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Banyo Researcher Sounds Warning as AI Chatbots Land in Every Queensland State School

Every Queensland state school will have access to a state-built artificial intelligence chatbot by the start of June 2026, but a Brisbane-based education researcher is warning that students need structured guidance to use the technology effectively.

Read: Music and Arts Boost for Banyo School with New Hall Upgrade

Dr Luke Rowe, an AI in learning expert from Australian Catholic University’s National School of Education, based at the McAuley Campus in Banyo, says the evidence is clear: handing students a chatbot without structure or purpose is unlikely to produce meaningful educational outcomes. Students need structured guidance about what AI is, how it works, and what it should and should not be used for.

Photo credit: Google Maps/Australian Catholic University, Brisbane Campus

Dr Rowe argued that conversations about AI need to begin early and happen regularly, covering not only its potential benefits but also its environmental impact and the ways it can be misused. He draws a firm distinction between learning with AI and learning about AI, and believes schools need to carve out dedicated time for the latter rather than simply folding the technology into existing subjects.

When students lack the foundational research and critical thinking skills that proper AI use demands, he warns, they risk outsourcing their learning rather than deepening it. The teacher and fellow students remain rich resources in any classroom, he says, and should not be ignored just because a new tool has arrived.

What is Corella AI?

Photo credit: LinkedDepartment of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business

Corella AI is a $1.5 million chatbot program developed in-house by the Queensland Department of Education. So far, access has been limited to Year 9 and 10 students, with parental consent required. From June, Year 7 and 8 students will also be brought on board, and the department is in discussions with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority about integrating the program into senior schooling.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek described Corella as a tool for the future, saying the rollout was designed to help students engage with AI responsibly and think critically about the information they encounter.

According to the department, students will be able to use Corella to brainstorm ideas, check, draft and revise work, conduct research, and summarise information. Because the software is hosted on the department’s own infrastructure, the department says students can safely upload material they would ordinarily access in the classroom.

For teachers, the picture looks somewhat different. Corella gives staff access to training modules that support lesson planning and the creation of assessment tasks, though it cannot be used for grading. Dr Rowe sees real value in this: when AI handles time-consuming administrative work like building assessment rubrics, teachers can redirect that effort toward activities that more directly benefit their students.

Not everyone feels the rollout has been handled transparently. P&Cs Queensland, the peak body for parents and citizens associations, released a formal position on AI in schools this week. Chief executive Timothy Horne said parents feel they have not yet been brought into the conversation, and that while there is genuine interest in AI among Queensland families, there is also real concern about how much the technology is creeping into the classroom.

Read: Speed Awareness Monitors Back on Duty as Nundah Students Return to School

For families in Nundah, Banyo, and the surrounding suburbs, the Corella expansion is worth keeping a close eye on. With an AI in education expert based right here at ACU’s Banyo campus, the local community is well placed to be part of the broader conversation about what responsible AI in schools actually looks like.

Published 25-May-2026

Nudgee Angler Lands Monster Fish During Aussie Junior Fishing Classic

“Time spent fishing is time well spent” has become a guiding motto for Nudgee teenager Nate Willcox, whose love of Brisbane waterways is now leading to big catches in a national junior competition.

The 15-year-old recently landed several standout catches during the April round of the Aussie Junior Fishing Classic, including a 122 cm threadfin salmon and a 105 cm jewfish caught in local waters.

Run by Queensland organisation 2 Bent Rods, the competition gives young anglers aged between 3 and 17 the chance to fish anywhere in Australia while competing across multiple categories.

Growing Up Around Nudgee’s Waterways

Nate said he has loved fishing for as long as he can remember, with many of those early experiences happening alongside his mum, stepdad and relatives.

“My whole family loves going fishing,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if we catch anything or not, it’s always good to spend time together and have a bit of rivalry on who catches the biggest fish.”

Fishing trips around Nudgee Beach and the Port of Brisbane eventually turned into something more serious as Nate began targeting larger species including jewfish, threadfin salmon and giant trevally.

He said the Port of Brisbane remains one of his favourite places to chase jewfish and threadfin, while Nudgee Beach is his preferred spot for whiting and flathead using yabbies and soft plastics.

Monster Catches During National Competition

During the April competition, Nate reeled in a 122 cm threadfin salmon using live herring and 20 lb leader. On the same night, he also hooked a 105 cm jewfish while chasing cod using live tailor bait.

Photos shared from the event also show Nate holding an 85 cm flathead caught in shallow water near Bribie Island, along with a giant trevally landed on a topwater stick bait.

His favourite species, however, remains the mulloway, also known as jewfish.

“My favourite fish to catch is the Mulloway/Jewfish, especially when they get over that metre-10 mark,” he said.

Junior Fishing Event Continues to Grow

The Aussie Junior Fishing Classic started as the Queensland Kids Fishing Classic before expanding into a national competition over the past two years. According to 2 Bent Rods, the event was created to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors while building confidence through recreational fishing.

The competition now includes categories covering fish species, crab catches and environmental activities such as rubbish collection while fishing.

Organisers say the event has attracted families from across Australia as interest in youth fishing continues to grow.

Photo Credit: Supplied

More Than Just Catching Fish

While Nate’s catches have attracted attention online, he said one of the best parts of the competition is the chance to spend more time outdoors with mates and family.

“I can’t wait for the next AJFC so I can have an excuse to go fishing more but also to spend time with mates and get off screens,” he said.

Another quote that has stayed with him is simple: “Chase fish, not drama and attention.”

The next Aussie Junior Fishing Classic will run from June 27 to July 12. The competition allows young anglers aged between 3 and 17 to fish from almost anywhere in Australia, provided they are fishing legally within local rules and regulations.

Participants can enter catches across 15 categories, including species divisions, crab catches, most species caught and even a rubbish collection category designed to encourage care for waterways and the environment.

The event began as the Queensland Kids Fishing Classic before rapidly expanding into a national competition as more families joined from across the country. Organisers say the competition was created to give young people a fun and supportive way to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with family and build confidence through recreational fishing.

More information is available through the 2 Bent Rods website and the AJFC Facebook group.

Published 25-May-2026

Kangaroo Bus Lines Appointed Official Transport Partner for WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027

Kangaroo Bus Lines, a family-owned bus company with a depot in Banyo, has been appointed Official Transport Partner for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027.

Read: Former Mick Doohan Raceway Site in Banyo Hits the Market

Softball Australia and the tournament’s Organising Committee confirmed the partnership, with the Redcliffe-hosted event set to run from 5 to 11 April 2027.

The appointment means KBL will deliver transport operations for athletes and officials attending the tournament, with the company committed to ensuring every journey is safe, reliable and on time.

A Local Business on the World Stage

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A post shared by Sarah Loh (@softball_australia_ceo)

KBL has served southeast Queensland for more than 47 years, building its reputation as a reliable and community-connected operator. The company’s local expertise and community connection were highlighted by Softball Australia as key strengths underpinning the partnership.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said she was “delighted” to confirm the partnership, describing KBL as “a proud, family-owned business with deep roots in the region.” She said the company’s team would “play a critical role in ensuring athletes and officials from the world’s top eight softball nations experience Australia at its very best, with every journey safe, reliable, and seamless.”

Every bus on the road, she wrote, “represents local expert drivers, local businesses showcased to an international audience, and local pride on display to the world.”

Photo credit: Facebook/Kangaroo Bus Lines

KBL CEO Darren Webster said the appointment reflects the dedication of his staff and the high standards the company works to uphold every day. He noted that while KBL has built its name through local community service, being trusted to support world-class sporting teams on the international stage is something the company is extremely proud of.

Read: Hartley Farmhouse Remains a Rare Link to Banyo’s Rural Past

The stakes at Redcliffe next April will be considerable. The Finals will serve as the first Olympic qualification event for softball on the road to the LA28 Games in Los Angeles, with one Olympic berth available for the top-ranked nation at the tournament, excluding the USA as host nation.

Published 22-May-2026

Nudgee Dog Thwarts Early Morning Intruder and Sparks Community Security Drive

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A tiny Nudgee dog has become a local sensation after successfully chasing a prowler away from his family home, proving that even the smallest family pets can be highly effective in adding to the security of a home.

A resident living in the coastal North Brisbane suburb reported to local authorities in mid-May that an unknown man had walked onto the side of the property and attempted to enter through an unlocked door. The sudden intrusion immediately alerted Buddy, a three-year-old Jack Russell terrier, who was sleeping inside.

The Four-Legged Alarm System

dog — *Photo Credit:* *myPolice Brisbane North*

Upon sensing the intruder, Buddy immediately began barking, growling, and chasing the man, which caused the offender to flee the area empty-handed before he could breach the main living space.

North Brisbane Police later praised the small dog for his bravery, noting that his quick reaction likely prevented a serious property offence from occurring.

As a reward for his protective instincts, Buddy was treated to a special dinner of hot chicken and a bone by his grateful owners, who described him as a deeply cherished member of their family household.

Rethinking Local Home Defence

The close call has prompted local police to urge residents to review their daily security habits, emphasizing that simple preventative measures are the most effective way to avoid becoming a victim of a break-in.

Authorities noted that opportunistic thieves actively look for quick targets and prefer to operate completely undetected in quiet neighbourhoods. A barking dog disrupts this plan by immediately drawing unwanted attention to the intruder, making pets an invaluable line of defense for suburban streets.

Practical Steps to Deter Opportunistic Thieves

dog — *Photo Credit:* *myPolice Brisbane North*

To assist the community in safeguarding their homes, police are encouraging neighbours to conduct their own property safety assessments based on official security guidelines. Security experts recommend looking at a home through a layered approach, focusing on making it as difficult as possible for a thief to gain entry or to slip away unnoticed with stolen goods.

Additionally, homeowners should focus on increasing visibility around their properties, such as clearing away overgrown bushes or utilising sensor lights, so that any suspicious behavior can be easily seen from the street or by adjacent neighbours.

Staying Vigilant Together

Law enforcement officials stressed that locking doors and windows should be a consistent habit, even when the entire family is at home. Residents are advised to take notice whenever a neighbourhood dog begins barking unexpectedly and to safely investigate what might have caused the disturbance. Any suspicious people or unfamiliar vehicles spotted idling in local streets should be reported to the police via Policelink as soon as possible, while any active emergencies should be directed to Triple Zero immediately.

Published Date 20-May-2026

Nundah Hub Offers Free Workspace to Help Local Businesses Thrive

Brisbane entrepreneurs and small business owners can now skip the expensive city office rentals and tap into a completely free, fully equipped community workspace operating right in the heart of Nundah.

The initiative comes at a perfect time, as May marks Queensland Small Business Month. Local operators can visit the Suburban Business Hub on business days from 9am to 4pm to access these facilities. To keep the community moving forward, the venue changes its focus on Wednesdays by halting regular co-working to host dedicated educational sessions.

On these days, the council joins forces with government departments and corporate networks to deliver specialised workshops. For those still needing a desk mid-week, local council libraries step in to provide alternative spaces.

The hub provides a spacious 100-square-metre layout designed to adapt to various business needs. Up to 50 people can gather in the air-conditioned facility, which features movable desks, whiteboards, and a digital screen for presentations.

It also includes practical amenities like a kitchen with tea and coffee facilities, accessible bathrooms, and a unique local artist display wall. While visitors need to bring their own connection cables and find parking on the surrounding streets, the council provides free wireless internet to all guests.

The main goal of the facility is to give suburban business owners the same advantages as big city companies. Beyond saving money on rent, users can book tables two days in advance or simply walk in to collaborate with other local professionals.

By offering professional meeting spaces and regular networking events close to home, the hub gives neighbourhood businesses a practical way to learn new skills, share ideas, and build stronger economic roots within the community.

Published Date 17-May-2026

Norths Devils to Host Road Safety Week Community Event in Nundah

Photo Credit: QLD Police

A football day at Norths Devils Club will become part of a broader push to tackle dangerous driving, with police, paramedics and firefighters joining forces in Nundah for a National Road Safety Week community event.

Running from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 24 May, the event at Norths Devils Club will bring together the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire Department as part of the annual national campaign focused on reducing road trauma.

National Road Safety Week, held from 17 to 24 May, is a nationwide advocacy initiative aimed at raising awareness about the human cost of crashes while encouraging Australians to make safer decisions behind the wheel. Landmarks across the country are illuminated in yellow during the week as a show of support for the campaign.

For police, the message is straightforward: enforcement matters, but behaviour change matters more.

Queensland Police have used the week to take that message directly into the community through a series of public events across Brisbane’s north, including a Coffee with a Cop session at Boondall, a rural road safety activation at Samford’s parkrun, and a motorcycle safety initiative at a Geebung bike night.

The Nundah event brings that campaign into a local sporting setting, where families and community members can engage directly with emergency services while road safety remains front of mind.

The campaign comes as authorities continue to warn about the behaviours most commonly linked to serious crashes and fatalities, including speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction, fatigue, and failing to wear seatbelts.

Rather than relying solely on roadside enforcement, National Road Safety Week is built around the idea that preventing trauma starts before someone gets behind the wheel.

For Nundah locals heading to Norths Devils next weekend, the event offers a chance to connect with frontline responders while being reminded that road safety is not just a policing issue, but a shared community responsibility.

Published 16-May-2026

Neon Nights At Nundah Brings 120 Stalls and Live Music to Station Street This June

This winter, Station Street is getting lit. Neon Nights At Nundah is taking over Nundah Village on 20th June, with over 120 stalls, live music across two stages, bonfires, glowing installations and a Pop-Up Bar serving Glühwein running across six hours of one of the suburb’s bigger community nights of the year.

Read: Why Sundays Feel Different When Nundah Markets Are Back

What’s On

The event features over 120 stalls covering artisan goods and gourmet street food. A Pop-Up Bar will serve Glühwein throughout the night, alongside food and drink offerings from market vendors spread across the precinct.

Live entertainment runs across two stages for the duration of the evening, with roving performers also moving through the crowd. Bonfires will be set up on site. Neon-themed decorations and glowing installations will feature across the market precinct, consistent with the event’s neon theme.

Kids’ activities are included in the program, running alongside the broader entertainment lineup throughout the evening.

What It Costs and Where to Go

The event is held on Station Street, which runs through the heart of the Nundah Village precinct and is well serviced by public transport, with Nundah train station a short walk from the market site.

The six-hour format, running from late afternoon into the evening, gives attendees the option of arriving for the earlier sessions or coming later in the night once the temperature drops and the bonfires come into their own.

Neon Nights At Nundah takes place on Saturday, 20th June at Station Street, Nundah. Doors open at 4:00 pm and the event runs until 10:00 pm. General admission is $4.

Read: Nudgee Old Boy Jacob Elordi: The Win You Didn’t See

About the Organisers

Neon Nights At Nundah is presented by Goodwill Projects, a Queensland-based company that operates markets, events and venues across the state. Goodwill Projects also runs the Nundah Fresh Farmers Markets, a free weekly market held every Sunday in the Nundah train station car park, just below Nundah Village, where locals can pick up freshly roasted coffee and breakfast.

Published 14-May-2026

Brisbane Airport Fast-Tracks 25ha Industrial Park Expansion After Stage 1 Sells Out Completely

With every lot in the first stage of its Airport Industrial Park (AIP) now snapped up, Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has launched a 25-hectare second stage, a move that underscores just how tight the market for premium industrial space has become across South East Queensland.

Read: Flight Path Proposals at Brisbane Airport Draw 1,300 Responses

Stage 2 has been launched with construction underway on the first lots, set to deliver up to 27,000 square metres of lettable area across as many as 10 tenancies. The new lots range from mid-size warehouse options of 1,400sqm to 2,200sqm through to large-scale facilities between 4,500sqm and 5,500sqm, with custom design-and-build options also on the table.

BAC Executive General Manager Commercial Scott Norris said the hunger for well-connected industrial land is unlike anything the precinct has seen in years.

“Demand for supply chain, logistics and manufacturing facilities is growing at levels we haven’t witnessed in more than a decade,” Mr Norris said, noting Brisbane Airport’s rare combination of airside access, round-the-clock operations, and connections to the major road network, the Port of Brisbane, and rail.

The airport is home to more than 600 businesses across its 2,700-hectare footprint. Mr Norris described it as “a suburb in its own right” with connectivity that most industrial precincts cannot match, citing its links to road, rail, seaport and aviation networks. BAC ranks it as Australia’s most connected domestic hub and the country’s third-busiest airport.

Outdoor retailer completes the Stage 1 puzzle

Industrial Park — Photo credit: Brisbane Airport Corporation

Stage 1 tenants include Australia Post, Martin Brower, Sadleirs, and Tile One. The final tenant to lock in a lease was outdoor adventure retailer 4WD Supacentre, which is relocating from Brendale and will occupy a purpose-built 20,000sqm warehouse on a 47,071sqm site.

4WD Supacentre CEO Christian Rolfe said the company had simply outgrown its current home.

“A significant increase in sales has meant we need a bigger warehouse space to meet consumer demand,” Mr Rolfe said, adding that the move would give the business the space it needs for its next phase of expansion. Construction is due to start in May, with the distribution centre expected to open mid-2027 and generate up to 1,000 jobs onsite during the build phase.

Sustainability is a key feature of the development. BAC has already secured 5 Star Green Star Buildings certification on three Stage 1 sites, and the same benchmark is being targeted for new stages. The 4WD Supacentre facility will incorporate 350kW of solar, rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fittings, and translucent roof sheeting to bring natural light into the warehouse.

The Airport Industrial Park expansion forms part of BAC’s broader $5 billion, five-year investment program, dubbed Future BNE, under which more than 150 projects will roll out across the precinct. Beyond Stage 2, BAC has flagged a further 30 hectares of industrial capacity to be released to market over the next three years.

Read: Brisbane Airport Growth Plans Highlighted in 2026 Draft, Consultation Open

For workers, the location also comes with a lifestyle angle. Mr Norris pointed out that employees are within easy reach of 170 shops and dining options at Skygate, reinforcing the precinct’s appeal beyond its logistics credentials.

Mr Norris noted significant land constraints across Australia’s eastern seaboard, and with Stage 1 selling out entirely, the Airport Industrial Park appears well-placed to capitalise.

Published 11-May-2026

New Toombul Road Retail Precinct Listed For Sale in Northgate

Photo Credit: Stonebridge

Thousands of motorists pass through Toombul Road every day, and one of Northgate’s newest drive-thru developments is now at the centre of a major commercial property campaign.

The adjoining Toombul Road properties — completed in 2023 by Brisbane developer Deluca — are being offered individually to investors through a campaign managed by Stonebridge Property Group. While the sale itself is aimed at commercial buyers, the development also reflects broader shifts underway across Northgate, where industrial land, commuter traffic and expanding retail services increasingly overlap.

Located about nine kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, the site sits within one of Brisbane’s busiest transport and logistics corridors, connecting nearby industrial precincts with the Gateway Motorway, Brisbane Airport and surrounding northern suburbs.

Toombul Road becoming a key stop for commuters and workers

For many residents and commuters travelling through Northgate each day, the new drive-thru development has become one of the corridor’s most visible recent additions.

Positioned along busy Toombul Road, the precinct is exposed to more than 40,000 vehicles daily, according to marketing material released as part of the sales campaign. The site combines a standalone Starbucks café with an adjoining 7-Eleven fuel and convenience outlet, catering largely to passing commuters, shift workers and nearby industrial employees.

The surrounding corridor has increasingly attracted national retailers and large-format businesses, including Bunnings Warehouse, Officeworks, Supercheap Auto and Petbarn, reinforcing the area’s role as a growing commercial hub within Brisbane’s north.

Northgate’s industrial identity continues to evolve

Traditionally associated with warehousing, freight and industrial activity, Northgate has gradually transformed into a mixed-use suburb balancing logistics infrastructure with residential growth and modern retail services.

The suburb’s strategic position between Brisbane’s CBD and airport has made it increasingly attractive for both employers and developers seeking access to major transport links and established workforce catchments.

Nearby facilities operated by companies including Australia Post, Arnott’s and Lite n’ Easy contribute to significant daytime worker movement throughout the precinct, helping drive demand for convenience-based businesses and hospitality services.

At the same time, suburban growth across Brisbane’s north has placed additional pressure on infrastructure and local services, particularly in areas closely connected to major arterial roads.

According to the Statistician’s Office, South East Queensland’s population is forecast to continue growing strongly over coming decades, contributing to increased development activity across middle-ring suburbs such as Northgate.

Commercial sale reflects confidence in Brisbane’s northern corridor

While the Starbucks and 7-Eleven sites are primarily being marketed as long-term commercial investments, the campaign also highlights growing confidence in Brisbane’s northern suburban corridor more broadly.

The properties are being offered separately despite operating as a complementary retail precinct, with the Starbucks site occupying a 2,594 sqm landholding and the adjoining 7-Eleven positioned on a separate corner allotment.

Industry observers say newer convenience-based developments continue to attract strong interest in high-traffic suburban corridors, particularly in areas benefiting from population growth and transport connectivity.

Published 8-May-2026

Nundah Retail Plans Move Ahead For Former Toombul Shopping Centre Site

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The former Toombul Shopping Centre site in Nundah is moving closer to redevelopment, with Irvine Group progressing plans for a staged mixed-use precinct at 1015 Sandgate Road.

The first development application is expected to be lodged in late July 2026, covering the initial retail stage of the project. That first stage is anticipated to include a department store, grocery store, food court and specialty retail tenancies.

The proposal marks the clearest step so far towards returning retail activity to the former shopping centre site, which has remained vacant after flood damage and demolition. No architectural concept plans have been publicly released.

Project representatives are working on an assumed assessment period of about six months from lodgement to approval. If that process proceeds as hoped, construction works are being targeted for April 2027.

Toombul Shopping Centre Site Set For Staged Renewal

The redevelopment is planned as a multi-stage mixed-use precinct, with retail forming the first stage.

Future stages are expected after 2026 and are planned to include further retail extensions and residential development. Current planning is understood to include four to five residential towers, with early planning referring to an approximate range of eight to ten storeys.

The residential component remains subject to ongoing design work. Possible short-term accommodation use has also been identified for later stages, but the final mix has not been confirmed.

retail redevelopment — Caption: The former Toombul Shopping Centre site (2005).
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Green Space Planned Along Kedron Brook

A significant part of the wider plan is the inclusion of landscaped green space along Kedron Brook, which fronts the site.

The open space is intended to connect with the creek-side parkland network and improve pedestrian movement through the precinct. It is also planned to form part of the early-stage works connected with the retail component.

The green space proposal adds another layer to the redevelopment, which is being shaped around retail, future residential uses and improved movement through the former shopping centre land.

Long-Empty Site Remains A Local Focus

Toombul Shopping Centre was established in 1967 and became a major retail destination for the surrounding area. After major flood damage in 2022, the centre closed and was later demolished.

Its absence has left a gap in local retail services, with community discussion continuing around what should return to the site. Much of that discussion has centred on the size of the future retail offer, flood resilience, parking, traffic, residential height and the need for everyday services such as supermarkets and essential shops.

Irvine Group acquired the site from Mirvac, with earlier plans already pointing to a retail-led mixed-use future for the land. The latest update now gives a clearer indication of the first stage, with the return of retail and grocery uses forming the immediate focus.

The next key step is the expected lodgement of the first retail-stage development application in late July 2026. The project remains in planning, but the former Toombul Shopping Centre site is now moving towards a defined redevelopment path after years of uncertainty.

Published 7-May-2026