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

(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)

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)

 

 

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.

Photo credit: Hendra State School/Facebook

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

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

Jindalee teenager Olivia Spallek-Caballero has been named the 2025 Level 10 National All-Around Champion at the Australian Gymnastics Championships, following a powerhouse performance that confirmed her status as one of the country’s rising gymnastics stars.


Read: Jindalee Siblings Recognised For Work on Raising Awareness About Childhood Stroke


Held on the Gold Coast from 3–17 July, the national championships brought together Australia’s top gymnasts across artistic, trampoline, rhythmic, aerobic and acrobatic disciplines. Among them was 17-year-old Olivia, who not only took out the prestigious All-Around title but also finished first on vault, and earned silver medals on bars and floor.

Photo credit: Delta Gymnastics/Facebook

Her triumph at the national level caps off an extraordinary season. Just two months earlier at the Queensland State Championships, Olivia dominated by placing first on every apparatus — a clean sweep that saw her named the 2025 State Team Captain.

Olivia trains at Delta Gymnastics, where she began her journey in the sport at age 7. Her coaches describe her as more than just a high-level athlete — they speak of her quiet determination, resilience through setbacks, and her ability to trust the process and improve, one skill at a time.

Photo credit: Delta Gymnastics/Facebook

“From nailing big routines to refining the finer details, Olivia’s hard work has paid off in a huge way,” Delta Gymnastics said. “Her journey is a reminder that showing up, backing yourself, and staying committed can lead to something truly special.”

In 2024, Olivia achieved one of her greatest milestones when she made the Level 10 Australian Team. For her, it’s a tie between that honour and placing first across the board at the State Championships.


Read: Metro Middle Park Shopping Centre Sold for $40.4M in Major Retail Deal


With her latest haul of national titles, Olivia has added a new chapter to her already remarkable gymnastics story — one built on years of discipline, focus, and a deep love for the sport.

From Jindalee to the top of the national podium, Olivia Spallek-Caballero is a name to watch.

Published 21-July-2025

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.

Centenary Bridge Upgrade
Photo Credit: TMR Qld

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

açai
Photo Credit: Supplied

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

açai
Photo Credit: Supplied

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

açai
Photo Credit: Supplied

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

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.

Photo Credit: Harvey Shore/Facebook

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.

Photo Credit: Harvey Shore/Facebook

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

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.


Read: Safer and Smoother Journeys at Upgraded Jamboree Heights Intersection


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.

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.”

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.”


Read: Seventeen Mile Rocks Garden Wins Award for Zero-Waste Efforts


“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

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.



Photo Credit: RSCPA

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.

Photo Credit: RSCPA

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