The Banyo level crossing is one of several identified for improvement under the new SEQ Level Crossing Programme 2024. The programme aims to tackle congestion and safety issues at high-risk crossings across South East Queensland.
Ten million dollars have been allocated for planning studies on priority level crossings, with Banyo among those earmarked for detailed investigation. Options for the Banyo crossing include road and rail overpasses, traffic light installations, and road widening.
The programme also presents an opportunity to boost housing development and improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure around the upgraded crossing, enhancing road safety and reducing travel times. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists have expressed frustration at the current level crossing and this is a significant step towards addressing these issues.
While specific details for the Banyo level crossing are still under development, the Queensland Government has pledged to work closely with the local community to ensure the project meets their needs.
The historic Corpus Christi Church in Nundah is set to undergo some much-needed repairs, thanks to a $50,000 Community Sustainability Action Grant under the Community Heritage program.
The grant, awarded to The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane, will fund waterproofing and roof repairs to ensure the continued use of the church by both the parish and the wider community.
Corpus Christi Church, a heritage-listed Roman Catholic church designed by Hennessey, Hennessey, Keesing and Co and built between 1925 and 1926 by Stanley Samuel Carrick, was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1995. This grant will help preserve its historical significance and architectural integrity.
Photo credit: Vlady Peters/Google Maps
The church is one of 26 projects benefiting from the latest round of CSA grants, which total $849,373. Other funded projects across Queensland include repairs to the Federal Hotel in Childers, accessibility improvements at the Blackall Woolscour, conservation of stained-glass windows at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Toowoomba, and roof replacement for Redcliffe’s heritage-listed former fire station.
Photo credit: Jean Seah/Google Maps
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard, emphasised the importance of these grants in preserving Queensland’s heritage. “The owners and custodians of our heritage-listed places play an important role in preserving our state’s history,” she said. “These grants will ensure these historically significant sites will continue to be protected and enjoyed for many years to come.”
The CSA grant program offers up to $50,000 for projects that preserve and promote places on the Queensland Heritage Register. Minister Linard added that the government will continue to work closely with community groups, local councils, and place owners to conserve heritage-listed places and identify potential new additions to the register.
This funding for Corpus Christi Church not only ensures the preservation of a significant historical landmark but also supports the ongoing spiritual and community activities that have been central to Nundah for nearly a century.
Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has experienced a notable rise in the latest rankings of Queensland’s top 150 high schools, released by the independent education website Better Education. The Catholic girls’ secondary school, established in 1964 and named after Australia’s first saint, jumped 26 places, moving from 137th in 2022 to 111th in the 2023 rankings.
This significant improvement reflects the college’s dedication to academic excellence and providing a supportive environment for its students.
With a rich history rooted in the Josephite tradition, Mary MacKillop College fosters a nurturing atmosphere where each individual is known and supported. The college’s values of faith, community, and pastoral care, combined with a strong focus on academic achievement, have contributed to the school’s recent success. Established as Mount St. Joseph’s Students Secondary School, it underwent name changes in 1970 and 2009, eventually becoming Mary MacKillop College in honour of the revered saint.
Based on Year 9 English and Maths test results in 2023, the rankings showcase a range of high-performing schools across the state. While the top four positions remained unchanged, private schools outside Brisbane have shown the most significant advancements. Annandale Christian College in Townsville made a remarkable leap of 74 places, while St Luke’s Anglican School in Bundaberg and Tamborine Mountain State High School also rose notably in the rankings.
Mary MacKillop College’s impressive progress is a testament to the students and staff’s hard work and dedication. The college offers diverse academic and extracurricular programmes, including a renowned music programme and extensive sporting opportunities. This holistic approach to education and a strong sense of community have fostered an environment where students can thrive.
The 2023 rankings also welcomed 19 new entries, including Padua College and Brisbane South Secondary College, which debuted within the top 50. Other newcomers to the list include Samford Valley Steiner School, Gold Coast Christian College, Clayfield College, Charters Towers School of Distance Education, and Unity College on the Sunshine Coast.
Overall, the latest Queensland high school rankings demonstrate a commitment to quality education across the state, with public and private schools striving for excellence. Mary MacKillop College’s significant improvement is a shining example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication and a focus on student success.
Premier Touch is bringing its social touch football competition to Nudgee, offering residents a new way to stay active and engage with the community. The organisation is now accepting team nominations for its upcoming season, set to kick off on August 5th at the recently constructed Nudgee Recreation Reserve.
This expansion marks Premier Touch’s first full season at the Nudgee venue, following a 7-week mini-competition held earlier this year which saw participation from five teams. The new location aims to fill a gap in social sports offerings in the area, with the next closest option being in Wavell Heights.
The competitions are designed for ages 14 and up, providing an opportunity for locals to keep fit while having fun. The upcoming season will run for 13 weeks, including 11 regular rounds and two rounds of finals. Teams can consist of mixed genders, with competitions held on Monday evenings.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Premier Touch has a long-standing history in Brisbane, having organised social touch football competitions since the 1980s. The organisation currently operates across six venues in the city, including Bardon, Bellbowrie, Fairfield, Mt Gravatt, and West End, in addition to the new Nudgee location. Over 80 teams participate across these venues in a season.
Early bird nominations, which close on July 8th, offer a $100 discount on the full competition fee of $950. Teams registering early will pay $850, which works out to approximately $77 per player for a team of 11.
For teams looking to participate from the start of the season, nominations must be submitted by August 1st to be included in the draw for Round 1. However, Premier City Touch welcomes late nominations throughout the season. Those who miss the initial deadline can still register, and the organisation will assist with late entry arrangements.
For those interested in participating, team nominations can be submitted through the Premier Touch website at premiercitytouch.com.au. The organisation welcomes players of all skill levels and encourages anyone looking for a way to stay active and connect with others in the community to get involved.
Nundah locals’ favourite twilight market is poised to transform Station Street into a bustling European-style bazaar, offering residents a unique blend of international flavours, local crafts, and live entertainment.
The Nundah By Night Twilight Markets will feature over 120 stalls, showcasing a diverse array of offerings.
Market Highlights
The event is scheduled for Saturday, 20th July, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visitors can expect
– Gourmet food trucks serving international cuisines – Artisanal arts and crafts displays – Pop-up bars, including Stone & Wood – Live music performances on two stages – Roving entertainment and kids’ activities
Photo Credit: Supplied
Culinary Delights
Food enthusiasts can look forward to a variety of tantalising options:
– Kaysers Smoke Train’s Jack Daniels Beef Brisket – Authentic churros from Churros Bites – Burleigh Chilli Co’s range of sauces – Traditional Glühwein, a warm mulled wine
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
Entertainment for All Ages
The market aims to cater to all age groups with its diverse entertainment lineup:
– Musical performances by Little Big City and Afrodisa – Old MacDonald’s Travelling Farm – Stilt walkers roaming the grounds
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
Community Impact
Event organisers expect the twilight market to boost local businesses and foster community spirit. The $3 entry fee and free parking aim to make the event accessible to all residents.
A pioneering initiative for Australia’s battery manufacturing industry has been unveiled in Brisbane. The country’s first Battery Supply Chain Database, a groundbreaking tool aimed at bolstering the emerging battery sector, was launched at the Quest Hub in Banyo.
Queensland Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher introduced the innovative platform, designed to help manufacturers identify business opportunities and address supply chain gaps in the rapidly expanding battery industry. Developed in partnership with the Advanced Materials and Battery Council, this initiative supports the Queensland Battery Industry Strategy.
The database offers a dual benefit: it allows battery technology companies to identify domestic production opportunities within the supply chain, while also enabling manufacturers from other sectors to discover new customers, markets, and potential investors.
Minister Butcher at the launch of Battery Supply Chain Database in Queensland (Photo credit: Glenn Butcher MP/Instagram)
Now live and accessible to manufacturers across Australia, the Battery Supply Chain Database is expected to play a crucial role in showcasing Queensland’s manufacturing potential within the global battery value chain.
Minister Butcher emphasised the importance of this tool for the state’s future, saying that Queensland’s regions will play a major role in supporting new battery technology, with huge dividends expected through the creation of new jobs, more economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
“By getting in early, we can ensure Queensland manufacturers have the pioneer’s advantage, staking a claim in the marketplace and becoming established early,” said Minister Butcher.
The launch in Banyo underscores the suburb’s growing importance as a hub for technological innovation and manufacturing in Queensland. As the battery industry continues to evolve, this new database is poised to position Queensland, and particularly areas like Banyo, at the forefront of Australia’s battery manufacturing landscape.
After two heartbreaking cancellations due to restrictions during the pandemic, Alice and Michael of Banyo finally said “I do” in a beautiful ceremony last March. The couple’s persistence and love triumphed over pandemic obstacles, making their long-awaited wedding day even more special.
The couple, who have been together for 12 years, initially planned to tie the knot in 2021. However, the unpredictable nature of the pandemic forced them to postpone their nuptials.
Photo credit: Alice Miers/Google Maps
Undeterred, they rescheduled for the following year, only to face another disappointing cancellation as Covid-19 continued to disrupt daily life.
They expressed that the most stressful aspect of their wedding planning was having to cancel twice due to Covid. The emotional rollercoaster of planning, cancelling, and replanning took its toll, but their commitment to each other never wavered.
As restrictions eased and life began to return to a semblance of normalcy, Alice and Michael decided to give wedding planning one more try. This time, fortune smiled upon them. With fewer limitations in place, they were able to create the celebration they had always dreamed of.
The couple chose the picturesque Hillstone St Lucia as their venue, providing a stunning backdrop for their long-awaited union. Surrounded by their immediate family and closest friends, Alice and Michael finally exchanged vows in an intimate and joyous ceremony.
Photo credit: Alice Miers/Google Maps
The success of Alice and Michael’s wedding reflects the broader easing of restrictions across the country. As more couples find themselves able to celebrate their love without the strict limitations of the past few years, there’s a palpable sense of relief and joy in the air.
As life continues to normalise, Alice and Michael’s wedding stands as a beacon of hope for other couples whose plans were derailed by the pandemic. It’s a reminder that love endures, even in the most trying times, and that sometimes, the third time really is the charm.
Jenna Forrester, the Nundah-raised swimming sensation, has secured her place in the 2024 Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 400m individual medley at the Australian Olympic trials in Brisbane. She clocks a qualifying time of 4:38.16.
Despite an impressive performance at the 2023 World Championships, where she finished fourth in the 200m individual medley with a personal best time of 2:08.98 and eighth in the 200m backstroke, she withdrew from the upcoming World Championships in Doha to focus on the trials. Her strong performance at the trials solidified her position as one of Australia’s most promising Olympic hopefuls.
Born in South Africa and having moved to Brisbane at a young age, Jenna’s journey in the pool began by following her older sister’s footsteps. Her early dedication quickly paid off, marking the start of a glittering career.
At just 13, Jenna made waves at the 2017 Australian Age Championships, securing nine gold medals and earning a spot at the World Junior Championships in Indianapolis. This early success was a sign of things to come for the young medley swimmer. Two years later, she continued to impress by winning silver in the 4x200m freestyle relay at the World Junior Championships in Budapest.
In 2021, Jenna claimed her first Australian title in the 400-metre individual medley and repeated her triumph at the selection trials in Adelaide. However, despite her victories, her times fell short of the Tokyo selection standards. Undeterred, she continued to push her limits, reaching the finals of the 400-metre individual medley at both the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the World Championships in Budapest in 2022.
Jenna’s versatility shone at the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast, where she won bronze in the 400m medley, gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay, and silver in both the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay and the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
As the trials loom, Jenna ranks third among Australian women in the 200m individual medley and fourth in the 200m backstroke. Her recent 4:40 performance in the 400m individual medley at the Queensland Championships in December indicates she is in prime form. Nevertheless, she faces stiff competition from established swimmers like McKeown, Ramsay, and Barclay.
The progression of Jenna Forrester from a young girl who followed her sister’s example to a serious Olympic contender highlights her commitment and fortitude. With her spot in Paris secured, all eyes will be on this Nundah star as she continues her ascent in the swimming world.
National developer Mirvac has prohibited the use of security dogs by a contractor at the Toombul shopping centre site, currently under demolition, following public outrage sparked by a viral photograph.
The decision came after a distressing image, shared by local resident Kelly Harris, depicted a visibly emaciated dog confined within a small cage. The incident occurred on Monday evening, June the 17th, leading to substantial backlash from the community.
In her account, Ms Harris noted the presence of security personnel who appeared unresponsive to the distressed animal. This inaction prompted her to document and share the incident, which has since led to significant public and media reaction.
Ms Harris expressed her shock and distress upon witnessing the dog’s condition. The dog was unable to stand or shift position within the cage. The situation was exacerbated when the dog, in its agitation, partially forced open the cage door while still tethered to it.
Photo Credit: Kelly Harris/Facebook
Earlier in the week, Mirvac justified the use of cages as necessary for the safe transport of security dogs, meant to be temporary only. However, facing intense scrutiny and media attention, the developer revised its stance.
By Thursday, Mirvac contacted the RSPCA to aid in any ensuing investigations and reassured the public of its commitment to animal welfare.
A Mirvac spokesperson expressed deep concern over the images and eyewitness accounts of the security dog’s treatment at their Toombul site. Mirvac has directed its main contractor and their security provider to immediately cease the use of security dogs. Additionally, they plan to enhance other security measures to maintain the site’s security legally.
The demolition of the Toombul shopping centre has attracted so-called urban explorers, posing additional security challenges. Mirvac anticipates the demolition to conclude by late this year or early 2025, highlighting the site’s dangers to trespassers due to structural instabilities.
Mirvac emphasised the importance of site safety and responsible animal handling. The company stated that their contractor’s security team uses canine units that are transported in cages for strictly short durations, in compliance with a rigorous animal welfare code. Mirvac assured that all practices concerning the welfare of working animals are upheld to the highest standards.
At just 18 years old, Montaya Hudson has already established herself as a rising star in rugby league. The young dynamo from the Norths Devils who hails from Mt Isa was named in the Queensland Under-19 women’s squad, a testament to her undeniable talent.
With her electrifying performances and unwavering dedication, Hudson is poised to make a lasting impact on the game she loves.
Family roots and early beginnings
Rugby league runs deep in Hudson’s veins. Her father and brothers, one of whom is part of the North Queensland Cowboys’ junior system, have all embraced the sport’s rugged spirit. It was this family tradition that ignited Hudson’s passion for rugby league from an early age.
Despite being too young to compete in the 2023 Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships, Hudson’s talent caught the attention of the Queensland Sapphires, the state’s premier development program.
She seized this invaluable opportunity, training alongside the best in the state and gaining invaluable experience that would shape her future.
Breakthrough season with Brisbane Tigers
Hudson’s breakthrough came in the 2023 BMD Premiership, where she joined the Brisbane Tigers under the guidance of Queensland Maroons great and coach Adrian Vowles.
“Vowlesy is really good. He has a lot of knowledge, is a great guy, good coach… just knows what he’s doing,” Hudson reflected.
It was there that she honed her skills, learned from seasoned professionals, and began to make her mark on the rugby league landscape.
Further development with Norths Devils
The 2024 season saw Hudson take another significant step forward, joining Meg Ward’s Norths Devils in the BMD Premiership. Her growing reputation also earned her a well-deserved selection for the Queensland Under-19 Emerging Squad.
Her season with the Norths Devils was nothing short of exceptional. In 10 appearances, she scored an impressive 6 tries and provided 7 try assists, showcasing her ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Photo Credit: QRL
She also broke 20 tackles and made 3 line breaks while racking up a total of 634 running metres, averaging 63 metres per game.
One of the standout moments of Hudson’s season was her try in the BMD Premiership grand final against the Mackay Cutters — the sole one for the Devils. Despite the 16-6 loss, Hudson’s try was a moment of pure brilliance, and perhaps a peek at her full potential.
Future prospects and inspiration
Photo Credit: Facebook/Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club
Looking ahead, Hudson’s focus remains steadfast: making her stamp in the Under-19 interstate clash against New South Wales and continuing her growth with the Brisbane Broncos on a development contract. The prestige of representing the Broncos is not lost on the young star.
Hudson draws inspiration from players like Tamika Upton, a Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons star and 2023 Dally M medal winner. Competing against Upton in the BMD Premiership has been an “eye-opening” experience for Hudson, motivating her to improve continuously and reach new heights.
Montaya Hudson’s journey from the small town of Mt Isa to the bright lights of Brisbane is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for rugby league. As she continues to hone her skills and gain experience, the rugby league world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in her inspiring story.
