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Keperra Pays Tribute to Maurice Wilson with Memorial Tree Planting

A Queensland Brushbox tree was planted in Keperra in honour of the late Maurice Wilson, a respected arborist, educator, and long-time resident of the area.

Read: Hundreds of Trees Planted as Enoggera Catchment Restoration Continues

The commemorative planting was part of a community tree-planting initiative that saw close to 200 new street trees added to the suburb. The gesture marked not only the community’s appreciation for Mr Wilson’s decades of service but also a commitment to continuing the green legacy he championed throughout his life.

Maurice Wilson — Photo credit: CrStevenToomey/Facebook

Saturday’s tree planting was a meaningful occasion for Keperra residents, who gathered to remember Mr Wilson and contribute to the ongoing greening of their neighbourhood. The event brought together local families, volunteers, and Council representatives, all working side by side to enhance the suburb’s natural beauty and environmental sustainability.

Attendees heard from community member Annette, who shared heartfelt words about Mr Wilson’s life and work. The new trees are expected to provide long-term benefits such as shade, improved habitat for native wildlife, and more livable suburban streets.

Maurice Wilson was more than just an arborist—he was a dedicated educator, mentor, and community figure whose influence extended well beyond Keperra. He served in various key roles with the Council, including as Superintendent of Brisbane Central City Parks, where his work helped shape many of the city’s public green spaces.

He later became the Principal Lecturer in Parks and Gardens at Grovely TAFE, where he mentored countless students in horticulture and arboriculture. Before returning to Brisbane, Mr Wilson spent over two decades in Papua New Guinea, working as a horticultural advisor and contributing to sustainable practices in a vastly different environment.

Read: Saving Wattle Creek: Community Unites to Revive The Gap Rainforest

The planting of the Queensland Brushbox stands as a living tribute to Mr Wilson’s passion for nature, education, and community. It is a symbol not only of remembrance but of continued growth—echoing the values he instilled in both landscapes and people.

Published 5-June-2025

Brisbane Tramway Museum Takes Visitors Back to the City’s Golden Era

The Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove has always offered a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past. Now, thanks to a series of thoughtful upgrades and the dedication of its passionate volunteers, the museum is taking visitors on an even richer journey through time—back to the golden age of Brisbane’s trams.

Read: Travel Back in Time at Ferny Grove’s Brisbane Tramway Museum

With a clear vision to enhance the visitor experience, the museum has rolled out a number of improvements. These include updated signage, refreshed brochures, and a new-look website, all designed to make exploring the museum more engaging and informative. The initiative is part of a broader campaign inspired by Planet Marketing, aimed at increasing community awareness and attracting new audiences.

But the most exciting transformation is happening right on-site: a lovingly recreated 1950s suburban street, aptly named Fifties Street. This project, developed over several years as time and funds allowed, brings to life the everyday charm of mid-20th century Brisbane. Visitors can now wander past period-appropriate parking meters, vintage street signs, a tram waiting shed, fire hydrants, and high-voltage power boxes.

One of the newest additions is a striking red telephone box, complete with a vintage handset—an iconic piece generously donated by the Queensland Communications Museum. It’s not just an eye-catching feature; it’s a tangible link to a slower-paced era when trams were the heart of city life.

Looking ahead, the museum plans to add more features to Fifties Street, including a Lych Gate at the entry and classic fencing to further complete the streetscape.

Open every Sunday from 12.30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m, the Brisbane Tramway Museum welcomes all ages to explore, reminisce, and learn. Private tours and group visits are also available by arrangement.

Read: Claire’s Cottage Champions Inclusivity and Strength in Brisbane’s Great Tram Pull Event

For more information, visit brisbanetramwaymuseum.org or call (07) 3351 1776.

Supported by the Brisbane City Council, the museum continues to be a cherished local treasure—keeping Brisbane’s tram history alive, one track at a time.

Published 4-June-2025

The Gap Principal Named Among National Education Leaders

Photo Credit: The Gap SHS/Facebook

The executive principal of The Gap State High School has been named an Excellence Awardee in national education honours, recognising leadership in government schools.

Principal Recognised in National Education Awards

Anne McLauchlan, Executive Principal of The Gap State High School, has been named an Excellence Awardee in the School Principal of the Year – Government category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards. This follows her earlier national recognition in 2023, when she received the A Team Tuition School Principal of the Year – Government award.

*Photo Credit: Australian Education Awards*

Consistent National Recognition

In addition to these accolades, Principal McLauchlan was included in The Educator’s 2024 Best Educators in Australia Hot List. These acknowledgements highlight her ongoing contribution to school leadership and education reform across Queensland and Australia.

Strategic Leadership at The Gap

With over 25 years of experience in education, Principal McLauchlan has introduced key initiatives at The Gap to support student engagement and teaching quality. She developed the Teaching for Innovative Learning and Engagement (TILE) framework, a school-specific model focused on improving instructional practice.

She also implemented Time4 Collaboration, allowing teaching staff to work together on curriculum planning during school hours while students participate in structured enrichment and wellbeing programs.

The Gap State High School — *Photo Credit: The Gap SHS/Instagram*

Capacity Building and Collaboration

Her leadership has extended to staff development, including the use of instructional rounds to support middle leaders. She also led a peer review initiative with local schools, backed by the KYRA Alliance in the United Kingdom, to facilitate cross-school learning and share effective teaching practices.

Contribution to National Dialogue

In 2025, Principal McLauchlan represented The Gap State High School at the ASPA National Education Summit in Canberra. The event brought together education leaders from across the country to address issues of equity and excellence in Australian secondary schools.

Sustained Impact and Leadership

Principal McLauchlan continues to lead through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to staff and student wellbeing. Her recognised leadership reflects a long-standing focus on continuous improvement and professional learning within the public education system.

Published 14-May-2025

Record Guzman y Gomez Sale Completed in Enoggera

Photo Credit: Stonebridge Property Group

A Guzman y Gomez outlet in Enoggera has been sold for $7.8 million, setting a new national record for a leased investment linked to the fast food brand.

Strategic Location Supports Value

The newly built Guzman y Gomez in Enoggera sits on a 1,746 square metre corner site. It is located just 5.5 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. With daily exposure to over 75,000 passing vehicles, the location offers strong visibility and accessibility. These factors, along with the property’s lease terms, contributed to its market appeal.

Guzman y Gomez Enoggera — *Photo Credit: Guzman y Gomez/Facebook*

The lease agreement with Guzman y Gomez spans 25 years to 2050. There are additional options extending to 2090. The asset was sold for $7.8 million, reflecting a yield of 4.36 per cent. The sale sets a new national record for the highest price achieved for a Guzman y Gomez leased site.

Expressions of Interest Attract Broad Market Attention

The sale was managed by Stonebridge Property Group through an Expressions of Interest campaign that attracted more than 185 enquiries. The process resulted in nine competitive offers from interested parties, demonstrating strong demand for fast food investment assets.

Stonebridge noted that fast food sites are among the most actively sought-after properties across the country. Their combination of national tenants, essential services, and long-term leases offers investors a relatively stable and low-maintenance income stream.

Guzman y Gomez property sale — *Photo Credit: Guzman y Gomez/Facebook*

High Net Worth Investors Drive Transaction Volume

The buyer was reportedly drawn to the long-term security offered by the ASX-listed tenant and the corner location’s traffic exposure. Stonebridge also reported increased activity from high net worth investors in 2025, with internal data revealing a 58 per cent rise in transaction volumes.

The result in Enoggera reflects the continued trend of investors targeting passive, long-term retail assets in growth corridors and inner-city areas.

Published 12-May-2025

Strong Sales Continue at The Quarry in Keperra as Premium Lots Sell Fast

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.

Read: Honeybee Haven: Sweet Start to Community Building in The Quarry

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.

Read: The Quarry in Keperra Unveils ClubQ: A $5 Million Oasis for Residents

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.

Published 8-May-2025

Ferny Grove Line Commuters To Get Eight New Peak-hour Train Services

Photo Credit: Marcus Ireland/Pexels

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.

More Peak-Hour Services Starting Mid-May

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Published 7-May-2025

Keperra Businesses: Don’t Miss the Social Media Masterclass this June

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.

Read: Local Schools and Clubs Invited to Apply for Ellendale Community Grants

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.

Other masterclass dates and venues:

Tuesday 17 June – Eight Mile Plains
Tuesday 24 June – Carina
Thursday 26 June – Nundah

Read: Tony Cooper’s Journey: From The Gap to a Legacy of Colour and Healing

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.

Published 7-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Chaprowe Rd, The Gap

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

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

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

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
113 Chaprowe Rd, The Gap	$345,000	Sep 1996
28 Chaprowe Rd, The Gap	$58,000	Nov 1986
64 Chaprowe Rd, The Gap	$83,000	Jun 1982

THE GAP SUBURB PROFILE

Bedrooms	Type	Median Price 2025	Median Price 2021	Typical Increase
3	House	$1,100,000	$705,000	$395,000
4	House	$1,406,000	$830,000	$576,000
5	House	$1,593,000	$1,098,000	$495,000

If you know Chaprowe Rd, The Gap well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Local Schools and Clubs Invited to Apply for Ellendale Community Grants

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.

Read: Upper Kedron-Mt Nebo Road Connection Gains Momentum

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.

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.

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.

Read: Tony Cooper’s Journey: From The Gap to a Legacy of Colour and Healing

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.

Published 29-April-2025

Keperra’s Quarry hits 100th home sale as growth continues

Photo Credit: The Quarry/Facebook

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.

Upcoming land release

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.

Published 10-April-2025