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Bridgeman Downs Local Joins Cast of Acclaimed Musical ‘Parade’

Bridgeman Downs performer Lucy Ross has been cast in the Brisbane season of “Parade,” a Tony Award-winning musical opening at the Ron Hurley Theatre in Seven Hills.

Lucy Ross Represents Bridgeman Downs in Acclaimed Musical

Lucy Ross, a music theatre graduate and performer based in Bridgeman Downs, will appear as Monteen in the Queensland debut of “Parade.” The production, staged by Bump In Productions, officially opens to the public on 19 July at the Ron Hurley Theatre, with a special preview on 18 July presented as a dental industry event.

Ms Ross, who studied at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, has built a career across major stage works including “Heathers,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Firebringer,” and “We Will Rock You.” Alongside performing, she works as a vocal coach and emerging music director, with credits including “The Wizard of Oz” and “Seussical.”

Professional Ensemble Assembles Across Brisbane

The “Parade” cast includes professional actors from a wide range of suburbs such as Bulimba, West End, Woolloongabba, and Slacks Creek. Ms Ross is one of several northside locals involved in the production, which also features performers from Robina, Redland Bay, and the Sunshine Coast.

Director Johnny Peek (Cleveland), musical director Michael Keen (Wynnum), and choreographer Maureen Bowra (Taigum) lead the creative team, with design contributions from David Lawrence and Kate Campbell-Westerway.

*Photo Credit: Bump In Productions/Instagram*

Musical Recounts Real-World Events

“Parade,” written by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry, is based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager wrongfully convicted of murder in Georgia, USA, in 1913. The case, which triggered national attention and social division, forms the basis of a musical known for its emotional score and social relevance.

The production has won multiple awards, including the Tony for Best Score and Best Book in 1999, and Best Revival in 2023. It is presented in Brisbane by not-for-profit company Bump In Productions, which specialises in lesser-known musical works and independent professional casting.

Bridgeman Downs performer — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Performance Schedule and Bookings

The season runs from 19 July to 3 August at the Ron Hurley Theatre in Seven Hills, with a special preview performance scheduled for 18 July from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. as part of a dental industry event. Performances run Thursday to Sunday each week. Tickets are priced between $49.00 and $69.00 and are available through trybooking.com.

Published 7-June-2025

Community Parks in Albany Creek and Brendale Get Major Upgrades

Bleakley Park in Albany Creek is getting a major upgrade as the Moreton Bay Regional Council adds a new dog off-leash area and several improvements to help locals and their pets enjoy the outdoors.

Big Changes Coming for Albany Creek

Bleakley Park is set to receive an 830-square-metre dog off-leash area with pathways, seating, shade, water bubblers, signs and bins. The upgrade is part of a wider plan to improve parks across the region and give locals more space to gather and relax.

Already popular for its playground, picnic tables and outdoor gym, the park sits near Sandy Creek in a quiet, leafy area. The new dog zone will provide a safe space for pets without changing how the rest of the park is used.

Nearby Suburbs to Benefit Too

Alongside Bleakley Park, Brendale Street Park is also set to get a fenced dog off-leash area with similar features like gates, water stations, paths and shaded seating. Landscaping will help make the Brendale space greener and more inviting.

The two parks are only a few kilometres apart, giving nearby suburbs more shared outdoor options. These improvements will strengthen their role as gathering spots for local families and pet owners.

Part of a Larger Plan

The upgrades at Bleakley and Brendale parks are part of a broader push to improve how locals use outdoor spaces. Council works also include footpath upgrades and a new shade sail at John Leitch Memorial Park.

These changes aim to make parks more comfortable, safer and better suited for everyday use. Feedback shows locals want more spots to walk dogs, stay active and catch up with friends. By adding simple, useful features, the council hopes to create spaces people will actually use.

Easy Access for Residents

Bleakley Park sits at 34 Old Northern Road and is easy to reach by car or on foot. It connects well to nearby paths, making it handy for locals out walking or visiting with kids and pets. The upgrades will make it more comfortable and better suited for everyday use.

Brendale Street Park is getting similar improvements, just a short distance away. Together, the two parks are set to become key community spots for wellbeing and outdoor fun.

Published 6-June-2025

Sebastian Bach to Perform Skid Row Album Live in Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: Sebastian Bach/Instagram

Eatons Hill will feature as the Queensland stop for Sebastian Bach’s upcoming tour, where he will perform Skid Row’s debut album in full for the first time on Australian soil.

Tour Overview

Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach is set to return to Australian stages in November 2025, performing the band’s 1989 self-titled debut album in its entirety. As part of a five-city national tour, Mr Bach will appear at Eatons Hill Hotel on Saturday, 29 November.

The show will mark the first time Australian audiences experience the full album live, including tracks such as “Youth Gone Wild”, “18 and Life”, “Big Guns”, and “I Remember You”. The Eatons Hill performance will also include encore songs drawn from Mr Bach’s solo career and Skid Row’s later releases.

Sebastian Bach Eatons Hill — *Photo Credit: Sebastian Bach/Instagram*

Background and Rescheduled Plans

This tour acts as a delayed celebration of the 31st anniversary of the album, originally planned for 2020 but cancelled due to the global pandemic. The 2025 tour now commemorates the 36th anniversary of Skid Row’s breakthrough release, bringing it back to Australian venues five years later than initially intended.

Mr Bach, who fronted Skid Row from 1987 to 1996, helped propel the band’s early albums to multi-platinum status. He was born in the Bahamas, raised in Ontario, and continues to tour globally as a solo artist.

Reception and Set Expectations

Mr Bach’s recent performances of the Skid Row album have been met with strong reviews internationally. Media outlets have highlighted his vocal consistency and stage presence, with reviewers noting the shows’ high energy and close replication of the original recordings. The Eatons Hill concert is presented by DRW Entertainment and Metropolis Touring.

Ticket Details

Pre-sale access for tickets opened on Wednesday, 4 June at 11 a.m. local time and concluded at 10 a.m. the following day. General public sales commenced on Thursday, 5 June at 11 a.m. Tickets are available via Ticketek.

*Photo Credit: Sebastian Bach/Instagram*

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Looking Ahead

The Eatons Hill appearance forms part of a broader national tour that also includes stops in Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Each performance is expected to deliver a complete showcase of one of hard rock’s defining records, led by the voice that brought it global attention.

Published 6-June-2025

University Study Hub Launches in Strathpine

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A new University Study Hub has opened in Strathpine, providing local students with dedicated learning facilities and support services closer to home.

Suburban Education Access Expands in Strathpine

Strathpine is now home to Queensland’s first Suburban University Study Hub, part of a national initiative designed to increase tertiary education access for students in outer metropolitan areas.

Located on Gympie Road, the hub supports students enrolled in university or TAFE by offering a study environment within their local community. The project is one of 15 new hubs opening in 2025 across 17 outer metro locations.

Addressing the Participation Gap

National data shows that while nearly half of Australians aged in their 20s and 30s hold a university degree, outer suburbs like Strathpine have significantly lower participation—around 15 per cent. The new hub aims to help bridge this gap by removing practical barriers to study.

The hub provides workstations, quiet rooms, meeting areas with video conferencing, high-speed internet, and academic support services including tutoring and mentoring. Staffed access is available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with extended unstaffed access from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

Strathpine University Study Hub — *Photo Credit: JasonClarkeMP/Facebook*

First Local Student Registers

The first student to register, a Bachelor of Science candidate named Robert, shared that the facility offers a safe and supportive study space for those without access to reliable equipment or quiet areas at home. He highlighted the benefit of being able to study locally without needing to commute.

First student of the study hub — *Photo Credit: Aus Gov Department of Education/Facebook*

National Strategy and Local Impact

The Strathpine hub is part of the Federal Government’s $66.9 million plan to expand University Study Hubs from 34 to 69 sites nationally. The local site is expected to support up to 80 students in its first year and up to 200 within two years.

Operated by The BUSY Group, the same organisation will also establish a second site in Beenleigh later in 2025.

Looking Ahead

With facilities now operational, the Strathpine University Study Hub is positioned to increase participation in tertiary education across Moreton Bay and north Brisbane. The Department of Education continues to monitor outcomes as part of its broader access and equity agenda.

Published 31-May-2025

Hanos Car Care: A 30-Year Local Legacy in Albany Creek

In Albany Creek, one family-run business has quietly earned a reputation as a pillar of trust, quality, and community spirit. For three decades, Hanos Car Care has been more than just a place to service your vehicle—it’s been a constant presence in the lives of local families, providing genuine care and reliable expertise.

Read: Brendale Industrial Land Snapped Up by Toyota Dealership Affiliates

Established in 1995, Hanos began as a modest operation at the corner of Ferguson Street and Albany Creek Road. It quickly became known for its personal touch and competitive prices—traits that set it apart in an industry often dominated by impersonal dealership chains. The business grew, not just from its skilled servicing and repairs, but from the connections it fostered with its customers.

When the lease on the original site ended in 2004, rather than lose the momentum they had built, the Hanifin family made the pivotal decision to invest in their future by securing a new location in nearby Everton Park. That bold move marked the beginning of a new era for Hanos Car Care, allowing it to expand while staying true to its community-focused values.

Today, Hanos is still proudly run by the Hanifin family, who live locally and remain deeply embedded in the Albany Creek community. Their commitment to consistency—offering great service at fair prices—has seen generations of customers return time and again, many of whom have supported the business from the very beginning.

Recognition hasn’t gone unnoticed either. Hanos Car Care has been celebrated in local business awards and inducted into the council’s Hall of Fame—testaments to its lasting impact and outstanding customer service.

What truly sets Hanos apart, however, is its family ethos. From the friendly faces at the front desk to the expertly trained mechanics in the workshop, there’s a shared pride in the work they do and the relationships they’ve built. It’s a place where people know your name, where service feels personal, and where commitment to the community runs deep.

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

Now operating from two locations, Hanos Car Care continues to thrive while staying rooted in its founding values. As Albany Creek grows and changes, Hanos remains a constant—trusted by locals, cherished by families, and driven by a passion for helping people get back on the road with confidence.

For those yet to discover it, Hanos Car Care isn’t just a workshop—it’s a local legacy.

Published 29-May-2025

Craft Stall Initiative Strengthens Community Ties in Brendale

Photo Credit: The Nest Community/Facebook

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.

*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

Photo Credit: Real Commercial

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.

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

Photo Credit: Albany Creek SHS/Facebook

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.

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.

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