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Meet Local Emergency Services at Eatons Hill Community Open Day

Queensland Ambulance Service will host a Community Open Day at Eatons Hill Ambulance Station on Saturday 11 October. The event runs from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the station on Apex Grove, Eatons Hill.

Read: Kumbartcho Sanctuary Preserves History And Community Spirit In Eatons Hill

The open day will bring together local paramedics, firefighters, Queensland Police Service officers and State Emergency Service volunteers. Residents will be able to speak with staff and learn more about the work of local emergency services.

According to organisers, the event will include giveaways and community activities designed to engage families and encourage locals to visit the station. Families are welcome to attend and can expect a range of things to see and do. Parking is available in the station carpark.

The Albany Creek Lions Club will be running a sausage sizzle as a fundraiser during the open day. The Lions organisation works to empower its clubs, volunteers, and partners to promote health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and assist people in need through humanitarian projects and grants that make a global difference.

Residents are invited to call in between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to connect with local emergency workers in a relaxed setting. The event provides a straightforward opportunity to meet crews and ask questions about their work and local services. For many, it’s a simple way to show thanks and learn more about the services that keep Eatons Hill and nearby suburbs safe.

Read: A Career of Commitment: Senior Sergeant Jeff Lansdown Retires After 37 Years

Event details
When: Saturday 11 October, 11:00am–2:00pm
Where: Eatons Hill Ambulance Station, Apex Grove, Eatons Hill
Sausage sizzle fundraiser: Albany Creek Lions Club
Parking: Available in the station carpark

Published 9-October-2025

Albany Creek Hosts Australia’s First Grief Karaoke Event

On 1 November, Albany Creek Memorial Park will host Australia’s first Grief Karaoke, an event inviting people to sing the songs that help them process loss and remember loved ones in a shared and supportive space.

Read: Kumbartcho Sanctuary Preserves History And Community Spirit In Eatons Hill

Running from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Grief Karaoke: Grief & Good Vibes offers participants a chance to sing in memory of someone or something they have lost, whether that be a person, a pet, a relationship, or even a dream. Organisers describe the event as a way to blend karaoke with emotional expression, creating a community space where people can connect through music.

Photo credit: Facebook/Big Love Ceremonies

The initiative comes from Big Love Ceremonies, led by Jo, a Brisbane-based celebrant and grief counsellor with more than 15 years of experience supporting families through times of loss. “Grief can be isolating,” Jo explained. “People often don’t know how to talk about it, and our society isn’t always great at making space for those feelings. Grief Karaoke helps turn that around, it connects rather than separates.”

While karaoke in a cemetery might sound unusual, the concept draws from deeper traditions. Long before Halloween became about costumes and lollies, it marked Samhain, an ancient Celtic time of remembrance for those who had passed. By holding the event during the Halloween weekend, participants are invited to reflect and reconnect with that older meaning of remembrance.

Guests will be welcomed with a drink on arrival and light refreshments, included in the $25 ticket price. Proceeds will go to Ambulance Wish Queensland, a local charity that grants final wishes for terminally ill Queenslanders, helping them experience something meaningful in their final days. The program, run through Palliative Care Queensland, has fulfilled hundreds of wishes, including beach trips and family gatherings.

Organisers describe the evening as relaxed and supportive, guided by the theme “connection, not perfection.” Participants can sing, listen, or simply be present. The goal, they say, is to create a space where grief can be voiced rather than hidden.

Read: Find Your Inner Peace with New Classes in Albany Creek

They hope the event will offer a meaningful and unconventional way to mark the season, inviting anyone who finds comfort in music to join and share songs that hold special meaning.

Event details:
What: Grief Karaoke – Grief & Good Vibes
When: Saturday, 1 November, 6–8pm
Where: Albany Creek Memorial Park
Tickets: $25 (includes drink and nibbles)
Proceeds: Fundraiser for Ambulance Wish Queensland
Bookings: events.humanitix.com/grief-karaoke

Published 8-October-2025

Unitywater Relining Works Improve Wastewater System in Eatons Hill

Unitywater has relined wastewater pipes in Eatons Hill as part of a major program to improve wastewater systems, reduce odour, and prevent overflows across South East Queensland.

Background and Context

Over two years, Unitywater has renewed 53 kilometres of wastewater pipelines and 317 maintenance holes across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. The work forms part of a $400 million replacements and renewals program spanning five years.

Within the Moreton Bay region, 26 kilometres of pipes—roughly the distance between Morayfield and Redcliffe—have been relined, with 91 maintenance holes renewed.

Eatons Hill’s section included 29.8 metres of relined wastewater pipe, while nearby Deception Bay saw 74.3 metres completed.

Eatons Hill wastewater relining — *Photo Credit: Unitywater*

How the Relining Works

Instead of replacing ageing pipelines through excavation, Unitywater crews are relining existing pipes using trenchless technology. The process involves spiral PVC lining and a cured-in-place polymer UV liner, which seals the inner surface of pipes without digging.

This approach is more cost-efficient, reduces traffic and noise disruptions, and limits emissions compared to full pipe replacement.

Preventing Corrosion and Overflows

Hydrogen sulphide, a gas produced naturally within wastewater, can cause corrosion over time. The relining program addresses this by reinforcing internal pipe surfaces and renewing affected maintenance holes.

Unitywater’s proactive network management uses CCTV inspections, jet blasting, and tree root removal to detect and resolve issues early. Some maintenance holes are also elevated to prevent stormwater infiltration during heavy rainfall.

Keeping stormwater and wastewater separate reduces the risk of overflows into private properties or the environment.

Benefits for Eatons Hill and the Region

The program helps improve reliability and efficiency while minimising disruption to local residents. By extending the lifespan of existing infrastructure, Unitywater reduces future repair costs and supports environmental protection in Eatons Hill and surrounding areas.

Ongoing Investment

These works are part of Unitywater’s broader $2 billion investment over five years to enhance water and wastewater services for more than 800,000 residents across South East Queensland. The organisation plans to continue its renewal projects to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable service delivery.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Anastacia’s Eatons Hill Concert Ends With Heartfelt Tribute To BeBe Gunn

Photo Credit: Anastacia/Instagram

Anastacia’s concert at Eatons Hill Hotel became a highlight of her Australian tour when the singer acknowledged Brisbane drag performer BeBe Gunn during her final east-coast show.

Background and Tour Context

Anastacia returned to Australia in 2025 to celebrate 25 years since the release of her debut album Not That Kind. The Not That Kind 25 tour featured shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Her Brisbane performance on 29 September 2025 at Eatons Hill Hotel concluded the tour’s east-coast run, featuring the pop star’s well-known hits, including I’m Outta Love.

BeBe Gunn’s Connection to the Music

Brisbane drag artist BeBe Gunn attended the Eatons Hill concert in full drag and later described the night as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career. She has long performed Anastacia’s songs, forming a strong personal connection with the artist’s music.

BeBe Gunn recalled growing up in a single-parent household where Anastacia’s cassette played daily on the way to school. Attending the show alongside her mother and sister allowed her to relive those early memories.

Recognition from the Stage

During the concert, Anastacia took a moment to recognise BeBe Gunn from the stage, thanking her for her creativity and contribution to performance culture. The acknowledgement drew applause from the audience and reflected mutual respect between performer and fan.

BeBe Gunn later shared footage from the event on social media, expressing appreciation for the recognition and support from friends who joined her at the venue.

Community and Artistic Impact

The Eatons Hill Hotel concert showcased the connection between international artists and Brisbane’s creative scene. BeBe Gunn reflected on finding comfort and hope in Anastacia’s music, highlighting how messages of resilience continue to resonate with audiences.

For Brisbane’s northside residents, the event also reaffirmed Eatons Hill Hotel’s role as a prominent live-music venue hosting major acts while supporting local artists.

Outlook

Anastacia’s final Australian performance at Eatons Hill Hotel combined nostalgia, artistry and community spirit. Her on-stage tribute to BeBe Gunn provided a fitting close to her anniversary tour and a lasting moment for Brisbane’s live-music audience.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Kumbartcho Sanctuary Preserves History And Community Spirit In Eatons Hill

Kumbartcho Sanctuary holds more than walking tracks and picnic tables. It carries a history tied to Aboriginal culture, colonial settlement, and community efforts to keep a connection with the land in Eatons Hill.

A Name With Deep Roots

The word “Kumbartcho” comes from the Gubbi Gubbi name for the Hoop Pine, a tree once logged heavily for ship masts and farming clearings. Local accounts note the timber was a resource in early Queensland development, linking the sanctuary to a past where forests shaped industry and livelihoods.

*Photo Credit: Kumbartcho Sanctuary & Nursery*

Today, the name serves as a reminder of traditional custodians and the shift from extraction to preservation.

From Wildlife Park To Sanctuary

The site was once part of the old Bunya Wildlife Park, which later gave way to community-led conservation. What was once an attraction for animal viewing evolved into a volunteer-driven sanctuary, blending recreation with local history.

The old reception area now houses an education centre where displays highlight the land’s story, including a diorama tracing ecosystems from mangroves to mountains and exhibits on nocturnal animals.

Community Involvement Over Decades

Local volunteers and Moreton Bay Council have supported the sanctuary’s upkeep for decades. Grants and council partnerships funded upgrades such as air conditioning at the Yuraba Conference Centre, bush house recovery, and education programs.

The sanctuary has remained free to enter, keeping it part of everyday community life rather than a commercialised attraction. Families visit for barbecues and school groups attend for lessons that mix history with environmental education.

Continuing The Legacy

The grounds are open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, while the community nursery and education centre operate on limited weekday hours, depending on volunteers. Trails link to the South Pine River and nearby reserves, making the site a bridge between suburban living and the region’s heritage landscape.

By keeping the focus on shared history and access, Kumbartcho Sanctuary shows how local places hold stories worth passing on.

Published 3-October-2025

Little Provence Moves From Eatons Hill To Brisbane City

Photo Credit: Little Provence French Restaurant/Facebook

Little Provence, a French bistro once popular in Eatons Hill, has relocated to Brisbane’s George Street, bringing its Provençal-style menu and relaxed atmosphere to a historic inner-city venue.

From Suburban Roots To The City Centre

Opening in Eatons Hill in 2024, Little Provence quickly became a well-known dining spot for residents along the Brisbane and Moreton Bay border. The restaurant, founded by chef and owner Romain Maunier, gained a loyal following for its home-style French cooking inspired by recipes from his family and his experience in southern France.

However, running multiple venues, including La Cache à Vin in Spring Hill, presented logistical challenges. Managing storage and staffing across different suburbs prompted Maunier to centralise operations. Earlier this year, he made the decision to relocate Little Provence to Brisbane’s inner city, closing the Eatons Hill venue and reopening on George Street in August 2025.

French restaurant — Photo Credit: Little Provence French Restaurant/Facebook

A New Chapter In A Historic Space

The restaurant now occupies the site previously home to Pneuma, housed in a heritage-style building featuring high ceilings, exposed brick walls, timber floorboards and tall casement windows. Inside, the space includes a lounge bar, private dining room, open kitchen and a main dining area overlooking both the street and courtyard.

The design embraces Mediterranean influences, using lighter tones and natural textures to reflect the warmth of Provence while maintaining the welcoming informality that defined its Eatons Hill origins.

Photo Credit: Little Provence French Restaurant/Facebook

Menu Highlights And Wine Selection

Little Provence’s menu continues to showcase the same Provençal-style dishes that earned it local acclaim. Appetisers include white anchovies with lemon whipped cream, caramelised onion tart with comté, and natural oysters. Starters such as snails à la Provençal, salmon soufflé, and beef tartare remain central to the offering.

Main dishes feature duck à l’orange, squid à la Settoise, beef cheek daube, and ratatouille with fennel and pork sausage. A blue-cheese gnocchi and the signature bouillabaisse for two—requiring one day’s notice—round out the selection.

The restaurant’s expanded wine list covers key French regions including Burgundy, Bordeaux and Provence, complemented by cocktails like the Apricot Blossom and French Martini.

Retaining Its Suburban Spirit

Despite its move to Brisbane’s CBD, Little Provence remains true to its original suburban charm, prioritising generous servings and approachable French cuisine. The bistro aims to provide high-quality dining without the pretension of fine dining establishments.

Published 3-Oct-2025

South Pine River Shared Pathway Progresses in Albany Creek

Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

The City of Moreton Bay is progressing with the Albany Creek Active Transport Project, delivering a shared pathway along the South Pine River to enhance connectivity for walkers and cyclists.

Connecting Albany Creek Through Active Travel

The Albany Creek Active Transport Project forms part of the City of Moreton Bay’s plan to improve safe and accessible active transport. The project will create a continuous shared pathway through parklands near the South Pine River, linking key destinations such as schools, shops, and local facilities on the eastern side of South Pine Road.

Community consultation and preliminary design were completed in 2021, followed by detailed design finalised in 2024.

Project Features and Scope

The project covers around 1.5 kilometres of new and upgraded pathways from Faheys Road West to James Cash Court via Stanton Reserve, extending to Old Northern Road. The 2 to 2.5-metre-wide pathway is designed for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists, supported by landscaping and lighting upgrades within Stanton Reserve.

Construction Timeline

The works are being delivered in three stages, subject to weather and contractor availability:

Stage 3: October 2025
Stage 2: November 2025
Stage 1: February 2026

The total construction period is expected to take around 30 weeks. Stage 1 will build a new path along Kingfisher Street and Barwing Court; Stage 2 will upgrade existing paths, including a new ramp to South Pine Road; and Stage 3 will improve the southern section of James Cash Court, connecting to the Albany Creek Road roundabout.

Community Benefits

The South Pine River shared pathway will link homes, schools, and recreational areas, providing safer, more convenient routes for walking and cycling. Landscaping and lighting improvements will enhance visibility and usability while maintaining the natural environment of Stanton Reserve.

Upon completion across 2025–2026, the shared path will strengthen Albany Creek’s local connections and contribute to a broader active transport network across the City of Moreton Bay.

Published 30-Sep-2025

New Parkland Development Planned in Warner

Photo Credit: Élan

A new parkland has been announced for the Élan residential community in Warner, set to provide future residents with green spaces, recreation areas and trail networks.

Background Of The Warner Development

Construction on the Élan community in Warner began on 27 July 2024. The 41-hectare site will deliver 387 homes across four neighbourhoods, along with parklands and extensive walking and cycling trails. Community involvement began early, with Albany Creek Scouts and local residents assisting in tree planting activities at the launch.

AVID Property Group — Photo Credit: Élan

Parklands As The Community Hub

The parklands are designed to act as the central feature of Élan. Facilities will include an adventure playground, kickabout area, picnic spaces and shaded seating. Nearly half of the community has been allocated for green space, bikeways and corridors, ensuring every home is within walking distance of a park.

Environmental Measures

As part of the project, 9.91 hectares of land containing koala habitat have been set aside for conservation. Three dedicated koala crossings are included, two as underpasses and one as an overpass across Kremzow Road, the first of its kind in the Moreton Bay area. Fauna monitoring will be used to track animal movements and improve understanding of local wildlife patterns.

Moreton Bay housing — Photo Credit: Élan

Builder Partnerships And Regional Growth

The Élan Builder Expo, held in February 2025, attracted close to 300 attendees who met with building partners such as Metricon, Plantation Homes and Coral Homes. The event showcased house and land packages designed to reflect the character of the Warner region. The project responds to population forecasts, with more than 210,000 additional residents expected in the Moreton Bay region over the next two decades.

Warner parkland development — Photo Credit: Élan

Lifestyle And Amenities In Warner

Within the community, residents will have access to a dog park, walking paths and cycling routes. Beyond the development, nearby facilities include sports clubs, bike trails and water-based recreation. The Warner area also offers schools, shopping centres, health services and transport connections, ensuring access to daily needs.

Looking Ahead

The first homes at Élan are expected to welcome residents in 2026. The park will be available from the beginning, designed as both a recreational hub and a focal point for neighbourhood connections in one of the region’s fastest growing suburbs.

Published 20-Sep-2025

Local Football Player Gets Second Chance to Press Case Against Bunya Club

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Pine Hills Football Club

A Bunya football player will have another opportunity to pursue her defamation case against the local Pine Hills Football Club after a judge ruled her initial legal claim was too unclear to proceed.

Pine Hills FC, which is located in Bunya in Brisbane’s north, found itself in court after player Violetta Marsh filed a defamation claim in August 2024. The case centres around communication between the club and Ms Marsh regarding her player registration status.

On 19 September, Judge Michael Byrne KC struck out Ms Marsh’s original statement of claim, ruling it was too vague and ambiguous to allow for a fair trial. However, the judge has granted her 28 days to file a revised claim, suggesting the case may have merit if properly presented.

The legal dispute stems from events in August 2023 when Ms Marsh, who had played for the club from 2021 to 2023, received an email from Pine Hills FC explaining why the club would not accept future applications for her player registration.

According to court documents, Ms Marsh alleges she was defamed in 13 separate instances arising from a single email sent by the club’s general email account on 24 August 2023. She claims the email purported to represent the response of the entire club committee and was motivated by malice or ill-will.

Ms Marsh has also named club official Samantha Mawdsley in her legal action, alleging that Ms Mawdsley either sent the controversial email or circulated a draft version to other committee members before the final version was sent.

The club and Ms Mawdsley successfully argued for the case to be struck out, contending that any email communications were legitimate internal business matters within the club’s organisational structure. They challenged Ms Marsh’s claims about the potential for a “grapevine effect” where allegedly defamatory statements might spread to other people, arguing these allegations were unsupported by facts.

While striking out the initial claim, Judge Byrne noted that allegations of malicious intent were significant and could potentially support Ms Marsh’s case if properly proven. He observed that malicious publication might fall outside the boundaries of legitimate organisational engagement.

Under Queensland defamation law, defamation involves the publication of unsubstantiated information that negatively impacts someone’s reputation, and plaintiffs must prove the material has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to their reputation.

The club and Ms Mawdsley also sought summary judgement in their favour, which would have ended the case entirely, but Judge Byrne rejected this application. This suggests the judge believes there may be sufficient grounds for a properly pleaded case to proceed.

Pine Hills FC, founded in 1984 and based at James Drysdale Reserve in Bunya, currently competes in Football Queensland Premier League 3. The club describes itself as inclusive, modern and forward-thinking, with a mission to provide a positive, supportive and family-friendly football environment.

Ms Marsh now has until mid-October to file her new statement of claim. If she chooses to proceed and can address the court’s concerns about clarity and specificity, the case will move forward to determine whether the club’s communications about her registration constituted defamation.

Published 22-September-2025

Freshwater Village Construction To Begin In Griffin

Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Work on the Freshwater Village shopping centre in Griffin is about to commence, with a builder appointed to deliver the large-scale retail and community precinct.

Background And Planning History

The Freshwater Village development at Brays Road and Arcadia Drive in Griffin has progressed through several stages of approval. Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the original application in November 2017, followed by a change approval in December 2020. The project is being delivered by Wattle Run.

Freshwater Village Griffin — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Builder Appointment And Construction Timeline

On 18 September 2025, Wattle Run confirmed Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders as the contractor for the development after a tender process. Tomkins will establish a site office in October before building work begins. Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with the opening scheduled between late 2026 and early 2027.

shopping centre — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Retail And Service Mix

The centre will be anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket and BWS liquor store. Confirmed tenants include a newsagent, barber, nail salon, bakery, medical centre, dental clinic, and physiotherapy services. Dining outlets will feature Japanese, Indian, and Korean restaurants, along with a dessert venue.

Layout And Facilities

Freshwater Village will cover 17,870 square metres, divided into retail, health, and commercial zones. Features include landscaped boundaries, external footpaths, cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, and a future bus stop.

Parking numbers differ between sources: one states 264 spaces, while another cites 335 spaces. Both confirm 64 bike spaces will be available.

Woolworths Griffin — Photo Credit: CCN Architects

Staging Of Development

The build will be delivered in phases. Stage one will bring the supermarket and most retail outlets. Later stages will expand food and beverage options and health services.

Community Vision

The development is intended to combine convenience with open spaces. Plans include nearby housing, parkland, and an urban farm section, alongside family-friendly cafes and shops. The vision aims to provide essential services within walking distance for residents.

Next Steps

Tomkins will begin site preparations in October, with updates to be issued through the Freshwater Hub newsletter and social media as construction progresses.

Published 20-Sep-2025