A major milestone has been reached at The Quarry in Keperra, Brisbane’s most elevated masterplanned community, with the sale of its 100th home site signalling strong buyer confidence in the transformative hillside precinct.
The 100th home site at The Quarry in Keperra has been sold to a couple from Brisbane’s southside. Drawn by the community’s elevated position, resort-style facilities, and tranquil surroundings, the buyers are eager to explore the area, enjoy the private parks and amenities, and spend more time with friends who already live nearby.
Located just 9.5km from the Brisbane CBD, The Quarry is a $500 million residential project turning a former granite quarry into a thriving lifestyle-focused neighbourhood. Developed by Frasers Property Australia, the 48.7-hectare site will ultimately deliver around 400 elevated home sites, with a focus on placemaking and exclusive resident amenities.
Photo credit: Scott Nicholls/Google Maps
Since launching in 2023, The Quarry in Keperra has captured the attention of buyers drawn to its unique topography, panoramic outlooks, and resort-style facilities including lap and children’s pools, a gymnasium, and the private resident clubhouse, ClubQ. The latest land releases have seen rapid uptake, with some stages selling out within weeks.
Construction is well underway on the first wave of homes along Ridgeline Way, bringing the vision of a premium, masterplanned community to life. Among the most sought-after are premium lots with uninterrupted views of the Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Moreton Bay—highlighting demand for lifestyle and elevation in the Brisbane market.
As operations at the former quarry site gradually wind down, the transformation of this iconic part of Keperra continues to gain pace, marking a new chapter for the northwestern suburb. The milestone 100th sale reflects not only a shift in local buyer preferences but also the strong appeal of considered, community-driven design.
Commuters on Brisbane’s Ferny Grove Line will soon find it easier to get to and from work, with extra weekday trains added to the timetable to reduce crowding and wait times on one of the city’s most used suburban rail corridors.
From 19 May 2025, six extra morning and two afternoon peak services will be added to the Ferny Grove Line, easing crowding and giving commuters more options.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Running between Bowen Hills and Ferny Grove through Brisbane’s northern suburbs, the line’s expanded timetable supports workers, students and families, as part of broader upgrades across South East Queensland rail services. The changes aim to improve reliability and meet growing demand in high-traffic areas.
Part Of Wider Rail Investment For SEQ
The Ferny Grove Line upgrades are part of a wider plan adding over 100 weekly train services across the region, including improvements on the Cleveland and Doomben lines. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the changes respond to growing demand, alongside the new 50-cent fares aimed at encouraging more people to choose public transport.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
These updates reflect a broader effort to make travel more accessible and convenient for communities across South East Queensland.
Affordable, Accessible Transport A Priority
The government aims to improve reliability, access and affordability of public transport in growing areas like Ferny Grove, where locals have pushed for more peak services.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With Brisbane’s northern suburbs expanding, the added trains are expected to ease pressure and make rail a more practical option for daily travel.
Check New Times Online Before Travelling
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Travellers are encouraged to check Translink’s journey planner or visit the Ferny Grove Line timetable online to see the updated service schedule. Early morning trains from Ferny Grove, like those at 5:02 am and 5:17 am, will still run, with the new services filling in key gaps across the morning and afternoon rush.
The updated timetable is designed to ease crowding and offer more travel options in both directions, giving Ferny Grove Line commuters shorter waits and a smoother ride.
Brisbane businesses looking to sharpen their digital edge are in for a treat this June—with a free, full-day Social Media Masterclass delivered by the experts at Social Mediology.
Keperra locals, take note: Thursday 19 June is your chance to attend this exclusive event right in your neighbourhood. With only 15 spots available per session, this is a rare opportunity to get tailored, expert guidance on building a smarter, more creative social media strategy—close to home.
Photo credit: CouncillorSteveGriffiths/Facebook
This isn’t your average marketing seminar. The masterclass goes beyond the basics to explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way businesses connect and create. From developing a 90-day content plan to generating customer personas and crafting your brand voice, participants will walk away with a complete toolkit—designed for ongoing use and built around their unique business identity.
Key benefits include:
AI tools to streamline your marketing (and save time)
Templates for consistent, engaging content
Guidance on building your social media strategy from scratch
Expert-led sessions on branding, creativity, and digital trends
No prior AI experience required
The best part? No prior AI or marketing experience is needed. This session is designed for all Brisbane businesses—whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your social media to the next level.
It’s also a fantastic networking opportunity. With small group sizes (15 people per location), attendees will have the chance to connect with other local business owners, share ideas, and discuss challenges in a friendly and supportive environment.
Whether you run a café in Keperra, an online boutique from home, or a service business across Brisbane, this is a chance to future-proof your marketing skills—without spending a cent.
Spots for the Social Media Masterclass are limited, so don’t wait. Register your interest today via Council’s website and take your business social presence to the next level.
Chaprowe Road in The Gap is steeped in a legacy of remembrance and post-war resilience. Its very name is a tribute to two early residents and servicemen — Robert Chapman and Samuel Rowe — whose stories are intertwined with the district’s military and settlement history.
With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 16 years and 4 months, Benalla Street demonstrates strong community attachment and stability. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 52% of residents have called Benalla Street home for more than a decade. The street’s property transaction history reveals the remarkable transformation of Manly’s real estate landscape, with 38 Benalla Street selling for $49,800 in January 1981 – a testament to the area’s evolution over the decades.
REMEMBRANCE: Mr Chapman and Mr Rowe
In 1956, the Gap Progress Association requested that Council name a road off Settlement Road in honour of Mr Chapman and Mr Rowe, both of whom served with the First A.I.F. and later became residents of the district. This tribute places Chaprowe Road within Brisbane City Council’s Streets of Remembrance project, which honours Australia’s military heritage through the placement of Australian Defence Force Rising Sun and Royal Australian Navy badges on commemorative street signs.
Robert Auburn Chapman enlisted in February 1916 at the age of 38 and served in France. Post-war, he lived on portion 103, parish of Enoggera — land adjoining what is now Fish Creek and Chaprowe Road. Samuel Ruewenzori Kerangosi Rowe enlisted at age 18 in June 1916, served with the Field Engineers in France, and later lived on adjacent portion 104.
These land parcels were part of the Enoggera Soldiers Settlement Group, created under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act of 1917. While these settlements aimed to help returned soldiers support themselves through farming, many — including those in The Gap — proved unsustainable due to poor land quality and lack of support resources.
Chaprowe Rd, The Gap Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 34 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 48%
Chaprowe Rd, The Gap – As It Looked in 1936
Chaprowe Rd, The Gap in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON CHAPROWE RD, THE GAP
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
78 Chaprowe Rd, The Gap
$1,790,000
Sep 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CHAPROWE RD FROM YESTERYEAR
Local schools, sporting clubs, and community groups in Upper Kedron and surrounding suburbs are being invited to apply for a share in $10,000 in grant funding, aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance community life. Applications for the 2025 Ellendale Community Grants program are now open, with successful recipients to be announced in June.
The grants are part of an ongoing commitment by leading developer Cedar Woods Properties, which has delivered the program since the inception of its Ellendale masterplanned community. Since 2017, Cedar Woods has distributed $85,000 across 57 local organisations through the initiative.
Photo supplied
Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said the grants had already made a significant difference to groups working to build stronger local connections. “The funding we provide enables local groups to continue their work, fostering connections and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Ellendale and their neighbours, and we’ve seen the impact of the grants firsthand,” he said.
Past recipients include Ferny Grove State School, which used a 2024 grant to purchase robotics kits to strengthen its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.
Photo supplied
Applications are open until 23 May 2025, with schools and not-for-profit groups operating for more than 12 months, including sporting and community organisations, eligible to apply. The program’s reach is intended to extend beyond Upper Kedron, reflecting the broader community spirit fostered by the Ellendale development.
Ellendale is a 227-hectare masterplanned community developed by Cedar Woods, nestled alongside South D’Aguilar National Park and home to more than 590 families. The masterplan blends natural corridors and recreational spaces with premium homesites to create a balanced and connected community. To apply or learn more about the grants, visit www.cedarwoods.com.au/ellendale.
Property momentum continues in Keperra, with The Quarry notching its 100th homesite sale and demand building ahead of a premium land release this month.
Rock solid growth: Keperra welcomes 100th homebuyer in $500 million hillside community
A young Southside couple has become the 100th family to purchase land in Keperra’s largest residential development, marking a major moment in the transformation of the north-west Brisbane suburb.
On 4 April, Frasers Property confirmed the 100th sale at The Quarry, a 48.7-hectare estate transforming a former granite quarry in Keperra into a 400-home community with resident-only amenities.
A community on the rise
Gabriel and Mariana Boni, who had lived on Brisbane’s Southside, chose The Quarry after a year-long search, drawn by its natural setting, community feel, large blocks, and easy access to transport and the CBD.
The couple plans to build a five-bedroom, two-storey coastal-style home with open-plan living, as construction progresses along Ridgeline Way and early buyers prepare to move in.
Local demand drives growth
Frasers Property’s Queensland Development GM, Scott Ullman, said buyer interest has remained strong through 2024 and into 2025. Release Five, launched in December, saw all 14 lots sold quickly while Release Four, featuring elevated homesites near the community hub, has only a few blocks remaining.
The Quarry features ClubQ, a private facility with pools, a gym and green spaces, reflecting the estate’s focus on lifestyle as Keperra attracts more families and professionals.
Frasers Property will release 13 elevated homesites later this month, offering views of the Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar Ranges and Moreton Bay. Details about this next stage will be announced soon.
Located less than 10 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, Keperra has attracted growing buyer interest for its greenery, transport links, and access to schools and healthcare. While parts of the quarry remain in use, industrial activity is gradually winding down as the residential estate expands.
The 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at Enoggera is marking ANZAC Day by reflecting on over five decades of tradition linked to its distinctive regimental mascot—Stan the Ram.
Marching on Four Legs: A History of Stan the Ram at Enoggera
For more than 50 years, a succession of merino rams, each officially named John Macarthur but known to diggers as Stan, has served as the symbolic mascot of the 8/9 RAR. The battalion is based at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera. As ANZAC Day approaches, the battalion reflects on the enduring legacy of Stan the Ram, a tradition born in 1971 and still marching strong in 2025.
Caption: Private John ‘Stan’ MacArthur IX arriving at Enoggera barracks. (2020) Photo Credit: Australian Army/Facebook
From Scone to Parade Ground
The tradition began in early 1971 when Mr W.W. Collinson of Scone, New South Wales, donated a purebred merino to the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. With permission from the Macarthur-Onslow family, the ram was named Private John Macarthur I. This move is a tribute to Australia’s wool industry pioneer. However, among the soldiers, the name “Stan” stuck.
Formally presented on parade in March 1971, Stan quickly became a part of daily life and military routine. When 9 RAR was amalgamated with 8 RAR to form 8/9 RAR in October 1973, the new battalion retained the mascot without interruption.
Tales of Tradition and Discipline
Over the decades, Stan became more than a symbol—he was an active participant in battalion culture. Some stories are now legendary. In the 1970s, Stan I famously knocked down the brigade’s Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Lamb, outside Battalion HQ—a moment forever etched in the battalion’s collective memory.
Every Stan also leads parades and stands on review during commemorations. Stan V has taken part in significant events such as the 1992 Freedom of Entry to Brisbane and annual battalion birthday parades at Enoggera.
Caption: John “Stan” MacArthur in the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade (2015) Photo Credit: State Library Queensland
Each Stan has held an honorary rank, starting at Private and sometimes progressing through promotions. The mascots are formally inducted, given service numbers, and assigned handlers—often junior soldiers tasked with training them for ceremonial appearances.
Stan’s Place in Ceremonial Life
The mascot’s fleece has been woven into regimental history in a literal sense. Over the past five years, the Caloundra Spinners and Weavers have processed the ultrafine wool from Stan—dyed in the battalion’s slate grey and beech brown colours—and braided it into ceremonial lanyards.
Caption: During the process of spinning and braiding Stan’s fleece. Photo Credit: Mac Kerrie/Instagram
These lanyards are now worn by battalion members on ANZAC Day, continuing a tactile link between the mascot and those who serve.
Stan the Ram Timeline (John Macarthur I–IX)
1971 – John Macarthur I Donated from Scone, NSW. Became 9 RAR’s mascot. Then, 8/9 RAR’s mascot after the 1973 merger. Promoted to Corporal.
c.1979 – John Macarthur II Killed by stray dogs after a pen relocation in 1984.
1984 – John Macarthur III Served mid-1980s; donated by the Roberts family.
Late 1980s – John Macarthur IV Mascot during ceremonial years until 1991.
c.1991 – John Macarthur V Held rank of Lance Corporal. Joined the parade for Brisbane’s Freedom of Entry in 1992. Retired when 8/9 RAR disbanded in 1997.
2008 – John Macarthur VI Revived mascot tradition after 8/9 RAR re-raised. Retired in early 2010s.
2013 – John Macarthur VII Served through mid-2010s. Retired in 2019.
2017 – John Macarthur VIII First to have a ewe companion, Lizzie. Retired in 2020.
2020 – John Macarthur IX (current) Enlisted and serving as the present mascot. Appears in parades and public events from Enoggera.
Caption: During the retirement of Stan the Ram in 2020. Photo Credit: Australian Army/X
More Than a Mascot
While dogs, pigeons, and horses played active roles in wartime, Stan the Ram represents a different contribution—symbolism, spirit, and connection. His presence at Enoggera has bridged generations of service, brought light-hearted relief to regiment life, and served as a community ambassador at schools, hospitals, and civic events.
Caption: Private John ‘Stan’ MacArthur VIII during his first Army haircut. Photo Credit: 8/9 RAR/X
Far from being just a novelty, Stan the Ram remains a respected part of 8/9 RAR’s structure. Saluted on parade and honoured in the mess, each Stan has reinforced the regiment’s heritage and offered soldiers a reminder that tradition, mateship and humour hold a place alongside duty and discipline.
ANZAC Day will be commemorated at Gallipoli Barracks on 25 April. Stan the Ram’s story continues through his current iteration. Whether on parade, in the field, or at a community event, he stands not only as a mascot, but as a living emblem of 8/9 RAR’s history, identity, and the enduring link between soldier and service.
The 9th Battalion, Queensland’s first infantry unit raised for the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, brought together men from various suburbs and regional towns—clerks, shopkeepers, shearers, and farmers who left behind their ordinary lives to answer the call to serve.
Many of these early recruits had militia experience, including time with the 9/49th Battalion, and adapted quickly to military life. They assembled at Enoggera Army Camp—then known as Bell’s Paddock—where paddocks once used for grazing became grounds for drill and preparation as war loomed overseas.
Bell’s Paddock, Enoggera Army Camp (Photo credit: Picture Ipswich/pictureipswich.com.au)
The base at Enoggera has a longer military legacy, with the surrounding area used for defence purposes as early as 1855. The original camp was laid out across four training paddocks—Bell, Fraser’s, Rifle, and Thompson’s—and included several rifle ranges used by both militia units and civilian shooting clubs.
During the First World War, drill exercises echoed across its dusty fields, alongside other paddocks like Fraser’s, Rifle, and Thompson’s. The nearby Exhibition Showgrounds also buzzed with preparation. Ipswich lads, city workers, and country bushmen trained side by side.
HMAT Palermo A56 leaving Pinkenba Wharf, 1915 (Photo credit: Australian War Memorial)
Months later, their preliminary training was complete. The battalion was ready. Communities gathered to farewell the volunteers—fathers, brothers, sons—as they boarded trains and trams to Pinkenba Wharf. The scent of saltwater mingled with nervous excitement as families waved goodbye, not knowing if they would see their families again.
Australian troops bound for the Middle East and Europe travelled by ship. While some vessels sailed in convoys, others departed alone without naval escort. Even within convoys, departure dates were often staggered over several weeks, reflecting the logistical complexity of wartime transport.
Among the ships that carried Queensland’s sons to war was the Palermo, which departed from Pinkenba Wharf in May 1915. Like many troop transports, the Palermo had been hastily converted for war, its lower decks refitted with wooden stalls for horses.
The Men Who Served
Colonel Arthur Graham Butler (Photo credit: Australian War Memorial)
Behind the battalion’s collective story are the personal histories of those who wore its uniform. Some names endure:
Arthur Graham Butler, a physician and medical historian, joined the 9th as its regimental medical officer. He not only treated the wounded but later chronicled the war in one of Australia’s official medical histories.
Major James Campbell Robertson, a stockbroker by profession, became second-in-command of the 9th Battalion. His leadership helped shape the unit in its earliest days.
John Patrick “Jock” Tunn, a Scottish migrant who worked as an insurance agent and cabinetmaker in Brisbane, enlisted in 1916. He joined as part of the 23rd reinforcements and later saw action on the Western Front.
John Patrick “Jock” Tunn (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)
These men, like so many others, were drawn from all walks of life—bushmen and city workers, professionals and labourers. Their motivations varied: duty, adventure, mateship, or the belief they were defending the Empire. Whatever the reason, they would be forever marked by war.
Group portrait of 9th Battalion Officers (Photo credit: Australian War Memorial)
In Egypt, they trained under the hot desert sun. Then, on 25 April 1915, the 9th Battalion made history—they were in the first wave ashore at Gallipoli, part of the first Anzac landing. Under gunfire and chaos, Queensland’s sons were among the first Australians to step onto that fateful beach.
The 9th Battalion served throughout the Gallipoli campaign before continuing service on the Western Front. Their journey ended in 1918, as peace was declared. Demobilisation followed, and men returned home to rebuild their lives.
Today, their legacy is preserved through groups like the Ninth Battalions Association Inc., and places like the Milne Bay Memorial Library in Chermside, where the “First Ashore” display honours their sacrifice.
What began in Bell’s Paddock grew into one of the most defining chapters in Queensland’s military history—a story of everyday men who answered an extraordinary call.
Australia’s most highly decorated living soldier, Keith Payne VC AM, whose distinguished military career, including training at Enoggera Barracks, culminated in receiving the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery in Vietnam, remains a dedicated advocate for veterans nationwide.
Born in Ingham, North Queensland, during the Great Depression, Keith Payne grew up in a large family. He left school at 14 to become an apprentice cabinetmaker but found the trade unsatisfying. After a short period in the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), he joined the Australian Regular Army. His extensive service career included training at Brisbane’s Enoggera Barracks, known locally as ‘The Gap’. He was also posted to the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), based at Enoggera, later in his career.
Mr Payne’s military life spanned several major conflicts and postings. He served in the Korean War with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR). Later, he served in Malaya during the Emergency with 3RAR. His career saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a Corporal, Sergeant, and Warrant Officer Class II. He also served as an instructor at the Officer Training Unit in Scheyville, New South Wales, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Pacific Islands Regiment in Papua New Guinea.
Mr Payne was appointed to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). While commanding the 212th Company of the 1st Mobile Strike Force Battalion in Kontum Province, his unit came under heavy attack from a large North Vietnamese force. The company was surrounded on three sides, and his soldiers began to fall back under intense mortar, rocket, and machine-gun fire.
Despite being wounded in the hands, arms, and head by shrapnel, Mr Payne moved under fire, firing his weapon and throwing grenades to keep the enemy back while rallying his troops. He covered the withdrawal and helped organise a defensive position. That night, demonstrating exceptional courage, he spent around three hours moving through the dark, enemy-occupied area, searching for missing and wounded soldiers.
He located about 40 men, organised assistance for the injured, and led the group safely through dangerous territory. Payne later stated his actions were driven by his responsibility as a company commander to look after his soldiers and admitted he experienced fear during the intense battle.
Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the Victoria Cross in Brisbane for these actions. He is the last living Australian recipient of the original Imperial Victoria Cross. His valour was also recognised with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star from the United States, and the Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star from the Republic of Vietnam.
After retiring from the Australian Army, Mr Payne served briefly as a Captain with the Sultan of Oman’s Army during the Dhofar War. Returning to Australia, he faced significant personal challenges, including struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his war experiences, which affected his family life. His wife Florence said their strong relationship helped them through difficult times. Mr Payne has acknowledged that post-traumatic stress never fully disappears but affirmed that it can be managed.
He turned this challenging experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans. He became deeply involved in the veteran community, particularly counselling those suffering from PTSD. His advocacy includes lobbying for better health and mental care services, pushing for recognition of First Nations service personnel, and supporting campaigns like the one for Edward Sheean VC. He remains active in his 90s, working to ensure veterans receive the support they need, stating that inaction cannot continue for another generation.
His dedication to veterans and their families has earned him further recognition, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and later being made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). The mental health ward at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane is named the Keith Payne Unit (KPU) in his honour. Living in Mackay, Queensland, with his wife Florence, Mr Payne continues to serve his community.
Police officers from The Gap stepped in to assist local resident Tony Keim after he took a fall during his morning walk, highlighting the community spirit and the importance of mental and physical well-being.
Officers from The Gap Police Station demonstrated the importance of community care when they responded to a situation involving local resident Tony Keim. Mr Keim, known in the area for his daily walks to support his mental health, had taken a fall during one of his regular morning routes.
Photo Credit: QPS
Community Connection and Support
Sergeant Brad Holland, who had recently met Mr Keim during a night shift, was among the officers who responded. Sgt Holland shared that his brief encounter with Mr Keim left a lasting impression, describing him as a person who valued staying active for his mental well-being.
Following their first meeting, Mr Keim had sent a thoughtful thank-you gift to the police station, expressing his appreciation for Holland’s willingness to listen to his story.
On 17 March, officers had set out to find Mr Keim to personally express their gratitude. Instead, they came across an ambulance along Mr Keim’s usual route and learned of his fall. The officers remained with Mr Keim, keeping his spirits up with conversation and jokes while paramedics attended to his injuries.
Sgt Holland reflected on the encounter, stating that Mr Keim’s story served as an important reminder about the connection between physical and mental health. He noted that as first responders, maintaining personal well-being is crucial, as they regularly encounter people dealing with challenging situations.
The Gap police extended their well-wishes for Mr Keim’s recovery and acknowledged the positive impact of his commitment to health and exercise on the local community.
Community Reaction
The Queensland Police Service shared the story on social media. Community members praised both Mr Keim and the officers involved. Comments highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and praised Sgt Holland for his caring nature.
Community members also expressed their support, wishing Mr Keim a speedy recovery and commending the police for their compassionate response.
Mental Health Support Resources
The incident also prompted a reminder of available mental health resources. Community members in need of support can reach out to services such as Lifeline on 131114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, and Headspace on 1800 650 890 for assistance.
The Gap police look forward to seeing Mr Keim back on his morning walks soon. They are grateful for the chance to support a community member whose dedication to mental and physical health continues to inspire others.
