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Man Found Dead After Car Plunges Into Brisbane River Near Moggill Road Ferry

A car sank into the Brisbane River near the Moggill Road Ferry on Monday evening, prompting a large-scale search that ended with police locating the body of a man in his 60s inside the submerged vehicle.

Emergency Crews Race To Scene After Reports Of Car Entering Water

Around 6:45 p.m. on 12 May, emergency services rushed to the Moggill Ferry crossing after witnesses saw a blue sedan veer into the Brisbane River. Police, swift water teams and fire crews began rescue efforts within minutes.

Specialist divers and watercraft searched the river while police coordinated efforts from above. Fast currents and poor visibility made the operation difficult, with no sign of the vehicle until later that night.

Submerged Vehicle Found Hours Later

Authorities confirmed the vehicle was located underwater at approximately 11:20 p.m., nearly five hours after the initial call. Police divers entered the river and found the body of a man trapped inside the car shortly after midnight.

While the man’s identity has not been officially released, early information described him as being in his 60s. Police said the car had not resurfaced, and its location required a precise sonar-assisted search in challenging conditions.

Incident Not Considered Suspicious

Police said the incident is not being treated as suspicious. A report for the coroner will include rescue details, witness accounts, and the car’s recovery.

Emergency responders remained at the scene into the early hours of Tuesday to complete their investigation and remove the vehicle from the river. No other occupants were believed to be in the car at the time.

Local Community Shaken By River Tragedy

The Moggill Ferry is a well-known local crossing that serves commuters between Moggill and Riverview. Monday’s incident brought services to a halt and prompted concern from residents who use the ferry daily.

Locals expressed sadness, noting the crash was a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen on steep, dimly lit roads. Authorities are expected to review safety in the area.

Published 13-May-2025

Children’s Competitions Feature at 2025 Brookfield Show

Children from Brookfield and surrounding areas are invited to take part in the Brookfield Show’s children’s competitions, which are among the key highlights of the event.

Longstanding Community Event Returns to Brookfield

The Brookfield Show is set to run over three days at Brookfield Showground, continuing a tradition that began in 1910. First expanded to a three-day format in 1980, the event regularly draws more than 18,000 attendees and showcases the region’s rural and creative character. The Brookfield Show Society organises the event. It remains a volunteer-run and community-driven organisation.

Children’s Events Take Centre Stage

A key highlight of the 2025 Brookfield Show is the wide range of children’s competitions now open for entries. Young participants can choose from five categories: Cookery, Horticulture, Art, LEGO, and Talent Show.

In Cookery, children can enter creations such as decorated biscuits, cupcakes, and Grandma’s butter cake. Horticulture entries may include floral arrangements, vegetable sea creatures, and mini fairy gardens (group entries allowed).

The Art competition invites work based on the theme “A wondrous world”, while the LEGO contest follows the theme “Creations run wild”. Finally, the Talent Show is open to solo or group performances in areas like dance, instrumental music, singing, and other forms of talent.

These displays will be featured throughout the showgrounds, providing a platform for local children to share their skills and creativity with the broader community.

Brookfield Show 2025 Program Highlights

This year’s program includes a range of traditional and new events. Scheduled activities feature horse riding, needlecraft, horticulture exhibits, live music, school band performances, talent quests, and roaming entertainers. Popular segments like the reptile shows, pig races, and baby animal petting zoo are also returning.

Brookfield Show event — Photo Credit: *Brookfield Show*

Headline entertainment across the three evenings includes a rodeo on Friday, the Rooftop Express Western Show on Saturday, and an arena singalong hosted by The Little Red Company on Sunday. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday nights. Live musical acts include Will Day on Friday and The Mighty Boscombes on Saturday.

Local organisations have contributed to the event, with sponsorship from Lungscreen, Our Lady of the Rosary School, and Stuartholme School. Monarch Residences Toowong supports the entertainment program’s print version. It is a project by Consolidated Properties Group.

Event Schedule and Admission

The 2025 Brookfield Show runs from 23 to 25 May. Daily opening hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. One-day tickets are priced at $30 for adults and $15 for children and concession card holders. Family and multi-day discounts are available.

buy tickets

Local Legacy and Community Focus

The Brookfield Show Society originated from the Brookfield Pullenvale and Moggill Farmers’ Association, founded in 1879. The show itself began in 1910 and has grown into a long-running local event with consistently strong attendance. Alongside the annual show, the society hosts other community activities throughout the year, including the Long Lunch, Bush Christmas, and regular Friday bar nights.

The event also features the Brookfield and District Community Award, recognising local residents for their contributions to the area. Visitors can also stop by the Brookfield District Museum, located on the showgrounds.

Published 7-May-2025

$4.35 Million Mansion Sets New Benchmark in Pullenvale

Photo Credit: JB Prestige & Acreage

A stunning 2.5-acre property with breathtaking city views has just become one of Pullenvale’s highest residential sales, seeing 276% value growth in just six years.

The property at 9 Lisk Street, Pullenvale has sold for $4,350,000, placing it among the top sales in Pullenvale and adding momentum to Brisbane’s growing prestige market. Handled by Junaid Bhagat of JB Prestige & Acreage, the sale took place on April 10, 2025 and marks a significant increase from its previous sale price of $1,155,000 in 2019.

About the Property

Built in 2021, this contemporary mansion showcases modern luxury with sophisticated architectural features including high ceilings, Greek Stone and Italian tiles throughout.

Set on a 1.01 hectare (2.5 acre) block, the home features:

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and 6-car accommodation
Multiple living zones including formal dining, lounge areas, and open-plan family spaces
Gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, brand new European appliances including fully integrated refrigerator and dishwasher
Outdoor kitchen and entertainment terrace with panoramic city views
Saltwater swimming pool with adjoining steam and change rooms
13KW solar system, home automation, and Bluetooth-enabled sound system
81m² powered shed and landscaped gardens with fully usable acreage

Why This Sale Stands Out

Last sold for $1,155,000 in 2019 with a previous sale of $1,100,000 in 2016
Complete transformation from land purchase to luxury estate in less than four years
Sits on one of the most sought-after blocks in Pullenvale’s premium pocket
Features rarely available lifestyle extras such as city views, saltwater pool with steam room, and smart home technology
Property value nearly quadrupled since its 2016 sale

This sale demonstrates the rising ceiling for top-tier homes in Pullenvale and suggests increasing demand for prestige properties with land, privacy, and proximity to the city.

Street Profile & Sales Context

Located in what agents describe as “Pullenvale’s most sought-after location,” properties here are typically tightly held, with large land parcels allowing for true estate living while maintaining reasonable proximity to Brisbane’s amenities.

“This is a rare property and one that really speaks to the strength of the Pullenvale market right now,” said Junaid Bhagat from JB Prestige & Acreage. “The combination of usable acreage, stunning city views, and modern luxury finishes makes this one of the area’s standout properties.”

This sale at 9 Lisk Street is not just a record-breaker — it’s a story of lifestyle, legacy, and the continuing rise of Pullenvale as one of Brisbane’s most desirable prestige postcodes for those seeking luxury acreage living with city convenience.

Published 27-April-2025

$10K From Kenmore Rotary Brings Hope to Flood-Hit Outback

When rivers rose and swallowed fences, homes, and hope across Western Queensland, a ripple of heartbreak was felt all the way in Kenmore. Now, that ripple is becoming a wave of support.

Kenmore Rotary Club has donated $10,000 to the Western Flood Appeal to help families, graziers, and small towns across the outback recover from one of the worst natural disasters to hit the region in decades.

A Deep Connection to the Land

For those who know places like Quilpie, Jundah or Adavale, these aren’t just names on a map but homes. Generations have grown up on the land, weathering the harshest conditions with quiet strength. But even for the toughest among them, the recent floods have brought devastation unlike anything seen before.

More than 150,000 livestock have perished, entire paddocks have turned into lakes, and infrastructure has been torn apart by floodwaters. With damages climbing past $2 billion, the impact is overwhelming.

In Kenmore, far from the flood zones, the Rotary Club has found a way to help by offering practical support through prepaid debit cards of $250 and $500 to those who need it most. These cards give families and graziers the freedom to buy what they need, when they need it, without the wait for red tape or complicated claims.

Backed by a Community That Cares

The $10,000 donation didn’t come from big grants or government funds. It came from bottle collections and community effort. Through Kenmore Rotary’s recycling containers program, locals have quietly been making a difference, one container at a time.

*Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Kenmore/Facebook*

Between July and March, the program raised $11,000. Some of that has already gone to local causes, but a large part is now headed west, where it will help people rebuild homes, replace essentials, and keep going when it feels impossible.

This is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Rotary District 9620 and Rotary District 9560 are working together to distribute aid quickly, while partnering with groups like GIVIT, BlazeAid and Farm Angels to deliver goods, services, and mental health support. From fences to food hampers to care packs and counselling, every part of the recovery matters.

“They Know What to Do—They Just Need Our Help”

As one Quilpie-born resident shared in a public callout for support, these graziers and families have lived and breathed the land for generations.

“Please don’t begin to tell me what they should and shouldn’t be doing,” she said. “They know what to do. Right now, they just need our help.”

And Kenmore is listening. The Rotary Club’s donation is not just money. It’s a message that says: you are not alone.

*Photo Credit: Rotary District 9560/Facebook*

How to Lend a Hand

For those who want to join in, there are many ways to help. Donations can be made through the Rotary Foundation’s Disaster Response Fund or directly to District 9560’s Disaster Fund. Tax-deductible options are available for individuals, while Rotary clubs and groups can contribute to immediate-response funds.

DONATE

Many local and national organisations are also stepping in, from the QCWA Quilpie Branch to BlazeAid, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Outback Futures. Whether it’s rebuilding fences or supporting mental health in isolated communities, every action counts.

What began as a tragedy is slowly becoming a story of resilience, shaped by people across the country who care deeply…even from hundreds of kilometres away.

Published 23-April-2025

CHERN Brings Big Flavours and Sleek Design to Kenmore

Photo Credit: Lowry Group/Instagram

Kenmore locals will soon get a taste of city-style dining, as a stylish new Asian fusion restaurant prepares to open its doors in the heart of the suburb.

Opening Next Month

CHERN, the new project from Chalong founders Nail Saengin and Garfield Pachnoi, is set to launch in mid-May on Wongabel Street. The Kenmore venue blends traditional Southeast Asian flavours with modern cooking techniques.

While Chalong is known for bold southern Thai flavours, CHERN takes a broader, modern approach. Its name, meaning “welcome” in Thai, reflects the aim to create a warm yet refined dining experience. The restaurant will seat about 45 guests across indoor and outdoor areas.

From Design to Detail

Designed by Clui Design and built by Lowry Group, CHERN features green and white tiles, polished concrete and timber finishes. It includes a compact indoor space, small bar and alfresco seating to suit Kenmore’s relaxed village vibe.

Lowry Group said the build combines modern textures with subtle Southeast Asian touches, designed to match the food’s sophistication and create a cohesive experience.

What’s on the Menu?

The menu blends traditional Thai dishes with creative twists, including slow-cooked beef ribs in green curry, salted egg yolk, wagyu skewers, bao buns and grilled prawns. A curated selection of wines, beers and cocktails is designed to complement the bold, spicy flavours.

While not everything has been revealed, the team has confirmed that their signature style of layering flavour, spice and texture will be a central theme throughout the food and drink offerings.

A Boost for Local Dining

CHERN marks a shift in Kenmore’s dining scene, long known for casual cafes and takeaways. Locals can expect a city-style experience with creative dishes, quality ingredients and strong community ties.

With its mix of design-driven interiors and bold food ideas, CHERN is shaping up to be more than just a new place to eat—it’s a sign that Kenmore is ready for something a little different.

Published 21-April-2025

Kenmore Marks ANZAC Day with Dawn Service and Cricket Match

Photo Credit: Kenmore-Moggill Sub-Branch Inc/Facebook

In Kenmore, ANZAC Day begins in quiet darkness and ends with the sound of bat on ball, as the community gathers to honour those who served.

Kenmore-Moggill RSL Sub-Branch Tradition

Hundreds of locals are expected to line the streets and fill Brookfield Showgrounds this ANZAC Day, as the Kenmore-Moggill RSL Sub-Branch leads a heartfelt morning of remembrance and tradition.

*Photo Credit: Kenmore-Moggill Sub-Branch Inc/Facebook*

The services begin early on 25 April, with a dawn ceremony at Bellbowrie’s Booker Place Park, followed by a community march, a commemorative service, and a historical cricket match re-enactment at Brookfield.

Dawn Service and Community Breakfast

The ANZAC Day dawn service will be held from 5:45 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. at the Bellbowrie War Memorial in Booker Place Park. The service offers a quiet moment for reflection, marking the hour when Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli in 1915.

After the service, attendees are invited to a Gunfire Breakfast hosted by the Moggill Girl Guides. For a gold coin donation, the local group will provide breakfast in keeping with ANZAC Day traditions, echoing the pre-dawn meals once shared by soldiers before battle.

Main Service and March at Brookfield

Later in the morning, veterans, school groups, and army cadets will gather at the corner of Brookfield and Boscombe Roads. From 8:30 a.m., marchers will assemble for the community parade, which will move along Brookfield Road into the showgrounds by 9:00 a.m.

The commemorative service begins at 9:30 a.m. at Brookfield Showgrounds, honouring Australian and New Zealand service members. Brookfield Road will close briefly during the march for safety.

Free parking is provided for RSL members and veterans near Brookfield Cemetery. All other attendees are encouraged to make a gold coin donation for parking.

Shell Green Cricket Match

At 11:00 a.m., a re-enactment will recall the 1915 Shell Green cricket match, played by Australian troops at Gallipoli to lift morale and distract the enemy.

A local cricket match follows at 12:00 p.m. on the showgrounds oval, inviting the public to connect with history in a familiar Australian setting.

Published 14-April-2025

Centenarian Reflects on Rich Life at Brookfield Aged Care

A 100-year-old man has settled into aged care living in Brookfield, sharing a century’s worth of life experiences spanning war, education, and family.

A life of service and experience

William “Henry” Martell has joined the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community, bringing with him a life that has spanned military service, education, and business. Born in December 1924 in Haberfield, Sydney, Mr Martell’s early years included hiking across the Hawkesbury and cycling along Manly beach.

Educated at Neuchatel Grammar and later Sydney Grammar School, Mr Martell went on to serve in the Pacific during World War II after joining the Australian Army at 19. His duties included delivering ammunition to troops near Japanese-occupied Bougainville.

*Caption: Henry Martell as a Year 12 student at Sydney Grammar School*.
Photo Credit: Supplied

Post-war ventures across continents

Following the war, Mr Martell married Diana Coote in Cornwall, England. While overseas, they ran a 17th-century inn in Devon. They described the years spent there as particularly fulfilling. His career continued with ventures including managing a cocoa plantation in Papua New Guinea.

Caption: Henry Martell pictured when he was a university lecturer in Melbourne in the 1960s.
Photo Credit: Supplied

Mr Martell later transitioned into academia. He became a university lecturer specialising in Asian history. He was part of the inaugural teaching staff at La Trobe University in Victoria.

Returning to Brookfield

Henry and Diana Martell moved into Carinity Brookfield Green aged care after previously living nearby for nearly 30 years. The couple now reside in the facility together. Their birthdays fall one day apart, and their family includes four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

About Brookfield Green

Brookfield Green is located on Gold Creek Road in Brookfield, approximately 25 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. The aged care community offers permanent aged care, dementia support, and respite services in a peaceful, semi-rural environment.

Caption: Henry and Diana Martell at the Carinity Brookfield Green aged care community in Brisbane..
Photo Credit: Supplied

The facility has served the local community for 50 years. Its latest addition, The Residences, opened in 2019 and features private rooms with ensuites in a Hamptons-style setting. Communal areas include lounge spaces, private sitting rooms, and scenic dining areas.

Brookfield Green is operated by Carinity. For further enquiries, you can contact them at (07) 3374 7111 or via brookfieldgreen.org.au.

Marking a century

Mr Martell’s induction into the Carinity 100 Club recognises his centenarian milestone. Reflecting on his life, he credits the people he’s met along the way as central to his experience.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Our Lady of the Rosary School in Kenmore Invites Families to Open Day

As Brisbane Catholic Education’s Open Week (28 April – 4 May 2025) approaches, Our Lady of the Rosary School in Kenmore is inviting families to experience firsthand what makes this inner-city primary school a standout in Catholic education.

Read: Kenmore Students Raise Over $18,000 in World’s Greatest Shave

With a proud 62-year legacy of academic success and a vibrant community spirit, the school is preparing to showcase its well-rounded approach to education—from strong academic foundations to a rich and varied extra-curricular programme.

Music, Arts, and More

Well known for fostering creativity, Our Lady of the Rosary offers students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of instruments, including drums, guitar, percussion, strings, flute and clarinet. Budding artists and performers are also encouraged to shine, with a dynamic arts programme that goes beyond the traditional—featuring bucket drumming, ukulele, dance, and a rich visual arts curriculum.

Academic Excellence with a Personal Touch

Principal Paul Rees said the school is committed to creating personalised learning pathways that cater to each student’s strengths and potential.

“We have a strong focus on academic excellence, with a systematic approach to teaching letters, sounds, and reading from Prep to Year 3, leading to student growth rates above the national average” he said.

Looking ahead, the school is also excited to launch The Star Learning Program in 2025—an innovative initiative that includes robotics and STEM experiences designed to engage students in future-focused learning.

Read: Kenmore State High School Achiever Recognised for QCE Award

Parent Voices: A Community That Cares

Parent Michelle Moore, whose children Lola (Class of 2024) and Mannon (Year 1) attend the school, praised the strong community values and supportive environment.

“There’s a strong sense of pride in being part of the Our Lady of the Rosary community, with a focus on presentation, behaviour, and always giving your best,” she shared.

“My children also love the on-campus swimming lessons. Through these, our eldest daughter discovered a passion for sport which eventually led her to representative teams.”

Michelle also praised the leadership, adding, “Principal Paul is so approachable. He’s always available for a chat during playground duty and afternoon pickups—it creates a real sense of connection.”

Visit the School

Families are warmly invited to attend Our Lady of the Rosary’s Open Day on Wednesday, 30 April. Visitors will be able to tour the campus, meet the new leadership team, explore play-based learning activities, and experience the welcoming spirit that defines this much-loved Kenmore school.

Published 7-April-2025

Olympic Coach Dean Boxall Lists Fig Tree Pocket Family Home

Photo Credit: Real Estate

Olympic swimming coach Dean Boxall, known for his passionate celebration of Ariarne Titmus’s gold medal win, has placed his family home in the Brisbane riverside suburb of Fig Tree Pocket on the market, a place where neighbours became lifelong friends.

The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on Mandalay Street has been the Boxall family’s residence since shortly after the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. The property, situated on a 630-square-metre block, features a recently renovated kitchen designed for modern living and an open-plan layout that blends indoor and outdoor spaces.

Boxall expressed that the community in Fig Tree Pocket is exceptional, highlighting the strong bonds formed with his neighbours.

A Home Filled with Memories

Dean Boxall — *Photo Credit:* *Real Estate*

One of the home’s unique features is a “newsroom” located beneath the stairs, a space created by Boxall’s wife to document his career. This room contains news articles, stories, awards, and photographs, including a custom illustration of Boxall in a Batman costume, a character he admires, alongside a photo of his viral Olympic celebration. Boxall stated that he and his wife enjoy spending time in this room, sharing wine and reflecting on his career highlights.

Community and Lifestyle

Real estate agent Chrissie Krummel of Chrissie Krummel Properties highlighted Fig Tree Pocket as a popular family location. She noted the area’s riverside setting and family-friendly atmosphere, where children can enjoy bike riding and fishing. Krummel emphasised the unique lifestyle the area offers, which is difficult to replicate in other parts of Brisbane.

A Move for the Future

Boxall explained that the decision to sell the home was not due to dissatisfaction, but rather a desire to move to another property within the same area, which they intend to use for their retirement.

He said their current home was considered their dream home when they purchased it four years prior, but their needs had evolved. Boxall also commented on the differences between the competitive sporting world and the real estate market, noting the difficulty in assessing potential buyers.

Published Date 01-April-2025

Kenmore Road Modernisation to Begin in 2025, Enhancing Safety for Motorists and Cyclists

Work on the Kenmore Road modernisation project is set to commence in mid-2025, with improvements aimed at enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at key intersections.

Read: Kenmore, Brookfield, and Pullenvale Roads Get Smart Flood Warning Systems

This initiative is part of Brisbane’s Suburban Corridor Modernisation (SCM) program, which focuses on minor works at intersections to improve overall road safety.

Local officials conducted community consultations in 2022 and 2023, incorporating local feedback into the final design alongside technical reviews. As a result, several key upgrades will be implemented on Kenmore Road, including:

Two pedestrian refuge splitter islands and kerb ramps at the Kenmore Road and Gilruth Road roundabout
Upgraded kerb ramps on Crestview Street at Kenmore Road
Line marking and two traffic islands on the bend between 50 and 54 Kenmore Road
Upgraded lighting to improve visibility
Additional line marking, including yellow “No Stopping” islands to enhance traffic safety

In response to community feedback, Council is also conducting initial investigations into the feasibility of an off-road shared path on Kenmore Road, between the Centenary Motorway overpass and Sunset Road.

Potential improvements identified through this process will guide the city’s future planning and design efforts, ensuring that ongoing investigations and upgrades align with broader citywide goals.

Read: Explorers Bridge: Mt Crosby’s New Weir Bridge Honours 200-Year Legacy

To ensure safety, on-street parking will not be permitted in areas marked with yellow “No Stopping” lines. This measure aims to maintain clear sightlines, improve visibility at crossings and intersections, and ensure lanes are wide enough for vehicles to pass safely.

For more information about the project, residents can visit Council’s website or contact the project team on 07 3178 5413 during business hours.

Published 27-March-2025