Jindalee Vacant Block Sells for $992,000 as Long-Time Local Farewells Home Lost to Fire

A rare Jindalee vacant block — all that remained of a home a local woman had lived in for more than three decades — sold under the hammer for $992,000 on Saturday, 12 July, bringing a bittersweet close to a difficult chapter for the long-time resident.



The 644-square-metre parcel at 27 Conargo Street had been the owner’s home since the 1990s before a fire gutted the house last September. After the charred structure was demolished, what remained was an elevated, build-ready block in a suburb where such opportunities are increasingly hard to come by. Jindalee sits about 11 kilometres west of the Brisbane CBD and has recorded a median house price of around $1,155,500 with annual growth of nearly 10 per cent as of May 2026.

On auction day, the vendor watched proceedings from a camp chair across the street, a cuppa in hand, as neighbours gathered nearby. A young family ultimately outbid three other registered parties to claim the block.

Place auctioneer Glenn Bool, who called the auction, said the moment was clearly an emotional one — for the seller and for those watching on. He noted that several neighbours appeared to recognise the vendor as she sat across the road, and that while she was pleased with the outcome, the result also carried the weight of everything she was leaving behind. He observed that she had owned the property for longer than the winning buyers have been alive.

Selling agent Amanda Wang of Place Purpose Group described it as a sad story with a genuinely happy ending. She noted that the vendor had cherished the garden at the rear of the property, and that having so many neighbours present on the day gave the occasion a sense of community that made it more than just a transaction.

The sale reflects the scarcity of vacant land in Jindalee, a well-established suburb where 96 per cent of dwellings are separate houses and owner-occupiers make up around 81 per cent of residents. Build-ready lots rarely come to market, and when they do, they tend to attract strong competition.

Houses in Jindalee have been spending an average of just 19 days on the market over the past 12 months, a sign of the ongoing demand in the suburb even as the broader South East Queensland auction market finds its feet. Domain recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 24 per cent from 82 reported auction results across the region on Saturday, with 14 homes withdrawn from auction.



For the vendor, the $992,000 result marks the end of a long road — and, by all accounts, the beginning of a new one, with her little dog in tow.

Published 13-July-2026

Why Sophie Malcolm is One to Watch for 2032 Brisbane Games

Sophie Malcolm has rapidly transitioned from a promising school-rowing standout into a formidable contender on the national stage, establishing herself as one of Australia’s most exciting prospects in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Games.



Her journey is one of quiet determination, carving a path from the local slipways of the Centenary Rowing Club to the high-performance training centres of the Queensland Academy of Sport. Her recent years have been defined by a relentless drive to excel, evidenced by a collection of gold and silver medals at the Australian Rowing Championships. 

This success is not merely a local phenomenon; she has proudly represented the nation on international waters as a member of the Australian Rowing Team, gaining invaluable experience at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

The Balancing Act of an Elite Student

The life of an elite athlete is rarely just about the time spent on the water. For Malcolm, the early mornings and physical exhaustion of rowing are balanced with a rigorous academic life. She is currently working toward a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Griffith University, a field that she feels a personal connection to because of her own sporting background.

Her choice of study is more than just a career plan; it is a way to gain a deeper understanding of the human body’s mechanics, recovery, and injury prevention. This knowledge has become a secret weapon in her training, allowing her to better manage the physical toll that competitive rowing demands. 

Her efforts were bolstered by the Australian Sports Commission, which awarded her an athlete education scholarship. This support recognises the immense discipline required to hold a full-time university spot while simultaneously preparing for international selection trials.

Community Spirit in the Heart of Jindalee

While the world of elite rowing can feel distant and grand, Malcolm’s roots remain firmly planted in the local community. The Centenary Rowing Club in Jindalee has served as more than just a place to train; it has been the crucible that forged her technical skills and competitive mindset. 

The club’s culture is known for its ability to guide athletes from school-based programs into the national spotlight, fostering a supportive environment that prioritises long-term development.

The community’s pride in her achievements was put on display during the club’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, where a new boat was christened in her honour. This gesture was a clear signal of her status as a role model for the younger members currently starting their own rowing journeys in the same sheds she once used.



Looking Toward the 2026 Horizon

With the national selection trials held in April 2026 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre now behind her, the focus for the remainder of the year has shifted toward sustained growth and competition. The season ahead remains packed with opportunities, including the upcoming UniSport Nationals and various state-level regattas.

As she continues to develop within the Rowing Australia framework, she remains a primary athlete to follow for future representative crews, including the high-stakes King’s Cup series. Her progress serves as a compelling reminder that the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is being paved right now, one stroke at a time, in the local clubs and university gyms that form the backbone of Australian sport.

Published Date 09-July-2026

Tuff Nutterz Brings Giant Inflatable Fun to Rocks Riverside Park

Families looking for an active school holiday outing will soon have a chance to bounce, climb and slide at Tuff Nutterz, which arrives at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks from Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, July 12. The event is promoted as Australia’s biggest inflatable adventure.


Read: The Community Spirit Behind the Stunning Yarn in the Park at Seventeen Miles Rock


The travelling inflatable attraction features a 300-metre obstacle course, a six-metre slide, climbing challenges, ball pits, and other inflatable activities for visitors of all ages.

Photo credit: Facebook/Tuff Nutterz

Tuff Nutterz also offers a festival-style atmosphere, with music playing throughout the event and local food trucks on site for visitors looking to enjoy a meal or snack between activities.

A school holiday adventure

Photo credit: Facebook/Tuff Nutterz

The main attraction is the 300-metre inflatable obstacle course, where participants can climb, jump, bounce and make their way through a series of inflatable obstacles. Visitors can also enjoy giant slides, climbing towers, a giant soccer target game and human-sized zorb balls, with some activities available as optional extras.

Photo credit: Facebook/Tuff Nutterz

Bounce passes start from $30 for a 105-minute session, while a pass that includes the venue’s seven-metre slide starts from $40.

Organisers note that activities such as the Giant Zorb Balls and Tuff Shot target game are purchased separately on site.


Read: This Private Gym in Sumner Park Helps People Achieve Body Transformation in 12 Weeks


Tuff Nutterz describes itself as Australia’s favourite inflatable adventure, offering attractions that encourage families to spend time together while staying active. Alongside the main obstacle course, the event also features a miniature obstacle course, music, and food trucks.

With sessions running for 105 minutes, organisers recommend booking ahead, as session numbers are limited. Tickets may not be available at the gate if sessions sell out in advance.

The event runs daily from Saturday, July 4 until Sunday, July 12 at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks. Bookings can be made online through the Tuff Nutterz website.

Published 6-July-2026

Darra Golf Venue Issues Lifetime Bans After Vending Machine Incident

A Darra indoor golf venue has issued lifetime bans after a guest was accused of damaging a vending machine and a wall during a late-night visit to the 24-hour facility.



Darra Golf Venue Reviews Late-Night Footage

Hooked on Golf in Darra has responded after security footage from its 24-hour indoor golf and gym facility appeared to show a guest interfering with a vending machine during an overnight visit on 26 June.

The venue operates as a member-only indoor golf simulator and gym in south-west Brisbane. It uses camera coverage and an AI-enabled security system to monitor activity inside the facility.

The venue owner said the person involved was not a member, but a guest brought in by a member. Footage shared by the business showed a young man moving and shaking a large vending machine inside the premises.

Vending Machine And Wall Damaged

The owner said the vending machine had not been working properly at the time of the incident. Despite that, most of the machine’s contents were allegedly taken after it was repeatedly shaken.

A wall inside the facility was also damaged during the same incident.

The owner said the venue’s security set-up was designed to alert the business to unusual activity inside the unmanned facility. The business later said those involved had been banned for life, and their images had been logged in the venue’s AI security system.

Vending machine inside indoor golf venue
Photo Credit: Hooked On Golf/Facebook

Member Offers To Pay Costs

The venue said the member who brought the guest into the facility later apologised for his friend’s actions.

The member offered to cover the costs connected to the damaged wall and vending machine items if the guest did not resolve the matter directly with the venue and the vending machine owner.

The incident attracted attention after the venue posted about it on social media. Some commenters criticised the behaviour, while others joked about the effort involved, given the vending machine was inside a venue that also includes gym equipment.



Hooked on Golf later said the situation had been addressed for the time being, with the member prepared to cover the costs if needed.

Published 1-July-2026

The Community Spirit Behind the Stunning Yarn in the Park at Seventeen Miles Rock

From hidden knitted snakes to a missing crocheted Bluey, local volunteers have transformed the green spaces of Seventeen Miles Rock into an eye-opening outdoor art gallery.



The annual Yarn in the Park event is currently running through the school holidays until July 22. This open-air exhibition brings a massive burst of colour to both Rocks Riverside Park and Lorikeet Park. Everyday park fixtures, from trees and bollards to playgrounds, have been carefully covered in elaborate yarn pieces. Families looking for a fresh outdoor activity are encouraged to take a walk through the grounds and see what hidden creations they can spot.

The incredible display is the result of massive effort from local community groups, specifically the Centenary Craft Circle. These volunteers dedicate huge amounts of their personal time to producing the artwork. Organisers have noted that this immense dedication makes a significant difference to the area, successfully bringing joy and smiles to residents of all ages.

Visitors exploring the parks will find a wide variety of interactive fibre-art installations, including a knitted Gary the snake, decorated bicycles, and other hidden surprises among the trees. The event often pays tribute to popular culture, featuring fun, family-friendly designs. A notable example is a crocheted cover of the beloved cartoon character Bluey, which recently made local news headlines when it went missing from the park.



In addition to these fun figures, the exhibition has a history of supporting wider community initiatives. Past years have included special gatherings for National Reconciliation Week, incorporating activities such as Native food tastings and community discussions.

Published Date 23-June-2026

Centenary Copper Theft Disrupts Junior Sport in Darra

Copper theft across Centenary and Darra has disrupted junior sport, damaged field lighting and left local clubs managing costly repairs, including major disruption at Centenary Stormers in Darra.



Centenary Copper Theft Disrupts Local Training

Sporting clubs and community facilities across Brisbane have been dealing with damage from copper theft, with wiring, lighting systems and electrical infrastructure targeted at fields, pathways and club sites.

The impact has reached several Centenary suburbs, including Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Riverhills and Westlake. Darra has also been directly affected through damage at Centenary Stormers soccer club at Atthows Park.

For junior sport, damaged lighting can limit access to fields after dark. When electrical systems are stripped or switchboards are damaged, facilities may need inspection and repair before regular training and games can resume.

Centenary copper theft
Photo Credit: Supplied

Darra Club Faces Repairs and Relocated Games

Centenary Stormers has been hit multiple times by copper theft.

In one incident at the Darra club, about $3,000 worth of copper was stolen, but the damage and disruption cost more than $60,000. Training sessions and games had to be moved to other venues for almost a month while repairs were completed.

The club also faced increased insurance premiums after the thefts.

The disruption affected families, young players and volunteers, with the club needing to keep teams on the field while usual facilities were unavailable. Volunteer time was also diverted to managing the disruption and arranging alternative venues.

Centenary Stormers
Photo Credit: Supplied

Other Centenary Sites Affected

Other local sites have also been targeted, including Rocks Riverside Park at Seventeen Mile Rocks, Jindalee Bowls Club, Western Districts Baseball Club, Warren Ritchie Sports Complex at Carole Park and the Centenary bikeway.

The Centenary bikeway has been regularly affected by thefts involving lighting infrastructure. Loss of pathway lighting can leave shared routes dark at night, creating safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Forest Lake Magpies Rugby League Club has also been heavily affected. The estimated cost to reinstate damaged electrical infrastructure at the site is about $2.4 million, adding to efforts to reactivate the facility after the club’s closure.

Across Brisbane, 40 copper theft incidents were recorded last year, with many in the Centenary suburbs.

Reports Sought Around Sporting Facilities

A Copper Theft Campaign launched on 26 March is encouraging residents to report suspicious activity around sporting clubs, lighting towers, electrical cabinets and other community infrastructure.

Residents have been asked to watch for suspicious vehicles near sporting grounds late at night, people interfering with electrical systems, or unusual activity around community facilities.

Emergencies or crimes in progress should be reported to Triple Zero. Suspicious activity can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers Queensland on 1800 333 000 or through crimestoppersqld.com.au.



Exposed wiring or facility damage can be reported to Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Published 18-June-2026

Corinda and Middle Park Rate Rises Among Highest in 2026-2027 Brisbane Budget

Residents in Corinda and Middle Park are set to experience some of Brisbane’s steepest council rate increases, with both suburbs recording rises above 7 per cent under the city’s new budget.



The $3.9 billion budget includes major spending on roads, parks, community facilities and transport infrastructure, alongside residential rate increases that average 3.97 per cent across the city. For the typical owner-occupier, this amounts to about $63 a year, or roughly $1.22 a week.

While the citywide increase remains below 4 per cent, some suburbs are facing rises of more than 7 per cent, while others will see little change or even a slight reduction in their rates bill.

Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook

Brisbane rates remain among the region’s lowest

Brisbane City Council adopted its 2026-27 budget on 18 June, outlining spending plans for the year ahead as the city continues to deal with population growth, infrastructure demands and rising costs.

LM Adrian Schrinner said the budget was designed to balance investment in local services and infrastructure while keeping residential rates lower than many other councils in South East Queensland.

The budget retains the council’s $60 on-time payment discount for eligible ratepayers. Pensioners will also receive additional support, with the maximum pensioner rates rebate increasing to $1,350.

Council figures show the average owner-occupier rates increase across Brisbane will be 3.97 per cent.

Property values continue to influence rates outcomes

Although Brisbane City Council sets the overall rating structure, the amount paid by individual households can vary considerably between suburbs.

Differences in land valuations and rating categories can result in some areas experiencing larger increases than others. This year’s figures show a wide gap between the suburbs at the upper and lower ends of the scale.

Suburbs with more than 7% increaseRate 
Bulwer (Moreton Island)7.50%
Cowan Cowan (Moreton Island)7.50%
Lake Manchester7.50%
Robertson7.47%
Wakerley7.47%
Runcorn7.44%
Middle Park7.43%
Mackenzie7.42%
Algester7.41%
Corinda7.33%
Eight Mile Plains7.32%
Sandgate7.29%
Brighton7.24%

Other areas such as Dutton Park, Fairfield and Enoggera Reservoir are expected to see slight reductions in rates, while suburbs including Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba will experience increases of less than 1 per cent.

The variation means neighbouring suburbs can receive very different outcomes despite being part of the same council area.

Photo Credit: BCC/Facebook

What homeowners can expect next

Like councils across Australia, Brisbane is also facing higher construction and maintenance costs, as well as increased demand on local infrastructure as the city’s population continues to grow. These pressures have played a role in the council’s budget and rates decisions for the year ahead.



Updated rates notices will be issued to Brisbane property owners during the next billing cycle. Eligible owner-occupiers who pay on time will continue to receive the council’s $60 discount, while pensioners may qualify for the increased rebate support announced in the budget.

Residents seeking further information about how the changes affect their property can access detailed rates information and budget documents through Brisbane City Council.


Published 18-June-2026

Centenary Motorway Masterplan Called For As Maintenance Concerns Mount

Residents in Brisbane’s western suburbs and the eastern corridors of Ipswich are raising concerns about the Centenary Motorway, pointing to maintenance failures and an alleged lack of long-term planning.


Read: RACQ Flags Centenary Motorway as Brisbane’s Worst for Morning Traffic


At the centre of local concern is around five kilometres of non-operational street lighting along the motorway, a situation that has prompted State Member for Inala, Margie Nightingale, to write directly to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and raise the matter in Parliament.

“That’s simply not good enough,” Ms Nightingale said in a recent social media post. “We need clarity on both the future plan and the current maintenance.”

Ms Nightingale added that lighting is the responsibility of Roadtek, Queensland’s state-owned road construction and maintenance authority. No timeline for repair has been announced at the time of writing.

Rail cuts push more drivers onto already stretched roads

Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Darkness on the motorway is far from the only issue troubling commuters. Reduced Queensland Rail services have pushed more drivers onto already congested roads, with residents in outer metro areas saying they are being left with few viable alternatives to the car.

“For many, catching the train is no longer a reliable option,” State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said. “In outer metro areas like ours, the only remaining option is to drive.”

The ripple effect is being felt across the Centenary and Ipswich Motorways, adding to what Ms Mullen described as “additional time and financial strain for individuals and local families.” She has also written to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads urging leadership in working with Queensland Rail and transport unions to restore reliable services.

Community pushes for a long-term masterplan

The petition calls for a masterplan with identified priority projects and dedicated funding to keep pace with population growth in the corridor. It notes that planning work was previously funded to progress future upgrades between Darra and Toowong, and between Darra and Yamanto, but that this work has since stalled.

“Our eastern suburbs in Ipswich and western suburbs of Brisbane are continuing to grow and the Centenary Highway is simply not keeping up with the increasing demand,” the petition states. “We need to future-proof the Centenary Highway through the development of a masterplan with identified priority projects and funding.”


Read: New Mobile Cameras Target Heavy Vehicles on Centenary Motorway


The petition is open to residents across electorates including Bundamba, Inala, Ipswich, Ipswich West, Jordan and Mount Ommaney, and is calling on the community to add their voice.

Ms Mullen said she will continue pushing for answers, and is encouraging residents across the affected electorates to sign the petition and make their voices heard.

Residents can sign the petition at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CentenaryHighwayPlan

Published 16-June-2026

Nearly 1,500 Gather at Seventeen Mile Rocks for Dementia Fundraiser

Families, friends, runners and community groups filled Rocks Riverside Park on Sunday morning as the Brisbane Memory Walk & Jog brought hundreds of people to Seventeen Mile Rocks in support of Australians living with dementia.



Held on 14 June, the annual event drew 1,478 participants and 89 teams to the popular riverside park, with fundraising reaching $193,631 for Dementia Australia programs, services and research. The result placed the event close to its $200,000 target and turned a local park into one of Brisbane’s largest community fundraising gatherings of the weekend.

A Morning of Movement Along the Brisbane River

From early morning, participants gathered at Rocks Riverside Park to take part in a range of distances, including a 2.5-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre walk or jog, and a 10-kilometre timed run.

The event welcomed people of different ages and fitness levels. Some participants took part to honour family members affected by dementia, while others joined friends, workplaces and community teams to support a cause that touches many Australian households.

As runners and walkers moved through the riverside course, the park became a meeting place for families, carers, supporters and volunteers united by a shared goal. The atmosphere reflected the community spirit that has become a hallmark of the Memory Walk & Jog series across Australia.

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Seventeen Mile Rocks Hosts a Major Community Event

While participants travelled from across Brisbane, the event placed Seventeen Mile Rocks at the centre of a city-wide fundraising effort.

Rocks Riverside Park has become a regular venue for large-scale outdoor events thanks to its open green spaces and riverfront setting. On Sunday, the park welcomed nearly 1,500 participants, creating a strong turnout for a community-focused event in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

The gathering also highlighted the role local public spaces play in bringing people together around important social and health issues. For many attendees, the event offered an opportunity not only to raise money but also to connect with others who understand the challenges dementia can bring to families.

Raising Funds for Dementia Support and Research

Memory Walk & Jog is organised by Dementia Australia, the national organisation that supports people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Funds raised through the event help support a range of services, including education programs, counselling, advocacy and research initiatives. Dementia Australia has stated that community fundraising events play an important role in helping the organisation continue its work across the country.

The Brisbane event’s fundraising total of $193,631 represented a significant contribution towards those efforts and demonstrated the level of support the cause continues to receive from the community.

A Cause That Touches Many Families

Dementia remains one of Australia’s major health challenges, affecting hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. Beyond those diagnosed, the condition also affects partners, children, relatives and carers who often provide ongoing support.

The event was about more than completing a walk or run. It was an opportunity to stand alongside others facing similar experiences and to contribute towards services that help families navigate the impacts of dementia.



The turnout demonstrated the willingness of people across Brisbane to support dementia awareness and services, while also showcasing Seventeen Mile Rocks as a destination for major community events.

Published 15-June-2026

Modular Construction Proposal Aims to Deliver Faster Housing in Darra

A development application lodged in April seeks approval for a five-storey modular apartment building at 21, 23 and 25 Largs Street in Darra, proposing 26 units specifically targeted at singles, couples, downsizers and essential workers looking for a well-located, transit-oriented home without a large price tag.



The application, designed by Wallacebrice Architecture and lodged under reference A006993834 on 2 April 2026, proposes the amalgamation of three residential lots with a combined site area of 1,568 square metres within the Medium Density Residential zone of the Darra-Oxley District Neighbourhood Plan. Town planning is by Planning Initiatives, with landscape architecture by Mark Baldock Landscape Architect.

What sets this development apart from a standard apartment application is its construction method. By using prefabricated modular components, the developers expect to bypass standard construction delays and lower overall delivery costs in a sector heavily dominated by traditional builds. 

A different approach to apartment construction

Darra is an industrial and residential suburb 13 kilometres south-west of central Brisbane, situated on the Ipswich to Brisbane railway line opened in 1876.

Queensland Cement Ltd began production here in 1916, and Darra grew steadily through the postwar era as affordable working-class housing, with its railway access and proximity to the Centenary Highway making it practical for both residents and industry.

That legacy of affordability and connectivity has never left the suburb, and it is precisely what makes a project like this one fit the neighbourhood’s character.

The Darra-Oxley District Neighbourhood Plan envisions the suburb becoming a prosperous area which responds to changing community needs and supports a diverse mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses, with the upgrade of Darra Railway Station and its bus interchange identified as a key contributor to the precinct’s ongoing growth. 

Largs Street’s close proximity to the platforms anchors the project’s transit-oriented design, putting commuters within walking distance of the upgraded interchange.

A closer look at the proposed building

The five-storey building reaches approximately 17.5 metres and provides a gross floor area of 1,911 square metres across its 26 units. The mix covers three three-bedroom apartments, 17 two-bedroom apartments, four one-bedroom apartments and two studio apartments, a configuration that leans heavily toward the two-bedroom format while offering entry-level options through the studio and one-bedroom units.

Photo Credit: DA A006993834

Twenty on-site car parking spaces are proposed alongside 33 bicycle parking spaces, a ratio that reflects the project’s deliberate positioning around lower car ownership and proximity to public transport.

Planning material states the lower parking rate is justified by the transit-oriented location and the target demographic of residents less likely to rely on private vehicles.

Photo Credit: DA A006993834

The landscape concept has been designed to contribute to Darra’s subtropical character, providing amenity for future residents while addressing the microclimate of the site and contributing positively to the Largs Street streetscape.

The case for modular in Brisbane’s affordability conversation

The use of prefabricated modular construction is the most distinctive aspect of this proposal. Planners at Planning Initiatives described it as an innovative construction method designed to reduce construction timeframes and improve the ultimate affordability of the finished housing while still achieving a high standard of amenity for future residents.

Modular construction involves assembling significant building components off-site in controlled factory conditions before delivering and connecting them on-site, reducing weather delays, labour costs and construction waste.

In Brisbane’s current building environment, where labour shortages and material costs have extended timelines and pushed prices upward, the approach has genuine relevance to the affordability outcomes the project targets.

The application remains under assessment. The full documentation is available under reference A006993834.



Published 20-May-2026