mt gravatt Archives - Mount Gravatt News

Alleged Refund Machine Misuse Under Investigation In Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Containers for Change QLD/Facebook

An alleged attempt to improperly claim container refunds at a Containers for Change site in Mt Gravatt is under investigation following circulation of video footage online.

Alleged Misuse At Mt Gravatt Refund Point

Footage recorded at an Upper Mt Gravatt Containers for Change site shows a man and woman allegedly placing non-eligible fast food packaging into a reverse-vending machine while scanning an eligible drink container.

The video shows the scanner being activated repeatedly while rubbish, including takeaway cups, is fed onto the conveyor belt. The refund mechanism was reportedly triggered 15 times in less than a minute.

A witness who filmed the incident said she was left waiting behind the pair for about half an hour while the machine was in use. The incident is now being examined.

How The Scheme Works Across Queensland

Queensland’s Containers for Change program provides a 10-cent refund for eligible drink containers, including plastic bottles, aluminium cans and certain cartons.

The scheme began in November 2018 and is overseen by the not-for-profit Container Exchange (COEX). COEX has reported 11 billion container returns since launch, equating to $1.1 billion in refunds. The network processes more than 3,000 containers per minute across Queensland.

Reverse-vending machines are intended to prevent misuse through checks that can include barcode scanning and material or shape detection.

Queensland recycling — *Photo Credit: Containers for Change QLD/Facebook*

Investigation And Community Reaction In Mt Gravatt

COEX says allegations of fraud are treated seriously and the Mt Gravatt recycling incident will be investigated. The review will examine whether the matter involved a machine fault.

The footage has prompted a strong response online. Some commenters criticised the behaviour, describing it as taking advantage of a community program. Others expressed sympathy in comments.

Photo Credit: Containers for Change QLD/Facebook

Queensland authorities have not publicly detailed potential penalties in this case.

Members of the public are being encouraged to report suspicious activity through official channels to help protect the integrity of the refund scheme.

Published 22-Feb-2026

2026 College Captains Named At Upper Mount Gravatt School

Clairvaux MacKillop College in Upper Mount Gravatt has announced its 2026 College Captains as part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s broader rollout of student leadership appointments across South East Queensland.

Student Leadership In Mt Gravatt

At Clairvaux MacKillop College, Julieta and Leo have been appointed as College Captains for the 2026 school year.

Their appointment forms part of Brisbane Catholic Education’s confirmation of 86 newly selected College Captains across its 146 schools. The appointments span secondary campuses and Prep to Year 12 colleges throughout the region.

For the Upper Mount Gravatt campus, the focus for 2026 centres on strengthening school connections and reinforcing a supportive environment for students. Julieta and Leo have outlined plans to encourage stronger engagement between students and staff, promote a sense of belonging, and support classmates in their everyday efforts and achievements.

Part Of A Wider Network Announcement

The 2026 appointments were published on 11 February 2026 under Brisbane Catholic Education’s secondary school update. Schools across South East Queensland introduced their newly appointed student leaders at the beginning of the academic year.

College Captains across the network take on responsibilities that include representing the student body, mentoring younger students and upholding the values associated with Catholic education.

School Context In Upper Mount Gravatt

Clairvaux MacKillop College describes its learning community as one focused on student growth and development. The college offers co-curricular opportunities in sport, arts, STEM and service learning alongside classroom programs.

An Academic Excellence Program commenced at the college in 2025, designed to provide an extended learning pathway for students.

The announcement of the 2026 College Captains marks the start of the new student leadership term at the Upper Mount Gravatt campus, placing Mt Gravatt at the centre of this year’s local education leadership update.

Published 16-Feb-2026

St Bernard’s School in Upper Mount Gravatt Opens New Early Learning Classrooms for 2026

St Bernard's School

St Bernard’s Primary School in Upper Mt Gravatt has opened brand new facilities for its youngest students, with five redesigned classrooms ready to welcome Prep through Year 2 learners as the 2026 school year begins.

The renovated Penola building features two dedicated Prep classrooms and three Year 1 and 2 classrooms, marking a significant upgrade to early learning spaces at the Upper Mt Gravatt Catholic primary school. Current students donned high-vis vests and hard hats to inspect the construction site before their future classmates arrive.

Flexible Spaces for Different Learning Styles

St Bernard’s worked with architects to create classrooms that support how young children learn. The new spaces incorporate natural light, smart storage and dedicated sensory corners where students can regulate their energy levels.

Principal Daniel Hodge says the design prioritises flexibility. Teachers can adapt environments to suit different teaching approaches, from small group instruction to play-based learning. The layout supports both structured curriculum work and imaginative activities.

Inside Penola — Photo Credit: St Bernard’s Primary School

The building’s central corridor functions as more than a hallway. St Bernard’s designed this space with tiered seating for group activities, informal gathering zones and quiet reading nooks, encouraging students to engage beyond formal classroom time.

What This Means for Upper Mt Gravatt Families

The St Bernard’s renovation gives Upper Mt Gravatt families another option for early childhood education in purpose-built facilities. The focus on Prep through Year 2 recognises these years establish patterns that influence later academic success.

For families already enrolled at St Bernard’s, the new classrooms mean younger siblings will experience significantly upgraded facilities compared to what older children knew. The building transformation demonstrates ongoing investment in campus infrastructure rather than one-time improvements.

The sensory corners and flexible learning zones particularly benefit students who struggle in traditional classroom settings. Having dedicated spaces for different energy levels and learning styles can make the difference between students who thrive and those who merely cope.

Visit St Bernard’s Primary School for enrolment information.

Published 27-January-2026.

Mt Gravatt Road Safety Leader Recognised In Australia Day 2026 Honours

Photo Credit: Rob McInerney/LinkedIn

Rob McInerney, a Mount Gravatt East resident has spent decades working in international road safety and infrastructure planning—work that has now been recognised with an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List.

Building A Career Around Safer Roads

Since 2007, Mr McInerney has led the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), an organisation focused on assessing road safety risks and supporting safer road infrastructure through research, data tools and program delivery. United Nations material describes iRAP programmes as active in over 100 countries, working with local partners to improve road safety outcomes.

His leadership role has placed him at the centre of international efforts to improve how roads are designed, assessed and managed, with a focus on long-term planning and engineering standards.

Australia Day 2026 — Photo Credit: Rob McInerney/LinkedIn

National And International Roles

Mr McInerney’s professional background includes leadership roles with the Australian Road Safety Collaboration (33,900), as well as advisory and committee positions connected to international transport and road safety forums. He has been a member of working groups linked to the International Transport Forum and the World Road Association’s Road Safety Committee.

Within Australia, he served as a principal advisor to the National Road Safety Strategy Review during 2017–2018 and held earlier research and senior roles with the Australian Road Research Board from 1997 to 2008. He has also been a director of New Road Pty Ltd since 2018.

Mt Gravatt honours — Photo Credit: Rob McInerney/LinkedIn

Recognition In The Field

Across his career, Mr McInerney has received several professional awards recognising road safety contributions. These include the IRF Global Road Safety Award in 2017, Fellowship of the Australasian College of Road Safety in 2015, and the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in both 2014 and 2020.

These honours reflect sustained involvement in research, leadership and advisory work rather than a single initiative or project.

The Australia Day 2026 Appointment

In the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, Mr McInerney was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division. His citation refers to distinguished service to international road safety and management programs, to infrastructure planning, and to engineering.

Rob McInerney — *Photo Credit:* Wikipedia

A National Honour With Local Ties

The Australia Day 2026 Honours List recognised 949 Australians across awards in the Order of Australia, meritorious honours and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service. The total represents an increase of more than 200 recipients compared with the previous year.

Within the General Division of the Order of Australia, 680 awards were made, including 38 appointments at the Officer level, which recognises distinguished service of a high degree.

Published 26-Jan-2026

Local Facility Upgrades Set To Improve Services In Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Mt Gravatt is poised for a series of practical upgrades that will strengthen local services and community spaces, with improvements planned at the police station and two well-used community facilities. The works include modernising the Mount Gravatt Police Station to better support daily operations, enhancing the Men’s Shed to bolster its role as a local social hub, and refurbishing the kitchen at the Girl Guides facility to better meet community needs.

The upgrades form part of funding allocated in the latest state budget, which earmarks investment for local infrastructure projects aimed at maintaining essential services and improving the day-to-day use of community facilities across the Mt Gravatt area.

Police Station Upgrade And Service Capacity

The Mount Gravatt police facility is scheduled for an upgrade aimed at modernising how the station operates on a daily basis.

Project information linked to the upgrade indicates a focus on expanding internal work areas, improving equipment storage and upgrading public-access spaces. The station services Brisbane’s southside suburbs and forms part of a wider set of police facility upgrades across the city.

Mt Gravatt projects — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Community Spaces And Local Use

Two community facilities in Mt Gravatt are also listed for improvement works tied to their ongoing use by local groups.

The Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed is listed for an improvement project intended to support its role as a space where local men can connect, share skills and support each other.

At the Mount Gravatt Girl Guides facility, the kitchen is listed for refurbishment to improve its functionality, reflecting increased use of the space noted in earlier material.

How The Upgrades Fit Into The Area

The three projects focus on sites that play a day-to-day role in local services and community activity. The police station operates as a key service site, while the Men’s Shed and Girl Guides facility provide spaces for organised group use.

The works are designed to improve the condition and usability of existing facilities rather than introduce new sites.

Brisbane budget listings — *Photo Credit:* *CorrineMcMillanMP*/Facebook

Budget Context

The three Mt Gravatt projects are listed as funded items in the 2025–26 Budget, alongside other infrastructure works across Brisbane and the Redlands.

The budget listings confirm the projects and their inclusion in the current funding cycle.

What Happens Next

Planning and timeline details for the police station upgrade are expected to be clarified as the project progresses. The Men’s Shed and Girl Guides projects remain listed as funded items, with further delivery information yet to be specified.

Published 20-Jan-2026

Expanded Living Plans Proposed for Upper Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: DA A006775533

A revised development application for Upper Mt Gravatt aims to increase local housing density with a proposal for 150 townhouses and apartments split between two buildings on Dawson Road.

Rising Heights and Housing Mix

The project at 36 Dawson Road is designed by Prospect Apartment Architecture and signals a shift towards taller living spaces in the area. The updated plans show an increase in height for both structures on the site. Building one is set to rise from seven to eight storeys, while building two will grow from five to seven storeys.

This upward expansion allows for a total of 150 dwellings, offering a mix of unit types to suit different households. The majority of the residences will be two-bedroom units, totaling 112, alongside 12 one-bedroom and 26 three-bedroom options.

Design and Community Spaces

Planners from Mewing Planning Consultants stated that the project focuses on a high standard of construction. They noted that the design uses a variety of materials, finishes, and screening to create visual interest and break up the building’s exterior appearance. Beyond the apartments themselves, the site covers 4,856 square metres and includes significant shared areas.

Residents will have access to an 800-square-metre rooftop communal area, and 10 per cent of the site is dedicated to deep planting to maintain greenery. Each dwelling also includes its own private balcony.

Traffic and Parking Upgrades

To support the increase in residents, the development includes a substantial boost in parking facilities. The number of car spaces has risen from 194 in previous plans to 272, which includes a new visitor parking area at ground level.

Active transport is also a priority, with bicycle parking spaces increasing to 188. Vehicle and pedestrian entry to the complex will be managed through a private internal road that connects directly to Government Road, aiming to keep traffic flow organised within the site.

Published Date 10-December-2025

28th Anniversary Celebrated by Senior Citizens’ Circle in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of Our Lady/Facebook

Mt Gravatt marked the 28th anniversary of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends during a gathering attended by His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane at the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

Event Overview

Mt Gravatt hosted the 28th anniversary celebration of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends at the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos. His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane joined parishioners, seniors and community members to mark the occasion. The gathering reflected the long-standing connection between the parish and the senior community it has supported for nearly three decades.

Acknowledgement of Parish Leaders

During his visit, Bishop Bartholomew recognised the efforts of Parish Priest Father Nicholas Brown and group coordinator Irene Cayas. Both were acknowledged for their continued commitment to the wellbeing of senior residents who participate in the Mt Gravatt program.

Their involvement remains consistent with the group’s purpose, which has focused on regular support, friendship and community engagement throughout its 28 years.

Messages to the Community

Bishop Bartholomew delivered the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and expressed hopes for the good health of all senior attendees.

A gift was presented to the Bishop during the event to acknowledge the anniversary of his episcopal consecration. He noted that the gesture moved him deeply and asked those present to keep him in their prayers. The presentation formed part of the celebration’s emphasis on community, support and shared milestones.

Reflection on the Episcopal Journey

The Bishop also expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for recommending his name for the episcopacy to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople. His reflection highlighted the ecclesiastical process that led to his role in Brisbane and his ongoing service to local parishes such as Mt Gravatt.

Community Sentiment

Community members shared supportive messages, with many acknowledging the dedication of the women involved in the senior group.

Comments reflected appreciation for the friendships the program has fostered, as well as the sense of stability and companionship it has offered to senior participants over the years. The messages pointed to the group’s significant place in the Mt Gravatt community and the continuity of its mission.

Published 2-Dec-2025

Mt Gravatt Woman Scores Solo $5m Windfall

Photo Credit: Pexels

One lucky Mt Gravatt resident has beaten the odds to become the country’s sole winner of a recent $5 million windfall.

The significant win occurred during draw 1540 on Thursday, 20 November 2025. As the sole winner of the top prize, the Brisbane local will take home a total of $5,251,913.32. She is set to receive the funds on Friday, 5 December 2025, which she noted would arrive perfectly in time to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

The excitement began on a Friday morning when officials called to deliver the news. The winner admitted she was initially hesitant to answer the phone, fearing the unknown number was a scam or a “dodgy” caller.

Once the news was confirmed, however, her reaction shifted from suspicion to physical shaking. She described being in absolute disbelief alongside her husband, who was with her when the call came through.

The winning 12-game entry was purchased using The Lott app. The winner revealed that the numbers were not chosen at random but were a combination of family birthdates and wedding anniversaries. With the $5 million prize soon to be deposited, she shared her main priority for the future. Her husband will now be able to retire from work. Although she had previously promised herself she would keep any big win a secret, the magnitude of the news made her want to share her joy with everyone.

Published Date 26-November-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