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Local Restaurant Guide – 4074

We’ve combed Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sumner, Sumner Park BC, and Westlake for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

1. Proper Pizza Cafe and Bar Jindalee

About Proper Pizza Cafe and Bar Jindalee
4.8 Google Rating

Shop 3/235 Sinnamon Rd, Jindalee QLD 4074

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Travis Chalmers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic as always, time and time again. By far the best pizza in Brisbane, and a full menu of cocktails to match. Special shoutout to Kane – he will always go above and beyond to ensure each customer has a fantastic experience, and I consider his service level to be one of the best around. You will not regret coming here. Very reasonably priced as well. Pizza in the photo is a half n half – Paella and Reef n Beef.

S Andrews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We ordered for Takeaways!
The gorgonzola calzone was cooked perfectly — nice and crunchy, with just the right amount of saltiness and a great hit of blue cheese. The pepperoni pizza was yummm! You could tell the pepperoni was really good quality. Both pastas we ordered were absolutely amazing — honestly, I couldn’t fault them at all.
Literally finished every single dish which is unusual for us!

Laura Grace
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The pizzas here are unmatched. They are the standard you find in Venice. The service is from friendly young people. The wait time for food tends to be a little longer than standard however it is well worth the wait as the ingredients are fresh and packed on. It’s a nice deck area I just wish the lighting was a little less stark and more ambient to enhance the vibe, but this is a preference. Would be lovely to have music too. The bar is gorgeous and attention to detail has been put into the overall aesthetics of the venue. The app and website make easy booking and ordering. Overall I recommend this place, thank you for being a valuable restaurant in our community.

2. Icarus Greek Restaurant

About Icarus Greek Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

All sports shopping centre, Unit 1/235 Sinnamon Rd, Jindalee QLD 4074

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Bryan Belcher
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing evening! We chose to celebrate my twin boys 22 Birthday at Icarus Greek. We are so glad we did! The service was fantastic, food brilliant, and a lovely relaxing atmosphere. The manager that took our order was brilliant, and the young ladies that were serving were great. The food is truly amazing . There are so many bursting flavours. Thanks to everyone. A small kitchen at the back producing great food. Well done. We will be back . Thank you for helping make my sons 22 birthday memorable ❤️ 💪👍👊🙏.

Angela Kajar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great greek food, generous serves.
We visited Sunday evening to celebrate 3 family birthdays. Recommend the Saganaki, calamari, souvlaki plates, keftedes and pastitsio. Service from the young waitresses was ok. Perhaps as we were seated round the corner we might have been slightly overlooked as entree plates weren’t cleared until they came to deliver the main dishes which was a bit of a juggle. A little bit loud on the deck from the traffic going down the street, but overall a good night.

Chin Keong Yoong
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food was amazing. My family and friends love every thing we order. The customer service was awesome. Attended our needs very promptly and professionally. Highly recommended to anyone want to try Greek cuisine.

3. Little Hippo Cafe

About Little Hippo Cafe
4.4 Google Rating

180 Westlake Dr, Westlake QLD 4074

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Keith McAuliffe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good service.
Nice and peaceful on the idyllic Westlake drive, with a really nice out door seating area surrounded by these Mediterraneany arches.
Atmosphere is warm, friendly, happy peaceful.
Good place to talk with friends of the beaten path.

Inaya Halpin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had brunch today and the service was lovely and also our food. Looking forward to see a full menu on our next visit.

Elliott Bledsoe
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’ve been here a few times and can say that it is consistently good food. It looks good and tastes good. We’ve had the omelet a few times and it’s always good. The breakfast tacos are also very good, as is the fritters. And there’s often unique little touches, like the lightly pickled fennel with the fritters. Delicious! And the coffee is good too. So the question isn’t to be or not to be, but to go today and tomorrow too!

4. Just Poppy’s

About Just Poppy’s
4.7 Google Rating

Shop 4/20 Bogong St, Riverhills QLD 4074

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Albany Yak
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Burger’s and sides. Service was very good and reasonable price. Can’t wait to come back.

Denis Forbes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Family recommended this place and wow not disappointed.
Value for money is downright amazing, $10 burger is truly something I thought I wouldn’t see outside of chain fast food restaurants.
Oh and the chips, I’ve eaten many a chip, even made many a thrice cooked chip, and these are just bloody good.
Wish I lived in the area as this place would be a weekly visit location.
Thanks for providing a solid feed for the family for a price that isn’t ridiculous!

Tony Robertson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always fantastic burgers here, and well worth the drive. Guaranteed you’ll find a few different burgers to your liking here.

5. Centenary Tavern

About Centenary Tavern
4.2 Google Rating

96 Sumners Rd, Middle Park QLD 4074

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Karen Lay-Brew
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of our regular local faves for consistently good quality meals. Love that they have “The Wise” option in the menu for … well, those of us who are more wise. The barman introduced me to Pub+ app – a reward system, that has given back a few freebies.

Ishan Sethi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently had the pleasure of organising a function at Centenary Tavern and was assisted by the lovely female manager. She was incredibly helpful, polite, and made the whole booking process so smooth and stress-free. Her friendly attitude and attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend this place, especially if you’re planning an event, you’re in great hands with the management team. The food was also great and helpful with all our dietary requirements

Cassie Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Visited on ANZAC day for 2 Up. Staff member who ran it did a great job.
Had a steak and it was cooked beautifully. Didn’t take long to come out, and all the staff were lovely. Will definitely be back.

The Rich History of How Centenary was Formed

Centenary, as it is known today, consists of several suburbs namely, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Westlake, Riverhills, Sumner, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Do you know how and why Centenary was formed? Let’s take a look back at the historic past of Centenary and the origins of the names of its suburbs.

In 1959, Queensland’s Centenary Year, a land developer named Hooker Rex planned the Centenary project. The project was a suburban development proposal that included a number of neighbourhoods with their own services and facilities that are capable of providing for all the needs of its residents.

The development started with the purchase of farmland in 1960. The contract for 1,416 hectare-development was agreed upon by the Council in 1961.

The Centenary Bridge and Highway were among the most important parts of the development as it provided access to and from the city and the northern suburbs. Officially opened on 14 October 1964, the Centenary Bridge was financed by the developers while the Centenary Highway was built by the Brisbane City Council still at the developers’ expense.

The suburbs and industrial estates that were planned to be a part of the Centenary project were Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Westlake, Middle Park, and Sumner. Meanwhile, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Sinnamon Park were developed separately.

The development was under the management of a public company called the Centenary Estates Limited for six years. In October 1967, the private shareholders were bought out by the Hooker Corporation Limited and the entire project was once again owned by the corporation.

The Establishment of the Centenary Suburbs

Jindalee

Jindalee is an Aboriginal word which means “bare hills”. The establishment of the suburb in September 1962 brought the first public transport in the area, a bus going to and from Oxley Station.

Among the earliest establishments in the district were the Jindalee Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Bowls Club and the Looranah St. shopping centre. With its well-established golf course, swimming pool, and sporting facilities, it wasn’t long before Jindalee became a centre for sporting activities.

Jamboree Heights

Jamboree Heights was initially a part of Jindalee. When the Boy Scout held it’s Eighth Australian Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Brisbane, Hooker Centenary provided the site. Later on, the place came to be called Jamboree Heights.

The 50th Anniversary of that historic Jamboree was celebrated in Jamboree Heights in January 2018. During that time, the participants learned more about the first Queensland Jamboree in 1967-1968.

Read: Celebrate Jamboree’s 50th Anniversary in Jamboree Heights

Mount Ommaney

Mount Ommaney is considerably larger than Jindalee and Jamboree Heights. Despite the sloping nature of the terrain in the area, Hooker Centenary was able to develop a number of “Private Courts” in Mount Ommaney in January 1970, a feat considered a first in Australia.

Each private court contains approximately seven homes, each with their own private entrance and shared private ownership of internal roads and nature strips.

Mount Ommaney became a prestige homesite that offers excellent views of the mountains and the city.

The suburb is also home to the first women’s golf club in Australia, the McLeod Country Golf Club, which was completed in 1969. The original golf club was comprised of 9 holes and a clubhouse. It was later extended to a full complement of 18 holes in 1971.

Riverhills

Riverhills is named for its ideal location offering sweeping panoramic views of the Brisbane River. In January 1973, it was mainly marketed by the developer as a suburb for young people with young families, designed with a cul-de-sac concept that focuses on having a quiet environment with lots of privacy. Many of its streets were named after rivers, lakes, and other waterways of the world.

Westlake

Westlake was named by the developers in June 1973 for its nine-hectare freshwater lake. The developers maximised the landscape to give most of its homesites a view of the vast lake.

Sumner

Sumner was named after the Sumner family who had been farmers and landholders in the area. Though the name was originally given to a road, the suburb later adapted the name in 1969.

Seventeen Mile Rocks

The Seventeen Mile Rocks suburb used to include Sinnamon Park in 1975 as it extended farther west. With the development of Sinnamon Park, the boundaries of the suburb changed and currently, part of the Edenbrooke Estate is in Seventeen Mile Rocks and part in Sinnamon Park.

Seventeen Mile Rocks have gone through several developments under different estate developers namely ECOSSE Investments Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions, Baldwin-Riverlands, and Verandah.

Middle Park

Middle Park was strategically named by the developers in July 1976 to reflect its location in the middle of the Centenary Suburbs. The area offers northerly views of the McLeod Country Golf Club.

Sinnamon Park

In 1989, Sinnamon Park was developed originating from the suburb Seventeen Mile Rocks. The new suburb was named after the family of James Sinnamon and Margaret, who were the pioneer European settlers in the area.

Today, Sinnamon Park houses a memorial dedicated to Thomas Macleod to celebrate his historic flights on 22 December 1910.

Read: Thomas Macleod and the Birth of Queensland Aviation in Sinnamon Park

These are the historical origins of the names of the Centenary Suburbs. To have a deeper grasp on the history of Centenary, visit Centenary Suburbs Historical Society Inc.

Armed Youths Get Violent Outside Sumner Couple’s Motorcycle Shop

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A Sumner couple has been left traumatised after a violent confrontation with a group of armed youths outside their motorcycle shop in the early hours of Monday morning.

Tony Van Schalkwyk, owner of Hansky Motorcycles on Bullockhead Street, was hospitalised with extensive bruising across his body following the attack, which occurred around 2.30am on 7 October.

His partner, Skye Whyte, told reporters the couple had been working late and were sleeping inside their business premises when she spotted a group wearing masks and hoods carrying metal poles as they entered the vacant car park adjacent to their property.

Ms Whyte said she could hear the group laughing before she opened a window and asked them to leave. The situation quickly escalated, with the group allegedly hurling verbal abuse at her and damaging her vehicle.

When Mr Van Schalkwyk went outside to intervene, he was set upon by approximately seven people who allegedly beat him with metal poles and their fists, leaving him with injuries across his body and face.

Ms Whyte grabbed a pair of bolt cutters and rushed downstairs, managing to frighten the group away. However, the incident has left the couple shaken and fearful for their business.

“We have sunk everything into this business,” Ms Whyte said. “We’re staying here again tonight. I’m worried they’re going to come back and take a bike or burn the place down. We would be left with nothing.”

The business owner expressed frustration with what she described as ongoing targeting of small businesses in the area, saying local operators are “fed up” with repeated incidents.

Ms Whyte also revealed that responding police advised the couple they shouldn’t have confronted the group, despite the attack occurring on their own property.

Queensland Police have confirmed investigations are ongoing and are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Spine and Neon streets between 1.30am and 3am on Monday morning to come forward.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about business security in the Sumner area, with the couple now sleeping on-site to protect their livelihood.

Published 7-October-2025

Young Archer from Centenary Archers Club in Sumner Selected for Trans Tasman Challenge

Photo Credit: Kristy Chamberlain

Ruth Chamberlain from the Centenary Archers Club in Sumner has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch.

Selection for the Trans Tasman Challenge

Ruth Chamberlain, aged 12, earned selection for the Australian team after placing in the top two of her division at the National Youth Championships. She will compete in the Under 14 Female Compound category at the Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand, scheduled for 26 to 29 September 2025.

National and International Results

At the Australian Indoor National Championships in July 2025, Ruth placed first in the Under 14 Female Compound division. She recorded scores of 286 and 292 in Vegas rounds and 557 in the World Archery Indoor round. In training, she recorded a 298 out of a possible 300.

Earlier in 2025, Ruth competed in the Vegas Shoot, finishing fifth in the Female Compound Cub Division. She also achieved a South Queensland Archery Society record with a score of 367(30) in the Compound Under 14 Female Yellow Peg category at the SQAS Field Championships.

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Centenary Archers Club in Sumner

Ruth is a member of the Centenary Archers Club, located in Wacol Station Road Park in Sumner. The club was formed in 1984 and operates as a volunteer-run community sports organisation. It provides training, social archery and competitive opportunities, including hosting tournaments at state and national level.

Costs and Fundraising

The estimated costs for Ruth to compete include approximately $980 AUD for entry fees, accommodation, ground transport and meals, as well as between $800 and $1,500 AUD for flights. Archery Australia provides uniforms and travel insurance.

A fundraiser launched in May 2025 has raised $660 from 15 donations towards a target of $5,000 to help cover these costs.

*Photo Credit: Centenary Archers Club/Facebook*

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Other Club Representatives

Two other Centenary Archers Club members, Ellen Martini and Liezel-Marie Roux, have also been selected to represent Australia at the Trans Tasman Challenge. The event is held every two years and features youth archers from Australia and New Zealand competing in a team format.

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SUPPORT ELLEN

Published 22-Sep-2025

Riverhills Included in Review of Brisbane Pontoons for Tourism Use

Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Riverhills has been listed among eight Brisbane river pontoons under review for expanded use by tourism and hospitality operators.

Review of Pontoons

On 9 September 2025, BCC confirmed plans to review the use of eight pontoons along the river, including the Riverhills Recreation Hub. The proposal would allow facilities currently used for recreation, such as kayaking and drop-offs, to support activities including river taxis, tour boats, and floating restaurants.

Proposed System and Infrastructure

The review will consider new infrastructure where required and a licensing framework intended to give operators more certainty. The proposal requires state government approval before commercial operators can use the facilities. Larger pontoons at New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens have been identified as best equipped to host bigger vessels.

Riverhills recreation hub — Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Broader Context

The plan is being compared to earlier changes that introduced footpath dining in Brisbane. The review will also examine the former Gardens Point marina moorings near the City Botanic Gardens. Some pontoons, such as West End, are currently closed for repairs but remain part of the network under consideration.

Community and Industry Views

Industry representatives, including the Committee for Brisbane, said further activation of the river would create opportunities for locals and visitors. They noted investment along the river has been consistent, but on-water activity has remained limited to the CityCat service and small private ventures.

Existing operators, such as seafood and adventure services, have already shown interest in broader river use. Others have raised concerns about the potential shift from public to commercial access, underlining the need to balance business investment with community use.

Brisbane River — Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Next Steps for Riverhills

The Riverhills Recreation Hub will be assessed alongside the other seven sites as part of the BCC review. Any changes will rely on state approval of commercial water licences. The initiative is linked to preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where Brisbane aims to showcase its river as part of the city’s visitor experience.

Published 17-Sep-2025

Let Your Dogs Run Free at Off-Leash Dog Parks in Centenary

Every dog lover knows how much their dog wants to have some freedom to run carefree without the restraint of the leash. Brisbane dogs are lucky as there is a host of parks where they can roam and play freely off the leash.

Brisbane has over a hundred dog off-leash parks. (Photo credit: *(Forest Lake Off-Leash Dog Park / Facebook)*

In the Centenary area, there are several parks that allow dog owners to let their dogs loose. These dog parks are fenced areas where dogs can run around and socialise with other dogs and park visitors.

The use of the dog parks comes with some responsibility on the part of the owner. Brisbane City Council reminds dog owners of their obligations when releasing their dogs in the park.

Before they can use any Centenary designated dog park, the dog must be registered with the City Council, wormed regularly and should have updated vaccinations. The dog owner must also have full control of his or her dog.

The Dog owner should make sure that the dog does not have behaviour issues and can socialise well with other dogs and humans in the park. Dog owners should also take care of any dog droppings and dispose of them properly in poo bins provided inside the dog park.

Here is a list of dog parks in the Centenary area where you can go and set your dogs loose and give them an enjoyable time.

Thomas Macleod Park, Sinnamon Park

Thomas Macleod Park in Sinnamon Park provides the largest dog off-leash area in the Centenary area. The park is located at 40 Sinnamon Road and allocates 6,512 sqm of dedicated off-leash area for dogs.

*(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)*

Visitors can feel relaxed and comfortable as there is a picnic shelter, benches, table with benches, tap, dog water, trash bin and poo bin to help them clean up after their furry friends.

Jindalee Boat Ramp Park, Jindalee

In Jindalee, locals can bring their pets to the Jindalee Boat Ramp Park at 99 Mt Ommaney Drive. This park has good facilities for its 912-sq-m dog off lease area, with bench seat, dog water, bubbler, poo bin and regular trash bin.

Phil Denman Park, Jamboree Heights

The Jamboree Heights dog park is at Phil Denman Park located at 56 Loffs Road. The park, which has a basketball/netball court, provides 2,298 square metres of dog off-leash area. The Phil Denman Park has a picnic shelter, bench and table, bubbler, dog water and poo bin. The park also includes a dog agility and exercise equipment.

Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve, Riverhills

Located in Riverhills, Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve has an off-leash dog area of 2,621 sqm. The dog park is off Sumners Road and has regular park amenities such as benches and tables, picnic area and tap.

The dogs are provided with dog water and there is a poo bin for dog droppings.

Tigris Street Park, Riverhills

There is also a dog off-leash park at 22 Tigris St in Riverhills. Dogs can run and play around the dog park of 1,516 square metres. Aside from benches, picnic shelter and tables, there is a bubbler, tap and poo bin at the dog park.

Barcoorah Street Park, Westlake

Dog owners can opt to bring their dogs to the Barcoorah Street Park, located at 88 Barcoorah St in Westlake. The area is a bushland with a dog off-leash park on Loffs Road.

Delapine Place Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Delapine Place Park at 6 Delapine Place provides an off-lease dog park with an area of 3,399 square metres. There are bench seats in this dog park.

Locations of off-leash dog parks in the Centenary area. (credit: Brisbane City Council)

Lift the Lid Walk to Support Mental Health at Seventeen Mile Rocks

Photo Credit: Eventbrite

Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.

Event Overview

Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.

The Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will take place on Sunday, 21 September 2025, as part of a national initiative by Australian Rotary Health. It is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Centenary, Greater Springfield, Jindalee, Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Sumner Park, Brisbane Inner West, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity.

The walk aims to raise awareness of mental illness and generate funds for research. It is open to all members of the community, with dogs permitted on leads.

mental health awareness — *Photo Credit: Lift the Lid Walk*

Background

The original Walk for Mental Health was created by mental health advocate Vicki Stewart, a former president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba. After three years of successful fundraising, the event evolved into the Lift the Lid Walk in 2020. The walk is intentionally non-competitive, focusing on conversation and community connection rather than racing.

Funds raised from all Lift the Lid Walk events go directly to Australian Rotary Health research, addressing mental health issues in communities, schools, workplaces, and homes.

Event Details

Participants will walk a 2.5 kilometre loop along the Brisbane River within parkland, with the option to complete a total of five kilometres. There will be no road traffic on the course.

Schedule:

6:00 a.m. – Bump in
6:30 a.m. – Check-in, T-shirt collection, late registration opens
7:30 a.m. – Late registration closes
7:45 a.m. – Pre-start briefing, Australian Rotary Health speaker, sponsor recognition
8:00 a.m. – Walk start
10:00 a.m. – Event completion
10:30 a.m. – Pack-down finish

Entry Fees:

Adults: $30 (includes event T-shirt)
Children 15 and under: Free entry (T-shirts available for purchase)

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Facilities and Entertainment

A coffee van, ice cream vendor, and Rotaract-run sausage sizzle will be on site, along with other display stalls. Brisbane City Council is the corporate partner for the event.

Contingency Plans

If the event is cancelled due to extreme weather or COVID-19 restrictions, participants will be encouraged to walk in their own neighbourhoods and share their experience online. Registration fees will still go towards funding Australian Rotary Health research, and T-shirts will be available for collection.

Contact Information

For enquiries, contact Craig Clarke on 0430 871 664 or Steve Bennett on 0434 921 300.

Published 16-Aug-2025

Hendra and Jindalee State Schools See Decline in Student Numbers

Two Brisbane state schools, Hendra and Jindalee, are among the hardest hit by falling enrolments, even as the suburbs around them continue to grow.

Read: Jindalee’s Olivia Spallek-Caballero Crowned 2025 National Gymnastics Champion

Hendra State School, already Brisbane’s smallest public primary, has seen its enrolments halve since 2021. Meanwhile, Jindalee State School has dropped by 20 per cent, down to 587 students.

Photo credit: Hendra State School/Facebook

Yet both areas have experienced modest population growth. According to AreaSearch estimates, Hendra’s population rose by 4.5 per cent since the 2021 Census, reaching around 5,178 people as of May this year. Jindalee–Mount Ommaney grew by 4.2 per cent in the same period, up to approximately 7,960 residents.

The declines at these schools mirror a broader trend across Brisbane’s public primary sector. More than half of state primary schools shrank between 2021 and 2024, with an overall drop of 1,005 students, despite the city’s population increasing by more than 9 per cent.

Education researchers and community advocates cite a mix of causes for the shift. These include changing demographics, strict catchment rules, increased take-up of home-schooling, and more families enrolling children in private schools, particularly from Year 5 onwards.

Photo credit: Jindalee State School – JSS/Facebook

In suburbs like Jindalee, where independent schooling options are within easy reach, families may be moving away from local public schools in favour of alternatives. In Hendra, limited new housing stock and higher property prices may be reducing the number of young families with school-aged children.

While many schools are facing smaller Prep cohorts and flatter growth, some areas are experiencing the opposite. Pallara State School, in Brisbane’s south-west, grew by 48 per cent to 1,283 students over the same three-year period, with enrolments projected to reach 1,600 by 2027. Growth suburbs like Kenmore, Moorooka, Hamilton and Newmarket also saw double-digit increases.

A Department of Education spokesperson said enrolment shifts often reflect local population movements and demographic patterns, and that the department continues to plan for both high-growth and lower-demand areas.

Read: Was Jindalee’s Amazons Aquatic Adventureland a Danger Zone? Locals Share Stories

For Hendra and Jindalee, the question remains whether current trends will continue or stabilise in coming years, and what role schooling preferences and family movement will play.

Published 7-August-2025

Sunny Queen Australia Joins Hall of Fame for Feeding Millions With Integrity

Photo Credit: Sunny The Egg/Facebook

Sunny Queen Australia, the nation’s largest egg producer, has joined the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. The Brisbane company was recognised for its strong impact on the state’s economy and culture.

Decades of Commitment to Quality

Sunny Queen began in 1930 as the Queensland Egg Board, formed by local farmers to improve food access. It has since grown into a national supplier, distributing over 1.5 billion eggs each year. The company was officially inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame on 25 July at a Brisbane ceremony, with CEO Julie Proctor accepting the award.

*Photo Credit: Sunny Queen Australia/LinkedIn*

Known for prioritising innovation and animal welfare, Sunny Queen introduced Australia’s first cage-free eggs in 2009. It now offers free-range and organic options, working closely with vets and nutritionists to uphold ethical standards across its farming network.

Strong Leadership and Shared Values

CEO Julie Proctor said Sunny Queen’s success comes with a strong sense of responsibility to Australian families. She credited the company’s team and loyal customers for helping deliver healthy, protein-rich food nationwide. Directors Simon Hall and Robert Antonio highlighted Sunny Queen’s deep ties to regional farmers and long-term shareholders.

The company is known for its commitment to transparency, including the launch of its “Chook Tracker” tool. This live-stream lets customers see free-range hens in real time, showing that farming can be both humane and productive.

Innovation That Keeps Pace With Everyday Life

Sunny Queen has expanded beyond shell eggs into ready-to-eat products like omelettes, egg bakes and poached eggs. These meals are supplied to foodservice venues, aged care, schools and airlines across the country. By using eggs that don’t meet shell standards, the company helps cut food waste while maintaining nutrition.

With over 60 products, Sunny Queen continues to meet changing consumer needs without compromising quality. Its focus on innovation, sustainability and market adaptability contributed to its recognition as one of Queensland’s top business leaders.

A Win for Queensland Farming and Community

Sunny Queen’s Hall of Fame induction highlights the importance of family-led, community-based businesses in Queensland’s growth. The recognition was made possible through support from QUT, the State Library of Queensland and the Hall of Fame Induction Committee.

Headquartered in Brisbane with roots in regional areas, the company reflects values of local pride, ethical farming and strong leadership. More than just eggs, its story is about becoming part of everyday life for millions of Australians.

Published 25-July-2025

Volunteer Call for Wildlife Survey in Wacol

Photo Credit: Pexels

What’s swimming, slithering or paddling through our local creeks? A major five-year wildlife survey environmental DNA from local creek systems in Wacol is about to find out—and locals from the area and across the Centenary suburbs are being called on to help.

Creek Sampling with Cutting-Edge Science

The project, led by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) and Wolston & Centenary Catchments (WaCC), will use environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to detect traces of animals in waterways. From late August to September, volunteers will collect water samples from 12 sites along Bullockhead Creek, Sandy Creek and their tributaries.

Each sample is analysed in a lab to identify species—from elusive platypus and rakali to native fish, frogs, and turtles—without disturbing their habitats. The data will be compared year-on-year to track population changes and the impact of urban pressures on local biodiversity.

Why This Matters

These creeks form part of a vital wildlife corridor linking the Brisbane River to surrounding bushland. By mapping the species that live here, scientists can better protect threatened fauna and identify areas needing habitat restoration. The survey also complements earlier monitoring projects in the area, including camera trapping for koalas and waterway health assessments.

The project will apply vertebrate metabarcoding techniques to collect eDNA from water bodies. This method allows researchers to detect species by analysing DNA fragments left behind in the environment. Data collected over the five-year period will help track species presence, highlight pollution impacts, and identify long-term ecological trends.

The Wacol catchment region has already been the focus of previous fauna and flora monitoring, including nest box installations in Riverhills and platypus and koala tracking in nearby bushland reserves. eDNA testing has previously been used to confirm platypus presence in the creeks, although visual observations remain necessary to support the findings due to limitations in the method.

How You Can Get Involved

No specialist skills are required—training is provided. Volunteers will assist with collecting, labelling and delivering samples, as well as logging site conditions. The project runs for five years, offering multiple opportunities to participate.

Interested community members are encouraged to register through a formal expression of interest process. Volunteers may assist with data collection, monitoring, and observation logging across the five-year timeline. This builds on an existing tradition of community involvement in environmental work throughout the Wacol area.

Similar community-supported efforts include the koala research program at Pooh Corner and Wacol Bushland Reserves, where trained residents have tracked released koalas and recorded habitat use, including preferred tree species like blue gum and gum-topped box.

Complementary Efforts

Citizen science has long played a role in shaping conservation actions within the region. In 2024, twelve artificial nest boxes were installed in Riverhills to provide nesting opportunities for native species in an area lacking suitable tree hollows. These installations have already been used by rainbow lorikeets and possums, based on follow-up monitoring.

The nest boxes are now subject to routine inspections with help from trained community members. A citizen science workshop conducted in late 2024 involved adults and children learning how to use inspection cameras and report findings for monitoring.

Next Steps

The upcoming eDNA survey presents another opportunity for the Wacol community to contribute to ongoing ecological monitoring. Expressions of interest are now open online for those who wish to participate ahead of the August/September 2025 launch.

Findings from the project will inform biodiversity mapping, conservation planning, and future habitat restoration efforts in the catchment.

Published 26-July-2025

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3. Little Hippo Cafe

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The Establishment of the Centenary Suburbs

Jindalee

Jamboree Heights

Mount Ommaney

Riverhills

Westlake

Sumner

Seventeen Mile Rocks

Middle Park

Sinnamon Park

Selection for the Trans Tasman Challenge

National and International Results

Centenary Archers Club in Sumner

Costs and Fundraising

Other Club Representatives

Review of Pontoons

Proposed System and Infrastructure

Broader Context

Community and Industry Views

Next Steps for Riverhills

Thomas Macleod Park, Sinnamon Park

Jindalee Boat Ramp Park, Jindalee

Phil Denman Park, Jamboree Heights

Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve, Riverhills

Tigris Street Park, Riverhills

Barcoorah Street Park, Westlake

Delapine Place Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Event Overview

Background

Event Details

Schedule:

Entry Fees:

Facilities and Entertainment

Contingency Plans

Contact Information

Decades of Commitment to Quality

Strong Leadership and Shared Values

Innovation That Keeps Pace With Everyday Life

A Win for Queensland Farming and Community

Creek Sampling with Cutting-Edge Science

Why This Matters

How You Can Get Involved

Complementary Efforts

Next Steps

About Proper Pizza Cafe and Bar Jindalee
4.8 Google Rating

About Icarus Greek Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating

About Little Hippo Cafe
4.4 Google Rating

About Just Poppy’s
4.7 Google Rating

About Centenary Tavern
4.2 Google Rating