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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Launches After-Dark Corporate Experience From Its Fig Tree Pocket Home

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket has launched a new Twilight Koala Experience, an exclusive after-hours wildlife encounter designed specifically for corporate groups, incentive programs and private functions of up to 100 guests. While the evening offering focuses on this intimate scale, the sanctuary has also expanded its daytime capacity to accommodate significantly larger delegations within standard operating hours.

The new offering adds an evening dimension to one of Brisbane’s most iconic destinations, giving corporate visitors a guided koala encounter led by the sanctuary’s wildlife team after the regular day visitors have gone home. Groups can also include an after-dark wildlife tour of the sanctuary’s nocturnal precinct, drinks and dinner at the Riverside Café overlooking the Brisbane River, and the option of arriving by river cruise rather than road, a touch that taps into the sanctuary’s long history as a river destination that dates back nearly a century.

For Kenmore and Fig Tree Pocket residents, the development is a reminder of just how significant their local landmark is on the broader tourism and events map, and how it continues to evolve nearly a hundred years after it first opened.

A Heritage Site With a New Chapter

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary opened in 1927 as a refuge for sick, injured and orphaned koalas at a time when the species was being killed for its fur, founded by conservationist Claude Reid with just two koalas named Jack and Jill. The sanctuary’s name comes from a solitary hoop pine planted by the Clarkson family on the original 4.6-hectare site, and the complex has grown through amalgamated land purchases to its current 18 hectares along the northern bank of the Brisbane River.

Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — Photo Credit: Koala and River Cruises

From its earliest days, the sanctuary was marketed as a river destination, promoted as “the most beautiful trip in Australia” at a time when Brisbane families were discovering the leisure possibilities of the motor car. That river connection has never been lost. The Mirimar river cruise has been ferrying passengers from South Bank to Lone Pine for more than 70 years, and the new corporate offering explicitly includes arrival by river as a premium option, connecting modern corporate guests to the same scenic journey that Brisbane families have taken across generations.

During the Second World War, Lone Pine gained international recognition when American servicemen stationed in Brisbane visited the sanctuary to see native Australian wildlife, including a famous visit from General Douglas MacArthur’s wife, Jean. Today it holds Guinness World Records recognition as the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, housing over 100 koalas and more than 70 species of native Australian wildlife across its riverside bushland setting.

What the Twilight Koala Experience Offers Corporate Groups

The Twilight Koala Experience was developed in direct response to Brisbane’s growing corporate events sector and the increasing appetite for premium, after-hours experiences that feel uniquely Australian. The guided koala encounter is led by the sanctuary’s wildlife team, giving guests close contact with the animals alongside education about koala conservation and Lone Pine’s ongoing commitment to wildlife protection.

The corporate package is designed as a complete event solution, combining the wildlife encounter with dining at the Riverside Café, the option of a full after-dark tour of the nocturnal precinct where Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas and small macropods can be observed in their natural evening behaviours, and arrival by river cruise from South Bank’s Cultural Centre Wharf. The setting, just 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, makes Lone Pine accessible for conference delegates and incentive groups without the logistics of a long transfer.

Beyond the new twilight offering, Lone Pine is also expanding its daytime corporate and incentive programmes, enabling the sanctuary to host significantly larger groups within standard operating hours. General manager Lyndon Discombe noted that corporate groups are no longer seeking standard event venues but meaningful experiences that create purpose and connection, and that the daytime expansion provides flexibility for conference organisers seeking scale and accessibility in a single venue.

Plan Your Visit

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located at 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, approximately 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. The sanctuary is open every day from 9am to 5pm for general visitors. The Mirimar river cruise departs from Cultural Centre Wharf at South Bank at 10am daily, arriving at Lone Pine approximately 75 minutes later, with the return journey departing at 1.30pm.

Corporate event enquiries and bookings can be made through their website. General admission tickets and wildlife encounter bookings are available here. The sanctuary can also be reached directly on (07) 3378 1366.

Published 26-February-2026.

West Brisbane Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18
• Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (St Georges Park – St George Willawong FC – Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1
• St George Willawong 1 | Broadbeach United 5

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Walton Bridge Reserve – The Gap FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• The Gap FC 0 | Logan Lightning 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Heath Park – Eastern Suburbs FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Eastern Suburbs 4 | Brisbane City 2

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117

Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6
• Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Wep Harris Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• University of Queensland Mens 1st Grade 6-251 | Valley Mens 1st Grade 8-262

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Kerry Emery Oval – One Day) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Women 1st Grade – Round 21
• Sunshine Coast Womens 1st Grade 111 | Valley Womens 1st Grade 9-235

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 6-322 | Western Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 3-324

Kenmore Community Leader Michael Fitzgerald Takes on Antarctica’s Wild Frontier

Most people spend Christmas close to home. Michael Fitzgerald spent his at the bottom of the world.

When the former President of the Queensland Law Society, and a member of the Rotary Club of Kenmore, for many decades boarded an Antarctic expedition last December, it wasn’t simply another holiday booking. For the intrepid adventurer, it was a journey into one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.

Now a senior leader with St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, and a Rotarian for many decades, Michael has devoted much of his life to service — raising funds and volunteering across West Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and overseas. Service, for him, has never been a slogan. It has been a way of life.

Last year, just before Christmas, that life of contribution paused briefly for something altogether different: a voyage across the Southern Ocean to Antarctica.

A Southern Departure

On 11 December 2025, Michael travelled to Hobart where he joined around 120 fellow passengers boarding the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions’ purpose-built polar vessel.

The voyage — Mawson’s Antarctica — retraced elements of the historic Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Sir Douglas Mawson between 1911 and 1914. It was not a cruise in the traditional sense. It was an immersion.

For several days after leaving Hobart, the ship pressed south across the Southern Ocean — a stretch of water famed for its power and unpredictability.

Passengers settled into the rhythm of expedition life: briefings, lectures from polar experts, wildlife spotting from observation decks, and the gradual mental shift from civilisation to wilderness.

The Douglas Mawson is designed specifically for these voyages. With a high ice-class rating, stabilisers for heavy seas, hydraulic viewing platforms and multiple Zodiac landing craft, the ship blends expedition capability with contemporary comfort.

Interiors by Swedish maritime designer Tomas Tillberg prioritise light-filled observation spaces — a reminder that on this journey, the outside world is the main event.

Entering East Antarctica

As the vessel crossed into Antarctic waters, the landscape transformed.

Icebergs the size of city blocks drifted silently through steel-grey seas. Pack ice thickened. The air sharpened.

Wildlife appeared — Adélie penguins porpoising through the water, Weddell seals resting on floes, and the exciting appearance of a whale on the horizon.

One of the voyage’s key objectives is reaching Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay. Cape Denison is the site of Mawson’s original expedition huts and one of the windiest places on Earth.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Frank Hurley

Every expedition that stops here. weather permitting, land to view the preserved structures that remain as testimony to early Antarctic exploration.

Another milestone of the trip is crossing the Antarctic Circle — a symbolic achievement marking entry into one of the planet’s most remote latitudes. It is less about ceremony and more about perspective: realising just how far from home one has gone.

*Campbell Island* / Motu Ihupuku is an uninhabited subantarctic island of New Zealand.

On the return leg, the expedition passed through New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands before concluding in Dunedin a few days after the New Year — a gradual reintroduction to green hills and human settlement after weeks of white and blue.

Through Michael’s Lens

During his trip, the photographs that Michael took spoke volumes — sweeping icescapes stretching to the horizon; close encounters with wildlife; the camaraderie of people experiencing the same wonder and awe; and the remarkable glow of Antarctic light lingering at midnight.

The expedition’s historic and exploratory nature, the flexibility required by weather and ice conditions, and the contrast between the raw Southern Ocean crossing and the stillness of Antarctic coastlines all form part of the experience.

Crossing the Antarctic Circle brings with it a quiet sense of achievement. A reminder that few people on Earth get to experience the privilege of standing in that latitude.

Five Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Antarctica

Antarctica is far more complex than a continent of snow and ice.

1. Antarctica holds around 70% of the world’s fresh water.
Most of it is locked in ice sheets kilometres thick. Early explorers sometimes licked surface ice for moisture, unaware that the salt content and extreme cold could worsen dehydration.

2. It has active volcanoes.
Among them is Mount Erebus, one of the few volcanoes on Earth with a persistent lava lake beneath its icy slopes.

3. There is a blood-red waterfall.
At Blood Falls in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, iron-rich subglacial water emerges from beneath a glacier. When exposed to oxygen, it oxidises, turning deep red — as though the ice itself were bleeding.

4. The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth — −98°C — was measured on the Antarctic Plateau.
At those extremes, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

5. There are lakes hidden beneath kilometres of ice.
Lake Vostok lies under roughly four kilometres of ice and has been sealed off for millions of years. Scientists believe unique microbial life may have evolved there in complete darkness and immense pressure.

A Quiet Local Connection

For a complex expedition involving polar preparation, Southern Ocean crossings and remote logistics, experienced travel advisors can help ensure every detail is carefully managed behind the scenes. Michael’s booking was arranged through Travel Associates Kenmore Village, known locally as Yee & Turner Travel Associates.

For Michael, this trip was never just about another stamp in the passport.

It became a chapter — one that reflects the character of a Kenmore community leader who, after decades devoted to law, charity and Rotary service, chose to spend Christmas embracing adventure at the bottom of the world.

That choice speaks not of restlessness, but of curiosity.

Because even after a lifetime of contribution, there is still wonder to pursue — and horizons worth chasing.

Published 12 February 2026

Sea Memories and Simple Meals: Brookfield Green Resident Colin Fuller Turns 100

A Brisbane man who grew up in the shadow of Queensland lighthouses has marked a major milestone recently, sharing a simple piece of advice he reckons helped him reach triple figures: eat fish.

Carinity Brookfield Green resident Colin Fuller turned 100 on 4 February 2026, celebrating with family and fellow residents.

Born in Brisbane in 1926 to British parents who had migrated to Australia before World War I, Colin’s childhood coincided with the Great Depression. When his father, a carpenter, secured work as a lightkeeper with the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service, the family’s life became closely tied to the coast.

Those postings took them to a string of maritime stations along Queensland’s shoreline, including Lady Elliot Island, Double Island Point, Caloundra and North Reef lighthouses. For Colin, it meant days shaped by the sea—fresh air, routine, and plenty of time fishing, an interest that stayed with him for decades.

Colin Fuller has celebrated his 100th birthday at the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care home in Brisbane | Photo Credit: Supplied

His son, Stephen Fuller, said fish was a staple in the family’s diet back then, and Colin has long believed it made a difference to health and longevity. Stephen also noted that Colin’s older sister, Joyce, has reached 100 as well—adding a little extra weight to the family’s running theory.

After school at Kedron State High, Colin began working during World War II, joining the Royal Australian Air Force, qualifying as an aircraft engineer, and working at Oakey Air Base on fighter aircraft.

In the years that followed, he moved through civil aviation into sales and marketing, eventually holding a long-term role as Sales Manager at appliance manufacturer Westinghouse.

Colin married his wife, Lex, in 1955 and the pair built their family home at The Gap, raising two children, Stephen and Angela. When he retired in 1986, Colin and Lex leaned into the things they loved most—travel, family time, gardening and (still) fishing.

The Fuller family – Colin, his wife Lex, daughter Angela and son Stephen – pictured around 1965
Photo Credit: Supplied

“He is a keen fisherman and regularly camped on Fraser Island. He made his last visit there when he was 90,” Stephen said. At home, Colin and Lex were also known for their bright garden displays—particularly azaleas and petunias—turning their street into a small seasonal landmark.

Now a great-grandfather to four little ones—two boys and two girls, ranging from seven weeks to two years—Colin’s centenary was marked with both family pride and plenty of reflection. His Brookfield Green celebration also included an induction into Carinity’s “100 Club” for centenarians.

Published 5-Feb-2026

A Century Strong at Historic Upper Brookfield Mango Farm

Roadside trays of fresh mangoes have become a familiar sight for drivers along Brookfield Road, but behind the seasonal fruit stall lies a story stretching back nearly a century. As one Upper Brookfield family prepares to celebrate 100 years on their land, they are reflecting on their legacy while navigating the modern challenges facing small local farms.

The Mohr Mountain Farm has been part of the Upper Brookfield landscape for generations. First established in the mid-1920s, the property has remained in family hands ever since, evolving alongside changes in farming, the local community and consumer demand.

Now, as preparations begin for a centenary celebration with extended family members, the farm represents both a proud history and a hopeful future.

A mango tree in full bloom
*Photo Credit: Mohr Mango Farm/Facebook*

A legacy shaped by the land

Over the decades, the farm has adapted to changing conditions and markets. Earlier generations grew a range of produce, reflecting the farming trends and economic pressures of their time. Today, the focus has shifted to mangoes, custard apples and several varieties of avocados.

*Photo Credit: Mohr Mango Farm/Facebook*

The farm continues to operate as a family enterprise. While Jenny Mohr and her husband remain actively involved in daily operations, the next generation has assumed primary responsibility for running the business.

Their son, alongside his wife, is leading the farm into its next chapter while balancing the realities of modern work and family life, with him operating a plumbing business and his wife working as a physiotherapist alongside managing the farm. Balancing farming with other careers is now a reality for many rural families. Together, they are raising three young children, adding another layer of complexity to maintaining the family enterprise.

“So now, it’s the fourth generation. Our son is running it with his wife. And my husband and I are helping,” Jenny told Brisbane Suburbs News Online.

Despite stepping back from full-time management, Jenny and her husband remain deeply connected to the land, helping with harvesting, packing and farm operations. Their ongoing involvement reflects the strong generational ties that have defined the farm for nearly 100 years.

Adapting to modern farming

Like many small-scale farms, the Mohr family has diversified its customer reach. While wholesale markets remain important, direct sales have become a significant part of the business.

Mango trays are sold roadside during the season, offering locals fresh produce straight from the orchard. The farm also sells fruit through local country markets, including the Brookfield Country Market, which features locally grown produce and handmade goods from regional vendors. Social media has also become a valuable tool, allowing the family to communicate with customers about harvest times and availability.

Modernisation is also occurring behind the scenes. Plans are underway to build a new packing shed to replace an ageing facility from the 1980s. The updated infrastructure aims to improve efficiency and ensure the farm can continue operating sustainably as the next generation takes over.

New challenges for long-standing farms

While the farm’s history reflects resilience and adaptability, new environmental and operational challenges continue to emerge.

One recent issue has been the discovery of fire ant nests on the property. The invasive species, which has spread across parts of South East Queensland, has added pressure on landholders managing large rural properties.

According to the family, fire ants were first identified on their land in 2024, particularly in bushland areas at the rear of the property.

“We had fire ant nests… and there were nearly 200.”

The treatment process involved multiple visits from authorities and ongoing monitoring over an extended period. While the family welcomed efforts to control the infestation, they described the process as lengthy and sometimes inconsistent, with different teams attending the property over time.

“There were big gaps between when they came and every time they came out, it would be someone different.”

As the conversation turned to fire ants and treatment programs, a neighbour offered a printed handout arguing that insect populations are under pressure and urging caution about pesticide use. While the sheet was a general commentary rather than a farm-specific report, it captured a sentiment heard across the district: that managing invasive pests is becoming entangled with wider community anxiety about chemicals, ecosystems, and water quality.

The issue highlights how invasive species and biosecurity threats are becoming a growing concern for farmers across the region. For long-established family farms, managing these risks adds to the already demanding nature of agricultural work.

Community connections remain strong

Despite the challenges, the Mohr family continues to enjoy strong ties with the Upper Brookfield community. Roadside mango sales often bring returning customers each season, many of whom have supported the farm for years.

Local markets also provide an opportunity to connect with residents and visitors seeking fresh, locally grown produce. These interactions reinforce the importance of maintaining small farms within the region.

The farm’s produce has even been used by local craft producers, further strengthening its connection to the local economy and food culture.

Thriving into the next century

The next generation’s involvement, combined with planned infrastructure improvements, signals a determination to keep the farm operating despite the challenges facing small agricultural businesses.

For the Mohr family, the land represents more than a workplace. It is a place shaped by family history, community relationships, and a deep connection to the natural environment. They hope their story reflects not only endurance, but also the evolving role of local farms in a rapidly changing world.

Published 4-Feb-2026

Bringing Joy to Brookfield: How an Aged Care Worker Supports Seniors Through Activities

In Brookfield, an aged care worker is making a difference through music, art, conversation and connection at Carinity Brookfield Green.

Read: ‘Downsize While You Still Can’: 88-Year-Old Kenmore Hills Owner’s Moving Lesson

For Carole Pallier, bringing joy is central to her role at Carinity Brookfield Green aged care. As a Diversional Therapist, Carole focuses on supporting residents to maintain quality of life through social connection, creativity and shared experiences.

“My job is to make this part of our residents’ lives enjoyable,” Carole said.

Maintaining hobbies, friendships and interests plays a key role in holistic wellbeing. For many seniors, moving into an aged care home can provide opportunities to re-engage with past interests and build new social connections.

At Carinity Brookfield Green, Carole works alongside Activities Officer Terry Hook to coordinate between five and seven activities or events for residents each weekday. The program provides residents with regular opportunities to engage socially and take part in shared experiences within the home.

Carinity Brookfield Green aged care resident Kay gets into the rhythm of a music concert with a tambourine (Photo supplied)

Concerts, music sessions and arts activities feature prominently on the activities calendar. Sports-based activities are also popular and encourage movement and participation among residents. Together, these activities support residents to build new friendships and social connections.

Carole recognises that not all residents enjoy group activities and ensures time is set aside for individual engagement.

“We have people who do not like group activities, so we set time aside to make sure they get one-on-one attention,” she said. “This could be painting with just one person, a walk in the garden, reading them a book, inviting them to tell their life story, or playing board games.”

This approach is also used for residents living with dementia, with activities tailored to individual needs. Music and singing sessions, time spent outdoors in the garden, and gentle hand massages are among the ways residents are supported.

Carole Pallier enjoys sharing her love of photography with Carinity Brookfield Green aged care residents (Photo supplied)

“We also do hand massages and nails, as the touch and physical connection is important,” Carole said.

With a background in art, Carole has introduced creative activities at Brookfield Green, including a painting club she refers to as “à la carte art”. During these sessions, she hand-paints gift cards for residents while they sit together and chat. The focus is on conversation as much as creativity.

Carole also takes residents on fortnightly bus trips to visit a local art café, providing them with an opportunity to enjoy an outing and engage with the local community.

Moments where residents reconnect with past interests are particularly meaningful for Carole. One such experience involved a resident who had chosen not to leave her room for a long time.

“One day, we managed to encourage her out of her room and took her to a room with a piano,” Carole said.

Read: The Life and Legacy of Max and Freda Kanowski: 70 Years, Still In Love

“You can imagine the tears all round when this lady asked to be wheeled up to the piano and she played her concert music, which she hadn’t done for years.”

Carole said moments like these make the work worthwhile and reflect the value of activities that focus on connection, creativity and enjoyment for residents.

Published 2-February-2026

Kenmore, Moggill, and Mount Crosby Receive Funding in State Budget 2025–26

Queensland’s 2025–26 State Budget has delivered millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades and community funding for Kenmore, Moggill and Mount Crosby, headlined by a $25.2 million investment to establish the new Mount Crosby East Substation.

Read: Mt Crosby Road Overpass Repairs Continue With Night Closures

Member for Moggill Dr Christian Rowan confirmed the budget fully funds all election commitments for the electorate, including dedicated funding for a new community and neighbourhood centre.

Major Infrastructure Investment

Photo credit: Facebook/Moggill Girl Guides

The new Mount Crosby East Substation will receive $25.2 million, representing the largest single infrastructure investment in the local area announced in the budget.

Local community organisations will also benefit from targeted funding allocations across the electorate. The Kenmore Scout Group will receive $50,000 to enable vital infrastructure refurbishments and upgrades.

In Moggill, the Girl Guides will receive $50,000 to support capital and infrastructure upgrades to their facilities. The budget also allocates funding to support the environmental conservation work of the Moggill Creek catchment group, though the specific amount was not disclosed in the government’s announcement.

The Moggill Mustangs Junior AFL Club will receive funding for facility upgrades, including changerooms.

The budget includes funding for a dedicated Moggill Community and Neighbourhood Centre, fulfilling a key election commitment for the area.

Part of Broader Budget Focus

The local investments form part of what Premier David Crisafulli has described as a “fresh start” budget, which the government says addresses crises in youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.

“Today’s Budget delivers the fresh start Queensland needs and Queenslanders voted for, to address the crises in youth crime, health, housing and cost of living,” Premier Crisafulli said in the government statement.

“We are delivering to restore safety where you live, health services when you need them, a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland’s future.”

Brisbane residents will also benefit from major hospital expansions under the government’s Hospital Rescue Plan, including at Princess Alexandra Hospital, QEII Hospital and Prince Charles Hospital. The budget includes $156.7 million for social and community housing across Brisbane, with 487 social homes in construction or under contract.

Read: Kenmore Road Corridor Enters Next Phase with Fig Tree Pocket Roundabout Works

Cost of Living Relief for Families

Families across the electorate will benefit from cost-of-living measures including the $100 Back to School Boost and the $200 Play On! Sports Vouchers Program.

The budget also funds police facility upgrades at nearby Ferny Grove, with $7 million allocated for improvements, as well as $32.5 million for additional learning spaces at Indooroopilly State School.

According to the state’s official statement, the budget “focuses on making Queensland safer, delivering a place to call home for more Queenslanders, driving down cost of living pressures for families, providing more free healthcare and building generational infrastructure for our growing State.”

Published 29-January-2026

‘Downsize While You Still Can’: 88-Year-Old Kenmore Hills Owner’s Moving Lesson

Martin Lack has a simple rule about big life moves: make them while you still have the capacity to do them well. At 88, the Brisbane resident says he and his wife, Jacqueline, have decided to sell the Kenmore Hills home they built almost 33 years ago — choosing to downsize now, rather than later, when the task could feel harder to manage.

“You’ve got to downsize while you’ve got the physical ability to do it,” Mr Lack said.

The six-bedroom, single-storey home in Kenmore Hills is set to go to auction on-site on Saturday, 7 February at 9:00 am.

Mr Lack said the couple took a leap of faith on the block when it was vacant and built their dream home while living in Bardon, creating a long-term base that would grow with their family and careers.

Housing researchers have long noted that downsizing decisions are rarely purely financial — they are often shaped by practical considerations (maintenance, suitability, and changing mobility) alongside the emotional pull of a home filled with memories. For many older homeowners, a desire to “age in place” can delay a move even when a smaller home may feel more manageable.

For the Lacks, family circumstances have also played a role. Their son lives outside Brisbane and grandchildren are on the way, and Mr Lack said they are ready for the next chapter.

Built for the long haul

Even decades ago, Mr Lack said they deliberately opted for a single-storey layout, anticipating accessibility needs later in life. That thinking now sits neatly with their decision to move sooner rather than later.

The property spans about one hectare (around 10,010 square metres) and includes land described in marketing as dedicated to wildlife conservation, with the house positioned high beside the road.

Mr Lack described the home as a “nature-wrapped sanctuary” and said winter walks around the surrounding area became a ritual, with time spent managing weeds and protecting native vegetation.

The house also reflects how the couple worked. When they started an IT business in 1988, they added a granny flat where staff could work on-site — a practical addition well before “working from home” became a familiar concept.

Mr Lack said the street’s community felt it mattered too, and said the area was among the early locations to receive fibre-to-the-home NBN connectivity.

The emotional side of downsizing

For many sellers, the hard part isn’t choosing a new place — it’s leaving the old one.

For the Lacks, the “heart” of the home has been the family room. Mr Lack said they installed a projector and wide screen around 2000, turning evening dinners into something closer to a cinema routine, and later hosted big gatherings — including Melbourne Cup days with staff and friends watching together.

Outside, there is a swimming pool and an entertaining area that looks onto the surrounding bushland.

Mr Lack said privacy has been a defining feature — no through-traffic, neighbours at a distance, and schools nearby that made it an easy place to raise their son after moving in when he was three.

The home is being handled by Ray White agent Lisette Schults-Rand.

For Mr Lack, the point of moving now is straightforward: to do it on their own terms — and to leave space for a new family to build their own memories in the same quiet pocket of Kenmore Hills.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Mt Crosby Road Overpass Repairs Continue With Night Closures

Photo Credit: MayorTeresaHarding/Facebook

Repair works on the Mt Crosby Road overpass over the Warrego Highway are continuing, with closures, detours and changed traffic conditions affecting travel through the Mt Crosby area.

A Bridge Strike That Triggered Repairs

The Mount Crosby Road overpass at Karalee was damaged in mid-2025 after being hit by an oversize truck. The repair program was set up to remove and replace damaged bridge girders, followed by restoration of the road deck and footpath.

The incident was also reported as involving a truck carrying a wind turbine tower, with the strike occurring in May 2025. Ongoing works have been staged to manage traffic while structural repairs progress.

The Intensive Weekend On The Warrego Highway

Transport and Main Roads scheduled an intensive works period from 8 p.m. Friday 16 January 2026 to 5 a.m. Monday 19 January 2026 to lift out and replace damaged girders using a large crane.

During that period, the Warrego Highway was fully closed westbound, eastbound traffic was reduced to one lane, and the Mount Crosby Road overpass was closed in both directions.

Detours And Travel Time Impacts

Detours were set via nearby interchanges, with northbound overpass traffic directed via the Warrego Highway westbound to return through the Kholo Road interchange. Southbound overpass traffic was directed via the Warrego Highway eastbound to return through the River Road interchange.

Transport and Main Roads advised motorists to expect peak-time delays during the intensive works period and to plan trips ahead, with traffic control and temporary signage in place.

Reopening, Speed Limits And Heavy Vehicles

After the girder replacement, the overpass reopened at 5 a.m. Wednesday, earlier than the previously advised closure period that extended to Saturday 24 January 2026.

With the key structural work completed, heavy vehicles were able to use the overpass again and earlier loading restrictions were removed. A 20 km/h speed restriction remained in place while further restoration continued.

Mt Crosby overpass works — Photo Credit: MayorTeresaHarding/Facebook

Night Works Through To April 2026

Remaining works include reinstating the footpath, bridge deck, road surface and barriers, along with restoring lane alignment. These tasks are planned to be completed at night to limit disruption, with typical hours listed as 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday to Friday, conditions permitting.

During parts of the program, the overpass is expected to operate under traffic control with alternating flow at night. Westbound closures beneath the overpass are also scheduled during night works, with traffic detoured via the Mount Crosby Road interchange exit and entry ramps.

The works are expected to be completed in April 2026.

What People Are Saying Online

Comments posted on social media have raised concerns about congestion, travel delays and detour arrangements during the closures. Some posts also shared route suggestions for drivers travelling to and from nearby interchanges.

Other comments acknowledged the repairs are necessary while the overpass is restored.

Published 23-Jan-2026

Bellbowrie to Kick Off Australia Day Weekend with Family Fun Day

Local residents will have the chance to celebrate Australia Day early this year with a family-friendly event at the Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club.

Read: New Flood-Resilient Mount Crosby Vehicle Bridge Enhances Connectivity in Kholo, Karana Downs, Anstead, Bellbowrie & Surrounds

The club will host its Australia Day celebration on Sunday, 25 January 2026 from 1pm, giving families the perfect opportunity to enjoy the long weekend before the official public holiday on Monday, 26 January.

The afternoon promises games, food, live music and entertainment suitable for all ages. Lawn games will be set up for children of all ages, while Aussie-themed food specials will be available throughout the event. The club will also be running meat raffles, a popular tradition at community clubs across Australia.

Photo credit: Facebook/Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club

Live music will kick off the entertainment from 1pm through to 4pm, creating a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy on the club’s outdoor deck overlooking the sports fields.

The Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club, located at 70 Sugarwood Street, serves as a vital hub for the local community. As a not-for-profit organisation, the club is home to several local sporting groups and regularly hosts community events that bring residents together.

About Australia Day

Australia Day is celebrated annually on 26 January, marking the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove. While in 2026, Australia Day falls on Monday 26 January, many communities across the country hold celebrations on the weekend to allow more families to participate.

Australia Day celebrations typically feature citizenship ceremonies, community awards, barbecues, outdoor concerts and sports events across the country. The Bellbowrie event captures this spirit of community gathering with its family-focused program of activities.

For Bellbowrie and surrounding suburbs including Kenmore, the Sunday afternoon celebration offers locals a relaxed way to mark the national day. With free entry and activities designed to appeal to all age groups, organisers are hoping for a strong turnout from the community.

The club’s regular courtesy bus service operates on weekend afternoons for members and their guests, making it easier for residents to attend the celebration.

Read: Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie to Add Dedicated Small Dog Area

As Australia Day approaches, the Bellbowrie event represents one of many local celebrations happening across Brisbane’s western suburbs, bringing neighbours together to enjoy the summer weather and community spirit that makes these suburban communities special.

The event promises to be an enjoyable afternoon out for the whole family, with something on offer for everyone from young children to grandparents. Whether it’s joining in the lawn games, enjoying some classic Aussie tucker, listening to live music, or simply catching up with neighbours and friends, the celebration is shaping up to be a highlight of the long weekend.

Published 23-January-2026