Ferny Grove Archives - The Gap Today

Keppera Swimmer Jade Gregory Takes on 60km Swim for Laps for Life

Jade Gregory, a 12-year-old competitive swimmer who grew up in Keperra and now attends Ferny Grove State High School, is spending every day this March in the pool, aiming to complete 60 kilometres of laps to raise $4,000 for youth mental health through the Laps for Life fundraiser, picking up where she left off two years ago as one of the campaign’s standout young achievers.

For Jade, this is not a new commitment. At ten years old, while still a student at Ferny Hills State School, she completed 35 kilometres across March 2024 and raised more than $3,600 for ReachOut Australia, finishing 48th among more than 10,000 swimmers nationally. That result placed her among the top 50 fundraisers in the entire country, at an age when most kids are still deciding what sport to take seriously.

Jade graduated Year 6 from Ferny Hills State School in December 2025 and now attends Ferny Grove State High School. She returns to Laps for Life in 2026 with a bigger goal, a longer distance, and the same conviction that drove her into the pool in the first place.

A Swimmer Who Has Always Known Why She’s in the Water

Jade has been swimming at Ferny Hills Pool since she was two years old, and now trains with a squad. That background of more than a decade in the water gives her 60-kilometre March target genuine credibility. In her first Laps for Life campaign, she pushed well beyond her original distance goal, at one point completing 50 laps of the 50-metre pool in a single session on her second-last day.

That 2024 campaign came with a test of motivation that many adults would have struggled to match. Jade acknowledged that fundraising felt difficult at the start but that knowing she was helping people and building awareness kept her going throughout. Her dad, she said, was her biggest cheerleader. Her final tally reached 700 laps, a figure remarkable at any age.

That combination of endurance, purpose and resolve carries directly into 2026. Her goal this March is straightforward: she is swimming because too many young lives are lost to suicide, and every lap she completes is one more contribution toward making sure there is always a safe place for young people to turn when life feels overwhelming.

Jade Gregory — *Photo Credit: Laps for Life*

Why the Cause Keeps Calling Her Back

The issue Jade swims for does not get smaller between campaigns. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in Australia, and approximately 75 per cent of mental health problems occur before the age of 25. For a 12-year-old starting high school, that statistic is not abstract. It describes her own cohort, her own classmates, and the years ahead.

More than one in three young Australians are experiencing mental health difficulties, yet over a million are not getting the support they need. That gap between need and access is what ReachOut Australia exists to close. ReachOut operates entirely online, anonymously and without cost, providing young people with peer support, resources, tools and pathways to professional help that they can access on their own terms, at any time.

That model matters most for young people not yet ready to walk into a clinic or pick up a phone, and it is precisely what Jade’s fundraising directly supports.

A Growing Challenge With Growing Support

Jade set a personal fundraising target of $4,000 for 2026, with donations already flowing in from family, classmates and community supporters, including a matched giving programme through the PNI Foundation and Antipodes Partners that doubles every dollar raised. Her swim distance target of 60 kilometres is nearly double her 2024 effort, reflecting both her physical development and her deepening commitment to the campaign.

Laps for Life runs across the entire month of March, welcoming participants of any age and swimming ability. In 2024, more than 10,500 Australians took part, collectively swimming 98,828 kilometres and raising $3.4 million for ReachOut’s programmes. For Jade, the number that matters most is not her rank on the leaderboard but the number of young people her total helps reach.

She has also spoken openly about bigger swimming dreams, including the Olympics. The discipline she builds through campaigns like this one runs alongside those ambitions rather than against them.

How to Support Jade and the Broader Campaign

Donations to Jade Gregory’s 2026 Laps for Life page go directly to ReachOut Australia and can be made here. Every donation is matched through the PNI Foundation and Antipodes Partners programme. Community members and local schools wanting to run their own swim challenge in March can register at lapsforlife.com.au.

For young people seeking support, ReachOut provides free, anonymous and 100 per cent online services at au.reachout.com. Beyond Blue is available 24 hours a day on 1300 22 4636. Anyone in crisis can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Published 2-March-2026.

Queensland Police Service Honours 35 Years of Dedication

QPS

More than 25 Queensland Police Service officers and staff members have been recognised for remarkable courage, service and professionalism at the QPS Award Ceremony, including Ferny Grove officer Sergeant Darren Thomson who received a 35 Year Clasp.

The ceremony, held in Brisbane, honoured recipients with Queensland Police Service Medals, Clasps and Commissioner’s Certificates for exceptional contributions beyond their normal course of duties. Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says the recipients embody the Queensland Police Service values of integrity, respect and courage, setting a standard of excellence for the organisation.

The awards recognised diverse achievements including displays of intelligence, resourcefulness and dedication while on duty, assistance during critical incidents, and contributions to Queensland Police Service initiatives. Civilians and external groups who assisted police operations also received recognition at the ceremony.

The 35 Year Clasp honours officers who have maintained continuous service to the Queensland Police Service since the late 1980s, spanning significant changes in policing methods, technology and community expectations over more than three decades.

Ferny Grove’s Darren Thomson Honoured

Among the recipients, Sergeant Darren Thomson was recognised for 35 years of service across multiple Brisbane and regional Queensland stations. Thomson currently works at the Weapons Licensing Group but has served as a general duties officer at Ferny Grove, Fortitude Valley, Kingaroy, Brisbane City and Petrie throughout his career.

While stationed at Ferny Grove, Sergeant Thomson performed higher duties as an Acting Senior Sergeant, managing local operations across the Brisbane West district including The Gap, Indooroopilly, Arana Hills and surrounding suburbs. He led various crime prevention initiatives, neighbourhood watch programs, and community engagement activities.

The Ferny Grove station area covers diverse communities ranging from established residential suburbs to semi-rural areas in the western ranges, requiring officers to manage everything from suburban property crime to rural road safety issues. Thomson’s regional posting to Kingaroy provided experience in rural policing, while his city assignments at Fortitude Valley and Brisbane City exposed him to urban policing challenges.

Thomson’s current role at Weapons Licensing Group involves administration and regulation of firearms and weapons permits across Queensland, including processing licence applications, conducting background checks, and managing compliance activities. The transition from station-based general duties to specialist licensing demonstrates the diverse career pathways available within the Queensland Police Service.

Officers reaching 35 years of service have typically experienced multiple organisational changes, technological advancements and shifts in community expectations of policing. Long-serving officers like Thomson contribute institutional knowledge and experience that benefits younger officers joining the service.

Ferny Grove and The Gap Community Context

Ferny Grove and The Gap form part of Brisbane’s north-western suburbs, characterised by established residential areas, bushland reserves, and proximity to the D’Aguilar Range. Local policing priorities typically include property crime prevention, traffic safety on winding range roads, bushfire preparedness, and maintaining community connections through neighbourhood watch programs.

Officers who have served at Ferny Grove develop familiarity with local geography and community networks that proves valuable in responding effectively to incidents and building trust with residents. The recognition of Thomson’s long service provides an opportunity for Ferny Grove and The Gap residents to acknowledge the contribution of officers who have worked in their community throughout their policing careers.

Published 07-February-2026.

Tram Pulling Contest Returns to Ferny Grove

Photo Credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook

The Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove will host a family-friendly event featuring tram rides and a tram pulling contest.

Tram Rides and Contest Mark Anniversary

On Sunday, 28 September, the Brisbane Tramway Museum will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Paddington Tram Depot fire with a special event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 50 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove.

Visitors will have access to unlimited rides on up to seven restored trams, with vehicles dating between 1901 and 1964. The program will also feature a tram pulling contest, where local gym teams will compete to move a horse tram along a 50-metre track against the clock.

Preserving Brisbane’s Tram History

The Brisbane Tramway Museum Society, established in 1968, opened the Ferny Grove site in 1980. The museum holds more than 20 trams that once operated on Brisbane’s tram network, along with two single-deck trolley-buses. Other exhibits include depot buildings from Ipswich Road, a substation with equipment from former Brisbane substations, a signal cabin, historic tickets, uniforms, and photographs.

The museum also operates demonstration tram rides each Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, with carriages still equipped with original bells and period advertising.

Food and Facilities for Families

Alongside the rides and contest, food and drinks will be available, including a sausage sizzle, coffee wagon, donuts, ice cream and cold beverages. Free venue parking will also be provided.

Ticket Information

Entry costs $20 per adult, $10 per child, $15 concession, and $50 for a family of four. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., with refunds available up to seven days before the event.

tram pulling contest — Photo Credit: Brisbane Tramway Museum/Facebook

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Looking Forward

The event at Ferny Grove offers visitors an opportunity to explore Brisbane’s tramway history, enjoy unlimited rides, and experience a unique tram pulling contest marking a significant anniversary.

Published 22-Sep-2025

The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron Clubs Score Ellendale Community Funding

A netball club, a decades-old dance sport group, and several community organisations in The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron have secured various grants through the Ellendale Community Grants, with projects ranging from resurfaced courts to school soccer goals all set to benefit.

Investing in Young Athletes

Phoenix Netball Club President Thom Contreras said the $3,500 grant will go toward resurfacing three well-used courts that have taken a beating from weather and heavy use since they opened in 2017. He explained the facilities cater for 285 players across 32 teams, training and competing up to five days a week, and resurfacing is vital to maintain safety and keep the courts in use during the coming season break.

“Over half of our members live at Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron, and we have a number who live at Ellendale,” he said. “We’re really grateful Cedar Woods supports not just our club, but other groups across the area.”

Celebrating a Growing Dance Sport

Everton Physical Culture Club, celebrating its 40-year anniversary, received $1,000 to improve its promotion at events and competitions. Associate Teacher Peta Tyquin said Physie is an accessible and affordable sport spanning children as young as three through to women in their seventies. She added the grant would help the club present professionally at national events while keeping classes affordable for its 80 members.

“We’re excited to have this injection of funds to help us continue providing for our community,” she said.

John Kibble, Mia Denning, Georgia Naggs, Elanor Lippett, Claudia Carter, Keirra Ryder, Peta Tyquin. Photo Credit: Supplied

Backing Families and Schools

Other groups to receive funding included Mitchelton Youth Club, which gained $1,500 to add safe seating to its lobby, and Samford Play Group, which will use $1,500 to repair unsafe play equipment. St Andrews P&C in Ferny Grove secured $1,500 for new aluminium soccer goals for students, while St John’s Wood The Gap Conference received $1,000 to help families purchase school supplies and cover the cost of camps.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cedar Woods for its ongoing support through the Ellendale Community Grants Program,” Aimee Riedel from St Andrew P&C said.

“This grant will allow us to purchase durable aluminium soccer goals, a much-needed addition to support the highly popular sport during lunch breaks. For many students living in the Ellendale community, this investment encourages physical activity, teamwork and a sense of connection, both at school and within the wider local community. Initiatives like this truly make a difference in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children.”

Ellendale’s Ongoing Contribution

Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said this year’s round of grants brings the total contribution from the Ellendale initiative to $95,000, shared amongst more than 60 groups since 2017.

“With 590 families living at Ellendale we are proud to support these valuable initiatives, and this year’s recipients all share a common mission to improve the lives of young people in the community,” he said.

Awardee

Suburb(s)

Grant Amount

Purpose

Phoenix Netball Club

Ferny Grove / Upper Kedron

$3,500

Resurfacing three playing courts used by 285 players.

Everton Physical Culture Club

Everton Hills

$1,000

Marketing and promotional material for Physie’s 40th anniversary.

Mitchelton Youth Club

Mitchelton

$1,500

Seats and benches for renovated lobby area.

Samford Play Group

Samford

$1,500

Refurbishing unsafe and damaged play forts.

St Andrews P&C

Ferny Grove

$1,500

Purchase of aluminium soccer goals for students.

St John’s Wood The Gap Conference

The Gap

$1,000

Support for families in need (school supplies, camp costs).

Published 27-Aug-2025

State Championship Silver for Ferny Grove Year 10 Volleyball Team

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove SHS/Facebook

Ferny Grove State High School’s Year 10 Boys Volleyball Team has earned silver at the Queensland Junior State Championship on the Gold Coast.

Silver Medal Finish

In June 2025, Ferny Grove State High School’s Year 10 Boys Volleyball Team competed at the Queensland Junior State Championship on the Gold Coast, finishing second overall.

The team progressed through a challenging draw, demonstrating skill, coordination, determination and teamwork against some of Queensland’s strongest junior volleyball sides. This achievement was the result of extensive preparation, training sessions and commitment from both players and coaching staff.

Sporting Program and Background

The achievement adds to Ferny Grove’s strong sporting tradition, which places emphasis on participation, skill development and sportsmanship. Volleyball is one of several sports offered by the school, alongside Australian Rules Football, basketball, cricket, cross country, netball, rugby league, soccer, swimming, touch football and athletics.

Ferny Grove students compete in district, regional, state and national events, with past students going on to represent Australia in sports including track and field and rugby league, as well as competing in top domestic leagues such as the AFL and Sheffield Shield.

Ferny Grove Volleyball — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Community Recognition

Parents, staff and supporters praised the team’s sportsmanship, encouragement of each other and respectful conduct towards officials and competitors. The performance was also recognised as a reflection of the school’s “Always Aim High” ethos, where preparation, effort and teamwork are valued alongside results. Many in the community viewed the result as a positive example for younger athletes at the school.

School Approach to Sport

Ferny Grove encourages all students to participate in sport, with opportunities provided for all ability levels. The school’s sporting program highlights the importance of enjoyment, personal growth and collaboration, aiming to complement academic achievement with physical and social development.

Published 13-Aug-2025

Falcons Push for Field Repairs Amid Drainage Issues in Ferny Grove

Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Falcons/Instagram

A call has gone out for urgent upgrades to the home ground of the Ferny Grove Falcons, as ongoing drainage problems continue to disrupt AFL activities at the local AFL club.

Longstanding Drainage Problems Impact Club Operations

Drainage issues at the Ferny Grove Falcons’ home ground have persisted throughout 2025, with waterlogging frequently rendering the fields unplayable. In March, heavy rain led to cancellations of juniors training, AusKick, SuperKick, and multiple senior sessions. The club had to redirect players to alternative venues, relying on coaches to manage rescheduling.

Despite past efforts to manage the situation internally, the problem has continued through the year, affecting training consistency and match scheduling for juniors, seniors, and masters competitions.

Ongoing Challenges and Limited Progress

By July 2025, the club had entered discussions with AFL Queensland and local representatives, with volunteers like Vik contributing manual labour to maintain basic field conditions. However, no formal resolution had been reached. Drainage infrastructure remains inadequate, and wet weather continues to cause repeated disruptions to the fixture.

The issue has affected not only home teams but also visiting clubs, with multiple age divisions impacted during peak participation periods. The increased number of teams, particularly in women’s and girls’ divisions, has placed further strain on available space and scheduling.

Petition Demands Action for Ferny Grove Fields

In response to the stalemate, the club launched a petition in late July 2025 seeking immediate action. The petition calls for either comprehensive drainage upgrades or access to alternate facilities suitable for the growing AFL program. It has been directed to local and state authorities, along with sporting bodies.

Recent support from residents and members of the wider South East Queensland sporting community has driven signatures into the hundreds. Community members have highlighted safety concerns and the broader impact on youth participation, game development, and weekend family engagement.

Ferny Grove AFL fields — Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Falcons/Instagram

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Next Steps for Ferny Grove Falcons

As of August 2025, the issue has received local media attention. The Falcons continue to monitor field conditions and update players through social media and team platforms. The club remains committed to restoring home ground access for all divisions and is maintaining communication with relevant stakeholders while awaiting formal intervention.

Published 4-Aug-2025

Footage Released as Ferny Grove Manhunt Continues After Alleged Assault

Police have released new footage as they search for a man accused of assaulting a young woman while she was out walking her dog in Ferny Grove.

The 23-year-old woman was walking along Hogarth Road in Ferny Grove when a man began talking to her before allegedly indecently assaulting her and fleeing on foot. The incident happened between 3:30 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. on June 19. Officers believe the man ran through nearby streets, including Beech Street, and may have been seen by locals.

Who Police Are Looking For

Detectives from the Inner West Child Protection and Investigation Unit have described the suspect as a Caucasian man in his early twenties with brown hair. He was last seen wearing black shorts and a maroon football shirt. The footage released shows a man walking down a road in the area around the time of the incident.

Police are urging anyone who recognises the man in the footage or has dashcam footage from Hogarth Road and intersecting streets, such as Beech Street, to come forward. They say even a small clue could help them find the suspect and bring reassurance to the Ferny Grove community.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives are reviewing the footage and continuing to speak with witnesses. They are reminding Ferny Grove residents to stay aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity as the search continues.

Published 4-July-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

Upper Kedron-Mt Nebo Road Connection Gains Momentum

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The road connection between The Gap and Upper Kedron has taken a significant step forward after the Deputy Premier directed State departments to engage with BCC on modifying the Ferny Grove–Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan. The decision follows strong community advocacy, including a petition with approximately 1,400 signatures.

For over a decade, residents of Upper Kedron and Ferny Grove have called for a vehicular connection to Mt Nebo Road, seeking improved accessibility and alternative transport routes.

The initial 2014 development application (DA A003905687) for the Ellendale estate proposed two road connections to Mt Nebo Road. However, after community opposition—primarily from residents in The Gap, Ashgrove, and Bardon—BCC limited the corridor to emergency vehicles and active transport (pedestrians and cyclists).

Despite 79 public submissions opposing restricted access, the 2018 Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron Neighbourhood Plan retained the emergency-only classification. The State upheld the restriction, stating that BCC was responsible for seeking amendments.

The Gap road — *Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Upper Kedron (FGUK) Residents Association*

Recent Developments

In response to community advocacy and a petition signed by around 1,400 residents, the Deputy Premier has now instructed the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, and Planning to collaborate with BCC on changes to the neighbourhood plan. This directive aligns with the city officials’ commitment to removing obstacles for the road’s consideration.

While this does not guarantee immediate construction, it is a crucial step towards securing approval for a general traffic connection.

Challenges and Considerations

BCC’s original opposition to a public road was based on traffic modelling, which suggested low usage compared to the cost of construction and maintenance. Additionally, some residents of The Gap and Ashgrove have raised concerns about increased traffic flow.

Advocates argue that:

The current road network forces all traffic onto Samford Road, creating inefficiencies.
A new road would improve emergency access, particularly during landslides and bushfire events.
Environmental benefits include reduced emissions by shortening travel distances to Enoggera Dam, Walkabout Creek, and The Gap Park ‘n’ Ride.

Potential mitigation strategies include reducing speed limits on the 2km section of Mt Nebo Road to 60 km/h.

Community Reactions: Mixed Views on the Road Connection

The Ferny Grove Upper Kedron (FGUK) Residents Association, which led the petition effort, maintains that a majority of Upper Kedron and Ferny Grove residents support a full traffic connection.

The proposal to connect Upper Kedron to Mt Nebo Road has sparked strong opinions among residents, with discussions unfolding across social media. Many supporters see the recent State directive as a positive step towards better connectivity, viewing it as a long-overdue improvement. Some believe that Upper Kedron and Ferny Grove residents should have greater access to surrounding suburbs, especially as past development plans indicated a road connection was always a possibility. Others argue that infrastructure should evolve with changing community needs rather than remain fixed to the conditions at the time of purchase.

However, opposition remains. Some residents feel that those who moved into Upper Kedron did so knowing there was no connection to Mt Nebo Road, questioning why there is now a push to change that. Concerns about traffic safety and increased accidents on Mt Nebo Road have also been raised, suggesting that a bus service would be a better alternative to a full road connection. Supporters argue that traffic concerns may be overstated, while opponents stress safety risks. Others propose mitigation measures, such as lowering the speed limit on the relevant stretch of Mt Nebo Road.

Upper Kedron road — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Discussions continue, with a clear divide between those advocating for improved accessibility and those concerned about the potential consequences of opening the road to general traffic.

What Happens Next?

While the State’s directive to engage with BCC is a significant milestone, key steps remain:

BCC must initiate amendments to the Brisbane City Plan.
A feasibility assessment will determine construction viability.
Ongoing public consultation will likely shape final decisions.

Residents can learn more at the FGUK Residents Association AGM on 23 February at 2 p.m. at Upper Kedron Hall.

Published 5-Feb-2025

Local Sports Clubs Score Major Funding Boost

Photo Credit: CrStevenToomey

Local sporting clubs playing at The Gap, Keperra, and Ferny Grove are set to receive a significant funding boost.

The sites, which include Corramulling Park, Grovely Sports Ground, Wittonga Park, Keperra Picnic Ground Park, Oxford Grove Park, and Walton Bridge Reserve, have been selected to benefit from Brisbane’s 2024-2025 Sport Field Improvement Programme.

Westside Grovely Football Club (Grovely Sports Ground, 32 Hanran St, Keperra)

*Photo Credit:* *Westside Grovely Football Club*

Westside Grovely Football Club is an Australian soccer club based in Grovely, Queensland, with a rich history dating back to 1964. The club offers football opportunities for players of all ages, from Miniroos to Masters, fostering a strong sense of community and passion for the sport.

Arana Leagues (Oxford Grove Park, 247 Dawson Parade, Keperra)

Arana Leagues is a popular sports club in Australia, known for its modern facilities, diverse range of activities, and vibrant community atmosphere. It offers a variety of sporting opportunities, social events, and dining options for people of all ages.

The Gap Football Club (Walton Bridge Reserve, 941 Waterworks Rd, The Gap)

The Gap Football Club is an Australian soccer club based in Brisbane, founded in 1955. It competes in the Football Queensland Premier League Metro 4 and is known for its distinctive gold and purple colours.

The funding will upgrade various sports facilities, including playing fields, clubrooms, and amenities. This investment is expected to improve local athletes’ and residents’ overall sporting experience.

The community has welcomed the council’s decision to allocate funds to these local clubs.

It is a positive step towards promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Published Date 25-November-2024