pullenvale Archives - Kenmore News

Local Real Estate Agent Dies in Tragic Mowing Accident at Pullenvale Property

The Pullenvale community is mourning the loss of a well-respected local real estate agent following a tragic accident involving a ride-on mower at a private property on Grandview Road.

Ty Babbidge, 55, died after becoming trapped under the ride-on mower. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7:30pm on August 15 (Friday), but Mr Babbidge could not be saved.

Mr Babbidge had worked as an agent with Brisbane Real Estate for 10 years, serving the western Brisbane suburbs with distinction. His professional career saw him involved in numerous property transactions throughout the Pullenvale area, where he built strong relationships with local families and property owners.

The Babbidge family shared their grief with the community through social media, describing their profound loss whilst highlighting the man Ty was beyond his professional achievements.

Ty was greatly loved by his family, friends, and the community. His warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others touched countless lives, and he will be dearly missed.

They spoke of his warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others, qualities that had touched countless lives throughout the community.

His colleague of a decade, Kel Goesch, reflected on Mr Babbidge’s character, emphasising his generous and genuine nature. The colleague noted how Mr Babbidge was passionate about his family whilst also being a trusted friend to many in the industry.

The tight-knit western Brisbane community has responded with an outpouring of support for the Babbidge family. Social media tributes have painted a picture of a man who made lasting impressions through his kindness and professional integrity. Community members have shared memories of recent conversations with Mr Babbidge, remembering his positive demeanour and the happiness he brought to interactions.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety when operating machinery, particularly ride-on mowers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports that there are “hundreds of ride-on lawn mower injuries” nationally in Australia, along with about 2 deaths per year associated with ride-on mowers.

A study covering 1998 to 2002 found that out of 541 mower-related injuries seen in participating hospital emergency departments in Queensland, 65 (12 %) were from ride-on mowers.

Queensland Police have confirmed the incident was non-suspicious, with the forensic crash unit preparing a report for the coroner. The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident as part of standard procedure.

The loss of Mr Babbidge represents more than the passing of a professional colleague; it marks the end of a decade-long contribution to Brisbane’s real estate sector and the loss of a community member who clearly meant a great deal to those around him.

The Babbidge family has requested privacy during this difficult time whilst expressing gratitude for the community’s love and support.

Published 17-August-2025

Green Bin Rollout for Kenmore Hills and Surrounds Set for August

Kenmore Hills and the surrounding West Brisbane suburbs can expect to receive green waste recycling bins, with Brisbane confirming the rollout schedule as part of a citywide expansion of its waste collection services.

Read: Chern Now Open in Kenmore, Serving Up Modern Asian Favourites

Eligible standalone homes in Kenmore Hills will receive a new 240-litre green-lidded bin between 18 and 29 August 2025, alongside other suburbs including Fig Tree Pocket and Pullenvale. Once delivered, green waste collection will begin the following fortnight and continue on a fortnightly basis, alternating with yellow lid recycling bins.

Week	Dates	Suburbs
Week 1	4 August to 15 August 2025	Wakerley, Chandler, Mackenzie, Bardon, Manly West, Rochedale, Auchenflower, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Manly, Lota
Week 2	11 August to 22 August 2025	Algester, Calamvale, Virginia, Gaythorne, Gordon Park, Acacia Ridge, Archerfield, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach, Northgate, Milton, Kelvin Grove
Week 3	18 August to 29 August 2025	Boondall, Geebung, Grange, Holland Park West, Anstead, Brookfield, Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Lake Manchester, Chuwar, Moggill, Bellbowrie, Kholo, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Hills, Fig Tree Pocket, Lytton
Week 4	25 August to 5 September 2025	Zillmere, Fortitude Valley, Holland Park, Tarragindi, Moorooka, Annerley, Wavell Heights, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga, Tennyson

The rollout follows Council’s decision to make green waste recycling a core part of household bin services from 1 July 2025, with all eligible homes across Brisbane now set to have three bins: red for general waste, yellow for recyclables, and green for garden waste.

Council says the initiative will help turn more garden waste into compost instead of landfill. Green waste, like lawn clippings, small branches, and leaves, currently makes up nearly a quarter of what’s in the average red bin.

Over the past year, more than 43,000 tonnes of green waste have been recycled through existing green bins across the city, saving almost $1 million in landfill levy costs. With more than 160,000 new green bins to be delivered by December, Council expects further environmental and economic benefits.

Cr Adrian Schrinner said the rollout would help Brisbane households reduce waste and recycle more effectively. “Every green bin collected means less landfill, more mulch and compost for reuse, and big savings for residents thanks to lower waste levy costs,” he said.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

Homes that already compost or manage their green waste in other ways can opt out of receiving a bin. However, Council is encouraging participation as a practical way to reduce landfill, cut costs, and support a more sustainable Brisbane. For full suburb delivery dates or to manage your bin preferences, visit the Council’s website.

Published 6-August-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

From Bills to Bliss: Pullenvale Family’s Life-Changing Phone Call

It was a typical day at the local daycare’s parking lot for this Pullenvale dad until he received a phone call with life-changing news about his million-dollar Weekday Windfall win.

Read: The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

The lucky dad was one of two Division One winners in the Weekday Windfall draw 4419, held on Monday, July 22, 2024. His share of the prize amounts to a substantial $1 million, a sum that couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for his family.

Upon receiving the news, the winner expressed his disbelief and shock. He conveyed that the win was beyond his wildest dreams and emphasised how significant this windfall would be for his family’s current situation.

The father revealed that they had been grappling with financial difficulties and facing mounting bills. This unexpected fortune would allow them to clear all their outstanding debts, providing much-needed relief.

The winning numbers for the draw were 35, 10, 37, 28, 16, and 26, with supplementary numbers 22 and 44. The fortunate father’s entry was a 15-game QuickPick purchased through The Lott app.

As he sat in his car, trying to compose himself before dropping off his child at daycare, the winner shared his plans to immediately call his wife and share the extraordinary news. His voice brimming with emotion, he expressed profound gratitude for this life-changing turn of events.

Read: Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title

This Weekday Windfall draw saw two Division One winning entries across Australia, with the other winner located in New South Wales. For this Pullenvale family, the win represents not just a financial boost, but a beacon of hope during challenging times, proving that sometimes, fortune smiles when it’s needed most.

Published 29-July-2024

Future Off-Road Cycling Sites in Pullenvale Ward Identified in Newly Unveiled Strategy

Off-road cyclists will soon have more spaces to explore as plans to create new biking tracks and off-road facilities across Brisbane, including several locations within the Pullenvale Ward, have been released.

Council unveiled the Brisbane Off-Road Cycling Strategy in December 2021 to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community of cyclists. Aiming to deliver “a safe, well-planned and connected network of facilities that protect Brisbane’s natural environment,” inputs for this strategy were gathered following community consultations since 2109.

These consultations included outdoor and cycling groups or clubs, park visitors, bushwalkers and runners, community conservation and environment groups, schools, cycling trainers and coaches, residents, as well as the Queensland Government. About 89 percent of the respondents expressed their support for more off-road cycling facilities.

According to Cr Greg Adermann, a number of spaces around Pullenvale Ward have been considered as potential off-road cycling areas:

Mount Coot-tha
the old Creek Reserve at Brookfield
John Sprent Reserve and Priors Pocket Road Park at Moggill
Platypus Park and Marstaeller Road Reserve at Mount Crosby
Changing Mountain Bushland
Dandy’s Road Bushland
Kholo Bushland Reserve
Shelley Road Park, Kholo
Primley Street Park, Pullenvale
Tuckett Street Park, Kenmore Hills

Per Council, the locations will be further studied “in the next five years and are subject to further detailed design, budget and environmental assessment.”

Off-road cycling sites will cover four types:

a leisurely family bicycle ride along a trail or track
a more technically challenging mountain bike ride with obstacles and climbing
a session with the kids at a pump track, skills track, or dirt jumps
participation by people of all ages and abilities in mountain bike riding, gravel riding, or in a cyclo-cross race

Photo Credit: Brisbane Off-Road Cycling Strategy/BCC

Also in contention for implementation are:

technological advancements such as e-bikes, web-based systems and apps such as Strava and user generated content such as Trailforks
growing demand for individualised, unstructured recreation
preferences for screen time over nature time resulting in ‘nature deficit’, particularly in young people
opportunities for off-road cycling to be used as a tool to engage wider sectors of the community to stimulate interest in active lifestyles, stewardship of bushland reserves or wider social inclusion

“This strategy balances conservation of the natural environment with opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to enjoy Brisbane’s unique parks and natural areas,” Council stated.

Pullenvale Decorator Partners with Sekisui House Australia for Shavida

Sekisui House Australia, a global home builder, had spent years looking for a talented styling partner for their latest Australian development, Shavida. The stars aligned when they saw the work of Pullenvale decorator Bree Pullinger and realised that she was the perfect match for the project.

Taku Hashimoto, the project director of Sekisui House Australia, said that Bree had an understanding of what they wanted for Shavida. They signed her on to style four model homes that promote intuitive, functional, and flexible living.

“Shavida homes are designed with a purpose. We make clever use of every centimetre in our floorplans, providing a real sense of ergonomic harmony and space, ensuring life at home happens effortlessly and with vibrancy. Bree was able to take this philosophy and truly bring it to life,” Mr Hashimoto said.

Shavida Bree Pullinger — Photo Credit: Bree Pullinger Interiors/Facebook

With her contemporary style, the creative decorator made use of natural light and a range of layers filled with textures and colours to enhance the Shavida display homes. To help bring her vision to life, Bree tapped Brisbane-based artist Donna Delaney Prints for the quality fine art prints, Ipswich business MM Designer Art for the simple but elegant framing, and UD Furniture Brisbane for the sofas, bed-heads, and upholstery.

“While every display home had a pre-determined theme, I was able to execute the team’s interior styling vision in line with the architectural intent of the homes, and reflect my personal touches on each design in what was a truly collaborative design process,” the decorator said.

Bree said that her partnership with Sekisui House Australia has been “an absolute dream and a fantastic opportunity.” When she was started her professional service as a decorator, Bree aspired for projects that bring value and make a meaningful impact. The Pullenvale mum wants to boost the support for local businesses and she’s also passionate about caring for the environment.

“Sekisui House Australia’s sustainability values resonate with me, and its ethos to create homes with harmonious energy and a good feeling when you walk in aligns with my thinking and style.”

Sekisui House Australia, founded in the 1960s, is in the process of releasing the styling packages prepared by Bree for new home buyers.

Follow Bree’s work on social media and visit Shavida’s online site to learn more about the residential opportunity. Shavida’s display homes are at Parkview Parade, Ripley.

Kerbside Collection: When Will Pick-Up Resume in Kenmore & Surrounding Suburbs?

After more than a year’s hiatus, kerbside collection service will be restarting in July 2021. Here’s what residents of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Pullenvale and Fig Tree Pocket can expect.

After releasing the budget for the 2021-2022 financial year, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed that kerbside collection will be back one year earlier than planned.

In April 2020, Mr Schrinner suspended the operations for at least two years, or until July 2022, to direct the service’s expenses to Council’s other initiatives. Despite the unpopular decision, Council used the funds to help struggling small businesses and community groups as a result of the pandemic lockdowns.

“We will start with the suburbs where it was paused…we’ll go back there and then start again in the normal way,” Mr Schinner said in announcing the service’s return.

Here’s the updated kerbside collection schedules for the following suburbs:

DATE	SUBURB
Kenmore Kenmore Hills	26 July 2021
Brookfield Fig Tree Pocket Pullenvale	02 Aug 2021

* Schedules are updated continuously as needed.

SEE UPDATED KERBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Prior to the updates, some residents informed Pullenvale Ward Councillor Greg Adermann that Kenmore, Kenmore Hills and Brookfield should be among the first suburbs to restart the service after they saw Council’s page showing a different date.

Photo Credit: Screengrabbed from Council’s official site

“[Kerbside collection] was paused on 3rd of April 2020, not May,” said a local, Ben Ponting, on Mr Adermann’s Facebook page. “Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Kenmore and Kenmore Hills were due to start 27th April 2020.”

“Kenmore was supposed to have their kerbside collection in April 2020 yet the new schedule says Kenmore is only getting kerbside collection in June 2022,” Melinda Waldeck said. “Since kerbside collection was paused in March 2020, if the statement about the starting in July with the suburbs where it was paused is correct then Kenmore should be scheduled to have kerbside collection in August 2021. Kenmore’s last kerbside collection was April 2019, so if we aren’t scheduled until June 2022 it will be over 3 years between collections!”

Cr Adermann was quick to reassure concerned locals and updated them about the situation.

“After receiving a large number of enquiries from local residents, I made enquiries which confirmed that the scheduled services to these areas were postponed just before they were due in April 2020, meaning they should have been among the first to receive a collection upon the resumption of kerbside collection,” he pointed out.

“To Council’s credit, they acknowledged this oversight and today agreed to my request to amend the collection schedule … Council’s website has been amended to reflect these changes,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brisbane residents are encouraged to check the list of items that are acceptable and not acceptable for kerbside collection so that nothing will be left behind by their kerb. Uncollected and improper disposal of household wastes could lead to an illegal dumping fine.

Israel Folau Buys Pullenvale Acreage Amid QRL Bid

Former NRL star Israel Folau has recently bought a Pullenvale acreage, amidst his bid to play to the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) but only if he’s released from his contract with the U.K. Super League club Catalans Dragons.

Per realestate.com.au, Mr Folau and his wife, Maria, a former netball star, bought a four-hectare tract of land in the affluent west Brisbane suburb for $1.5 million. The land has a modest 1970s cottage with three bedrooms and

Described as a private escape, the property in Grandview Road, which is about 15 kilometres away from Brisbane CBD, sits next to heaps of multimillion-dollar homes and was once part of the estate of mining magnate Nathan Tinkler. The block has the potential for the new owners to build their dream lifestyle.

Mr Folau has a significant property portfolio in Sydney as well and recently listed a building block in Austral, southwest of the CBD, which he bought in 2016 as an investment.

The news of his Pullenvale investment comes as Mr Folau’s bid to join the St George-Illawarra Dragons was rejected in February 2021. However, Chairman Peter V’Landys said that they will not interfere if the sports star signs with the Queensland Cup.

Insiders said that this is his backdoor strategy in case the NRL would change its decision. Some 69 percent of NRL fans support Mr Folau’s return in a survey from the Australian Christian Lobby.

In 2019, Rugby Australia sacked Mr Folau over his social media post, encouraging homosexuals to repent and lumping them with drunks, thieves, adulterers, and atheists. The sportsman sued Rugby Australia and received a generous settlement.

Bruce Hatcher, the chairman of the Queensland rugby league said there is “no legal impediment” for Israel Folau to play for the Queensland Cup.

Mr Folau announced in mid-May 2021 that he’s signing with Gold Coast’s Southport Tigers. QRL officials said that they will welcome his return if he’s released from his Super League contract and abide by a few strict restrictions.

Catalans Dragons said that they still expect Mr Folau to return to France later this year after his compassionate leave to Australia. Reports cited they have no idea about his deal with Southport Tigers.

Brisbane Urban Myth: Link Between a Pullenvale Couple’s Divorce & Feral Deer Revealed

Have you ever wondered why there are feral deer regularly seen in Pullenvale or Jindalee, or causing a commotion on the Centenary Highway? For years, a popular urban legend has been circulating that a Pullenvale couple’s divorce has led to the growth of the feral deer population in the western suburbs.

The story goes that the couple once owned a large deer farm in Pullenvale that had a deliberate mishap, causing the animals to run around or cross the residential population. Following a messy divorce, locals said that the wife of the deer farmer apparently opened the gates to let the animals escape.

The number of deer that got out could not be accounted for but locals who have had deer sightings, particularly in the western suburbs, believe these animals are either from the herd or the descendants of the herd from the Pullenvale farm.

It might be one of those absurd stories but this Brisbane urban myth has been confirmed by the Pullenvale deer farm owner himself. Farmer John, who now lives in Cairns, confirmed in a radio interview B105 Brisbane that he did own more than 500 deer, which escaped as a result of his marital woes.

However, the farmer clarified that it was his mother-in-law who opened the gates to his deer farm and not his ex-wife.

“She was angry. My mother-in-law released the deer,” he told Stav, Abby and Matt, the hosts of the program.

John also said that the deer usually come back and find their way home but he thinks he lost about 130 from this incident. He can no longer recall the year this happened.

According to Council, there are three types of feral deer, or those not kept in enclosures, commonly found in Brisbane. Brought to Queensland around the 1870s, some of their species could be aggressive and destructive as they may:

damaging native vegetation through browsing and trampling and ringbarking
competing with native wildlife for resources and habitat
reducing water quality to creeks, wetlands and river systems through over grazing and trampling
damaging residential gardens and fences
creating a traffic hazard on roads
attracting illegal hunting
transmitting diseases and parasites to humans, domestic animals and wildlife
aggressive behaviour (from stags) towards domestic animals, including horses, during breeding season

Council usually sets aside a fund for the management of feral deers every financial year but there was a time when their presence in the residential areas used to be bothersome. Various bushcare groups have also set up protectors around trees to prevent the deers from destroying the bark.

However, it’s still best to report deer sightings at 07 3403 8888 or through the online form for prevention and control.

Demand Rising For Impressive Brookfield And Pullenvale Acreage

Despite the economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Brisbane’s highly desired areas for buying acreages are reportedly experiencing an upswing.

Suburbs like Brookfield and Pullenvale are attracting plenty of interest from people who are considering a move to a semi-rural property where they can have plenty of outdoor space to relish in the beauty of nature and its natural benefits.

Brookfield and Pullenvale, both ideal areas for acreage living, are experiencing a Renaissance of sorts. In both suburbs, eager buyers are looking at properties that can range anywhere from one to 20 acres.

Those exploring to get back to basics, to slow down their pace, and to figure out how to build a sustainable lifestyle — amid the hoarding and depletion of supplies as highlighted in this pandemic — are finding that these suburbs southwest of the city remain seemingly untouched by modern developments.

Yet Brookfield and Pullenvale are still close to the hub in Brisbane CBD that it’s fine to miss most of what’s happening there. It’s also easy to plan a quick trip to the city when needed.

This 1.12ha property on McMullen Road, Brookfield has its own swimming pool, tennis court, rainwater storage tank and solar hot water. The space is great for riding horses or bikes in the paddocks, with a 360-degree view of mountains and valleys.

Photo Credit: Rachael Spinks/Spinks & Co Residential/Domain

In Kamala Drive, Pullenvale sits a 4ha house that looks like a plantation mansion. Impressive for private and family entertainment, this home has a gourmet kitchen and casual kitchen, as well as an alfresco area with an in-ground pool and spa.

Photo Credit: Paris Arthur/Place Graceville/Domain

Observers note that this trend has been building up for some time. The isolation during the coronavirus lockdown has had people thinking that living close to a densely-populated community does have its drawbacks and risks, as it’s these places where outbreaks usually start.

People are starting to realise that there are other things you can do in your own house than sit on the couch or be stuck indoors. The idea of having a bigger backyard has never been more appealing than today.

At least three distinct markets find the allure of living in Brookfield and Pullenvale — the knockdown market, the city-dwellers and people with money to invest in a bigger property, according to Domain.