Homepage Latest News Archives

Neighbouring Suburbs, Different Lifespans: The 15 Year Life Expectancy Gap Between Cannon Hill and Murarrie

Did you know that, despite being neighbouring suburbs, Cannon Hill and Murarrie are separated by one of the starkest health divides in Brisbane? Women living in Murarrie are dying, on average, 15 years younger than women in Cannon Hill, according to new University of Queensland research.

Read: Murarrie Recreation Hub Set To Open For River Taxis And Dining Ahead Of 2032

What the Research Found

The UQ study, led by health geographer and Associate Professor Jonathan Olsen from the University of Queensland’s Institute for Social Science Research, used train station catchment areas as geographic markers to collect and compare health data across Brisbane. It is an approach that has previously been applied in Glasgow, London and New York, and the results for our corner of the city are confronting.

On the Cleveland line, the Murarrie and Cannon Hill comparison produced one of the starkest disparities in the study for women. But the finding is not isolated. On the Redcliffe Peninsula line, men in Zillmere had a median age of death of 72, a full decade below the median for men in nearby Geebung. South of the CBD, men in the Inala Richlands area were found to have a life expectancy of just 70 years, eleven years less than men in Darra Sumner. For women in those same areas, the gap was 12 years.

It’s Not Just About Money

The instinct might be to chalk this up to income, to assume that Cannon Hill is simply wealthier. But the census data complicates that narrative. Murarrie actually records a higher median household income than Cannon Hill. So what is driving the gap?

According to Professor Olsen, the causes are layered. Access to income matters, but so do housing stability, education, employment, local services and green spaces. “There’s also the types of services that you have in the local place and access to parks and green spaces,” he told the Brisbane Times.

For Murarrie specifically, census data points to higher rates of divorce, unpaid care work and female single parent households compared to Cannon Hill. These pressures, disproportionately carried by women, are identified in the research as contributors to worse health outcomes. Murarrie’s history as a former rural outpost that evolved into a largely industrial area also matters. Access to parks, bike paths and local services is among the factors Professor Olsen identifies as shaping health outcomes in areas like Murarrie.

What It Means for the Community

Professor Olsen is deliberate about how the research should be used. The goal is not to brand any suburb as Brisbane’s unhealthiest. It is to hand planners and governments a sharper tool.

Prof Olsen was clear that the research is not intended to label any suburb as Brisbane’s least healthy. Its purpose, he said, is to make the variation in health outcomes visible, and to give policymakers the evidence they need to ask where intervention is needed and what form it should take.

That could mean upgrading a park, extending a bike path, or directing additional health services to areas where the data shows people are struggling. The research is intended to guide where those investments should go.

A Question Worth Asking

For those of us who live in Morningside, Cannon Hill, Murarrie and the surrounding suburbs, this research lands close to home. We share the same roads, the same school catchments, the same weekend farmers markets. Yet the data tells us that where you live within this small pocket of Brisbane can quietly shape how long and how well you live.

Read: Gateway Motorway Leads Brisbane’s Lost-Load Incident Count

The research has been done. The gap has been mapped. The question now is whether local officials, state health planners and community advocates will act on it and how soon.

Published 4-March-2026

Iconic Brisbane Paddleboat Kookaburra Queen I Found Partially Submerged at Hemmant

A piece of Brisbane river history is in danger of being lost forever after the Kookaburra Queen I was found partially submerged at her mooring in Hemmant, raising urgent questions about the future of one of Queensland’s most recognisable vessels.

Read: Historic Kookaburra Queen I Paddleboat Sells for $550,000 at Murarrie Auction

The beloved paddleboat, a fixture on the Brisbane River for nearly four decades, is sitting on the bottom near her dock on the eastern stretch of the river, not far from the Morningside and Hemmant foreshore. Efforts to pump water from the hull were reportedly underway, but those familiar with the vessel say the task ahead is daunting, and time may already be running out.

Mystery deepens over how she came to sink

Photo credit: Facebook/Aussie Vibes Daily

Last September, she was listed for auction through Grays auction house and sold for $550,000 to a Gold Coast buyer. Her new owner’s plans for the vessel were never made widely known. That sale, completed just four months ago, is part of why those close to the vessel are so puzzled by what has happened.

A previous owner of the Kookaburra Queen I said he was shocked by the vessel’s condition, telling the media the boat had a solid, quality hull and that he had been on board as recently as a month before the sinking. He said caretakers had been living on board and keeping watch over her, and everything had appeared to be in order. The sudden appearance of the vessel sitting on the riverbed, having apparently been moved from her regular berth, struck him as deeply mysterious.

He described the situation as sad and costly, suggesting that once a wooden hull like hers becomes fully submerged, recovery becomes an enormous and expensive undertaking and may not be feasible.

Maritime Safety Queensland also announced that the vessel was unlikely to pose a threat to other river traffic and was not expected to sink any further. However, authorities had not yet confirmed what kind of salvage operation, if any, might be possible, leaving the boat’s fate firmly up in the air.

About the Kookaburra Queen I

Photo credit: Google Maps/Kookaburra River Queens

Built at Bulimba in 1986 and launched in 1987, the Kookaburra Queen I was originally purpose built to serve as a floating attraction for World Expo ’88, the landmark world’s fair that put Brisbane firmly on the international map. She quickly became a favourite on the river, spending the following decades hosting weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and tourist cruises for Queenslanders and visitors alike.

At 30.5 metres in length, she was no small operation. The vessel could accommodate more than 300 guests across two main decks, with an observation deck for a further 30 passengers. She boasted two independent dance floors, a commercial grade kitchen with cold room, eight bathrooms, and a PA system, everything you needed for a proper Brisbane celebration on the water.

Read: Hemmant Riverfront Set for Major Change with New Marina Village

The Kookaburra Queen I proved resilient over the years. She survived the catastrophic 2011 Queensland floods and continued operating in the years that followed. But the 2022 floods dealt a more serious blow, and the vessel was forced to cease commercial operations following that damage.

A community landmark in uncertain waters

For residents of Morningside, Hemmant, and the surrounding suburbs, the Kookaburra Queen I is more than a boat. She is a memory, the venue for a first date, a wedding reception, a retirement party, a school formal. Seeing her partially swallowed by the Brisbane River is difficult to watch.

Her sister vessel, the Kookaburra Queen II, features a classic paddlewheel more reminiscent of 19th century Mississippi and Murray River steamers. Its current operational status was not confirmed at time of publishing.

Whether she can be salvaged, restored, or whether this week marks the quiet end of a forty year chapter on the Brisbane River, remains to be seen. For now, she rests on the riverbed at Hemmant, and the community is waiting for answers.

Published 24-February-2026

East Brisbane Sports Results Feb 20-22

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18
• Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18
• Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Whites Hill Reserve – Holland Park Hawks FC – Field) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1
• Holland Park Hawks 2 | Logan Lightning 0

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Whites Hill Reserve – Holland Park Hawks FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1
• Holland Park Hawks 1 | SWQ Thunder 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Underwood Park – Rochedale Rovers FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Rochedale Rovers 0 | Wynnum Wolves 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (AJ Kelly Park – Peninsula Power FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Peninsula Power 1 | Eastern Suburbs 0

Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1
• Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3

Sat, February 21, 2026 (Heath Park – Eastern Suburbs FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3
• Eastern Suburbs 4 | Brisbane City 2

Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22
• Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117

Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6
• Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135

Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Ian Healy Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14
• Northern Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 6-293d | Wynnum-Manly Mens 1st Grade 217

Gateway Motorway Leads Brisbane’s Lost-Load Incident Count

The Gateway Motorway has topped Brisbane’s lost-load incident count, recording more dangerous debris events than any other road in the city’s motorway network in the first seven weeks of 2026.

Read: M1, Gateway Motorway funding deal finally reached

According to Transurban, there were 340 lost-load incidents recorded across Greater Brisbane’s Transurban-operated roads in February 2026, which is a 13 per cent increase on the same period in 2025, with the Gateway Motorway (M1) accounting for 158 of those incidents. The motorway runs just to the east of Morningside and is accessible via Wynnum Road, providing connections to Brisbane Airport, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

Across the full year of 2025, Transurban recorded nearly 2,500 lost-load incidents on its Greater Brisbane roads, a 65 per cent rise on 2024. The Gateway Motorway recorded 1,220 of those incidents. By comparison, the Logan Motorway recorded 601 and AirportLink recorded 225 for the same period.

In the first seven weeks of 2026, the Logan Motorway recorded 89 incidents and AirportLink recorded 32, compared to the Gateway Motorway’s 158.

The most common hazard categories on the Gateway Motorway involve recreational equipment, construction materials, tyres and mattresses. Transurban incident response crews report clearing a range of items from the road daily, including ladders, boating equipment and building supplies.

Transurban has described unsecured loads as among the most preventable hazards on its network. The company says many incidents result from loads not being properly secured before departure, including straps not adequately tightened or trailer latches not checked. Transurban road safety and incident response managers have urged drivers to check their loads before setting out and advised that company crews are available to remove debris so drivers do not need to retrieve fallen loads themselves.

Read: Six Charged Over Gateway Bridge New Year’s Eve Hooning Incident

Transurban advises motorists whose load comes free to pull over only where safe, such as at an exit ramp or emergency stopping bay, activate hazard lights, remain in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened, and if exiting the vehicle, do so from the passenger side and move behind a safety barrier. Hazards on Transurban-managed roads can be reported by calling 13 33 31.

Published 23-February-2026

Man Charged Over Alleged Crimes at Morningside Sports Facility

myPolice Queensland Police News

A Carina Heights man has been charged following a spate of alleged property crimes and arson at a Morningside sports facility in the early hours of 6 February.

Queensland Police allege the 33-year-old targeted multiple vehicles in a public car park near a sports facility on Col Gardner Drive during a three-hour period between 12.30am and 3.45am.

According to police, the man allegedly smashed windows and stole property from several vehicles before ramming through the front gates of the facility to access the secured grounds.

Police further allege that once inside, the man broke into another vehicle, stole golf clubs and set the vehicle alight.

Officers from Dutton Park Criminal Investigation Branch and Upper Mount Gravatt Tactical Crime Squad executed a search warrant at a Carina Heights address on 11 February. Police say they located the vehicle allegedly involved in the incident along with stolen property.

The man was taken into custody and charged with several offences, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, entering premises with intent, wilful damage and arson.

He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 2 March.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au, quoting reference number QP2600239071.

Published 13-February-2026

Morningside Panthers Junior Recovering After Workplace Fall And Brain Surgery

Photo Credit: Scott Milner/Facebook

A Morningside Panthers junior is continuing his recovery after emergency brain surgery, following a serious workplace fall in Brisbane earlier this year.

Emergency Surgery In January

Ben Milner, 17, was injured on 19 January 2026 while working as a carpentry apprentice on a house demolition job. He was standing at the top of a ladder when a balustrade gave way in his hands. He fell heavily, struck his head and later experienced a seizure.

Milner was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he underwent X-rays and CT scans. A subsequent scan showed increased bleeding on the brain, prompting urgent surgery to remove a blood clot from the right side of his brain.

Morningside Panthers junior — *Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers Cricket/Instagram*

The procedure carried significant risks. Milner required 32 staples and 16 stitches and spent three days in hospital, including time in a high-needs ward where staff regularly monitored his responsiveness. He has limited memory of the day of the incident.

Gradual Return To Routine

Since being discharged, Milner has been following a structured recovery plan. Medical advice includes no driving for three months, restrictions on heavy lifting and high-intensity running, and no contact training for six months.

Family updates indicate he is recovering well and steadily regaining strength. In early February, he commenced Grade 12 after a delayed start, balancing school responsibilities with ongoing rehabilitation. A neurological review is scheduled for March to assess his progress and determine any adjustments to activity limits.

Ben Milner recovery — Photo Credit: Scott Milner/Facebook

Support From The Morningside Sporting Community

Milner has longstanding ties to the Morningside sporting community, having spent eight years playing Australian rules as a Morningside Panthers junior. He has also competed for Iona in school football and cross-country.

Two weeks after the incident, Morningside Cricket confirmed it had worn red armbands during a match with a 10 a.m. first ball as a show of support for Milner and his family. The club described the gesture as backing him through his recovery.

Online messages from community members have expressed encouragement as he continues rehabilitation, with support remaining visible across the Morningside sporting network.

Published 13-Feb-2026

Property Crime Charges Laid After Cannon Hill Incidents

Photo Credit: QPS

Two teenagers have been charged following alleged property crime offences across Brisbane’s south, with Cannon Hill among the suburbs where police say incidents occurred.

Cannon Hill Locations Identified

In Cannon Hill, offences are alleged to have occurred at addresses on Dahlia Street and Aeroplane Street. Other locations listed by police include Davina Street, Monash Road, Isabella Street and Barnehurst Street in Tarragindi, Kettniss Street in Underwood, and Logan Road in Woolloongabba.

Following further investigations, police located and arrested the two teenagers at an address in Rochedale South on 28 January.

Brisbane south crime — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Alleged Offences Across Brisbane’s South

Police allege that between 25 and 27 January, a group committed multiple property offences while armed with weapons at several locations across Brisbane’s southern suburbs. The alleged incidents form part of an investigation led by detectives from Dutton Park and Upper Mount Gravatt.

Police say the alleged offending included the unlawful use of four vehicles: a grey 2013 Lexus IS300H, a blue 2013 Toyota Camry, a white 2019 BMW X3, and a silver 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. All vehicles have since been recovered.

Cannon Hill crime — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Charges And Court Appearance

A 15-year-old boy from Salisbury has been charged with 14 offences. These include four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, three counts of attempted entry of a dwelling with intent at night while armed and in company, two counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break, and additional charges including entering a dwelling with intent by break at night in company, being masked with intent to commit an indictable offence, and fraud involving dishonestly making off without payment.

A 14-year-old boy from Ellen Grove has been charged with four offences, including attempted entry of a dwelling with intent at night while armed in company, entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and fraud involving dishonestly making off without payment.

Police say the pair first appeared before the Brisbane Children’s Court on 29 January. Investigations remain ongoing.

Published 2-Feb-2026

Historic Balmoral Cemetery Plaques Vulnerable Amid Theft Rise

BCC

Bronze memorial plaques marking the graves of First World War veterans and early settlers at Balmoral Cemetery are increasingly at risk, as plaque thefts surge across Brisbane and erase pieces of the city’s history.

Plaque thefts across Brisbane skyrocketed 140 percent last year—an increase fueled by record-high global copper prices—with 19 bronze plaques disappearing

The thefts represent more than just missing metal. For Morningside residents, they threaten tangible connections to local history, including at Balmoral Cemetery where bronze plaques mark the graves of First World War veterans, prominent politicians, and early settlers who helped build the suburb.

Between 2020 and 2022, just 11 plaques went missing across Brisbane, according to Brisbane City figures. That number jumped to 31 between 2023 and 2025, with last year alone accounting for 19 thefts. The replacements cost around $8,000, with Brisbane working alongside the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia. The historical value lost, however, cannot be measured in dollars.

Why Bronze Plaques Are Targeted

Waste Recycling Industry Queensland noted that legitimate metal recyclers can identify stolen plaques, as pieces bearing engravings about historical figures or events clearly originate from memorials or public monuments. However, a black market in scrap metal drives these thefts, with bronze plaques valued for their metal content.

Recent incidents at Queensport Rocks Park in Murarrie saw plaques commemorating the Duke of Edinburgh’s opening of the Gateway Bridge and the park’s 2011 opening disappear over the Christmas-New Year period. The Department of Transport and Main Roads confirmed no scheduled maintenance required their removal and is investigating the circumstances.

Balmoral Cemetery at Risk

For Morningside, Balmoral Cemetery represents irreplaceable local history. Established in 1874, the site holds approximately 15,000 interments spanning 150 years, with bronze plaques marking the graves of First World War veterans, prominent politicians, and early settlers.

The Friends of Balmoral Cemetery has worked since 2001 to identify and mark nearly 400 people buried there who served during the First World War. When plaques go missing, the immediate physical link to these stories is severed.

While digital archives may exist, the on-site markers that allow families and historians to identify specific plots are often impossible to replicate once the original commissioning organizations have folded.

Bronze memorial plaques at Balmoral mark individual graves, commemorate collective service, and provide information for families researching their ancestry.

Former journalist Peter Doherty, who drove the Channel 7 Flashback history segment, called the incidents the literal theft of Brisbane’s history. Many plaques will never be recreated because original details and the organisations responsible for them have been lost over time.

The Impact on Communities

Metal theft affects infrastructure well beyond memorial sites across Queensland. During Tropical Cyclone Koji recovery efforts earlier this month, copper wiring was stolen from affected areas, disrupting emergency communications when communities needed them most. While cemetery thefts rob communities of their past, thefts during disaster recovery directly endanger the living.

For cemeteries like Balmoral, the impact goes deeper than infrastructure damage. Each missing plaque represents a family’s connection to their history and a community’s link to the people who shaped it.

Unlike stolen copper wire that can be replaced, historical plaques often contain information that no longer exists anywhere else. In a bid to deter ‘scrap-shopping,’ BCC is increasingly opting for etched aluminum or synthetic composites.

While these materials lack the prestige of bronze, they carry negligible resale value, though the transition still costs ratepayers approximately $8,000 annually.

What These Thefts Mean for Morningside

Bronze plaques were chosen for Brisbane’s memorials because they stand the test of time, creating visible links to the city’s story and places for reflection intended to last for generations. When these markers disappear, the community loses the touchstones of its shared identity.

Protecting these sites now requires a combination of community vigilance and stricter oversight of the scrap metal trade to ensure Brisbane’s history isn’t sold for parts.

Published 29-January-2026.

Six Charged Over Gateway Bridge New Year’s Eve Hooning Incident

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Six people have been charged with a total of 40 offences following a police investigation into hooning activity on Gateway Bridge on New Year’s Eve, with authorities seizing 13 vehicles during the operation.

Queensland Police allege several vehicles blocked northbound lanes of the Gateway Motorway at Murarrie around 11.50pm on 31 December 2025, where a group performed burnouts and let off fireworks before fleeing the scene prior to police arrival.

Detective Acting Inspector Sean Webster from North Brisbane District said the behaviour captured on social media footage posed serious risks to both participants and the wider community.

“Police will not tolerate driving dangerous acts of this nature,” Detective Acting Inspector Webster said in a statement released by Queensland Police Service on 20 January 2026.

He noted that footage showed people hanging out of cars while burnouts were being performed, describing the conduct as “very dangerous”.

Multi-region operation launched

In response to the incident, police established Operation Yankee Reacher, a multi-region policing operation led by Brisbane City Criminal Investigation Branch with support from CIBs, Highway Patrol and Tactical Crime Squads across South East Queensland.

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Investigators executed multiple search warrants at addresses across Alexandra Hills, Caboolture, Daisy Hill, Ebbw Vale, Ellen Grove, Kingston, Logan Village, Ormeau, Waterford and Waterford West.

The 13 seized vehicles included a black Ford utility and multiple Ford Falcons in various colours. Police believe nine of the vehicles were involved in the New Year’s Eve incident, while three were allegedly stolen vehicles discovered during a search warrant at a Logan Reserve Road address in Waterford West. One vehicle was allegedly used in a separate hooning incident.

Charges and court appearances

The six people charged range in age from 16 to 52 years old and face various offences including dangerous operation of a vehicle, participating in hooning group activity, and driving unregistered and uninsured vehicles.

Three teenagers aged 16, 18 and 19 have been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle involving publishing material on social media, among other offences.

A 52-year-old Logan Village man faces weapons charges after police allegedly found an unregistered air rifle and rifle during a search warrant at his property. He is expected to appear before Beaudesert Magistrates Court on 3 February.

Additionally, two 21-year-old men from Logan Village and Daisy Hill have been issued with traffic infringement notices totalling fines and demerit points for offences including wilfully starting or driving a vehicle in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke, and spectating without reasonable excuse in hooning group activity.

Further arrests anticipated

Detective Acting Inspector Webster confirmed investigations remain ongoing and police anticipate further arrests.

“We hope this sends a clear message that hooning and that sort of dangerous driving is unacceptable and is something that police take seriously,” he said, according to a report published by ABC News on 20 January 2026.

Police have urged anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV that may assist enquiries to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The enforcement action forms part of ongoing operations to detect and deter dangerous driving behaviours, building on Operation Xray Antler and day-to-day police activities focused on road safety.

Published 20-January-2026

Poolwerx Opens 150th Retail Store In Cannon Hill

Photo Credit: Poolwerx

Poolwerx has opened its 150th retail store in Cannon Hill, marking a network milestone for the pool and spa maintenance franchise across the ANZ region.

From Mobile Start To Global Network

Founded in 1992, Poolwerx has grown from a single mobile operation into an international franchise network operating across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The company reports it is approaching 200 stores globally and operates around 750 service vans.

Cannon Hill Poolwerx — Photo Credit: Poolwerx

Cannon Hill Store Linked To JC Pools Acquisition

The Cannon Hill store forms part of Poolwerx’s acquisition of JC Pools Services, described as the largest acquisition in the company’s history. Poolwerx said the deal strengthened its residential and commercial presence across Brisbane, including two retail locations and their associated service territories.

Poolwerx reported the acquisition added 4,000 clients and included multi-million-dollar commercial contracts, expanding its commercial servicing capacity. Refurbishment of the Cannon Hill site was scheduled for completion by 31 October 2025.

Brisbane pool services — Photo Credit: Poolwerx

Franchise Partner Behind The Milestone Opening

The Cannon Hill store is operated by franchise partner Richard Kelly, who leads the Poolwerx Mt Gravatt Group. The Cannon Hill location is Kelly’s fifth store, alongside existing outlets in Balmoral, Carindale, Mt Gravatt and Rochedale.

Since joining the network in 2021, Poolwerx reported Kelly delivered 58 per cent revenue growth across four retail stores and a fleet of 20 service vans.

Growth Targets For The Network

Poolwerx has forecast double-digit network growth over the next five years and has targeted double-digit total revenue growth in FY26. The company has linked its next stage of expansion to technology, digital transformation and an adaptable service structure.

What Happens Next

Poolwerx said the Cannon Hill store reflects continued investment in expanding its residential and commercial footprint, with further network growth projected over the next five years.

Published 20-Jan-2026