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Local Community Mourns Restaurant Worker Killed in Bald Hills Crash

The local community is in mourning following a tragic crash on Gympie Arterial Road at Bald Hills that claimed the life of a beloved restaurant worker and left several of her colleagues seriously injured.

Read: Woman Dies, Ten Injured in Bald Hills Roadside Crash Involving Colleagues

The crash occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, when a Hyundai Imax and a Honda Odyssey, pulled over due to a flat tyre, were struck from behind by a Toyota Hiace van while stationary on the shoulder of the right lane.

bald hills crash — Photo credit: Queensland Police Service

Patcharrin (Patty) Tirasurwan, 31, a staff member at Kinn Thai restaurant in Westfield North Lakes, died at the scene. She had been travelling with her colleagues, who were also caught in the crash. According to police, ten people in total were taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Toyota Hiace, a 36-year-old man from Kallangur, has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and driving without a licence. He did not appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on April 17, and no application for bail was made. The case was adjourned to April 28.

In the days following the tragedy, Kinn Thai released a public statement expressing their grief and their commitment to supporting the victims and their families.

“Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this tragedy. The individuals involved were not just staff members, they were family to us. We are doing everything we can to support them and their loved ones, without waiting on the insurance processes.”

The restaurant confirmed it is coordinating the repatriation of Patty’s body to Thailand and will cover all related expenses, including funeral arrangements.

“For those who are injured, we are covering ongoing care and have been in regular contact with their families,” the statement continued.

Read: Road Congestion and Upgrade Delays Impact Bracken Ridge

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from customers, residents, and the broader hospitality community, with many leaving flowers, notes, and messages of support at the restaurant. Patty is being remembered as a kind, dedicated worker whose presence will be deeply missed.

Published 21-April-2025

Join the Community for Sandgate’s ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast

On Friday, April 25, the Sandgate RSL Sub Branch invites the community to partake in a cherished ANZAC Day tradition—the Gunfire Breakfast—followed by the solemn Dawn Service at Sandgate Memorial Park.

Read: Community Scouts in Bracken Ridge Invite Young Adventurers

The Gunfire Breakfast commences at 4:00 AM at the Sandgate RSL Sub Branch, located at 12 Burnett Place, Sandgate. This early morning gathering offers veterans, their families, and community members an opportunity to share in camaraderie and remembrance.

Attendees can expect a hearty meal accompanied by ‘gunfire’—a mix of rum and black tea or coffee—a nod to the British military practice of providing soldiers with a warming drink before battle.

At 5:00 AM, the Dawn Service will take place at the nearby Sandgate Memorial Park, situated at 8 Seymour Street. This poignant ceremony includes the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, and a minute’s silence, honoring the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand service members. The park’s cenotaph, unveiled in 1924, stands as a testament to the local soldiers who served in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

Following the ANZAC day service, refreshments and a free breakfast will be available to members and their families, providing a space for reflection and community connection.

For more information, please contact the Sandgate RSL Sub Branch at 07 3269 1135 or via email at administration@sandgate.rslqld.net.au.

The History of the Gunfire Breakfast

The Gunfire Breakfast is a time-honored tradition that traces its roots back to the British Army in the 1890s. Originally, ‘gunfire’ referred to a simple concoction of black tea laced with a splash of rum, served to soldiers by their officers before morning parades or impending battles. This practice was intended to provide warmth and a measure of courage to troops facing the hardships of war.

During World War I, this ritual was adopted by Australian and New Zealand forces, evolving into what is now known as the Gunfire Breakfast. Over time, the tradition expanded to include a hearty meal, often featuring items like bacon and eggs, alongside the customary rum-laced tea or coffee.

Read: The Best Parks in Bracken Ridge for Families, Fitness, and Fun

Today, the Gunfire Breakfast serves as a communal gathering, fostering camaraderie among veterans and civilians alike, and offering a moment of reflection on the sacrifices made by service members.

Participating in the Gunfire Breakfast is more than just a nod to history; it’s a meaningful act of remembrance and unity, honoring the enduring spirit of the ANZACs.

Featured image credit: RSL Queensland/rslqld.org

Published 16-April-2025

Road Congestion and Upgrade Delays Impact Bracken Ridge

Bracken Ridge is experiencing growing transport congestion due to stalled motorway upgrades and increased traffic flow along nearby major corridors.

Transport Strain Builds Around Bracken Ridge

Bracken Ridge has become increasingly affected by traffic congestion on surrounding arterial routes, with delays and incomplete roadworks placing additional pressure on local streets and commuter patterns.

Bracken Ridge road conditions — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Key Corridors Under Strain

The Gateway Motorway North, which runs adjacent to Bracken Ridge, recorded an average delay of 3.5 minutes during the afternoon peak in 2024. The $1-billion upgrade promised for this section between Deagon Deviation and Pine Rivers Bridge has been pending since 2019. With most of the work yet to begin, traffic continues to build along the corridor.

Bracken Ridge road congestion — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Nearby Sandgate Road, linking suburbs including Boondall, Geebung and Virginia, also recorded a 38.6% decline in afternoon peak speeds since 2019. This indirect pressure affects Bracken Ridge’s western access points through flow-on congestion.

Local Impact in Bracken Ridge

As traffic builds on the Gateway Motorway, drivers are increasingly diverting through local roads such as Bracken Ridge Road and Norris Road. This has affected school traffic, deliveries, and daily commuter movements within the suburb.

Bracken Ridge also faces indirect effects from congestion on nearby major routes like Gympie Road and the Bruce Highway, which are part of regional traffic arteries. RACQ’s 2024 Travel Speeds Report flagged Gympie Road (Kedron Park to Albany Creek Roads) as one of Brisbane’s slowest afternoon corridors, averaging just 24.8km/h.

Bracken Ridge traffic — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Infrastructure Upgrades in Progress

Several projects aim to relieve long-term traffic strain on the area. These include:

Gateway Motorway Upgrade (Bracken Ridge to Pine River): The project is set to expand the motorway from four to six lanes and upgrade the Bracken Ridge Road interchange. Procurement is underway.
Bruce Highway Upgrade (Gateway Motorway to Dohles Rocks Road): The project will enhance ramps and interchanges and construct new bridges, which are currently being planned.
Norris Road Upgrades: Pavement widening and improved access to local facilities completed with $5 million in federal funding.
Barbour and Norris Roads Intersection: Targeting congestion and safety. Early works began in 2021.
Hoyland Street Widening: The section between Kluver Street and Bracken Ridge Road was widened to four lanes, and the footpath and lighting were upgraded.

Bracken Ridge traffic congestion — *Photo Credit: QLD Gov*

Active Transport Paths Expanded

The Gateway Upgrade North project has included an off-road shared pedestrian and cycling path connecting Bracken Ridge to the Kedron Brook Bikeway. This path includes grade-separated crossings and aims to improve local mobility beyond cars.

Ongoing Pressure Without Resolution

Despite the upgrades, the RACQ has highlighted the risk of ongoing delays and congestion across South East Queensland without a cohesive long-term plan. Proposals include extending Brisbane Metro services and completing the outer motorway ring around Brisbane to reduce traffic funneling into the CBD.

Bracken Ridge remains directly affected by regional delays and the pending completion of major upgrades. Without further infrastructure delivery before the 2032 Olympic Games, congestion may worsen across the suburb and surrounding corridors.

Published 16-Apr-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Woman Dies, Ten Injured in Bald Hills Roadside Crash Involving Colleagues

A woman tragically died and ten of her colleagues were hospitalised after a van crashed into their two stationary vehicles during a roadside stop in Bald Hills.

The Crash

Bald Hills — *Photo Credit:* *Queensland Police/ Facebook*

The fatal incident occurred on the Gympie Arterial Road in Brisbane’s north around 9:40 pm on Sunday. According to police, two vehicles – a black Hyundai Imax van and a white Honda Odyssey – had pulled over into the shoulder of the right lane due to a mechanical problem with one of the cars. While stationary, a Toyota Hiace van travelling in the same direction crashed into the parked vehicles from behind.

The Victims

Patcharin Tirasuwan, a restaurant worker, was sadly killed at the scene. It is understood she was outside one of the vehicles, possibly changing a tyre, when the collision happened. Ten other people, all believed to be colleagues of Ms Tirasuwan from the Kinn Thai restaurant at Westfield North Lakes, were injured. All ten were transported to the hospital.

Three men initially suffered life-threatening injuries but have since been reported as being in stable condition. Seven other people – identified as four women and three men – were also taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Community and Family Response

The Kinn Thai restaurant at Westfield North Lakes closed following the accident, confirming staff members were involved. In a social media post, the restaurant described this as an incredibly painful time and expressed that their hearts go out to the staff and families affected.

They thanked the community for outpouring kind words, condolences, and support, stating that this compassion brought comfort during their grief. The restaurant will remain closed until further notice while they support their team.

A vigil for Ms Tirasuwan has been organised at the Wat Thai Buddharam centre in Forestdale. Her sister posted an emotional tribute online, expressing her heartbreak and saying the tragedy felt like a dream. She mentioned that the family was not yet in Australia and was waiting for Ms Tirasuwan’s workplace friends to help manage affairs.

The Royal Thai Honorary Consulate in Brisbane also expressed its deepest condolences to the family and sent strength to the injured, urging the Thai community to exercise increased caution on the roads, especially at night.

Police Investigation

Police investigations into the crash are ongoing. Inspector Gareth Bosley described the scene officers attended as “extremely confronting”. He noted that Forensic Crash Unit officers are working tirelessly to determine the cause of the crash and are supporting the next of kin. Police confirmed the driver of the Toyota Hiace van is assisting with their enquiries, and no charges have been laid at this stage.

Investigators are looking into various factors, including speed, as they piece together the events leading up to the collision. Police have spoken to most of the people involved. They stated that people were both inside and outside the stationary vehicles when the crash occurred. The incident serves as a sombre reminder during the Easter road safety period, with police urging all drivers to slow down, drive to the conditions, and exercise patience.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the Gympie Arterial Road around the time of the crash, particularly footage showing the stationary Hyundai van and Honda Odyssey before the collision.

Published Date 14-April-2025

Photo Credit: Queensland Police/ Facebook

Sandgate Art Society Offers Creative Hub for All

Sandgate’s vibrant art scene welcomes everyone, from first-time painters to seasoned artists, to join the Sandgate Art Society (SasArt), a group providing a supportive space for artistic exploration and community connection.

The society provides regular opportunities for artists to connect, learn, and showcase their work.

Regular Activities and Events

Sandgate Art Society — *Photo Credit:* *Sandgate Art*

The society holds weekly untutored studio sessions on Monday evenings, allowing members to share ideas and discuss their projects. Once a month, professional development workshops provide structured learning opportunities.

The group also organises “Plein Air” art days, where members paint outdoors and visit galleries to see other artists’ work. Additionally, they host pop-up art sales along the Sandgate foreshore, providing artists with a space to sell their work.

Annual Exhibitions and Community Engagement

SasArt organises two major annual events: the Sandgate Easter Art Show and the Sandgate Creative Trail, which takes place over two weekends in October. Members can display and sell their art at these events.

The society also participates in local community events and connects with other local art groups, including the Shorncliffe Pottery Club Inc, Artrageous, and the Redcliffe Art Society.

be a member

Membership Information

Membership fees are due by 30 June each year. New members joining after 30 April will extend their membership until June 30th of the following year. Those interested in joining are encouraged to express their interest through the SasArt website or attend a Monday night studio session.

Published Date 01-April-2025

School’s Out on the Green Returns for an Exciting Night of Music and Fun in Bracken Ridge

Bracken Ridge is set to come alive with the sounds of local talent as School’s Out on the Green makes its return next Friday, 4th April, outside the Bracken Ridge Library.

Read: Community Scouts in Bracken Ridge Invite Young Adventurers

From 5:00 PM to 9:00 pm, the event will offer an evening of music, food, and fun, celebrating the end of the school term in style. This year’s edition, themed “School’s Out on the Scene,” promises an immersive experience for attendees. Organisers have been hard at work preparing props and setting up the perfect atmosphere for a night to remember.

school's out on the green — Photo credit: @schoolsout_onthegreen/Instagram

Featuring live music, food trucks, and a photo booth, this event will provide entertainment for young people aged 12 to 25 – and best of all, it’s completely FREE to attend (no bookings required)!

The highlight of the night will be the talented local youth taking the stage, showcasing their musical skills and creativity. School’s Out on the Green has become a beloved platform for young artists to shine, fostering a supportive and lively environment for both performers and spectators.

Some of this year’s performers include Heatstroke, Fish N Chicks, Melophobia, Sons of Hades, Noise, Osmium, Dead Pedestrian, Rosa Quant, No Parking, On The Ropes, The Vandals, Dan Dell, Pine and Ash, Lewis Bullock, and The Gamble.

Whether you’re there to support a friend performing, grab a bite from one of the food trucks, or snap some fun pictures at the photo booth, School’s Out on the Green promises a fun-filled night for all.

Read: French Immersion Program Builds Global Skills in Bracken Ridge

So, mark your calendars for Friday, 4th April 2025, and head to Bracken Ridge Library for an unforgettable evening celebrating the end of term with music, creativity, and community spirit! Visit BCC’s website for more details.

Featured image credit: @schoolsout_onthegreen/Instagram

Published 1-April-2025

Community Scouts in Bracken Ridge Invite Young Adventurers

Who says five-year-olds can’t lead? In Bracken Ridge, young Scouts proved otherwise with a hands-on bush adventure through Kumbartcho Sanctuary.

Bracken Ridge Joey Scouts Take the Lead on Nature Adventure

In a refreshing role reversal, Bracken Ridge’s youngest Joey Scouts recently led their leaders and parents through Kumbartcho Sanctuary, showing that leadership can start as young as five.

*Photo Credit: Bracken Ridge Scouts/Facebook*

The adventure took place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, with six members of the Tuesday Joeys group, aged 5 to 7, taking charge of the visit. As part of their badge work, they helped plan the day and guided adults through the Fairy Garden and surrounding bush trails.

Hands-On Learning in the Outdoors

The Kumbartcho visit was more than a nature walk — it supported the Scouts’ learning goals around teamwork, confidence, and responsibility. Bracken Ridge Scouts shared that the Joeys actively contributed to the planning and took the lead during the excursion, helping them grow through real-world experiences in a safe and fun setting.

Space Still Available for Local Families

Bracken Ridge Scouts continues to welcome new members in the Tuesday Joeys group. Weekly one-hour sessions combine play and learning to support early development.

With over 50 years of community presence, Bracken Ridge Scouts offers programs for youth aged 5 to 25. Families interested in joining can visit brscouts.com for more information.

Published 31-March-2025

French Immersion Program Builds Global Skills in Bracken Ridge

A French Immersion Program at St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge is equipping students with advanced language skills while enhancing academic performance and cultural awareness.

Harmony Week Focuses on Language and Cultural Connection in Bracken Ridge

As Australia celebrates Harmony Week from 18 to 24 March, St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge is highlighting how language education can go beyond vocabulary and grammar to foster inclusivity and global citizenship.

The college’s French Immersion Program is at the centre of this initiative, offering students the chance to engage deeply with another culture while strengthening their academic capabilities.

A Shift From Traditional Language Learning

The program, available to selected Year 8 and 9 students, delivers Religion lessons entirely in French. Principal Britt Gurnett said the model, known as Content and Language Integrated Learning, is “anything but traditional” and helps students “think in another language”. This immersive strategy is recognised internationally for enabling natural language acquisition through real-world academic use.

Students continue standard French classes alongside immersion, reinforcing grammar and vocabulary while building fluency through subject-based application.

Research Supports the Immersion Approach

Principal Gurnett cited research showing that immersive language programs improve problem-solving, adaptability, and learning habits. The program’s success is reflected in student outcomes, with some achieving perfect subject scores.

Early language acquisition enables participants to commence Senior French in Year 10, with the option to complete Extension French in Year 12.

St John Fisher College is one of only four schools in Queensland to offer Year 12 French Extension.

French Immersion — *Photo Credit: St John Fisher College/Facebook*

Real-World Cultural Experiences

In September 2024, the program’s commitment to cultural learning was extended through a 12-day educational trip to Paris, involving 38 students and five staff.

The excursion reinforced classroom lessons with direct cultural engagement. The school also offers a French Immersion Choir, giving students another platform to practise language in a creative setting.

Promoting Global Citizenship in Bracken Ridge

The program’s broader aim is to build cultural competence and global awareness. Principal Gurnett said it’s “not just about learning French.” It’s learning about different cultures. She noted that skills such as communication, adaptability, and cultural appreciation are critical in today’s connected world.

While the program strengthens language skills, it also builds self-discipline, motivation, mental flexibility, and critical thinking. Students complete the same Religion curriculum and assessments as their peers—but entirely in French—enhancing both language development and academic resilience.

Published 28-Mar-2025

Photo Credit: Supplied

Free Green Waste Tipping Wraps Up at Bill Brown Sports Reserve

Bill Brown Sports Reserve was at the heart of Bridgeman Downs’ clean-up efforts, with free green waste tipping now finished following the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred.

Free Green Waste Tipping Ends at Bill Brown Sports Reserve After Massive Community Cleanup

More than 7,200 tonnes of green waste were dropped off at Bill Brown Sports Reserve and other Brisbane sites as part of the city’s post-cyclone recovery efforts. The free green waste tipping service, which played a crucial role in helping residents clear storm debris, officially ended on Sunday, 23 March 2025.

*Photo Credit: Cr Sandy Landers/Facebook*

The temporary drop-off point at Bill Brown Sports Reserve in Bridgeman Downs was one of the most used locations during the clean-up period following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Alongside sites at Graham Road and Telegraph Road, the reserve supported locals as they disposed of fallen branches, damaged plants, and other green waste caused by the storm’s aftermath.

Support After the Storm

Tropical Cyclone Alfred left a significant mark across Brisbane, causing widespread damage and power outages to nearly 57,000 homes. In response, Brisbane City Council activated several emergency measures to help affected communities, including temporary green and food waste tipping sites.

Councillor Sandy Landers shared updates on social media, confirming that the temporary green waste service made a meaningful difference in storm recovery efforts. Locals responded quickly, taking full advantage of the no-cost drop-offs to clean their properties and restore their gardens.

Temporary Food Waste Sites Also Closed

In addition to green waste services, the council set up about 200 food waste disposal sites across Brisbane to handle the surge of spoiled food caused by extended power loss. With electricity now fully restored, these temporary food waste sites have also been progressively shut down.

Brisbane residents are now encouraged to return to using regular council waste facilities, with standard tipping fees back in effect.

Published 28-March-2025

St John Fisher College Launches Lent Appeal to Support Samoa

Students at St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge are raising funds this Lent to support clean water access for Samoan students through Project Compassion.

Bracken Ridge students step up to support clean water for Samoa

In Bracken Ridge, students from St John Fisher College are raising funds this Lent to help provide clean drinking water for schoolchildren in Samoa. The Catholic girls’ secondary school is working with Caritas Australia as part of the annual Project Compassion campaign.

Lenten giving with global impact

Through the sale of symbolic “water drops” by the school’s Mercy Movement Team, students contribute small donations during first break in the library. Funds raised will support clean water projects in Samoan schools, aiming to improve health and access to education for local students.

*Photo Credit: St John Fisher College/Facebook*

One story highlighted by Caritas is that of Toefuataiga, a 16-year-old student in Samoa who used to walk long distances to fetch water for her family. Thanks to community-led water systems supported by Project Compassion, her school now has safe water on site—improving hygiene, class attendance, and quality of life.

Local values, global change

St John Fisher College, established in 1981 in Bracken Ridge, promotes a strong sense of community and social responsibility. With over 600 enrolled students, the school regularly takes part in justice-based projects that connect students with global causes.

This year’s Lent appeal is a chance for students to reflect on how everyday actions—even small donations—can lead to real change for others.

An education in service

Known for preparing students for a changing world, the College encourages ethical leadership alongside academic learning. The Project Compassion campaign blends classroom values with practical action, helping students build empathy and awareness as part of their everyday schooling.

Published 28-March-2025