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

The sale of the Kookaburra Queen I for $550,000 at a Murarrie auction presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to invest in Brisbane’s tourism and event sectors.

Historic Brisbane Paddleboat Sold

The Kookaburra Queen I, a historic paddleboat once known for its Brisbane River cruises, has found a new owner. It sold for $550,000 at an auction in Murarrie, Queensland, on September 30, 2025.

The vessel, built for the 1988 World Expo, had been a staple of Brisbane’s river cruises, offering dining and event services for decades. After years of inactivity, it was listed for sale by Grays Auctioneers, attracting significant interest from potential buyers.

A Glimpse into Brisbane’s Maritime History

Built in 1987 by Millkraft Thompson Boatyard, the Kookaburra Queen I stretches 30.5 metres along the water. Its timber hull and fibreglass decks reflect solid local workmanship. Licensed to carry 378 passengers, the vessel includes two lively dance floors, a full commercial kitchen with cold storage, and an open observation deck for 30 guests.

The vessel operated as a popular venue for weddings, dinners, and sightseeing cruises until its last commercial operator ceased operations in 2022.

Decline and Auction Details

The Kookaburra Queen I had been moored at Colmslie Beach Reserve in Murarrie, Brisbane, for several years. The vessel experienced some water damage during the 2022 Brisbane floods and required relocation due to impending construction works in the area.

Despite these challenges, the boat was described as “ready to operate” and “fully capable of commercial operation” by the seller.

Future Prospects

The sale of the Kookaburra Queen I offers a new chance for tourism, event, or hospitality groups to own a piece of Australian maritime history.

With its rich heritage and potential for restoration, the vessel could once again become a prominent feature on the Brisbane River, offering unique experiences to locals and visitors alike.

Published 3-October-2025

Recognition and Reach: Rosies’ Lacee Honoured as Group Expands South Brisbane Hub

Rosies Friends on the Street is celebrating a milestone, with Head of Fundraising Lacee recognised in the “40 Under 40 Awards for 2025.” The honour highlights not just her creativity and bold storytelling in reimagining fundraising, but also the impact Rosies continues to have across the state in offering friendship and hope to Queenslanders doing it tough.

From its street vans serving hot drinks and warm conversations in Murarrie to its newly established South Brisbane hub, Rosies has built a reputation for turning compassion into action. Volunteers and supporters rally around the organisation’s mission: making sure no one feels unseen or alone, whether they’re experiencing homelessness, social isolation, or unexpected hardship.

Murarrie is one of several Brisbane suburbs where Rosies is active, with street vans bringing hospitality and companionship directly to those in need. The outreach model is simple but powerful: offer a drink, a snack, and a genuine chat. Many who visit Rosies describe the sense of being seen and heard as life-changing.

While the spotlight has recently been on Rosies’ new South Brisbane hub, the Murarrie branch continues to play an equally important role. Volunteers here know the faces and stories of their community, building relationships that extend beyond one night of service.

The South Brisbane hub has already started to strengthen Rosies’ work across the city. By providing a base for supplies and coordination, the hub ensures Murarrie teams are well-supported when they head out on their shifts. The mural by artist Jake Moss, unveiled at the opening, serves as a reminder that many volunteers and participants alike share lived experiences of hardship — making Rosies’ work deeply personal.

Like in South Brisbane, demand in Murarrie has grown sharply in the past year. Volunteers report more new visitors to their sessions, including people who never expected to need help. Some are holding down multiple jobs yet cannot keep up with rent or grocery costs. Others are older residents struggling with isolation. For each, Rosies provides not just assistance but also dignity.

The Murarrie team is also backed by Rosies’ community sponsors, who help fund essentials like coffee, tea, milk, and the fuel to keep vans running. These partnerships remind locals that Rosies’ mission is shared — it takes both volunteers and supporters to keep the service alive.

Individual volunteer stories continue to highlight the impact of Rosies’ work. One feature on Rosies’ social media captured a volunteer’s reflections on how giving a few hours each week not only helps others, but also brings meaning and perspective to their own life.

As Rosies celebrates its 35 years of service across Queensland, Murarrie stands as an example of what community-driven compassion looks like. The volunteers here are proof that even the smallest gesture — a smile, a shared story, or a cup of tea — can change the course of someone’s day.

In Murarrie, as across Brisbane, Rosies’ message is clear: no one should feel left out or disconnected. Through conversation, connection, and compassion, the Murarrie branch continues to bring that promise to life.

Published 19-Sept-2025

Better, Not Bigger: Cannon Hill Project Adds Luxury Perks Without Expanding

Photo Credit: DA A006845987

In a move that prioritises quality of life over increased density, a Cannon Hill apartment project is adding a suite of luxury rooftop amenities, including a pool and wellness centre, without adding a single new dwelling or increasing its approved height.

A New Focus on Resident Wellbeing

The proposed changes for the five-storey building at 2–10 Andrews Street centre on creating a better living experience for its future community. The developer has submitted a minor change application that dramatically enhances the building’s communal spaces.

The most significant update is a complete redesign of the rooftop area, which will now feature a swimming pool and deck, a sauna, plunge pools, and barbecue areas surrounded by landscaped gardens. This expanded recreational space, growing from 272 to 337 square metres, is designed to provide a high-quality, resort-style environment right at home.

Smarter Design, Same Footprint

While the lifestyle features are getting a major boost, the project’s overall scale remains unchanged, ensuring it continues to fit within the local area. The building, designed by Prospect Architecture, will still contain the originally approved 44 apartments. The updated plans focus on internal and design refinements rather than expansion.

These improvements include a more efficient car parking layout, with ground-level parking now enclosed, a redesigned pedestrian entry and lobby, and extended balconies for several apartments on the second floor. A few individual apartment layouts have also been updated to improve their functionality.

A Positive Change for the Community

The project’s planners, DTS, have noted that the changes are minor and maintain the development’s approved scale and intent. In their assessment, they stated that the enhancements to the rooftop and landscaping will deliver significant benefits to future residents.

Crucially, they concluded that these improvements would be achieved without causing any negative impacts on the surrounding properties, framing the proposal as a positive adjustment for the neighbourhood.

Published 6-October-2025

Can The Broncos End the 18-year Drought and Win the NRL Telstra Premiership?

It was 1992 when the Brisbane Broncos won their first Premiership, led by Alfie Langer who had taken over as skipper when Gene Miles retired. Going back-to-back in 1993 and winning the Super League in 1997. Following up again with a Premiership in 1998 and another at the turn of the millenium in 2000 and again in 2006.

That’s 18 seasons ago. Time flies. Let’s not forget Kevvie put together the majority of the current Broncos side including bringing Reece Walsh from the Warriors, and Walters led them to a Grand Final in 2023.

Then he passed the baton to Madge.

Madge, aka “enemy numero uno” having led the Blues in a massive comeback win against the Maroons, in the 2024 Origin Series. Plenty of locals could not forget that and surely Madge kept his head down for that very reason.

The decision to appoint Maguire was brilliant! A masterclass move by the Broncos Board.

So now after quite a rollercoaster season, where at times the Broncos looked dire yet have far more often looked unbeatable. It’s only in recent weeks though that we have fully understood the resilience and sheer determination of this group.

The Broncos beat the Storm in the final game of the regular season to make the 4, 30-14, at Suncorp and after the game, skipper Paddy Carrigan spoke about the deluge of goal-line defence they had practiced in training.

That’s where their backbone has been developed, the layers of determination, and now the belief that no matter how high the mountain, it can always be climbed.

The “Mission Impossible” of coming back from 14-0 against the 4 time Premiers, now seems a walk in the park compared to the hole the Broncos were in against the Minor Premiers, but in reality both comebacks were miracles of belief and determination.

How much was Paddy Carrigan missed last week (and Billy Walters), and how much fresher will he be as a result? At the same time Payne Haas desperately needs a week off, but give us one more big one, Payne!

King & Loiero vs Carrigan & Haas – Broncos win.

In that final regular season game at Suncorp, Jahrome Hughes was coming off an injury break, and it would be fair to assume he’s now back to full capacity.

Munster & Hughes vs Hunt & Reynolds – Tough call.

Papenhuyzen + Howarth + Meaney vs Walsh + Staggs + Shibabsaki – Broncos win

Warbrick + Coates vs Karapani + Mariner – Broncos win

Grant Atkins did a great job of the Broncos-Panthers last week and is given the honours in the middle for the Grand Final.

18 seasons is a long time. It’s time to put that to bed, boys!

The Grand Final of the NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off at 6.30pm Brisbane Time, this Sunday, October 5. BE VERY CAREFUL AS DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS ON SUNDAY!
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Foxtel and Kayo.

Published 2-October-2025

Morningside Panthers Reach QAFLW Grand Final In Debut Season

Photo Credit: Morningside Panthers

Morningside secured a place in the 2025 QAFLW grand final after defeating Coorparoo in a preliminary final at Jack Esplen Oval.

Background And Context

Women’s football at Morningside first appeared in 2003 when the Morningside Wildcats entered competition and won the premiership in their debut season. The Wildcats went on to claim further premierships in 2005 and 2011 before disbanding.

In 2018 the program was reformed under the Morningside Panthers banner, winning the QFAW Division 2 premiership in their return year. Progress through the divisions followed, with finals appearances across Seniors and Reserves teams and premiership success in Reserves in 2022 and 2023. In 2024 the club was granted a licence to enter the QAFLW, leading to their debut at the highest level in 2025.

2025 Season Performance

Morningside’s inaugural QAFLW campaign began strongly, with wins in their opening nine matches including a 130-point victory over Yeronga South Brisbane in Round 7. Across the season, they recorded several dominant results, including a 123-point win over Maroochydore in Round 12 and a 100-point margin over Moreton Bay in Round 13.

Losses came late in the home-and-away rounds, including against Aspley in Round 10 and Southport in Round 16. Despite this, the Panthers finished high enough on the ladder to qualify for finals.

Preliminary Final In Morningside

On Saturday, 30 August 2025, Morningside hosted Coorparoo in the preliminary final at Jack Esplen Oval. The Panthers secured a 5.3 (33) to 1.5 (11) win, advancing to the grand final in their first QAFLW season.

Key performers included Laura Roy with 30 disposals, a goal and strong midfield impact, supported by Gracie Roy, Isabella Levine and Greta Liell-Cock. Young talents such as Annabel Peacock, who sealed the match with a late goal, Harlee McIlwain and Zoe Petrides also contributed.

Coorparoo’s best included Ayla Fetahagic with 19 disposals and eight tackles, and ruck Renee Teys with 23 hitouts and 12 tackles.

Grand Final Result

Morningside faced Southport in the 2025 QAFLW grand final on Sunday, 7 September at Brighton Homes Arena. Southport won the decider with a score of 15.9 (99) to 3.2 (20), with Morningside finishing runners-up in their debut season at state league level.

Outlook

Morningside’s debut QAFLW season marked a significant milestone for the club, advancing from past successes in community competitions to reaching the grand final in the state’s top women’s league. Their progression reflects the strength of their female pathway program and sets a foundation for future seasons.

Published 15-Sep-2025

Property Demand Surges in Morningside as a New Blue-Chip Suburb

Photo Credit: Pexels

Morningside has been identified as one of Brisbane’s emerging blue-chip suburbs, with rising property values and strong buyer demand placing it among the city’s prestige markets.

Morningside’s Market Shift

On 20 August 2025, industry data revealed Morningside as one of five Brisbane suburbs moving into blue-chip territory, alongside Wavell Heights, Holland Park, Kedron and Mitchelton. Once considered a mid-tier area, Morningside is now rivalling established prestige suburbs in terms of lifestyle appeal and buyer interest.

Property Growth and Demand

Morningside has recorded solid growth across both houses and units. Over the past 12 months, house values increased by 7.9 per cent to reach a median price of $1.28 million. Units rose by 14.1 per cent, with the median price at $750,000. In the past three months alone, 40 houses and 26 units changed hands. Homes are selling quickly, with houses spending a median of 18 days on the market and units just 11 days.

Brisbane blue-chip suburbs — Photo Credit: Pexels

Lifestyle and Location Advantages

Located 5 km east of Brisbane’s CBD, Morningside offers suburban living with strong connectivity through bus and train services. The suburb combines character homes with modern apartments and provides access to shopping centres, cafes, and parks. Its position near the Brisbane River and nearby lifestyle precincts continues to enhance its appeal for families, professionals, and investors.

Emerging Blue-Chip Factors

Property experts point to demand for larger, modern homes with multiple bedrooms, updated finishes, and flexible living spaces. Knockdown-rebuild projects are also popular, allowing buyers to customise homes in sought-after locations. Two key buyer groups are driving the trend: families moving out of traditional blue-chip suburbs for more value, and those upsizing into what they consider their long-term homes.

Morningside property market — Photo Credit: Pexels

Rental Market Trends

The rental market in Morningside has strengthened over the past year. Average weekly rents now sit at $700 for houses, up 4.5 per cent, and $650 for units, up 10.2 per cent. The high proportion of rental properties, which accounts for nearly half of the housing stock, reflects the suburb’s attractiveness to both tenants and investors.

Infrastructure and Development

Morningside continues to benefit from surrounding investment and upgrades. The $1 billion redevelopment of Cannon Hill Shopping Centre, expected to finish in 2025, is set to improve retail and dining options nearby. Upgrades to Morningside train station and new cycling connections will enhance accessibility. Lifestyle benefits are further supported by the revitalisation of Oxford Street in neighbouring Bulimba.

Outlook

With its rising property values, strategic location close to the Brisbane CBD, and continued infrastructure investment, Morningside has firmly positioned itself as a strong contender in Brisbane’s next generation of blue-chip suburbs.

Published 6-Sep-2025

Hemmant Facility Expanded Brown and Hurley Network

Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley Network

Brown and Hurley expanded its operations with a new full-service facility in Hemmant, supporting transport operators working near the Port of Brisbane.

Facility Opened

The dealership group opened a new branch at 21 Inghams Place, Hemmant, on Monday, 1 September 2025. The site became a complete destination for truck sales, servicing, and parts. Brown and Hurley described the move as a step that would make its services more accessible to freight operators moving goods through the Port of Brisbane precinct.

Strategic Location

The Hemmant site is positioned just off the Port of Brisbane Motorway (M4) and only three minutes from Junction 102. This location provided straightforward access for heavy vehicles travelling to and from the port, one of Australia’s busiest gateways for freight and logistics. The positioning was highlighted as a key factor in reducing travel time for operators who rely on efficient turnaround to meet delivery schedules.

*Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley/Facebook*

Facility Features

The facility was established to include a stocked parts department with genuine components, a service centre staffed by experienced technicians, and truck sales with full aftersales support. By offering these services under one roof, the Hemmant branch was set up to provide what the dealership described as a “one-stop destination” for transport businesses.

Brisbane logistics — *Photo Credit: Brown and Hurley/Facebook*

Business Context

Brown and Hurley has maintained a strong presence across Queensland for decades, and the Hemmant branch added to this network. The group said the expansion showed its focus on investing in areas with high demand, particularly logistics corridors that play a central role in the state’s freight movement.

Future Outlook

According to Brown and Hurley, the new Hemmant facility was more than just an additional branch. The company said it reflected a longer-term commitment to transport operators by improving access to parts and services where they were most needed. By opening in the Port of Brisbane precinct, the dealership aimed to build stronger ties with customers and provide reliability and convenience for businesses operating in one of the state’s busiest freight hubs.

Published 4-Sep-2025

Meet the Porchetta Focaccia Redefining Lunch in Morningside

Photo Credit: Corbetta’s Kitchen/ Instagram

A humble porchetta focaccia, crafted with the precision of a fine-dining expert, is quickly becoming the talk of the town in Morningside, drawing locals to a simple kitchen for an unforgettable taste of Italy.

A New Local Favourite

It begins with the bread. The house-made focaccia is baked fresh each morning, achieving a perfect balance: a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, airy interior. Inside, generous layers of succulent roasted pork, made supple through a long cooking process, are complemented by a vibrant, savoury salsa verde. A handful of peppery broad leaf rocket adds a fresh crunch, while a light touch of mayonnaise brings all the elements together.

It’s a sandwich that is both comforting and complex, and it’s being served from the unassuming counter at Corbetta’s Kitchen, a warehouse-style spot on Lytton Road. Neighbours like The Fish Factory and The Morningside Meat Market contribute to the location’s simple, industrial feel, a world away from white tablecloths and ocean views.

The Hands Behind the Focaccia

The reason this sandwich stands apart is the chef behind it, Jacopo Corbetta. Before moving to Brisbane, Corbetta was a chef at one of Sydney’s most iconic and glamorous restaurants, Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi Beach. He also spent time at Matteo Downtown in the Sydney CBD.

He has brought the meticulous techniques and commitment to quality learned in those high-pressure kitchens to this simple sanger. The pork, for example, is sourced from a local supplier before being marinated in herbs, garlic, and lemon. It is then cooked sous vide overnight to ensure it is perfectly tender before being roasted in the morning for a crisp finish. It’s this application of a chef’s discipline to a beloved classic that makes every bite memorable.

From Fine Dining to a Simpler Life

Corbetta’s journey from Sydney to Brisbane was driven by a desire for a change of pace. He explained that the relentless schedule of a top-tier restaurant, with services running for 12 hours straight from brunch through dinner, eventually led him to seek a better work-life balance.

After navigating border closures during the pandemic and a stint at The Stores in West End, he started his own business. The move to Morningside represents a shift from the intensity of the elite restaurant world to a more grounded, community-focused life where he can share his passion for food in a relaxed setting.

A Taste of Italy for Brisbane

For Corbetta, this style of food is deeply personal. He said the porchetta focaccia reminds him of the food trucks he would visit back in his native Italy after a football game or a concert. While his version is slightly more elevated, its soul is rooted in that simple, satisfying experience. By opening his kitchen in Morningside, he is not just selling sandwiches; he is sharing a piece of his heritage with his new community. For locals, it’s a delicious discovery—a chance to be transported to Italy, right from a quiet street in Brisbane’s suburbs.

Published Date 31-August-2025

State Funeral Confirmed as Murarrie Bridges Carry Sir Leo’s Name

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Sir Leo Hielscher, the long-serving public servant whose name is carried by the bridges at Murarrie, will be honoured at a state funeral in Brisbane.

Sir Leo’s Public Service Career

Sir Leo Arthur Hielscher AC was born in Eumundi in 1926. He joined the Queensland Public Service in 1942 and went on to serve as Deputy Under Treasurer for a decade before becoming Under Treasurer for 14 years between 1974 and 1988.

From 1988, he was appointed Chairman of the Queensland Treasury Corporation Advisory Board, which later became the Queensland Treasury Corporation Board. He held the role until his retirement in June 2010. Over almost seven decades, his work was recognised as shaping Queensland’s modern financial structures.

Sir Leo Hielscher — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Recognition and Awards

Sir Leo’s contribution to public administration was acknowledged through several honours. He received an Eisenhower Fellowship in 1973, was knighted in 1987, and awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004. He also held an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University and a Fellowship from the Finance & Treasury Association.

Bridges Bearing His Name in Murarrie

The most prominent landmark associated with Sir Leo is the pair of bridges at Murarrie. Formerly known as the Gateway Bridge, the original crossing opened on 11 January 1986 at a cost of $92 million, with a duplicate span added in May 2010 for $350 million. Both were renamed the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges in 2010.

Together they form one of Brisbane’s key motorway links, carrying the Gateway Motorway over the Brisbane River. They remain the most eastern Brisbane River crossing and connect Murarrie with Eagle Farm.

Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

State Funeral and Farewell

Sir Leo Hielscher died on 4 August 2025, aged 98. His family accepted the offer of a state funeral, which will be held at 2 p.m. on 28 August 2025 at Brisbane City Hall.

An online condolence book has been opened for members of the public to leave messages.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Community Appeal Launched for Return of Missing Murarrie Statue

Photo Credit: myPolice South Brisbane

Police are calling on the Murarrie community to help solve the mystery of a missing bronze statue that disappeared from the local recreation reserve more than four months ago.

The sculpture, which depicts a skateboarder performing a handplant manoeuvre, was taken from Murarrie Recreation Reserve on Wynnum Road around 1 April this year. The distinctive bronze artwork shows a skater balanced on one hand while gripping their skateboard with the other—a classic skateboarding trick that would be familiar to many users of the park’s popular skate facilities.

Murarrie Recreation Reserve, located on Wynnum Road approximately 6 kilometres east of Brisbane’s city centre, is home to a well-used skate park that serves the local skateboarding and cycling community. The facility includes skate park features alongside cycling tracks, basketball courts, and other recreational amenities, making it a hub for active recreation in the area.

The skate park has undergone recent improvements, with an extension approved in 2022 that added approximately 732 square metres of additional skating area and features. The broader recreation reserve is also set to house Brisbane’s new international-standard cycling facility as part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The theft has left a noticeable gap in the park’s landscape, removing what was likely an important piece of community art celebrating the skateboarding culture that thrives at the venue. Bronze sculptures are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their material value, but this piece also held cultural significance for the skating community.

Queensland Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the theft or has information about the statue’s whereabouts to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from people who may have relevant CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from around the time of the incident.

Detective investigations are continuing under reference number QP2500729645. The delay between the theft and the public appeal suggests police have been pursuing other investigative leads before reaching out to the broader community for assistance.

Community members with information can contact Policelink through the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, or by calling 131 444.

For those who prefer to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be contacted on 1800 333 000 or through their online reporting system at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 12-August-2025