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A Very Happy Morning: Morningside Locals Toast to Life-Changing Surprise

A Morningside woman and her long-time friends have found themselves engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions after learning their long-running private tradition had finally paid off—transforming a casual ticket into a life-changing surprise. It was so unbelievable that all the woman could think of was, she needs a new toaster!

The woman is part of a five-member group made up of old workmates. Though they no longer work together, their bond has remained strong over the years. The group was stunned after finding out that Saturday was their lucky day… and that luck came with a $1.6 million wallet!

“We’re all old work colleagues and despite not working together anymore, we still keep in touch; they’re like family,” she shared.

The news was so unbelievable that it left the woman tossing and turning until 2:00 a.m., unable to process what happened.

“I actually woke up and thought I had dreamt this, and I was questioning the win,” she said. “But now that you have called, it really seals the deal!”

Despite the unexpected nature of the win, the Morningside woman said her first purchase was surprisingly down-to-earth: a new toaster to replace one that had recently quit on her.

“I told my two sisters, and the first thing they asked was, ‘What are you going to buy?’ I laughed and said, ‘A brand-new toaster as my old one finally gave up!’”

The group has been playing casually for years, buying tickets here and there—never expecting this kind of outcome.

“It’s been a very happy morning for five of us,” she said, still beaming with shock. “It will truly change everyone’s lives.”

While the dollars are big, it’s the shared joy among lifelong friends that seems to be the real win in this heartwarming Morningside story.

Queensland Prepares for Tasmania Clash with Morningside Panthers Talent

Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/ Facebook

Two Morningside Panthers players, including a rising 18-year-old talent, have been named in the 31-woman Queensland squad preparing to hunt for a three-peat against Tasmania.

The highly anticipated clash is set for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Latrobe. This Queensland squad is comprised of the best players from the 2025 Bond University QAFLW competition, featuring a strong mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new prospects.

Squad Highlights

Morningside Panthers — Photo Credit: AFL Play

The team is spearheaded by reigning Emma Zielke Medallist and 2024 Queensland Captain, Steph O’Brien. She is joined by ten other players who represented Queensland last year.

Among those returning are her Southport teammates Tayla Gregory and Maddy Watt, Aspley’s Emma Pittman and Jessica Stallard, Coorparoo’s Lucy Schneider, Grace Roberts-White and Ayla Fetahagic, Bond University’s Jasmyn Davidson and Ella Calleja, and Moreton Bay’s Jessica Davy.

New faces making their debut in the squad include Shannon Nolan from the Bond University Bull Sharks, who is currently leading the competition in disposals. The selection also features two of the QAFLW’s promising young stars who have delivered dominant performances this year.

Morningside’s Rising Talents

Morningside’s Isabella Levine, an 18-year-old sensation, earned her spot after being recognised as a Bond University QAFLW Round 2 Rising Star in 2025. Her performance on the field has been consistently strong, with impressive disposal numbers, clearances, and tackles.

In one match, she recorded 29 disposals in wet conditions, and in another, she secured 22 disposals, 9 clearances, and 5 tackles, along with kicking a goal. She leads the competition in clearances and ranks second for contested possessions.

Another key Morningside Panther, Gracie Roy, has also been selected for the Queensland squad. Gracie boasts a notable football career, including being a Morningside senior Best and Fairest and a member of the 2024 QAFLW Team of the Season. She returned to Morningside for the 2025 season in the Bond University QAFLW, having previously played for the University of Queensland (UQ).

She plays alongside her sister, Laura Roy, and former UQ teammate Lucy McCormick at Morningside; the Roy sisters made history as the first sisters in over a decade to be named in the QAFLW team of the season. In a recent game, Gracie had 19 disposals in Morningside’s victory over Moreton Bay.

She has also played in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) for Nightcliff Tigers Women Premier, including finals matches, and stood out as a halfback for Morningside in a rain-soaked rivalry clash with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks.

Published Date 03-Jun-2025

Morningside School Of Arts Hall Battles Decay As Centenary Nears

Photo Credit: Save the Morningside School of Arts Hall 4170/Facebook

The Morningside School of Arts Hall, a nearly 100-year-old community landmark in the centre of Morningside, was once so rundown that its front doors had to be held up with masking tape. Locals say it’s a miracle the heritage-listed hall is still standing, let alone hosting Sunday markets, dance nights and art exhibitions.

A Century Of Memories, And Signs Of Wear

Since opening in 1926, the Morningside School of Arts Hall has hosted everything from weddings to community concerts. Now, it needs an estimated $250,000 in repairs to fix crumbling brickwork, poor drainage, faulty wiring and a collapsing shed.

Although the Morningside School of Arts Hall has a Brisbane City Council heritage overlay, it isn’t owned by council or the state, leaving locals responsible for its upkeep. In late 2024, artist Debra Hood became committee president and found the hall in a dangerous state, with faulty lighting and other hazards. One visit by MP Di Farmer, where a light began smoking, pushed Hood to begin restoration efforts.

Community Rallies To Save Local Icon

Since stepping in, Debra Hood has led a grassroots effort to revive the Morningside School of Arts Hall. Volunteers have helped with a major clean-up, a new website, and a membership drive. Small grants supported early repairs, including new front doors and fresh garden beds.

*Photo Credit: Save the Morningside School of Arts Hall 4170/Facebook*

Hood continues to seek funding from all levels of government, but progress has been slow. With annual insurance costs around $13,000, fundraising through trivia nights, music events and merchandise sales is essential to keep the hall running.

Forgotten Treasures Under The Stage

While cleaning under the stage, volunteers uncovered nearly a century of forgotten history. Items included documents, photos and regalia from the Ancient Order of Druids, who met there from 1926 to 1978.

Their original charter, now digitised, is displayed inside the hall. Other finds included architectural plans, old love letters, and records revealing the 1960s ban of the Morningside Football Club after rowdy Friday night dances.

Looking Ahead To 2026 And Beyond

As the Morningside School of Arts Hall approaches its 100th birthday on February 19, 2026, preservation efforts are building momentum. Debra Hood is creating a coffee table book, 100 Years, 100 Stories, featuring photos and memories shared by the community.

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An open day is planned for Saturday, July 19 as part of Brisbane Open House. Weekly events like the Love Me Again Market continue to bring locals together in the historic space.

Published 8-June-2025

Morningside Community Farm Receives Vital Grant as Australian Donations Fall

Photo Credit: Beelarong Community Farm

Beelarong Community Farm in Morningside is set to deliver vital workshops on sustainable living and cost-of-living solutions, supported by a significant grant from Australia Post, at a time when 40 per cent of Australians who regularly donate to charity have reduced their giving due to rising living costs.

This funding is part of Australia Post’s expanded People of Post grants program for 2025, which has seen over $400,000 distributed to more than 200 grassroots community and not-for-profit groups across Australia. The initiative, now in its eighth year, encourages Australia Post team members, including local Posties and Post Office workers, to nominate community groups they feel are making a real difference.

Addressing Community Needs

*Photo Credit:* *Beelarong Community Farm*

Australia Post’s latest research indicates that half of all Australians are giving less to charity because of the increased cost of groceries and essential items. Despite this, over half of Australians, at 57 per cent, expressed a desire to support local causes that address immediate community needs. This year’s program significantly increased its grants, providing 224 grants nationwide, which is a 47 per cent increase on last year’s efforts. Queensland received 25 per cent of these grants, with 55 organisations benefiting.

Nicky Tracey, Australia Post’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Engagement, highlighted the importance of connection in the current climate. She stated that while people wish to support local not-for-profit organisations, increasing financial pressures make it difficult for many households and communities. Australia Post is proud to empower its team members to champion causes that are making a local impact.

Beelarong Community Farm: A Local Hub

The grant awarded to Beelarong Community Farm will allow them to offer “Living Sustainably Workshops.” These workshops will focus on healthy living practices and provide practical solutions to help individuals, especially those on low incomes or experiencing social isolation, become more self-reliant. Topics will include healthy cooking, food preservation, and gardening techniques.

Located on York Street in Morningside, Beelarong Community Farm is a not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting sustainable living within an urban setting. The farm aims to grow food locally and without chemicals, creating a welcoming space where community members can share skills and knowledge about cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs, and native plants. It also works to preserve locally adapted, open-pollinated heritage seeds and demonstrates sustainable urban living solutions.

A History of Community Service

Beelarong Community Farm’s roots trace back to a 1994 needs survey in the Morningside Ward, which identified social isolation and a desire for more parks and gardens as key community issues. This led to a decision by The Gateway Community Group Inc. and The Balmoral Uniting Community Centre to establish a permaculture city farm.

The farm officially began in 1997, with blessings from Jagera elder Senator Neville Bonner, on flood-prone land leased from Brisbane City Council. Over the years, the farm has incorporated to seek grants and developed various sustainable features.

This includes an advanced composting and worm farming system, which also serves as a public composting hub, a cob oven for community activities, and raised garden beds, some designed for easy access for people in wheelchairs. The farm also boasts four rainwater tanks and a solar power system, making it completely independent of the main power grid.

Published Date 29-May-2025

Brisbane Zoning Review Targets Housing Shortfall in Morningside

Photo Credit: Brendan McBain/Google Maps

Morningside has been named among 18 Brisbane suburbs under review for planning changes that may permit five-storey developments and smaller lots.

Background and Context

BCC has announced a review of the low-to-medium density residential (LMR) zone, which currently applies to around 14 per cent of the city. The review aims to address declining housing supply and affordability, with suburbs like Morningside flagged for potential zoning changes. Under current regulations, LMR zones allow buildings up to three storeys and require a minimum lot size of 400 square metres.

The review, revealed by city official Adrian Schrinner during a Property Council event, comes as approvals for new dwellings in these zones have dropped significantly. Only 445 homes were approved in 2023—well below the past decade’s average of over 1,100 per year.

Morningside zoning changes — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Proposed Changes and Planning Focus

The review will examine increasing allowable building heights to five levels and reducing lot sizes to as little as 300 square metres. Other considerations include modifying minimum car parking requirements and removing barriers that may delay development.

Changes will target areas with existing infrastructure. This includes public transport nodes, schools, and retail precincts, with the aim of adding 6,000 new dwellings in LMR zones by 2032. The BCC has emphasised that any increases in density must be well-designed and integrated with surrounding neighbourhoods.

Housing Supply Challenges and Industry Response

Brisbane’s population surged by 73,000 people in 2023–24, putting further pressure on housing availability. While the planning changes could increase supply, industry groups warn that workforce shortages in the construction sector remain a critical barrier.

The Master Builders Association has backed the review as a positive step but noted that building capacity lags behind approvals. Housing delivery, they argue, will require both planning reform and investment in skilled labour.

Morningside and Other Suburbs Identified

In addition to Morningside, the review encompasses suburbs including Bulimba, Kalinga, Clayfield, Mount Gravatt, Nundah, and Wynnum. Planning professionals have indicated that traditional character areas—such as Paddington—are unlikely to be impacted by the proposed changes.

Urban planning organisations, including the Planning Institute of Australia, have expressed support for the initiative. They suggest that expanded low-rise housing options would broaden housing choice and maintain suburb character if implemented carefully.

Brisbane Zoning Review — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Community Sentiment and Future Engagement

City officials have stated that the process will involve consultation with residents, developers, and planning professionals to ensure outcomes are aligned with local expectations. Industry representatives have supported a collaborative approach but warn that public resistance to increased density must be considered.

Concerns raised by opposition figures include the risk of infrastructure strain and inadequate community consultation. Calls have been made for the process to be community-led rather than developer-driven.

Looking Ahead

Consultation on the proposed changes is expected to begin shortly, with BCC aiming to finalise reforms within a year. For Morningside, the outcomes could reshape housing density and development potential over the coming decade.

Published 28-May-2025

Morningside Tennis Centre Celebrates 100 Years

The Morningside Tennis Centre, home to the Queensland Community Lawn Tennis Association, celebrated a remarkable century of serving its local community and the sport of tennis last Sunday, 18 May, 2025.

The momentous occasion saw the public join in the festivities at the centre, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

A Century of Community Tennis

*Photo Credit:* *Morningside Tennis Centre*

The Morningside tennis journey began in January 1925 with the founding of the Queensland Catholic Lawn Tennis Association (QCLTA), a group born from a shared passion for the game. Over the decades, it blossomed into a significant tennis community, reaching its peak with more than 1,300 members.

In its early days, the club was a central gathering point for a tight-knit community in what was then a semi-rural area of Brisbane, where tennis was both a pastime and a way to connect people. Basic courts and wooden racquets were the norm, and tournaments often included social gatherings with tea and cake.

From the early 1930s through to 1970, the QCLTA regularly participated in events with the Australian Catholic Lawn Tennis Association and hosted teams from across the country.

A New Home and Lasting Legacy

A significant turning point occurred in 1997 when the QCLTA committee purchased a tennis centre on Beverley Street in Morningside. This location became the club’s permanent home and new identity: the Morningside Tennis Centre.

A key figure in the club’s development was Brenda Dale, a coach and life member whose dedication and leadership were vital to the QCLTA’s expansion. In 2015, the club made considerable upgrades to its facilities thanks to Brenda’s generous donation of her estate.

Today, the Brenda Dale Memorial Clubhouse is a tribute to her influence and a place for future generations to gather.

Continued Excellence and Future Ambitions

The Morningside Tennis Centre has continued to demonstrate its excellence in tennis, earning Club of the Year titles at both the Queensland Tennis Awards and the Australian Tennis Awards in 2014. While many players have been part of the club’s history, Ken Fletcher, a renowned Queensland player and Wimbledon champion, may have once trained there. As the club looks back on its remarkable past, more stories from former players and members are being discovered.

Adrian Symons, President of the Morningside Tennis Centre and QCLTA since 2018 and a committee member since 2017, has been a driving force behind the club’s achievements. He stated that many of the QCLTA’s goals involve the Morningside Tennis Centre the best and most sought-after tennis centre in Brisbane.

Darren Stoddart, Head of Tennis Development at Tennis Queensland, expressed that it was wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate such an important milestone for the tennis centre and the region, acknowledging the club’s rich history and plans for the next 100 years.

Published Date 20-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Canberra Street, Hemmant

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Canberra Street in Hemmant carries a profound maritime legacy, serving as a lasting tribute to one of Australia’s most significant naval vessels from the Great War era. This Brisbane street of remembrance stands as a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who served aboard His Majesty’s Australian Transport ships during World War I.

With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 11 years and 8 months, the street demonstrates strong community attachment despite being shorter in tenure compared to some Brisbane streets. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 45% of residents have called Canberra Street home for more than a decade, creating a stable neighbourhood foundation that honours its commemorative heritage.

Streets of Remembrance

Canberra Street honours the SS Canberra, one of His Majesty’s Australian Transports (HMAT) ships that played a crucial role in Australia’s World War I military operations. The SS Canberra was part of a specialised fleet of transport ships leased by the Commonwealth government for the specific purpose of transporting Australian Imperial Force formations to their overseas destinations. When not committed to military transport duties, these vessels served the war effort by carrying commodity exports to Britain and France.

The SS Canberra was a substantial vessel, weighing 7,707 tonnes with an average cruise speed of 16 knots (31 kilometres per hour). Owned by Australian Steamships Ltd (Howard Smith) of Melbourne, it was among the fleet comprising both British ships and captured German vessels repurposed for Australia’s war effort. These transport ships were instrumental in moving Australian forces across the globe, connecting our shores to distant battlefields and ensuring our military personnel could answer the call to serve alongside Allied forces.

Canberra St, Hemmant Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 (12 houses, 30 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years, 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 45%

Canberra St, Hemmant – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON CANBERRA ST, HEMMANT

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
97 Canberra Street, Hemmant	$1,100,000	Dec 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CANBERRA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
111 Canberra Street, Hemmant	$470,000	Aug 2002
11 Canberra Street, Hemmant	$280,000	Sep 1996
105 Canberra Street, Hemmant	$30,000	Jun 1994

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2025 was $815,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2021 was $500,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HEMMANT SINCE 2021: $315,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2025 was $1,016,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Hemmant in 2021 was $557,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN HEMMANT SINCE 2021: $459,000

If you know Canberra St, Hemmant well and you have some anecdotes or details to add about this street of remembrance, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Plans Submitted for Mixed-Use Development at Wynnum Road in Morningside

Plans have been lodged for a new residential and commercial development on Wynnum Road in Morningside, with a proposal set to transform a site into a medium-density hub of housing and retail.

Read: Changes Proposed to Approved Creek Road Residential Project

The proposed development, prepared by AEQ Architects, outlined a seven-storey residential building with ground-level and first-floor retail and commercial spaces, earmarked for 608, 612A and 618 Wynnum Rd. The development would deliver 48 residential apartments above a vibrant mix of businesses, designed to meet growing demand for urban living in Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A006752280

The residential mix comprises 28 one-bedroom apartments, 18 two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will feature a private balcony, with sizes ranging from 17.9 square metres to 66.2 sqm.

Wynnum Road — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/A006752280

Residents will also have access to a rooftop communal area of 390 sqm, which will include a swimming pool, landscaped areas, a gym, barbecue facilities and seating, offering a shared recreational space with elevated views.

The ground level and first floor of the building are dedicated to commercial tenancies. These tenancies have been planned to accommodate a variety of uses, including shops, food and drink outlets, office space, health care services and veterinary services. Pedestrian access to these commercial spaces will be available directly from Wynnum Road, promoting walkability and public interaction with the development.

To support both residents and commercial users, the development includes provisions for 112 car parking spaces and 89 bicycle parking spaces.

Read: Murarrie Sees New Townhouse Development Amidst Growth

The proposal aims to deliver a vibrant and functional mixed-use development that enhances the streetscape and responds to the growing demand for integrated residential and commercial spaces in Brisbane’s inner east. The application is currently under assessment.

Published 19-May-2025

Panthers Edge Kings in Rain-Soaked Rivalry Clash

In a gripping Round 5 encounter of the 2025 Bond University QAFLW, the Morningside Panthers secured a narrow, four-point victory over the Coorparoo Kings, marking a significant milestone in their inaugural season at the state league level.

Final Score:
Morningside: 3.1 (19)
Coorparoo: 2.3 (15)

Venue: Giffin Park, Coorparoo
Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025

The match, dubbed the ‘War of Wynnum Road,’ was contested under challenging wet and blustery conditions, which played a significant role in the low-scoring affair. Both teams struggled to maintain possession, resulting in a combined total of just 278 disposals—the lowest recorded in a Bond University QAFLW match to date.

Morningside’s forward Lucy Bellinger emerged as the hero, delivering two crucial set shots that ultimately decided the game’s outcome. Her first goal came from a free kick in the left pocket, navigating a 30-metre shot into the wind. The second, a remarkable 35-metre set shot from the right boundary, extended the Panthers’ lead in the third quarter.

Coorparoo’s Chelsea Chesterfield kept the Kings in contention, scoring two goals, including one early in the final quarter that narrowed the margin to five points. Despite a late surge, the Kings couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, with Jenae Govan’s challenging chip shot veering left of the goal.

Defensively, Morningside’s halfback Gracie Roy stood out with eight contested possessions and two intercept marks, effectively disrupting Coorparoo’s advances. Ruck Teresa Dixon was dominant in the air, recording 47 hit-outs—just four shy of the competition record.

The victory propels Morningside alongside Southport as the only teams to win their first five matches in the 2025 season. A win against Maroochydore in their next outing would set a new competition record. Additionally, Morningside’s Reserves team triumphed 5.3 (33) to 1.1 (7), marking a perfect ten wins across both grades to start the season.

Coorparoo, despite the loss, maintains the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 65 points over five rounds. They will look to rebound in their upcoming match against reigning premiers Southport.

For fans who missed the live action, the full match replay is available below:

FULL MATCH | Coorparoo vs. Morningside – Round 5 QAFLW

This hard-fought victory not only cements Morningside’s strong start in the QAFLW but also adds a thrilling chapter to the burgeoning rivalry between these two clubs.

Published 14-May-2025

Morningside’s Colts Push Strong As Local Heroes Shape Early Season Dominance

Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/Facebook

Morningside’s QAFL Colts are off to a flying start, with a string of standout performances cementing the club’s reputation as one of the strongest youth programs in Brisbane football. From midfield brilliance to sharp work in the forward and back lines, the Panthers’ young guns are setting the tone early in the 2025 season.

Midfield Leads With Grit And Chemistry

Morningside’s midfield has set the tone early in the season, driven by Xavier Veivers-Brown, Tyson Matthews and Ben Morison, all of whom played key roles in last year’s premiership win. The trio’s ability to control the ball, apply pressure and work together has made them central to the team’s strong start.

*Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers/Facebook*

Matthews, new to the Panthers this season, has quickly become a standout. He has featured in the best players list in each of his first three games, with club sources highlighting his work ethic and sharp decision-making as key strengths.

Forward Spark Returns With Confidence

Zac Joyce has returned to Morningside’s forward line with immediate impact, kicking four goals in a sharp display against Broadbeach. His presence brings structure and offers a key target for younger teammates in attack.

Coaches have noted that Joyce’s experience and composure are helping lift the group, especially in tight moments. His performance against Broadbeach was widely seen as a turning point that kept the side’s unbeaten start intact.

New Talent Shows Promise In Defence

Morningside rookie Ben Butko, fresh from Iona College and still under-17 eligible, has made a strong start in defence. Coaches point to his off-season effort, clean skills and positioning as early strengths.

Despite being new to Colts level, Butko’s transition has been smooth, showing that Morningside’s development system continues to build depth across every part of the ground.

Wings And Versatility Driving Play

Findlay Booker has been a steady contributor for Morningside, working across the wing and midfield. His clean disposals and link-up play have made him one of the team’s most consistent performers over the first three rounds.

With Morningside near the top of the Colts ladder, players like Booker are boosting team confidence. The squad’s depth and balance point to both current form and long-term potential.

Published 7-May-2025