shared that – we all went quiet from being hungry and stuffing our faces haha. My favourite was the soup and combining it with the Mandi is amazing. The staff also have great service and were lovely to chat with.
marium
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food is incredibly delicious and the staff are so friendly and welcoming!! We ordered a mix lamb and chicken mandi which was so well spiced and fresh, and the service was so quick. We will definitely be back again!
S Row (Srow) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Consistently great food! We get the Margherita and Carbonara to share most weeks and it is always delicious
Paula White
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Since moving into the area recently, Panini’s has become our favourite! The food and service is fantastic! The veal scallopini is to die for ♥️
Tony giacca
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely fantastic food and service. Staff were extremely friendly, and the polpette were delicious, as was the spaghetti vongole. Beautiful atmosphere inside as well. Will definitely be eating there again.
Dat Tran ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious and authentic. The carbonara was creamy and full of flavor, while the Capricciosa pizza had the perfect crispy crust and fresh tasty toppings. Great customer service and ambience too. An awesome spot for real Italian food!
Anne Lakey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabulous service .. fabulous food .. Tomano cheese wrapped in prosciutto and veal scallopine with duck fat baked potatoes was delicious .. big servings so much so that we had to have a doggie bag to take home what we couldn’t eat.. a great outdoor setting will definitely go back when next time I am visiting the area.
Dos O’Flynn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious takeaway. Massamam curry perfectly cooked to absolutely perfection
Mitch Kerr ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Duc’s Pad Thai is, without any question, what I would choose for my last meal. Even though it’s a small restaurant, the freshness and the quality of food make this place one of my all time favorite.
Debbie McWilliam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Been a regular customer for some 25years, the food is always, I mean always good, the service is friendly and my tummy says yes every time. Fav’s are the yellow chicken curry, chicken and cashew, fish cakes 😋
Molly M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Most lovely shop owners! Felt like a lovely authentic small family business. Best green curry I’ve ever had in Australia felt like I was on holiday in Thailand.
Tailini Diehl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was my first time at this restaurant , and I went for the pad thai, curry puff and spring rolls. Many of my clients recommended this place, so I decided to give it a shot. Best decision ever! The service was incredible, and the food was even better. Highly recommend!
Sallyyypappa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious and affordable vegie food. Most of it was amazing but some comments to improve. The peking duck 3/5 – I have had better mock duck peking duck before, the duck here was very thin and couldn’t taste much, was disappointed with this one. Lasagne 5/5 – that was bomb! Big serving size too. Chicken nuggets 5/5 – yum! Heavenly Salad 4/5 – at first thought it could use a bit more sauce or seasoning but I finished it so it was still pretty good and a very light and healthy dish. I would have loved to see more stir fry options with just vegetables but particularly beans or brocolli, wombok stir fry or something like that. Even though I am a vego I am not super into all the fake meat options, I prefer just good ole vegies 🙂 So I think have more healthy stir fry options.
Wayne Boyle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Vegan Gem in Brisbane – Our New Favourite! We had the pleasure of dining at Loving Hut Brisbane as a part of our birthday celebration, and it turned out to be the perfect end to a special day. We started with the Salt and Pepper Mushrooms, which were golden, crisp, and perfectly seasoned—an ideal appetiser. For mains, we indulged in the Mushroom Carbonara and the Seven Seas Delight. The carbonara, especially, stole the show with its creamy, rich, and satisfying flavour, while the Seven Seas Delight offered a bold mix of textures and tastes. For dessert, we treated ourselves to the Raw Blueberry Cake. Although it was a bit frozen and a little hard to cut at first, it quickly warmed up to reveal its delightful taste—a sweet finish that was almost as good as the meal itself. The atmosphere is relaxed with simple, café-style decor, complemented by friendly and welcoming staff. Parking is a breeze, and the easy street-level access makes it great for those with mobility issues. There’s even a clean, well-maintained toilet out back (just ask for the key). We recommend booking ahead, as the place fills up quickly—especially on a busy Friday night. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply looking for a delicious vegan meal, Loving Hut Brisbane is a must-visit destination.
Renata Halpin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I eat here alot and it is consistently great food! And cruelty free ✅✅ Favourites would be Singapore noodles, Vietnamese noodle salad and affogato 🙏🏽 Always get my vegan groceries here too! Recommended dishes Ten Wonders Salad, Heavenly Salad, Seven Seas Delight, Lasagne, Beijing Black Bean, Sweet N Sour Nuggets No Onion, Loving Wrap, Crispy Chow Mein, Golden Curry, Spring Fried Rice, Satay Nuggets with Steamed White Rice, Salt and Pepper Tofu GF, Crumbed Mushrooms, Vegetable Korma, Nuggets, Carrot Cake, Soup, Cake
Catherin L Richmond ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We ordered the Tom yum rice,salt pepper tofu, Beijing black bean.Carrot cake, chocolate cake. It was fresh ,so nice great service highly recommended.
Rod MM ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious and nutritious vegan food. One of the best Laksa and Chow Mein in Brisbane.
5. Tokyo Teppanyaki Steak House
About Tokyo Teppanyaki Steak House 4.3 Google Rating
Briana Knight ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hilarious cook (Sam) who was very good at entertaining. I don’t know what they do to their teriyaki chicken, but it was amazing 🤩
Fiona Hinds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you for a great evening! Chef Sam definately has the touch with Barramundi! Yum yum, thank you for a great first experience at Teppanyaki for my husband. We will be back
June Fernandes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had the most amazing, entertaining & delicious meal. Sam was an excellent chef who dished out some yum lobster prawn chicken steak with salad & rice. Sam provided a good variety of entertainment while cooking kept the crowd involved & played some funddo games with us. Wow Sam & his team provided excellent service. Wish all restaurants would go the extra mile like with customers like this steak house. Sam just a suggestion we are not fond of eating rice at the end so can you please serve it with the meal. Keep up your good professional service. I will return once I master the tricks u played. Regards June
Renaye ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had Sam making our meals. Excellent service with a vibrant personality. I had the salmon, it was cooked perfectly and the skin was crispy. Definitely would recommend for a night out!
Chaos coven ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sam was our chef and he was fantastic! The food was beautiful. I recommend the lamb! Atmosphere was really fun.
South East Queensland is famous for its laid-back charm, balmy weather, and an ever-growing list of must-visit beer gardens. Whether you’re soaking up riverside breezes in Brisbane or heading coastal to the Gold Coast or Bribie Island, a great beer garden is always within reach. In Brisbane, one local gem that’s recently stepped up its game is the Newnham Hotel.
Located at 516 Newnham Road in Upper Mount Gravatt, Newnham Hotel opened its brand-new beer garden in February following a major refurbishment—and it quickly became a favourite with locals.
Photo credit: Newnham Hotel/Facebook
Spacious and fully covered, the revamped outdoor area now features stylish new furniture, upgraded AV and lighting systems, and a welcoming new deck that invites you to settle in and stay awhile.
Photo credit: Newnham Hotel/Facebook
From classic pub favourites to modern dishes and generous share plates designed to bring people together, the menu offers something for everyone. Pair your meal with an ice-cold beer, a signature cocktail or a carefully curated wine, all served in a vibrant and relaxed setting. Whether you’re dining in the bistro, soaking up the sun in the beer garden, or catching the game in the sports bar, every visit feels like a treat.
Photo credit: Newnham Hotel/Facebook
Newnham Hotel has also become a top destination for families. A brand-new kids’ playground provides plenty of fun for little ones, while a dedicated kids’ menu makes sure no one misses out at mealtime.
Photo credit: Newnham Hotel/Facebook
Make Saturdays and Sundays unforgettable with free kids’ entertainment from 11 am every weekend—including face painting, balloon twisting and rotating activities to keep them smiling while you unwind.
If you’re after a bit of live music, Friday evenings at Newnham bring just the right energy with local artists performing in the beer garden to help you ease into the weekend.
Whether it’s a casual midweek dinner, a weekend family outing, or a relaxed catch-up with mates, Newnham Hotel’s revitalised beer garden is the perfect spot to gather, graze and make the most of Queensland’s outdoor lifestyle.
The Queensland Koala Society has confirmed six koala deaths caused by fox attacks in the Mt Gravatt area, including one incident involving a joey. The fatalities have occurred across the forested zone near the TAFE Mount Gravatt campus and adjoining council-owned bushland.
Local official Steve Griffiths has raised concerns over the lack of BCC response to repeated incident reports from koala groups. Despite requests for assistance, local volunteers say no effective council action has been taken to address fox-related threats in the area.
BCC stated that Mr Griffiths had not previously contacted them and confirmed that pest management officers have now reached out to the TAFE campus. However, Mr Griffiths said he had written to the city authorities and raised the issue directly.
Ongoing Habitat Challenges in Mt Gravatt
The population affected is part of a group of approximately 30 koalas in Mt Gravatt. Queensland Koala Society has used monitoring cameras to capture fox movement and the aftermath of attacks. The group has also highlighted that koalas are most vulnerable when moving between trees, especially in fragmented habitats.
Fox activity has been reported across the broader Brisbane area, including suburban streets and riverbanks. Mr Griffiths noted that officers are capable and willing to respond, but reductions in council staff have affected overall capacity to manage such incidents effectively.
Photo Credit: Queensland Koala Society/Facebook
Previous Mitigation Measures at TAFE Campus
In 2022, koala exclusion fencing was installed at the front of the TAFE Mt Gravatt campus through a collaborative effort involving the Queensland Koala Society, TAFE Queensland, QBuild, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, the Mount Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group, and local official Corrine McMillan. The fencing was designed to keep koalas away from high-risk road corridors, such as Cavendish Road.
The fencing was designed to keep koalas away from high-risk road corridors, such as Cavendish Road.
This measure is believed to have contributed to the stability of the koala population within the campus. Recent spotter reports included sightings of up to 17 koalas in a short span, even following adverse weather conditions. These gains are now threatened by increased fox activity in surrounding bushland.
Community Frustration Builds Over Delayed Response
Community volunteers have expressed frustration at the pace of action on what they view as an urgent issue. Despite repeated communications with council representatives, including written appeals, advocates say the matter remains unresolved.
Mr Griffiths has reiterated these concerns and called on council leadership to meet with koala groups and support coordinated fox control efforts across Mt Gravatt and nearby areas.
Queensland Koala Society seeks immediate BCC intervention to manage fox populations in and around Mt Gravatt. The group maintains that coordinated pest control is vital to prevent further losses within this vulnerable urban koala colony.
Koala conservation efforts in Mt Gravatt are showing mixed results, with exclusion fencing helping to reduce road deaths but threats from predators and traffic remaining a concern.
In 2022, exclusion fencing was installed at the front of TAFE Queensland’s Mount Gravatt campus. This initiative was spearheaded by the Mount Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group (MGETDAG), with the support of Queensland Koala Society Inc., TAFE Queensland, QBUILD, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, and Ms Corrine McMillan for Mansfield.
It was aimed at preventing koalas from accessing the high-risk corridor along Cavendish Road. The fencing includes unclimbable sheeting to deter koalas from entering dangerous traffic areas. Koalas can jump as high as 1.2 metres.
Regular monitoring of the area has been successful. Spotters from the Queensland Koala Society, who would typically see up to 12 koalas in a day, recently recorded 17 in just 1.5 hours, despite adverse weather conditions.
MGETDAG also provided funding for the Koala Kindergarten tree nursery at QKS Chandler, with its volunteers actively participating in planting the seedlings.
Ongoing Threats to Local Wildlife
Despite the progress, Mt Gravatt remains a high-risk area for koalas. The 2024 Koala Report Card recorded 168 incidents of injured or sick koalas across Brisbane South-East, with 113 deaths. Within Mt Gravatt East, 27 incidents were reported, including 21 fatalities. Nearby, Upper Mt Gravatt had 14 incidents and 12 deaths recorded.
At Mt Gravatt TAFE, four incidents occurred. All four were confirmed koala deaths. However, the recent death of a five-year-old female koala and her six-week-old joey due to a fox attack has brought attention to a rising threat from predators on campus grounds.
Speed and Visibility Risks
Data from the region shows that 62% of vehicle strikes occurred in 60 km/h zones, where the koala survival rate is around 55%. In 70 km/h zones, the survival rate drops to 20%, and at speeds of 80 km/h or higher, survival is nil. Mt Gravatt Outlook, where eight incidents occurred and five koalas died, continues to face risks due to poor visibility, unresolved gate management issues, and narrow verge conditions.
Community reporting and active involvement remain vital. Reports from local volunteers and spotters have been crucial in identifying patterns, especially during peak breeding months from August to November. Multiple posts on social media from conservation groups and residents have called for improved habitat connectivity and immediate action on predator management.
A local report noted that conjunctivitis and cystitis remain prevalent among koalas during breeding season, increasing vulnerability. Tristania Way and Edwards Parks reported 15 koala deaths in 2024, mostly linked to disease.
While exclusion fencing has improved koala safety in targeted parts of Mt Gravatt, comprehensive habitat protection, predator control, and road safety upgrades are still required. Conservation groups are urging BCC to prioritise these next steps.
Peak-hour commuters in South East Queensland, especially those navigating roads near Mt Gravatt, are now enduring dramatically slower journeys. A stark RACQ analysis of the region’s worsening traffic gridlock shows that average speeds on the worst-hit sections plummet to just 20 kilometres per hour.
The latest Travel Speeds Report from Queensland’s peak motoring body, the RACQ, paints a grim picture of traffic flow across the South East. Based on data analysed from Transport and Main Roads covering travel last year, the report reveals a steady decline in traffic speeds compared to five years ago in 2019.
On weekdays last year, average morning rush hour speeds were found to be slower on 65 out of 98 major road sections studied across Brisbane, representing 66 per cent of those corridors. The situation was slightly worse in the afternoon peak, with 67 sections (68 per cent) experiencing slower speeds than in 2019. Overall, peak-hour speeds on some major routes have slowed by as much as 39 per cent since 2019.
Certain areas are feeling the squeeze more than others. The Logan Road section between Padstow Road and Kessels Road, impacting suburbs like Mount Gravatt, Upper Mount Gravatt, and Macgregor, recorded the worst inbound morning peak congestion. Average speeds dropped dramatically from 31 kilometres per hour in 2019 to just 20 kilometres per hour last year. For the afternoon peak, Sandgate Road between Braun Street/Roghan Road and Depot Road saw average speeds fall sharply by 38.6 per cent, from 44 kilometres per hour in 2019 down to 27 kilometres per hour.
Other significant bottlenecks include the Centenary Motorway between the Ipswich Motorway and Dandenong Road, where morning traffic crawled at an average of 31.7 kilometres per hour – a staggering 63 kilometres per hour slower than speeds during free-flowing conditions. Heading outbound from the city, the Pacific Motorway section between North Quay and O’Keefe Street was the most congested, slowing to an average of just 28 kilometres per hour.
On the Gold Coast, the Pacific Motorway stretch from Nielsens Road to the Nerang River at Carrara showed the largest difference between peak and free-flow times in the afternoon, averaging 40.7 kilometres per hour, which is 48.9 kilometres per hour slower than unimpeded travel. Commuters using the Centenary Motorway from the Ipswich Motorway to Fig Tree Pocket Road during the morning peak last year faced an average journey speed of only 35.9 kilometres per hour, adding almost seven minutes to their drive each way.
RACQ calculates this equates to motorists losing more than 28 hours stuck in traffic over a standard working year. Gympie Road users travelling outbound between Kedron Park Road and Albany Creek Road also suffered, crawling at an average of 24.8 kilometres per hour during weekday afternoon peaks, over 18 kilometres per hour slower than free-flow speeds.
In response to these findings, the RACQ urgently calls for a comprehensive, long-term transport plan for South East Queensland. RACQ Head of Public Policy, Dr Michael Kane, stated that such a strategy is desperately needed to tackle the chronic congestion, which is harming the region’s productivity and the lifestyle residents value.
He noted that with the 2032 Olympic Games approaching and continued population growth, addressing transport infrastructure is critical. Dr Kane suggested public support for the Games would increase if people saw clear legacy benefits, particularly better transport options.
Dr Kane highlighted critical gaps in the region’s outer ring road system, currently formed by the Gateway, Logan, and Centenary Motorways. He explained that these missing links unnecessarily funnel excessive traffic into and near the Brisbane CBD, causing significant stress on the network. The RACQ believes governments must seriously consider delivering an upgrade for the Centenary Motorway between the Ipswich Motorway and Legacy Way in Toowong. Furthermore, planning for a new north-west corridor connecting the Centenary Motorway with the Bruce Highway must divert through-traffic away from local roads.
Progress is also needed on previously announced projects. Dr Kane pointed out that $1 billion was allocated in 2019 for Gateway North Motorway upgrades, a stretch where motorists faced average afternoon peak delays of three and a half minutes last year just between the Deagon Deviation and Pine Rivers Bridge. He urged that this work and the proposed Bruce Highway upgrades from Pine Rivers Bridge to Anzac Avenue should proceed.
Beyond road infrastructure, the RACQ advocates for significant improvements to public and active transport to give commuters viable alternatives to driving. Dr Kane identified the severe congestion on Gympie Road as requiring urgent planning, suggesting solutions could include expanding Brisbane Metro services north to Carseldine. He also proposed extending Metro services south to Loganholme and east to Capalaba, potentially using smaller electric ‘Metro Glider’ buses on other key routes into central Brisbane.
Certainty regarding future public transport connections to the Brisbane Airport precinct is also necessary. Complementing these public transport investments, the RACQ supports the expansion of cycling paths across the region to encourage more people to leave their cars at home for their daily commute. The motoring body affirmed it will continue to work with all levels of government to push for better transport planning that delivers lasting benefits for Queenslanders.
Through a program aiding newcomers in finding employment, a Burundi refugee from Kenya brings her past cafe experience to share her skills at Mt Gravatt College.
Douce fled the Republic of Burundi and found herself in Nairobi, Kenya, where she established her own cafe while awaiting her visa application. After being granted asylum in Australia, she joined Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) Work and Welcome program.
This initiative, a partnership with Multicultural Australia, aims to provide refugees and migrants with meaningful employment opportunities within the BCE network.
Since January 2025, Douce has been working as part of the hospitality support staff at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Upper Mt Gravatt. The college principal, Wayne Chapman, expressed that Douce is a valued and hard-working team member. He noted her positive attitude and contribution to the school’s tuckshop, highlighting the college’s role in supporting her integration into the Australian hospitality sector.
Douce has expressed appreciation for the supportive and inclusive environment at the college, where she has learned new skills. She also mentioned the students’ respectful curiosity about her life in Kenya.
Enrique Ramirez Chavez, the BCE Work and Welcome Coordinator, stated that the program helps refugees recover their skills, confidence, and dignity. He revealed that over 16 refugees have benefitted from work experience with BCE since the program began in 2013, with many securing employment within BCE and other organisations. The program is fully funded by contributions from BCE staff.
The college principal also noted the importance of cultural diversity within the school community, stating that it enriches the learning environment and promotes student tolerance and empathy. He said that inclusivity is a core value at the school, in line with the traditions of Edmund Rice and Mary MacKillop. Douce now aspires to establish her cafe in Australia, using the skills she has gained at Clairvaux MacKillop College.
A video showing individuals styling hair in the food preparation area of O Chicken in Westfield Garden City, Mt Gravatt, has caused public outrage due to unsanitary practices in a food business.
The incident, captured in a TikTok video, showed two people in the restaurant’s kitchen, with one person brushing the other’s hair using a fine-toothed comb. The video zoomed in on the kitchen area from the front counter and was accompanied by shocked commentary from the person filming, who questioned the hygiene practices. The video quickly spread online, raising concerns among local residents about food safety and hygiene standards in their community.
Restaurant Management Responds
O Chicken’s master franchisor, Andy Zuo, expressed his dismay upon viewing the video, stating that such behaviour is strictly prohibited within O Chicken establishments and negatively affects the brand’s reputation. He indicated that a regional agent had been appointed in 2023 to manage the Queensland stores’ operations, marketing, and expansion.
Following the incident, Mr. Zuo intended to discuss the matter with the regional agent and consider withdrawing their agency. The O Chicken Garden City location was contacted for comment, but a response was not immediately available.
The local community is now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, with many expressing concern about the potential health risks associated with such unsanitary practices. Local health authorities may investigate the matter to ensure all food safety regulations are followed.
The incident has prompted discussions about maintaining high hygiene standards in food preparation areas, particularly in busy takeaway restaurants. The future of the O Chicken Garden City branch and the regional agent are currently uncertain, pending further investigation and action from the master franchisor.
Eighteen-year-old Ruby Day from Mt Gravatt East is set to perform with the Queensland Ballet in the upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet. Her inclusion in the company follows an impressive rise through the ranks, culminating in an official contract in November of last year, after earning the Rudolph Nureyev Foundation’s Best Young Talent Award at the Prix de Lausanne.
Ms Day’s journey through the Queensland Ballet Academy has been marked by rapid progression. She started in the Associate Program before advancing through its levels. She bypassed the Jette Parker Young Artist Program to transition directly from the Pre-Professional Program (PPP) to Company Artist.
Ms Day’s career gained momentum in 2024 when she performed in The Nutcracker. Now, she prepares to step onto the stage in Romeo & Juliet, a production she has long admired for its intricate choreography and artistic depth.
From Academy to Professional Stage
Transitioning from student to professional has been exciting and challenging for Ms Day. Training at the academy involved years of rigorous preparation. Stepping into the role of Company Artist has been a milestone for her too.
Her preparation for Romeo & Juliet has involved working closely with experienced coaches and répétiteurs. The opportunity to perform in this ballet is a significant career highlight, solidifying her place in the company’s 2025 season.
Photo Credit: QLD Ballet/Instagram
An Unexpected Journey into Ballet
Ms Day’s path to professional ballet was not conventional. She initially trained in jazz, tap, and musical theatre. Only after focused training in ballet and acceptance into the Queensland Ballet Academy did she find her true passion for the art form.
Ms Day focused on continuous improvement. She frequently sought guidance from instructors and mentors. The support of the Queensland Ballet Academy faculty, particularly Paul Boyd, played a key role in shaping her artistic development.
Photo Credit: QLD Ballet/Instagram
A Milestone Moment and Future Aspirations
Ms Day received her Queensland Ballet contract on her birthday. It added a personal significance to the milestone. The moment marked the beginning of an exciting new phase. She looks forward to refining her artistry and learning from the company’s experienced dancers.
Rising Australian sprint star Gout Gout continues to make waves in the athletics world after a stellar performance at the 128th Queensland Athletics Championships, held from 13 to 16 March at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan.
The 17-year-old secured the under-20 100m title on Saturday, further cementing his status as one of the country’s most promising young athletes. He then delivered a stunning 200m run on Sunday, clocking an impressive 19.98 seconds.
Although the strong tailwind of 3.6 metres per second made the time ineligible for record purposes, his 20.05 seconds in the heats was officially the fastest legal time in the world this year.
Just three months ago, Gout broke the long-standing Australian 200m record, previously held by Peter Norman since the 1968 Olympics, by running 20.04 seconds at QSAC. His performances have drawn comparisons to legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, as his running style and rapid progress indicate a bright future ahead.
Reflecting on his latest feat, Gout acknowledged that his start was unsteady, which initially made him feel less motivated to run. However, as he gained momentum, he focused on using the wind to his advantage and pushed forward.
He explained that as he came off the bend, he concentrated on maintaining his speed and took advantage of the conditions. When he saw the final time rounded down to 19.98 seconds, he expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the result.
Born to South Sudanese migrants, Gout has overcome immense challenges and has already set ambitious goals. He aims to become the first Australian to officially break the 20-second barrier in the 200m and the second to run under 10 seconds in the 100m, with his personal best currently at 10.17 seconds.
Despite being in his final year of high school in Ipswich, Gout competes against elite athletes, balancing his studies with a growing athletic career. His talent has also caught the attention of major brands, securing him a long-term sponsorship deal with Adidas.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Gout is seen as one of Australia’s brightest prospects. As he continues to develop his skills and manage increasing public expectations, his journey to becoming a global sprinting star is only just beginning.
