Mount Ommaney Special School Teacher Wins Prestigious TEACHX Award

A senior teacher from Mount Ommaney Special School has been honoured with a prestigious TEACHX Award, recognising her transformative contributions to inclusive education and cultural awareness at the school.



Emma Reid’s Impact at Mount Ommaney Special School

Emma Reid, a dedicated educator at Mount Ommaney Special School, was recognised for her outstanding efforts in bringing specialised non-verbal drama practices to the school, a unique approach designed for students with intellectual and multiple disabilities. 

In 2022, she organised a collaboration with the UK-based Open Theatre Company, leading to a two-week residency that introduced the technique to students. Ms Reid secured funding from Brisbane to make this initiative possible, and the program has since become a key part of the school’s curriculum.

Ms Reid has continued to spread this non-verbal drama practice across Queensland, earning a Creative Fellowship from the city in 2024 to further her studies in England with the Open Theatre Company. Her innovative work in the creative arts field has gained attention beyond the school, with Mount Ommaney Special School becoming a finalist in the Sydney Opera House Play Awards.

Emma Reid Mount Ommaney Special School
Photo Credit: QCT.Edu.Au

Advancing Cultural Awareness

In addition to her contributions to the performing arts, Ms Reid has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness at Mount Ommaney Special School. She was a founding member of the school’s Reconciliation Action Committee and chaired it for several years. 

Under her leadership, the school developed a visually and linguistically accessible Acknowledgement of Country, which has been integrated into the daily practices of the school’s classrooms.

Ms Reid also played a key role in enhancing the school library by facilitating the acquisition of Indigenous resources and coordinating the creation of two murals with a local Indigenous family. One of the murals, titled “Learning on Country,” now holds a prominent place in the school’s library, reflecting her commitment to embedding Indigenous culture into the school environment.

Recognition at the TEACHX Awards

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) TEACHX Awards, held annually, celebrate educators across the state for their innovation and dedication. 

Ms Reid’s contributions at Mount Ommaney Special School will be acknowledged as part of the Excellence in Teaching category during a ceremony in Brisbane on 24 October 2024. 



The awards, which highlight teachers from various sectors and regions of Queensland, aim to inspire and recognise educators who go above and beyond for their students.

Published 10-Oct-2024

Man Faces Multiple Charges in Mt Ommaney Covert Filming Case

A 56-year-old man is facing more than 100 charges related to the alleged covert filming of women and children at Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre. The incidents reportedly occurred between November 2023 and January 2024.



The case came to light on January 6 when a 12-year-old girl noticed she was being filmed on an escalator by a man using a camera attached to a walking stick. Her family promptly reported the incident to the police.

Following an investigation, the suspect was apprehended on January 11. A search of his camera allegedly revealed numerous indecent videos and photographs of women taken without consent in public areas of the shopping centre. A subsequent warrant executed at a Jamboree Heights residence uncovered additional electronic storage devices containing similar content.

Initially charged with five offences, including indecent treatment of a child under 16, the man appeared in court in February and was remanded in custody. However, after a thorough forensic examination of seized devices and CCTV footage, detectives from Inala’s Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) have now laid 94 additional charges.

The suspect now faces a total of 106 counts of observations or recording in breach of privacy, one count of indecent treatment of a child under 16 (take photograph), one count of attempted recordings in breach of privacy, and two counts of stalking.



The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 23. Police are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity at Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre between November 2023 and January 2024 to come forward.

Published 20-August-2024

Mount Ommaney Tops List for Homeowners Who Never Want to Leave

Mount Ommaney homeowners hold onto their properties for an average of 20.3 years, making it the suburb with the longest tenure rate in Brisbane, according to new CoreLogic data.



The report from CoreLogic highlights that several Brisbane suburbs have notably low property turnover rates, with Mount Ommaney leading the charge. Homeowners in this leafy and laidback suburb are reluctant to leave, with the average tenure period extending over two decades. Following closely are Tivoli with an average of 18.4 years, Wishart at 17.9 years, Middle Park at 17.8 years, and Robertson at 17.7 years. This is significantly higher than Brisbane’s overall average of 8.1 years.

Top 10 QLD Suburbs with Longest Hold Periods

Suburb NameMedian Hold (12 Months)Median Value20yr change
Mount Ommaney20.3$1,428,59490.8%
Tivoli18.4$567,557161.5%
Wishart 17.9$1,303,826216.7%
Middle Park (Qld)17.8$1,087,371149.2%
Robertson 17.7$1,735,036232.7%
Cedar Grove17.6$885,719190.7%
Chambers Flat16.1$1,229,808149.0%
Gumdale15.1$1,641,835189.5%
Windaroo14.0$837,232129.6%
Bunya14.0$1,525,337151.3%

The Appeal of Family-Friendly Suburbs

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, attributes these extended hold periods to the family-friendly, middle-class nature of these areas. These suburbs offer a lifestyle that promotes long-term residency, with middle-income earners finding it more achievable to break into and remain in these markets.

Lawless explained that these areas may not be described as blue-chip, but they offer a lifestyle cycle that encourages long tenure periods. With rising property prices and lower turnover rates city-wide, affordable suburbia has become a prized commodity in Brisbane.

Mount Ommaney: Community and Lifestyle

The community spirit and convenient amenities in Mount Ommaney make it an attractive place to settle down. NGU Real Estate’s Jason Yang noted that the Jamboree Heights State School catchment is a significant draw for families. The suburb’s proximity to the CBD, combined with a close-knit community, keeps residents rooted.

Yang mentioned that it is difficult to find another area 15 kilometres from the CBD that offers a similar lifestyle. He noted that lowset homes are now starting at $680,000, a stark contrast to the higher prices seen just a couple of years ago.

Real estate agents from LJ Hooker and Ray White also confirmed the high demand and limited supply in these suburbs, driving up property values and keeping turnover rates low.

Another reason residents stay put is the tight-knit community in Mount Ommaney. Multiple generations of families often live in the same suburb, enjoying the benefits of established neighbourhoods and strong community ties.



Published 31-July-2024

Filmmaker from Mt Ommaney Debuts Acclaimed Horror Feature ‘In The Room Where He Waits’

Mt Ommaney native Timothy Despina Marshall is set to showcase his critically acclaimed debut feature film “In the Room Where He Waits” in Brisbane cinemas. 


Read: Meet the Next Generation of Dance Superstars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner


“In the Room Where He Waits,” a psychological horror that has been hailed as “the year’s best Australian horror” and “one of the best Australian debut features,” marks the realisation of Marshall’s long-held dream to create his first film in his hometown.

Marshall’s journey from a horror-obsessed kid in Mt Ommaney to an award-winning filmmaker is a testament to his passion and perseverance. He honed his craft using nothing more than a camcorder and a bottle of tomato sauce for fake blood, creating amateur horror flicks with his friends.

Photo supplied

“This film looks at fears of loneliness and aging, and brings them to life in an unnerving claustrophobic nightmare,” Marshall explains, drawing parallels between his work and the collective experience of isolation during recent global events. “I wanted the hotel room Tobin is trapped in to become the manifestation of his deepest fears. Something many of us can relate to after spending so much time stuck inside in recent years.”

Photo supplied

The film centres on Tobin Wade, an ambitious young star played by rising talent Daniel Monks. Forced to isolate in a hotel room before his father’s funeral, Wade confronts his subconscious fears as they materialise around him, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.

Monks, known for his roles in indie horror “Sissy” and the Aussie-made American comedy “Ricky Stanicky,” brings depth to the tormented lead. His involvement, along with his upcoming appearance in Netflix’s “Kaos” alongside Jeff Goldblum, adds to the film’s growing buzz.

Marshall’s Mt Ommaney roots have clearly influenced his artistic vision, proving that sometimes, you don’t have to venture far from home to make a significant impact in the film industry. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers in Brisbane and beyond.

Reviews

“Not only one of the best queer Australian films it is also one of the best Australian debut features. Haunting, deeply affecting, and resonant.”

Nadine Whitney (Alliance of Women Film Journalists)

Director Timothy Despina Marshall has crafted an intensely claustrophobic film. While many of us are still attempting to heal from the trauma that was the Covid-19 pandemic (particularly if you lived in Melbourne!) and this film does a great job of really tapping into that to capitalise on any unresolved feelings you have about this period. Having the lead trapped in a room, unable to leave for any reason is also the perfect setting for a horror movie.

Alaisdair Leith, Novastream Network

Local film enthusiasts can catch “In the Room Where He Waits” at a special screening this Sunday, June 30, 4:00 pm at Dendy Coorparoo. 


Read: Netflix Spotlight on Local Legend: Darra’s Que Huong Restaurant


As Timothy Despina Marshall’s star continues to rise, Mt Ommaney can proudly claim him as one of their own – a local whose childhood passion has blossomed into a promising career in the competitive world of filmmaking.

Published 26-June-2024

Grandmother Terrified After Youths Broke Into Mt Ommaney Home

A grandmother was left terrified after a gang of armed youths broke into her home in Mount Ommaney while she was inside.



The incident occurred at Mozart Place, where Veri Kostidnovac and her husband have resided for 55 years.

“I don’t know what they were chasing,” said a visibly shaken Ms Kostidnovac, who now fears being on her own property.

Video footage shows the gang attempting to break into homes before police arrived on the scene. The group managed to escape in a car before the police could apprehend them.

The driver of the stolen car, a 15-year-old youth offender, drove so dangerously that the police had to suspend the pursuit.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Wayne Frances described the situation as “extremely dangerous”, posing a risk not only to the police officers involved, but also to the community and the offenders themselves.



The police are still searching for the youth offenders in Mt Ommaney.

Published 20-March-2024

Mount Ommaney Property Market Shows Over 30% Median House Price Growth

The median house price in Mount Ommaney rose by over 30 per cent during the 12-month period ending September 2021. Mt Ommaney, dubbed the “unofficial retirement community for the moderately wealthy” by locals, is benefiting from strong demand and low inventory, as people spend more time at home and look for larger properties and a suburb offering a more laid-back lifestyle.


Highlights

  • The median house price in Mount Ommaney showed a 32.96 per cent uptick between the period of October 2020 to September 2021, at $1,250,000 with only 31 properties sold within the period.
  • The unit market, however, is down by 1.83 per cent with just 14 properties sold during the 12-month period.

House Price Growth

According to Property Market Updates, Mount Ommaney experienced a 32.98 per cent growth from October 2020 to September 2021, resulting in a remarkable median house price uptick to  $1,250,000, up from $940,000 in the previous period. Thirty-one homes were sold during this period within an average of 48 days on market. Among these houses sold, 17 of them were five-bedroom properties in the million-dollar range.  

Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

Off an elevated section on Becker Place, a five-bedroom house standing on an expansive 1,348-square metre lot pulled the highest sale, changing hands for $1,850,000. 

Designed as a modern Tuscan villa, this house has the Mount Ommaney Bushland Reserve in its backyard, the home to kangaroos and many of Australia’s rich wildlife. 



The family residence also boasts spectacular views of the city and the McLeod Country Golf Club. Its location is within two kilometres of the Mount Ommaney Special School and Mount Ommaney Centre. 

Buyers are seeing the value of houses in the western corridor, where the homes set on larger blocks of land are now more desirable, as buyers look towards more spacious homes outside Brisbane’s inner-ring area.

Unit Price Growth

Mount Ommaney’s unit market, however, has gone down by 1.83  per cent for the period October 2020 to September 2021. Both stock and demand are down, as the median year-on-year remains largely flat. Only 14 properties were sold during this 12-month period with listings going for an average of 79 days. 

Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

Granted, the majority of dwelling options in Mount Ommaney are detached homes while townhouses and serviced apartments, mostly for occupancy by downsizers and retirees, make up just under one per cent of the stocks.

About Mount Ommaney

Mount Ommaney is located 13 kilometres southwest of Brisbane CBD. Developed as a part of the Centenary Suburbs residential project in the 1960s, Mount Ommaney has attracted residents who love the area’s natural diversity with the Brisbane River by its doorstep. 

Dubbed the “unofficial retirement community for the moderately wealthy” by the locals, this suburb has a large, protected forest and stone quarry that both lend a unique beauty to the surroundings. The air and atmosphere around Mount Ommaney’s neighbourhoods deliver the countryside vibe, where residents live in solitude and have much more space to work, live, and play. 

However, Mount Ommaney locals also have everything they need within their reach as its sole, massive shopping centre has over 170 specialty shops and some of Australia’s largest chain stores. 



“I have lived in Mount Ommaney for 7 years now. I chose it because the homes were on larger blocks and it has a medium sized shopping centre close by with the major department stores. It’s a short drive to Indooroopilly if you are looking for more upmarket shops. The CBD is within 15km. There are good playgrounds, three closeby primary schools including an excellent Lutheran private school.”

Fionaw15

“I moved here when new houses were still being constructed, there was no high school, no police station and Mount Ommaney Centre was a strip mall basically with a small Coles. It’s grown up since then. It’s safe, kids still walk to school and ride bikes. The trees have grown to form an impressive canopy which supports an ever expanding assortment of wildlife and birdlife. I’ve seen echnidna in my yard a few times. It is important to identify the streets with traffic noise though. One end of Mount Ommaney Drive is quite busy, the other end towards Jindalee is very quiet. I live in one of the private Courts, it’s so quiet at night that the only thing that disturbs my sleep are the possums running across the roof. Be warned though, lots of trees and vegetation means lots of gardening tasks. If you’d rather not be in the garden, there are other suburbs that might better suit.”

NancyM

Challenge Extended to Cinnabon as it Plans to Open Mount Ommaney Store

When word got around that Cinnabon is planning to open a store in Mount Ommaney, MP Jess Pugh extended a challenge to the American bakery chain to aim for its annual business award under the franchise category in 2020. 

Ms Pugh welcomed the news of Cinnabon coming to Mount Ommaney. She believes that the brand will be a great addition to competitive awards. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s because they want to win the Franchise award next year,” she said in jest on Facebook. “May the best franchise win!!” 



Bansal Group plans to open an initial four Cinnabon stores in Brisbane in the next few months as it advertised job opening for store managers. The company confirmed that it will be opening its very first location around Christmas time whilst the second shop will be operational by January 2020.

“Our first two locations will be in Nundah and Mt Gravatt. Get ready for the goodness,” a  post on Cinnabon Australia Facebook‘s page stated. 

Bansal Group has yet to reveal the exact locations of its first Cinnabon stores. 

However, the Nundah outlet is reportedly going to be at the Toombul Shopping Centre, whilst the Mt Gravatt spot is speculated at either Westfield Garden City or Mt Gravatt Plaza Shopping Centre. 

The other two locations are said to be planned at Westfield Chermside and Mount Ommaney Centre.

The Cinnabon outlets will be taking over vacant kiosks at the shopping centres. A rendering of the first store was posted on its Facebook page. 

Photo Credit: Cinnabon Australia/Facebook

Bansal Group has projected to open 50 Cinnabon stores around Australia in the next five years. The U.S. bakery, dubbed the “world’s greatest cinnamon roll,” has over 1,500 outlets globally in its nearly 35 years of operation. 


Cast Your Votes for 2019 Mount Ommaney Small Business Awards

Who will win at the 2019 Mount Ommaney Small Business Award? You have the power to decide the outcome if you cast your vote for your favourite small business and employee.

Over 3,000 have already picked their choices and the online selection will continue until Sunday, the 13th of Oct 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

The CCIQ Centenary & Districts Chamber of Commerce and MP Jess Pugh are behind the 2019 Mount Ommaney Small Business Award, which is in its second year. Some 2,000 establishments were nominated in nine categories recognizing businesses for their excellent management and customer service.



This year, a few awards have been added to the categories to include the Milton Dick Most Popular New Business and Professional Service awards for accountants, consultants and solicitors. 

Photo Credit: Jess Pugh MP for Mount Ommaney/Facebook


Ms Pugh relaunched the awards to acknowledge the businesses that drive the local economy. She said that the recognition should also be a boost for the “quiet achievers” around Mount Ommaney.

Nominated businesses may also pick up voting cards from Ms Pugh’s office so that their customers may be able to cast their votes when they are at the shop. 

Meanwhile, voters also have an additional incentive as their name will be entered into the raffle draw where they could win a Taste of Mount Ommaney Prize Pack. 

For more information on the 2019 Mount Ommaney Small Business Award, phone 3737 2120.

Work Begins on the New $7.7 Million Building for Mount Ommaney Special School

Mount Ommaney Special School (MOSS) is getting a new $7.7-million state-of-the-art, multi-storey building. Minister for Education and Industrial Relations Grace Grace facilitated the groundbreaking ceremony on 28th of June 2019 with MP for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh, Principal Wayne Wilkinson and the architects.

The new building will have four classrooms on the second level, a therapy space, multi-skills rooms, an industrial kitchen and laundry section, an outdoor learning area, staff area, a commercial kitchenette, a store and other amenities. An undercroft area on the ground level will also be allotted for additional classrooms and further expansion. 

The outdoor learning area is particularly special as it will have sensory gardens and a food garden, which will cater to the school’s vocational programs. These facilities have been designed to create a better environment for the students to learn and develop their skills, as well as experience new things. 

Photo Credit: DR


The new school building will also create more engagement between the school, the students and the community. It has a target completion date of March 2020.

“This learning centre will be a game-changer for the school and I can’t wait to see the smiles on the students’ faces when it opens next year,” Mr Pugh said.  



Deicke Richards (DR) has been commissioned to develop and build the new MOSS learning centre. Architects of the firm have closely consulted with school officials to integrate facets that will provide for the students’ needs. 

“This facility will add significant value to our school, assist with enrolment capacity and greatly assist our ever-growing vocational education programs,” Mr Wilkinson relayed. 

Proposed Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct in Details

A more vibrant and lively Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre could become reality in the near future should the application for the Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct be approved by Council.

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The development application for the expansion of the shopping centre is currently being reviewed by Brisbane City Council. Vicinity Centres, owner of Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre, intends to create what the designer describes as a sculptural entertainment precinct. The sculptural area will be formed with cinemas in cubic forms and linked to the main mall via a serpentine bridge.

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

 

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Along the sides of the serpentine bridge will be food and beverage outlets. There will also be open areas designed as gathering spaces for the community. Part of the open spaces will incorporate play structures for children, BBQ facilities and lawn mounds.

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Landscaping along Dandenong Road will also be intensified as part of the proposed plan. From the cinema foyers, people will have a view of the green spaces.

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council



Retail Spaces and Community Hub

Under the plan, some 11,000 square metres of dining and entertainment space will be added to the existing shopping centre. The expansion plan includes seven cinemas, food outlets, lifestyle and leisure spaces and a pub.

The proposal also involves the integration of the council’s library into the shopping centre. The DA also proposes to build a new community hub and a town centre to encourage after-hours activities. The existing community hub will be demolished and replaced by the new community centre under the plan.

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

 

Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Should the DA be approved according to schedule, construction should start before the end of the year. Completion is expected at the end of 2019 or early 2020.

Find out more about the proposed Mt Ommaney Entertainment and Leisure Precinct (DA A004984677).