Colmslie Hospital During Brisbane’s Plague Epidemic

Did you know that Morningside used to house Brisbane’s dedicated plague isolation facility, the Colmslie Hospital?

Dating back at the turn of the century, Queensland has experienced one of its darkest periods in the past, the outbreak of bubonic plague. Considered by many as the ‘Black Death in Queensland’, the bubonic plague afflicted a total of 136 identified cases in Queensland, claiming the lives of 57. From these recorded cases, Brisbane had the most cases with 56 infections and 25 deaths.

The bubonic plague was spread by rats that came from ships travelling from overseas. In Australia, the first known case of bubonic plague occurred in Sydney on January 1900.

This was followed by the first recorded case in Queensland which occurred in Rockhampton on April 1900. The plague quickly spread and cases arose in Townsville and Brisbane.



Bubonic Plague in Brisbane

Timber residences in Hawthorne Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, where the first case of Bubonic Plague occurred in Brisbane. The house on the left of the photograph was occupied by James Drevesen, the first patient. Drevesen was a van driver employed to remove goods from the wharves where dead and plague-infected rats were found. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 47425)

As the bubonic plague began spreading in Queensland, authorities have decided to build a dedicated hospital for those afflicted by the disease. They’ve chosen a Morningside property, owned by Captain William Cairncross.

The hospital got its name from the Colmslie House which stands at the Cairncross property. Unfortunately, construction of the hospital took too long that it wasn’t even completed yet when the first victim of the plague arrived.

Brisbane’s first bubonic plague victim was James Drevesen. He was a carter who worked at the wharves and lived in Woolloongabba. After contracting the plague, he was admitted to the Colmslie Hospital. His house was also disinfected and fumigated whilst their bed linen and curtains burned.

Quarantine barricade around houses in Hawthorne Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, 1900. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 47426)

Furthermore, an iron blockade was erected around his property as well as two neighbouring houses. Police also manned the barricade on the street.

The plague spread in Brisbane not long after, transforming Colmslie Hospital into a large encampment. 

Controlling the Plague

Several measures were taken to combat the disease in Queensland. These included the surveillance of vessels arriving in the state, the destruction of rats, the establishment of isolation hospitals, and special provisions for the disposal of the dead.  

In Brisbane, officials have decided that plague victims who succumbed to the disease be brought to Gibson Island. Prior to their internment, the bodies were wrapped in sheets soaked in carbolic acid and their coffins were slaked with lime.   

By June 1903, the Commissioner of Public Health (Dr Burnett Ham) announced the closure of the Colmslie Hospital following the absence of newly reported cases of the plague.



Plague-Free Brisbane

Destroyed rats during the bubonic plague in Brisbane, Queensland, 1900-1902. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 108588)

After 1909, there were 12 plague-free years in Queensland. However, the plague re-occurred in Brisbane when a man suddenly died of plague in 1921. This outbreak caused a total of 63 deaths in the state.  

The last case of the bubonic plague was reported in Queensland in 1922 and it has been plague-free ever since.

Monocle Coffee Opens in Morningside

From the same team behind the popular Pawpaw Cafe and Mons Ban Sabai Thai restaurant, Monocle Coffee will be serving specialty brews and pastries as well as freshly made gourmet salads to Morningside.

The newest cafe from the Venzin Group is getting ready to open its doors on Wednesday, 17 July 2019. The group is known for bringing in delicious Asian dishes from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia to Brisbane.



What makes Monocle different from other cafes from the Venzin Group is its focus on takeaway eats. Whilst the cafe offers 19 seats for those who want to stay for a quick bite, a selection of specialty pastries plus fresh salads will also be available for those who want to just grab-and-go.

Photo credit: Monocle Coffee – Morningside/Facebook

When it comes to their specialty coffee, the cafe will be serving they’re own blend, the ‘Monocle Roast’. Similar to its sister cafes and restaurants, Monocle’s menu will also include gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Photo credit: Monocle Coffee – Morningside/Facebook

Curious about what’s in store for the opening? Monocle Coffee’s food selection will include couscous, green pea and basil pesto salad; brown rice and sweet potato salad; beetroot and quinoa salad;  kale and chickpea salad; along with a variety of fresh bakes.

Beetroot and quinoa salad with edamame, walnuts & orange and balsamic dressing. Photo credit: Monocle Coffee – Morningside/Facebook

The cafe certainly makes it easy for people to get a serving of healthy meals in the morning as they offer salads, pastries, and coffee under one roof. Monocle Coffee will open at 188 Thynne Road, Morningside. Check out their Facebook page for more updates.

Activate Ed in Morningside to Hold Content Creation Camp for Young Filmmakers this School Holiday

Do you have a budding filmmaker who has a passion for creating content? This school holiday, hone and support your child’s passion by signing him or her up for a content creation workshop to be held at the Activate Ed headquarters on Lytton Road in Morningside. 

Open for children between Grades 10 to 12, this workshop will be conducted on Thursday, the 11th July 2019. Endorsed by Morningside Councillor Kara Cook, the full-day session will start from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., where the children will be guided by professionals and industry experts.



Using iPads or BYO devices provided by Activate Ed, the kids will be taught how to develop their creativity and storytelling skills using video images. They will learn camera angles and technical shots, as well as understand the basics of filmmaking.

Photo Credit: Activate Ed/Facebook

Parents may watch their children unleash their creative side at this workshop. Vivo Coffee will be served for free. 

To secure tickets to this Activate Ed workshop, phone 07 3899 2160 or email phoebe@activateed.com.au. 



Found In Morningside: The Place To Watch The Rugby World Cup In September

The Rugby World Cup comes around every 4 years and Dandelion Social will be likely packed to the rafters for all the major matches. 

Dandelion social logo

Sarah, the owner of Dandelion Social, is a rugby nut. Her brother has just represented Ireland in the U20 World Championship in Argentina, and let’s just say she’s likely to be wearing green come September.

Dandelion Social opened recently on Wynnum Road in Morningside and has had rave reviews ever since. Wholesome meals are designed to fill you up, complemented by everything from Guinness to 150 Lashes to great coffee and teas.

Hearty breakfasts on the menu include the likes of the Full Irish (bacon, eggs, sausages, white and black pudding, mushrooms, tomato, beans, potato cake and traditional soda bread served with tea or coffee). You can also get a taste of their delicious lunches such as the Beef Baguette (slow braised beef served with sautéed mushrooms and onion in a creamy peppercorn sauce served in a freshly baked baguette). 

Dinner options like The Dandelion Social Ploughmans Platter, Marinated Pork, Slow Braised Beef Ragout and Crusted Barramundi Pistachio as well as an interesting vegetarian option: Middle Eastern Spiced Pumpkin with wild rice, Quinoa, Feta, Pomegranate and baby herbs are sure to satisfy the palate.

Photo credit: thedandelionsocial.com


Sarah’s fantastic eatery also welcomes dogs in the outdoor area and is very wheelchair accessible from the rear entrance.

So look no further for the place to watch the Rugby World Cup in Tokyo when it kicks off on September 20. Japan being an hour behind Brisvegas means that kick off times will be 2:45 p.m / 5:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. our time, ideal for sinking a few pints and soaking up the atmosphere. 

Expect Green and Gold and the Irish Greens to not be the only representation. There are plenty of English, Scots, South Africans as well as the no doubt all-dominant All Black fans. It is going to be a massive event and Michael Cheika generally gets the Wallabies up for the big one.

In the meantime, if you fancy a good hearty meal with portions that will leave you full or a decent pint of Guinness, head over to Dandelion Social.

Expanded Murarrie Station Park ‘n’ Ride Now Open

The State Government has announced the completion of the $5.8-million Murarrie Station Park ‘n’ Ride expansion, providing an additional 132 car parking spaces.

“Our numbers show more people are using Murarrie Station, so this upgrade will be welcomed by our community and the commuters who travel here to catch the train,” Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said.

Between July 2018 and April 2019, the number of passengers at Murarrie Station reached almost 143,000 which is an increase of about five percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

“Now with an additional 132 parking bays, commuters have access to more parking, as well as benefitting from improved lighting and more security cameras to improve customer safety,” Ms Farmer said.

“About 18 jobs were supported by this project and I thank the community for their patience while we got the job done.” she said.



The project was completed in two stages. Stage 1 involved the southern side of the car park which was completed in February 2018 whilst Stage 2 involved the northern side of the car park and was completed in June 2019.

The Murarrie Station Park ‘n’ Ride upgrade was in addition to the State Government’s $114-million commitment to expand capacity at nine other park n’ rides across SEQ which equates to an additional 2,300 parking spaces over the next five years.

One of the next train southside stations in line for an upgrade is Cannon Hill Station, Ms Farmer announced, which will involve upgrades to the overpass and security improvements apart from expanding the current 168 capacity.

“That upgrade will focus on improving accessibility station, including lift access, raised platforms, hearing loops and other features for people with a disability.

“Tenders for construction have been called to build 80 more spaces at the park n ride there and we’re on track to award the contract for those works next month,” Ms Farmer said.

Morningside State School to Get $1.5 Million Education Infrastructure State Funding

A record budget of $1.464 billion has been allocated by the State Government for education infrastructure projects to build new schools and upgrade the existing ones, including Morningside State School.

Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / morningsidess.eq.edu.au

Education Minister Grace Grace said that under the Queensland Government 2019-20 Budget, eight state schools will receive funding for planned enhancement and construction of new facilities this year.

“Over the past 12 months, my department has undertaken master planning of 35 inner city schools in Brisbane to ensure they have the infrastructure they need for the future,” Minister Grace said.

“I am pleased that this year’s budget includes funding to start bringing these master plans to fruition at eight schools – Toowong, Newmarket, Brisbane Central, New Farm, Morningside, Ithaca Creek, Windsor and Petrie Terrace state schools.

“This will see new and enhanced classrooms, libraries, canteens and administration areas built at these schools, which will make these great schools even better.

Rebuild and Recovery

The 2018 Morningside SS fire resulted in the loss of six classrooms, a music classroom, an art room, as well as smoke and water damage to the adjacent areas.

Photo Credit:The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019  / qed.qld.gov.au/

The Department of Education placed three new buildings to replace the six classrooms spaces gutted by the fire. Plans for the replacement of the fire damaged school buildings is already being developed in coordination with the school.

Under the Budget 2019-20, $1.5 million will be allocated for the Morningside State School replacement building / fire rectification project.

School air-conditioning projects and four new state schools

The state will also invest an additional $100 million, spread over four years, for priority state school air-conditioning projects. This will bring the government’s total investment to $191 million over five years.

“This will include urgent replacement of air-conditioning units in schools in the Cooler Schools Zone and other priority school air-conditioning projects as identified through a review of state school air-conditioning needs,” Ms Grace said.


Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / morningsidess.eq.edu.au

Also included in the announcement is the allocation of funds for four additional new state schools to be built across the state.

“New primary and special schools will be built at Palmview and a new secondary school will be built at Caloundra South on the Sunshine Coast, and a new primary school will be built at Pimpama on the Gold Coast,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“These new state schools will enrol students for day 1, 2021 along with the new Inner City South State Secondary College, which we’re delivering in Dutton Park for Brisbane’s inner southern suburbs.

“This investment will see the total number of new schools opened by my government since 2015 increase to 26.”



Young People Serve as Agents of Change Against Gender Violence

A study on the role of young people as active agents of change in preventing gender-based violence has been launched at Balmoral State High School last 23 May 2019.

Minister for Youth and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer announced the release of the report entitled “Young people as agents of change in preventing violence against women, which evaluated a peer-to-peer respectful relationships education model called R4Respect.

The research was conducted by Griffith University researchers led by  Dr Karen Struthers, Professor Clare Tilbury, and partners Ruby Gaea sexual assault service, Darwin, and YFS Ltd, Logan.

The research measured:

  • The views and actions of the young participants (YPs) on what constitutes harm and respect in relationships; and
  • The views of the young participants and educators (stakeholders) on the utility of the peer-to-peer respectful relationships education model.

The cross-jurisdictional collaborative research was aimed at informing ways young people can effectively engage in positive change that promotes gender equality and reduces the prevalence of violence against women, following participation in the program.

Participated in by young individuals and adult stakeholders aged 17-25 years from  Darwin, NT and Logan, Queensland, the research measured:

  • The views and actions of the young participants (YPs) on what constitutes harm and respect in relationships; and
  • The views of the young participants and educators (stakeholders) on the utility of the peer-to-peer respectful relationships education model.

Minister Di Farmer said that the report revealed that by letting young people lead the learning, it helped them increase their understanding of respectful relationships and their positive attitudes towards women.

“We are committed to investing in evidence-based programs address the causes of gender-based violence,” she said.

“Changing negative behaviours and attitudes is something which requires a much broader societal change toward gender equality and respect for women.

“What this report tells us, more than anything, is that when young people are given the tools and support to champion respectful relationships, they can create positive change.”

The study was funded by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS). ANROWS Chief Executive Officer, Dr Heather Nancarrow said that the study showed that the education program improved the students’ knowledge and understanding of harmful behaviours and attitudes.

“What’s great to see is that many of the young people who participated showed a greater awareness of what behaviours are harmful with many saying they will act with greater respect in the future,” Dr Nancarrow said.

“We want to help young people to take action and be the generation to end violence against women. Violence can be prevented and it is up to all of us to play our part,” she said.

“YFS runs intervention programs for perpetrators of domestic and family violence, but we think the key to reducing violence is to prevent it by changing attitudes of people when they are young, not once they have established entrenched patterns,” YFS Chief Executive Officer, Cath Bartolo said.

“We know young people can be agents of change. That’s why we set up the R4Respect program in a way that allows young people to lead and educate other young people.

“More can and should be done to ensure as many relationships throughout our country are based on equality and respect,” she said.

“One of the most inspiring features of this research is that young people showed that they can be effective agents of change in preventing gender-based violence, not simply the targets of change. Young people as peer educators can challenge the attitudes of their peers in a way that is engaging and impactful,” Dr Karen Struthers said.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency call 000.



Norman Park Man Left Sleepless After $1M Lotto Win

One Norman Park resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, had a sleepless night after he checked his Gold lotto numbers and discovered he held a $1 million winning ticket.

The Brisbane resident revealed he had a sleepless night after finding out that he won. He said it has not sinked in yet and he’s blown away with the fact that he is already a millionaire.

“I had virtually no sleep just thinking about the win and what I could do with $1 million,” he said. But the newly-minted millionaire will eventually use his prize to pay off his mortgage.



Drawn earlier this month, the ticket was purchased online via Australia’s official lotteries, thelott.com. The winning numbers on that day, 6 May 2019 were 1, 30, 21, 36, 20 and 41, while the supplementary numbers were 32 and 8.

The man said he does not play regularly and he just decided to purchase the ticket last-minute. He said the money is going to relieve so much financial pressure and will make his life so much easier.

Across Australia, there was only one division one winning entry in Monday and Wednesday Gold Lotto draw 3866.

Since December 2018, there were 69 division one winning Monday & Wednesday Gold Lotto entries across the Lott’s jurisdictions, which collectively won $62 million.



Morningside Picture Framing Holds First Exhibit Featuring Brenden McDonough

Morningside Picture Framing has moved to an expanded location and to inaugurate its new art gallery, the quality custom framing business will feature the creation of local artist Brenden James McDonough as its first exhibit.

Mr McDonough’s exhibit, titled “Take a Walk in My Shoes,” will open on Friday, the 24th of May 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Morningside Picture Framing Gallery at 11/611 Wynnum Road.

Five of his artworks will be auctioned off during the opening, where part of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

Photo Credit: Brenden James McDonough/Facebook

These art pieces carry a footwear theme that highlights important stages of the artist’s life:

  • Being a little kid. Wanting to grow up to be like my Dad
  • Going to university and travelling the world
  • Playing footy and the pain involved
  • Teaching
  • Goal to become a full-time artist  

As announced on his Facebook page, Mr McDonough has initiated a blind bidding process. Ahead of the actual exhibit, interested parties may view these five pieces at Morningside Picture Framing for the bidding.



The artist, who grew up in South Lismore in NSW, is currently a high school teacher in Beenleigh, Queensland. He decided to take up drawing seriously in 2017 and was mostly self-taught to develop his creative skill. He also picked pens as his medium for drawing, which required enormous patience.

“A lot of my friends commented to me during the initial stages on how much patience I must have when it comes to drawing. They often asked how I could be bothered. Whilst my wife and kids may disagree, I have always thought I was a fairly patient person.

“I also usually tell them the following story- When I first moved out of home, I lived in a unit by myself with no television, no computer, not even a radio. So one night, I filled a saucepan up with water, put it on the stove and watched it boil until all the water evaporated just to see how long it would take (I’ll give you a hot tip, it takes… ages).

“Morale (sic) of the story, I can waste hours of time doing dumb shit like this, so putting in the time toward something that is actually fulfilling and rewarding was child’s play.”



Morningside Picture Framing Gallery will be holding exhibitions of other local artists after Mr McDonough. The goal is to create an artists’ haven to showcase their work in Morningside.

Established Morningside Acupuncture and Healing Sanctuary Voted the Best in Brisbane for 2019

The name Morningside Acupuncture & Natural Therapies Healing Sanctuary isn’t unheard of among Morningside residents. After all, this natural healing clinic has been a familiar place on Richmond Road since 1983 and it has recently been voted as one of Brisbane’s Top 3 Best Acupuncturist Clinics for 2019.

The establishment also earned the same recognition as a top clinic in 2018. For three decades, Morningside Acupuncture has established a good reputation and earned the trust of the locals.

Dr Mark McAuliffe runs Morningside Acupuncture & Natural Therapies Healing Sanctuary together with his wife Bethrene Laurenson. He is a Reiki Master and a registered doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.



Dr McAuliffe believes in the holistic approach to health and wellness. Aside from treating patients through acupuncture, he also uses the following techniques

  • Chinese herbal medicine
  • Reiki or palm healing (for stress reduction)
  • Jin Shin Jyutsu (for balance and relaxation)
  • Cupping therapy (for pain and inflammation relief)
  • Bowen therapy  (for muscular and neurological-related health problems)
  • Craniosacral therapy (for chronic fatigue, concussions, and mind-body interventions)
  • Trager therapy (for mental clarity and increased mobility)
Photo Credit: Morningside Acupuncture & Natural Therapies Healing Sanctuary/Facebook

His treatments have benefited adults, children, and seniors with health issues like migraines, backache, neck and shoulder pains, tiredness and insomnia. Dr McAucliffe also treats specific health issues for women, such as menopause and morning sickness, and men, such as reproductive concerns.

Morningside Acupuncture & Natural Therapies Healing Sanctuary recently underwent a renovation to include five different treatment rooms that provide a relaxing atmosphere. This clinic promotes a Zen atmosphere that can help patients achieve better results.

Photo Credit: Morningside Acupuncture & Natural Therapies Healing Sanctuary/Facebook


If you’re interested to try acupuncture and other natural treatments with one of Brisbane’s best, you may book a schedule on Morningside Acupuncture’s Facebook page.