Homepage Latest News - Page 6 of 36

Mount Ommaney Special School Grieves Loss of Sandra and Peter Schuptar

Photo Credit: Mount Ommaney Special School/Facebook

A Mount Ommaney Special School teacher and her husband were killed when their motorbike collided with a four-wheel drive at Carbrook, near Brisbane.

The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, 5 January 2025, at around 7:30 p.m., at the intersection of Mount Cotton and Coorang Roads. Sandra Schuptar, 65, and her husband Peter, 63, both residents of Cornubia, were riding their Honda Goldwing motorcycle when the crash happened.

Emergency services treated the couple for severe injuries, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Community in Mourning

Sandra was a prominent figure at Mount Ommaney Special School, where she was the head of the Early Childhood Development Program and Special Education Services. The school described her as a dedicated educator who made everyone feel welcome and valued. Colleagues and parents expressed their heartbreak at the loss, with one parent recalling how Sandra had been a source of unwavering support for families of children with special needs.

The school community issued a statement describing the news of her death as a shock, leaving them “heartbroken beyond belief.” Tributes also came from neighbouring special schools and the Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders, which highlighted her significant contribution to the field of special education.

Remembering the Couple’s Contributions

Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra, along with her husband Peter, was an active member of the local Jewish community. The couple organised prayer groups and led trips to Israel, leaving an indelible impact on those around them. Friends remembered them as caring and generous individuals who brought people together.

Peter, who was well-known for his involvement in local transport services, shared his wife’s passion for community service. Together, they were remembered as compassionate leaders who touched many lives through their work and personal connections.

Investigation Underway

The driver of the Nissan Patrol, a 21-year-old Carbrook man, was unharmed in the crash. Queensland Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, urging anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward.

A Lasting Legacy

Sandra and Peter Schuptar’s sudden passing has left a profound void in the communities they served. Their dedication to education, family support, and faith continues to resonate with those who knew them.

The Mount Ommaney Special School community plans to honour their memory in the coming weeks as they navigate this time of grief.

Published 9-January-2025

Free Dog Training Session Set for Sinnamon Park Leave It Program

Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram

Dog owners in Sinnamon Park are invited to the Leave It Program—a free hands-on training session focusing on two essential commands: recall and leave it.

The event will be held at Thomas MacLeod Park from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, 8 February 2025.

Sinnamon Park Leave It Program — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

What’s the Leave It Program About?

The Leave It Program focuses on helping dog owners teach their pets to respond reliably in public spaces, particularly when wildlife or distractions are present. Commands like leave it and a strong recall can prevent dogs from running into danger or disturbing native animals.

What to Expect on the Day

Local trainers will guide participants through practical exercises, including:

Teaching dogs to come when called, even with distractions.
Using the leave it cue to prevent dogs from approaching harmful items or wildlife.
Managing dogs effectively in both on-leash and off-leash situations.

A Leave It popup stand will also be available, offering free dog-related resources and goodies.

Responsible Dog Ownership in Brisbane

Sinnamon Park dog training event with local trainers. — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

While the Leave It Program focuses on practical training, it also reinforces the broader responsibilities of dog ownership in Brisbane. Dog owners are required to:

Register and microchip their dogs.
Keep dogs on a lead in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas.
Remove their dogs’ waste from public areas.
Provide secure fencing at home to prevent escapes.
Avoid leaving pet food outside, as it can attract pests.
Desex their dogs to prevent unwanted litters and promote better health and behaviour.
Follow safety regulations for guard dogs, including secure enclosures, clear warning signs, and effective control during public access.

These rules are designed to ensure the safety of dogs, people, and local wildlife.

The Importance of Programs Like Leave It

The Leave It Program goes beyond basic training commands. It fosters trust and confidence between dogs and their owners while promoting responsible habits that make shared spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

How to Get Involved

Dog learning 'leave it' command in outdoor setting. — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

Dog owners have a great opportunity to help foster a more responsible dog-friendly community while also improving their pets’ behaviour through the Leave It Program at Sinnamon Park. It is recommended to register early due to the limited number of spots.

By participating in the Leave It Program, dog owners contribute to creating a safer and more enjoyable environment in Brisbane’s parks and public spaces.

Published 8-Jan-2025

Safer and Smoother Journeys at Upgraded Jamboree Heights Intersection

Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook

The intersection at Dandenong Road, Sirocco Street, and Central Avenue in Jamboree Heights has been upgraded, with traffic lights now fully operational and new safety features in place for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Jamboree Heights intersection upgrade — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

The intersection’s construction began last March 2024 and was completed in December 2024. Under joint funding from a national infrastructure programme and local contributions, the project sought to solve long-standing safety and traffic issues at this busy crossing.

Before the upgrade, the intersection had two slip lanes in and out of Central Avenue. While the outbound slip lane was rebuilt, the inbound slip lane was removed totally. These modifications were instituted to increase pedestrian and cyclist access and safety across the junction.

Jamboree Heights traffic lights now operational. — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

Key Features of the Upgrade

New traffic lights have been installed to manage vehicle movements more safely, while pedestrian crossings with signals have been added to all sides of the intersection. The northbound slip lane on Dandenong Road was removed entirely, and a raised zebra—or “wombat”—crossing was added on Central Avenue’s eastbound slip lane.

The bike lanes on Dandenong Road have been extended, creating a clearer route for cyclists. While they’re still painted lanes and not physically separated, they now extend past the vehicle stop lines and are equipped with sensor loops to trigger the traffic lights.

For cyclists wanting to turn right, off-ramps have been added so they can safely use the pedestrian crossings. The kerbs and footpaths around the intersection have also been upgraded, making it easier for people with mobility needs to get around.

Additionally, stormwater drainage at the intersection has been improved with upgraded and newly installed stormwater pipes and pits, reducing the risk of water buildup during heavy rain.

Replacing the left-turn slip lane on Dandenong Road with a controlled left-turn arrow has significantly improved safety for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing Central Avenue.

Signalised pedestrian crossing facilities have been installed across all approaches, ensuring safer access for pedestrians and improved connectivity to local bus stops, shopping centres, and community facilities.

Jamboree Heights upgraded intersection with traffic lights — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

Traffic Lights Now Operational

The new traffic lights went live in December 2024, marking the official completion of the upgrade. Locals are already noticing smoother traffic flow and safer crossing points for both pedestrians and cyclists.

This upgrade is designed to:

Improve safety for all road users
Reduce congestion and improve traffic efficiency
Make walking safer and cycling more accessible

Community Impact and Future Outlook

City official Sarah Hutton highlighted the importance of these upgrades in improving safety and accessibility for everyone in the area.

Pedestrian crossing with signal lights at Jamboree Heights — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

With the intersection now fully operational, local authorities will continue monitoring traffic flow and user feedback to ensure everything’s running smoothly. Any adjustments needed will be addressed over time.

For now, residents and visitors to Jamboree Heights can enjoy a safer and more efficient intersection, whether they’re driving, walking, or cycling through the area.

Published 7-Jan-2025

Street Spotlight: Westlake Dr, Westlake

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Westlake Drive paints a remarkable picture of transformation, from its humble beginnings to the established residential enclave it is today. In 1936, the area was completely undeveloped, with no trace of the current road networks or neighbourhoods that would eventually define this sought-after pocket.

The street’s evolution is evident in its real estate history, with properties like 168 Westlake Drive changing hands for $37,600 in March 1975 – a figure that reflects how far the area has come. Today, the street boasts an impressive 90% owner-occupancy rate, with residents staying an average of nearly 16 years, and 60% calling it home for more than a decade. This stability, spread across 186 properties, underscores Westlake Drive’s enduring appeal as a tightly-knit community where neighbours become long-term friends.

Westlake Dr, Westlake Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 186
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 60%

Westlake Dr, Westlake – As It Looked in 1936

Westlake Dr, Westlake in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON WESTLAKE DR, WESTLAKE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
189 Westlake, Westlake	$3,500,000	Jul 2024
145 Westlake, Westlake	$1,100,000	Jun 2024
341 Westlake, Westlake	$1,345,000	Jun 2024
166 Westlake, Westlake	$1,337,000	May 2024
136 Westlake, Westlake	$1,350,000	May 2024
302 Westlake, Westlake	$1,282,500	Feb 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON WESTLAKE DR FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
168 Westlake, Westlake	$37,600	Mar 1975
156 Westlake, Westlake	$43,500	Jun 1975

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,215,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $735,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $480,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,450,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $813,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $637,000

If you know Westlake Dr, Westlake well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Seventeen Mile Rocks Garden Wins Award for Zero-Waste Efforts

Photo Credit: Rocks Community Garden/ Facebook

A community garden in Seventeen Mile Rocks Garden has won a major award for its commitment to sustainability and zero-waste practices.

The City Council recently awarded the Rocks Community Garden (RCG) the WasteSMART Outstanding Award for its impressive efforts in reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly gardening. The garden, located within Rocks Riverside Park, is run by 70 volunteers and is dedicated to organic gardening and composting all their green waste.

A Model of Sustainability

Rocks Garden — *Photo Credit:* *Rocks Community Garden/ Facebook*

Before implementing their zero-waste policy, the garden’s green waste filled an entire skip bin every week. Now, the members maintain five worm farms, ten compost bins, and five large composting bays to recycle all their organic materials. Some members even collect food scraps and coffee grounds from a nearby cafe to prevent them from ending up in landfill.

More Than Just Gardening

The RCG is more than just a place to grow vegetables. It’s a community hub where people come together to share their love of gardening, build friendships, and support each other. Members rescue plastic buckets from a local industrial estate to use for plant cuttings, which they then give away to visitors along with free seeds to encourage others to grow their gardens.

The garden also collects many recyclable materials, including glass, paper, and plastic, and removes unwanted household items like furniture, toys, and gardening supplies.

Core Values

The RCG is committed to a set of core values that guide their work. These values include sustainability, collaboration, inclusivity, education, health and well-being, friendship, and creativity.

They believe in working together and sharing knowledge to create a thriving garden space that benefits people and the environment. The garden is a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and they strive to create a sense of community and belonging for all members.

Visit the Garden

The Rocks Community Garden welcomes visitors interested in learning more about sustainable gardening practices or simply wanting to enjoy their labour’s fruits. Members regularly meet at the garden on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Published Date 31-December-2024

QPS Welcomes Final Wave of Record-Breaking Police Recruits in 2024

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded a year of unprecedented recruitment with a final graduation ceremony at its Oxley Academy in Wacol, welcoming 122 new first-year constables.

This latest intake brings the number of new officers inducted in 2024 to over 940, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

This final graduation ceremony at Wacol caps off a year of exceptional growth for the QPS academies. Earlier this year, the academies experienced their largest intake of recruits in 26 years and recently recorded the highest number of recruits in training across both Brisbane and Townsville. With over 2,200 applicants still in the pipeline – a 53 per cent increase compared to November 2023 – the QPS anticipates another strong year of recruitment in 2025.

Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski expressed his enthusiasm for the year’s achievements and highlighted the organisation’s dedication to attracting and training new officers. He emphasised that the recruits’ diverse backgrounds reflect the QPS’s commitment to building a police force that truly understands and serves the diverse communities of Queensland.

Adding to this diversity are graduates of the Multicultural Recruit Preparation Pathway (MRPP), a specialised program designed to assist individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in preparing for police training. This six-week course provides tailored support to help participants succeed in the standard 36-week Recruit Training Program.

One such graduate, First Year Constable Emmanuel Andruga, who emigrated from Uganda in 2010, shared his experience with the MRPP. He explained how the program helped him smoothly transition into mainstream training and highlighted the value of building strong peer networks and gaining a deeper understanding of policing in Queensland within a supportive environment.

These newly minted constables will be deployed across Queensland, bolstering police presence in various stations from metropolitan areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast to regional centres such as Cairns, Townsville, and Toowoomba.

The QPS continues to promote the diverse opportunities a policing career offers, emphasising the dynamic nature of the work and encouraging those interested in a challenging and rewarding career to consider joining the force.

Published Date 23-December-2024

Sinnamon Park Resident Recalls Surviving 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, Advocates for Water Safety

A Sinnamon Park resident who survived the deadly 2004 Boxing Day tsunami while diving in the Maldives has dedicated the ensuing decades to water safety and community service, teaching thousands to swim and overcome their fears.

A Day of Catastrophe and Survival

Twenty years ago, on 26 December 2004, Greg Stegman and his wife, Deidre, were diving off the coast of the Maldives when the Boxing Day tsunami—triggered by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake off Sumatra—unleashed chaos across the Indian Ocean. Mr Stegman described the underwater experience as terrifying, with currents surging unpredictably and dive equipment failing to register the unusual conditions.

“At 8:45 a.m., our dive boat left the Club Med resort, unaware of the catastrophic damage occurring in Asia. Around 9 a.m., our group reached the dive site to commence the standard drift five, which is common in the Maldives. The gentle current of one knot changed during our sixty-foot dive as the unexpected tsunami waves reached the Maldives,” he recounted.

When they returned to their resort, the destruction became clear. Waves had swept over their low-lying island, leaving debris scattered and essentials like electricity unavailable. Survivors relied on canned food and bottled water for days until the Male airport reopened, enabling them to leave the devastated region.

“Only a handful of divers have survived being underwater during a tsunami. The underwater currents are severe and constantly change direction with each deadly wave overhead. The pressure of a tsunami wave plays havoc with dive computers, and there’s a downwelling pressure force that is particularly worrying when the diver is unaware of the tragedy unfolding on the surface.”

Asian Tsunami — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

Mr Stegman noted the staggering loss of life across Asia, where over 227,000 people perished, and the overwhelming impact on communities from Indonesia to East Africa.

“In returning to our resort, we were shocked to see the devastation caused by three tsunami waves that swept over our low-lying sand island. With no electricity or luxury resort accessories we all survived eating canned food and fortunately bottled water was plentiful. Several days passed by before the Male airport was reopened, and we returned home, unlike millions of Asian families who lost families, home and businesses.”

Decades of Commitment to Water Safety

Long before the tsunami, Mr Stegman and his wife made a name for themselves by pioneering learn-to-swim programs at their Acacia Ridge facility, Stegman’s Swim World. The centre introduced Queensland’s first heated pools for infants and offered aqua aerobics long before these practices were widespread.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gregory Stegman (@gregory.stegman)

After retiring in 2014, Mr Stegman shifted focus to adult swimming lessons, addressing a critical need among migrants from non-swimming cultures. Many of his students wanted to join their children in the water but feared drowning due to past traumas or lack of experience.

Greg Stegman Tsunami — *Photo Credit: Greg Stegman/Instagram*

Community Service Beyond Swimming

Mr Stegman’s contributions extend beyond the pool. In 2023, he received an Australia Day Achievement Award for teaching water safety, supporting refugees, and fundraising for charities. From helping Afghan and Ukrainian migrants assimilate into the Sinnamon Park community to organising a 30-kilometre charity walk for the Kokoda anniversary, Mr Stegman has consistently sought ways to give back.

His commitment to education, especially for vulnerable groups, has impacted the local community. Parents he once taught now bring their children to his classes, a proof of the generational influence of his work.

Reflections on Tragedy and Resilience

Reflecting on the tsunami, Mr Stegman emphasises the fragility of life and the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. While his survival story is extraordinary, he downplays his experience, focusing instead on what he can do for others in Sinnamon Park and beyond.

Published 9-Dec-2024

Darra Park Deemed Safe for Kids, But Off-Limits to Digging Dogs

A local park built on a former rubbish tip has sparked controversy after being declared safe for children but unsuitable for dogs.

The park on Monier Park Road in Darra has raised concerns among residents who question the safety standards.

Once a landfill site, the outdoor space was transformed into a park featuring a BMX facility and opened to the public in 2019. Resident Kerrie Bolte and other community members recently approached the local council with a proposal to designate a park section as an off-leash area for dogs. They argued that the area needed more utilised and located a significant distance from the BMX track. This request came in response to increased enforcement of leash laws and fines for dog owners.

However, Councillor Sarah Hutton of the Jamboree Ward rejected the proposal, citing the park’s designation as a District General Outdoor Sports area according to the City Plan 2014. Crucially, Cr Hutton’s response revealed that the former landfill site has minimal capping over the historic waste – as little as 5cm in some areas. Due to safety concerns, council standards require a minimum depth of 30cm for off-leash dog areas.

Ms Bolte expressed her shock at the councillor’s response, questioning the logic of deeming the park safe for children to play sports on while considering it unsafe for dogs. She highlighted the inconsistency and raised concerns about the potential hazards of the thin covering layer over the former landfill.

Cr Hutton maintained that Monier Road Park is a safe and enjoyable space for children to play in but unsuitable for dogs that may dig deep holes. She emphasised the numerous dog parks within walking distance as alternative options for dog owners.

This situation has raised questions about the adequacy of the site assessment and the potential risks associated with its former use. Residents are now seeking clarification on the safety standards for parks built on reclaimed land.

Published Date 04-December-2024

RSPCA in Wacol Urges Ban on Glue Traps Due to Wildlife Injuries

RSPCA Queensland in Wacol is urgently calling for a national ban on glue traps after a growing number of native animals, including a kookaburra and a blue-tongue lizard, were found suffering on these adhesive traps intended for pests.

RSPCA’s Concerns Over Wildlife Harm

At RSPCA Queensland’s Wacol facility, staff continue to witness cases of local wildlife being injured or killed by glue traps, sparking renewed advocacy for a total ban on their sale and use across Australia.

The RSPCA reported that adhesive traps, often used to catch rodents, also ensnare non-target animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals. These animals experience extreme stress and pain, unable to escape from the adhesive surface without significant injury.

According to RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon, animals often suffer from broken bones, skin tears, and severe dehydration or starvation if not removed quickly. The Wacol-based RSPCA Wildlife Hospital regularly treats animals caught in these traps.

Staff reported treating a kookaburra, which was found with multiple small skinks on a glue trap and a blue-tongue lizard, requiring careful adhesive removal and medical care. The traps have become a growing hazard for native species across Queensland as more reports of trapped wildlife occur each year.

Retailer and Legislative Actions

Major Australian retailers, such as Bunnings, have taken partial steps to reduce wildlife harm by phasing out “naked” glue traps—those without protective barriers. Instead, Bunnings now only stocks versions of the product contained within cages designed to limit wildlife access, following guidelines from regulatory authorities.

However, the RSPCA argues that these measures fall short, noting that animals can still become ensnared in modified traps, and glue traps remain widely available online through retailers like Amazon, Kogan, and Dick Smith.

The current legal landscape for glue traps varies significantly across Australia. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has an outright ban, while Victoria and Tasmania restrict their sale to commercial pest control operators.

There are currently no specific regulations in Queensland and several other states, meaning the traps are readily available to the public. RSPCA Queensland advocates for a nationwide approach, pushing for consistent rules to prevent the continued harm of wildlife.

The Case for a Nationwide Ban

RSPCA Queensland emphasises that glue traps, even those contained within cages, are inhumane and unnecessary, given the availability of more humane pest control options. Glue traps not only harm non-target species but also lead to prolonged suffering. Ms Lagoon noted that animals often get their feet stuck first, then inadvertently stick more body parts as they struggle to free themselves, leading to distress and further injuries. She stated that some animals are so desperate to escape that they chew their limbs.

The RSPCA said there needs to be consistent legislation prohibiting glue traps. They argue that a uniform ban across Australia would prevent accidental wildlife harm, as each state currently has its rules on glue trap use. The organisation believes that with stricter laws, Australia can minimise unnecessary animal suffering and encourage humane pest control practices.

Published 14-Nov-2024

Wacol Animal Rescue Hotline Faces Potential Cuts

Animal welfare advocates have raised concerns about a potential change to the RSPCA Queensland’s 24/7 emergency hotline, 1300 ANIMAL.

The organisation is considering a transition to reduced hours, limiting after-hours availability.

While the RSPCA acknowledges that most calls are received during daylight hours, critics argue that the proposed change could compromise timely assistance for distressed animals, particularly during night-time emergencies. The organisation maintains that it will continue to offer an out-of-hours service, albeit with potential referral to third-party providers.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation has highlighted the importance of the 24/7 hotline, noting that it receives approximately 27,500 calls annually for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Experts emphasise the critical nature of immediate intervention, especially for wildlife with potential internal injuries.

The proposed changes come amidst a transition period for RSPCA Queensland, with outgoing CEO Darren Maier stepping down in December. The organisation has faced recent financial constraints and internal staff concerns. However, the RSPCA insists that the proposed hotline changes are unrelated to staffing reductions or financial difficulties.

Animal welfare advocates closely monitor the situation, urging the RSPCA to reconsider the potential impact of reduced after-hours services on animal welfare.

Published Date 08-November-2024