Brendale Archives - Albany Creek News

Cameron Smith Junior Classic to Expand with New Format in Brendale

The Cameron Smith Junior Classic (CSJC) is set for a major expansion in 2026, with the popular junior golf tournament at Wantima Country Club in Brendale moving to a three-day, 54-hole format.

Read: Subdivision Proposed for Former Albany Links Golf Course in Brendale

Currently played over two days, the 10th edition will increase its player field to a record 256 under-18 golfers with GA handicaps. The new structure will feature shotgun starts across the opening rounds and a cut for the final day, bringing the competition in line with top-tier junior events.

The CSJC has grown significantly since its launch in 2017 as a one-day, 18-hole tournament for 132 players. It expanded to two days in 2022, when a separate nine-hole contest for under-14 golfers without a GA handicap was introduced. That event has also grown, with up to 72 spots available this year and again in 2026.

Backed by LIV Golf, Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC franchise, and sponsors including Qualia Wealth, the tournament is aiming to attract national and international players alongside strong local and state entries.

Origins of the CSJC

Cameron Smith (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/JazzyJoeyD/Wikimedia Commons)

The Cameron Smith Junior Classic was the brainchild of Ken McKay, long-time junior coordinator and Wantima member, who wanted to establish a premier event that showcased emerging golfing talent. Inspired by Cameron Smith’s ongoing support of Wantima’s junior program and his willingness to mentor young players when home in Brisbane, Ken began planning the tournament and later sought Smith’s endorsement to put his name to the event.

Since then, the CSJC has become a highlight on the junior golf calendar, providing opportunities for young boys and girls to test their skills and gain experience in a competitive setting.

Read: Community Parks in Albany Creek and Brendale Get Major Upgrades

Cameron Smith’s Connection

Cameron Smith grew up in Bray Park and started his golfing journey at Wantima before turning professional in 2013. His career reached new heights in 2022 with victories at The Players Championship and the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews. He now competes on the LIV Golf Tour, where his team Ripper GC won the LIV Team title in 2024.

Published 22-August-2025

Subdivision Proposed for Former Albany Links Golf Course in Brendale

The former Albany Links Golf Course in Brendale could be subdivided into three lots, with the largest portion of the site to be auctioned off by Moreton Bay City Council.

Read: Community Parks in Albany Creek and Brendale Get Major Upgrades

Plans (DA/2025/2639) lodged on behalf of the council proposed dividing the 10-hectare site on South Pine Road into a main block of just under 8 hectares, which borders Eatons Hill Hotel, local shops, and Cribb Road leading to the South Pine Sports Centre.

Albany Links Golf Course — Photo credit: City of Moreton Bay DA Tracker – DA/2025/2639

The land has been identified as surplus to council requirements and will be sold with its current “Recreation and Open Space” zoning intact.

Two smaller parcels, each around 1 hectare and located near the South Pine Sports Complex and South Pine River, will be retained by council to safeguard 2.15 hectares of green space for public access and ecological restoration.

“These retained lots will be used for ongoing public benefit, with intended uses including sport and recreation and/or environmental protection. It is important to note that no changes to the premises or infrastructure is proposed under this development application,” planners stated.

“Access to the site will be obtained through an easement over the adjoining lot owned by Council located at 620 South Pine Road. This lot is included in the proposed development only for this purpose.”

A council spokesperson said the auction date is yet to be confirmed but added that proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into vital community services and programs.

Read: Brendale Retail Centre Sold for $13.2M

Albany Links Golf Course closed in January 2019 after its operator declared the 10-hole course financially unviable. Council was unable to secure a replacement operator, and the clubhouse has since been removed. Any future development on the land will remain subject to existing planning regulations.

Published 7-July-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

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

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

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

Charges Filed After Discovery Of A Suspicious Device in Brendale

Authorities have charged a 35-year-old man from West End in connection with the discovery of a suspicious device at a business premises in Brendale yesterday.

According to the Queensland Police Service, officers executed a search warrant around 10:30 AM on Monday at a business located on Leitchs Road. During the search, they uncovered a suspicious device, prompting the declaration of a crime scene.

The device was safely destroyed by police explosive technicians. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the 35-year-old West End man, who now faces three counts of unlawful dealing with explosives or noxious substances.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, May 15th. Police have stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2400820503

Published 15-May-2024

Quinbrook to Initiate Construction of Biggest Battery Energy Storage Systems in Brendale

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a leader in advancing the energy transition, is starting the construction of a 250 MW/2 hr Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at their Brendale site.

This project, named the “Supernode,” is set to become one of the largest BESS installations in the state, significantly enhancing renewable energy storage capacity.

The $2.5 billion “Supernode” project’s first stage includes the integration of a renewable energy and battery storage-powered data centre facility. Origin Energy has already committed to purchasing the full capacity of stage one, solidifying its role in bolstering Queensland’s renewable energy portfolio.

The strategic location of the “Supernode” project near the South Pine electricity substation provides a significant advantage for the 2,000-megawatt BESS. This prime positioning ensures optimal access to power supplies and enhances energy security for Queenslanders.

Premier Steven Miles expressed his enthusiasm for the construction of the Battery Energy Storage Systems.

“The construction of stage one here in Brendale is more evidence that business believes in our vision. Renewable energy generation and storage like this will power us towards our 70% renewable energy targets,” he said.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners Co-Founder David Scaysbrook emphasised the importance of the project in decarbonising power systems.

“The successful close of Supernode stage one is significant for Queensland as it delivers valuable large-scale storage at the best possible location in the state’s power grid.”

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ CityOfMoretonBay*

Mayor Peter Flannery of Moreton Bay City Council echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the economic benefits and enhanced energy security that the project will bring to Queenslanders.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, known for its focus on driving the energy transition, continues to play a key role in advancing renewable energy infrastructure both locally and globally. With projects underway in the UK, US, and Australia, Quinbrook is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution.

Published Date 18-April-2024

Hoppy Tunes and Tasty Brews: Inside Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers

Amidst the warehouses and industrial buildings of Brendale, an oasis of craft beer and culture has emerged at Hip Hops Brewers, which opened its doors earlier this year.

Read: TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

Housed in a converted warehouse space, the brewery boasts 21 taps of fresh brews, seltzers, and sodas. Step inside and you will be greeted by the cavernous, vaulted-ceiling taproom anchored by the long bar.

Colourful street art in graffiti style adorns the walls, giving nods to old school hip hop artists. There’s plenty of seating options – intimate corners for small gatherings, mid-sized tables, and long picnic-style tables for big groups. Additional outdoor seating lets you soak up the Queensland sun whilst sipping a cold brew.

The beer lineup covers all the bases with XPA-Lidocious Extra Pale Ale, Samford Sessions American Pale Ale, Craic & Crainn Dry Irish Stout, and more. Non-beer options include three fruit seltzers like Ginger Zing and Hard Sarsaparilla, along with sodas from LongRays and fermented fruit sodas from Ibis Brewing. There’s even wine from the nearby Moreton Bay winery Ocean View Estates.

The brewery is the brainchild of owner Shaun Reeves, who worked as a business advisor and accountant in the area for over three decades before opening his own brewery.

He’s joined by an experienced team of local brewers, including Adam Gibb from the now shuttered White Brick Brewing in North Lakes and Barrett Bravo, former senior brewer at Newstead Brewing and more recently head brewer at Happy Valley.

Photo credit: Mark Blackwood/Google Maps

Meanwhile, the onsite kitchen dishes out bar bites like wings, nachos and fries plus gourmet burgers to satisfy your hunger. Options range from the Queen Bee burger with bacon, cheese and honey glazed onions to the fried chicken, slaw and chipotle mayo.

With space for intimate gatherings in cosy corners or big groups at long tables, this hip hop themed brewery offers a unique industrial chic vibe. The graffiti art, booming hip hop soundtrack, and tantalising beers and eats make this urban oasis a must-visit in Brendale.

Read: Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Kids and dogs are welcome to join in the laidback fun. So leave your inhibitions at the door, and come enjoy the blend of craft brews. Learn more by visiting their website.

Published 18-September-2023

Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

Dirk Kotze was struck by lightning at a Brendale golf course and his family cannot be more grateful for the kindness of friends and strangers alike, to the wife and children he left behind.

Dirk, 56, was with his wife, Hannelé, and children Dané, Tiaan and Duan, at Brendale’s Wantima Golf Course in the afternoon of Sunday, 11 March 2023, when an intense storm swept across Queensland. His family said he was trying to seek shelter from the storm when lightning struck him.

Immediately after the accident, his family and the other guests rushed to help Dirk out and administered CPR whilst waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Dirk was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he bravely fought for his life for 19 days. However, Mel Stewart, his daughter-in-law, said that his body could no longer endure the trauma it suffered due to the lighting strike and he eventually went into a fatal cardiac arrest.

The family is thankful for all of the doctors who tried to save Dirk and the Brisbane community for their immense support. A friend of the family opened a GoFundMe for Dirk’s loved ones, an effort which has so far received $16,050 in donations.

“Dirk was a man who was known for having a larger-than-life personality. His faith in God, love for people and for being the epitome of a ‘shirt off the back’ kind of man defined him – there was no one in need he wouldn’t put his own life on hold to help out. His life has impacted many and he won’t soon be forgotten,” Conrad Oberholster wrote in the fundraiser.

According to AustraliaWide First Aid, over 100 Australians are injured by lightning strikes per year and a single bolt of lightning carries five billion joules, which can measure about 30,000 degrees Celsius. Victims of lightning strikes may suffer a cardiac arrest, respiratory muscle paralysis, superficial skin burns, neurological damage, hearing damage (partial or permanent), optic nerve injury, organ failure, and amnesia or memory loss.

Brendale lighting struck — Photo Credit: Sethink/Pixabay

Professor Peter Adams from the University of Queensland said that any Australian has a 1 in 12,000 chance of getting struck by lightning. Some of the situations where a person risks his chances include being out in an open area, such as a golf course, being wet and soaked during a thunderstorm, and being swept by a side flash or when the lightning strikes a taller object and the current jumps to the person below it.

To lessen your risks, the experts suggested the following:

If you hear a “buzzing” sound or your hair is standing on end, you need to recognise that you are in an area that is about to be struck by lightning and must leave immediately.
Do not seek shelter in the highest object in the area. Stay away from tall objects such as trees, powerlines and metal poles, since they can absorb lightning strikes and conduct electricity to nearby objects through the surface of the ground.
Do not go to water sources.
Remove all metallic items and jewellery from your body.
If you are outside during a thunderstorm, stay in your car or other solid structures.

Published 31 March 2023