Emergency services are currently responding to a collision between a school bus and a car at the intersection of Melton Road and Masefield Street in Nundah. The incident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. Friday during peak traffic hours.
The bus, carrying students from St Joseph’s Nudgee College, was involved in the collision, prompting immediate medical response. Paramedics are assessing 34 people at the scene, predominantly students, though initial reports indicate injuries are minor.
The crash has resulted in complete road closure at the intersection of Melton Road and Masefield Street. Police are actively diverting traffic in the area, and local authorities advise residents to expect delays. Motorists are urged to seek alternative routes during the afternoon commute.
Emergency medical teams remain on site conducting assessments of those involved. While the incident has caused significant disruption to local traffic, there are currently no reports of serious injuries among the passengers.
Local residents seeking to navigate through the area should monitor traffic updates and follow police directions. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing, and authorities have yet to provide additional details.
A 26-year-old man was shot while attempting to defend himself with a samurai sword during a home invasion at Florence Street, Nundah, just after midnight on October 31. Police are searching for three to five men of African heritage in connection with the incident.
The victim suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg and was hospitalised, while a 24-year-old woman, also present at the address, sustained minor shrapnel-type injuries.
Detective Inspector John Mison stated the attack appears to be targeted, noting the occupants had only moved to the address approximately one month ago. Police believe a shotgun-type weapon was used in the attack, which occurred outside the house.
Neighbour Jessica Schultz reported hearing a commotion followed by a loud bang. She witnessed the injured man lying on the footpath while neighbours attempted to apply pressure to his wound before ambulance arrival.
Another resident, Lillian Kennedy, awakened to the sound of a single gunshot and observed a white SUV speeding away from the scene, with someone entering the passenger side of the vehicle.
Detective Inspector Mison confirmed that while the suspects fled, nothing appears to have been taken from the home. Police are conducting door knocks and analysing CCTV footage in the surrounding area. The suspects may still be armed, and the public is advised not to approach anyone they believe might be involved.
ACU Brisbane North Cougars have secured thirteen positions in Queensland’s reduced state netball squads for 2025, cementing their status as the state’s premier development program.
The program’s athletes represent more than one-third of the total 37 players selected for Queensland’s pathway program, more than doubling the representation of any other institution.
This achievement builds on the program’s established success under coach Liz White, whose leadership has delivered 17 premierships in 24 years, including a remarkable four consecutive Sapphire Series championships through 2023.
The under-17 squad showcases both experienced and emerging Cougars talent. Returning athlete Simoné Botha, fresh from her 2024 AIS selection, leads a strong contingent of newcomers including Matilda Canning, Chelsea Edwards, Ariana Ransfield, Embah Tait, and Tereneah Tapuai.
In the under-19 division, five athletes have successfully progressed from the under-17s: Marley Burns, Rio Burns, Sienna Jones, Ella McCartney, and Tia Molo. The squad is further strengthened by two-time Judy Sampson Memorial Trophy winner Ellie Brice and talented athlete Gemma Hutchings.
“The talent displayed made the process very competitive,” notes Netball Queensland head of talent and development Roselee Jencke.
These athletes now focus on preparing for the 2025 National Netball Championships, scheduled for April in Sydney. Final team selection, comprising 12 players plus training partners, will be announced in early 2025.
A proposed 24/7 McDonald’s restaurant development on Nudgee Road in Hendra has been the talk of the town, with the community raising concerns during the submission period that cover local traffic patterns, environmental considerations, community impact, and various other issues.
The proposed development for 330 Nudgee Road, Hendra aims to transform the existing car rental depot into a modern food and drink establishment. The plans detail a compact facility, featuring a dual-lane drive-through designed for optimal traffic flow. Notable in the design is its focus on takeaway service, with no on-site dining facilities included.
Artist’s impression of proposed 24/7 fast-food restaurant development at Nudgee Road (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)
“The design of the proposed development is consistent with the branding, architectural style and materiality of the McDonald’s franchise. However, unlike a typical McDonald’s restaurant which features a 450-sqm floor plate with inside dining, takeaway and drive-through options, the scale of the proposed development has been significantly reduced. Specifically, this development comprises a floorplate that is 65% the size of a standard McDonald’s restaurant, and operates only on a drive-through and takeaway basis,” planners stated.
Community Response
Photo credit: Nearmap
The development application (A006543699), which opened for public notification on 16 October 2024, has already garnered substantial community interest.
BCC has received over 100 submissions during the notification period, which runs until 7 November 2024. Local residents and business owners have been actively engaging in the planning process, sharing their perspectives on how the development might impact the neighbourhood.
Key discussion points raised by the community include potential effects on local traffic patterns, environmental considerations, and the relationship between the proposed development and the existing character of the area. The site’s proximity to educational facilities, including Hendra State School, has sparked conversations about urban planning and community development.
Photo credit: Google Street View
“The introduction of this fast-food restaurant is projected to bring an additional 90 cars daily into our residential area. This increase will exacerbate existing traffic issues, making it increasingly difficult for residents to navigate our streets and potentially heightening the risk of accidents,” one resident said.
For those interested in participating in the consultation process, BCC outlines specific criteria for submissions to be considered ‘properly made’:
– Submissions must be lodged electronically through the Council website or in writing with signatures
– Include complete contact details of the submitter
– Provide detailed reasoning for the position taken
– Be received before the November 7 deadline
All properly made submissions will be eligible for appeal rights in the Land and Environment Court following the Council’s decision.
The proposal represents a significant potential change for the Hendra area, which is currently characterised by its residential nature and local business community. BCC will review all submissions as part of its assessment process.
Brisbane Airport will adjust its flight operations to reduce aircraft noise affecting local residents, aiming to limit disruptions in neighbourhoods under current flight paths.
Starting on 28 November, Brisbane Airport will prioritise the use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) during certain times, particularly on weekends and weeknights after 9 p.m., allowing more aircraft to arrive and depart over Moreton Bay rather than residential areas.
This change, directed by Airservices Australia and the federal Transport Minister, is expected to reduce noise disturbances for 300,000 to 500,000 residents affected by previous flight patterns.
Community Concerns and the Push for Quieter Skies
Community groups and local representatives have raised long-standing concerns about Brisbane Airport’s operations’ noise impact, especially since the opening of the second runway in 2020. Residents in affected areas have been vocal about noise levels and are advocating for stronger measures, including a night-time curfew and a cap on the number of flights.
The Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance also expressed concerns that the proposed increase in SODPROPS usage, from two per cent to five per cent of total flights, may still be insufficient. Representatives from the alliance argue that the SODPROPS mode should be prioritised for more hours each day, not only during limited times when conditions permit.
Airservices Australia and Airport’s Noise Reduction Strategy
Airservices Australia, the authority responsible for air traffic control, stated that increasing SODPROPS usage was a key part of its Noise Action Plan for Brisbane. According to the plan, aircraft using this runway mode will stay over water longer and gain altitude more quickly before crossing into residential airspace, which should reduce the noise impact on the ground.
As part of these measures, aircraft flying over the Redlands area will ascend to 12,000 feet, up from the previous 8,000 feet, to further mitigate noise. Additionally, minor adjustments will be made to arrival flight paths over North Stradbroke Island, including the installation of a noise monitor to ensure transparency and track any impact on local residents.
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graff has expressed the airport’s commitment to reducing noise, stating that each additional aircraft routed over Moreton Bay lessens the noise impact on neighbouring communities. Brisbane Airport is collaborating with Airservices Australia, airlines, and local stakeholders to balance the airport’s economic role with residents’ quality of life.
While noise concerns continue to drive community advocacy, there are also economic considerations. Brisbane Airport Corporation has indicated that curfews and flight caps could have significant economic repercussions, costing the city around $1 billion annually. Instead, the airport has taken steps to work with international airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific, to route more nighttime flights over the bay when winds are favourable, helping limit noise in populated areas.
Airservices Australia has assured the community that further changes to SODPROPS usage are under consideration, with plans to expand the mode’s application in 2025 if traffic conditions and safety standards allow. Community feedback remains central to the ongoing adjustments, as Airservices continues to work closely with Brisbane residents and other stakeholders to address the impact of aircraft noise.
A Banyo-based early childhood educator has become among the first to graduate from a revolutionary accelerated teaching programme at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
This innovative course, the first of its kind in Queensland, allows diploma-qualified educators to fast-track their studies and obtain a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) in 18 months, compared to the traditional four years.
This programme is a much-needed solution to the ongoing workforce shortage in the early childhood education sector. Launched in March this year, the accelerated degree has already attracted 70 Queensland-based students in its first intake, all eager to upskill and lead preschool classrooms.
ACU lecturer Laurien Beane hailed the programme as a “game changer,” emphasising its importance in “closing the gap” and ensuring adequate staffing to keep childcare services operational. The programme draws students from diverse locations across Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville, Thursday Island, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Warwick.
Beane stressed the significance of upskilling educators in urban and regional areas to guarantee all families access to quality early childhood education and care.
Chloe Buchtmann, a 39-year-old educator from Banyo with 20 years of experience, is one of the programme’s success stories. She highlighted the programme’s accessibility and the significant time savings it offered.
Previously facing a nine-year path to completing her degree part-time, Buchtmann is now on track to graduate next year. She praised the programme’s affordability, noting the availability of scholarships through providers like Goodstart, which make it a viable option for those with families and financial commitments.
Professor Donna King, ACU National Head of the School of Education, explained that the programme was developed in partnership with key industry players to address the sector’s need for highly qualified early childhood teachers.
The course maintains a rigorous curriculum without compromising quality or disrupting students’ work lives.
It utilises a multi-mode delivery approach, incorporating virtual reality technology and intensive weekend symposiums (both in-person and online) to foster interaction and professional networking among future educators.
Hidden in plain sight lies Nudgee Cemetery, a sprawling testament to Queensland’s past. But it’s more than just rows of headstones – it’s a treasure trove of stories waiting to be uncovered. Come with us as we delve into the history and mysteries of this fascinating final resting place.
Established in 1867 as the first Catholic burial ground in the region, Nudgee Cemetery quickly became a significant landmark in Queensland’s history. Originally owned and operated by the Catholic Church, it has evolved into the largest cemetery in the Brisbane area, a sprawling tapestry of diverse stories and backgrounds.
Within its grounds lie the remains of prominent figures who shaped the state, alongside everyday individuals who contributed to its vibrant fabric. This mix of the famous and the ordinary, the grand and the humble, is part of what makes Nudgee so compelling.
Photo Credit: Google Map
But beyond the historical significance lies a deeper mystery. Nudgee has garnered a reputation as a haven for restless spirits, their presence whispered amongst those who wander its paths after sunset. These whispers, combined with the sheer age and scale of the cemetery, create an atmosphere ripe for historical exploration and paranormal investigation.
Eerie Encounters and Unexplained Phenomena
Photo Credit: Google Map
Among the most enduring tales is that of a young girl, her spectral form reportedly seen flitting amongst the tombstones. Visitors claim to have caught glimpses of her ghostly figure, moving swiftly through the shadows before vanishing into thin air. Her identity remains a mystery, adding to the intrigue surrounding her presence. Is she a lost soul, forever bound to the grounds, or a figment of overactive imaginations?
Adding to the cemetery’s spectral reputation are the strange orbs of light that have been witnessed floating above the graves. Some claim to have captured these luminous anomalies in photographs, while others describe seeing them with their own eyes. These unexplained lights, dancing in the darkness, fuel speculation about the nature of the afterlife and the possibility of spirits lingering among us.
A Place of Peace and Reflection
Photo Credit: Google Map
While the ghostly tales certainly add a layer of intrigue to Nudgee Cemetery, it’s important to remember that it is, first and foremost, a place of rest and remembrance. It’s a place where families come to honour loved ones and reflect on lives lived. The site’s historical significance, with its connections to Queensland’s past, adds another dimension to its appeal.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a paranormal investigator, or simply seeking a quiet place for contemplation, Nudgee Cemetery offers a unique experience. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine, stories are etched in stone and whispered on the wind, and the line between the living and the departed seems to blur.
Virginia, get ready to jingle all the way to VEND Marketplace this Christmas! VEND Marketplace in Virginia and Annerley is transforming into a festive wonderland this November and December with not one but two Christmas pop-up markets.
The popular indoor market will be overflowing with festive cheer. It will showcase the wares of over 120 vendors inside and be complemented by local artisans offering unique Christmas gifts in the outdoor area.
Shoppers can expect a complete Christmas experience with a cafe serving delicious dinner meals, a pop-up bar offering festive cocktails for the adults, and free face painting to entertain the little ones.
Pet-Friendly: Furry friends are welcome to join the festivities.
Convenient Parking: Ample on-site and street parking available.
The markets will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, 30 November, and Saturday, 7 December. VEND Marketplace encourages attendees to embrace Christmas by donning their best festive attire.
Two Nundah-based mental health programs have earned top honours at the 28th Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards, highlighting their critical role in supporting families and mental health in the community.
The awards were presented during a Friday, 11 October 2024 ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event recognises outstanding contributions to mental health across the state, and both programs from Nundah stood out among a competitive pool of nominees.
Nicki Walsh Wins Jude Bugeja Lived Experience Award
Nicki Walsh, a key figure in Nundah, was recognised with the Jude Bugeja Lived Experience Award for her work as the Statewide Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Consumer Carer Coordinator at the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (QCPIMH). This award, sponsored by the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, honours individuals who use their own experiences to make a significant difference in the lives of others living with mental illness.
Walsh has been lauded for her efforts in connecting with families and ensuring their voices are heard, particularly in perinatal and infant mental health.
“We are proud to recognise Nicki for her authenticity and empathy which she brings to all aspects of her work. She continually challenges stigma and promotes understanding within the community,” Kate Johnson, CEO of Open Minds, remarked.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Zero to Four Family Support Service Wins Two Major Awards
The Zero to Four Family Support Service also based in Nundah, took home two prestigious awards: the Early Years Award and the overall Earle Duus Award, which recognises the top overall winner of the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.
The service focuses on improving the wellbeing and safety of children and families, empowering parents, and preventing children from entering the statutory child protection system. Its volunteer programs aim to reduce social isolation, promote mental health, and build parental confidence.
“We are immensely proud to honour community members who play a crucial role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable young people in Queensland,” Ms Johnson said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Community Impact
These awards highlight the critical work happening in Nundah and underscore the importance of community-driven mental health initiatives. The Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards provide a platform for recognising local efforts that have a state-wide impact.
Both winners reflect the dedication of local mental health programs to fostering healthier futures for families and children, ensuring the Nundah community remains a supportive and nurturing environment for all.
Fresh from his jungle adventures on “I’m A Celebrity Australia,” British comedy sensation Stephen K Amos is set to tickle funny bones across Brisbane with his latest show, “Oxymoron.”
As part of his Australian tour, Amos will be gracing three local pubs with his presence, including a not-to-be-missed performance at the Royal Hotel Nundah.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 7th at 7:30 p.m., when the Royal Quarters at Nundah’s Royal Hotel will transform into a laughter-filled arena. Amos promises an hour of solid jokes and guaranteed belly laughs that will leave audiences in stitches.
From South London to Down Under
Photo credit: stephenkamos.com
Stephen K Amos’s journey to comedy stardom began in the vibrant comedy clubs of South London, where he cut his teeth as a compere at the Big Fish venues. Since then, he’s become a BAFTA-nominated and RTS award-winning powerhouse, excelling as a writer, broadcaster, actor, and comedian.
His talents have graced both stage and screen, with notable performances in West End hits like “My Fair Lady” and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” Most recently, Amos showcased his versatility by taking on the role of The Conductor in Tim Burton’s highly anticipated film “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.”
A Triple Treat for Brisbane
Photo credit: stephenkamos.com
While the Nundah show is set to be a highlight, Brisbane comedy fans are in for a triple treat. Amos will also be performing at the Springlake Hotel and Fitzy’s Loganholme, ensuring that no corner of the city misses out on his comedic brilliance.
“Oxymoron” – A Show Not to Be Missed
With his razor-sharp wit and engaging stage presence, Stephen K Amos has earned a reputation for being “awfully good” at his craft. “Oxymoron” promises to deliver his signature style of comedy, blending observational humour with personal anecdotes that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Amos’s comedy, this show offers the perfect opportunity to experience one of the UK’s finest comedic exports in an intimate pub setting. So grab your tickets, gather your friends, and prepare for an evening of non-stop laughter with Stephen K Amos at the Royal Hotel Nundah.
Don’t miss this chance to see why Stephen K Amos is considered one of the most entertaining performers on the international comedy circuit. After all, laughter is the best medicine, and Amos is ready to prescribe a hefty dose to Brisbane!
