Platypus conservation efforts are underway in the Sumner catchment, as community volunteers, researchers, and local officials focus on restoring Bullockhead Creek habitat.
Recent research along Bullockhead Creek—flowing through the suburbs of Sumner, Wacol, Forest Lake and Richlands—has confirmed signs of breeding platypuses despite increasing urbanisation. Wildlife Queensland’s PlatypusWatch team, in collaboration with the University of New South Wales, carried out a week-long fyke netting survey at twelve sites, primarily in Wacol, where two male platypuses were captured—one being a juvenile.
Bullockhead Creek is surrounded by industrial and residential zones. Pollution, sedimentation, and modified water flows continue to place stress on aquatic wildlife. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling in previous years had detected platypus presence, prompting the need for physical population surveys to better assess activity and habitat use.
Evidence of Long-Distance Movement
One of the captured adult males had previously been recorded more than 20 kilometres away in Moggill Creek in 2020. This observation highlights the ability of the species to travel across catchments and reinforces the importance of maintaining ecological connectivity between waterways to support population resilience and genetic diversity.
Community-Driven Regeneration Efforts
More than 2,500 native seedlings were planted by volunteers along Bullockhead Creek to improve habitat conditions. The work, carried out in collaboration with BCC, aims to enhance shade, stabilise creek banks, and improve shelter and water quality for aquatic species. These efforts occurred primarily within Wacol, but benefit the broader catchment area, including downstream sections in Sumner.
Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/Facebook
Local Advocacy and Education
Ongoing collaboration between council representatives, environmental organisations, and local communities continues to support conservation activities within the Wolston Catchment. Local official Sarah Hutton has been involved in supporting platypus monitoring and education programs since 2023.
Next Steps in Platypus Protection
Samples from both platypuses have been collected for genetic and health analysis, contributing to long-term monitoring of Brisbane’s urban platypus populations.
Residents across the catchment, including Sumner, are encouraged to report sightings, join planting days, and support efforts to phase out enclosed yabby traps. These actions help sustain the ecological health of Bullockhead Creek and the suburbs it passes through.
We’ve combed Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sumner, Sumner Park BC, and Westlake for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Travis Chalmers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic as always, time and time again. By far the best pizza in Brisbane, and a full menu of cocktails to match. Special shoutout to Kane – he will always go above and beyond to ensure each customer has a fantastic experience, and I consider his service level to be one of the best around. You will not regret coming here. Very reasonably priced as well. Pizza in the photo is a half n half – Paella and Reef n Beef.
S Andrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We ordered for Takeaways! The gorgonzola calzone was cooked perfectly — nice and crunchy, with just the right amount of saltiness and a great hit of blue cheese. The pepperoni pizza was yummm! You could tell the pepperoni was really good quality. Both pastas we ordered were absolutely amazing — honestly, I couldn’t fault them at all. Literally finished every single dish which is unusual for us!
Laura Grace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The pizzas here are unmatched. They are the standard you find in Venice. The service is from friendly young people. The wait time for food tends to be a little longer than standard however it is well worth the wait as the ingredients are fresh and packed on. It’s a nice deck area I just wish the lighting was a little less stark and more ambient to enhance the vibe, but this is a preference. Would be lovely to have music too. The bar is gorgeous and attention to detail has been put into the overall aesthetics of the venue. The app and website make easy booking and ordering. Overall I recommend this place, thank you for being a valuable restaurant in our community.
Bryan Belcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an amazing evening! We chose to celebrate my twin boys 22 Birthday at Icarus Greek. We are so glad we did! The service was fantastic, food brilliant, and a lovely relaxing atmosphere. The manager that took our order was brilliant, and the young ladies that were serving were great. The food is truly amazing . There are so many bursting flavours. Thanks to everyone. A small kitchen at the back producing great food. Well done. We will be back . Thank you for helping make my sons 22 birthday memorable ❤️ 💪👍👊🙏.
Angela Kajar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great greek food, generous serves. We visited Sunday evening to celebrate 3 family birthdays. Recommend the Saganaki, calamari, souvlaki plates, keftedes and pastitsio. Service from the young waitresses was ok. Perhaps as we were seated round the corner we might have been slightly overlooked as entree plates weren’t cleared until they came to deliver the main dishes which was a bit of a juggle. A little bit loud on the deck from the traffic going down the street, but overall a good night.
Chin Keong Yoong ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was amazing. My family and friends love every thing we order. The customer service was awesome. Attended our needs very promptly and professionally. Highly recommended to anyone want to try Greek cuisine.
Keith McAuliffe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good service. Nice and peaceful on the idyllic Westlake drive, with a really nice out door seating area surrounded by these Mediterraneany arches. Atmosphere is warm, friendly, happy peaceful. Good place to talk with friends of the beaten path.
Inaya Halpin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had brunch today and the service was lovely and also our food. Looking forward to see a full menu on our next visit.
Elliott Bledsoe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been here a few times and can say that it is consistently good food. It looks good and tastes good. We’ve had the omelet a few times and it’s always good. The breakfast tacos are also very good, as is the fritters. And there’s often unique little touches, like the lightly pickled fennel with the fritters. Delicious! And the coffee is good too. So the question isn’t to be or not to be, but to go today and tomorrow too!
Albany Yak ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Burger’s and sides. Service was very good and reasonable price. Can’t wait to come back.
Denis Forbes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family recommended this place and wow not disappointed. Value for money is downright amazing, $10 burger is truly something I thought I wouldn’t see outside of chain fast food restaurants. Oh and the chips, I’ve eaten many a chip, even made many a thrice cooked chip, and these are just bloody good. Wish I lived in the area as this place would be a weekly visit location. Thanks for providing a solid feed for the family for a price that isn’t ridiculous!
Tony Robertson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always fantastic burgers here, and well worth the drive. Guaranteed you’ll find a few different burgers to your liking here.
Karen Lay-Brew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of our regular local faves for consistently good quality meals. Love that they have “The Wise” option in the menu for … well, those of us who are more wise. The barman introduced me to Pub+ app – a reward system, that has given back a few freebies.
Ishan Sethi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of organising a function at Centenary Tavern and was assisted by the lovely female manager. She was incredibly helpful, polite, and made the whole booking process so smooth and stress-free. Her friendly attitude and attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend this place, especially if you’re planning an event, you’re in great hands with the management team. The food was also great and helpful with all our dietary requirements
Cassie Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited on ANZAC day for 2 Up. Staff member who ran it did a great job. Had a steak and it was cooked beautifully. Didn’t take long to come out, and all the staff were lovely. Will definitely be back.
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.
A Sumner couple has been left traumatised after a violent confrontation with a group of armed youths outside their motorcycle shop in the early hours of Monday morning.
Tony Van Schalkwyk, owner of Hansky Motorcycles on Bullockhead Street, was hospitalised with extensive bruising across his body following the attack, which occurred around 2.30am on 7 October.
His partner, Skye Whyte, told reporters the couple had been working late and were sleeping inside their business premises when she spotted a group wearing masks and hoods carrying metal poles as they entered the vacant car park adjacent to their property.
Ms Whyte said she could hear the group laughing before she opened a window and asked them to leave. The situation quickly escalated, with the group allegedly hurling verbal abuse at her and damaging her vehicle.
When Mr Van Schalkwyk went outside to intervene, he was set upon by approximately seven people who allegedly beat him with metal poles and their fists, leaving him with injuries across his body and face.
Ms Whyte grabbed a pair of bolt cutters and rushed downstairs, managing to frighten the group away. However, the incident has left the couple shaken and fearful for their business.
“We have sunk everything into this business,” Ms Whyte said. “We’re staying here again tonight. I’m worried they’re going to come back and take a bike or burn the place down. We would be left with nothing.”
The business owner expressed frustration with what she described as ongoing targeting of small businesses in the area, saying local operators are “fed up” with repeated incidents.
Ms Whyte also revealed that responding police advised the couple they shouldn’t have confronted the group, despite the attack occurring on their own property.
Queensland Police have confirmed investigations are ongoing and are appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity of Spine and Neon streets between 1.30am and 3am on Monday morning to come forward.
Ruth Chamberlain from the Centenary Archers Club in Sumner has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch.
Ruth Chamberlain, aged 12, earned selection for the Australian team after placing in the top two of her division at the National Youth Championships. She will compete in the Under 14 Female Compound category at the Trans Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand, scheduled for 26 to 29 September 2025.
At the Australian Indoor National Championships in July 2025, Ruth placed first in the Under 14 Female Compound division. She recorded scores of 286 and 292 in Vegas rounds and 557 in the World Archery Indoor round. In training, she recorded a 298 out of a possible 300.
Earlier in 2025, Ruth competed in the Vegas Shoot, finishing fifth in the Female Compound Cub Division. She also achieved a South Queensland Archery Society record with a score of 367(30) in the Compound Under 14 Female Yellow Peg category at the SQAS Field Championships.
Ruth is a member of the Centenary Archers Club, located in Wacol Station Road Park in Sumner. The club was formed in 1984 and operates as a volunteer-run community sports organisation. It provides training, social archery and competitive opportunities, including hosting tournaments at state and national level.
Costs and Fundraising
The estimated costs for Ruth to compete include approximately $980 AUD for entry fees, accommodation, ground transport and meals, as well as between $800 and $1,500 AUD for flights. Archery Australia provides uniforms and travel insurance.
A fundraiser launched in May 2025 has raised $660 from 15 donations towards a target of $5,000 to help cover these costs.
Two other Centenary Archers Club members, Ellen Martini and Liezel-Marie Roux, have also been selected to represent Australia at the Trans Tasman Challenge. The event is held every two years and features youth archers from Australia and New Zealand competing in a team format.
In Sumner, the Centenary Dance Academy is nurturing the next generation of dance superstars. Dance teachers have identified several standout students who are poised to make significant impacts on the dance world.
Here are five young dancers from the Sumner dance school who are turning heads and winning hearts with their exceptional talent and dedication.
Nadine Mae Cabrera, 13
Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook
Nadine Mae Cabrera’s name is synonymous with excellence in dance. At just 13, she has already achieved remarkable feats, including winning the prestigious Jacqueline Morland Awards from the Royal Academy of Dance.
Her trophy cabinet is brimming with accolades from local dance eisteddfods, where she has shone both as a solo performer and as part of a group. Nadine’s talent was also showcased on a grand stage at the Ballet International Gala in Brisbane. Just recently, she was named as one of the eight finalists for the BPAC Intermediate Ballet Scholarship.
Her love for dance is evident in her passionate performances, where she embraces the freedom and joy that dancing brings.
Ashley Chen, 10
Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook
Ashley Chen has been dancing since she was two years old, mastering ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz at Centenary Dance Academy. Her dedication has paid off with numerous awards at various eisteddfods, including a first and third place at a national competition.
Next January, she will be gracing the stage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre as Snow White with Ballet Theatre Queensland. Ashley’s meticulous attention to detail in class translates beautifully on stage, where she thrives on the challenge of perfecting her craft.
Malcolm Doyle, 9
Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook
Malcolm Doyle’s dancing prowess has earned him acceptance into four prestigious international ballet schools, with three offering him full tuition scholarships. Competing in eisteddfods across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, Malcolm consistently takes home first-place awards.
His talent has also been featured in performances of Sleeping Beauty with the Queensland Ballet Company and Ballet Theatre Queensland. Malcolm finds joy and fulfilment in the expressive and challenging nature of dance, working hard to achieve his goals and savouring the happiness it brings.
Alexia Henderson, 10
Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook
Alexia Henderson is another promising young talent at Centenary Dance Academy. She excels in ballet, lyrical, and jazz, earning accolades at multiple Ipswich eisteddfods. Alexia’s enthusiasm for dance is fueled by the camaraderie with her friends in class and the exhilarating experience of performing on stage. Her passion and dedication are evident in every performance, making her a dancer to watch.
Kayla York, 16
Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook
At 16, Kayla York is already a seasoned performer and an emerging dance educator. She has achieved a Certificate III in Dance and is currently pursuing a Certificate IV in Dance at RAW Dance Company.
Alongside her studies in ballet and jazz, Kayla also serves as an assistant teacher at Centenary Dance Academy. She finds immense joy in the storytelling aspect of dance, relishing the challenge of mastering new steps and perfecting her routines. Kayla’s commitment to dance and her ability to inspire others make her a standout in her field.
These five rising stars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner embody the passion, dedication, and talent that define future dance superstars. As they continue to hone their skills and chase their dreams, they are sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance.
Land values in the Brisbane City Council area increased by 6.8 percent overall since the last valuation in 2017. This overall land value increase is also reflected on Centenary suburbs, notably Jindalee and Sinnamon Park, according to the latest land valuation report published by the State of Queensland.
The latest land valuations report shows median land value in Jindalee increased 20.7 percent to $350,000 and Sinnamon Park’s climbed 20 percent to $420,000. Other Centenary suburbs also recorded moderate median land value increase: Mount Ommaney – $590,000 (9.3%), Middle Park – $365,000 (10.6%), Jamboree Heights – $350,000 (9.4%), Westlake – $410,000 (5.1%), Riverhills – 305,000 (10.9%), Sumner – $255,000 (10.9%), and Seventeen Mile Rocks – $340,000 (9.7%).
Queensland property is showing continued signs of strength in some areas, according to the recently released Valuer-General’s 2019 Property Market Movement Report. Based on the economic indicators, Queensland Treasury advise “dwelling investment in Queensland is entering a ‘recovery phase.’” This follows a 4.8 percent decline in 2017-2018, Queensland’s Valuer-General Neil Bray said.
“While approvals and construction have declined, the substantial amount of work remaining in the pipeline indicates dwelling investment is headed for a ‘soft landing’ compared with previous housing cycles,” he said
A total of 18 local government areas, representing 1.03 million properties, received new valuations this year: Brisbane, Burdekin, Cairns, Etheridge, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Longreach, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Somerset, South Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Weipa, and Western Downs.
Of the 18 local government areas that have been valued, 16 recorded an overall increase ranging between 4.9 (South Burnett) and 42.5 percent (Etheridge). There were nine LGAs with increases of 0-10 percent, five areas with increases of 10-20 percent, and two areas with more than 20 percent increases. Burdekin and Longreach, on the other hand, recorded overall decreases of 2.9 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively.
Majority of suburbs across Brisbane have recorded increase in residential land values, with most showing increases between five and 15 percent. Residential sector is the largest market sector in Brisbane, about 304,000 valuation. The median residential value has risen 7.1 percent as the overall median value increased to $455,000 from $425,000.
Thirty-seven residential suburbs remained unchanged, whilst 126 increased by up to 15 percent and 16 suburbs increased by more than 15 percent. Inner-city suburbs Woolloongabba (26.1%), Auchenflower (19.6%), Paddington (19.4%), and Milton (19.2%) have the largest median valuation increases.
The new valuations will become effective 30 June, however, landowners who have additional or new evidence to justify the need to alter the new valuations should provide such information through the online objections process via www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation or at the address shown at the top of their valuation notice, by 7 May 2019.
