Craft Stall Initiative Strengthens Community Ties in Brendale

A handmade craft stall event will be held in Brendale this July, led by volunteers from The Nest Community and hosted at the Gladys Mary Studio.



Event Overview

The Nest Community will hold its next craft stall from 9 to 12 July in Brendale. The stall will take place at The Nest’s Gladys Mary Studio, located next to The Nest Haberdashery at The Sheds, 2A/264 South Pine Road. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

handmade craft Brendale
Photo Credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

Visitors can expect a wide range of handmade goods created using donated and reclaimed materials. Items on offer include hand-knitted babywear, crocheted handtowels, colourful cushions, sturdy tote bags, lavender bags, and more. Proceeds from the stall support women’s mentoring and programs run through the Textile Recovery Centre.

Background and Community Roots

The Nest Community began in 2012 as a small Saturday craft group for teenage girls in Fallon Cottage. Founders Roz Fenson and Jodie Behn noticed the therapeutic and social benefits of shared creative work, which led to the formal founding of The Nest Community in 2014.

From 2015 to 2023, the group operated from a heritage home in Everton Park, eventually gaining charity status and broader community support. Donations of textiles, often from deceased estates, shaped the development of The Nest Haberdashery as a social enterprise. By 2023, increased demand led to the group relocating operations to a larger facility in Brendale.

Brendale craft stall
Photo Credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

The new location offers greater accessibility and storage capacity, supporting a higher volume of activity. More than 500 women now access the Brendale site weekly as customers, volunteers, or program participants.

Craft With Purpose

The upcoming craft stall is part of The Nest’s broader mission to support community programs like the Exchange Project, which mentors teenage girls through skill-sharing in a safe and inclusive environment. The event is coordinated by a team of experienced volunteers, many of whom have been involved since the organisation’s earlier days.

The Nest Community
Photo Credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

Future Events

Another craft stall is scheduled to run from 27 to 30 November at the same Brendale location, offering additional opportunities to support the initiative.

What’s Next



The Nest’s Brendale craft stall continues to serve as a platform for sustainable craft, volunteer collaboration, and funding for social impact programs. It reflects a growing demand for community-driven markets with a purpose beyond commerce.

Published 29-May-2025

Brendale Industrial Land Snapped Up by Toyota Dealership Affiliates

A prime 4.93-hectare industrial site in Brendale, Brisbane’s north, has been purchased for $23 million by an entity connected to the Scifleet family, well-known for their numerous Toyota dealerships across south-east Queensland.



Toyota
Photo Credit: Real Commercial

The undeveloped industrial tract, located at 181 South Pine Road, sold for $466 per square metre. This price point stands in contrast to the cost of comparable developed and bench-marked blocks in the Brendale area, which typically fetch around $950 per square metre.

Cushman Wakefield’s Morgan Ruig, who marketed the property alongside Mitch Taulelei and Myles Fredericksen, highlighted that Brendale is recognised as one of Brisbane’s most sought-after industrial areas, with almost no vacant land remaining.

Toyota
Photo Credit: Real Commercial

The scarcity of available land in Brendale is expected to push property values higher. The market for industrial sites in the area is tightly held, reflecting strong demand. This particular sale attracted considerable interest, with ten offers received following an off-market expressions of interest campaign.



Situated approximately 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district, Brendale offers a strategic location for industrial operations. The recent acquisition by the Scifleet-associated entity further underscores the area’s appeal and its increasing significance within Brisbane’s industrial landscape.

Published Date 28-May-2025

Albany Creek Students to Compete in Redcliffe Show Music Battle

Albany Creek State High School students are set to perform at the Redcliffe Show as part of a regional school band event featuring multiple local schools.



Event Overview

A student band showcase will be held during the Redcliffe Show, featuring musical performances from Albany Creek State High School and four other schools. Performances are scheduled at the Stage Precinct on Friday, 27 June, with bands appearing throughout the day under a structured program.

Albany Creek’s Stage Band will open the event at 9:30 a.m., followed by performances from Redcliffe State High School, Southern Cross Catholic College, Humpybong State School, and Scarborough State School.

Performance Schedule and Structure

The event, “Battle of the School Bands,” will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Each ensemble will receive feedback from an adjudicator to support students in gaining live performance experience and developing musical skills. 

Redcliffe State High School will present three ensembles: the Senior Stage Band, Junior Stage Band, and Symphonic Wind Band. Scarborough and Humpybong schools will also perform together in a combined string ensemble.

Albany Creek’s Participation

Albany Creek State High School will be represented by its Stage Band, set to perform as the first act of the day. Their participation supports efforts to connect students with the local community through music and live events.

Albany Creek SHS band
Photo Credit: Albany Creek SHS/Facebook

Venue and Entry Details

The Redcliffe Show will take place at the Redcliffe Showgrounds on Scarborough Road from 27 to 29 June. Friday and Saturday events will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Sunday concluding at 4:00 p.m. Entry prices vary by age and ticketing method. Tickets are available online or at the gate, with additional charges applying to online and EFTPOS purchases.

Broader Program



In addition to the school band performances on Friday, the Stage Precinct will host a range of community acts over the weekend. Saturday’s schedule includes musical theatre and ukulele performances, while Sunday will feature dance, martial arts, a children’s fitness session, and additional music groups.

Published 28-May-2025

Young Man In Hospital After Serious Workplace Incident In Strathpine

A 22-year-old man has been left with life-threatening injuries after a serious workplace accident in Strathpine, sending shock through the local business community.



What Happened On Site

The incident occurred just before 1:30 pm on Friday at a commercial loading dock on Gympie Road, where a young man was reportedly injured while unloading a truck. Emergency services arrived to find him with life-threatening chest injuries. Early reports suggest he may have been caught or struck during the job. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

He was treated at the scene and rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition. The Gympie Road business has not been named, and it’s unclear if operations have paused, though no other injuries were reported.

Authorities Respond To Serious Injuries

Paramedics arrived within minutes of the triple-zero call, finding the man in a critical state and working quickly to stabilise him. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening chest injuries but was later listed as stable. 

Police supported emergency crews at the scene while managing the area. Workplace Health and Safety officers launched an investigation and visited the site later that day to begin their review.

Investigation Now Underway

Police and workplace investigators are examining what safety procedures were in place at the time of the incident. Investigators will be looking into whether proper safety practices were followed and whether the truck unloading area met the required regulations.

While no official cause has been confirmed, authorities have not ruled out mechanical issues or potential human error. The outcome of the investigation may take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of witness statements required.

Community Reaction And Workplace Safety

The incident has caused concern in the Strathpine community, where many locals work in industrial and logistics jobs. Residents were shocked, pointing to the area’s strong ties to warehousing and delivery businesses. 



Regulators continue to focus on safety at loading docks, particularly in busy commercial zones. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has urged businesses to follow proper procedures and ensure workers are trained around heavy machinery.

Published 26-May-2025

Gwen Bell of The Nest Community Recognised for Excellence in Volunteer Management

Gwen Bell, the driving force behind The Nest Community’s volunteer program, was recognised as a finalist for the Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award at the 10th Annual Queensland Volunteering Awards, held at Brisbane City Hall on Friday, 16 May.


Read: Albany Creek Leukaemia Group Recognises Three Dedicated Volunteers with Life Membership


The ceremony celebrated the remarkable efforts of Queensland’s volunteers—those creating change on the front lines and those supporting vital work behind the scenes. The Queensland Excellence in Volunteer Management Award recognises outstanding leadership in coordinating and supporting volunteers, and Gwen’s work with The Nest Community is a powerful example of just that.

Photo credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

Starting as a volunteer herself, Gwen is now the organisation’s Administration Manager, and the driving force behind one of Queensland’s most effective and inclusive volunteer programs. She oversees a team of over 120 volunteers, managing every aspect of the program—recruitment, onboarding, training, rostering, and policy development—with a hands-on approach and a heart for community.

Photo credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

The Nest, located at The Sheds in Brendale, has grown from a home-based initiative to a purpose-built 250-square-metre facility, now welcoming 25,000 visits annually under Gwen’s leadership. She played a pivotal role in coordinating this major transition, while also supporting 60–70 volunteers each week across key community programs including the Haberdashery, Resource Recovery, and Workshops.

Gwen’s management style is grounded in clear communication, continuous learning, and meaningful recognition. Volunteers regularly describe her as a “powerhouse,” a “gem,” and a “consummate professional”—a leader who makes everyone feel valued. From thoughtful monthly newsletters to streamlined systems and an approachable style, Gwen has created a volunteer environment that thrives on connection and purpose.

Currently completing a Certificate IV in Volunteer Program Coordination, Gwen continues to grow her skill set while inspiring those around her. Her contributions have earned high commendation from Volunteering Queensland, positioning The Nest as a model for best-practice volunteer engagement.


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


While Cindel Richardson was named this year’s award recipient, and fellow finalist Kathryn Pearson also represents exceptional leadership in volunteer management, Gwen Bell’s impact is undeniable. Her work is not only shaping The Nest’s future—it’s setting a standard for what inclusive, community-driven volunteer coordination can look like.

Through every system she builds and every volunteer she supports, Gwen Bell is helping to weave a stronger, more connected Queensland.

Published 22-May-2025

Strathpine Prepares for Major LGBTIQA+ Celebration with PrideFest in June

Moreton Bay PrideFest will bring a vibrant celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community to Strathpine, featuring a star-studded line-up of performers and community activities.



Event Details and Timing

The much-anticipated event is scheduled to take place at Pine Rivers Park in Strathpine on Saturday, 14 June 2025. Community members can join the festivities from 1:00 p.m. through to 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the celebration are currently available for purchase.

Stellar Entertainment Program

PrideFest
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

Attendees can look forward to an exciting entertainment program headlined by powerhouse Australian performer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, who will take to the Ausbuild Main Stage. The stage will also showcase the talents of Drag Race Down Under Season 4 stars, including winner Lazy Susan, Mandy Moobs, and Freya Armani.

The entertainment continues with dazzling burlesque shows by Kim Schotte, Magnolia Knife, and Fortuna Maxima. Jaw-dropping drag performances are also on the agenda, featuring All Stars Lulu Lemans, Kora Kurvachious (also referred to as Kora Kurvacious in one source), Helen Wheels, and Luna Thicc. Keeping the energy high, the Moreton Bay Pride Dancers will perform, and DJs Harry K, DJ DC Davide, and DJ Raul will be spinning beats throughout the day. Live music vibes will be delivered by The Geminiis (or The Geminiis Live), Garret Lyon, and James Alexander featuring Penelope.

Community Spirit and Purpose

PrideFest
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay PrideFest aims to make the Moreton Bay area a happier, healthier, safer, and more culturally rich and diverse place for the LGBTIQA+ community.

The event is designed to empower current and future generations to be their true selves and feel accepted and proud, regardless of gender identity or sexuality. Adding to the community focus, a One Love Zone will feature various community and service organisations. The festival promises an atmosphere of love, diversity, delicious food, and plenty of glitter for all who attend.



Organisers and Support

Moreton Bay PrideFest is presented by City of Moreton Bay and is delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism. These organisations are working together to bring this significant community event to life.

Published Date 06-May-2025

Strathpine Clinic Offers Lifeline for Elders with Culturally Safe Ageing Care

A new health clinic in Strathpine is helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders stay healthier for longer, with access to specialist ageing care that puts cultural respect at its centre.



Culturally Safe Health Services Come to the Northside

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healthy Ageing Clinic (HAC) now runs weekly in Strathpine and Caboolture, alternating Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is a partnership between Metro North Health and MATSICHS, supported by the Queensland Dementia and Frailty Network.

Strathpine’s clinic helps close long-standing health gaps for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by offering specialist geriatric care in a trusted, culturally safe setting.

The clinic supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, as well as their immediate family members, promoting community and family wellbeing.

A Focus on Ageing, Frailty and Dementia

The clinic helps Elders manage ageing-related health issues with assessments for memory, mobility, fall risks, and medication use.

Dementia care is a key focus, along with support for age-related frailty and disability. Geriatric specialists deliver care in a culturally safe setting where patients feel respected and understood.

Community-Led and Clinically Backed

Metro North Health, through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team, has played a guiding role in setting up the clinics. Their work with MATSICHS ensures services are not only clinically sound but also embedded in community values and trust.

While many mainstream services fail to reach older Indigenous patients in ways that feel safe or welcoming, this model aims to change that. Staff at the clinic work closely with patients to offer care that reflects both medical needs and cultural identity.

How to Access the Clinic

To attend the clinic, patients need a GP referral to Metro North’s Geriatric Service. It runs Tuesdays, alternating between MATSICHS Caboolture and Strathpine.



The Strathpine site is located at 496–498 Gympie Road, and the Caboolture site is at 5 James Street. For those seeking more information, the Caboolture Satellite Hospital can be contacted on (07) 3049 9755.

Published 6-May-2025

Strathpine Athletes Help Queensland Sweep National Athletics Titles

Strathpine athletes played a key role in Queensland’s dominant performance at the Australian Little Athletics Championships held in Adelaide from 26 to 27 April. 



Strathpine Athletes Contribute to Queensland’s National Sweep

Three athletes from Strathpine Little Athletics Centre were part of the Queensland team at the 2025 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships, with two delivering podium finishes and one ruled out due to injury.

Brock Miller and Tiarni Bitossi returned with multiple medals, while Ned Amorsen was unable to compete despite being selected.

Brock Miller Adds Gold and Bronze to Queensland’s Tally

Brock Miller took bronze in the Under 15 Combined Events Heptathlon, where he recorded personal bests in five of the seven events: 100m hurdles, 100m, 800m, long jump, and high jump. He significantly improved his discus mark, extending it from 41.24m to 50.50m.

Miller contributed to Queensland’s victory in the Under 15 4x100m mixed relay, which was completed in 47.44 seconds. He was part of the group that earned Queensland the Life Members Trophy, which recognises the top-scoring team in the U15 Combined Events.

Tiarni Bitossi Earns Double Silver in National Debut

Strathpine Little Athletics
Photo Credit: Strathpine Spitfires Little Athletics Centre/Facebook

In her first year of competition, Tiarni Bitossi claimed two silver medals. She placed second in the Under 15 Girls 300m hurdles with a time of 46.24 seconds and also ran in the Under 15 Girls 4x100m relay team, which clocked 50.81 seconds to secure silver.

Amorsen Withdraws Due to Injury

Strathpine’s Ned Amorsen was selected to represent Queensland in the Under 15 Boys category but withdrew ahead of the championships due to a pre-existing injury sustained earlier in the year.

Queensland’s Strong National Standing

Queensland achieved a standout overall result at the championships, taking out four national team titles:

  • Under 15 Combined: Champions
  • Under 15 Individuals: Champions
  • Under 14: Champions
  • Under 13 Adjusted: Champions
  • Under 13 Overall Points: 2nd Place


The performances from athletes such as Miller and Bitossi were instrumental in Queensland’s multi-category success.

Published 6-May-2025

Lee Kernaghan Announces Eatons Hill Show for Final ‘Boys From The Bush’ Tour

Australian country music favourite Lee Kernaghan will bring the concluding run of his famous Boys From The Bush concert tour to Eatons Hill. The event will celebrate decades of music and mark ten years since the release of his significant Spirit of the Anzacs album.



Eatons Hill Concert Details

Following sell-out shows during his 2024 run, Kernaghan has added a performance at the Eatons Hill Hotel’s Grand Ballroom scheduled for Saturday, 25 October 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm. Tickets for the Eatons Hill concert are available from $59.

The show promises to be a major production, described as his biggest touring show yet, and will feature special guests Robby Kernaghan, Tori Darke, and Matt Cornell supporting the main act.

Final Tour Chapter Across Australia

This concert is part of Kernaghan’s extensive 40-date national tour, promoted as ‘Boys from the Bush: The Final Chapter’. The singer indicated the show is being revamped and amplified for this farewell run. He explained that the setlist will draw from his decades-long career, including rarely performed tracks like ‘Electric Rodeo’ alongside major hits.

Kernaghan noted that fan requests submitted via social media have helped shape the song selection. He aimed to include tracks that resonate deeply with his audience, even if they weren’t radio singles. He emphasised his passion for writing about Australian life and people, stating that many audience members connect strongly because they have lived the stories in his songs, which keeps them returning.

He also observed how fans who attended his shows in the 1990s now bring their children and grandchildren, creating a multi-generational connection through his music.

Spirit Of The Anzacs Milestone

2025 holds further significance as it marks the tenth anniversary of Kernaghan’s landmark album, Spirit of the Anzacs. He recalled the powerful inspiration for the title track came during a visit to the Australian War Memorial, specifically citing the inscription “He is all of them, and he is one of us” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the genesis for the song.

Kernaghan described the songwriting process for the album, which drew heavily from letters, diaries, and recollections in the War Memorial archives, as happening very organically. He stated he could almost hear the music while reading the soldiers’ words. The album involved numerous collaborators, including Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, and Sheppard, who Kernaghan noted all donated their time and talents.

He stressed that all proceeds from the song went directly to support service personnel through groups like Legacy and Soldier On, making the song truly belong to Australia. He expressed satisfaction that the song continues to be performed at school assemblies and memorial services on ANZAC Day.



Enduring Career and New Music

Lee Kernaghan’s career spans over three decades, during which he developed a unique style blending traditional country themes with contemporary Australian experiences, particularly those from regional areas. His live shows are known for combining arena-rock energy with country music’s heartfelt storytelling.

His influence is widely recognised, with 13 chart-topping albums, 40 number one singles, 38 Golden Guitar awards, and 4 ARIAs. His contribution to communities, especially during times of drought, fire, and flood, led to him being named Australian Of The Year in 2008.

Kernaghan mentioned his early musical influences included outlaw country artists like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. While the ‘Boys From The Bush’ tour era is concluding, he confirmed he is actively working on a new album and hopes to release new music soon, aiming for songs that he can be proud of and that will endure over time.

Published Date 28-April-2025

Eatons Hill Welcomes The Fray for 20th Anniversary Tour

The Fray will bring their sold-out ‘How to Save a Life’ 20th anniversary tour to Eatons Hill Hotel on Friday, 5 December 2025, performing in the standing-only Grand Ballroom.



The Fray’s Return to Eatons Hill

American pop rock band The Fray will visit Eatons Hill Hotel on 5 December as part of their 20th anniversary tour celebrating the release of “How to Save a Life”. The Eatons Hill event has sold out, with no further allocations available to the public.

The Fray Eatons Hill
Photo Credit: The Fray/Instagram

‘How to Save a Life’ and Global Success

Formed in Denver, Colorado in 2002, The Fray rose to international fame with the 2005 release of “How to Save a Life”. The album, which achieved quadruple Platinum certification in the United States and Platinum status in Australia, featured hit singles such as “Over My Head (Cable Car)” and the title track “How to Save a Life”. The album’s success propelled the band to global recognition, including four Grammy nominations and multiple Billboard Music Awards.

Eatons Hill Show Details

Presented by TEG MJR, The Fray’s Eatons Hill Hotel performance will be a standing-only, 18+ event held in the Grand Ballroom. Fans attending can expect a setlist featuring major tracks from “How to Save a Life”, alongside fan favourites such as “You Found Me”, “Never Say Never”, and a cover of The Cranberries’ “Dreams”. The concert may close with the signature song “How to Save a Life”.

The Fray tour
Photo Credit: The Fray/Instagram

Due to strong pre-sale demand, the general public ticket allocation for Eatons Hill has been exhausted, with resale options available through the Ticketek Marketplace.

Expansion of Australian Tour

Following overwhelming ticket demand, The Fray added additional shows in Melbourne and Sydney to the Australian leg of the anniversary tour. Originally scheduled for Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, the updated schedule now includes two performances each in Sydney and Melbourne. The Eatons Hill Hotel show remains the sole Queensland stop.

The Fray comeback tour
Photo Credit: The Fray/Instagram

Community Interest in Eatons Hill

Interest in the Eatons Hill event reflects the band’s enduring fanbase in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, including Albany Creek and surrounding areas. With general allocation exhausted, local excitement has increased around the upcoming performance.

Future Prospects



The Fray’s 2025 Australian tour forms part of their broader international return following the release of their 2024 EP, The Fray Is Back. With Joe King now leading vocals, the band continues to tour and perform new material alongside career-defining hits.

Published 28-Apr-2025