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What Happened to Kenmore Tuberculosis Sanatorium on Moggill Road?

Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Queensland State Archives

Each day, motorists travel along Moggill Road past Bolton Clarke’s Fairview aged-care community at Pinjarra Hills. Few realise they are passing a site with almost half a century of military and medical history. Long before aged care arrived, this 43-acre ridge was home to the Kenmore Tuberculosis Sanatorium, a wartime medical facility constructed during the Second World War.

Opened in 1945, it cared for generations of returned servicemen and veterans before its doors closed for the last time on 24 April 1994. The hospital buildings were demolished afterwards.

Though the hospital itself is gone, the site tells a compelling story of wartime necessity, medical change and a local identity that endured long after the original buildings disappeared.

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

A sanctuary built on fresh air

In 1943, as Allied forces fought across the Pacific, the Allied Works Council began constructing the sanatorium for the Commonwealth Department of Repatriation, to treat returned servicemen suffering from tuberculosis.

Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Set on an elevated ridge, the chalet-style complex commanded broad views across the surrounding district. In an era before effective antibiotics, fresh air, good nutrition and prolonged rest were mainstays of tuberculosis treatment.

The sanatorium initially catered for 32 patients in one-, two- and four-bed wards, with temporary quarters erected for nursing staff.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Queensland State Archives

Curiously, despite carrying the Kenmore name throughout its history, the hospital at 2603 Moggill Road stands in what is now Pinjarra Hills, just beyond Kenmore.

From isolation to medical breakthroughs

The opening of the sanatorium coincided with a dramatic shift in global medicine.

TB was a feared public health threat, and serious cases could leave patients ill or institutionalised for prolonged periods. The arrival of streptomycin in the 1940s, followed by combination drug therapies, radically transformed tuberculosis treatment.

Over the following years, effective drug treatments steadily reduced the need for the prolonged sanatorium stays that had defined tuberculosis care. As tuberculosis treatment changed, the institution adapted. Its role broadened after the war as it became the Kenmore Repatriation Hospital, continuing to care for returned servicemen and veterans.

Prominent physicians were among those associated with the hospital. Sir Oswald “Ellis” Murphy, a veteran of the Australian Army Medical Corps who served during the Siege of Tobruk, worked as a visiting physician between 1944 and 1954.

Kenmore formed part of Queensland’s broader repatriation medical network, alongside the major hospital at Greenslopes

Era	Primary Function	Primary Treatment / Focus
1945–1950s	Tuberculosis Sanatorium	Rest, fresh air, early antibiotics
1950s–1994	Repatriation Hospital	General veteran medical care & rehab
1998–Present	Fairview Aged Care	Residential aged care, retirement living, dementia care

A lasting legacy of care

By the time the hospital closed in April 1994, it had been part of the western suburbs for almost five decades, employing hundreds of staff over its lifetime and caring for thousands of patients.

The hospital buildings were subsequently demolished, dramatically changing the Moggill Road site. But its long association with veterans and care did not end there.

In 1998, the Fairview War Veterans’ Home opened on the former hospital site. Today, Bolton Clarke continues that lineage through Fairview, providing residential aged care, dementia care and retirement living.

While modern motorists see an aged-care community, the ridge remains anchored to a story stretching back more than 80 years — through wartime medicine, veterans’ care and the Fairview community that occupies the site today.

Published 7-Aug-2026

108 Army Cadet Unit Opens the Door to Leadership, Adventure, and Service

For young people looking to be part of an exciting youth organisation, the 108 Army Cadet Unit offers a structured youth development program.

Read: Kenmore Marks ANZAC Day with Dawn Service and Cricket Match

Based at Kenmore State High School, the unit provides teenagers aged 13 to 18 with opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, resilience and confidence through outdoor adventures, practical training and community involvement.

Modelled on the Australian Army, the program combines military-inspired training with youth development in a cadet-led environment. Adult volunteers mentor participants as cadets learn to plan lessons, lead parades and manage activities, giving them practical leadership experience from an early age. The unit meets every Tuesday evening during school terms and accepts new members at the beginning of Terms 1 and 3.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Training includes practical activities designed to develop leadership, teamwork and resilience through hands-on experiences. Activities include camping, map reading, first aid, abseiling and physical training, alongside weekend bush exercises where cadets can put those skills into practice.

Photo credit: Facebook/108 Army Cadet Unit – Kenmore

Cadets also support charitable fundraisers and community activities, while annual camps bring together about 2,000 Australian Army Cadets from across the country. Some members may also have the opportunity to participate in international exchange programs.

The Australian Army Cadets provides uniforms, equipment, and training materials, and all adult volunteers complete screening and training before working with young people. Parents and guardians also attend an information session before a new cadet’s first parade.

New Officer Commanding

Capt. Neil Barrett has been appointed as the new Officer Commanding of the 108 Army Cadet Unit.

Cr Greg Adermann congratulated Capt. Barrett on the appointment, describing the unit as one that helps young people develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, confidence and lifelong skills.

In a social media post, Cr Adermann said Brisbane City had been a strong supporter of the unit since it was established. He also said he welcomed the opportunity to discuss Capt. Barrett’s plans for the future and the opportunities available for both existing cadets and young people interested in joining the program.

Read: Brookfield Recreation Reserve Braces for Sold-Out Kokoda Challenge

The unit continues to welcome new recruits, offering opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community activities and build confidence through practical training.

Published 4-August-2026

New Paddock Fitness Venture Takes Shape in Brookfield

Photo Credit: Paddock Fitness/Facebook

On a discreet stretch of Brookfield, where paddocks and bushland shape the view, a new fitness venture is beginning to take form. There are no rows of treadmills, no wall-to-wall mirrors and no promise of a rapid transformation. Instead, Paddock Fitness is being built around a simpler idea: people become stronger by turning up, doing the work and supporting those around them.

The project is the work of James Ramsay, a former Australian Army member and police officer whose approach to fitness was shaped long before plans for a training facility began.

During his years in service, Ramsay saw people tested by pressure, fatigue and uncertainty. The best performers, he says, were not always the quickest or most physically imposing. They were often the people who remained dependable, prepared consistently and kept working when circumstances became difficult.

Those lessons now sit at the centre of his plans for Paddock Fitness.

Lessons carried from service into training

Ramsay’s background provides the foundation for the new venture’s identity.

Paddock Fitness describes training as a fitness program that also develops discipline, accountability and resilience. Its stated philosophy is that the habits built during regular physical training can carry into work, family life and the broader community.

The business’s motto, “Built on Service. Driven by Performance”, draws a direct line between Ramsay’s former roles and the culture he wants to create.

It is a language of commitment over motivation. Motivation can disappear after a difficult week. Commitment, in Ramsay’s telling, is what brings a person back.

At Paddock Fitness, progress in the fitness program will be accumulated slowly: one session, one habit and one decision at a time.

Designed for the Brookfield environment

Brookfield might be an unusual setting for a performance-training facility. The suburb’s acreage properties, winding roads and pockets of bushland sit well beyond the dense commercial strips where major gym chains tend to establish themselves. Yet, Paddock Fitness is using this difference as part of its appeal.

Currently, the outdoor training area is under construction, with the surrounding rural landscape left visible rather than screened off. The paddocks are not simply a backdrop. They are part of the experience being offered, giving this venture a sense of place that would be difficult to recreate elsewhere.

A gym in Brookfield does not need to look like a gym in the inner city. It can be smaller and more closely connected to the people who use it. For residents of Brookfield, Kenmore Hills and nearby suburbs, the location may also offer a practical advantage. Structured coaching closer to home could reduce the need to travel towards larger commercial centres for strength and conditioning sessions.

Fitting into Brookfield’s way of life

Brookfield has long relied on shared local spaces. The Brookfield Showgrounds remains a focal point for sporting, equestrian, cultural and social activities, reflecting a community where recreation and connection often overlap. Paddock Fitness could soon place itself within that tradition, in its aim to create an environment where members know one another.

In this family-oriented community, fitness may have little to do with chasing elite performance. It may mean having the strength to stay active and the energy to manage a demanding week.

Large gyms offer convenience, extensive equipment and long opening hours, but these places can be impersonal. A new member may join the gym with good intentions but could be left to navigate the training floor alone. Paddock Fitness is the alternative to this experience. Its emphasis is on coaching, consistency and smaller-scale support rather than anonymous access. Thus, beginners and older residents, as well as people who feel uncomfortable in highly commercial fitness environments, may not be intimidated to work out.

Paddock Fitness has not yet publicly set out the full scope of its membership options, training schedule, pricing, equipment, or class formats, but you can follow their Instagram for updates.

Published 4-Aug-2026

Kenmore Kerbside Collection Returns this August: Check What You Can Put Out

Residents in Kenmore and surrounding suburbs, including Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, and Pullenvale are being reminded to prepare for this year’s annual kerbside collection, with the service scheduled on Monday, 3 August 2026.

Read: Kenmore Among First Suburbs to Benefit as Kerbside Collection Funding Confirmed

The annual collection gives households the opportunity to dispose of bulky items that cannot fit into regular wheelie bins. To avoid missing the collection, residents are encouraged to place eligible items on the kerbside by 6am on the first day of the collection period, with Kenmore households able to put items out from Saturday, 1 August.

What Can Go Out for Collection?

The kerbside collection is designed for large household items that are difficult to dispose of through normal weekly waste services. Items accepted include bath and laundry tubs, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpets and rugs, electronic waste, furniture, small household appliances, whitegoods and wood products measuring less than 1.5 cubic metres.

To help crews collect materials safely and efficiently, residents are asked to keep piles neat and no larger than 2 cubic metres, roughly the size of a small box trailer load. Individual items should also be light enough to be safely lifted by two people.

Doors should be removed from refrigerators and cupboards before they are placed on the kerb, and piles should be kept tidy so footpaths remain clear.

Brisbane City advises that only eligible bulky household items should be placed out for collection. Items that do not meet the collection guidelines may not be collected.

Timing Is Important

Brisbane City has reminded residents that timing is important when placing items out for collection. For Kenmore and Kenmore Hills, items should be placed on the kerbside no earlier than 1 August, the weekend before collections begin. Anything placed out after 6am on Monday, 3 August, may be missed by collection crews.

Placing items on the kerb outside the designated collection period may also attract illegal dumping fines. The collection takes place once each year, providing residents with an opportunity to dispose of eligible bulky household items.

Stay Updated With Collection Reminders

Residents wanting to keep track of their collection dates can access Brisbane’s latest kerbside collection calendar, which includes scheduled collections through to June 2027. The free Brisbane Bin and Recycling app also provides notifications for upcoming kerbside collections, helping residents keep track of collection dates.

Read: Kenmore Family Appeals for Return of Heirloom Accordion Mistakenly Left at Kerbside

Residents are encouraged to check the list of accepted and unaccepted items before placing materials on the kerb. Brisbane City also advises residents to keep piles tidy and ensure footpaths remain clear throughout the collection period.

The annual kerbside collection provides Kenmore households with an opportunity to dispose of eligible bulky household items in accordance with Brisbane’s collection guidelines.

Published 31-July-2026

Kenmore Couple Wake Up to a New Life After $40.7 Million Win

Retirement came much sooner than expected for a middle-aged Kenmore couple after their winning numbers delivered a $40.7 million prize, giving them the financial freedom to leave their jobs immediately.

Read: Why Kenmore Couple Ted and Nola Carlow Deserve a Distinctive Honour

The Brisbane pair claimed the sole Division One prize in Powerball draw 1575 on Thursday, 23 July, receiving $40,724,820.55. Their entry also secured 19 Division Two wins, bringing their total prize to more than $40.7 million.

The life-changing news arrived in a phone call shortly after the draw. According to officials, the husband initially thought it had to be a joke, responding with an expletive before repeatedly expressing disbelief that the prize could really belong to them. His wife was equally stunned, saying she had joked that the incoming call might be about their ticket, never expecting it to become reality.

As the shock wore off, the couple quickly decided there was no reason to continue working.

The husband said winning such a prize had always been something he imagined rather than expected, making the moment difficult to comprehend. The couple said their immediate plans included paying off their mortgage and helping their children and extended family.

Their first comments focused on paying off the mortgage, supporting their family and retiring immediately rather than discussing how they might spend the money.

The winning entry was purchased in Kenmore and was the only Division One winning ticket nationally in the draw. The win has drawn attention to the suburb after it produced Australia’s sole Division One winner in the draw.

Read: Kenmore Village Florist Celebrates 10 Years Of Community And Flowers

The $40 million jackpot had rolled over several times before it was finally claimed. While one ticket secured the top prize, prizes were also won across the lower divisions. The couple’s initial reaction was one of disbelief as they tried to process the news. The unexpected phone call marked the beginning of a dramatic change in their lives.

In their first public comments, the couple focused on family and financial security. They said paying off the mortgage, supporting their children and family, and retiring immediately were their first priorities.

Published 27-July-2026

After 15 Years, Moggill Road Says Goodbye to a Familiar White Bicycle

For almost 15 years, motorists travelling along Moggill Road passed a simple white bicycle secured to a roadside pole near Blacon Street. Some knew its story. Others simply recognised it as a quiet reminder that a life had been lost there.

On Sunday, 19 July 2026, that familiar landmark quietly disappeared.

In a heartfelt post shared on the 4069 Community and Surrounds Facebook page, Richard Pollett’s father, Philip, announced that the family had made the difficult decision to remove the white ghost bike that had stood beside Moggill Road since shortly after Richard’s death in September 2011.

The decision, he said, had not been taken lightly.

For many in Brisbane’s western suburbs, the white bicycle had become one of the area’s most recognisable roadside memorials—a silent tribute that thousands of motorists passed every day.

For Those Who Knew Him

Richard Pollett was just 25 when his life was cut short on 27 September 2011.

An accomplished violinist, he had already built an international reputation, performing with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Switzerland’s Orchestra of Lugano.

After studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, he graduated with highest honours from the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano before returning to Australia to continue his studies at the Australian National Academy of Music.

In 2010, he won the strings section of the ABC Symphony Australia Young Performers Awards, cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s brightest emerging classical musicians.

Away from the concert hall, family and friends remember a thoughtful and curious young man who loved cycling, coffee, cooking and literature.

Watch: Richard Pollett was recognised as one of Australia’s most promising young violinists before his life was tragically cut short in 2011. This short video by Chris Cox shares more about the talented musician remembered by family, friends and the wider community.

Gone but Not Forgotten

The white bicycle was installed days after Richard’s death by staff from Kenmore Cycles, becoming both a place of remembrance and a quiet reminder for motorists to take care around vulnerable road users.

Over the years, however, time had taken its toll.

“Over time, the bike had become weathered and dilapidated, and we felt it could no longer be maintained in the respectful way it deserved.”
— Philip Pollett

The family said they consulted the local cycle shop that had originally installed the memorial before deciding it was time to remove it.

Philip also thanked Kenmore Cycles for its kindness over the past 15 years and acknowledged the many members of the community who had paused at the site, remembered Richard or simply travelled more carefully because of the memorial’s presence.

How One Tragedy Changed the Conversation

Shortly after lunchtime on Tuesday, 27 September 2011, Richard was riding along Moggill Road near Blacon Street when he became involved in a collision with a cement truck while it was overtaking him.

The truck driver was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. During the 2013 District Court trial, prosecutors argued the driver should have waited for a safer opportunity to pass, while the defence maintained he believed there was sufficient room to overtake safely. A jury ultimately found the driver not guilty.

The case drew widespread public attention and prompted renewed calls from cycling organisations and road safety advocates for clearer legal protections when motorists overtake cyclists.

Richard’s death became a catalyst in the campaign for stronger protections for cyclists. Following the 2013 trial, his family joined road safety advocates and organisations including the Amy Gillett Foundation in calling for clearer rules governing how motorists overtake bicycle riders.

An e-petition was later tabled in the Queensland Parliament, and the State Government introduced a trial of minimum passing distance laws in 2014 before making them permanent the following year. Today, Queensland motorists must leave at least one metre when overtaking cyclists in speed zones up to 60km/h and at least 1.5 metres in higher-speed zones.

While road safety advocates acknowledge there is still more work to do, Richard’s story remains one of the defining moments in Queensland’s conversation about sharing the road safely.

Long After the Bicycle Came Down

Although the white bicycle has now disappeared from Moggill Road, Richard’s influence continues in other ways.

The Richard Pollett Memorial Award, administered by the Australian Youth Orchestra, continues to support outstanding young violinists, ensuring future generations of musicians benefit from opportunities created in his memory.

Although the white bicycle has disappeared from Moggill Road, its purpose has not. For 15 years it reminded motorists that a gifted young musician lost his life there.

Now, as the memorial itself passes into history, the family hopes Richard will continue to be remembered through the lives he touched, the young musicians supported by the Richard Pollett Memorial Award, and the simple act of looking out for one another on the road.

“While the ghost bike is no longer there, Richard’s legacy continues in many beautiful ways.”
— Philip Pollett

Published 19-July-2026

Kenmore Village Florist Celebrates 10 Years Of Community And Flowers

For a decade, Kenmore Village Florist has been helping locals celebrate life’s milestones, from birthdays and weddings to anniversaries, celebrations, and heartfelt farewells. This year, the family-run business celebrates 10 years at Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, marking a milestone made possible by the support of loyal customers and the local community.

Read: Kenmore Village Shopping Centre Welcomes Shoppers with a Modern Makeover

The anniversary also offers an opportunity to reflect on the people behind the business. Owners Laura and Gaz, a husband-and-wife team, shared the milestone in a message to customers, thanking the community that has supported the florist over the past decade.

“As we celebrate this special milestone, we simply want to say thank you,” they wrote. “To every customer who has walked through our doors, trusted us with life’s special moments, recommended us to family and friends, or supported our small business over the last 10 years… thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.”

From The UK To Kenmore

Photo credit: Facebook/Kenmore Village Florist

Before taking over the florist, Laura and Gaz worked together in Gaz’s family florist and garden nursery in the United Kingdom. Seventeen years ago, they emigrated to Brisbane with their three children in search of “a new adventure”. In 2016, they purchased Kenmore Village Florist from previous owners Lynn and Glynn, who had operated the business for more than 30 years.

Rather than starting from scratch, the couple took over a business that had served the local community for more than three decades.

“We were incredibly honoured to purchase Kenmore Village Florist from Lynn and Glynn, who had lovingly cared for the business for over 30 years,” they wrote. “We have always felt privileged to continue their legacy while adding our own chapter to its story.”

Over the years, the florist has supplied flowers for family occasions across Kenmore and neighbouring suburbs. The owners thanked customers for allowing the florist to be part of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and farewells, recognising the important role flowers play during many of life’s significant moments.

Growing Alongside The Community

The business has continued to evolve during its decade in Kenmore. Laura and Gaz later opened a second florist, Bloom & Rocket, in Taringa, while continuing to operate their Kenmore store.

Looking back, the couple described the past 10 years as “a journey filled with early mornings at the flower markets, countless bouquets, wonderful staff, and so many unforgettable moments.”

Throughout their anniversary message, the owners repeatedly thanked customers for their support over the past decade.

“Thank you for allowing us to be part of your birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations and farewells,” they wrote.

In reflecting on the milestone, the owners also acknowledged their “wonderful staff” alongside the customers who have supported the business over the years.

Celebrating The Milestone

To mark the anniversary, Kenmore Village Florist is offering customers 10 per cent off online orders throughout July and August using the promotional code 10YEARS at checkout.

Read: Petition Launched to Save Kenmore Commonwealth Bank Branch from Closure

The couple ended their anniversary message by looking to the future. “Here’s to 10 amazing years, and many more to come.”

After a decade at Kenmore Village, the florist’s story reflects both continuity and growth. Building on the foundations established by the previous owners while creating a chapter of their own, Laura and Gaz have continued serving the local community through Kenmore Village Florist.

Published 16-July-2026

Bellbowrie Tennis Star Blake Ellis Seeks Fresh Start At Brisbane ITF Events

Bellbowrie’s Blake Ellis will return to the Queensland Tennis Centre in July looking to turn a difficult run of results into fresh momentum, with Brisbane’s ITF Pro Tour presenting a valuable chance to boost his ranking and move a step closer to Australian Open qualifying.

Read: Bellbowrie Community Club Rebounds After Volunteer Push Stabilises Local Hub

The 27-year-old Queenslander is among the players contesting three consecutive weeks of ITF Pro Tour tournaments in Brisbane, where valuable ATP ranking points will be on offer. This year’s series also introduces an added incentive, with the leading men’s and women’s point scorers across all three events each earning a wildcard into Australian Open qualifying.

After a seven-week tour of the United States, Ellis returns to Brisbane hoping to regain momentum after a run of results that fell short of his expectations. Speaking ahead of the tournament, he indicated that while every player aims to win, his immediate focus is on putting together a series of strong performances and regaining consistency.

A Valuable Pathway

The Brisbane tournaments are a significant part of Australia’s player development pathway. The ITF Pro Tour gives emerging professionals the opportunity to collect world ranking points while competing against quality Australian and international opponents, helping bridge the gap between junior tennis and the higher levels of the professional circuit.

The additional Australian Open qualifying wildcard makes this year’s Brisbane swing particularly significant. Rather than relying on one standout week, players will need to perform consistently across the full three-week series to finish on top of the points standings.

Home Advantage

Ellis has progressed through many of the pathway’s development stages. Introduced to tennis at the age of four in a family passionate about the sport, he developed into one of Australia’s leading junior prospects.

His career highlights include winning the 2016 Australian Open boys’ doubles title alongside Alex de Minaur, reaching the boys’ singles quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 2017 and representing Australia in the Junior Davis Cup.

His progress also earned him opportunities to train alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. As a hitting partner and reserve player at the 2018 Hopman Cup, Ellis trained with Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev and David Goffin.

Although inconsistent results have slowed his progress in recent seasons, Ellis continues to pursue his ambition of breaking into the world’s top 100. Competing in Brisbane gives him the chance to chase valuable ranking points without the demands of overseas travel while performing in front of a home crowd.

Read: Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club Upgrades Underway

The coming weeks will determine how much ground Ellis can make in the standings. A strong showing in Brisbane could improve his ranking and move the Bellbowrie player a step closer to Australian Open qualifying through the new wildcard pathway.

Published 14-July-2026

Anstead Bushland Reserve Is a Birdwatcher’s Patch Worth Knowing About

Anstead Bushland Reserve occupies a former basalt quarry site, now covered in native bush, on Brisbane’s western fringe. It is a lesser-known reserve, but it has an active birdwatching record online. The reserve sits off Hawkesbury Road, and a recent checklist recorded native bird species in a single visit.

Read: Kenmore Residents Urged to Save Endangered Species

The reserve has an active hotspot listing on eBird, the global citizen science platform used by birdwatchers to record and track species sightings. The more observers contribute checklists, the more useful and detailed that record becomes over time.

Top 10 Most Recent Bird Sightings

Here are the most recorded bird species at Anstead Bushland Reserve as of 10 May, with their corresponding number of individuals observed:

Noisy Friarbird – 10
Scarlet Myzomela – 5
Noisy Miner – 4
Rainbow Lorikeet – 3
White-throated Honeyeater – 2
Striated Pardalote, Black-headed form – 2
Laughing Kookaburra – 1
Lewin’s Honeyeater – 1
Yellow-faced Honeyeater – 1
White-browed Scrubwren – 1

The Noisy Friarbird dominated the count with ten individuals recorded. It’s described as a large grey-brown honeyeater with a completely bare black head and a distinctive horn-like knob on its bill, commonly found across open forests, gardens and parks in eastern Australia. It is among the more vocal birds on the list, known for a variety of harsh, loud squawks.

Scarlet Myzomela (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/JJ Harrison/Wikimedia Commons)

Five Scarlet Myzomelas were also recorded. It is a small honeyeater, but the adult male is visually striking: brilliant red across the face, back and breast, with black wings and tail. Females are pale brown-grey with only faint red on the face. According to eBird, the species is found in wetter parts of coastal eastern Australia, including higher-elevation forests and mangroves, and has a distinctive high-pitched song that often gives it away before it is seen, as it tends to feed high in the canopy.

Noisy miner (Photo credit: CC0/Glaubradu/Wikimedia Commons)

Rounding out the top three was the Noisy Miner, with four birds counted. A medium to large grey honeyeater with a black crown, yellow bill and yellow eye patch, it is a familiar presence in urban areas and open forested landscapes across much of eastern Australia. eBird notes it is aggressive and territorial, living in colonies and vigorously defending its territory against most intruders.

About the Anstead Bushland Reserve

The walking tracks are mostly flat and well signposted, with a car park, undercover picnic areas, barbecue facilities and toilets at the entrance. A three-kilometre circuit takes in views over a historic quarry and the Brisbane River, with interpretive signs identifying native flora including gum-topped box trees, ironbarks, and lemon-scented gums.

In May 2026, Cr Greg Adermann announced that Anstead Bushland Reserve received new directional and information signage, produced in conjunction with the Moggill Historical Society. The signage shows key walking tracks and trails, and includes historical information on landmarks within the reserve, including Sugars Cottage and Sugars Quarry.

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

The reserve has been noted as particularly suitable for early morning birdwatching. The reserve is accessed via Hawkesbury Road off Mount Crosby Road. Visitors with the eBird app can log their own sightings directly to the Anstead Bushland Reserve hotspot (L974746), adding to the cumulative species record for the site.

Updated 24-July-2026

Meet Lucinda Brimblecombe: The Woman Who Gave Brookfield Its Name

Long before it became the suburb that it is today, Brookfield was a place of timber-cutting camps, bullock teams and early settlers carving out new lives in the wild scrub west of the river. Lucinda Brimblecombe (née Logan), matriarch of one of the pioneering families, is said to have given Brookfield its name in the late 1860s, as a nod perhaps to the lush creeks and rolling pastures that defined the landscape.

Read: Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill Named Queensland’s Best Suburbs for Families

Her husband, James Brimblecombe, had purchased land in the district while still living in Maitland in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Upon relocating to Brisbane with his young family in 1869, he built a simple slab hut roofed with timber shingles. He called their home “Bannerfield”, and by August that year, Lucinda and their children had joined him.

They were among the first European families in the area, and the Brimblecombes quickly became known for their success in dairying and agriculture, selling butter and eggs to neighbours and passing trade. But their contribution went beyond the land—they played a key role in laying the foundations of Brookfield’s civic life. James was instrumental in the establishment of the first church and helped bring the first school to the fledgling community.

Brookfield State School (Photo credit: brookfieldss.eq.edu.au)

The name “Brookfield” began appearing in newspaper reports by 1871, when the area was praised for its fertility and settlement potential. That same year saw the opening of Brookfield State School. Just three years later, a teacher’s residence was built—further proof that the district was quickly evolving into a close-knit community.

James Brimblecombe’s residence ‘Fairview’ at Brookfield, Brisbane, 1920s (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

Lucinda and James would spend the remainder of their lives in the area, living at Fairview, their second home, until Lucinda’s death in 1912. James followed three years later. They were laid to rest side-by-side under a prominent headstone in Brookfield Cemetery—a lasting symbol of their place in the district’s history.

Even after their passing, the Brimblecombe legacy endured. The land on which one of their early properties stood remained in family hands for an extraordinary 122 years. While the original slab home is long gone, a newer house built in 1932 for newlyweds George Harpur Jones Junior and Stella Dalrymple (née Walker) now stands on the site.

Read: Centenarian Reflects on Rich Life at Brookfield Aged Care

Brookfield’s story, like its name, flows from the resilience and vision of people like Lucinda Brimblecombe—a woman whose quiet contribution left a name, and a legacy, that still echoes through the valley today.

Updated 9-July-2026