A recent incident at a Salvation Army op-shop in Mt Gravatt has ignited widespread public anger. Shoppers were shocked to discover a single sanitary pad on sale for $2.
A video shared on TikTok captured the moment two women found the item, expressing their disbelief. The pad was believed to be part of a larger stolen pack, leaving the single item behind with the original price tag.
A spokesperson for the Salvation Army addressed the incident, explaining that the item was intended to be part of a discounted pack. They apologised for the oversight and assured the public that such mistakes would be avoided in the future.
Social media users reacted strongly to the news, criticising the pricing of essential hygiene products. Some argued that such items should be provided for free, particularly in op-shops and charitable organisations. Others questioned the store’s decision to sell a single, used sanitary pad.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the affordability and accessibility of menstrual products, highlighting the need for greater support for those in need.
The Matildas are inviting fans to Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan as they prepare for their highly anticipated match against Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on 28 November.
The national women’s team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on Tuesday, 26 November. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with training scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. and run for 90 minutes. Fans will be seated in the Eastern Stand, with a capacity limit of 6,500 spectators on a first-come, first-served basis.
No pre-registration or ticket is required, but early arrival is recommended due to limited space. Visit the Matildas’ official website for more details.
Matildas squad updates
The Matildas’ preparations for the November and December international window have been affected by several player withdrawals. Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, both midfielders in the Women’s Super League, have been medically withdrawn from the extended squad. Gorry sustained a shoulder injury during West Ham’s match against Brighton, while Wheeler suffered a lower leg injury in Everton’s victory in the Merseyside derby.
World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who clinched the quarter-final victory against France with a decisive penalty, remains absent from the national team, having taken an indefinite break to prioritise her mental health.
However, the squad welcomes back experienced players Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo. Fresh faces include Morgan Aquino, Leah Davidson, Isabel Gomez, Hana Lowry, and Natasha Prior. The 34-player squad maintains a strong domestic presence, featuring 16 players from the A-League Women competition.
Milestone victory over the Germans
The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.
Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime. At the 77th minute, Clare Hunt’s first international goal—a thumping header—secured the historic triumph.
Following the training session, the Matildas will face Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on 28 November, before heading to the Gold Coast for a rematch on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.
The opening match will also be a celebration of Matilda’s most-capped player, Brisbane’s very own Clare Polkinghorne. Vice-captain Emily van Egmond is set to earn her 150th cap, becoming just the fourth Australian to achieve this milestone.
TriCare’s Mt Gravatt Retirement Village is using a host of festive activities to bring residents together and counter the social isolation that many older Australians face during the Christmas season.
Christmas can be a challenging time for seniors, with factors such as distance from family, health issues, and the loss of loved ones often making the festive season difficult. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, loneliness is linked to poorer health outcomes, increased psychological distress, and a lower quality of life.
Recognising these challenges, TriCare’s Mt Gravatt Retirement Village is making special efforts to foster community connection through a range of events and initiatives designed to brighten the season for its residents.
Community-Centred Festivities
Residents at Mt Gravatt are being encouraged to embrace the spirit of Christmas through a variety of social and creative activities. These include decorating Christmas trees starting from December 1, participating in Christmas lights and door wreath decorating competitions, and attending festive lunches and dinners.
Charity initiatives, such as volunteering and supporting local families in need, are also on the calendar, helping residents to connect with their broader community while making a difference for others.
The village manager, Louise Mathers, emphasised the importance of keeping residents socially and physically active during this period. She noted that these activities not only help residents stay engaged but also provide comfort by reinforcing their sense of belonging in the Mt Gravatt community. Mathers highlighted that residents value opportunities to connect and take pride in spreading holiday cheer within the facility.
TriCare’s initiatives go beyond festive celebrations by providing an inclusive and supportive environment for its residents. The programs are tailored to accommodate diverse interests and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate in some way. By offering these opportunities, Mt Gravatt aims to alleviate feelings of loneliness and create a sense of joy and togetherness among its senior residents.
About TriCare
TriCare is one of Australia’s leading aged care and retirement living providers, with a strong focus on fostering wellbeing and community spirit in its residences. The Mt Gravatt Retirement Village exemplifies this mission by turning the Christmas season into an opportunity for connection and support.
“Ant You Hungry?” isn’t just a playful question – it’s an artwork turning heads at the intersection of Newnham Road and Colwyn Street in Upper Mt Gravatt. What was once a plain traffic signal box has been transformed into a vibrant canvas showcasing the suburb’s rich multicultural heritage – all through the eyes of a young local artist.
Olivia Shen, with help from her parents Robert Shen and Emma Lim, has created this whimsical artwork that turns everyday street furniture into a mouth-watering display of cross-cultural cuisine. The piece, completed in March 2023, earned Highly Commended recognition in the 12 & Under category of Artforce Brisbane’s program.
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
The young artist’s creation features an array of beloved Asian delicacies – from delicate xiao long bao dumplings to fresh sushi rolls and trendy bubble tea. In a playful twist, Olivia has painted industrious ants carrying away these culinary treasures, adding an element of storytelling to the piece.
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
Perhaps most boldly, the artwork includes the distinctive durian fruit – a nod to Olivia’s mother’s favourite treat and a symbol of authentic Asian cuisine that has found a home in Mount Gravatt’s food scene. Local spices from neighbourhood gardens complete the cultural tapestry, grounding the artwork in the community’s own backyard.
Photo credit: artforcebrisbane.com.au
Ant You Hungry? is part of Artforce Brisbane’s initiative to enliven city streets while providing a platform for local artists. For passing pedestrians and drivers, Olivia’s creation serves as a daily reminder of Mount Gravatt’s evolution into one of Brisbane’s most diverse and flavorful suburbs.
Next time you’re crossing at the Newnham Road pedestrian crossing, take a moment to feast your eyes on this young artist’s tribute to her community’s cultural heritage. Just don’t blame the ants if it makes you hungry.
Mount Gravatt Football Club’s Kate Guy will be recognized with a Service to Queensland Sport Award at this month’s Queensland Sport Awards, recognizing almost four decades of contribution to Australian rules football.
Kate will receive the honour at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21 November, joining a celebration that includes eleven Queensland AFL nominations across various categories—a banner year for the code.
Kate Guy, a pioneer in women’s football
Kate’s journey in football began at age 14 when she joined Mount Gravatt’s first women’s team in the 1970s. As a player, coach, team manager, football director, and committee member, she has dedicated herself to advancing women’s participation in the sport.
Her leadership has revolutionised Mount Gravatt AFC’s landscape, growing female membership from those pioneering days to the hundreds across age groups from under-11s to senior women’s. Her vision for inclusive sport was recently celebrated with a 2024 AFL Merit Award.
Kate’s influence extends beyond local boundaries. In 2022, she was selected as one of seven national AFLW community ambassadors, representing Queensland at the AFLW grand final in Adelaide. This role included participating in official events and the on-field presentation of the AFLW Premiership Cup.
The Vultures have immortalised Kate’s pioneering spirit through their women’s best and fairest medal that bears her name. As she prepares to accept the Service to Queensland Sport Award, Kate’s legacy stands as a testament to how one person’s dedication can open doors for generations of athletes to come.
In a significant move that will benefit thousands of students, Australia has announced a sweeping 20 percent reduction in Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.
The landmark decision, announced on 3 November 2024, will provide substantial financial relief to approximately 3 million Australians nationwide, including current students and graduates of Griffith University across its Queensland campuses.
Key Changes to HELP Loans
Photo credit: Cameron Pentz/Google Maps
The reforms, according to the Education Department, will introduce a one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt, alongside an increased minimum repayment threshold from $54,435 to $67,000. A new marginal repayment system will be based only on income above the threshold, ensuring greater disposable income for recent graduates and current students.
New Repayment Structure
Under the new system, graduates will only begin repaying their HELP debt once they earn $67,000 per annum, a threshold that represents approximately 75% of average full-time earnings for recent higher education graduates. This marks a substantial increase from the previous threshold of $54,435.
Impact on Different Income Levels
The reforms will provide the most significant benefits to those earning under $180,000 annually. Lower-income earners will experience the greatest relief, with graduates retaining more disposable income in their early career years. Those earning over $180,000 will see no change to their repayment obligations.
The changes will come into effect from July 1 next year, automatically applying to all existing and new HELP debts. For Griffith University’s student population, this means reduced financial pressure and more manageable repayment terms as they transition from study to employment.
This initiative represents one of the most significant reforms to student financing in recent years, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by students and graduates while providing meaningful cost of living relief.
A 38-year-old Mount Gravatt East man has been charged with 41 offences related to an alleged EFTPOS scam that netted over $670,000 from Brisbane medical businesses.
The suspect was arrested on November 6 after Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol officers spotted him on a reportedly stolen motorcycle in Wishart at approximately 6 PM. Police took him into custody at a fuel station near Delavan Street and Newnham Road.
According to police, the alleged offences occurred between October 1 and November 2, primarily targeting Brisbane’s southside. The man is accused of breaking into medical businesses and stealing EFTPOS terminals, which were then allegedly used for fraudulent reimbursement transactions.
The charges include:
17 counts of enter premises and commit by break
13 counts of fraud
4 counts of receiving tainted property
2 counts of possess dangerous drugs
Single counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle, stealing, dealing identification, possess tainted property, and possess utensil
The accused was remanded in custody and appeared at Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 7.
An aerial image of where Amega St, Mt Gravatt East would be in 1936.
Amega St, Mt Gravatt East in 1951
An aerial image of where we believe Amega St would emerge as well as surrounding streets in that area of Mt Gravatt East in 1951.
Some Numbers regarding Amega Street, Mt Gravatt East
66 properties, 70% are owner occupied. Average owner occupier has been living there for 14 years and 8 months. 50% of residents have lived there for 10+ years.
Some Recent Sales on Amega Street, Mt Gravatt East
34 Amega Street, Mt Gravatt East
sold in July 2024
$1,999,000
Some Older Transactions on Amega Street, Mt Gravatt East
In 1975 59 Amega St, Mt Gravatt East sold for $27,500. In 1975 62 Amega St, Mt Gravatt East sold for $27,000. In 1982 44 Amega St, Mt Gravatt East sold for $38,000.
If you know Amega Street, Mt Gravatt East, well and you have some anecdotes or details to add please email: editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au
Mt Gravatt East Property Market Oct 2024
The median price of a 3-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2024 was $1,047,000. The median price of a 3-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2020 was $624,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MT GRAVATT EAST SINCE 2020: $423,000
The median price of a 4-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2024 was $1,378,000. The median price of a 4-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2020 was $752,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MT GRAVATT EAST SINCE 2020: $626,000.
The median price of a 5-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2024 was $1.650,000. The median price of a 5-bedroom house in Mt Gravatt East in 2021 was $1,166,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MT GRAVATT EAST SINCE 2021: $484,000.
The median price of a 2-bedroom unit in Mt Gravatt East in 2024 was $600,000. The median price of a 2-bedroom unit in Mt Gravatt East in 2020 was $365,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN MT GRAVATT EAST SINCE 2020: $235,000.
The median price of a 3-bedroom unit in Mt Gravatt East in 2024 was $755,000. The median price of a 3-bedroom unit in Mt Gravatt East in 2020 was $470,000. TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM UNIT IN MOUNT GRAVATT EAST SINCE 2020: $285,000.
Westfield members can get a head start on capturing festive memories with early access to online bookings starting now—general bookings for everyone opened on 28 October.
More Inclusive Christmas
Photo Credit: Supplied
Westfield offers a wider range of Santa experiences this year to ensure everyone can join the holiday fun. Sensitive Santa caters to children with sensory sensitivities, while Auslan Santa provides a welcoming environment for Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
Westfield’s popular Pet Photography returns, allowing pet owners to capture cherished moments with their furry companions alongside Santa.
Jacqui Waine, Scentre Group General Manager of Marketing and Community, expressed excitement about the upcoming Christmas season at Westfield. She stated Westfield eagerly welcomes families, friends, and pets to create lasting holiday memories.
The court heard Craig allegedly participated in a violent break-in where a male victim was attacked with a machete, requiring surgery for multiple wounds to his face, cheek, nose, hand, and leg.
Craig, who represented herself, faces charges including burglary with violence, malicious act, going with a face masked, blackened or disguised, deprivation of liberty, robbery in company, and breaching bail.
While not accused of inflicting violence herself, prosecutors allege Craig entered the property with masked co-accused and demanded the female resident reveal drug locations and gather CCTV cameras.
The Crown opposed bail, presenting evidence of prison phone calls where Craig allegedly demanded the victim drop charges. Prosecutors argued she posed a risk of committing further offences and interfering with witnesses.
Justice Michael Copley refused bail, noting concern that Craig, a mother of two, allegedly participated in the incident while already on Supreme Court bail for unrelated matters.
Craig told the court her family risked homelessness due to their lease expiring in February, and she had limited access to rehabilitation services in custody. She described the case against her as “weak,” citing only one witness.
