Enoggera Archives - The Gap Today

Stan the Ram’s Legacy Lives On at Enoggera This ANZAC Day

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.

Stan the Ram fleece — *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.

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.

An Enduring Presence at Enoggera

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.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Soldiers Train with New F9 Pistols at Enoggera Base

Photo Credit: 7th Brigade - Australian Army/ Facebook

Soldiers at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera are now armed with the new F9 pistols, which bring modern firepower to the base.

The Australian Defence Force has started giving out the new F9 pistols to troops at the 7th Brigade in Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, replacing the older Browning Mk3. The new pistol, known commercially as the SIG P320 X-Carry pro, is a 9mm sidearm designed to be light and hold many bullets.

Soldiers have been learning how to use the new pistols at the base’s weapons training area, including how to put them together and take them apart.

The Defence Force says the F9 pistol is a reliable and good option for soldiers needing to defend themselves. It is part of a bigger plan called Project LAND 300, which aims to give soldiers better weapons for close combat.

This plan will bring new pistols, sniper rifles, fighting knives, and small rifles between late 2024 and mid 2027. The F9 pistols are given out with reflex sights and white light illuminators attached. The change to the F9 pistols will continue through 2025.

Soldiers at Gallipoli Barracks have been spending time at the shooting range, getting used to the new F9 pistols. The NIOA Group gave the pistols to the 7th Brigade earlier this year. The Defence Force has said that choosing the 7th Brigade as the first to get the new pistols shows the importance of giving soldiers the best tools for their work.

Published Date 26-March-2025

Think Twice: Enoggera Driver Charged After Ignoring Floodwater Warning Signs

When floodwaters rise, common sense should prevail—but recent events in Brisbane show that some motorists are still taking unnecessary risks. In one case, an Enoggera woman found herself facing legal consequences after allegedly driving into floodwaters on a closed road, causing her car to float away. Queensland Police are now urging residents to avoid dangerous decisions that put lives at risk.

Ignoring Road Closures Can Land You in Court

On 10 March, a 58-year-old woman from Enoggera approached a closed section of Newmarket Road in Stafford. At first, she turned away—but then she made a U-turn and drove straight into the floodwaters. Her car quickly became submerged and was later found floating unattended. Fortunately, she managed to escape, but she now faces a charge of driving without due care and attention. She is set to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 14 April.

More Drivers, More Rescues, More Risks

She wasn’t the only driver making dangerous choices. On 9 March, a 61-year-old Murarrie woman needed rescuing after her car got stuck in floodwaters on Wynnum Road in Cannon Hill. Later that day, police helped tow another vehicle out of floodwaters in Tingalpa after a 59-year-old Cannon Hill man attempted to drive through deep water.

The following day, an 84-year-old man drove past a road-closed sign in Oxley and found himself trapped in a partially submerged vehicle. Police officers, who had been deployed from Cairns for disaster response, assisted in getting him to safety and ensuring he got home unharmed.

Why Driving Through Floodwaters Is Never Worth It

Brisbane Disaster District Coordinator, Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman, has made it clear: driving into floodwaters is reckless, even if the water seems shallow. Vehicles can lose traction in as little as 15 centimetres of water, making it impossible to maintain control.

Police warn that while no injuries occurred in these cases, the outcome could have been far worse. Ignoring road closures not only endangers the driver but also puts emergency responders at risk.

Authorities are urging residents to take safety seriously, follow road closure signs, and never assume they can outdrive floodwaters.

Stay Safe and Let Emergency Crews Do Their Job

As of press time, crews are still working to remove debris, fallen trees, and other hazards left by the heavy rains. Many traffic signals remain out of service, and motorists are advised to drive cautiously, giving way where necessary.

For life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000). For storm damage or non-urgent assistance, contact the State Emergency Service (SES) at 132 500. And most importantly—if it’s flooded, forget it.

Published 11-March-2025

Enoggera Student Among 2024 Charlie Bell Scholarship Recipients

Photo Credit: RMHC SEQ/Facebook

Enoggera student Ella Schwarz has been named a recipient of the 2024 Charlie Bell Scholarship, awarded by Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland (RMHC SEQ). The scholarship, valued at $5,000, supports young Australians whose education has been impacted by serious illness or injury and helps them pursue tertiary studies.

2024 Charlie Bell Scholarship Recipients — *Photo Credit: RMHC SEQ/Facebook*

Supporting Education Despite Challenges

The Charlie Bell Scholarship is named in honour of the late McDonald’s Global CEO Charlie Bell. It is awarded annually to young individuals who have faced significant medical challenges yet remain committed to their education. The program assists recipients with university fees, apprenticeship tools, study materials, and other educational costs.

Ms Schwarz, diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, has faced ongoing medical hurdles. Despite this, she has excelled academically. She has secured an early offer to study a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and a Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Ms Shwarz shared that her personal journey taught her the importance of resilience. She also learned the value of giving back to the community, which inspired her to make a positive difference. Thanks to RMHC SEQ, the Charlie Bell Scholarship will allow her to work toward achieving her aspirations.

Recognising Inspirational Young Australians

The scholarship also recognised two other young women: Maryam Moradi of Drewvale, who has Goldenhar Syndrome and aspires to become a doctor, and Erin Formann of Carina, who lives with Tuberous Sclerosis and plans to pursue nursing. The three recipients were celebrated at the Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane rooftop event. They are joined by their families, RMHC SEQ staff, and volunteers.

Emma Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of RMHC SEQ, praised the recipients for their determination. Ms Thompson stated that despite their challenges, these young women are inspirational. They showed that no matter what, anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to.

A Legacy of Support for Students

The Charlie Bell Scholarship continues to provide critical financial assistance to young Australians affected by illness, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their education.

Those interested in applying can visit the Charlie Bell Scholarships website.

Published 14-Feb-2025

When Enoggera Witnessed the Execution of a Circus Giant

Photo Credit: André Freitas/Unsplash

In July 1923, Enoggera became the site of one of the most extraordinary spectacles in local history: the dramatic execution of a circus elephant named Cardie, who had attacked his trainer during a performance, shocking the community.

Cardie’s Rise and Fall

Cardie was no ordinary elephant. A towering presence at Wirth’s Circus, he was the pride of the troupe, known for his jaw-dropping strength and impressive tricks. Over his 25 years with the circus, Cardie had grown from a young, five-year-old elephant into a veteran performer, capable of pulling railway carriages and hauling loads of over 35 tons. His feats amazed audiences across Australia.

But with age came unpredictability. In the days leading up to the tragedy, Cardie’s behaviour became erratic.

On a fateful Friday night in Brisbane, during a performance under the big top, he lashed out at his trainer, Mr Cooke, injuring him. The incident left the circus management shaken. George Wirth, the circus owner, lay awake that night, agonising over what to do. By morning, a grim decision had been made: Cardie would have to be destroyed.

Wirth Circus parade in Brisbane in the 1920s
Photo Credit: University of Queensland

A Procession Like No Other

What followed was a sight unlike anything Brisbane had ever seen. Early on Sunday morning, Cardie was led out of the city, crossing Victoria Bridge and ambling through the streets, accompanied by his keeper, Victor Lee. The destination: a secluded paddock near Kedron Brook in Enoggera.

As news of the plan spread, a crowd of curious onlookers began to gather, swelling to over a thousand by the time Cardie reached his final stop. Children and adults alike followed the procession, some out of concern, others out of fascination. For many, it was a rare chance to witness such a massive creature up close, even under tragic circumstances.

The Final Act

At the paddock, Cardie was secured to a tree with heavy chains. Two police officers, Constable Ben Hall and Constable James Egan, were assigned the unenviable task of carrying out the execution. Both men were experienced marksmen, and their orders were clear: ensure a swift and humane death.

At the signal of the circus manager’s whistle, Egan fired the first shot, hitting Cardie in the brain and causing him to collapse. Hall followed immediately, aiming for the heart. The elephant, who had entertained countless audiences, sank to the ground and lay still. To ensure no suffering, several additional shots were fired.

Mr Cardie’s keeper for eight years and the man who shared the closest bond with him, couldn’t bear to watch. Moments before the shots were fired, he walked away from the scene, heartbroken.

The execution of Cardie the Elephant in Enoggera — *Photo Credit: Queensland Police Museum*

A Grim Aftermath

The following day, Cardie’s massive body was taken to Alderley, where butchers began the long process of dissection. Witnesses described it as a gruesome scene, with the work taking hours to complete.

Post Mortem on Cardie — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Cardie’s remains, including his skeleton and skin, were donated to the Queensland Museum, where they were intended for educational display. Even in death, the elephant’s legacy would continue, offering insights into one of the largest creatures ever to perform in Australia.

Even nearly a century later, the events in Enoggera remain a fascinating chapter in local history, a reminder of the complex relationships humans have with the animals they tame and treasure.

Published 6-January-2025

Enoggera Dam Spill: Residents Advised to Prepare

Did you know that Enoggera Dam has been operating at a staggering 101 per cent capacity, prompting local authorities to issue flood warnings for residents? The elevated water level has also prompted the temporary suspension of paddle craft activities at the Enoggera Reservoir.

The immediate concern stems from the extraordinarily high tides experienced last week and the continuation of these unusual tide patterns over a period of several days. The highest tide of the entire year 2024 is anticipated to occur on 11 February. This unusual tide pattern is projected to peak at a height of 2.81 meters precisely at 11:09 AM AEST, according to tide data sourced from TideTime.org.

Maritime Safety Queensland has also listed the highest tide for Brisbane Bar in 2024, also occurring on February 11th, with a height of 2.77 meters at 10:45 AM.

This tide event is characteristic of a “king tide,” occurring when the Earth, moon, and sun align at perigee and perihelion, resulting in the highest spring tides, primarily during the summer months of December, January, and February.

Whilst the immediate concern revolves around water levels and tides, the public is advised to remain mindful of the prevailing weather conditions. Brisbane’s weather forecast indicates a pattern of warm and predominantly dry conditions, signalling the waning days of summer.

Enoggera Reservoir — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

During this period, daily temperatures are expected to fluctuate between daytime highs of approximately 29° to 30°C (84° to 86°F) and nighttime lows around 22° to 24°C (73° to 75°F). These conditions suggest generally warm weather with occasional temperature variations.

Though specific rainfall predictions for the upcoming days are not explicitly provided in the sources, historical trends for February in Brisbane suggest the likelihood of some rainy days. On average, Brisbane typically experiences three to eight days of rainfall during this month.

Consequently, residents should remain prepared for intermittent showers, despite the prevailing warm weather. For residents familiar with flood-prone regions, there is a proactive measure available: free sandbags can be collected round the clock at various SES depots in Darra, Lota, Morningside, Newmarket and Zillmere.

Published 18-Jan-2024

Enoggera Scout Achieves Coveted Baden-Powell Award

Dan Boyd of the Enoggera Scout Group received the esteemed Baden-Powell Scout Award, the highest honour in Australian Scouting.

The Baden-Powell Scout Award is a major milestone in the journey of a Rover Scouts journey.

As a Scout, one of Dan’s major achievements was his leadership role in organising a program that united 400 Brisbane youth who relied solely on public transport.

His dedication to community service was highlighted when he spent time at a community garden in Mitchelton, exemplifying the Scouting spirit of giving back.

Dan’s adventurous spirit was also put to the test during an intense four-day trek through Conandale National Park, where his outdoor skills were on display.

Remarkably, Dan won the award whilst also doing his master’s thesis on microplastic pollution at QUT and working full-time.

The Enoggera Scout Group is very proud of Dan’s achievements and eagerly awaits his next endeavour.

Dan Boyd’s remarkable journey to achieving the Baden-Powell Scout Award is a testament to the enduring values of Scouting. His story inspires the people of Enoggera to embrace dedication, perseverance and personal growth. Dan’s achievement is a shining example of the positive impact of Scouting and community service in today’s world.

Published 22-October-2023

Gallipoli Barracks Open Day, A Thanksgiving Event for the Brisbane Community

The barricades will be dismantled for the Gallipoli Barracks Open Day at Enoggera as the Army thanks the Brisbane community for their continued support for the past years.

This family event will be guaranteed an enjoyable time for the young and old as there will be rides, stalls, and food vendors catering to everyone. The event will also be supported by music from the Australian Army Band Brisbane, with real artillery.

The Gallipoli Barracks Open Day will run from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m on Sunday, July 31.

Brigadier Mick Say, the Commander of the 7th Brigade, said that the Brisbane community has an integral part of their support network amidst their various operations and exercises. This has enabled the servicemen to perform their roles to the best of their abilities in the country and overseas.

In recent crises like the bushfire, COVD-19, and flooding, personnel from the Gallipoli Barracks were deployed all over Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

The Gallipoli Barracks Open Day will also enable interested locals to gain insights into military service and potentially embark on a career with the Australian Army.

Gallipoli Baracks — Photo Credit: Gallipoli Barracks Open Day Event Brite

The event is free but tickets are required to ensure crowd control.

GET TICKETS

This is an alcohol-free event. As there is no parking available on the Barracks, the preferred method of travel is via train to Gaythorne Station.

Enoggera and Keperra Locals Have 2nd Highest Average Life Expectancy at 86

An Australian’s average life expectancy has been higher than ever before but where you live influences your life expectancy. A new study showed that locals in Enoggera and Keperra have the second-highest life expectancy in Brisbane at 86 years old.

But Enoggera and Keperra come second only to Centenary and Chermside, which has an average life expectancy of 87 years old, according to a study from the Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU) at Torrens University.

PHIDU Professor John Glover highlighted that residents in leafy suburbs across Australia are likely to have more birthdays than those who live in CBD because of factors like traffic accidents common among the youth, socioeconomic disadvantage, unemployment and housing.

Mr Glover said that a lot of homeless shelters and similar services are also concentrated in the CBD, where many deaths are reported every year.

Places with aged-care facilities, on the other hand, raise the average life expectancy of a suburb.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane suburb with the shortest average life expectancy is Springfield Lakes at 57 years old. Socio-economic data from the research, however, did not reveal any obvious discrepancies between the highest and the lowest life expectancy age, except that Springfield Lakes has had a high infant death rate from the period of 2014 to 2018.

Greater Brisbane Highest Median Age

SUBURB	AGE
Centenary and Chermside	87 years old
Enoggera/Keperra/Mitchelton	86 years old

Greater Brisbane Lowest Median Age

SUBURB	AGE
Springfield Lakes	57 years old
New Chum/Redbank Plains	63 years old
Bellbird Park/Brookwater/Springfield	64 years old

Platypus Population Has Disappeared in Enoggera, 4 Other Sites

Experts from the University of Queensland have discovered that five creeks and waterways in Brisbane, including Enoggera, no longer have any platypus or platypus DNA.

In the last five years, the researchers sampled 54 waterways in and around Brisbane to determine the presence of the semi-aquatic animal, where 36 areas had previously recorded sightings.

After repeated samplings and tests, the researchers determined that the platypus population has disappeared in Enoggera, Bremer River, Kedron Brook, Scrubby and Slacks Creeks.

Researcher Tamielle Brunt said that these creeks and waterways have become uninhabitable to the platypus. It used to be easy to detect their presence since they swim and defecate in the water, leaving their skin and hair cells in the water samples.

But as Enoggera has been drying up, Ms Brunt said that the platypus will need a more permanent water source for their food, their safety and their procreation.

The expert said that there are many factors that contribute to making the Brisbane waterways uninhabitable for the platypus, aside from the ongoing droughts. Ms Brunt cited that the cutting of native trees, soil erosion and increase in sedimentation, and the damming system have made natural pools of water shallower for these animals.

The researcher said that they are still gathering more data to mitigate the effects of urbanisation on these species. Her team is aiming to understand what else can be done to rehabilitate the waterways and creeks, as well as protect and keep tabs on the species that inhabit these sites.