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Security Upgrade Support for Toombul Cricket Club

Photo Credit: Toombul District Cricket Club/Facebook

A new round of community safety funding will support Toombul Cricket Club as part of broader security improvements being delivered across Brisbane suburban facilities.

Toombul’s Ongoing Role in Community Cricket

Toombul Cricket Club has been a long-standing part of the local sporting community, operating since 1882 and contributing to the development of players across different levels of the game. The club continues to play a central role in providing opportunities for junior and senior cricketers and remains an active presence in the Toombul and Nundah area.

Its facilities have undergone improvements over the years, including recent upgrades at Seventh Brigade Park and partnerships designed to support participation. These efforts reflect the club’s position as a community hub and a training ground for upcoming talent.

Safer Suburbs Grants — *Photo Credit: Toombul District Cricket Club/Facebook*

Safety Funding Reported Across Brisbane Clubs

It was reported on 11 November 2025 that almost $500,000 would be distributed to more than 70 community clubs under the second round of a safety grant program. This round brings the program’s total investment since 2024 to more than $980,000.

Toombul Cricket Club is among the successful applicants and will use the funding to streamline and replace locks across its clubhouse, groundskeeping sheds and changerooms. The works aim to limit unauthorised access and reduce the risk of break-ins or damage to the site.

The wider funding supports clubs that have experienced recurring issues such as vandalism, damage to playing areas, illegal dumping and theft. The program provides up to $10,000 per organisation for improvements including CCTV installation, upgraded locks, external lighting, security screens and fencing.

*Photo Credit: Toombul District Cricket Club/Facebook*

Impacts for Local Club Members

Safety improvements across community facilities are expected to benefit volunteers, players and visitors. Toombul Cricket Club anticipates that an upgraded lock system will help protect equipment and reduce time spent addressing damage or unauthorised entry.

Other clubs across Brisbane will also make use of their funding for lighting, cameras and other deterrents that support member access during early morning or late evening sessions.

Ongoing Safety Measures in Suburban Areas

Fixed CCTV cameras have been installed in several suburban locations, and 26 mobile units are available for deployment as needed. Further funding rounds will be assessed based on community demand.

For Toombul Cricket Club, the supported upgrades are expected to strengthen site security and help maintain focus on cricket activities and community engagement.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Jacob Elordi’s Nudgee Roots Highlighted as ‘Frankenstein’ Reviews Surge

Photo Credit: St Joseph’s Nudgee College/Facebook

A resurfaced school photo shared by St Joseph’s Nudgee College highlights how former Brisbane student Jacob Elordi has gone from his days in a striped blue-and-white blazer to widespread praise for his role in Guillermo del Toro’s new Frankenstein film. The image, posted by the school’s Old Boys’ Association, marks how far the actor has come since his Nudgee years.

A Local School Proud of Its Former Student

The tribute was shared as praise grew for Elordi’s physical and emotional transformation into the Creature, which has been described as one of the most striking reinventions of the character in years. The Old Boys’ Association told its community that Elordi’s work on the film has made the school proud of all he has achieved. The message was shared as a Facebook post to thousands of former students through the school’s online community network.

Behind the scenes, his transformation relied on extensive prosthetic work. Prosthetics artist Mike Hill has explained that he applied Elordi’s full-body prosthetics around 20 times, using 42 separate pieces, fake dentures and a re-sculpted brow over hours of makeup work. He said only the tip of the nose, upper lip and chin belonged to Elordi, while the rest was constructed from rubber prosthetics. Hill added that Elordi never complained during the long sessions and used the time to focus and settle into the character.

Director Guillermo del Toro has also spoken highly of Elordi, reportedly saying the actor only ever needs two takes, suggesting he rarely requires extra attempts to complete a scene. His portrayal of the Creature has been hailed internationally as one of the boldest reinventions of the character in decades.

From Brisbane Theatre Kid to Hollywood Lead

Elordi grew up in Brisbane and has described himself as a theatre kid before moving to Hollywood as a teenager to pursue acting. He first had a taste of the spotlight when he appeared as an extra in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, taking an uncredited role as a Saint Martin’s Marine.

His career shifted rapidly in the years that followed, beginning with a breakout performance in The Kissing Booth. He later took on a darker turn as a toxic high-school love interest in HBO’s Euphoria. He also stepped into the shoes of Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s biographical drama Priscilla. More recently, his turn as Felix Catton in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn earned him a BAFTA Rising Star nomination.

A Role That Reshaped His Creative Path

Elordi has said the role of the Creature was a vessel he could put every part of himself into, allowing him to bring more of his own experience to the screen than ever before. He reflected on how the character drew from his personal history, and he suggested the process helped him reconnect with the core reasons he pursued acting. He described the project as a creative reset that reignited his passion for movies.

He is also set to appear in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights alongside fellow Australian actor Margot Robbie. This development has already attracted attention due to the high-profile pairing.

The resurfaced school photo shows a young Nudgee student, smiling in a blue-and-white blazer, who has since gone on to reach audiences around the world. As his career continues to expand, the message from St Joseph’s Nudgee College highlights the pride within the school community when one of its own succeeds on an international stage.

Published 17-Nov-2025

Fresh Plans Revealed for the Future of Toombul Shopping Centre

The long‑empty site of the former Toombul Shopping Centre is finally moving towards a new chapter. Brisbane‑based Irvine Property Group has acquired the landmark north‑side property from Mirvac, setting the stage for a retail‑led mixed‑use precinct that aims to restore the area as a community hub.

Read: Community Outcry Leads Mirvac to Prohibit Guard Dogs at Toombul Site

For decades, Toombul Shopping Centre served as a key destination for north‑side families, anchored by major retailers including Coles, Kmart, Aldi and BCC Cinemas. But repeated flooding, most notably in 2022, forced the closure of the centre, displacing around 130 retailers and disrupting access to essential services.

Toombul, July 2022 (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Mirvac had acquired the site in 2016, following earlier floods including those in January 2011, but after years of deliberation and site remediation the company decided it was no longer in a position to take the redevelopment forward on its own. In a media release dated 12 November 2025, Mirvac announced it had exchanged contracts for the sale of the site to Irvine Property Group, stating it would “enable renewed investment and the development of a new mixed‑use precinct, including a new shopping centre”.

The release noted the decision had been difficult and stressed that the scale of the site and the extensive remediation works required meant a partner with expertise in construction resource‑recovery and mixed‑use delivery was essential.

Irvine Property Group’s Managing Director, Michael Irvine, said the company was eager to deliver a project that reflected community needs. “Our priority is to deliver a new shopping centre as the first stage of a retail‑led mixed‑use development, in line with Mirvac’s draft masterplan which has Council’s in‑principle support,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of community consultation and welcomed feedback on the site’s future use. “We look forward to working through the next steps including lodging the first development application for a new retail centre and housing,” Mr Irvine added.

The redevelopment is planned in stages. Stage one will focus on a modern shopping centre and community plaza with integrated green and public spaces, flood‑resilient design, and upgraded transport links. Subsequent stages will include residential apartments and townhouses, mixed‑use retail and dining precincts, and public‑realm enhancements.

Local and federal representatives have welcomed the announcement, noting the centre’s importance to the north‑side community and promising residents another opportunity to contribute through the development‑application process. Settlement of the sale is expected in the coming months, after which Irvine Property Group will lead the detailed planning and construction phases.

Spanning approximately 100,000 square metres, the former Toombul site represents a significant opportunity for Brisbane’s north‑side. Irvine’s experience in projects across Newstead, Teneriffe and Bulimba suggests a focus on quality, sustainable design and community engagement.

Read: What’s Next for Toombul Shopping Centre? Mirvac Announces Redevelopment Plans

For residents, the project offers more than just shopping and housing: it’s a chance to revive a familiar community hub, combining retail, residential and public spaces in a modern, flood‑resilient precinct.

The Toombul Shopping Centre’s rebirth signals a hopeful future for Nundah and surrounding suburbs, transforming a once‑devastated site into a vibrant, multi‑purpose destination for north‑side families.

Published 14-November-2025

Brisbane Finishes Aerial Mosquito Spray in Pinkenba Ahead of Summer

The suburban area of Pinkenba was part of a wide-ranging aerial mosquito-control operation across Brisbane’s suburbs after a recent spring rainfall triggered early salt-marsh mosquito hatching.

The treatment involved helicopters covering around 500 hectares after entomologists identified a salt-marsh mosquito emergence. Ground crews continued their year-round efforts, having treated up to 2,400 known freshwater breeding sites during the year. In the previous season, the council undertook 12 aerial treatments covering more than 16,000 hectares, underlining the scale of the effort.

Focus on Pinkenba and surrounding suburbs

Pinkenba and nearby suburbs—including the Port of Brisbane, Tingalpa, Hemmant and the Bulimba–Tingalpa creek corridor—were targeted because of their proximity to tidal marshland where salt-marish mosquitoes breed rapidly after rain.

The mosquito-control program is backed by an uncapped budget and guided by two in-house entomologists—a structure unique among Australian local offices.

Council officials stressed that while the aerial spray has been completed, residents still have a key role in reducing mosquito numbers. They were asked to empty water-holding containers, screen doors, windows and rain-water tank openings, keep gutters free of debris, and when outdoors during dawn or dusk to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and use insect repellent.

Mosquito peak season

Peak mosquito season typically runs from December through March, when heat, heavy rainfall and king tides combine. With the aerial program now complete, ongoing ground treatments will continue—and residents are urged to maintain vigilance through the coming months.

Published 5-Nov-2025

Upcycling Encouraged Ahead of Kerbside Collection in Nundah

Photo Credit: BCC

Residents in Nundah are preparing for the suburb’s annual kerbside collection, with reminders encouraging households to upcycle or donate usable items before placing them on the footpath.

Annual Cleanup Returns to Nundah

The next kerbside collection in Nundah is scheduled for the week commencing Monday, 10 November 2025. Residents are advised to place items on the kerb no earlier than Sunday, 9 November 2025, following the suburb-specific collection guideline.

The free annual service is available to all Brisbane suburbs and operates for one week in each area. It assists households in disposing of large or heavy items that cannot be placed in standard wheelie bins.

What Items Can Be Collected

Acceptable items include furniture, white goods, electronic waste, small household appliances, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpet and rugs, and wood products less than 1.5 cubic metres. Piles larger than 2 cubic metres—roughly a small box trailer load—will not be collected.

Residents are reminded to keep piles neat, remove doors from refrigerators and cupboards, and ensure all items can be safely lifted by two people. Unacceptable items include batteries, tyres, garden waste, hazardous materials, glass, gas bottles, and commercial or construction waste.

Any prohibited material not removed within seven days of the notified collection period may result in an illegal dumping fine.

Brisbane waste management — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Encouraging Upcycling and Reuse

Households are urged to upcycle or donate usable items to friends, family, or local charities to reduce waste and support community reuse. This practice helps extend the lifespan of valuable materials while reducing the amount sent to landfill.

For ongoing waste management, the yellow-lid bin is used for recycling materials such as glass, paper, cardboard, and firm plastics; the green-lid bin is for garden waste like grass and branches; and the red-lid bin is for general waste that cannot be reused or recycled.

Nundah kerbside collection — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Reporting Illegal Dumping

Leaving items outside the collection period or near charity bins is considered illegal dumping. Residents can report dumped waste to Council online or by calling 07 3403 8888.

Fines begin at two penalty units ($333) for small offences, with higher penalties and potential prosecution for larger volumes or repeat offenders. Illegal dumping can harm the environment, spread pests, and increase cleanup costs for ratepayers.

Promoting a Cleaner Community

By sorting waste correctly, avoiding illegal dumping, and donating reusable goods, Nundah residents help maintain a cleaner and more sustainable suburb. The annual kerbside collection continues to support responsible waste disposal and environmental awareness across Brisbane.

Published 30-Oct-2025

Operation Voltair Targets High-Risk Driving in Nudgee Ahead of Christmas

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Police have launched Operation Voltair in Nudgee and across Brisbane’s north to target drink and drug driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and failure to wear seatbelts in the lead-up to Christmas.

Operation Overview in Nudgee

Operation Voltair began on 17 October 2025 under the North Brisbane District, focusing on the “Fatal Five” — key risk factors responsible for serious and fatal road crashes. These include speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, fatigue, and distraction.

On the first night of the operation, officers conducted 855 roadside breath tests and 11 drug tests, resulting in 16 drivers being charged. Offences included six cases of drink driving, three of drug driving, and several incidents of unlicensed driving. Police also issued 28 traffic infringement notices.

Operation Voltair Nudgee — *Photo Credit: Queensland Police*

Targeted Enforcement Along Gateway Motorway

In Nudgee, a 26-year-old Griffin man was stopped along the Gateway Motorway just after 7:30 p.m. and allegedly returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.170 — more than three times the legal limit. His licence was suspended on the spot, and he is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 November.

Another driver, a 47-year-old Mount Nebo man, was intercepted for testing on Mount Nebo Road, Enoggera Reservoir, on 19 October. He allegedly returned a reading of 0.121 and was charged with driving over the middle alcohol limit. He is due to appear in court on 5 November.

Fatal Five Focus and Road Safety Data

According to the Queensland Police Service, serious crashes can be significantly reduced when drivers avoid the Fatal Five behaviours. Research by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q) shows that:

Speeding increases the likelihood of a casualty crash, even at just 5 km/h over the limit.
Drink driving contributes to around 30 per cent of fatal crashes nationally.
Drug driving carries similar crash risks to a blood alcohol level between 0.1 and 0.15 per cent.
Failure to wear a seatbelt makes drivers and passengers eight times more likely to die in a crash.
Fatigue and distraction remain leading causes of severe accidents.

Road Fatalities in 2025

By late October, the North Brisbane District had conducted more than 202,100 roadside breath tests this year. The district recorded ten road deaths in 2025, down from twenty in 2024.

Across Queensland, 243 lives have been lost so far this year, compared with 237 at the same time last year. The Brisbane Region reported 36 fatalities, a slight decrease from 38 in 2024.

Community Response

Community feedback on social media following the operation’s launch was mixed. Some residents supported the increased police presence and called for more patrols along busy corridors such as Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway. Others questioned the consistency of enforcement and urged greater visibility of police vehicles in suburban areas including Nundah and Nudgee.

Continued Safety Enforcement

Operation Voltair will continue through the remainder of 2025, with police maintaining proactive patrols and roadside testing across Brisbane’s north. The Queensland Police Service reiterated that preventing fatalities depends on shared responsibility among all motorists.

Published 25-Oct-2025

$72-M Geebung Industrial Estate Acquisition Marks Gateway Capital’s Queensland Debut

Geebung’s industrial precinct has caught the attention of national logistics investor Gateway Capital, which has secured a $72.5 million property in Brisbane’s north as part of its expansion into Queensland.

Read: Brisbane Airport Industrial Precinct Set to Become Global Quantum Hub

The acquisition, located at 405 Newman Road, marks Gateway Capital’s first investment in the state and forms part of its Industrial & Logistics Partnership, backed by an Asian sovereign wealth investor. The partnership’s assets now total around $259 million, with a longer-term target of $800 million in core industrial and logistics holdings across Australia.

The newly acquired Geebung estate spans 22,248 square metres of net lettable area on a 3.5-hectare site and was completed within the last two years. It comprises 12 units, and 91 per cent of the space is already leased to nine tenants.

The facility features full-height concrete panels, internal clearances of approximately 12.2 metres and loading awnings of about 12.5 metres — design attributes suited to modern logistics and warehouse operations.

Average tenancy size is around 2,400 square metres, offering a diversified tenant base. Industry commentary notes the asset supports current income and offers the potential for medium-term rental uplift.

The transaction was handled by Cushman & Wakefield’s Gary Hyland on behalf of vendor QIC, the funds house that sold the asset.

Gateway Capital’s co-founder and chief investment officer, Peter McDonald, said the Geebung acquisition aligns with the firm’s focus on well-located, prime-grade logistics properties. He noted that tight supply of high-quality industrial space in the region and strong occupier demand strengthened the long-term investment case.

Geebung, located about 12 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, is recognised as one of the city’s tightly held industrial hubs. It lies close to Sandgate Road, Gympie Road and the Gateway Motorway, providing efficient access to Brisbane Airport, the Port of Brisbane and the wider metropolitan network.

The suburb has attracted national and international occupiers including Australia Post, Knauf, Linfox Transport and Boeing Australia, demonstrating its status as a logistics and manufacturing base.

Market commentary suggests the Gateway Capital acquisition reflects ongoing investor confidence in Brisbane’s north-side industrial market, where limited land supply and evolving logistics trends are intensifying demand for modern warehousing.

Read: Brisbane City Plan Update: Nundah Avoids Height Increase but Faces Housing Review

For the local area, observers say the deal may signal growing investor interest in the Nundah–Geebung corridor, which continues to experience demand for well-connected industrial and commercial property. As Gateway Capital strengthens its Queensland presence, its Geebung purchase highlights the suburb’s emerging role in Brisbane’s logistics network and reinforces its appeal as a long-term industrial investment destination.

Published 20-October-2025

E-bike Enforcement Steps Up Near Nundah During School Holiday Patrols

Even in quiet suburbs like Nundah, the hum of e-bikes is drawing attention. North Brisbane police say enforcement remains a priority over the school holidays, especially along the nearby Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Read: Police Team Up With Youth Justice Workers To Guide Young People In Banyo, Other Northern Suburbs

Across North Brisbane, police have escalated their efforts during the school break to deter unsafe or illegal e-bikes and unregistered electric motorbike use. The Kedron Brook Bikeway corridor — not far from Nundah — has become a hotspot for both visible and covert patrols under operations such as Xray Stamp.

During these targeted operations, 15 people have been charged with 26 offences across the district. The offences have ranged from driving without a licence, operating an unregistered or uninsured vehicle, to dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Two recent local cases involved teenagers in Kedron and Nundah. On 10 September, a 14-year-old Nundah boy was arrested after allegedly riding an unregistered electric motorcycle recklessly along the bikeway while unlicensed. He faces charges under the Youth Justice Act for multiple offences, including dangerous driving, using an unregistered vehicle, and uninsured driving.

Earlier, on 29 August, a 14-year-old from Kedron allegedly fled officers along that same corridor while riding unlicensed and unregistered. An off-duty police officer helped make the arrest.

North Brisbane District Superintendent Simon Tayler has warned that ignorance of the law will not excuse risky behaviour. “If you are buying a device for your personal use, or for your child to use, you have an obligation to ensure its use complies with the law,” he said. “Ignorance is not an excuse — especially when the welfare of other public space users and the riders themselves are being put at risk.” He added that public spaces are for everyone to enjoy and recklessness will not be tolerated.

Police say the message is clear: understand the legal rules and ride safely. In addition to overt and covert patrols, officers have been speaking at schools, reaching out to parents, and running awareness campaigns.

Police say enforcement is necessary to protect pedestrians and other users of shared paths. The risk of collision is real, especially when modified or high-powered devices are used irresponsibly in public spaces.

Read: Shape Kedron Brook for the Next 20 Years: Input Sought from Banyo Community

As the school holiday period continues, locals walking, jogging, or cycling near the Kedron Brook Bikeway should expect to see more foot and bike patrols. Riders, especially younger ones or those new to e-devices, are urged to verify that their device complies with legal specifications before stepping on the throttle.

If you observe suspicious or unsafe e-bike behaviour around Nundah or along the bikeway, Queensland Police encourage reports via Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Published 8-October-2025

Solar Upgrades Power Community Facilities in Nundah

Photo Credit: Pexels

Three community organisations in Nundah are receiving solar installations through the energy efficiency program, designed to reduce electricity costs and support renewable energy use across local facilities.

Solar Investment Strengthens Nundah’s Community Network

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness at Oxenham Park, Virginia United Football Club at Albert Bishop Park, and Northern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club on Franklin Street are among the local recipients of solar installations under stage two of BCC’s Community Facility Solar and Energy Efficiency Program.

Together with 23 other Brisbane sites, the projects share nearly $937,000 in funding this financial year and will deliver 505 kilowatts of additional solar capacity.

Nundah solar upgrade — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Background on the Solar Program

The initiative contributes to BCC’s target of cutting carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2031–32 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The program provides solar panels, lighting upgrades, and heat-pump systems across council-leased community facilities to lower energy costs and improve efficiency.

Since the program began, BCC has installed over 7 megawatts of solar power across its facilities, including Kangaroo Point Bridge and the Brisbane International Cycle Park. Once stage two is completed, total solar capacity will reach 7.5 megawatts — enough energy to power more than 2,000 Brisbane homes.

Collaboration for Sustainable Outcomes

Stage two is jointly funded by BCC and the Commonwealth Government through the Community Energy Upgrade Fund. The installations are being coordinated with the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to ensure efficient delivery and lasting environmental benefits.

Brisbane community facilities — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Contribution of Nundah Sites

Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness will receive a 37.6-kilowatt system, while Virginia United Football Club and Northern Suburbs RLFC will each install 39.06-kilowatt systems. The upgrades will reduce operational costs for these organisations and help advance Brisbane’s renewable energy objectives.

Ongoing Impact on Brisbane’s Sustainability

Across the city, solar systems now reduce carbon emissions by more than 7,900 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 2,600 cars off the road — and generate about 10,700 megawatt hours of electricity, powering around 1,900 homes annually. The long-term outcome is a cleaner, more cost-efficient network of community facilities.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of the Nundah installations, Brisbane continues its progress toward sustainable energy goals. The solar upgrades deliver practical savings for local organisations while contributing to a greener city future.

Published 12-Oct-2025

Teacher Recognised for Excellence in Nundah

A teacher from Mary MacKillop College in Nundah has been recognised for his innovative teaching and commitment to student development, receiving the 2025 ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary) at the Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards.

Passion and Purpose in the Classroom

Educator Adam Munro, who began teaching in mid-2023, has made a strong impact at Mary MacKillop College, Nundah. In less than two years, he has been acknowledged for transforming learning through creative teaching methods and active involvement in school life.

Recognition for Early Achievement

At the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education Excellence Awards, Munro received the ACU Award for Excellence as an Early Career Teacher (Secondary). The recognition highlights his leadership in curriculum design and his ability to connect with students both in class and through extracurricular activities.

Innovative Learning and School Podcast

Munro has been instrumental in launching the school’s podcast, Words of Wisdom, hosted by Principal Erin Wedge. The podcast features alumnae and staff discussing topics such as women in sport, mental health, and preparing students for life beyond school, helping strengthen ties with the broader school community.

Dedication Beyond the Classroom

Outside the classroom, Munro dedicates time to coaching volleyball and athletics, performing with the College choir, and assisting in school events. His focus on wellbeing and inclusion has contributed to a supportive learning environment.

A Full-Circle Journey

Having attended All Saints Primary School in Albany Creek, Munro said his own experience in Catholic education inspired him to give back to the system that shaped his early learning. Teaching English and Drama at Mary MacKillop College has allowed him to fulfil that goal.

Broader Contributions to Education

Munro serves as an Executive Committee member of the Australian Teachers of Media Queensland (ATOM QLD), helping develop the state conference, presenting workshops, and hosting the Queensland Youth TheatreSports competition, which unites students from across South East Queensland.

Community Support in Nundah

Mary MacKillop College shared its congratulations on social media, with messages of support from colleagues, students, and community members acknowledging Munro’s dedication and enthusiasm.

Recognising Teachers’ Impact

The BCE Excellence Awards coincided with Queensland World Teachers’ Day, an occasion that celebrates educators’ contributions and positive influence across the community.

Published 12-Oct-2025