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Retired Aircraft Tail to Feature in New Plane Viewing Area for Brisbane Airport Centenary

As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, a new plane spotting area anchored by a retired aircraft tail is planned within the Brisbane Airport precinct, with improved viewing conditions designed for aviation enthusiasts and visiting families.

Centenary Plans Drive New Viewing Precinct

Brisbane Airport has announced plans for a new plane spotting precinct as part of its centenary celebrations. The project responds to increasing public interest in watching aircraft operations up close.

The new facility will be positioned south of the existing viewing platform, which will close temporarily while construction is underway.

Nundah plane spotting area — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport*

Retired Aircraft Forms Central Feature

The centrepiece of the viewing area will be the tail of a decommissioned Fokker F28 Fellowship. The 50-year-old aircraft tail was donated by Aviation Australia.

The installation creates a historical connection to another Fokker aircraft on display at Brisbane Airport, the Southern Cross, reinforcing the site’s aviation heritage.

Clearer Views of Aircraft Movements

The elevated platform will be located closer to the Zulu and Yankee taxiways than the current viewing area. This positioning is expected to provide less obstructed views of aircraft taxiing to and from the western runway.

Visitors will also be able to see aircraft landing and departing on the eastern runway, offering broader coverage of airport activity from a single location.

Facilities Designed for Visitors

Plans include shade and shelter, along with seating to improve comfort for families and photographers. The layout is intended to support longer visits and regular plane-spotting activity.

Brisbane Airport — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Longstanding Interest From Plane Spotters

Long-time plane spotters have welcomed the announcement, noting the opportunity to be closer to aircraft movements. Some regular visitors have followed aviation activity at the airport since its earlier operations at Eagle Farm.

Construction Timeline and Opening

Construction is scheduled to take place in 2026 and will require about 927 cubic metres of fill to establish the foundations. The existing viewing area will be closed during this period.

Brisbane Airport expects the new plane spotting precinct to open in 2026, with one report indicating the opening will occur in the second half of the year.

Published 27-Dec-2025

Nudgee Alumnus Jacob Elordi Leads Australian Charge at Golden Globes

Photo Credit: Jacob Elordi Fan Page/ Instagram

St Joseph’s Nudgee College is celebrating one of its own after former student Jacob Elordi secured two prestigious Golden Globe nominations, cementing his place as a leading figure in international cinema.

A Local School’s Pride

The Brisbane school’s Old Boys’ Association recently shared a photo of Elordi from his school days to highlight his journey from a local student to a global star. In the picture, a young Elordi is seen smiling in his blue-and-white striped blazer, a stark contrast to the gritty roles he is now famous for.

The association posted the image on its community network, expressing how proud the school is of his achievements. Elordi grew up in Brisbane and considered himself a “theatre kid” before heading to America as a teenager to chase his acting dreams.

Bringing the Creature to Life

Elordi’s nomination for best supporting male actor comes from his role in the movie Frankenstein, where he plays the famous Creature. This performance required a massive physical change. Makeup artist Mike Hill explained that he applied full-body prosthetics to the actor about 20 times. The process used 42 different pieces, including fake teeth and a reshaped brow. Hill noted that only the tip of Elordi’s nose, his upper lip, and his chin were visible, while the rest was rubber. Despite the long hours in the makeup chair, Hill said Elordi never complained and used the quiet time to focus on his character.

The film’s director, Guillermo del Toro, praised the Australian actor’s skill on set. Reports state that del Toro said Elordi rarely needed more than two takes to get a scene right. Elordi has described this role as a chance to put his own experiences into his work, calling it a creative reset that made him love movies again.

Aussies Take on the Awards

Elordi also received a nomination for his role in the TV series The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which is based on a book by Richard Flanagan.

He is not the only Australian hoping to win at the 83rd Golden Globes. Other Australian stars are also in the running. Rose Byrne is nominated for best female actor in a musical or comedy for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Joel Edgerton is up for best male actor in a drama for Train Dreams, and musician Nick Cave is nominated for Original Song in the same film. Sarah Snook is competing for a best actress award for the series All Her Fault.

Changes in the Industry

While Australian talent shines, the awards season is happening during a time of big business changes in Hollywood. Netflix recently made a deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery, but Paramount has challenged this with a cash offer to shareholders. Amidst these shifts, the Golden Globes ceremony has moved to CBS with a new voting body of over 300 people. Comedian Nikki Glaser will return to host the event. For the first time, the ceremony will also include a trophy for the best podcast.

Published Date 22-December-2025

Port of Brisbane Marks 500th Cruise Ship Call in Pinkenba

Photo Credit: Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd/Facebook

The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal recorded its 500th cruise ship visit since opening, a major milestone for the Port of Brisbane in Pinkenba.

Milestone Arrival At Pinkenba Terminal

The milestone was marked on Sunday, 14 December 2025, with the arrival of Carnival Luminosa at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. The vessel became the 500th cruise ship to call at the terminal since operations began in 2022.

The terminal welcomed its first cruise ship on 2 June 2022. Since then, it has hosted vessels from many of the world’s major cruise lines, supporting both domestic and international cruise routes.

Pinkenba cruise terminal — *Photo Credit: Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd/Facebook*

Growth Since Opening

In just over three and a half years of operation, the terminal has handled more than 2.5 million passenger movements. Cruise operations have continued through a range of operational conditions, including a cyclone experienced earlier in 2025.

Each cruise ship visit involves a coordinated operational effort, with around 130 staff and partner personnel supporting arrivals, departures and passenger processing.

Economic Contribution Of Cruise Activity

Each cruise ship call at the Pinkenba terminal contributes more than $1 million in economic value to Queensland. Over a ten-year period from the 2024 financial year, the total contribution is forecast to reach around $1.5 billion.

Cruise itineraries departing from Brisbane also include visits to other Queensland destinations, extending tourism and economic activity beyond the city.

Queensland cruise industry — *Photo Credit: Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd/Facebook*

Community Sentiment Around Access

Community feedback following the milestone highlighted strong support for terminal staff and onboard operations. Passengers frequently praised staff assistance and terminal organisation.

At the same time, comments raised ongoing concerns about road congestion and limited public transport access to and from the Pinkenba terminal, particularly during peak cruise periods.

Looking Ahead

The 2025–26 cruise season is expected to bring more than 140 cruise ship calls to the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, involving 11 cruise lines and including nine first-time visiting vessels.

Published 21-Dec-2025

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

Photo Credit: Local Heritage Places

Hartley Farmhouse in Banyo has stood for more than a century, one of the few surviving farmhouses in the suburb and a reminder of when the area was defined by small crop farms rather than houses.

Early Beginnings On Blinzinger Road

The farmhouse at 62 Blinzinger Road was likely built around 1905 for Harry Hartley, who had purchased the land in 1892. At that time, Banyo was attracting small farmers after the Virginia railway station opened in 1888, offering easier access to Brisbane markets.

The Hartleys established their home on just over two acres, part of a larger tract originally sold as bushland in the mid-1860s.

Subdivision And Growth

As the suburb grew, farmland gave way to residential streets. Members of the Hartley family helped shape the local street layout, with Hartley Street, Musgrave Road and Easton Street connected to their landholdings.

By the 1940s, after the Second World War, demand for housing rose and the family subdivided the remaining acreage into 32-perch lots. Some parcels were sold to private buyers while others were provided to the Nundah Baptist Church.

Changing Hands Through The Decades

Following the death of Harry Hartley in 1949, the farmhouse changed owners multiple times. Each owner left their mark, with modifications including the enclosure of a verandah in the 1950s.

Despite these changes, the timber home with its corrugated iron roof retained much of its original form, offering a strong visual connection to Banyo’s early 20th century character.

Community Significance Today

Hartley Farmhouse is now protected on Brisbane City Council’s Local Heritage Register. Its listing in July 2003 recognises the building’s historical importance as evidence of the suburb’s transformation from farmland to suburbia.

For locals, the farmhouse is more than just an old home. It is a rare reminder of how the community began, and why preserving such places matters for future generations.

Updated 19-December-2025

Brisbane Airport Metro Extension Study Faces Delays as New Bus Plan Proposed

Photo Credit: Brisbane Metro

A critical fifty-million-dollar investigation into extending the high-frequency Metro network to Brisbane Airport and major suburban hubs has yet to begin despite receiving funding approval.

Nearly eight months have passed since the federal government agreed to fund a rapid business case for four proposed extensions. These routes would connect the city centre to Carseldine, Springwood, Capalaba, and the airport. While the money is ready, the actual work to assess these vital connections has not started.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner indicated that progress is happening behind the scenes. He noted that major engineering and construction firms have already shown interest in the project. According to Schrinner, the council is currently finishing agreements with state and federal authorities on how the business case will be managed and rolled out.

As the airport extension study waits for the green light, transport advocates are proposing a different solution to help commuters right now. The RACQ has suggested a network of “Metro Glider” services. These would be smaller, more agile electric buses designed to move people from suburban streets onto the main train and busway lines.

RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney viewed the expansion of the Brisbane Metro into the wider South East Queensland region as a quick and effective way to fix public transport gaps. He suggested that these smaller gliders could serve busy corridors that the larger Metro vehicles cannot reach. Areas like Lutwyche, South Pine, and Wynnum roads could benefit from these connectors.

The proposal also highlights the potential for gliders to link residents in Ipswich, Redcliffe, the Gold Coast, and Caboolture to their nearest train stations. Cooney explained that these vehicles could be on the road much faster than new train lines because they use existing roads and do not require heavy construction.

The push for expansion comes as the current Metro services see high passenger numbers. Since the M2 line between UQ Lakes and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital started early in the year, it has recorded more than 3.3 million trips. The M1 line, which runs from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, has also seen strong usage, with nearly one million trips since its launch in June.

Cooney noted that if the city gets this right, Brisbane could set a benchmark for urban planning that other growing cities might follow.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Final Race Meeting Marks End of an Era at Banyo’s Mick Doohan Raceway

Photo Credit: NBJMCC

North Brisbane’s long-running motorcycle facility in Banyo is preparing for its final race meeting as Mick Doohan Raceway closes after more than four decades of operation.

Four Decades of Operations

The raceway has hosted events under the management of the North Brisbane Junior Motor Cycle Club for more than four decades through short-term lease arrangements. The club has been directed to vacate the site by 15 December and continues working to find a new location.

Businesses and volunteers have supported the venue over the years, contributing to its long-running role in the sport.

Mick Doohan Raceway — *Photo Credit: NBJMCC*

Final North Brisbane Cup Field

The final meeting on 6 December features the last running of the North Brisbane Cup. More than 130 riders lodged entries before nominations closed.

Returning competitors include previous winner Jack Miller. The field also lists Ronan Jacobs, Rory McQualter, Cyshan Weale, Dale Borlase, Jordan Dall, Luke Bush and Ryan Douglas.

Former junior racers now competing in road racing — John Lytras, Harrison Voight and Billy Van Eerde — are also entered. Max Whale has returned from racing in the United States to participate.

Additional Categories and Junior Competition

Some riders will also race in the 2-Stroke and Pro 250 classes. Dirt Track Sidecars and the Pro Open Womens class are also on the programme.

Junior divisions remain a major part of the event. Riders aged 13 to under 16 will compete for the Cameron Pritchard Cup, established to honour a young club member who died last year.

Schedule and Venue Layout

Practice begins at 9:00 a.m., with racing from 11:00 a.m. Three rounds of heats and the repechages run through to sunset. Shoot-outs and a parade lap of past and present members will take place before the finals at around 7:00 p.m.

The venue includes a 450-metre dirt track and a 300-metre speedway track. Spectators can watch from the hillside area or from their vehicles. A canteen and a designated bar area operate on site.

Closure of a Long-Standing Banyo Facility

The final meeting signals the end of a significant chapter in the region’s motorcycle racing history. The club continues its efforts to secure a new venue beyond the closure of Mick Doohan Raceway.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Christmas Magic Set to Shine at Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets

Christmas spirit is about to sparkle through the heart of Nundah as the Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets return, transforming Station Street into a festive playground. The much-loved twilight event promises a lively celebration filled with handmade gifts, gourmet street food, live entertainment, and a special visit from Santa himself.

On Saturday, 6 December, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors can look forward to over 150 market stalls, offering everything from locally crafted jewellery and art to Christmas treats and bespoke stocking fillers. Whether you’re hunting for a meaningful, handmade gift or simply soaking up the holiday atmosphere, there’s something to delight every member of the family.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a curated lineup of gourmet street eats from favourites like Mystica Burgers, Djakarta Eat Indonesian, and Di Piú Tiramisu. For those eager to unwind with a festive sip, the event’s pop-up bar will serve refreshing Blood Orange Spritz and a selection of local brews.

The markets will also give families the chance to meet the season’s star guest — Santa Claus. From festive selfies to cheerful chats, Santa will be on-site to spread plenty of Christmas joy.

Adding to the atmosphere, guests can enjoy live performances across two stages from Camali Band and Souledified Band, along with roving entertainers and children’s activities designed to keep the little ones entertained.

Entry is just $3, while children aged 12 and under can join the fun for free.

For those concerned about their Sunday rituals, fear not — the beloved Nundah Farmers Markets will run as usual the following morning from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering all the local produce, baked goods, and handmade staples visitors know and love.

The Nundah Christmas Twilight Markets, delivered by Goodwill Projects, continue to be one of Queensland’s standout festive events, bringing community, creativity, and Christmas cheer together in one vibrant night under the twinkling lights.

Published 3-Dec-2025

Australia Post opens Temporary Pinkenba Pop-up to Ease Christmas Parcel Rush

Residents in Pinkenba will have an easier time collecting their parcels this Christmas, with Australia Post introducing a temporary pop-up Post Office to help manage the busy holiday period. The seasonal hub is designed to give locals a more convenient option during what is traditionally the organisation’s busiest time of the year.

Read: Outdoor Sport and Recreation Facility Proposed in Pinkenba

The temporary Pop-Up Post Office is now operating at 231 Holt Street in Pinkenba, offering a local collection point aimed at relieving pressure on nearby branches and reducing wait times. Australia Post says the site has been set up to support the community through the Christmas peak, when parcel volumes typically surge due to online shopping and pre-holiday gift buying.

Last year, Australia Post delivered more than 103 million parcels during November and December, a 3.1 per cent increase compared with the previous year. With millions of items moving through processing facilities such as the Stafford distribution centre during this period, the additional Pinkenba site is intended to help keep deliveries moving efficiently.

With strong volumes projected again this season, Australia Post says the Pinkenba pop-up will support its wider network as demand ramps up. The organisation is also reinstating temporary weekend deliveries from this Saturday to help keep up with the increased parcel load. The service will operate across all metro capitals and select regional communities in the lead-up to Christmas, depending on demand. Executive General Manager of Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services, Gary Starr, said the return of Saturday and Sunday deliveries would give customers more flexibility and support timely delivery during the festive rush.

The pop-up forms part of broader upgrades across Australia Post’s parcel network. The organisation has recently opened several next-generation, parcel-focused Post Offices in major cities across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. These new-format branches feature 24/7 self-service options and secure, free parcel lockers aimed at making it easier to send, collect and return parcels. Australia Post has also continued expanding its parcel-locker network nationally, providing more options for customers who need outside-hours or contactless pickup.

These improvements come as Australians continue to turn to online shopping in record numbers. The most recent national e-commerce report showed that shoppers spent $20.7 billion online between July and September, driven by major sales events and increasingly frequent purchases. Online spending grew 15 per cent year on year, and industry projections point to continued momentum through Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas season.

Australia Post says initiatives like the Pinkenba pop-up will help ease congestion and simplify the collection process during this busy period. For residents who work irregular hours or commute, having a nearby pickup point can reduce travel and limit the need to queue at larger metropolitan Post Offices.

The organisation is also encouraging customers to download the Australia Post app to track deliveries, receive notifications and manage preferences such as redirection or parcel-locker pickup. The app can help reduce missed deliveries and allow customers to follow parcels as they move through the network.

Read: How Rino Recycling in Pinkenba is Transforming Brisbane’s Circular Economy

As Christmas approaches and more Australians rely on online shopping, temporary measures like the Pinkenba Pop-Up Post Office are intended to give the community practical support at a time when parcel volumes reach their highest point of the year.

Published 26-November-2025

Rossco’s Cafe Brings Family History to Life in Banyo

Photo Credit: Rossco’s Cafe

A northside couple is strengthening community ties in Banyo by converting a long-held family property into a vibrant space for coffee, dining, and connection through Rossco’s Cafe.

Honouring a Local Legacy

This new venue, Rossco’s Cafe, Bar & Grill, represents more than just a business venture for owners Stuart and Jackie Garbutt. The location is steeped in personal history, having been owned by Stuart’s late father, Rossco, for more than four decades.

Stuart chose to name the venue after his father to honour his memory. The project draws inspiration from Rossco’s background in North Queensland cattle country, where he developed a strong appreciation for the land and fresh produce. The owners aim to reflect these values of hospitality and connection in their daily operations.

A New Look for Tufnell Road

Transforming the site was a significant undertaking that spanned eighteen months. The process completely reimagined the old family property into a space designed for socialising. The design features a warm colour palette that utilises natural materials and soft textures to create a welcoming atmosphere. The layout is divided into distinct sections, including a cafe, a restaurant, and a beer garden.

A focal point of the outdoor area is an olive tree, which the Garbutt family views as a representation of peace and shared moments. The venue offers a mix of seating options, ranging from casual footpath dining to indoor tables and leafy outdoor spots.

Flavours and Operations

The kitchen will serve a menu described as an Australian lifestyle offering with Mediterranean influences. The culinary focus is on simple flavours and fresh ingredients sourced from Queensland and Australian producers. Patrons can expect generous dishes intended for sharing, alongside tapas-style bites that encourage diners to linger over a meal. The beverage list complements the food with approachable wines.

Early risers can visit from 6:00 am daily for coffee and breakfast items, with grab-and-go options available. The full restaurant and beer garden sections are scheduled to operate from Wednesday through Sunday. The owners expressed their desire to create a true neighbourhood space where people can connect through food and kindness. The venue is expected to begin serving the public later this month.

Published Date 26-November-2025

Giselle Grace on Making a Difference: Lessons from Her Final Year at Mary MacKillop College

A six-year journey at Mary MacKillop College (MMC) in Nundah has shaped 2025 graduate Giselle Grace into a committed leader and community advocate. As the College’s Mission Captain, she carried out a number of initiatives that highlighted her dedication to service and leadership.

Read: Mary MacKillop College in Nundah Opens New State-of-the-Art Learning Facility

During the year, Giselle worked with the Cancer Council’s Ponytail Project to support people experiencing cancer, raising both awareness and funds. She also supported The Forgotten Women charity through the Hearts and Hands Advocacy Event, contributing to student-led donations and handmade gifts for women experiencing homelessness.

In addition, she mentored the Junior Joeys for Justice Group, helping to organise social justice initiatives. She also led the MacKillop Action Group in coordinating whole-school activities — including liturgies, Harmony Week, the Hearts and Hands event, and the College’s Winter Drive.

Giselle also maintained a strong commitment to debating and public speaking. She competed in the Queensland Debating Union finals with the Year 12 debating team, coached the Year 9 team at her school, and took part in the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition, where she was awarded Best Public Speaker.

Giselle Grace — Photo credit: Google Street View

Academically, Giselle was recognised at MMC’s Celebration of Excellence. She received the MacKillop Medallion for consistent A grades, the MMC Learner Award for high standards of application and conduct, and the Prize of Honour for outstanding service, leadership, and performance. She also took part in the University of Queensland’s three-day Women in Engineering program at the St Lucia campus.

Reflecting on her experience, Giselle said: “Throughout my journey MMC has taught me a few important things; that success and achievement is about what happens when we come together for something bigger than ourselves, it’s about the change that we can make together. I feel very fortunate to have experienced the opportunities that this College provided me.”

She also spoke highly of her teachers, noting: “Our teachers have guided and mentored us to be the best people we can be, and have encouraged us to demonstrate the MacKillop values, enabling us to grow together. That has been a life‑changing foundation that will help me navigate my future.”

Looking ahead, Giselle Grace will attend the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra to study Aeronautical Engineering. From there, she plans to enter the Royal Australian Air Force in a Mission Aircrew role.

Read: Teacher Recognised for Excellence in Nundah

Giselle’s final year at MMC has been defined by leadership, service, and community engagement. For her, being a MacKillop Woman means contributing to something greater than oneself and living out the College’s values of service, compassion, and integrity — values that MMC has nurtured in her through guidance, opportunity, and a strong foundation.

Published 24-November-2025