Jindalee Archives - Centenary Today

Major Construction Milestone for Centenary Bridge Upgrade in Jindalee

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade in Jindalee has reached a significant construction milestone. Installation of the first concrete girders has begun.

Project Background and Scope

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade spans the Brisbane River between Sinnamon Road, Jindalee, and Kenmore Road. It forms part of a staged improvement program along the Centenary Motorway. It is designed to meet long-term transport demands between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the CBD. A construction contract was awarded in December 2022, and works are currently underway.

The project involves constructing a new three-lane northbound bridge. This will convert the existing bridge into three southbound lanes. A key feature of the upgrade includes enhanced active transport facilities, with a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists linking to the Western Freeway Bikeway. The Jindalee Skate Park is being retained within the project footprint.

Key Technical Milestone Achieved

A major development has been marked by the installation of the first concrete girders on the new northbound structure. These girders, measuring between 34 and 48 metres in length, are being produced on-site at a precast facility just north of Sinnamon Road. A total of 30 girders will be manufactured as part of the bridge construction.

This step signals visible progress in the build, which aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and increase capacity on a major arterial route.

Funding and Investment

The project is jointly funded by the State and the Australian Government. As of the December 2023 update, the total investment stands at $298.5 million. This includes $159.25 million from the Queensland Government and $139.25 million from the Australian Government (Investment ID 669801).

Centenary Bridge Jindalee — *Photo Credit: TMR Qld*

Public Opinion and Community Sentiment

Public responses to the milestone have been mixed. Some residents expressed frustration over the perceived slow pace of progress, with several noting that the upgrade merely shifts the existing bottleneck further along the motorway. Others raised concerns about the timing and extent of shared path improvements, particularly regarding pedestrian and cyclist access during construction.

Despite criticism, some members of the public acknowledged the anticipated benefits of increased bridge capacity and active transport improvements, particularly in the lead-up to Brisbane’s future growth needs.

Next Steps and Broader Implications

The bridge upgrade forms part of broader planning studies examining possible staged improvements along the Centenary Motorway corridor, including sections beyond Jindalee.

Work will continue on completing the remaining girders, installing active transport links, and rehabilitating the existing bridge for southbound use. Updates on construction staging are anticipated in future communications.

Published 24-Apr-2025

Insane Açai Bar Brings Custom Bowls to Jindalee Shoppers

Jindalee residents can now enjoy large, customisable açai bowls and fresh fruit treats as the Insane Açai Bar opens its doors at DFO Jindalee.

New Food Options in Jindalee

The arrival of the Insane Açai Bar brings new, healthy food options to the DFO Jindalee shopping centre. The popular business in West End is now expanding to serve the Centenary Suburbs. Georges Chehade, the owner, said he wanted to share his love for fresh, simple food with more people.

He explained that the açai bowls are called “insane” because they are very big. Customers can choose from seven different flavours, mixing and matching to create their own combinations.

Homemade and Fresh

A key feature of the Insane Açai Bar is its commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients. Mr Chehade said all their topping sauces, including peanut butter, hazelnut, pistachio, and chocolate, are made in-house.

The menu includes seven types of açai bowls, eight smoothie choices, six fresh juice options, and four homemade ice cream flavours from fresh fruit. Customers can also find organic coffee and a range of organic, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly sweets and protein add-ons.

Family Business Expansion

The Insane Açai Bar is a family-run business that grew from owning fruit shops. Mr Chehade said the location at DFO Jindalee, with its mix of retail shops, cinemas, a gym, and outdoor dining, was perfect for their new store. The shop has seating for 24 people and is designed to make it easy for customers to grab takeaway food.

Community Welcome

Donna O’Neill, the Marketing Director for DFO Jindalee, said the centre is happy to welcome the new business. She said the Insane Açai Bar adds a healthy fruit-based dining option to the centre’s existing food choices, and it is good for the centre to be part of the growth of a new food business. The Insane Açai Bar at DFO Jindalee is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Published Date 01-April-2025

Jindalee Tragedy: 23-Year-Old Man Drowns in Brisbane River

Photo Credit: Harvey Shore/Facebook

What started as a quiet morning by the river in Jindalee turned into heartbreak as a 23-year-old man slipped into the water and never resurfaced.

Incident and Search Effort

The body of a 23-year-old man who drowned in the Brisbane River at Jindalee was discovered downstream after a thorough search. The local community has been stunned by the incident.

The man drowned in the river close to the Jindalee Boat Ramp at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Sunday during a pontoon trip with family and friends. Strong currents swept him away despite efforts at an immediate rescue.

Offices opened up a mass search, with Queensland Water Police, Dive Squad, SES, and Marine Rescue utilising boats, helicopters, and submersible gear. Local people also assembled in the hopes of a rescue.

Body Recovered, Community Impact

Emergency workers discovered his body downstream on Tuesday morning after close to two days. The authorities declared the event an accident with no sign of foul play. Although alcohol was not clearly implicated, officials appealed for people to exercise caution by the river.

The Jindalee community has been very touched, with many offering condolences. Residents recognized the river’s dangers, especially its volatile currents.

Safety Reminder

Authorities caution about the dangers on Brisbane’s waterways, suggesting life jackets, careful behaviour, and an eye on conditions. While Jindalee is in mourning, the tragedy emphasizes the importance of water safety watchfulness.

Published 18-March-2025

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

Photo Credit: Brisbane Wiki

Jindalee residents are sharing their memories of Amazons Aquatic Adventureland, a once-popular water park notorious for its dangerous rides and frequent injuries.

The park operated in Jindalee from 1982 to 2001 and has become a topic of conversation on Reddit, where users recount their experiences and mishaps on the infamous “Shotgun” waterslide.

One user recalled dislocating their ribs on the Shotgun because they didn’t lean forward as instructed, while another fractured their arm when they hit the side of the slide. Others shared stories of wedgies, near-drowning experiences, and even a cancelled school excursion after a student broke their nose on one of the rides.

A History of Hazards

Amazons Aquatic Adventureland was known for its thrilling waterslides, pools, and obstacle courses. However, it also gained a reputation for lacking safety and supervision. One Reddit user described the park as a “scene out of Platoon,” with “nothing but chaos and maimed/injured kids.” Another claimed that the park often left rides unsupervised if staff weren’t available, simply putting up a sign warning patrons not to use them.

This lack of supervision may have contributed to a tragic incident in 1999 when a 5-year-old boy drowned in the deep water near the Shotgun slide. An inquest into the boy’s death found that he had been left unattended by his uncle and that there was insufficient lifeguard surveillance. While the coroner concluded that the death could have been prevented, there was not enough evidence to charge anyone.

Closure and Legacy

Amazons closed its doors in 2001, two years after the drowning incident. The official reason was low patronage, with the owners stating that Brisbane lacked an inbound tourist market and that locals preferred to go to the coast for day trips. The site is now home to DFO Jindalee.

Despite its closure, Amazons continues to live on in the memories of Jindalee residents, who have taken to social media to share their good and bad experiences. While some remember the park fondly, others recall it as a place where safety was an afterthought and injuries were commonplace. The stories shared online serve as a reminder of a time when water parks were a little less regulated and a lot more wild.

Published Date 08-Jan-2025

Centenary State’s Teremoana Jnr Too Strong, Too Fast: Otobo Falls in Under a Minute

Fifty-seven seconds. That’s all it took for Teremoana Teremoana Jnr to send a thunderous message to the boxing world. The pride of Centenary State High School and the rising star of Australian boxing returned to home soil with a devastating first-round knockout, leaving no doubt that he’s a force to be reckoned with.

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A dominant display

The atmosphere at the Gold Coast Convention Centre crackled with anticipation as the crowd roared for Teremoana Jnr to enter the fray against Germany’s Osasu Otobo. Already a knockout artist with a 5–0 professional record, the 26-year-old heavyweight carried himself with an aura of quiet power.

From the opening bell, Teremoana Jnr’s dominance was undeniable. Towering at 1.98-metres, he moved with surprising agility, unleashing a barrage of left hooks to Otobo’s body—each blow echoing through the arena. Then, a lightning-fast left hand found its mark on Otobo’s head, sending him crashing to the canvas. Dazed, the 23-year-old German was unable to answer the referee’s count, and the fight was waved off a mere 57 seconds into the first round.

𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐍𝐄 ☠️

You better not blink when @Teremoana98 is fighting 🌬#OpetaiaNyika | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/mcmowdiX6H
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 8, 2025

Teremoana Jnr, a star on the rise

The crowd erupted in cheers for the young victor. Teremoana Jnr, clearly elated by the support, expressed his gratitude to the fans and his team. “It’s so great to be back here fighting in Australia,” he said. “You’re such a great crowd.”

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A post shared by DAZN Boxing (@daznboxing)

This wasn’t just another win; it was a powerful statement to the boxing world. Eddie Hearn, the renowned boxing promoter, was ringside and couldn’t contain his excitement. “Australian boxing is on fire right now,” he declared. “This is the future.”

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“This is a dangerous, dangerous man. That’s now six fights, six knockouts. You could be looking at Australia’s world heavyweight champion.”

Published 08-January-2025

Amazons Fresh Market Opens Full-Line Butchery in Jindalee

Amazons Family Fresh Market has opened a full-line butchery at DFO Jindalee, offering a wide range of fresh meat products to local shoppers.

New Addition to Jindalee’s Shopping Hub

Located near the northern entrance of DFO Jindalee, the new butchery is set to provide customers with fresh beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and smallgoods, expanding the selection at Amazons Family Fresh Market.

The Pham Family, owners of Amazons Family Fresh Market, have brought their expertise from running Mallans Meats at Fairfield to their new butchery.

“We love helping our customers save time with our unique mix of fresh products,” they said, emphasising the convenience of combining meat, fresh produce, and grocery items all in one place.

The butchery offers meats served directly from the counter or carved on-site according to customer preferences. The market’s new addition is expected to meet the growing demand for fresh food in the rapidly developing Jindalee area.

Amazon's Family Fresh Markets Jindalee — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Support from DFO Jindalee

DFO Jindalee’s Marketing Director, Donna O’Neill, is pleased with the centre’s expanding services.

“Amazons Family Fresh Markets is extremely popular with our customers. The addition of their new butchery and its location so close to free parking makes shopping at DFO Jindalee even more convenient for customers,” she stated.

This development adds to the shopping centre’s mix of retail stores, cinemas, and alfresco dining, making it a comprehensive destination for the community.

Opening Specials and Holiday Orders

Several special offers will be available for the first five days, beginning 21 Oct 2024, to celebrate the butchery’s grand opening, including whole long eye fillet for $24.99/kg and chicken breast fillet for $8.99/kg. The butchery is also taking orders for wood-smoked hams ahead of Christmas, giving local families the opportunity to prepare for the holiday season early.

The new butchery will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, while the Amazons Family Fresh Market remains open until 6:00 p.m.

Published 21-Oct-2024

Jindalee Python Puts on a Breakfast Show

Photo Credit: RSCPA

A Jindalee resident received a startling wake-up call this morning when she stumbled upon a carpet python enjoying a possum breakfast on a busy Brisbane street.

Karen Dutra was out for a run when she witnessed the python devouring its prey near a childcare centre on the corner of Warandoo and Kangaloo Streets. Seeing the snake’s jaws clamped around the possum’s head and body left Ms Dutra in shock.

She recounted watching as the snake coiled around the possum and started to eat it. The possum was still moving at first. She then ran home and called her husband to come and see it, too.

Ms Dutra’s photos, shared on social media, sparked a flurry of comments. Some expressed awe at the python’s ambitious meal, while others shared their close encounters with snakes.

With snakes becoming more active in Queensland between September and April, a spokeswoman from Harrison’s Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catcher offered a timely reminder. Carpet pythons, she explained, are constrictors that feed on furred or feathered animals. She cautioned against approaching these snakes, as they can still bite.

She advised that even if you recognise the snake, don’t try to handle it. If someone picks it up, it will defend itself and could bite.

The spokeswoman also noted that snakes emerge from their winter dormancy as the weather becomes more active. The warmer they are, the more active they are, and their metabolic rate increases, so they’ll want to eat more, she said

Important Reminder

If a snake enters your home, it is crucial not to attempt to kill it. Killing native animals is illegal and increases the risk of being bitten if the snake feels threatened.

Call RSPCA Queensland on 1300 264 625 for snake removal or contact your nearest snake specialist.

Published Date 16-September-2024

Worker Impaled at Centenary Bridge Construction Site

Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at approximately 3 PM, a male worker in his 30s suffered serious injuries after becoming impaled on a sheet of mesh at the Centenary Bridge construction site. According to the CFMEU Queensland, the worker fell over a trip hazard before the impalement.

The injured worker was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in stable condition. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

On Wednesday, CFMEU Queensland officials were granted access to the site to conduct their own inquiry. This access comes in the context of recent changes to union powers following a government-led takeover.

Kurt Pauls, CFMEU Queensland’s workplace health and safety coordinator, stated that the union had previously raised concerns about various safety issues at the site. These included fall hazards, contaminated drinking water, dangerous temporary fencing, and the use of unsafe imported building materials.

The union alleges that BMD, the principal contractor, has historically restricted CFMEU officials’ access to the site, including hiring security guards and seeking a Federal Court injunction to limit union presence.

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is a project jointly funded by state and federal Labour governments. The CFMEU has called on these governments to reconsider awarding major projects to BMD, citing safety concerns.

As of Tuesday, Queensland Police reported that the incident was not a police matter at this stage, with Workplace Health and Safety continuing to investigate the circumstances of the injuries.

Published 11-September-2024

Jindalee New Age Counsellors Due in Court Over Child Abuse Allegations

Two New Age counsellors from Jindalee, who vanished in February and were subsequently the focus of a police search, are now set to face court on severe child sexual abuse charges.

Wolfgang Raven Wildgrace, 58, and Sonya Maria Lindley-Jones, 51, sparked significant concern after they disappeared from their Jindalee home on February 28, 2024. The couple, known for their counselling business, Wildgrace Counselling and Therapies, was last seen driving away in an orange Mitsubishi Triton.

Despite growing fears for their wellbeing, police later located them nearly 1,700km away in Kuranda, near Cairns.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Following an extensive investigation by the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit, the duo had been scrutinised for offences allegedly committed across the north coast region from 2010 to 2013.

Mr Wildgrace faces 32 counts of indecent treatment and one count of rape, while Ms Lindley-Jones is charged with one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16. The allegations pertain to multiple locations, intensifying the gravity of their supposed misconduct.

Wolfgang Raven Wildgrace — Photo Credit: Google Maps

The couple’s notoriety escalated due to Mr Wildgrace’s involvement in a contentious training camp for the Adelaide Crows in 2018. The camp was intended to foster resilience among players. Still, it drew widespread criticism for its approach, with accusations of cultural insensitivity and psychological distress, notably from former star player Eddie Betts.

Mr Wildgrace and Ms Lindley-Jones were apprehended in Kuranda and have remained in custody since their arrest. They are expected to appear before Cairns Magistrates Court on 24 May 2024 for a committal mention.

They face serious charges that have shocked the community and cast a shadow over their previous professional endeavours in holistic and emotional therapy.

Published 27-April-2024

Piggy Back Cafe in Jindalee: A Visual Feast for Food Enthusiasts

Piggy Back Cafe is a charming neighbourhood cafe tucked away in Jindalee, where every dish is a masterpiece of artistry and flavour.

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Established in 2016 by the renowned Venzin Group, the masterminds behind the beloved Picnic and Paw Paw Cafe, this all-day eatery has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts seeking a truly remarkable dining experience.

From the moment you step inside, the cafe’s bright and spacious interior envelops you in a warm embrace, inviting you to linger and savour every bite. But it’s the menu that truly steals the show, a curated selection of decadent offerings that cater to every palate and appetite.

For those seeking an indulgent start to their day, the Pancake stack with fresh seasonal fruits, French toast, acai bowl, banana stack, or strawberry bowl beckon with their irresistible allure. These perfectly crafted delicacies are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, meticulously plated to evoke a sense of wonder and delight.

If a lighter fare is preferred, Piggy Back Cafe offers an array of tempting options, from crispy spring rolls and sweet potato chips to the satisfying bacon and egg muffin. Each dish is a testament to the cafe’s unwavering commitment to quality and presentation.

But it’s not just the food that captivates; the cafe’s baristas are true artisans, crafting lattes that are nothing short of edible masterpieces. Each cup is a canvas of swirling designs and intricate patterns, begging to be admired and savoured.

Families, too, will find solace at Piggy Back Cafe, where a dedicated kids’ menu offers a delightful array of treats, from fluffy pancakes and crispy popcorn chicken to creamy milkshakes and the ever-popular babychino.

Read: Hungry Jack’s, New Food Outlet Coming to Jindalee If Plans Approved

Whether you choose to dine indoors or bask in the sunshine on the outdoor seating area, Piggy Back Cafe promises an unforgettable experience. Here, food is elevated to an art form, and every bite is a celebration of culinary excellence and artful presentation.

You can find them at 86 Curragundi Rd, Jindalee, daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Published 26-April-2024