Riverhills residents are set for an evening of live music and community festivities as Music by the River returns to the Centenary Rowing Club. The free, family-friendly event, will feature live music from The Pints, a selection of food trucks, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Held twice a year, Music by the River brings locals together to enjoy live entertainment in a scenic setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and chairs to soak in the evening by the river while enjoying a lineup of food vendors and local performers. The upcoming event will see The Pints take the stage 14 March 2025 from 6:00 p.m., following food truck service from 5:30 p.m.
Food Vendors Bringing a Variety of Flavours
A range of food trucks will offer something for every taste, including:
Centenary Rowing Club – Sausage sizzle and drinks stand
Fully Loaded Monster Fries – Loaded fries with various toppings
The event is made possible through the Community Fund, which allocates $40,000 per ward annually for local community projects and events. The initiative supports Brisbane’s goal of fostering safe, vibrant, and active communities by funding local events, community facility improvements, and sporting activities. Applications for the 2024-25 financial year are open and will close on 13 June 2025 or earlier if funds are exhausted.
Community Excitement for the Event
With 191 people already responding to the event page, Music by the River is expected to draw a strong crowd. Local attendees have expressed enthusiasm about the event’s food options and the opportunity to enjoy live music in a relaxed outdoor setting.
Music by the River will take place behind the Centenary Rowing Club, at the end of Sumners Road, Riverhills. Organisers encourage attendees to mark their calendars for Friday, 14 March, to enjoy a night of music, food, and community spirit.
The initiative seeks creative name suggestions for the young koalas. The joeys were born to resident koalas Olive and Lady Jane around March or April 2024.
The two joeys have now begun emerging from their mothers’ pouches and exploring their surroundings at Wacol. One has already been identified as a male, while the other’s gender is yet to be confirmed. This marks an exciting time for the Pooh Corner conservation area, which provides a vital habitat for native wildlife, including koalas.
With more joeys expected to be born in the coming years, organisers hope the competition will encourage greater community involvement in wildlife conservation efforts.
The initiative also raises awareness of the importance of preserving natural habitats, as koala populations continue to face environmental threats such as habitat loss and urban expansion.
Naming Competition Open for Public Suggestions
To ensure future joeys receive meaningful names, the competition aims to shortlist five boy and five girl names from community submissions. City official Sarah Hutton will select the final list, and the winners will receive a special surprise for their contributions.
Residents have already begun submitting creative suggestions, drawing inspiration from local landmarks, Australian culture, and even the parent koalas’ names.
Some of the proposed names include Jimmaney (a blend of Jindalee and Mount Ommaney), Scout (inspired by the Jamboree Ward), and Olivia (a play on Olive’s name).
Locals are encouraged to participate by submitting their best name ideas through the provided competition link. The competition fosters community engagement while celebrating the conservation efforts at Wacol’s Pooh Corner, which continues to be a sanctuary for koalas in South East Queensland.
This event not only strengthens local connections but also highlights the ongoing work being done to protect Australia’s unique wildlife. By taking part, residents can contribute to the legacy of Wacol and ensure these joeys receive names that reflect the spirit of their surroundings.
Thomas van Bruggen, a double bassist from Seventeen Mile Rocks, has been selected for the 2025 YMS Emerging Artists cohort. Alongside fellow Brisbane musicians Alex Arthur and John Kelly, Mr van Bruggen will perform in the Sydney Opera House with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) in a historically informed interpretation of Bach/Mendelssohn’s St Matthew Passion.
Caption: Thomas van Bruggen from Seventeen Mile Rocks playing a double bass. Photo Credit: Supplied
The Young Mannheim Symphonists (YMS) Emerging Artists program is recognised as Australia’s only national training ground for Historically Informed Performance (HIP). This year marks its largest cohort to date, with eight young musicians participating in the program and performing alongside ARCO professionals.
Pathway to the National Stage
The YMS Emerging Artists program provides musicians with extensive training in period-style performance, focusing on the stylistic techniques used in the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Participants gain first-hand experience in articulation, ornamentation, and phrasing techniques specific to the era of the music they perform.
This opportunity is a significant milestone for Mr van Bruggen, Mr Arthur, and Mr Kelly, who have been involved in YMS programs for several years. The chance to collaborate with ARCO musicians at a national level represents a crucial step in their professional development.
Meet the Musicians
Thomas van Bruggen (Double Bass, Seventeen Mile Rocks)
Mr van Bruggen has an extensive history with YMS, having participated in 12 programs since 2017. Originally from the Netherlands, he moved to Queensland as a child and has since built a strong foundation in classical music. In addition to his YMS experience, he freelances as a double bass player and teacher in Brisbane, performing with ensembles such as the Queensland Baroque Orchestra and the University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
His participation in the Sydney Opera House performance is a testament to his deep commitment to HIP and the role it plays in shaping musical interpretation. This performance will allow him to work closely with ARCO’s experienced bass section, further refining his technique and understanding of historically informed performance.
Caption: Thomas van Bruggen with his fellow musicians. Photo Credit: Alyssa Deacon/Instagram
Alex Arthur (Viola, Corinda)
Mr Arthur is the principal viola of the Queensland Youth Symphony and has been actively involved in YMS since 2022. Alongside his viola studies, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Queensland. His musical interests extend beyond orchestral performance, as he is also a regular singer with St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola and Lumens Chamber Choir.
John Kelly (Violin, Loganholme)
Mr Kelly has been playing violin since the age of three and has excelled as a multi-instrumentalist, earning Distinction in A.Mus and L.Mus diplomas in both violin and piano. He has performed with Ensemble Q (2022-2024) and has a strong background in classical music. In 2025, he will begin his Bachelor of Music at the University of Queensland under Doretta Balkizas.
A Rare Performance Opportunity
The Sydney Opera House performance of St Matthew Passion offers a unique challenge for Emerging Artists, requiring them to adapt their playing styles to historically informed techniques. This approach involves a deep understanding of phrasing, bowing, and tone production that aligns with the traditions of the era.
Through this program, Mr van Bruggen, Mr Arthur, and Mr Kelly will engage in intensive rehearsals alongside ARCO professionals, refining their interpretations under expert guidance. Their participation highlights the impact of YMS and ARCO in fostering Australia’s next generation of classical musicians.
Mr van Bruggen’s inclusion in the Emerging Artists program builds on his family’s musical legacy. His sister, Eline van Bruggen, a flutist from Seventeen Mile Rocks, was among a group of young musicians selected to participate in the Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 Intensives. The program at Camberwell Grammar School in Melbourne and Conservatorium High School in Sydney provided advanced training in Historically Informed Performance for emerging orchestral players.
As these three musicians prepare for their performance at the Sydney Opera House, their journey highlights the dedication required to excel in HIP and the valuable opportunities from YMS and ARCO. Their participation inspires aspiring musicians.
Charter Hall Group’s $13 billion Charter Hall Prime Industrial Fund (CPIF) has purchased a 17.5-hectare industrial site on Harcourt Road, Darra, for $80.55 million. The acquisition will pave the way for a $350 million logistics precinct, reinforcing the company’s investment in Brisbane’s southwest.
The newly acquired site is adjacent to Charter Hall’s existing $250 million ConnectWest Industrial Estate, which houses major tenants such as Australia Post, Goodman Fielder, and Cascade. With bulk earthworks already completed, CPIF is preparing to lease the site to tenants looking for large-scale logistics and industrial space.
The Darra site sits at a key transport junction, connecting the Ipswich and Centenary Motorways, making it an attractive option for third-party logistics providers, manufacturers, and direct-to-customer businesses. Charter Hall plans to develop approximately 100,000 square metres of gross lettable area (GLA) within the estate, offering flexible configurations to meet tenant demand.
Charter Hall Managing Director and CEO David Harrison highlighted the significance of the project, stating that the acquisition enhances the company’s capacity to cater to businesses requiring lettable areas ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 square metres.
Brisbane’s Industrial Market Outlook
The demand for high-quality industrial space in Brisbane remains strong. According to JLL’s Brisbane Industrial Market Report for Q3 2024, 227,500 square metres of new industrial developments were completed in the region—more than double the 10-year quarterly average. Prime net face rents in Brisbane’s southern precinct are forecast to rise to $152 per square metre annually, with steady growth projected through 2028.
Despite broader economic uncertainties, Brisbane’s industrial sector continues to attract investment, with Charter Hall divesting smaller assets worth $500 million over the past 18 months to focus on larger-scale developments like the Darra logistics estate.
With the site now in Charter Hall’s portfolio and ready for leasing, the company is set to commence development immediately. The project will provide modern, high-quality logistics infrastructure catering to evolving business needs, strengthening the role of Darra as a key industrial hub in Brisbane’s southwest.
Centenary Memorial Gardens (CMG) in Sumner is seeking approval for a major expansion, including new facilities and burial zones, as part of its long-term development plan. The proposal, currently in the pre-lodgement consultation phase, has raised both community support and concerns, particularly regarding potential flood risks.
CMG, one of Brisbane’s largest privately owned cemeteries, has been serving the community for over 22 years. In response to increasing demand for burial and cremation spaces, CMG has submitted a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application (MID-0924-0875) to the Department of State Development.
The proposal outlines plans for a new chapel, café, a catering area, and a dedicated Asian lotus garden incorporating feng shui principles. Additionally, an open-air pavilion with a 200-person capacity is planned to provide enhanced spaces for services and memorial gatherings.
One of the most debated aspects of the expansion is CMG’s request to extend burial sites into lower-lying areas of its 16.5-hectare property on Wacol Station Road. The existing burial zone sits at 8.8 metres above sea level, above the flood-prone Wolston Creek. The Planning and Environment Court had previously set this limit in 2000 to prevent potential environmental risks, including leaching of contaminants and coffin buoyancy during severe flooding.
However, CMG’s commissioned studies suggest that burials could be safely conducted at 5.16 metres, with reports from Core Consultants indicating no contamination risks from current burial grounds. The proposal also accounts for triple burials, where caskets are stacked, and compensatory earthworks to manage site elevation.
Photo Credit: Centenary Memorial Gardens
BCC’s Position and Approval Process
The BCC has expressed concerns over CMG’s attempt to bypass standard town planning approvals by seeking state-level designation. BCC wants conditions placed on aspects such as noise levels, lighting, traffic impact, and biodiversity protection. CMG has responded by noting that only 17 native trees, including 11 classified as koala habitat, would be removed under the proposed changes.
Currently, CMG is in the pre-lodgement consultation phase of the MID process, where stakeholders, including city officials and local community members, can provide feedback before the official proposal is lodged. The public consultation period for this proposal began on 19 December 2024 and will conclude on 26 February 2025.
Local residents have voiced both support and opposition to the expansion. Many families who have loved ones buried at CMG welcome the improved facilities and additional burial options. However, others have raised concerns about potential disturbances from events hosted at the cemetery, such as Christmas fireworks and memorial services featuring amplified music.
CMG director James McKay has assured the community that fireworks occur only once a year as part of a Christmas memorial service, aimed at providing solace to grieving families. He emphasised that the expansion focuses on enhancing existing facilities rather than increasing large-scale celebrations.
Photo Credit: Centenary Memorial Gardens
Next Steps in the Approval Process
Following the pre-lodgement consultation phase, CMG will submit its proposal for ministerial assessment. Adjustments based on public feedback may also be required before the project receives full approval.
As Brisbane’s population grows and cemetery space becomes increasingly limited, the outcome of CMG’s expansion request will have long-term implications for burial and cremation services in the region.
The real estate market in Middle Park has experienced significant growth, with house prices increasing 29% over the past year. The median house price now sits at $1.2 million, up from $930,000 in early 2024, reflecting strong demand in this western Brisbane suburb.
Despite an increase in available listings, properties in Middle Park continue to sell quickly. In December 2024, the suburb saw a 162% rise in property listings compared to the five-year average for that month, making it the second-highest increase in Queensland, behind West End.
Long-term residents and downsizers are taking advantage of the rising property values. This creates opportunities for new buyers. Middle Park has long been regarded as an undervalued suburb, offering spacious land sizes, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community.
Local residents Surra Gatei and Johnny Serrano, who have lived in Middle Park for nearly three decades, have decided to sell their latest home but remain committed to staying in the area. They noted that properties in Middle Park do not stay on the market for long and continue to attract strong interest.
Community and Lifestyle Appeal
Beyond property values, Middle Park is known for its close-knit community. Ms Gatei highlighted how residents actively support each other through local social groups, often stepping in to assist those in need. A recent example involved a house fire in River Hills, where the community quickly rallied to provide the affected family with furniture, clothing, and essential supplies.
The area’s reputation for strong community ties, family-friendly amenities, and generous property sizes continues to make it an attractive choice for buyers.
The rise in listings in Middle Park aligns with a national trend, as PropTrack data indicates an 8% increase in homes coming to market across Australia in 2024.
With Brisbane’s property market expected to expand leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games, Middle Park remains a competitive suburb for buyers and investors, with continued strong demand likely in the coming years.
A young mother has pleaded guilty to a crime spree stretching from North Queensland to Brisbane, which included a Jindalee ram raid at a Chemist Warehouse and a high-speed police chase that ended in a fiery crash.
The dramatic chain of events came to a head in the Noosa hinterland, where police arrested 22-year-old Francis Solomon after she attempted to flee into the bush following the crash of a stolen Nissan Patrol.
Months of Crime Across Queensland
Ms Solomon’s offending began in July last year when she was captured on CCTV in Townsville as a passenger in a stolen vehicle. Days later, she was arrested but became aggressive towards police, swearing at officers, spitting at a glass divider, and even signing profanity on a bail slip. Despite being granted police bail, she refused to leave the watchhouse and spat at an officer before fleeing.
Her activities resurfaced in Brisbane between 29 September and 2 October, when her fingerprints were found at a burglary in Windsor. But the most brazen act occurred on 20 October in Jindalee.
Court documents reveal that Ms Solomon and her accomplices used two stolen cars—a Volkswagen Golf and a Ford Fiesta—to ram into the front glass doors of a Chemist Warehouse. Once inside, they stole multiple bottles of fragrance before escaping in the stolen vehicles.
The following day, 21 October, she and her group were involved in another theft, this time at TK Maxx in Macgregor, before making another getaway in a stolen car.
Police Pursuit and Fiery Crash
Police were tipped off about the group’s movements on 22 October, spotting them driving a stolen Nissan Patrol near Federal on the Sunshine Coast. A chase ensued, with officers deploying tyre spikes to stop the vehicle. The high-speed pursuit ended dramatically when the stolen car crashed into bushland and caught fire, requiring almost a dozen fire crews to extinguish the blaze.
Queensland Police later released dramatic footage of the aftermath, showing the charred wreckage and officers moving in to detain the suspects. Despite attempting to hide in the bush, Solomon was arrested at around 6:00 p.m. and has been in custody ever since.
Photo Credit: QPS
Court Sentencing and Rehabilitation Efforts
Ms Solomon plead guilty to 10 offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of stealing, and one count of serious assault of police.
Her defence solicitor stated that during her time in custody, Ms Solomon had completed a drug rehabilitation program and was now in the residential part of the jail. A community-based anti-violence organisation also provided a reference, indicating that she was working towards turning her life around for the sake of her three young children, all under the age of four.
The lucky winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her winning ticket at Nextra Mt Ommaney News in the Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre.
Photo Credit: Pexels
The woman, who has only bought Instant Scratch-Its a few times, said she felt something urging her to buy a couple of tickets that day.
Upon scratching the ticket and seeing the winning numbers, she was in disbelief. She expressed her gratitude to the universe, feeling like someone was looking out for her.
Photo Credit: Google Map
The win has come at an opportune time for the woman, who is looking forward to using the money to pay off debts and take a dream holiday. She also plans to share some winnings with her family and friends.
Nextra Mount Ommaney News manager Andie was thrilled to hear that one of her customers had won a big prize. She expressed her joy at the customer’s good fortune and stated that the news agency would celebrate the win and remind customers of the possibility of winning big with Instant Scratch-Its.
The woman’s win reminds us that anyone can win big on Instant Scratch-Its. In FY24, 143 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions took home over $12.12 million in top prizes.
During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 26.4 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $249.65 million.
The application, designed by HAL Architects, outlines a project to transform the partially cleared 7,835.78 square metre site.
The Wacol Warehouse Complex development envisions a complex of thirty individual warehouse units and accommodation for an on-site caretaker. The proposed structures, with a maximum height of 15 metres, would cover 6,510 square metres of the site, totaling 12,430 square metres of floor area.
This will include 123 car parking spaces and 17 bicycle spaces to accommodate workers and visitors. The plans also show provisions for landscaping along pedestrian pathways, enhancing the site’s visual appeal. Two separate entry and exit points will facilitate vehicle access to the site.
Furthermore, the development has been designed to accommodate Medium Rigid Vehicles (MRVs) and Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs), ensuring smooth operational flow for businesses.
HAL Architects emphasised that the design incorporates measures to minimise the visual impact of the warehouse buildings, utilising various construction materials and colours to break up the facade. The architects also indicated that the development would cater to the needs of nearby residential areas.
The relevant authorities will now assess the application. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy if approved.
The grinding mill at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks serves as a notable industrial relic, symbolising the area’s past as a prominent cement manufacturing centre.
Once integral to the operations of the Queensland Cement and Lime Company (QCL), established in 1914, the mill highlights the industrial heritage of the region.
QCL played a vital role in Queensland’s construction industry, manufacturing cement and lime at its factory in Darra, Brisbane. Initially, limestone from the Darling Downs was used, but by the 1930s, the company transitioned to using coral dredged from Moreton Bay. This coral was transported via barges to Oxley Wharf at Seventeen Mile Rocks before being conveyed to the factory.
The grinding mill was used to process the coral into cement by crushing it using either rotational methods or steel balls. Maintenance of this equipment was intensive, with workers frequently replacing steel cables and maintaining cranes that handled the coral. The industrial operations ceased in 1998 after QCL was unable to renew its dredging licences, leading to the closure of the Darra plant.
Rocks Riverside Park: A Historical Site
Rocks Riverside Park, established in 2003, preserves the industrial heritage of the area. The park was built on the former site of QCL’s operations, with remnants of the grinding mill and other industrial artefacts scattered throughout. These relics serve as a reminder of the area’s history while contributing to its unique character.
The park is divided into zones, including the river flat, bushland ridge, and a green link. Its features include picnic areas, playgrounds, a water play area, and shared pathways, making it a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.
The community appreciates the incorporation of industrial artefacts into the park, which offer a tangible link to Seventeen Mile Rocks’ industrial past. Visitors often reflect on the area’s transformation from an industrial site to a recreational park. The grinding mill remains a focal point, symbolising the transition of the space while maintaining its historical identity.
The grinding mill at Seventeen Mile Rocks is a key historical feature, bridging the area’s industrial heritage with its current role as a vibrant recreational park. Rocks Riverside Park not only honours the past but also provides a unique setting for the community to enjoy.
