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What’s in a Name? Future of Pinkenba Terminal’s Identity at Risk

The very identity of Brisbane’s $158 million international cruise terminal at Pinkenba has been thrown into question for the next century, after its private operator failed to receive exclusive rights to the facility’s name.

A Name Without Protection

The core of the issue surfaced last week when IP Australia, the national body for intellectual property rights, rejected the Port of Brisbane’s application to trademark its brand. An assessor for the agency noted there was not enough evidence to prove that the average Australian was familiar with the brand. This decision came despite the terminal’s prominent branding being in use since it began operating in June 2022. The Port of Brisbane had initially applied to protect two logo variations the following year.

The 99-Year Question

While the trademark refusal has no immediate effect on the terminal’s day-to-day operations, experts suggest it has uncovered a much larger problem tied to the facility’s long-term future. The Port of Brisbane operates the terminal on a 99-year lease from the state government, which is not set to expire until 2109.

According to University of Queensland trademark expert Professor John Swinson, this creates a tricky situation. He explained that without a registered trademark owned by the state, a new operator in 2109 might not be able to use the name “Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.” The outgoing operator, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd, could potentially own the brand identity, forcing any future operator to buy the name or create a new one from scratch.

Business as Usual, For Now

Professor Swinson, who also serves as an arbitrator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation, clarified that not having a registered trademark does not stop a business from trading. The immediate consequence is that it becomes more difficult for the Port of Brisbane to legally stop other entities from using a similar name or logo. For the thousands of passengers who use the terminal, there will be no change to services.

Port Confident in Resolution

A spokesman for the Port of Brisbane stated that constructive discussions with IP Australia are ongoing. He said the port does not expect any changes to the terminal’s branding and looks forward to registering the trademarks soon. In response to the long-term ownership concerns, the spokesman confirmed that the trademarks would revert to the state at the conclusion of the lease. The original lease agreement, which places the port in private hands until 2109, was announced by the state government in November 2010.

Published Date 21-September-2025

Ollie’s Espresso Bar Brings Specialty Coffee to Nundah’s Heart

Photo Credit: ollies_espresso_bar/instagram

Ollie’s Espresso Bar is drawing attention in Nundah with its reputation for some of the area’s best coffee and a growing community of locals who call it their daily stop.

Early Starts and Local Convenience

Just steps from Nundah Station, the small cafe is winning praise for its smooth house blend, rotating filter coffee, and warm service. The espresso bar opens from 5:30 am on weekdays and 6:30 am on weekends, making it a go-to spot for commuters catching an early train.

*Photo Credit: ollies_espresso_bar/instagram*

The location on Station Street provides easy access with nearby street parking, while outdoor seating makes it a popular choice for dog owners taking a morning walk.

Coffee and Food Offerings

Customers consistently highlight the quality of the drinks, with the house blend prepared for milk-based coffee and rotating beans from guest roasters featured for filter brews.

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A range of light food is available, including pastries, toasties, and the standout Milkman’s cookie served warm. Many visitors recommend the Mont Blanc and ham and cheese toastie as favourites.

Atmosphere and Service

The cafe’s design combines crisp white tiles, timber finishes, and a floral mural, giving the space a clean and modern feel. Seating inside and out provides options for a quick stop or a longer visit.

Reviews regularly mention the staff’s friendliness and ability to remember regulars’ names and orders, which adds to its community appeal. Customers describe the vibe as calm, cosy, and ideal for both relaxation and casual catch-ups.

A Community Hub

Local reviews often emphasise the welcoming environment as much as the coffee itself. Regular customers say Ollie’s has become part of their routine, offering both high-quality drinks and a familiar space where staff and patrons interact easily.

Its central position in Nundah Village has helped the cafe build a steady following from residents and workers who value both the product and the personal connection.

Published 11-September-2025

Farmers Market Expansion Set For October In Nundah

The Nundah Farmers Markets will expand in Nundah with new stalls, entertainment and family activities as part of its regular Sunday market.

Market Day Expansion In Nundah

The Nundah Farmers Markets have scheduled their expansion for Sunday, 12 October, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Station Street. The expanded event will feature additional stalls, live music, roving performers, children’s activities and face painting. Entry remains free for all visitors.

Fresh Faces Joining Familiar Favourites

The expansion will introduce businesses such as Sippin Moreton Bay, My Jerky Hut and Ace of Blades Knife Sharpening. These will join established names including Sophie’s So Fresh Fruit and Veg, Walloon Gold Honey and A Day Toastie. Organisers say the new section will broaden the mix available to shoppers while continuing to showcase South-East Queensland growers, farmers, bakers and makers.

Markets Rooted In Community

The Nundah Farmers Markets are held every Sunday at the Nundah Train Station car park, located below Nundah Village. The expansion was rescheduled from its original date to avoid clashing with the Nundah Festival.

The markets are coordinated by Goodwill Projects, which has managed farmers markets across South-East Queensland since 2006. The company currently operates 12 markets and focuses on providing opportunities for small businesses while creating spaces for community connection.

Nundah Market Expansion — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Sundays With Local Flavour

The Nundah Farmers Markets have become a regular destination for locals, offering fresh produce, baked goods and artisan food alongside ready-to-eat options. The expanded section is expected to add variety while maintaining the community-focused atmosphere that has attracted thousands of visitors each week.

Looking Ahead To October

From 12 October onwards, the new section will be incorporated into the weekly Sunday market in Nundah. Organisers expect the additional stalls and activities to strengthen the appeal of the markets as a regular part of community life on Station Street.

Published 11-Sep-2025

Flight Path Proposals at Brisbane Airport Draw 1,300 Responses

Photo Credit: Pexels

More than 1,300 community submissions have been received on proposed new flight paths at Brisbane Airport, reflecting widespread concern over aircraft noise.

Background and Context

Brisbane Airport’s $1.1 billion second runway opened in July 2020, significantly altering aircraft movements across the city. Since then, noise complaints have increased, particularly from suburbs newly affected by low-flying aircraft.

Airservices Australia developed the Noise Action Plan for Brisbane in response to these concerns, aiming to reduce the impact of aircraft operations by redistributing flight paths. Consultation on Package 3 of the plan ran until 17 August 2025, later extended to 24 August 2025.

The airport currently manages about 615 aircraft movements a day, with forecasts estimating this will rise to 1,046 per day by 2046, excluding freight traffic, which is not expected to grow significantly.

Brisbane flight paths — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Proposed Flight Path Changes

The proposals include adjustments to both arrivals and departures, with the aim of shifting some routes offshore over Moreton Bay and spreading noise across a wider area.

According to Airservices, suburbs including Redland, Bribie Island and Samford could see reduced traffic, while some new routes could affect areas such as Kenmore.

Separately, consultation materials show potential changes in the north-west and south of the city. These would reduce traffic over Samford Valley, Cedar Creek and Logan, while increasing overflights for suburbs including Everton Park, Brisbane CBD, Bulimba, Balmoral and West End.

Alternatives and Noise-Sharing Approach

To reduce concentrated impacts, Airservices has promoted a “noise-sharing” strategy, meaning more communities will experience aircraft noise but less frequently. This includes maximising use of Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS) over Moreton Bay when conditions permit.

Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessments were released for Package 3 proposals, covering departures and arrivals over land and water. Heat maps and usage statistics based on 2019 and 2024 flight data were also provided to help communities assess potential changes.

Brisbane Airport — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Sentiment

Public submissions exceeded 1,300 on the flight path changes, while just 42 submissions had been received on the airport’s long-term masterplan as of late August.

Residents reported disrupted sleep, with some counting more than a dozen aircraft overhead within half an hour. Community groups argue that shifting noise does not solve the problem and have called for measures such as night curfews and flight caps, similar to restrictions at Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast airports.

Concerns have also been raised about expected growth in flights in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Community Wellbeing Support

In recognition of the stress linked to aircraft operations, Airservices has extended an independent counselling service through Converge International. The program is available free of charge to any community member and covers support for sleep issues, personal stress, mental health and other concerns.

Next Steps

Airservices Australia will review all feedback and determine which options can be implemented. The consultation is part of the broader Noise Action Plan for Brisbane, with outcomes expected to guide long-term planning for the airport. Expansion plans also include a third terminal by 2031 and land reserved for potential future runway extensions.

Published 3-Sep-2025

New Road Safety Cameras Planned in Nudgee

Photo Credit: Pexels

Nudgee will be part of Queensland’s new road safety enforcement measures, with point-to-point speed cameras planned for the Gateway Motorway North upgrade.

Rising Road Toll

Queensland has recorded 189 road deaths so far this year, two more than the same period last year. In 2023, 302 lives were lost, the highest toll since 2009. Speeding was a factor in almost one-quarter of those fatalities.

Safety Measures at Nudgee

As part of the Gateway Motorway North upgrade, point-to-point speed cameras will be installed in the Nudgee corridor. These cameras track average speeds over longer distances, targeting persistent speeding behaviour. They will undergo testing before enforcement begins in mid to late 2026.

Nudgee road safety — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Statewide Road Investment

The installation forms part of a wider safety program. Over the next four years, $25.5 billion has been allocated to road projects, including $9 billion for the Bruce Highway program. Another $100 million has been set aside for the Country Roads Connect scheme, which aims to improve safety on rural and remote corridors.

Effectiveness of Point-to-Point Cameras

Research shows point-to-point cameras can reduce fatal and serious crashes by up to 85 per cent. Authorities describe them as preventative tools that deter speeding and support safer driving.

Gateway Motorway — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Calls for Stronger Enforcement

RACQ has backed the rollout of new cameras, noting that speeding remains the leading cause of road trauma, with three-quarters of motorists admitting to the behaviour. Road safety advocates have also urged greater use of enforcement, including roadside drug and alcohol testing, stronger penalties, and more police presence on high-risk roads.

Cost of Road Trauma

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 31,742 crashes causing death or serious injury in Queensland, at a social cost estimated at $35.7 billion. This figure includes medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost productivity, and the broader social impact on families and communities.

Next Steps

With enforcement scheduled to start from late next year, drivers travelling through Nudgee on the Gateway Motorway will face stricter monitoring. Advocates say reducing speeding and changing driving behaviour remain central to lowering Queensland’s road toll.

Published 3-Sep-2025

Chermside Man Facing Court After Alleged Nundah Pizza Store Robbery

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 37-year-old Chermside man is set to face court later this month following his arrest over an alleged robbery at a Nundah pizza shop late Friday night.

Police allege Francis Bowman walked into the Buckland Road establishment around 11.15pm on August 29 and demanded money from the till. According to a Queensland Police spokeswoman, a staff member handed over cash before Bowman allegedly left the premises on a bicycle.

The incident was short-lived, with police locating and arresting Bowman a short time later. He has since been charged with two counts of robbery, one count of possessing suspected property, one count of failing to take reasonable care in respect of a syringe, and one count of contravening a requirement.

Bowman’s matter was briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, though he did not appear in person and no bail application was made. The case has been adjourned until September 22 for committal mention.

The incident adds to concerns about crime trends in the local area. According to recent crime statistics, crime in Nundah increased by 25.66% from 2022 to 2023, with theft, drug dealing and trafficking, and burglary being the most common offences in the suburb.

The Friday night robbery occurred during what would typically be a busy period for local hospitalities, with many residents expressing concern about safety in the area’s commercial precinct.

Local police continue to patrol the Nundah area regularly, particularly during evening hours when businesses are preparing to close.

Published 30-August-2025

New Campus Hub to Support ACU Students and Staff in Banyo

Photo Credit: ACU

Australian Catholic University has opened a new hub in Banyo to provide emergency relief and support for students and staff facing crisis or hardship.

Background and Partnership

On 15 August 2025, Australian Catholic University (ACU) and the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland formalised a partnership to establish a new campus hub at ACU’s Banyo site. The hub has been adopted as a special work of the Society’s Banyo Conference, connected to the Banyo-Nundah Catholic Parish. This marks the first time the Society has created a formal hub on an ACU campus.

Purpose of the Hub

The hub will give students and staff experiencing immediate crisis direct access to emergency relief. It is designed as both a support system and a place for members of the university to engage in charitable work. Staff will be able to volunteer as members or associates of the local Conference, while students can take part in activities that support the work of the Society.

Student Involvement

A new student-led group, Vinnies@ACU, has been created on campus. This society, working with Vinnies Youth, will provide peer-to-peer support, assist in fundraising efforts, and contribute to volunteering projects. Some of these activities may count towards course assessment, giving students opportunities to connect academic study with community service.

Broader Context

ACU and the St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland have collaborated for more than a decade across 13 programs, including Clemente Australia, Buddies Day, and Sense. The new partnership formalises this long-standing relationship and strengthens ACU’s capacity to provide direct assistance to its community.

Historical Connection

The Society was founded in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam, a 20-year-old student motivated to respond to poverty in Paris. Nearly 200 years later, this collaboration continues that legacy by embedding social service directly within a university environment.

Future Outlook

The Banyo campus hub will provide ongoing volunteer opportunities and direct support for students and staff in need. Both organisations see the hub as a model that links education, community service, and practical relief in one setting.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Police Crack Down on Dangerous E-Scooter and E-Bike Use on Kedron Brook Bikeway

Photo Credit: Street Smarts Initiative QLD

Police are stepping up patrols on the Kedron Brook Bikeway, which stretches from Mitchelton to Nundah, as part of a new operation targeting unsafe and illegal riding of e-scooters and e-bikes along the busy northside corridor.

Running throughout August, Operation X-ray Stamp aims to make the bikeway safer for everyone — from early-morning commuters and families to joggers and dog walkers — by tackling speeding, illegal modifications, and reckless behaviour on personal mobility devices.

Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said the operation is focused on education as much as enforcement, with police taking a firm but fair approach to improve safety and prevent injuries. She said many of the issues involve young riders using unregistered or modified e-scooters and e-bikes, often without understanding the rules or risks.

“For an e-bike or e-scooter to be legal, pedals must be the main source of power and the motor can’t exceed 250 watts,” she explained. “If it doesn’t meet those standards, it’s classed as a motorbike and requires a licence, registration, and insurance.”

While the focus is on awareness, Senior Sergeant Toohey said officers will issue fines or confiscate non-compliant devices if necessary to stop unsafe behaviour. Parents can also be fined if they allow their child to use an e-scooter or e-bike illegally or dangerously.

“These devices can be powerful, and when used irresponsibly, they can cause serious injuries or even fatalities,” she said. “We’re encouraging parents to familiarise themselves with the rules and help their children understand them — this is about preventing life-changing harm.”

The operation also includes partnerships with local high schools to reinforce safety education and address reports of dangerous or illegal activity, including incidents shared on social media.

Police are urging residents in and around Nundah to report unsafe or illegal e-scooter and e-bike use to help keep the Kedron Brook Bikeway safe for everyone.

E-BIKE SAFETY

E-SCOOTER SAFETY

Published 17-Oct-2025

Virginia State School: A Century of Learning and Community Spirit

On 2 February 1920, Virginia State School opened its doors to the children of a growing northern Brisbane suburb. The very first pupil, 11-year-old William Edward Ernest Smith, symbolised the beginning of an institution that would become a cornerstone of community life for generations.

Read: New Look, New Era: Brisbane Airport Celebrates Centenary with Brand Refresh

With 266 students enrolled at the time of its official opening ceremony, the school was already a sign of the area’s rapid transformation from farmland to suburb.

Virginia itself had only begun to change in the late 19th century, following the arrival of the North Coast railway line in 1888. What had been rural paddocks soon attracted families seeking homes within reach of Brisbane City. By the early 1920s, the demand for education was so strong that the school expanded almost as soon as it was established.

The Sectional School Design

Virginia State School, 1924 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

One of the most distinctive features of Virginia State School is its architecture. The Queensland Department of Public Works designed the school’s timber sectional buildings to suit the subtropical climate and the shifting needs of a growing population. Constructed in stages between 1920 and 1933, Blocks B, C, and D made up a three-wing formation that maximised natural ventilation and lighting. Verandahs, south-facing windows, and modular layouts were all hallmarks of this interwar-era design philosophy.

Block D, the western wing, was completed in 1933 at a cost of £1781 10s 8d, a significant investment at the time. The sectional design also meant the school could be enlarged as enrolments grew, which proved vital when numbers surged from 135 students at the start to more than 380 by 1923.

Community, Grounds, and Growth

Virginia State School — Suburb of Virginia, 1952 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

The school’s grounds were shaped not just by government planning but also by strong community involvement. Local families took part in Arbor Day celebrations during the 1920s, planting shade trees along Sandgate Road that still stand today. In 1925, a tennis court was built in the southwestern corner of the site, reinforcing the school’s role as a social and recreational hub. By the 1950s, forestry plots of pine and cypress were introduced, part of a statewide educational initiative combining environmental awareness with practical training.

Post-war growth brought further changes. The population boom of the 1950s led to new classroom blocks, extensions, and the construction of a swimming pool and second tennis court by the mid-1960s. The school grounds also expanded, growing from an initial three hectares to nearly five by the late 1950s.

A Living Heritage

Virginia State School has been more than just a place of learning. It has hosted social gatherings, sporting events, and commemorations that have bound the community together. In 2015, its distinctive interwar architecture and long-standing role in local life were recognised when it was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register.

A century after its founding, Virginia State School marked its centenary in 2020 with around 480 students enrolled—similar in size to the bustling numbers of the 1920s. While the suburb has grown and modernised, the school remains a visible link between past and present. The old timber wings, shaded by mature trees planted by earlier generations, continue to welcome children, just as they did more than 100 years ago.

Read: Healing Happens Here: The Nundah Practice Helping Locals Feel Understood

The story of Virginia State School is not only about classrooms and buildings, but about community resilience, foresight in design, and the deep connections between education and place. It stands today as one of Brisbane’s enduring reminders of how a school can shape, and be shaped by, the community around it.

Published 18-August-2025

Banyo’s Holy Trinity Church Honours Val Stafford After Decades Of Service

Photo Credit: Joe Higgins/The Catholic Leader

For more than half a century, Holy Trinity Church has relied on the steady service of Val Stafford, who has quietly filled nearly every role needed to keep parish life running.

A Lifetime Of Service

Val Stafford has volunteered at Holy Trinity Church in Banyo for more than 53 years, beginning in 1972 when her eldest child started school. Now 83, she has shared plans to retire from parish service when she turns 85. Over the decades, she has served as sacristan, managed audio-visual needs, read during Mass and stepped in whenever practical help was required.

Her work extended beyond the church, with 27 years as a catechist in public schools and contributions to tuckshops, sewing groups and parish projects. Growing up in Warwick with limited access to Mass, she said this experience motivated her to help Catholic children in state schools strengthen their faith.

Deep Roots In Banyo

After marrying her late husband Keith, Val Stafford settled in Nudgee, just around the corner from Holy Trinity Church, where their family home has stood for 62 years. Generations of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have attended the parish school.

*Photo Credit: Banyo Nundah Catholic Parish*

She began volunteering when her eldest daughter started at St Pius V Primary School, as many women of the time left paid work after marriage. What started as helping the parish nuns with small tasks soon grew into decades of dedicated service.

Recognition And Change

During National Volunteers Week in May, Banyo-Nundah parish publicly recognised Val Stafford’s decades of service, a surprise she had not expected. Over the years, she witnessed major changes at Holy Trinity, including the rebuilding of the church after St Pius V was destroyed by fire in 1976.

She served on the committee that selected the design of the new building and later saw the introduction of English in the liturgy, which she believed made Mass more accessible. Across her service, she has worked with eight priests and watched the parish community continue to grow.

Community Response

Parishioners have described Val Stafford as humble, welcoming and generous, with many praising the way she made newcomers feel at home at Holy Trinity. When news of her long service was shared online, community members expressed their gratitude and congratulated her on her commitment.

She has said she hopes her example inspires others to volunteer, though she recognises that it is harder for families today to find the time. As her 84th birthday approaches in October, she has decided to step back at 85, saying more than five decades of service is long enough.

Published 18-August-2025