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Swedish Game of Kubb Brings Locals to Brighton’s Decker Park

A quiet patch of lawn at Decker Park in Brighton will come alive with laughter, flying wooden batons and the sweet smell of cinnamon buns as locals gather for “Kubb and Fika in the Park,” a community event celebrating Swedish outdoor traditions. The event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, 18 May.

Event Details and What to Expect

The event will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, 18 May, at Decker Park on Twenty Fifth Avenue. Hosted by Nordic Events, a Brisbane-based group passionate about Scandinavian culture, the gathering aims to bring neighbours and families together over simple games and shared snacks.

*Photo Credit: nordic.events.qld/Instagram*

Kubb, the afternoon’s main game, is a mix of bowling and chess played with wooden blocks on grass. Rooted in Viking legend, it’s casual, inclusive and easy to learn, with guidance provided for first-timers.

Fika and the Swedish Picnic Culture

Alongside the games, guests can enjoy fika, the Swedish tradition of sharing coffee, cake and conversation. Picnic rugs and snacks are welcome, or attendees can pre-order Fika Boxes online, with sweet treats priced at $15 for small and $30 for large.

Organisers aim to keep the event relaxed and inclusive. Entry is free, and everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a local or just curious about Swedish culture.

Community Connection and Outdoor Fun

Nordic Events, founded by four Swedish friends in Brisbane, has brought Scandinavian traditions to local parks before, with past events like crayfish parties, Christmas markets and cultural workshops, all focused on inclusion and simplicity.

Nordic Events aims to build cultural connections, using traditions like Kubb and fika to bring people together. Events like Decker Park’s offer a chance to meet others, share stories and enjoy the outdoors with a playful twist.

Weather and Additional Information

While the event promises sunshine and relaxed fun, it’s still subject to the weather. Organisers note that the afternoon will be cancelled if rain makes conditions unsuitable, framed lightheartedly as the “Norse god Freyr misbehaving.”

get fika box

Full event information, RSVP details and Fika Box pre-orders are available at nordicevents.com.au.

Published 5-May-2025

Photo Credit: nordic.events.qld/Instagram

St Patrick’s Players to Watch as AIC First XV Rugby Kicks Off

The wait is over—AIC First XV rugby returns this Saturday, May 3, and the season opener between St Patrick’s College and St Peters Lutheran College is shaping up as a must-watch contest. Though the green-and-gold won’t have home ground advantage in round one, St Pat’s enter the 2025 campaign with a squad brimming with experience, power, and potential.

Read: Community Scouts in Bracken Ridge Invite Young Adventurers

The AIC competition—the largest private school sporting body in Queensland—has long been a proving ground for future stars. And if pre-season form is anything to go by, these players from Shorncliffe are set to shine.

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Ryan Smallhorne — Fullback / Outside Centre

Smallhorne is the livewire in St Pat’s backline. Whether fielding high balls or slicing through defences from the edge, the Redcliffe Dolphins league rep has all the tools to be a game-breaker. A returning First XV player, he offers leadership and composure from the back and will be central to St Pat’s fortunes in both attack and defence.

Denzel Savelino — Tighthead Prop

With a full season under his belt, Savelino is back—and better. The tighthead prop, known for his gridiron background, combines raw strength with surprising agility. A cornerstone of the forward pack, he brings the kind of physicality that can swing momentum in the tight exchanges. Watch for his scrummaging power and dominant carries.

Riley and Harrison Blake — Centre / Utility Forward

Riley, a Year 12 inside centre, showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 and now returns as a key playmaker. His younger brother Harrison, one of the standouts from the 10As last season, steps up to the senior level and could line up at centre or flanker. Both brothers have drawn praise for their discipline and drive through the pre-season, and their chemistry on the field could be a game-changer.

Read: Sandgate Art Society Offers Creative Hub for All

Expect the Unexpected

While much of the spotlight falls on established names, AIC rugby is no stranger to breakout performances—and both St Patrick’s and St Peters have a history of unveiling wildcard talents in round one. Whether it’s a quiet achiever stepping up or a new face bursting onto the scene, the opening weekend rarely disappoints.

Featured image credit: St Patrick’s College/Google Maps

Published 29-April-2025

International Guide Dog Day: Call for Fair Go for Guide Dog Handlers in Bald Hills

Guide Dogs Queensland is calling on rideshare and taxi companies in Bald Hills to take greater responsibility for their drivers and improve transparency, as part of a new campaign for International Guide Dog Day on 30 April.

Campaign Launched Ahead of International Guide Dog Day

In the lead-up to International Guide Dog Day on 30 April, Guide Dogs Queensland has launched a campaign urging rideshare and taxi companies servicing Bald Hills to strengthen enforcement measures and ensure fair treatment for Guide Dog Handlers.

The campaign, titled ‘It’s Time to Give Guide Dog Handlers a Fare Go’, highlights ongoing discrimination issues faced by people living with disability when accessing public transport options.

The organisation is calling for companies to take increased responsibility for driver conduct and provide greater transparency about how complaints are managed.

Ongoing Barriers Despite Legal Protections

A report commissioned by Guide Dogs Australia found that over one-third of Handlers have experienced cancelled rideshare or taxi trips in the past two years. Despite existing legislation making it unlawful to refuse service to a person accompanied by a Guide Dog, discrimination persists.

In Queensland, individual drivers can face fines of up to $3,096 for refusing access. However, community advocates argue that without visible enforcement, discrimination will continue to undermine the independence of people living with vision loss.

Experiences Highlight the Urgency for Reform

Brisbane resident Chris Littlewood, who relies on his Guide Dog Alyssa, has faced multiple instances of rideshare refusal. His experiences reflect wider findings, with 15 per cent of Guide Dog Handlers reporting ridicule or discrimination while using rideshare services.

Handlers rely on accessible transport for daily activities including shopping, medical appointments, and social outings, making access refusals not just inconvenient but severely disruptive.

Transparency and Accountability Demanded

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Jock Beveridge said the campaign aims to put pressure on companies to move beyond promises of better driver education and implement stronger complaint handling processes.

International Guide Dog Day — *Photo Credit: Guide Dogs*

According to Mr Beveridge, current practices—such as reimbursing fares or removing a driver from a user’s match list—do not address the systemic nature of the problem. Greater transparency around complaint investigations and penalties is necessary to build trust and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

Focus on Change in Bald Hills

Guide Dogs Queensland is encouraging rideshare and taxi companies operating in Bald Hills and beyond to improve driver accountability and uphold the rights of Guide Dog Handlers. The ‘Fare Go’ campaign marks an important step toward securing fairer transport access across Queensland for people with vision impairments.

Published 26-Apr-2025

Photo Credit: Guide Dogs

Street Spotlight: Borella Street, Sandgate

Borella Street in Sandgate stands as a proud testament to Australian military heroism, named in honour of one of Queensland’s most distinguished war heroes. This quiet residential street carries the legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice, embodying the enduring spirit of the Anzac tradition in suburban Brisbane.

With 75% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 19 years and 9 months, Borella Street demonstrates exceptional community stability and commitment. This dedication to the area is further reflected in the fact that 64% of residents have called Borella Street home for more than a decade. The street’s property history tells a remarkable story of growth, with homes that sold for $45,000 in 1984 representing the humble beginnings of what has become a sought-after bayside location.

Remembrance: Honouring Victoria Cross Recipient Albert Borella

Albert Borella (1881-1968) was a second lieutenant in the 26th Battalion who demonstrated extraordinary valour during World War I. On 17 July 1918, at Villiers-Bretonneux, France, Borella displayed “most conspicuous bravery in attack” that would earn him the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military decoration. In the face of devastating machine gun fire, Borella courageously ran into the barrage and single-handedly captured the gun that threatened to mow down advancing Australian troops. His heroic actions didn’t end there – he led his men forward to capture the enemy trench and take 30 prisoners. Weeks later, he was invalided home due to wounds and illness sustained in service. The naming of this Sandgate street ensures that Borella’s sacrifice and the Anzac spirit he embodied remain forever woven into the fabric of Queensland’s suburban landscape.

Borella St, Sandgate Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 25 houses, 4 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 75
% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 19 years, 9 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 64%

Borella St, Sandgate – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BORELLA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
25 Borella Street, Sandgate	$66,680	Jan 1993
53 Borella Street, Sandgate	$45,000	Jul 1984
47 Borella Street, Sandgate	$47,000	Jan 1983

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2025 was $1,160,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2021 was $705,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN SANDGATE SINCE 2021: $455,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2025 was $1,390,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2021 was $890,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN SANDGATE SINCE 2021: $500,000

If you know Borella St, Sandgate well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

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

Street Spotlight: Beatham Street, Sandgate

Beatham Street in Sandgate represents a unique blend of historical commemoration and close-knit community living. This quiet residential street, nestled in Brisbane’s bayside suburb of Sandgate, showcases remarkable stability with its exclusively owner-occupied homes and long-term residents.

With 100% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 12 years and 6 months, the street demonstrates exceptional community cohesion. This commitment to the area is further evidenced by the fact that 60% of residents have called Beatham Street home for more than a decade. The street’s history of property transactions reveals Sandgate’s dramatic real estate transformation, with 8 Beatham Street selling for just $388,000 in October 2001 – a figure that highlights the remarkable growth of the area’s property values in just over two decades.

Remembrance: Honouring a Victoria Cross Recipient

Beatham Street stands as a permanent tribute to Private Robert Matthew Beatham (1894-1918), a decorated World War I hero awarded the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour. During the Battle of Amiens on August 9, 1918, Private Beatham displayed extraordinary courage when he charged and single-handedly disabled four German machine gun posts despite being wounded. He tragically lost his life in a hail of machine gun fire on the second day of the battle, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country and comrades. As one of Brisbane’s designated Streets of Remembrance, Beatham Street ensures that the Anzac spirit and the exceptional valour of Queensland’s service men and women continue to be honoured in our everyday landscape.

Beatham St, Sandgate Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 11
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 100%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years, 6 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 60%

Beatham St, Sandgate – As It Looked In 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON BEATHAM ST, SANDGATE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
11 Beatham Street, Sandgate	$1,700,000	May 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BEATHAM ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
9 Beatham Street, Sandgate	$560,000	Dec 2010
8 Beatham Street, Sandgate	$388,000	Oct 2001
10 Beatham Street, Sandgate	$302,000	Jun 2001

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2025 was $1,161,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2021 was $685,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SANDGATE SINCE 2021: $476,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2025 was $1,375,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Sandgate in 2021 was $890,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN SANDGATE SINCE 2021: $485,000

If you know Beatham St, Sandgate well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

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