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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

Council’s Maxi-Cab Service Brings $1 Transport to Bald Hills

For just $1, Bald Hills residents can now hop on a maxi-cab to the train station as part of a new Brisbane City Council public transport service.

Bald Hills Residents Get $1 Ride to the Train Station as Part of Council Transport Program

Bald Hills locals can now get to the train station for just $1, thanks to Brisbane City Council’s Personalised Public Transport service designed to improve travel in areas with limited public transport options. The service offers a budget-friendly and reliable way to connect directly to Bald Hills train station, using maxi-cabs that can be hailed along set routes in the suburb.

Service Details and Schedule

The Bald Hills PPT service operates Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, with one-way trips taking no longer than 15 minutes. Morning loops start at 6:30am from Bald Hills Road (near Godfrey Street) and connect through local streets like Gundulf, Seaton, Attunga, and Moorhouse before arriving at Bald Hills Railway Station. Afternoon return loops run from 3:35pm to 7:25pm, beginning and ending at the train station.

*Photo Credit: Surprising_SnapShots/Pixabay*

The fare is $1 each way with no concessions. Children under five and people who are legally blind travel for free. Transferring to a Translink service requires paying the usual Translink fare.

For those wanting to check specific stop times or view the map, the complete timetable is available on the Brisbane City Council website.

Community-Focused Transport

Instead of adding more buses or trains, the Council has partnered with Black & White Cabs to offer these maxi-cab loops. The vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, air-conditioned, and carry up to 10 passengers. This hail-and-ride model gives more flexibility than a fixed-stop bus, letting passengers board where safe along the route.

The service is especially useful for residents who don’t have a car or find it hard to access major transport options. No booking is needed—residents can simply wait along the route and hop on when a cab arrives.

Part of a Larger Program

Bald Hills is just one of several Brisbane suburbs benefiting from this initiative, which is separate from the Council Cabs program. While each suburb’s PPT route is different, they all aim to provide affordable, simple access to nearby public transport. The Council encourages locals to use the service and support more sustainable travel.

Published 28-March-2025

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

Bracken Ridge is home to some of Brisbane’s best parks—perfect for families, fitness lovers, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Bracken Ridge Boasts Top 5 Parks with the Most Facilities in North Brisbane

Bracken Ridge families and outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice, with five local parks offering some of the most extensive recreational facilities in North Brisbane. These green spaces aren’t just about swings and slides—they’re packed with features that cater to kids, teens, adults, and even pets.

As of 2024, the Brisbane City Council lists more than a dozen parks in the Bracken Ridge area. Among them, five parks stand out for the number and variety of facilities available, ranging from fitness equipment to dog parks and skate areas. Here’s a breakdown of what locals can expect.

1. Barrett Street Park

Location: 110 Norris Road, Bracken Ridge

This large park is a local favourite for a reason. It includes:

Electric barbecues
Basketball half court
Dog off-leash area (with a small dog section)
Outdoor fitness station
Picnic shelters and seating
Playground
Water bubblers with a dog bowl
Toilet block

It’s also popular with early morning joggers and dog walkers, thanks to its spacious layout and shaded paths.

2. McPherson Park

Location: 146 Denham Street, Bracken Ridge

Known as a community hub, McPherson Park features:

Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club Playground
Electric barbecues
Basketball half court
Shared pathways
Public toilets
Car parking

The park also supports local clubs such as cricket, athletics, Scouts, and a model train group, making it a go-to spot for family activities and weekend sports.

3. Fred Francis Park

Location: 30 Woodcroft Street, Bracken Ridge

A hotspot for active teens and kids, Fred Francis Park includes:

Skate park
Electric barbecues
Basketball half court
Playground (Brookvale Place)
Picnic shelters
Walking and bike paths
Wetlands
Water bubbler

This park draws young skaters and cyclists and is often used for small family get-togethers.

4. Ferguson Park

Location: 201 Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge

Tucked near the community centre, Ferguson Park offers:

Two playgrounds
Pickleball courts
Water bubblers
Sporting facilities
Free public Wi-Fi

The Ferguson Park Community Centre and youth support organisations nearby help bring added value to this green space.

5. Sandgate Third Lagoon Reserve (Peace Park)

Location: 83 Barfoot Street, Bracken Ridge

This reserve features a blend of natural beauty and recreation:

Peace Park playground
Picnic area with electric and wood barbecues
Wetlands and walking tracks
Shared pathway network
Car parking
Water bubblers

It also houses junior sports fields and a local community hall, making it a quiet but useful space for both play and relaxation.

Want More Options?

These five parks offer a great mix of facilities, but Bracken Ridge has plenty more to explore. To find a park closer to your street or with specific features, visit the Brisbane City Council’s Bracken Ridge Parks page.

Published 27-March-2025

Sports, Service, and Swim: What’s Bringing Bracken Ridge Together

What do cricket, swimming, and sausage sizzles have in common? In Bracken Ridge, they’re just part of everyday life for locals who love their suburb.

Bracken Ridge Locals Stay Connected Through Sport, Service and Swimming

Bracken Ridge residents are staying active, connected, and community-minded thanks to a range of local facilities and clubs that continue to bring people together in everyday ways.

Located about 18 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, Bracken Ridge offers more than just family-friendly streets and scenic views — it’s home to a growing network of sports clubs, volunteer groups, and recreation centres that quietly support the suburb’s strong community vibe.

1. Bracken Ridge District Cricket Club

The Bracken Ridge District Cricket Club is a well-known name on the northside for lovers of the sport. With teams for both junior and senior players, the club promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for locals looking to get involved in cricket. It has become a popular place for families and individuals to connect, learn the game, and build lasting friendships.

The club is based at McPherson Park and participates in regular local competitions. Weekends often see the grounds buzzing with activity as players take to the pitch and families gather to cheer them on.

2. Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club

Serving the community since 1977, the Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club focuses on local support, charity efforts, and outreach projects that assist residents across the suburb. The group is part of Lions Clubs International and is run by volunteers who commit their time to helping others.

The club organises sausage sizzles, raises funds for health-related causes, supports local schools, and helps those in need during tough times. Members range from long-time residents to newer arrivals who are looking to make a difference in the area.

3. Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports Centre

For locals who enjoy indoor team sports, the Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports Centre provides a space for all ages to play competitively or just for fun. With courts for indoor cricket, netball, soccer and more, the facility operates throughout the week and attracts teams from nearby suburbs as well.

The centre supports both social and competitive games and encourages people of all skill levels to join in. It’s also used for school sports and events, offering a flexible and accessible venue for Bracken Ridge families.

4. Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre

Named after Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm, this aquatic centre is a modern hub for swimmers of all levels. Located on Telegraph Road, the facility features a 25-metre heated indoor pool, a learn-to-swim program, and aqua aerobics classes. It’s a key site for school swimming carnivals and weekend family fun.

The centre is council-operated and caters to both casual swimmers and those training seriously. Staff are qualified and friendly, making it a safe and welcoming place for kids and adults alike.

Published 27-March-2025

Bracken Ridge Library Offers Meeting Spaces, Wi-Fi and More

Bracken Ridge Library is doing more than lending books—it’s becoming a vibrant space for locals to connect, learn, and take part in free events in Brisbane’s northside.

A Place to Learn, Connect and Create

Located on Bracken Street, the library runs free programs for all ages. These include First 5 Forever baby sessions to build early literacy, the Bracken Ridge Family History Group for those tracing their ancestry, and the Brisbane Fibre Crafters social group for knitting, crochet, and weaving.

UPCOMING EVENTS

These activities create opportunities for learning, creativity and community connection in a relaxed setting.

Facilities That Support the Community

Bracken Ridge Library offers free Wi-Fi, public computers, printing and scanning, and a book return chute for after-hours use. It also has meeting rooms available for hire under Brisbane City Council’s three meeting room categories.

Category One rooms seat 10–50 people and are generally only accessible during library hours. They include basic tech like laptop connections and data projectors but may lack separate toilets or kitchenettes.

Category Two rooms, like those at Bracken Ridge, are larger (25–120 people), self-contained with kitchenettes and toilets, and usually available seven days a week (excluding public holidays).

Category Three is offered only at Brisbane Square Library and seats up to 120, with kitchenette access during library hours.

Booking and Hire Fees

Community groups can hire Category One and Two rooms for free if their events are non-commercial. If fees are charged or products sold, commercial community rates apply:

Category One: from $15.60/hour
Category Two: from $44.25/hour
Category Three: from $181.45/hour

Business and government users pay higher fees. All charges include GST, with additional costs for security or extra cleaning where needed. Meeting rooms can be booked by contacting your local library, phoning Council, or using the National Relay Service at 133 677.

Open Hours and What’s Ahead

The library is open Tuesday to Saturday, with extended hours until 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. While closed Sundays and Mondays, it remains accessible through its return chute and event listings online.

As part of Brisbane City Council’s library network, Bracken Ridge Library continues to offer a wide range of free programs, services and community spaces—making it a valued part of everyday life for locals.

Published 27-March-2025