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Construction Commences on $92M Brendale Adventure Home HQ

Construction has officially commenced on Brendale Adventure Home HQ, a $92 million large-format retail and lifestyle precinct that promises to reshape the commercial landscape of Brisbane’s northern corridor.

Read: Brendale Retail Centre Sold for $13.2M

Located at a prominent site in Brendale, the development offers 504 metres of frontage to Old North Road and 250 metres to South Pine Road, capturing the attention of over 17,000 passing vehicles each day. Its strategic position places it within reach of a wide customer base, including residents of Petrie, Albany Creek, Carseldine and surrounding areas.

Brendale Adventure Home — Photo credit: brendalehq.com.au

Stage one of the project will deliver 17,000 square metres of retail showroom space and 450 on-site parking spaces. A future second stage will add another 15,000 square metres, taking the total footprint to 32,000 square metres across the two phases.

Anchoring the precinct is the Anaconda Adventure HQ, which is set to become the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Designed to offer more than a standard retail experience, the store will feature interactive elements including a 40-foot lure casting tank, fishing simulators, a cold room for trialling down jackets, and a range of boats on display—all under one roof.

The broader development will include well-known retailers such as Spotlight and Harris Scarfe Home, as well as a gym, café, medical services and commercial tenancies. The mix of offerings is designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors, creating a destination where shopping, lifestyle and convenience intersect.

The construction phase is expected to generate over 400 full-time jobs, with nearly 300 permanent roles anticipated once the precinct is operational.

Brendale Adventure Home HQ is being developed by Spotlight Group and is supported by Moreton Bay. The project is part of a broader push to activate economic development and increase amenity in one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.

Read: Griffin’s Bray Farm Park: A Harry Potter-Inspired Escape While You Wait for the ‘Forbidden Forest’

Completion is expected by September or October 2026, marking the arrival of a significant new player in the region’s retail scene. With its scale, high-profile location and experience-led design, Brendale Adventure Home HQ is positioned to become a landmark destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Published 18-April-2025

New Free Walk-In Mental Health Centre Coming to Strathpine

Photo Credit: Brisbane North PHN/ Facebook

A new Medicare Mental Health Centre offering free, walk-in support without appointments or referrals is set to open in Strathpine. This will provide easier access to care for residents needing mental health assistance.

New Centres Opening Soon

The Strathpine centre is one of three new facilities planned for the Moreton Bay region, with others opening in Caboolture and Redcliffe. A fourth centre is also planned for Inner-North Brisbane at Lutwyche. These centres are expected to begin welcoming people from July. While exact locations are still being finalised, Brisbane North Primary Health Network (PHN) has confirmed the operators for each site.

Neami National will run the Strathpine centre, Stride will operate the Caboolture facility, and Communify will manage both the Redcliffe and Lutwyche locations. For Caboolture, Strathpine, and Inner-North Brisbane, existing Integrated Mental Health Hubs will transition to this new model, while the Redcliffe service will be completely new.

Accessible Support for All

A key feature of these Medicare Mental Health Centres is their ease of access. Anyone can walk off the street to seek help during the centres’ extended operating hours. There is no need to make an appointment beforehand, obtain a referral from a GP, have a previous mental health diagnosis, or even hold a Medicare card. The service is designed to be free for everyone, including those reaching out for mental health support for the first time.

Services and Staffing

Inside the centres, visitors will find a team of highly qualified mental health professionals working alongside people who have personal experience with mental health challenges. This multidisciplinary team, including mental health social workers and nurses, will listen to individuals and work with them to provide their needed care.

The centres offer immediate help for people in distress and short-term and medium-term care plans. They also aim to connect people with other helpful services in the community, such as housing or employment support, to assist them into the future.

Meeting Community Needs

Mental Health Centre — *Photo Credit:* *Brisbane North PHN/ Facebook*

These new centres are being established partly to support communities facing significant challenges, including higher levels of socio-economic disadvantage, unemployment, and homelessness. Brisbane North PHN CEO Libby Dunstan indicated that assessments show a clear need for more mental health support across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions, and these centres will be a valuable addition to local services.

Furthermore, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride stated that the facilities will help residents get the support they need closer to where they live.

National Mental Health Initiative

The opening of these centres is part of a wider Australian Government programme, undertaken in partnership with state and territory governments and Primary Health Networks. The goal is to establish 61 Medicare Mental Health Centres nationwide by the middle of 2026. This initiative builds upon the existing Head to Health network, aiming to make quality mental health care more equitable and accessible nationwide.

How to Access Help

People seeking support can walk into any centre when it opens. A trained professional will talk with them to understand their immediate needs and may arrange a follow-up visit if necessary. Alternatively, individuals can call 1800 595 212 during weekday business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for information about local mental health supports or to book an appointment at their nearest centre. In an emergency, people should always call triple zero (000) or visit the nearest hospital emergency department.

Published Date 11-April-2025

Truck Crash in Brendale Damages Eleven Vehicles

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Eleven vehicles were damaged after a semi-trailer truck veered off South Pine Road, Brendale and crashed into parked cars at a nearby business.

The accident occurred just after 8:00 AM on April 10, 2025, near the intersection with Johnstone Road. According to witnesses, the truck initially “mounted the curb at the fresh produce store” before continuing on to strike multiple vehicles in a nearby parking lot.

The Queensland Fire Department confirmed that a total of eleven vehicles were involved in the crash. While the incident caused extensive property damage, remarkably only one person required medical assessment by paramedics, and that individual declined transportation to the hospital.

Queensland Police Service officers attended the scene, and investigations into what caused the truck to leave the roadway are currently ongoing.

Published 10-April-2025

Griffin’s Bray Farm Park: A Harry Potter-Inspired Escape While You Wait for the ‘Forbidden Forest’

Potterheads in Brisbane are in for a magical time, with the much-anticipated Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience soon casting its spell over the city. Excitement is brewing like a fresh batch of Polyjuice Potion, as fans can now purchase tickets to be among the first to step into the enchanting world of the Forbidden Forest.

Read: Griffin Residents Set to Benefit from Road Safety Upgrades

However, if you feel as impatient as Ron Weasley before a Hogwarts feast, fear not! Brisbane offers several other spellbinding experiences, including a visit to Bray Farm Park in Griffin, to keep you immersed in the Wizarding World until the Forbidden Forest officially opens.

Step into Brisbane’s Own Wizarding Playground

For a touch of magic in the meantime, Bray Farm Park is a must-visit. This whimsical playground is often dubbed “Brisbane’s Harry Potter Park” due to its enchanting design that evokes the charm of the Burrow—the beloved Weasley family home.

Set against a backdrop of bushland, the park features two main structures reminiscent of the Burrow, complete with a bridge, climbing net, fireman’s pole, slide, turrets, and windows.

Adding to the magical feel are large pumpkin and tomato sculptures, wooden cubby houses, and a swinging bridge, making it the perfect spot for young witches and wizards to let their imaginations soar.

Beyond its wizarding aesthetics, Bray Farm Park offers practical amenities, including climbing nets, bench seating, slides, rubbish bins, and a concrete path for bikes and scooters. Whether you’re a young aspiring Hogwarts student or a nostalgic fan, this park provides a wonderful way to revel in the magic of Harry Potter while waiting for the Forbidden Forest experience to open its gates.

Read: Bunya Park Sanctuary in Eatons Hill: A Lost Wildlife Haven

With Brisbane embracing the magic of Harry Potter, now’s the perfect time for fans to relive the wonder, whether through themed experiences or simply exploring the city’s own enchanted corners. So grab your wand and let the adventure begin!

Published 4-April-2025

Brendale Retail Centre Sold for $13.2M

Photo Credit: Real Commercial

A large-format retail centre, a bustling retail hub in Brendale, has been purchased by a private investor for $13.225 million, signalling strong financial interest in the region’s growth.

The property, located at 170 Kremzow Road, covers 3,455 square metres and sits on a 7,370 square metre site, providing 87 parking spaces. Built in 2021, the modern centre is fully leased to well-known national tenants, including Autobarn, Silly Solly’s, Pets Domain, and The Salvation Army.

This mix of businesses provides a varied shopping experience for the local community. The sale of the property, handled by JLL, represents the first large-format retail sale in Queensland for 2025.

According to JLL representatives, the sale attracted significant interest from private investors due to the scarcity of such opportunities in the large-format retail sector. The sale price and yield, reflecting a building rate of $3,827 per square metre and a passing yield of 6.14%, demonstrate the property’s advantageous location and strong tenant base. The investors were particularly drawn to the reliable income from national tenants with corporate leases and the benefits of annual increases and depreciation.

The retail centre’s location is considered a key factor in its appeal. It is situated approximately 25 kilometres north of Brisbane’s central business district and near the rapidly developing Caboolture West Priority Development Area.

This area is one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions and a significant economic hub. The strong sales result highlights the continued investor interest in well-located retail properties that offer secure income and exposure to growing populations, such as those of the Moreton Bay region.

The retail center provides valuable services to the Brendale community and surrounding areas. The continued investment in this area shows the region’s strong economic growth and the area’s ability to draw in national businesses that provide services to the community.

Published Date 01-April-2025

Murrumba Downs Grandmother Killed in Crash With Stolen Audi

Photo Credit: Rosemary Franzidis/Facebook

Murrumba Downs residents are reeling after a stolen car crash claimed the life of a 69-year-old grandmother, shaking the quiet Brisbane suburb to its core.

Grandmother Killed In Murrumba Downs Crash Involving Stolen Car

A fatal crash in Murrumba Downs has left a tight-knit community grieving after 69-year-old Rosemary Franzidis was killed when her car was hit by a stolen vehicle.

The incident happened on 7 November 2024, as Rosemary was driving home from church. A blue Audi, believed to have been stolen during a crime spree earlier that day, collided with her vehicle. A 16-year-old boy from Caboolture was allegedly behind the wheel.

What Happened

Police allege the Audi was taken from Griffin after an earlier car, a Holden Barina, was stolen from Northgate. The group also reportedly threatened a woman at gunpoint before the crash occurred. Rosemary died at the scene despite neighbours rushing to help.

Three people have been charged: the teen driver, a 21-year-old man from Annerley, and a 35-year-old woman from Caboolture. The boy faces manslaughter charges, while the adults face robbery and unlawful vehicle use charges.

A Family’s Strength

Rosemary’s husband, Jean-Paul Franzidis, said she would have wanted compassion, not anger. They had been married nearly 50 years and were planning a trip to Greece for her 70th birthday. He shared that Rosemary would have prayed for the teenager and others in difficult situations.

Community Support

Locals have expressed shock and sorrow, with many calling for improved community safety. A GoFundMe was set up to support the Franzidis family with funeral costs. An art exhibit, “The Joyous Art of Rosemary Franzidis,” will be held on her birthday in April 2025 to honour her life and creative spirit.

Published 31-March-2025

Anastacia Announces Australian Tour, Eatons Hill to Host Final Show

Photo Credit: TEG

American pop superstar Anastacia will return to Australia after a decade-long absence. She will conclude her “Not That Kind 25” world tour at Eatons Hill Hotel in Brisbane, giving local fans a chance to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her debut album.

The singer, known for hits such as “I’m Outta Love,” will perform a series of East Coast shows to mark 25 years since the release of her breakthrough album. The tour, which has seen her perform across Europe, will bring a night of nostalgia to Australian audiences. Anastacia has expressed excitement about returning to Australia, a place she loves.

Tour Details and Locations

Anastacia’s Australian tour begins at The Forum in Melbourne on September 24th, 2025. Following the Melbourne show, she will perform at the Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney on 26 September, and then at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on 27 September.

The final performance will be held at Eatons Hill Hotel in Brisbane on 29 September. The tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of her album “Not That Kind,” which, when it was first released in 2000, reached number 2 on the Australian ARIA album chart and number 1 on the ARIA Dance Album chart.

Anastacia’s Career and Achievements

Anastacia’s career began in 1999, and she quickly gained international recognition. She has sold over 30 million records worldwide and received numerous awards. Her 2023 album, “Our Songs,” succeeded significantly in Germany and the UK. The artist has collaborated with many well-known musicians, including Elton John, Celine Dion, and Pavarotti. Her recent European tour saw sold-out venues, and she is eager to share her show with Australian fans.

Health Challenges and Resilience

Throughout her career, Anastacia has faced several health challenges. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 13 and has also battled breast cancer twice. Additionally, she has a heart condition known as supraventricular tachycardia. In 2021, she won The Masked Singer Australia, and her courage and strength has been noted by many of her fans.

Ticket Information

Pre-sale tickets will be available through TEG Live from midday on Friday, 28 March. General public ticket sales will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 31 March.

Published Date 25-March-2025

Pine Rivers Grants Target Moreton Bay Homelessness Surge

Photo Credit: Pine Rivers Community Finance

Pine Rivers Community Finance Ltd (PRCF) has launched a special grant program to address the alarming 90 percent increase in homelessness in the Moreton Bay region over the past decade.

Funding to Support Vulnerable Residents

The PRCF initiative will distribute grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 to not-for-profit organisations working in Moreton Bay. The funds are designated to support projects that offer practical assistance, advocacy, and preventative measures for individuals facing homelessness, food insecurity, and those escaping domestic violence.

The organisation has identified a pressing need for community-led solutions, as demonstrated by the significant rise in homelessness recorded in the 2021 Census.

Eligibility and Project Priorities

Organisations eligible for the funding directly assist individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, provide food relief or emergency support, offer advocacy and education programs to prevent homelessness, and work with vulnerable populations to develop long-term solutions.

PRCF has indicated that projects focused on prevention, capacity building, and systemic change will receive priority. The organisation also encourages strategic partnerships between different community groups to maximise the impact of the grants.

Application Process and Timeline

The grant application process is by invitation only. Interested organisations must contact the PRCF Grants Officer to determine if their projects meet the funding criteria. The application period opens on March 17, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified in June 2025, with projects expected to commence in July 2025.

PRCF, which operates Community Bank Samford, is a public company with local shareholders. Its board of volunteer directors manages the business and community investments. Through this funding initiative, the organisation emphasises its dedication to supporting the most vulnerable members of the Moreton Bay community.

Published Date 24-March-2025

PrideFest Moreton Bay 2025 Brings Colour and Celebration to Strathpine

Strathpine is set to transform into a vibrant hub of colour, music, and celebration as PrideFest Moreton Bay 2025 is here for its third year.

Read: Eatons Hill Community Rallies with Coffee Fund for Essential Workers in Cyclone Recovery Efforts

Taking place on Saturday, June 14 at Pine Rivers Park, this event promises a day filled with live entertainment, community spirit, and inclusivity.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Photo credit: PrideFest Moreton Bay/Facebook

Leading the PrideFest Moreton Bay 2025 is none other than Natalie Bassingthwaighte, the powerhouse vocalist known for her work with Rogue Traders. She will take centre stage on the Ausbuild Main Stage, ensuring an electrifying performance for festival-goers. Joining her is Drag Race Down Under winner Lazy Susan, along with fellow contestant Freya Armani, bringing glamour and energy to the event.

Activities and Experiences

PrideFest is not just about entertainment—it’s a powerful statement of unity and acceptance. City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery emphasised the festival’s significance, calling it “more than just a festival” and a space for visibility and belonging. The event is designed to bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate diversity in a safe and welcoming environment.

The festivities kick off when gates open at 1:00 p.m, with entertainment running until 9:00 p.m. Beyond the main stage, the One Love Zone will offer interactive experiences, including a DJ, workshops, support stalls, and a silent disco. The event aims to engage and uplift the LGBTIQA+ community and its allies through a range of fun and meaningful activities.

Moreton Bay PrideFest has quickly become a must-attend event in the city’s calendar. According to Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism CEO Luke Edwards, festival-goers have praised it as one of the best Pride celebrations they have attended. He added that community feedback has helped shape the 2025 program, ensuring the festival continues to evolve and meet the needs of its attendees.

Read: Strathpine Aged Care Resident Bryan Doyle Honoured in Queensland Rail’s 130th Anniversary Edition

Get Your Tickets

With a stellar lineup and a variety of activities, Moreton Bay PrideFest is set to be an unmissable event. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, Strathpine will be the place to be on June 14. Tickets are available now, so be sure to secure your spot for a day of celebration, music, and pride.

Published 25-March-2025

Costly Termite Damage Found in Albany Creek Home: How to Protect Your Property

Homeowners in Brisbane are being urged to stay alert after a concerning termite infestation was discovered in an Albany Creek home. The case highlights the hidden danger of termites, which can cause significant structural damage before being detected.

Read: Native Beehive Worth $1000 Vanishes from Albany Creek Property

The infestation was found in a home’s garage, where termite activity had gone unnoticed. Upon inspection, termites were also discovered in the garage walls and skirting boards of the Albany Creek home, revealing the extent of the issue. Experts warn that these pests can be difficult to spot until visible signs, such as unusual markings or structural weaknesses, appear.

Photo for illustrative purpose only (Photo credit: Photo credit: Zoran Milosavljevic/Pexels)

Treating an infestation and installing a preventive system to protect a home from future termite attacks can be costly, often ranging between $3,000 and $5,000. However, the damage caused by termites can be far more expensive. Based on statistics, termite-related destruction in Australia is estimated to cost homeowners around $1.5 billion annually.

The risk of infestations increases during warm, humid conditions, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding. Recently, Queensland experienced severe weather due to Ex-Cyclone Alfred, creating ideal conditions for termites to thrive. Homes affected by water ingress are at even greater risk, making early detection and prevention crucial.

Preventing Termite Infestations at Home

Experts recommend two primary methods for protecting homes against termites: chemical barriers and in-ground baiting systems. Chemical barriers involve treating the soil around a home’s perimeter to create a protective zone, deterring termites from entering. In contrast, in-ground baiting systems use specially designed bait stations to attract and eliminate termite colonies.

Read: Bunya Park Sanctuary in Eatons Hill: A Lost Wildlife Haven

Regular inspections by professional pest controllers are also essential in detecting early signs of infestation before extensive damage occurs. Homeowners should also reduce moisture build-up around their property, repair leaks promptly, and avoid stacking wood or other organic materials near their homes, as these can attract termites.

With termite activity on the rise, homeowners are encouraged to take preventative measures to avoid costly damage and ensure their properties remain protected.

Published 24-March-2025