mt gravatt Archives - Page 2 of 10

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

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

Disney and Pixar’s Cars Arrive In Mt Gravatt

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

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

Prize Trip To Disneyland Resort

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

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

Activities Not Included In Queensland

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

What Families Can Expect In Mt Gravatt

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

Looking Ahead

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

Published 22-Sep-2025

Brooki Bakehouse Expands With New Store in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

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

From Fortitude Valley to Mt Gravatt

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

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

Brisbane bakery — Photo Credit: Brooki Bakehouse

Expansion Across Queensland

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

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

Cookbook Controversy

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

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

Business Resilience

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

Looking Ahead

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

Published 11-Sep-2025

Classical Education Academy Expands in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: St John Kronstadt Academy

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

Background and Origins

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

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

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

Focus on Classical Education

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

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

International Context and Local Development

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

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

Funding and Operations

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

Community Sentiment

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

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Future Plans

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

Published 20-Aug-2025

Koala Luke Fatally Struck on M3 in Mt Gravatt

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

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

Repeated Incidents on Urban Roads

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

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

Mt Gravatt’s Urban Pressures on Koalas

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

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

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

Koala Activity Patterns and Risk

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

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

Public Reaction and Concerns

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

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

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

Outlook for Wildlife in Mt Gravatt

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

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

Published 29-July-2025

Community Feedback Shapes Future Development in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Google Maps

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

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

Suburban Renewal Initiative Targets Mt Gravatt

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

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

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

Mt Gravatt precinct plan — Photo Credit: BCC

Focus Areas and Strategic Themes

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

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

Local Perspectives and Submissions

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

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

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

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

Draft Plan and Timeline

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

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

Published 29-July-2025

Housing Boost for Mount Gravatt and South East Queensland Communities

Thirty-three new affordable homes are set for Upper Mount Gravatt as part of a broader push to rapidly increase housing supply across South East Queensland.

The Crisafulli Government has confirmed its commitment to address the ongoing housing challenges by activating new land for development and fast-tracking social and affordable housing projects. These efforts aim to provide more secure and stable housing options for Queenslanders, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families.

New Homes for Local Communities

In a direct response to the community’s need for more housing, planning approval has been granted for 33 new affordable housing units at Hertford Street, Upper Mount Gravatt. This development is strategically located to offer residents easy access to public transport and essential services.

Beyond Mount Gravatt, another 60 social and affordable housing units are planned for South Brisbane. These homes will be managed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS), a registered housing provider dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities.

Additionally, 16 social housing units in Juniper Court, Beenleigh, are approved to help young people affected by domestic violence or those at risk of homelessness. In total, these new projects will deliver 109 social and affordable units.

Boosting Land Supply

To lay the groundwork for even more homes, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has released significant tracts of development-ready land. This includes 3.5 hectares in Meadowbrook, Logan, which could lead to up to 172 new homes.

Another 1.7 hectares at Lumina within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct in Southport has also been released, with the potential to unlock about 640 future residences. EDQ is also evaluating approximately 190,000 square metres of land for further releases over the next six months.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, stated that these approvals and land releases are designed to increase the availability of housing across Queensland. He affirmed that the government is actively working on other initiatives to accelerate housing supply.

Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor, added that the new approvals demonstrate the government’s seriousness about providing more affordable homes. He noted that these efforts are being made in partnership with charities and community housing providers, adding to over 5,000 social and affordable homes already under construction or contract.

Published Date 24-Jun-2025

Kokoda Challenge: Mt Gravatt Teenager Takes on Australia’s Toughest Endurance Event

Photo Credit: Kokoda Challenge

A 13-year-old from Mt Gravatt is preparing to undertake Australia’s toughest team endurance event, the 96 km Kokoda Challenge, to raise money for youth in the community.

Lincoln Brown will embark on the gruelling 96-kilometre trail run and hike across the Gold Coast hinterland on 19 and 20 July. This demanding event requires participants to cover the entire distance without sleeping, conquering 4,000 metres of elevation through mountainous terrain.

A Commitment to Community

Lincoln’s motivation for taking on such a significant physical and mental test is to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation. This charity runs programmes designed to help young people discover their potential, find purpose, and achieve their goals in life. He has set a fundraising target of $5,000 to contribute to these vital community initiatives.

A Seasoned Challenger

Despite his young age, Lincoln is no stranger to the Kokoda Challenge. He first participated in the 48-kilometre Gold Coast event in Year 7 (2023) with his school. Last year, he completed the same distance three hours faster, finishing in a remarkable 11 hours and 52 minutes, demonstrating his determination to break the 12-hour mark. This year, with special approval due to being underage, he is stepping up to the ultimate 96-kilometre distance.

Lincoln has been diligently training since late last year, typically running around 30 kilometres each week across various forest trails. He expressed his readiness for the physical demands of the event, stating that he can handle the hard yards on the track, but he needs the community’s support to reach his fundraising goal. Donations are tax-deductible and directly contribute to providing life-changing opportunities for Australian youth.

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Understanding The Kokoda Challenge

The Kokoda Challenge is not merely an athletic event; it is a profound experience that offers participants a glimpse into the hardships faced by Australian soldiers defending the country on the Kokoda Track in 1942.

It emphasises community connection and highlights the strength individuals can find when working together as a team. As Australia’s toughest team endurance event, it pushes competitors to discover capabilities they may not have known they possessed.

Published Date 29-May-2025

QAFL Colts Talent Highlights Emerging Players in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: QAFL/Instagram

Several Mt Gravatt footballers have been recognised for their performance in the QAFL Colts competition, with four players named among the early standouts.

Local Recognition in QAFL Colts

Mt Gravatt’s representation in the 2025 QAFL Colts competition has gained attention, with four players from the club highlighted among the early-season performers. Despite a slow start to the season, the club’s emerging talents have shown signs of strong individual development.

Mt Gravatt QAFL — *Photo Credit: QAFL/Instagram*

Four Young Talents Making an Impact

Max Hoffmann has impressed early in the season. The Cairns recruit, who previously earned a Rising Star Award, has transitioned into Mt Gravatt’s line-up as a ruckman and forward. Standing at 190cm, Hoffmann has been reliable in the air and has contributed in general play with his ability to function like an additional midfielder around the contest.

In defence, Lachlan Newberry has played a dependable role. Rarely beaten in one-on-one situations, he has also added an attacking element to his game, showcasing his capacity to intercept and move the ball forward.

Utility player Luke Kirkman has brought flexibility to the team. Capable of playing in several positions, Kirkman has shown clean left-foot skills and a readiness to take the game on when possession opens up. His ability to fill gaps across the field has been valuable in a side still working to find rhythm.

Midfielder Lachlan Lovell, another arrival from Cairns, has started to settle into the club’s game plan. With strong running and dual-foot kicking, he offers a dynamic option through the middle and is gaining confidence in his new environment.

Mt Gravatt colts — *Photo Credit: QAFL/Instagram*

Building Towards Competitiveness

Although Mt Gravatt remain winless after four rounds, signs of improvement are evident. The team’s structure is beginning to form around these developing players, each showing flashes of capability that could benefit the club as the season progresses.

The focus now turns to how Mt Gravatt can convert individual promise into team results as they continue their campaign in the QAFL Colts competition.

Published 10-May-2025

Koala Deaths Spark Fox Control Calls in Mt Gravatt

Photo Credit: Queensland Koala Society/Facebook

Six koalas have died in Mt Gravatt following reported fox attacks, prompting renewed calls from local groups for city officials’ intervention.

Ongoing Koala Deaths Raise Alarm in Mt Gravatt

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.

Mt Gravatt koala deaths — *Photo Credit: Queensland Koala Society/Facebook*

Mounting Concerns from Local Representatives

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.

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.

Path Forward and Ongoing Risks

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.

Published 11-Apr-2025

Koala Survival Rates Highlight Gaps in Mt Gravatt Strategy

Photo Credit: Queensland Koala Society/Facebook

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.

Background on Conservation Efforts

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.

Mt Gravatt wildlife — *Photo Credit: Queensland Koala Society/Facebook*

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.

Public Awareness and Local Engagement

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.

Conclusion and Next Steps

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.

Published 10-Apr-2025