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Scouts from Northwest Brisbane gathered on Saturday, 22 Feb 25, to celebrate the foundation of Scouting, and the birthday of their founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell 186 years ago.
75 local Scouts and 40 leaders and parents gathered at the Scout Chapel in the centre of Grinstead Park, Enoggera, built on the site of an old Scout Hall west of Shand Street. Guests included Councillor Tracey Davis, and Councillor Andrew Wines.
Youth from the Venturer Section (14.5-18 yrs) enacted scenes from the life of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, a distinguished British soldier who established Scouts in 1907 to challenge youth to “Be Prepared”, to venture into the outdoors, and to lead productive lives in the community. Scouts is now the largest youth organisation in the world.
District Commissioner, Judith Brumler, led the Scouts as they renewed their promise to do their best to do their duty to their God, their country and to help other people.
10 trees provided by Brisbane City Council were planted by youth and parents with the aim of providing future shade and contributing to the health of our environment. It was tough digging in the hard Grinstead soil, but the
BCC Councillor Tracy Davis supervises as Scouts plant trees in Grinstead Park
youth persevered and got all the trees in.
After the service the youth also explored far and wide in Grinstead Park, completing an Orienteering course and finding out about the different types of trees in Grinstead Park.
Scouts participated from 6 local groups – McDowall-Bunya, Everton Park, Enoggera, Grovely-Mitchelton, Wahminda Park (Ferny Grove) and Samford.
To find your local Scout Group in the Northwest go to https://scoutsqld. com.au/
Welcome note from the Editor Welcome to the April edition of The Eatons Echo. This past month has been a challenging one, with Cyclone Alfred impacting Brisbane’s southeast coast and leaving a trail of devastation. The uncertainty and hardship have tested our community, but in true Eatons spirit, we have seen an incredible outpouring of support, kindness, and resilience. Neighbours have stepped up to help one another, ensuring our most vulnerable are cared for, and our emergency responders have once again shown extraordinary dedication and bravery. To everyone who has lent a hand, checked in on others, or played a part in the recovery—thank you.
This issue is a celebration of community—of the strength, generosity, and unwavering spirit that make our area so special.
As The Everton Echo continues to grow, one thing remains the same—our dedication to keeping local news free and accessible. Every month, we proudly distribute thousands of copies across Everton Park, Stafford and beyond, all while staying 100% locally owned and operated.
Published by: Echo Media Group Pty Ltd, ABN: 92 620 601 907 . A: PO Box 243, Arana Hills, QLD 4054 P: 0466 607 045. E: admin@echo-news.com.au
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The Everton Echo is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach Echo News or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at www.presscouncil.org.au. The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
Copyright: All rights are reserved and the contents within this magazine are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission from The Publisher. All care is taken by The Publisher, however responsibility is not accepted for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Publisher. At the time of going to press (24th March 2025), information contained within this issue is correct.
The Community Street Puzzle and Book Library at 55 Ben Lomond Street, Aspley is now complete, fully stocked, and ready to be enjoyed by all!
Thanks to its overwhelming popularity, the library has expanded to include four unique cupboards: one for adults, one for children, one for puzzles, and even a Dog Library for pet lovers. Additionally, there is a special spot for decorated rocks, a lovely addition where little ones can take home or re-hide the rocks as part of the fun!
A heartfelt thank you goes to Tony, the supportive husband who helped
bring this growing project to life with endless patience, and to the entire community for embracing the library so enthusiastically.
It’s a great way to share books, puzzles, and even something for our furry friends—truly a treasure for everyone!
FOR MORE LOCAL STREET LIBRARIES
The Quilting Queens bi-annual stall is back at Brookside Shopping Centre this month.
After their sister Maureen’s passing in April 2021, sisters Carmel, Delia, Rosemary and Geraldine came together more formally to become the “Quilting Queens” and immersed themselves in the quilting world to celebrate bright and caring Maureen. All five sisters hail from north Brisbane – Everton Park, Everton Hills, McDowall, Albany Creek and Lawnton.
The Quilting Queens host stalls at shopping centres twice a year, with the aim to give all their proceeds to charity. Every dollar goes straight to the charity, with the sisters taking no costs out. Over the last four years, The Quilting Queens have raised $70,000 for local charities.
Karuna Hospice Service cared for Maureen
during the last stages of her terminal illness and has been selected as the charity for the Quilting Queens latest stall. Karuna is a specialist, community-based palliative care organisation providing essential services in Brisbane North including clinical care, grief and bereavement support, spiritual care and counselling.
‘There are two parts to giving back to Karuna. We are very grateful to Karuna for supporting Maureen and her family. Maureen was very kind and committed to helping people, so Karuna captures Maureen’s spirit really well. We remember Maureen by supporting Karuna and working with people who are like her,’ said Carmel, Maureen’s older sister.
Gorgeous quilts will be available for young and old, and smaller items like bags, placemats and purses priced from a few dollars, making them so wonderful for all budgets even those with pocket money to help support Karuna. The Quilting Queens will have lovely items for Easter, Anzac Day and Mother’s Day.
The Quilting Queens Handmade Stall will take place on Saturday 5 April 2025 from 8am – 1pm at Brookside Shopping Centre near Terry White Chemist.
Aspley Eye & Retina Centre
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Serious eye issues will be reviewed by our Private Ophthalmologist or referred to Public Emergency Care.
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Aspley . P: 07 3832 1700 for appointments
Arana Netball brought the community together on Saturday, March 15, for its annual Family Fun Day—a lively afternoon filled with games, a free sausage sizzle, and plenty of fun before the season officially begins.
The event saw a fantastic turnout, with families enjoying the chance to connect, meet new teammates, and celebrate the growing club. With over 200 players across 24 teams, Arana Netball continues to thrive, strengthening its positive impact on the local community.
The success of the day was made possible by the dedication of the club’s hardworking committee, along with generous support from Arana Sports and Arana Leagues Club, which provided equipment and a sausage sizzle for attendees. As the new season gets underway, Arana Netball looks forward to building on this momentum, welcoming new players, and fostering a strong sense of community both on and off the court.
The Charlie Parrella Cup, the first sponsored competition of the year, took place on Sunday, February 16, bringing together bocce enthusiasts for a spirited day of competition and camaraderie. Hosted by Newmarket Bocce Club, the event welcomed players from Redlands Bocce Club, adding to the excitement of the tournament. Newmarket Bocce Club dominated the competition, securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, while Redlands Bocce Club achieved a commendable 4th place. The victorious team consisted of Silvio Rotili, Aurelio Fioravanti, Tony Servodio, and Mario De Marco, who proudly celebrated their success alongside event sponsor Charlie Parrella. As always, the event was about more than just competition. Attendees were treated to a delicious spread, expertly prepared by Gina Rotili and Luciana Alberti, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. A raffle and plenty of cheer rounded out what was truly a fantastic day for all involved. Congratulations to all participants, and a special thank you to Charlie Parrella for his generous support of the event.
On February 22nd Mitchelton F.C.’s NPL women’s team were at home, Teralba Park, facing the Sunshine Coast Wanderers.
This was no ordinary game as Lucy Holt was playing in her 100th NPLW game for Mitchelton. To play 100 NPLW games is quite an achievement, but to play them all for the one club is quite extraordinary. Lucy started her career at Mitchelton in 2007 as a 5 year old.
Before the game Lucy was presented with a framed jersey commemorating her achievement for the club. The team made it a memorable day by defeating the Sunshine Coast Wanderers 4 – 2. The team captained by Chilli Moffatt started well with a goal to Genevieve McDonald after seven minutes. Genevieve scored again not long after half time and Georgia Gibson gave Mitchelton a three nil lead in the 74th minute. The Wanderers made a game of it scoring twice in two minutes to give the supporters a nervous finish to the game. Genevieve McDonald then made it a decisive victory scoring her third goal for the match.
Close to full time in a touching moment coach Alan Waller substituted Lucy for her sister Isabella Holt to finish of a remarkable night for the club and Lucy. For more information and upcoming fixtures visit www.mitchiefc.org.au
The Newmarket Bocce Club, Brisbane’s last remaining bocce club, has been left reeling after Cyclone Alfred unleashed 1.5 metres of floodwater through its premises.
Located on a flood plain near Enoggera Creek, the club suffered significant damage, losing a fridge, BBQ, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and four amenity doors. Just a few images of the damage are above.
Despite the devastation, the club’s dedicated members—many of whom have been part of the community for years—haven’t backed down. A determined mud army of volunteers quickly got to work, and by day three of the clean-up, progress was already well underway.
“We’re getting on in years, but we’re incredibly proud of our bocce club,” a club spokesperson said. “We’ll let the court surface dry before preparing and laying new sand—we’re not giving up.”
The resilience of the Newmarket Bocce Club is a testament to the strength of the local community, proving that even in the face of disaster, the spirit of the game—and its players—remains unshaken.
It takes a village to raise a leader, and that spirit was on full display at the Brisbane Bunya Lions Club’s Youth of the Year competition, held on Saturday, 15 February, at the Kakowan Community Centre in Bunya.
With 12 eager students from Padua College, Mt Maria College, Everton Park State High School and Mt Alvernia College vying for a place in the next stage of the competition, the event showcased not only the talent of young speakers but also the dedication of local volunteers.
A team of 18 Lions members worked tirelessly behind the scenes—timekeepers kept the event running smoothly, club members prepared a grazing table for contestants and guests, and six judges from diverse professional backgrounds gave up their time to assess speeches on topics such as AI’s impact, social media responsibility, and youth volunteering.
Brisbane Bunya Lions President Sue Coutts said the Youth of the Year program is just one of many initiatives that Lions Clubs support to empower young Australians.
‘From youth exchange programs and scholarships to leadership training and volunteering opportunities, Lions are committed to nurturing future leaders and changemakers’
‘Brisbane Bunya Lions Club extends its acknowledgement to the participating schools, Mt Alvernia College, Mt Maria College, Padua College, Everton Park State High School for supporting their students to engage in external leadership opportunities and personal development,’ said President Sue Coutts.
‘This event doesn’t just happen, it takes weeks of planning, coordination, and a whole lot of teamwork,’ she added.
While winners Sarah Chew and Imogen McKenna from Mt Alvernia College will progress to the regional finals, every participant gained valuable skills in communication and selfconfidence, skills that will serve them well in future careers, community leadership, and personal growth.
Social health — that is, the wellbeing we experience as a result of our relationships with others — matters at every age, but in our adult lives, work and family commitments can make spontaneous opportunities for social connection harder to come by.
One simple way to invest in our social health is to take up a new hobby, like joining a local walking group. Walking with others can expand our social networks, and regular walking can also improve our physical health (such as reducing our risk of heart disease ) and protect against mental health challenges (like depression ). It’s a social, physical and emotional boost in one.
With hundreds of walking groups across Australia, Heart Foundation Walking unites local walkers looking for fun, fitness and friends in their community. Rosanne, a volunteer Walk Organisers, has seen the impacts of communal walking up close.
‘You foster a sense of community among walkers, creating a supportive network of like-minded people,’ she says. So, what are you waiting for? Start or join a Heart Foundation Walking group and enjoy a boost to your health and happiness. walking.heartfoundation.org.au
Looking for a fun and social way to spend your Wednesday mornings?
The Gap Leisure Club meets weekly at The Grove Sports Club, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. with morning tea and wrapping up around 12 noon.
Members enjoy a variety of games, including card favourites like 500, 5 Crowns, and Pennies from Heaven, as well as the board game Sequence and classic Bingo.
For just $5 per session, attendees not only get a morning of entertainment but also social membership at The Grove Sports Club.
New members are always welcome, so come along, meet new friends, and enjoy some friendly competition!
The Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association was forced to cancel its March meeting after exTropical Cyclone Alfred caused damage to the Arana Hills Community Hall, their usual gathering place. However, members won’t have to wait too long to reconnect, with an exciting workshop planned for April.
The April meeting has been rescheduled to April 12, a week earlier than usual to avoid the Easter weekend. Kicking off at 1pm, the session will be led by Heather Drake, an award-winning cake decorator from the Bayside Branch. Under her expert guidance, members will have the opportunity to create intricate sugar flowers while enjoying an afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. As always, afternoon tea will be provided by members on roster, making for a delightful and inspiring get-together. For more information or to get in touch, visit the Brisbane North Cake Decorators Association QCDA Facebook page or email brisbanenorthcakedecorators@gmail.com.
The Enoggera Memorial Hall is set to mark a significant milestone in 2025, celebrating 100 years since its establishment.
The hall, which has long served as a focal point for the community, has a rich history dating back to the early days of the Parish of Enoggera, County of Stanley—once the largest of the early Divisional Boards.
The Enoggera State School, one of the first schools to open on the north side of the river, played a crucial role in the area’s development. The local community worked together to raise building funds, and landowners Timothy Corbett and Patrick Moody each donated an acre of land to establish the school. As the district grew, the original schoolroom, which had also functioned as a School of Arts for seven years, was dismantled in 1924 and re-erected in 1925 as part of the newly built Memorial Hall at the corner of Trundle and Bell Streets.
The origins of these street names reflect the area’s past. William Bell, a local resident, lived in his home Elswick from 1875 to 1898, and the road past his house was originally named Bell Street until it was renamed Wardell Street around 1939. Samuel Trundle, another early settler, arrived in Queensland under an assumed name and worked in the North Queensland cane fields before returning to Brisbane, where he later subdivided Bell’s Enoggera land.
To honour its centenary, the Enoggera Memorial Hall will host two key events:
• Stump Capping Celebration – July 20, 2025 (2pm - 4pm)
A tribute to the hall’s foundation-setting, featuring a special performance by the Enoggera State School Choir.
• Memorial Hall Rededication – November 23, 2025 (2pm – 4pm)
A formal event commemorating 100 years of community history and service.
These celebrations will not only honour the legacy of the hall but also highlight the dedication of those who helped shape the Enoggera community.
Picabeen Community Centre has emerged largely unscathed following ex-Cyclone Alfred, with only a temporary power outage causing minor setbacks.
While the centre was forced to close its doors for a few days and lost some perishable food items, staff were able to distribute much of it ahead of the storm.
Despite the disruption, community support remained strong. Enoggera Ward Councillor Andrew Wines and volunteers from the Brisbane Bunya Lions Club stepped in to provide food and resources for a postponed community BBQ. Thanks to generous donations from Bridgeman Baptist Community Church and other local supporters, the centre has since restocked and resumed all regular services.
With programs, classes, and the Keperra op shop back in full swing, Picabeen is once again supporting the community.
For updates on upcoming events, visit picabeen.org.au or follow them on Facebook.
When you lost all your excuses, you found results
The Brisbane Tramway Museum is set to commemorate a significant moment in the city’s transport history—the final tram journey, which took place 56 years ago on April 13.
On that night in 1969, Tram 554 was driven into the Milton workshops at midnight by then-Lord Mayor Clem Jones, marking the end of Brisbane’s 70-year electric tram era. During its operation, the tram network carried millions of passengers with an impressive safety record. Today, the museum preserves this rich history, housing a collection that includes one of each tram model used over those seven decades.
As part of Tram Heritage Day, visitors will have the rare opportunity to ride in these historic trams, from the oldest ‘Matchbox’ tram built in 1901 to Tram 554, the last of Brisbane’s fleet, constructed in 1964. Vintage Brisbane City Council buses, which replaced the trams, will also be available for joy rides.
The event will offer more than just nostalgia, with a sausage sizzle, donut stall, coffee wagon, and refreshments available on-site. The museum’s spacious grounds provide the perfect setting for a picnic-style afternoon tea or evening meal.
The Brisbane Tramway Museum proudly acknowledges the support of the Brisbane City Council in preserving this piece of the city’s heritage.
Local families recently gathered for a unique and educational experience at Teralba Park Honey’s inaugural Family Field Day in Everton Hills, where children and parents got an up-close look at the fascinating world of beekeeping.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the home and apiary, the event was filled with hands-on activities, including honey pouring, stingless bee explorations, and a live honey extraction demonstration. Some of the more adventurous young visitors even suited up in beekeeper gear to inspect a working hive.
Local photographer Louis Valenti from Shuttercraft was on hand to capture the excitement.
‘We visit schools and childcare centres every day to share our passion for beekeeping, but this was a special chance to invite the community into our apiary,’ said Amber Riddell, founder of Teralba Park Honey and an educator with over 14 years of teaching experience. “It was incredible to see kids so engaged—especially when we found the queen bee in the hive!”
The event highlighted the importance of pollinators and sustainable honey production while offering a fun and interactive learning experience for all ages. Each family left with a jar of fresh honey—and plenty of sweet memories. Following the success of the field day, Teralba Park Honey plans to host more community events celebrating the wonder of bees.
Imagery (including front page image) courtesy of Shuttercraft
When you lost all your excuses, you found results
The Probus Club of North Brisbane Inc. offers retirees and semi-retirees an opportunity to stay socially, mentally, and physically active through regular gatherings, guest speakers, and a variety of activities.
Part of a network of 1,400 Probus Clubs across Australia, the organisation provides a welcoming environment for those looking to connect with likeminded individuals.
Unlike traditional service clubs, Probus is purely social and does not engage in fundraising. The North Brisbane club is open to both men and women, hosting monthly meetings where members can enjoy guest presentations, morning tea, and social outings. Meetings begin at 10:00 am, with visitors welcome to attend up to two sessions for free before deciding to join. A $10 fee applies to cover room rental and refreshments.
Beyond meetings, the club organises day trips,
interest groups, and a range of social events, all aimed at fostering friendships and keeping members engaged. A monthly newsletter keeps participants informed about past and upcoming activities.
For retirees seeking to expand their social circles and enjoy an active lifestyle, the Probus Club of North Brisbane offers the perfect opportunity. To learn more, visit www.probusnorthbrisbane.com.au or call 0417 729 033.
Looking to join a friendly group of card players? A welcoming group of ladies meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Kakowan Community Centre, 2 Pine St, Bunya. Come for the cards, stay for the fun!
For more details, contact Bronwyn at 3264 6208 or Margaret at 0403 955 040.
As the scorching summer months give way to the cooler days of autumn, members of the Hills Organic Community Garden (HOG) are preparing for a busy and productive season. With the extreme heat and humidity over summer, very little produce was grown, but with the arrival of autumn, the community is eager to get planting once again.
This month, significant work is underway to prepare the garden beds for planting. The soil is being replenished with fresh compost and fertiliser, allowing it time to rest before young seedlings are introduced. Planting will commence when temperatures drop, giving the crops the best chance to thrive.
A variety of vegetables will be grown this season, including broccoli, spinach, radish, snow peas, silver beet, cauliflower, cabbages, zucchinis, eggplant, lettuce, beetroot, and tomatoes. To maintain soil health and ensure a successful harvest, crop rotation is carefully practiced, preventing the same crops from being planted in the same beds as the previous season.
Autumn is a particularly exciting and busy time at the community garden, with newly planted seedlings requiring regular watering and fertilising to establish strong growth.
The HOG community is a welcoming group, offering residents of the Hills District the opportunity to grow fresh produce using organic principles. With members of all ages involved, newcomers are always encouraged to visit, have a chat, and explore the garden.
The group meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with members also attending throughout the week for watering and general maintenance. The garden is located at 416 Bunya Road, Bunya, next to the Off-Leash Dog Park. Annual membership fees are $20 for adults, $30 for families, and $10 for juniors. For more information, visit hog.org.au, search for “The Hills Organic Garden” on Facebook, or call 0415 856 532.
New members are always welcome—come along and grow with us!
An update from the Mitchelton Garden Club Club member, Chris Anderson, enriches his soil with compost.
Autumn in Brisbane and all subtropical regions is the perfect time to improve garden soil. After the intense summer heat and heavy rainfall, soil can become depleted, compacted or waterlogged. By enriching and conditioning the soil now, gardeners can ensure healthier plants and better yields in the coming seasons.
One of the best ways to rejuvenate soil is by adding organic matter. Compost, aged manure and worm castings help improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and provide essential nutrients. A layer of compost worked into garden beds will enhance water retention and aeration, creating the ideal environment for plant roots to thrive.
Mulching is another key autumn task. A thick layer of organic mulch—such as sugarcane mulch, lucerne or bark—helps regulate soil temperature, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. As the mulch breaks down, it further enriches the soil, adding valuable organic content.
Due to Anzac Day, there will be no meeting in April.
The next gathering will be at 1pm on Friday, 30 May 2025 at St Matthew’s Church Hall, Church Road, Mitchelton.
For information call Elizabeth 07 3851 0568
For sandy soils that drain too quickly, incorporating organic matter like compost and biochar will improve moisture retention. In contrast, heavy clay soils, which can become compacted and waterlogged, benefit from the addition of gypsum and coarse organic matter, which improve drainage and aeration.
Finally, autumn is the perfect season to check soil pH. Many subtropical soils tend to be acidic, and applying garden lime can help balance pH levels, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
By focusing on soil health in autumn, gardeners can ensure lush, productive gardens throughout the cooler months and into the next growing season.
Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month, at the Enoggera Memorial Hall (entrance via Trundle St). Doors open at 9:15 am and morning tea is available before a 10:00 am start. Entry is $5.00. For any further information, please email mitcheltongc@gmail.com. We would love to see some new faces!
Crime, actions as adults keeping sending a crime.
‘Staying 12-month reintegrating into becoming a repeat youth months of training leaving sentencing relating to increase and better
The Stafford Garden Club’s April meeting will feature guest speaker Greg Aizlewood, an expert on fire ants.
With recent heavy rains and flooding, these venomous pests may have spread further. Greg will share tips on identifying fire ants and their nests, as well as how to report sightings within 24 hours at fireants.org.au or by calling 132523.
Bill Upton cutting his birthday cake with the help of John Raine
Over the past few months, I had the pleasure of showing student leaders from our local schools around Parliament on a personal tour. This is a fantastic tradition we have amongst our school communities, and as always, it’s a great day out. It's always a pleasure to chat with the students about their ambitions and concerns and it's refreshing to hear the younger generation's perspective on today's issues.
The club meets on April 16 at the OES Hall, Kedron (Cnr Kitchener Rd & Bohland St). Morning tea, a plant stall, and exhibit viewing begin at 9:30 am, with the meeting starting at 10:00 am. Visitors and new members are always welcome! Find them on Facebook: Stafford Garden Club Brisbane Email: staffordgardenclub@gmail.com
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Brisbane community icon Bill Upton has celebrated his 95th birthday surrounded by friends and fellow members at the Ridley Road Community Men‘s Shed, a project he helped bring to life.
While many recognise Bill for his contributions to Brisbane’s skyline—having played a key role in constructing some of the city’s most significant buildings—his legacy extends far beyond bricks and mortar. A trailblazer in the construction industry, Bill was the first builder in Australia to import and use a tower crane for high-rise construction, a now-standard feature of large building sites nationwide.
However, his most profound impact has been in community service, a commitment he has upheld for the past 30 years. As a long-time member and past District Governor of the Rotary Club of Aspley, Bill has dedicated himself to numerous projects that have enriched the lives of others.
Among his greatest achievements is his instrumental role in establishing the Ridley Road Community Men‘s Shed. What started as a vision within the Anglican Church faced years of uncertainty—until Bill stepped in. His leadership, alongside fellow founding members John Raine, David Agnew, Phil Russell, Kevin Purchase, and Ron White, turned the idea into reality, with the first Shed opening its doors in the early 2000s. Since then, the initiative has grown to encompass three Sheds, serving as a place of camaraderie, craftsmanship, and community support for local men.
Reflecting on his journey at the March 17 celebration, Bill spoke emotionally about the Shed’s development and what it continues to mean to him today.
“The Shed means so much to me, and I look forward to every visit,” he shared, expressing gratitude to the 60 current members for their dedication in making the Shed a thriving hub for the community.
To mark the milestone, a special BBQ was held in Bill’s honour, with a strong turnout of members eager to celebrate his contributions.
As he sets his sights on becoming a centenarian, the community stands behind him, recognising and celebrating a man who has not only built a city but also built a legacy of service and connection.
www.echo-news.com.au
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
I would like to commend our community for supporting each other during the extreme weather event of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Whilst many Queenslanders were preparing for the impacts, our essential workers were striving hard to provide the services our communities need. I want to thank all the health care workers, emergency response services, energy providers and SES at Arana Hills who acted around the clock to ensure Queenslanders remained safe. There was also a tremendous effort put forward by grocery stores and their employees who were met with the high demand of restocking shelves and providing necessary food and supplies. It is inspiring to see that in times of need, we can always count on Queenslanders sticking together and showing up for our community.
Personal Hardship Assistance is available for eligible residents in all Brisbane and Moreton Bay areas that have been impacted by the weather event. Eligible residents can apply at https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disastersemergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/tcalfred-march-2025 or call the 24/7 Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Funding support is available to sport and recreation organisations to help eligible not-for-profit organisations in disaster-declared areas. All eligible clubs can apply for help through the Disaster Recovery Program via: https://www. qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery.
The Crisafulli Government has delivered on a key election commitment, injecting more than $44 million into Queensland state schools to address behavioural issues with students. Schools will have the opportunity to spend the additional funding in the best way they see fit to tackle the behavioural needs specific to their classrooms. The funding can be used to hire new support staff, or increase the hours of existing teacher aides, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to ensure every Queensland child can thrive in the classroom.
It’s almost here… the Neighbour Day Easter Event! We are once again hosting this festive community event which will include lots of fun kids’ games and activities, free face painting, delicious food, music, stalls and much more! Of course, we can’t forget the main event of the day… the spectacular Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Hicks Real Estate! Come on down to Teralba Park on the 13th of April to be part of this funpacked day!
Date: Sunday 13th of April
Time: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Location: Teralba Park, Pullen Road, Everton Park 4053
Ex-TC Alfred
by Mark Furner M.P. State Member for Ferny Grove
Natural disasters bring out the best and the worst.
With cyclone Alfred bearing down on South-East Queensland over the weekend of 8 and 9 March, communities braced for its impact. Many residents and businesses lost power for several days. While some people in our communities were impacted more than others some organisations like Northwest Community Group, run by Paul Slater, swung into action.
Paul approached Coles in Ferny Grove to see what food items may be available to provide to people in need. Coles staff and Paul’s volunteers gathered more than $40,000 fresh and frozen non-saleable items to help the community.
Paul’s volunteers teamed up with other non-for-profit organisations who provided for people affected by the weather event, as well as emergency workers and homeless people. These people are the salt of the earth who reinforce the spirit of humanity when things are tough, and I commend them for their community spirit.
On a more concerning note, I was disappointed to see that the Crisafulli Government had omitted both Brisbane and Moreton Bay Local Government Areas from the Disaster Recovery Financial Assistance Payments.
I was pleased that both areas were finally activated – after my office had strongly advocated for locals to be able to access the payments – but it is my view this delay should not have occurred.
The Samford Road safety improvements project along a 1.5km stretch over the Ferny Hills range between the Lomandra Picnic Area and Camp Mountain Road is now complete. This length of road has always been the most dangerous in the area and the delivery of this project will go a long way to reduce the total number and severity of crashes on the road.
Queensland Police Service Graduation (QPS)
In March the QPS graduated their largest graduation in 33 years with 155 new officers. These recruits began their training as part of the expanded QPS recruitment strategy under the Miles Government. The strategy included recruiting people from various backgrounds and experiences such as previous law students, business owners and security officers, as well as officers with previous policing experience from New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa.
An update from Cr Andrew Wines, Enoggera Ward Cyclone Alfred Recovery
Fortunately, that while Cyclone Alfred wasn’t as destructive as predicted, there was still significant damage in our community, and we recognise there are many damaged homes in the community and in some places, it will take some time to recover.
Our resilient community spirit and volunteers ensure that we’ll be there to support and continue our cleanup efforts.
But this cleanup effort is also occurring across the ward and the city. Council crews are out in force, restoring our green spaces, clearing streets, and making sure we bounce back stronger. This is about more than just tidying up—it’s about getting on with the job and continuing to build tougher, more resilient infrastructure.
To help residents recover, Council established temporary waste sites across the city for disposing of spoiled food and household waste. Temporary green waste drop-off points and free green waste tipping at Resource Recovery Centres have also been set up to help clear storm debris as quickly as possible.
Please be patient with us as there is an extensive list of tree requests our team are working through. Due to workload, it may take some time to address all requests. I urge you to continue reporting any maintenance jobs to Council’s 24/7 contact centre on 3403 8888; we do need the help of the community to see all the areas that need improvement.
Cr Andrew ines helping in the recovery efforts from Ex TC Alfred
Reconstruction works on the playground in Fenwick Park are ongoing. I acknowledge feedback from residents regarding the location of the playground at Fenwick Park and appreciate the community’s engagement in ensuring a safe and enjoyable community space.
Fenwick Park offers a range of recreational facilities, including a cricket oval, picnic areas, public toilets, a basketball halfcourt, and a shared path. Given the existing layout, there is insufficient space to relocate the playground elsewhere within the park without impacting existing assets and or removal of trees. Restoring the playground in its existing location, with the reuse of 40% of the current structures, allows Council to efficiently replace the vandalised facility.
The playground at Fenwick Park remains an important asset to the local area, providing a well-used and valued recreational space. Given its history, existing infrastructure, and practical constraints, its current location remains appropriate and suitable for ongoing community use.
I recognise the delivery timeframe has been much longer than anticipated, and I had hoped it would have been completed by now, however we wanted to ensure the best outcome possible in the circumstances and that will be delivered soon.
There have been further delays, most recently concerning the tender process, however the project team are working to ensure construction commences in May.
Save the date for Sunday, 20th July, for the 100-year celebration of the Enoggera Memorial Hall. Further details will be available via the Enoggera Districts’ Historical Society.
A Ute Army was established as part of the recovery efforts from Ex TC Alfred
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