News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sinnamon Park, Sumner, Westlake and Seventeen Mile Rocks
A Seventeen Mile Rocks swimming coach who spent more than 20 years working with local children is being remembered through a 78km September walk by his daughter Cara following his death from pancreatic cancer.
Doug Harvey, who died on 26 July 2026, was a familiar poolside presence during more than two decades of coaching children at Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Dunlop Park and St Aidan’s.
His years in swimming connected him with generations of local families across the area, with his long-standing contribution now forming the heart of a community tribute led by his daughter.
More Than 20 Years Coaching Local Children
Doug was a Seventeen Mile Rocks local and was born on 2 August 1952.
For more than 20 years, he coached children across several nearby locations, including Jamboree Heights and Jindalee, as well as Dunlop Park and St Aidan’s.
That long period poolside made him a familiar figure for local children and families who encountered him through swimming over the years.
His death from pancreatic cancer has now prompted Cara to honour that contribution through a challenge extending beyond the pool communities where he spent much of his time.
Cara is walking 78km during September as part of the Remember September campaign.
The distance represents the campaign’s figure of 78 Australians who die from pancreatic cancer each week.
At the recorded campaign update, Cara had completed 16km of the challenge and raised about $1,181 towards a $10,000 fundraising target.
Her fundraising page says Doug’s pancreatic cancer had already spread to his liver when it was detected. Cara is using the challenge to support efforts towards earlier detection and more effective treatment options for the disease.
Seventeen Mile Rocks Community Legacy Remembered
The fundraiser places Doug’s years of local involvement alongside a broader effort to support pancreatic cancer research and people affected by the disease.
Remember September states that 12 Australians are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each day and identifies it as the third-biggest cancer killer in Australia. The campaign also says early-stage pancreatic cancer rarely causes symptoms.
For the Seventeen Mile Rocks community, Cara’s challenge also serves as a tribute to the years her father spent coaching children across the surrounding suburbs.
Her September goal remains 78km, with the fundraising target set at $10,000 in memory of a coach whose involvement with local families stretched across more than two decades.
Are you looking to achieve 10,000 steps per day? Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks offers a peaceful way to add approximately 1,000 steps to your daily count through its scenic 800-metre riverside path.
While this gentle walk contributes just a portion of your daily goal, its tranquil setting and excellent facilities make it an ideal location for multiple laps or as part of your daily walking routine.
Best For: Families, casual walkers, step-goal achievers
Facilities: Water play area, BBQs, toilets, picnic areas, playgrounds
The promenade follows the peaceful Brisbane River shoreline at Rocks Riverside Park. Those looking to extend their walk can continue along the riverside path until they reach Amazons Place Park in Jindalee. This flat, paved pathway offers a peaceful riverside experience with plenty of opportunities to observe local riverine flora and fauna.
Amazons Place Park (Photo credit: Ross Cronin/Google Maps)
For those seeking extra steps, the Zig Zag trail offers an additional challenge. This unpaved but well-formed track through eucalypt forest winds through the bushland ridge to the south-east of the park, adding approximately 30 minutes to your walk.
The trail rewards your effort with excellent views of the surrounding area and, while suitable for wheels, provides a more challenging option for step-counters.
Making It Part of Your 10,000 Steps Journey
Photo credit: Daniel Reche/Google Maps
While the basic promenade walk contributes 1,000 steps, you can easily extend this by combining multiple laps, including the Zig Zag trail, or exploring all park pathways. This location works perfectly as part of your active breaks throughout the day, especially if you’re gradually building up to a 10,000-step goal.
Health Benefits and Tips
This gentle riverside walk contributes to your daily fitness goals by improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, and enhancing mood through nature exposure.
Remember to bring water, wear sun protection, and consider walking shoes if taking on the Zig Zag trail. The park’s facilities make it perfect for all ages, so consider bringing the family along for a morning or late afternoon visit.
Whether you’re starting your 10,000-step journey or looking for a peaceful addition to your existing routine, Rocks Riverside Park Promenade provides a serene setting for walking goals. Its combination of natural beauty, excellent facilities, and easy terrain makes it a valuable destination in Brisbane’s network of walking locations.
Families, friends, runners and community groups filled Rocks Riverside Park on Sunday morning as the Brisbane Memory Walk & Jog brought hundreds of people to Seventeen Mile Rocks in support of Australians living with dementia.
Held on 14 June, the annual event drew 1,478 participants and 89 teams to the popular riverside park, with fundraising reaching $193,631 for Dementia Australia programs, services and research. The result placed the event close to its $200,000 target and turned a local park into one of Brisbane’s largest community fundraising gatherings of the weekend.
A Morning of Movement Along the Brisbane River
From early morning, participants gathered at Rocks Riverside Park to take part in a range of distances, including a 2.5-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre walk or jog, and a 10-kilometre timed run.
The event welcomed people of different ages and fitness levels. Some participants took part to honour family members affected by dementia, while others joined friends, workplaces and community teams to support a cause that touches many Australian households.
As runners and walkers moved through the riverside course, the park became a meeting place for families, carers, supporters and volunteers united by a shared goal. The atmosphere reflected the community spirit that has become a hallmark of the Memory Walk & Jog series across Australia.
<;/center>
Seventeen Mile Rocks Hosts a Major Community Event
While participants travelled from across Brisbane, the event placed Seventeen Mile Rocks at the centre of a city-wide fundraising effort.
Rocks Riverside Park has become a regular venue for large-scale outdoor events thanks to its open green spaces and riverfront setting. On Sunday, the park welcomed nearly 1,500 participants, creating a strong turnout for a community-focused event in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The gathering also highlighted the role local public spaces play in bringing people together around important social and health issues. For many attendees, the event offered an opportunity not only to raise money but also to connect with others who understand the challenges dementia can bring to families.
Memory Walk & Jog is organised by Dementia Australia, the national organisation that supports people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Funds raised through the event help support a range of services, including education programs, counselling, advocacy and research initiatives. Dementia Australia has stated that community fundraising events play an important role in helping the organisation continue its work across the country.
The Brisbane event’s fundraising total of $193,631 represented a significant contribution towards those efforts and demonstrated the level of support the cause continues to receive from the community.
A Cause That Touches Many Families
Dementia remains one of Australia’s major health challenges, affecting hundreds of thousands of people nationwide. Beyond those diagnosed, the condition also affects partners, children, relatives and carers who often provide ongoing support.
The event was about more than completing a walk or run. It was an opportunity to stand alongside others facing similar experiences and to contribute towards services that help families navigate the impacts of dementia.
The turnout demonstrated the willingness of people across Brisbane to support dementia awareness and services, while also showcasing Seventeen Mile Rocks as a destination for major community events.
A new grassroots live music initiative is launching in Seventeen Mile Rocks, with organisers aiming to rebuild connections between artists, venues and audiences through a collaborative performance platform.
Apollo Sound Collective, founded by local music industry figures Mark of Distortion Nation and Dano from the band Scandal Tree, will begin running regular Friday night shows at White Lies Brewing.
The initiative was established on 4 October 2025 and was created in response to concerns about the changing landscape of the live music scene, including fewer venues hosting performances and increasing economic pressure on musicians and promoters.
The first event organised by the collective is scheduled for 28 March, marking the beginning of a regular series of live shows at the brewery venue. It will feature performances by Black Whiskey, Kentucky Green, Dead Hand Blues and The Royals.
Apollo Sound Collective is designed as an artist-run platform that connects original musicians with venues willing to support live performances.
According to the founders, the idea emerged after years working within the industry and observing shifts in how the live music ecosystem operates.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“We’ve both been part of the scene for a long time, and we started noticing something changing,” said Dano.
“There used to be a real sense of fraternity between artists and venues—everyone pulling in the same direction. Over the last few years that feeling has started to disappear.”
The founders say that rising costs, industry changes and broader economic pressures have affected both artists and venues, with some locations reducing their live music programming or closing entirely.
Mark said this has contributed to a growing divide between performers and venues.
“What we’ve seen developing is this unfortunate ‘us and them’ mentality between artists and venues,” he said.
“But the reality is we all need each other. Without venues, artists have nowhere to perform. Without artists, venues don’t have live music. The audience is the final piece of that puzzle.”
Creating performance opportunities
The collective aims to create opportunities for original artists to perform without pay-to-play barriers, while helping venues source performers for live events.
Through direct coordination with venues that support live music, Apollo Sound Collective plans to curate events that bring together artists, audiences and industry connections.
“The idea is simple,” Dano said.
“Artists should be able to perform without being asked to buy their way onto a stage. If the music is good and the event is run properly, everyone benefits—the venue, the band, and the audience.”
The platform also aims to provide musicians with access to established venues and a collaborative network of artists and creatives.
For venues, the initiative offers a consistent pipeline of original acts and support in organising live events.
“It’s not just about putting on gigs,” Mark said.
“It’s about creating a structure where artists and venues actually support each other again. When that happens, the audience feels it. That’s when scenes start to grow.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Focus on rebuilding community
Organisers say the broader goal of Apollo Sound Collective is to strengthen the sense of community around grassroots music.
Rather than operating solely as a traditional promoter, the collective is intended to function as a collaborative platform linking musicians, venues and audiences.
“Great music scenes don’t happen by accident,” Dano said.
“They happen because people decide to work together instead of competing with each other.”
With its first event scheduled for late March, the collective is currently building relationships with venues and artists as it develops a network of live events for original music.
Rocks Riverside Park’s recently upgraded water play area has become a topic of community discussion, with some parents reporting injuries to their children whilst authorities maintain that the facility meets safety standards.
The water play area at the popular 26-hectare Seventeen Mile Rocks facility underwent a multi-million-dollar upgrade, with the 23-year-old installation being redesigned to improve functionality. The renovation was completed in time for the summer school holidays, welcoming families back to the riverside attraction.
Following the initial reopening, some parents shared photographs on social media showing their children with various injuries, including cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Several families commented about the surface being slippery, prompting concerns within the community.
Photo credit: Tracy Pitman/Google Maps
In response to these reports, authorities closed the facility for additional works, describing the decision as taken out of “an abundance of caution.” Contractors were engaged to address the surface issues before the area could reopen.
The water play area was reopened for a second time on Thursday, 22 January, with Cr Tracy Davis, LNP Chair for Parks and Sustainability, attending to provide information about the remedial works.
Following this second reopening, some parents have continued to report concerns. Parents have continued to share photographs and express concerns on Jamboree Ward Cr Sarah Hutton’s Facebook page. Reports from those experiencing difficulties have shifted from concerns about slipperiness to comments about the surface texture.
One resident noted that whilst the surface may not be slippery, it felt abrasive, describing it as sharp and like sandpaper. Another parent mentioned that their children experienced issues within the first five minutes of their visit, with both children affected.
Authorities have pointed to the age of the original facility as a factor in undertaking the comprehensive redesign. The water play area was part of the park’s original opening in December 2003, making it more than two decades old at the time of renovation.
Photo credit: Piyush Sukhadiya/Google Maps
“If you’re using the water play area, the surface may feel fairly coarse in the first few months. This is normal and will ease over time as more people use it and the surface wears in,” BCC stated in its website.
“We urge anyone using the water play area to remember the surface is not designed for running and is best enjoyed at a slower pace.”
Cr Hutton’s office has also invited parents who have concerns to provide details via email to jamboree.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au, indicating that feedback is being collected and monitored.
The broader Rocks Riverside Park continues to serve as a community gathering space, offering playgrounds, barbecue facilities, and 800 metres of Brisbane River frontage. The park features public art and industrial artefacts that reflect its history as the site of the Queensland Cement and Lime Company operations, with a crop patch reflecting the site’s farming heritage.
Parents planning to visit are encouraged to be aware of the surface characteristics and supervise children appropriately. Those who experience any issues are being asked to report them through official channels so that feedback can be properly documented and considered.
The coming weeks will provide more information about how the upgraded facility performs under regular usage conditions, and whether the current surface treatment addresses the concerns that have been raised by some members of the community.
Families visiting Rocks Riverside Park were met with fencing and warning tape instead of water play, after a multimillion dollar upgrade was shut down only days after reopening, following reports of children slipping and getting injured.
The closure occurred on the 14th of December, just days after the upgraded water play area reopened, during the peak school holiday period. Parents reported children falling on wet surfaces, with images shared online showing scratches and grazes. Some families said the area felt unsafe within minutes of entering.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Parents who arrived with children in swimmers said they were surprised to find the water play area closed without warning. Several families had travelled specifically to visit the upgraded space.
Some parents reported seeing multiple children slip in a short period of time, raising concerns about surface grip once water was running. Parents questioned how the surface passed safety checks before opening, given the number of incidents reported so quickly after reopening.
Council Response And Investigation
Brisbane City Council confirmed it received complaints about slippery surfaces in the splash zone. Council stated it is investigating the issue and working with the contractor responsible for the upgrade. The area was closed as a precaution while further checks are carried out.
Council advised that slip testing was completed before reopening and met required Australian safety standards. Despite this, the water play area remains closed, with no confirmed date for reopening.
Impact On Community And Summer Plans
The water play area was closed for nearly six months before reopening as part of a major upgrade costing about $3.5 million. For many local families, the space is a key summer attraction, especially during hot weather and school holidays.
Radio host Sofie Formica will lead the next leg of her 100 Days of Walking campaign at Rocks Riverside Promenade in Seventeen Mile Rocks on 29 October. The community walk begins at 4:00 p.m., inviting residents to lace up their shoes and enjoy an easy riverside stroll along one of Brisbane’s most scenic pathways.
The walking initiative, supported by 4BC, encourages locals to take part in simple, daily movement while connecting with others in their neighbourhoods. Sofie said the walks are designed to get people away from screens and back into conversation, adding that each route highlights a different part of Brisbane’s natural beauty.
The Rocks Riverside Promenade stop follows successful gatherings at Kedron Brook, Wynnum and Berrinba Wetlands earlier in the series.
Exploring Rocks Riverside Promenade
Situated along the Brisbane River in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Rocks Riverside Promenade is part of the 26-hectare Rocks Riverside Park, a popular green space for walking, cycling and family picnics. The flat, paved trail stretches roughly six kilometres return, running beside landscaped gardens, open lawns and riverside lookouts.
Families often choose the park for its playgrounds, shaded areas and water-play zone, while fitness groups use the promenade for running and cycling.
One popular walking route in the area starts along the Brisbane River, on Turrbal land, commencing at Rocks Riverside Park and ending at Amazons Place Park.
A shared walkway makes up the paved esplanade, where people can take time to view the various flora and fauna along the river. Benches, picnic areas, toilets, and playgrounds share space with the walking path, along with some historical remnants of concreting and iron industrial sites that give people a glimpse of the history of the area.
According to Bicycle Queensland, the route is ideal for all fitness levels and is one of Brisbane’s most accessible riverside tracks. Its wide pathways and gentle gradients make it suitable for prams, wheelchairs and bikes.
People looking for a longer route can walk up the bushland ridge to the south-east of the park towards the Zig Zag trail, passing through eucalypt forest. The trail through the forest is well-formed but unpaved and generally suitable for wheeled transport. This route takes half an hour longer and is more challenging but people find the view worth it.
The Centenary Today local guide describes it as a community favourite for its safe, family-friendly environment and open river views — the perfect match for the welcoming spirit of Sofie’s walking series.
Encouraging Connection Through Movement
Sofie’s 100 Days of Walking project continues to attract growing participation from communities across Brisbane. Each week, new walkers join to share stories, enjoy local parks and rediscover the benefits of regular physical activity.
The Seventeen Mile Rocks event aims to bring together residents from across western Brisbane, reinforcing the campaign’s message that walking together can strengthen social ties and improve wellbeing.
Those wishing to take part in the October 29 event can find updates and information on 4BC’s website or through the station’s Facebook page. Participation is free and open to all ages, with no registration required.
Centenary, as it is known today, consists of several suburbs namely, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Westlake, Riverhills, Sumner, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks.
Do you know how and why Centenary was formed? Let’s take a look back at the historic past of Centenary and the origins of the names of its suburbs.
Photo credit: cshsoc.org.au
In 1959, Queensland’s Centenary Year, a land developer named Hooker Rex planned the Centenary project. The project was a suburban development proposal that included a number of neighbourhoods with their own services and facilities that are capable of providing for all the needs of its residents.
The development started with the purchase of farmland in 1960. The contract for 1,416 hectare-development was agreed upon by the Council in 1961.
Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
The Centenary Bridge and Highway were among the most important parts of the development as it provided access to and from the city and the northern suburbs. Officially opened on 14 October 1964, the Centenary Bridge was financed by the developers while the Centenary Highway was built by the Brisbane City Council still at the developers’ expense.
The suburbs and industrial estates that were planned to be a part of the Centenary project were Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Westlake, Middle Park, and Sumner. Meanwhile, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Sinnamon Park were developed separately.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Retro
The development was under the management of a public company called the Centenary Estates Limited for six years. In October 1967, the private shareholders were bought out by the Hooker Corporation Limited and the entire project was once again owned by the corporation.
The Establishment of the Centenary Suburbs
Jindalee
Photo credit: Twitter/Property Observer
Jindalee is an Aboriginal word which means “bare hills”. The establishment of the suburb in September 1962 brought the first public transport in the area, a bus going to and from Oxley Station.
Among the earliest establishments in the district were the Jindalee Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Bowls Club and the Looranah St. shopping centre. With its well-established golf course, swimming pool, and sporting facilities, it wasn’t long before Jindalee became a centre for sporting activities.
Jamboree Heights
Jamboree Heights was initially a part of Jindalee. When the Boy Scout held it’s Eighth Australian Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Brisbane, Hooker Centenary provided the site. Later on, the place came to be called Jamboree Heights.
The 50th Anniversary of that historic Jamboree was celebrated in Jamboree Heights in January 2018. During that time, the participants learned more about the first Queensland Jamboree in 1967-1968.
Mount Ommaney is considerably larger than Jindalee and Jamboree Heights. Despite the sloping nature of the terrain in the area, Hooker Centenary was able to develop a number of “Private Courts” in Mount Ommaney in January 1970, a feat considered a first in Australia.
Photo credit: www.mcleodgolf.com.au
Each private court contains approximately seven homes, each with their own private entrance and shared private ownership of internal roads and nature strips.
Mount Ommaney became a prestige homesite that offers excellent views of the mountains and the city.
The suburb is also home to the first women’s golf club in Australia, the McLeod Country Golf Club, which was completed in 1969. The original golf club was comprised of 9 holes and a clubhouse. It was later extended to a full complement of 18 holes in 1971.
Riverhills
Photo credit: realestate.com.au
Riverhills is named for its ideal location offering sweeping panoramic views of the Brisbane River. In January 1973, it was mainly marketed by the developer as a suburb for young people with young families, designed with a cul-de-sac concept that focuses on having a quiet environment with lots of privacy. Many of its streets were named after rivers, lakes, and other waterways of the world.
Westlake
Photo credit: raywhitecentenary.com
Westlake was named by the developers in June 1973 for its nine-hectare freshwater lake. The developers maximised the landscape to give most of its homesites a view of the vast lake.
Sumner
Sumner was named after the Sumner family who had been farmers and landholders in the area. Though the name was originally given to a road, the suburb later adapted the name in 1969.
Seventeen Mile Rocks
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Seventeen Mile Rocks suburb used to include Sinnamon Park in 1975 as it extended farther west. With the development of Sinnamon Park, the boundaries of the suburb changed and currently, part of the Edenbrooke Estate is in Seventeen Mile Rocks and part in Sinnamon Park.
Seventeen Mile Rocks have gone through several developments under different estate developers namely ECOSSE Investments Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions, Baldwin-Riverlands, and Verandah.
Middle Park
Middle Park was strategically named by the developers in July 1976 to reflect its location in the middle of the Centenary Suburbs. The area offers northerly views of the McLeod Country Golf Club.
Sinnamon Park
In 1989, Sinnamon Park was developed originating from the suburb Seventeen Mile Rocks. The new suburb was named after the family of James Sinnamon and Margaret, who were the pioneer European settlers in the area.
Photo credit: monumentaustralia.org.au
Today, Sinnamon Park houses a memorial dedicated to Thomas Macleod to celebrate his historic flights on 22 December 1910.
These are the historical origins of the names of the Centenary Suburbs. To have a deeper grasp on the history of Centenary, visit Centenary Suburbs Historical Society Inc.
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)
Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.
The Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will take place on Sunday, 21 September 2025, as part of a national initiative by Australian Rotary Health. It is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Centenary, Greater Springfield, Jindalee, Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Sumner Park, Brisbane Inner West, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity.
The walk aims to raise awareness of mental illness and generate funds for research. It is open to all members of the community, with dogs permitted on leads.
The original Walk for Mental Health was created by mental health advocate Vicki Stewart, a former president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba. After three years of successful fundraising, the event evolved into the Lift the Lid Walk in 2020. The walk is intentionally non-competitive, focusing on conversation and community connection rather than racing.
Funds raised from all Lift the Lid Walk events go directly to Australian Rotary Health research, addressing mental health issues in communities, schools, workplaces, and homes.
Photo Credit: Lift the Lid Walk
Event Details
Participants will walk a 2.5 kilometre loop along the Brisbane River within parkland, with the option to complete a total of five kilometres. There will be no road traffic on the course.
Schedule:
6:00 a.m. – Bump in
6:30 a.m. – Check-in, T-shirt collection, late registration opens
7:30 a.m. – Late registration closes
7:45 a.m. – Pre-start briefing, Australian Rotary Health speaker, sponsor recognition
8:00 a.m. – Walk start
10:00 a.m. – Event completion
10:30 a.m. – Pack-down finish
Entry Fees:
Adults: $30 (includes event T-shirt)
Children 15 and under: Free entry (T-shirts available for purchase)
A coffee van, ice cream vendor, and Rotaract-run sausage sizzle will be on site, along with other display stalls. Brisbane City Council is the corporate partner for the event.
Contingency Plans
If the event is cancelled due to extreme weather or COVID-19 restrictions, participants will be encouraged to walk in their own neighbourhoods and share their experience online. Registration fees will still go towards funding Australian Rotary Health research, and T-shirts will be available for collection.
