Bellbowrie Archives - Kenmore News

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

New Bus Shelter Completed at Montanus Drive Stop in Bellbowrie

Work on the new inbound bus shelter at Montanus Drive, Bellbowrie has been completed, with the upgrade providing improved comfort and accessibility for passengers using the 443 and 444 bus routes.

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

The completed upgrade includes a new shelter, more comfortable seating, lighting, an extended concrete waiting area, a realigned footpath to improve accessibility, and an extended bus zone to allow buses to safely pull in and out of the stop. The project also completes upgrades at what had been the last uncovered inbound stop on the 443 and 444 routes.

Cr Greg Adermann announced the project’s completion on 1 July, saying funding had previously been secured to deliver the upgrade. He said the completed works include more comfortable seating, lighting, an extended concrete platform, a realigned footpath for better accessibility, and an extended bus zone to improve safety for buses entering and leaving the stop.

Improvements for bus passengers

Montanus Drive Stop — Photo credit: Facebook/Cr Greg Adermann

The new shelter follows earlier plans that were announced after requests from bus passengers in Bellbowrie for improved facilities at the stop.

Those plans included installing a shelter, extending the concrete waiting area to provide more space for passengers, realigning the footpath to connect with the waiting area, extending the bus zone and line marking to provide enough space for buses to safely pull in and out of the stop, and undertaking some tree trimming to make room for the shelter.

In addition to the shelter itself, the upgraded waiting area includes more space for passengers and a realigned footpath connecting to the waiting area.

Read: Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club Upgrades Underway

For commuters travelling on the 443 and 444 services, the completion of the Montanus Drive shelter means every inbound stop along the route now has weather protection for passengers waiting for their bus.

The completed upgrade provides a safer, more accessible and more comfortable waiting area for passengers using the stop.

Published 6-July-2026

Local Restaurant Guide – 4070

We’ve combed Anstead, Bellbowrie, and Moggill for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

1. Madras Curry House – Bellbowrie

About Madras Curry House – Bellbowrie
4.7 Google Rating

Shop 6/37 Birkin Rd, Bellbowrie QLD 4070

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asif iqbal
Closest to a real south Indian experience finally!!!!. The Spice level of “Indian hot” truly hit the spot. Perfect and delicious I intend to take left over for the next day. But just couldn’t resist completing my meal. Lol. Waitress was very courteous, knowledgeable and was only around when required. 2 big boys with happy tummies (Biryanis (beef and goat) with chicken 65). $65

James Snare
Great food! Really warm and friendly service. Very good atmosphere inside the restaurant (doesn’t feel like you’re in a shopping centre once your inside).

stefano casini
Food tates authentic, portions are the right and when it’s cold they put the heater on. However each wall has different wallpaper on each wall.

2. Bellbowrie Tavern

About Bellbowrie Tavern
4.2 Google Rating

5 Birkin Rd, Bellbowrie QLD 4070

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Heeju Han
A few months ago our visit wasn’t great, but when we came back last week, the food quality had improved a lot. The Caesar salad had been watery before, but I ordered it again (I can’t stand cucumber in regular salads), and the improvement was amazing. The steak is amazing for the price too.

N
Our extended family have met here for early Christmas lunches for many years. Most years are lovely, one was not. This year was wonderful. The staff were excellent. Our meals were actually timed to arrive at the same time, even though our orders were staggered. A first! The food was delicious, I didn’t hear any complaints from our party. Thank you!

Jacques
Awesome staff, great drinks and food. I have been living here my whole life and my wife and I have only been coming for the past 2 months, but it’s been great, and the renovations are so refreshing, I’d give 6 stars if I could!

3. The Reserve at Anstead

About The Reserve at Anstead
4.5 Google Rating

1/645 Hawkesbury Rd, Anstead QLD 4070

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Chantel Charchalis
Lovely outdoor seating in a beautiful garden, with a large play area for kids. Food was generous size and they made a vegan option by substituting halloumi for hash brown. Great coffee too.

John Vickers
We are Saturday luncheon regulars for the past two years. Their steak sandwiches and wraps are literally world class. Management and serving staff are unfailingly polite and hard working. Thank you so much for the many hours of great food, music and service.

Masa
We went to there at 2:45pm. They can say we close but they served us. Coffee was great and food was excellent. I’m big eater but I have to take some for hotel. I think if they open night they get more business.
I came here again they still serve beautiful food and great service

4. MoccaBella

About MoccaBella
4.5 Google Rating

Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, 37 Birkin Rd, Bellbowrie QLD 4070

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Rachael Glyde
We frequently visit this beautiful cafe. The food is always delicious and large servings for a decent price! I am coeliac and have never been sick from the gluten free food. The kids menu also has a lot to choose from, it’s perfect for our family. Can’t recommend highly enough

Lauren
Lovely coffee, friendly staff and tasty food

Selz Pal
What a gem find!! Food was fresh, service was great and a very nice and relaxing atmosphere.. Highly recommend!!

5. Char chook

About Char chook
4.5 Google Rating

3366 Moggill Rd, Moggill QLD 4070

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Lynn Hristov
Having lunch now, the chicken is excellent , lovely lady helped me , I asked for it to be well done , she left it on the grill a little longer so nice chat marks, I hate rotisserie chicken from the supermarket , do soggy, this is juicy and really tasty. That’s garlic sauce on top of the chicken, delicious!! X

Jeremy Bilyj
Amazing food, amazing staff, always accommodating amd happy to see us. Never had a bad meal!

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

Jess Ferris
My favourite take out hands down. Everything on this menu is delicious and you feel way better after having this for a take out night! The chicken is so perfectly cooked and the chips are to die for. But my absolute favourite is the beef burger

Moggill’s Colin Hobson Takes Home Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year

Cr Greg Adermann/Facebook

Moggill resident Colin Hobson has been named Queensland School Bus Driver of the Year for 2025, winning the title at the Queensland Bus Industry Council’s Annual Gala Dinner and Awards Night after a statewide public vote backed him ahead of two other finalists.

Colin drives the semi-rural S60 route for Southern Cross Transit, clocking around 160 kilometres a day between Chuwar and Indooroopilly, and the community he has built on that bus run was clearly paying attention during voting. The win comes after he was selected as a finalist from a pool of more than 1,300 nominations received across Queensland, making the final result all the more significant.

For Kenmore and Moggill locals who know Colin well, the recognition comes as no surprise. His approach has been described as an unwavering focus on providing good customer service, a quality that set him apart from the moment the nomination was announced.

From the Snowy Mountains to Brisbane’s Western School Run

What many local residents may not know is that Colin’s path to west Brisbane’s school bus network took a long detour through the Snowy Mountains, where he spent 25 years before returning to his Queensland roots. Back in Brisbane, he and his wife Tamara built a presence in the local café scene that made them familiar faces long before the school run did.

The couple ran Moccabella Café at Bellbowrie Plaza and One Table Cafe at Kenmore Hills for many years, earning a loyal following among the bayside community before stepping back from small business life.

Colin Hobson named as School Bus Diver of the Year 2025 — *Photo Credit: YouTube/TranslinkQLD*

The transition from hospitality to school bus driving might seem unexpected from the outside, but the thread running through both chapters is the same: a genuine orientation toward the people in front of him. For Colin, the S60 route is more than a timetable, it is a daily commitment to around 160 kilometres of safe, calm and enjoyable travel for students, some of whom face nearly two hours each way on that run.

A Bus That Became a Community

Translink‘s own description of Colin ahead of the finalist announcement captured what students and parents had been saying in their nominations: he has built a whole community on his west Brisbane school bus. Fridays have become a fixture, with music trivia and sing-alongs a regular part of the routine, and no student’s birthday passes without the whole bus joining in. Those details speak to something deliberate rather than incidental, a driver who has thought carefully about what the journey means to the people making it every day.

The Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards, now in their seventh year, are run by Translink in partnership with the Queensland bus industry to recognise drivers across three categories: South East Queensland Bus Driver of the Year, Regional Bus Driver of the Year and School Bus Driver of the Year. The 2025 School Bus category was contested against finalists from Mackay and Townsville, with the winner determined by public vote from the nine finalists selected across all categories.

Colin’s win is a reminder that the quieter parts of Brisbane’s transport network, the long semi-rural runs that stitch outer suburbs to the city, are held together by people who show up with care every single day.

Published 20-April-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

Bellbowrie Pool to Get Winter Heat, Dog Park to Expand

Photo Credit: Bellbowrie Swimming Pool/Facebook

Bellbowrie residents are in for a treat: warmer winter swims and a new dog park for small breeds.

Brisbane City Council has confirmed that works will soon commence to install a heat pump for the 50-metre pool at Bellbowrie Swimming Pool. This will ensure the facility is heated for the 2025 winter season.

*Photo Credit:* *Bellbowrie Swimming Pool/Facebook*

The pool will remain open during construction, with minimal disruption of swimming and exercise classes.

Additionally, the Council has announced plans to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the off-leash dog park at Booker Place Park. This decision follows ongoing advocacy from local dog owners who expressed concerns about the safety of their smaller pets.

The new small dog enclosure will comprise approximately one-tenth of the total off-leash dog area. It will include concrete pathways, a dedicated entry gate, additional seating, shade trees, and a new water tap and dog bowl. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025.

These improvements are part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing local amenities and improving the lives of Brisbane residents.

Published Date 26-November-2024

Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie to Add Dedicated Small Dog Area

After nearly two years of deliberation, plans have been announced to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the existing dog off-leash park at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie.

Read: What’s New at Booker Place Park?

This decision comes as a response to ongoing concerns from owners of smaller dogs about the safety of their pets in the mixed-size dog park.

Plans (Photo credit: Cr Greg Adermann/Facebook)

Cr Greg Adermann, who initially hesitated to proceed with the project due to divided public opinion, has now allocated funding for the creation of this specialised area. He explained, “While I’m not aware of any nasty attacks on smaller dogs at this park, I do know of such instances in other parks in Brisbane. I don’t want to leave it to chance so when I was allocated funding in the recent Schrinner Council budget to provide a fenced area within the park, I took it.”

The new small dog enclosure will occupy approximately one-tenth of the overall Dog Off-Leash Area. This addition aims to provide a safer environment for smaller breeds to play and socialise without the risk of intimidation or injury from larger dogs.

In addition to the new enclosure, the project will include several improvements to enhance the overall park experience for all users. These include:

Concrete pathways from the entry gate to both shelters
A dedicated entry gate for the smaller enclosure
Additional seating and trees between the enclosures for shade cover
A new tap and dog bowl in the larger dog area

These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and functionality for both dogs and their owners.

The decision to move forward with this project comes after a community consultation conducted in November 2022. Although opinions were initially divided, continued advocacy from small dog owners highlighted the need for reconsideration.

Read: Proposals for Heritage Trail and Footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield Receive Overwhelming Community Support

Work on this exciting new addition to Booker Place Park is expected to commence in the new year, offering a welcome solution for dog owners in the Bellbowrie community.

Published 9-September-2024

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

Mount Crosby Vehicle Bridge is now open, significantly enhancing traffic flow and improving the area’s flood resilience by safeguarding the surrounding community against natural disasters.

Engineered to be approximately three metres higher than its predecessor, the bridge features a robust combination of steel and concrete guardrails designed to withstand severe flooding. Its construction has not only supported 30 jobs but has also been a boon for local suppliers, utilising locally sourced materials such as ready-mix concrete and quarry materials.

The 187-metre-long and nine-metre-wide bridge accommodates two-way traffic and significantly enhances connectivity across the Brisbane River in Mount Crosby.

This project is a key component of Seqwater’s East Bank Flood Resilience Program, representing a substantial investment exceeding $100 million to improve flood resilience in the Mount Crosby precinct. Additionally, upgrades to nearby water infrastructure, including the East Bank Pump Station, are set further to enhance the area’s defence against flood events.

The project demonstrates a strong commitment to infrastructure resilience and supports the local economy by providing jobs and engaging local suppliers. Quotes from various stakeholders, including the Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, and representatives from Seqwater, BMD Constructions, and Mt Marrow Blue Metal Quarries, highlight the collaborative effort and the importance of the bridge to the community’s safety and connectivity.

Mt Crosby bridge — *Photo Credit: QLDGovt*

Looking ahead, the original 97-year-old weir bridge is set to be repurposed as a pedestrian and cycle path. Works will commence soon and are expected to be completed in 2025.

Meanwhile, final footpath and landscaping works on the new vehicle bridge will continue until mid-April, after which Brisbane City Council will manage and maintain the bridge.

Published 28-March-24

Celebrate Australia Day at Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club

Photo Credit: Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club

Hold onto your sun hats and check out Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club’s ingenious plan to tackle the Aussie summer heat on Australia Day!

The annual celebration, happening on 26 Jan 2024, is all set to make waves as 70 Sugarwood St comes alive with water slides, free water squirters for kids, and a slew of other summer shenanigans for the guests. It’s all about making a splash!

There will be live music, games for all ages, food trucks, a charity Sausage Sizzle, and Aussie food specials at the Bistro.

Australia Day Bellbowrie — Photo Credit: Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Over the years, it has evolved into a national holiday marked by various events and ceremonies.

Initially known as Foundation Day and later as Anniversary Day, it became an official holiday in 1938. Fast forward to 1988, and the 26th of January became a national public holiday.

The date has evolved to recognize the Indigenous nations and their rich culture, ensuring that Australia Day is a day of reflection and celebration for all. So, as you splash and slide through the festivities, remember the significance of this historic day.

Happy Australia Day, Bellbowrie style!

Published 9-Jan-2024

Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club Upgrades Underway

Upgrades are underway at the Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club, one of nine community clubs across Brisbane to receive a grant that will help improve facilities and sustain ongoing club projects.

The Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club received $86,875.00 from a $1 million grant earmarked for the Better Suburbs Grants program in Brisbane.

The club was tasked to submit a master plan to determine the improvements needed. The process entailed consultations and discussions with experts in urban design and landscape architecture. Stakeholders were also asked for their input and expectations on the project.

“Our community clubs are run by locals for locals and we know how challenging it can be for our community clubs to fund and deliver upgrades,” Cr Greg Adermman said.

“… these grants had proven extremely effective in getting much-needed funds to community groups so they can improve their facilities for all to enjoy,” he added.

The Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club is a non-profit club where locals get together for fun, entertainment and great food. Activities like Bingo Nights, Dart Competitions, Live Music and regular raffle draws for members take place at the facility.

A Valuable Pathway

Home Advantage

Improvements for bus passengers

1. Madras Curry House – Bellbowrie

About Madras Curry House – Bellbowrie4.7 Google Rating

Google Reviews

2. Bellbowrie Tavern

About Bellbowrie Tavern4.2 Google Rating

Google Reviews

3. The Reserve at Anstead

About The Reserve at Anstead4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

4. MoccaBella

About MoccaBella4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

5. Char chook

About Char chook4.5 Google Rating

Google Reviews

From the Snowy Mountains to Brisbane’s Western School Run

A Bus That Became a Community

About Australia Day

About Madras Curry House – Bellbowrie
4.7 Google Rating

About Bellbowrie Tavern
4.2 Google Rating

About The Reserve at Anstead
4.5 Google Rating

About MoccaBella
4.5 Google Rating

About Char chook
4.5 Google Rating