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A New Kind of Living Arrives in Taigum With Terrace Development Launch

TRK Property Group has launched LAYA Residences, an 88-home architecturally designed terrace community on Beams Road in Taigum, bringing a $200 million masterplanned development and a level of luxury wellness amenity to Brisbane’s northern suburbs that has not existed here before.

The development at 189-203 Beams Road sits on a 22,000-square-metre site approximately 13-15 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, backing onto a parkland reserve. Stage One has released 32 homes to market, with civil works already underway and full construction scheduled to commence in May 2026. Completion is targeted for Q2 2027.

For a suburb that has long been understood as quietly reliable rather than aspirational, LAYA represents a genuine shift in what Taigum is being offered, and what buyers can expect to find there.

Laya means place of rest, and the design shows it

The name is deliberate. LAYA, meaning place of rest, anchors the entire design philosophy of the development. Designed by MAS Architecture Studio with Mediterranean inspiration, the homes combine warm materials, clean lines and generous proportions with contemporary Australian residential design.

Fluted timber joinery, brushed brass fixtures and layered finishes run throughout, complemented by high ceilings, private courtyards and balconies, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow designed to maximise natural light and cross-ventilation.

Floorplans range from 200 to 233 square metres across three and four-bedroom configurations. Stage One delivers 22 three-bedroom homes with multi-purpose rooms suitable for study or flexible living, alongside 10 four-bedroom residences, each with side-by-side double garages.

Prices start from $1.6 million, positioning LAYA squarely at owner-occupiers who want house-sized living without the maintenance of a traditional detached home.

The wellness club that sets this apart

The feature that distinguishes LAYA most sharply from anything else on the northside is the Solace Club, a private 600-square-metre wellness retreat designed exclusively for residents.

The club includes an 18-metre heated swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna, a steam room and a state-of-the-art gymnasium, alongside indoor-outdoor lounge areas, daybeds and barbecue entertaining spaces within landscaped surrounds, all sitting against the parkland reserve backdrop.

TRK Property Group Managing Director Arpan Kohli said the Solace Club was central to the project’s design philosophy from the outset. “It is rare to see a terrace home development include this level of lifestyle amenity, particularly in established suburban locations such as Taigum,” he said.

“Solace Club has been designed as a place where residents can recharge, exercise and socialise within their own community environment.”

The developer building what it designs

TRK Property Group was founded in 2009 by Arpan Kohli, and the company name is a tribute to his father, Tilak Raj Kohli. The group operates as an integrated developer and builder, meaning it controls quality from design through to construction and handover.

For buyers purchasing off the plan, that integrated model significantly compresses the gap between design intent and delivered outcome.

LAYA Residences Head of Sales Imika Neylan said strong enquiry had already come from both local owner-occupiers and interstate buyers. “Terrace homes are well established in Sydney and Melbourne but remain relatively limited in Brisbane’s suburban markets,” she said.

“There has also been early interest from interstate buyers, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne, who are familiar with terrace home living and recognise the opportunity to secure high-quality residential property in South East Queensland.”

A suburb whose time is arriving

Taigum is now appearing regularly on analyst shortlists for 2026 and beyond, named alongside Chermside and Nundah as part of Brisbane’s emerging northern corridor, where constrained supply and population pressure are converging to drive sustained price momentum.

The suburb’s connectivity is a key part of that story: Westfield Chermside is close by, Brisbane Airport is accessible, and the Gateway Motorway puts both the CBD and the Gold Coast within straightforward reach.

For buyers wanting to move in from mid-2027, LAYA Residences is available for private appointments now. Visit layaresidences.com.au or call 0402 521 043.

Published 30-April-2026

Featured Image Credit: LAYA Residences

Bracken Ridge Scouts Call for Volunteers as Demand Grows

Bracken Ridge Scout Group is calling for new volunteer leaders to step forward, as strong membership growth drives demand for more adults to support its expanding program.

One of Queensland’s largest Scout groups, Bracken Ridge offers a broad mix of outdoor, skills-based and community activities for young people — and is now looking to grow its volunteer base to keep pace.

The group is encouraging locals to get involved, with opportunities available whether volunteers can commit weekly or less frequently. No prior experience is required, with training provided in a supportive environment.

Photo Credit: *Bracken Ridge Scouts/Facebook*

Scouting focuses on helping young people build confidence, develop practical skills and form lasting friendships, with programs tailored across different age groups — from Joey Scouts through to Rovers.

The group’s recent run of activities shows exactly what that looks like in practice — from coastal expeditions and long-distance rides to major camps and community service.

Snorkelling adventure builds confidence outdoors

Venturers and Rovers recently travelled to Tallebudgera Creek for a snorkelling day, combining exploration with hands-on learning in a natural environment.

The outing gave participants the chance to build water confidence while working together as a team, guided by experienced leaders through a well-planned day on the coast.

Community spirit on display for ANZAC Day

Scouts were out in force for local ANZAC Day commemorations, with more than 70 youth members and leaders taking part in the Bald Hills march and service.

Participants contributed across a range of roles, including reading formal resolutions, carrying the Australian flag and laying wreaths, while older members supported wider commemorative events across Brisbane.

Cycling journey tests resilience and teamwork

A group of Scouts recently completed a challenging 172km ride along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, travelling from Yarraman to Wulkuraka before returning to Brisbane.

Carrying all their own gear over multiple days, the group navigated punctures, fatigue and changing conditions, building resilience, problem-solving skills and teamwork along the way.

Large-scale camp brings learning to life

Cub Scouts also returned from a five-day Cuboree camp alongside more than 800 participants from across Queensland.

The program combined adventure activities such as abseiling and archery with STEM-based learning, including robotics and 3D printing — all supported by a large network of volunteer leaders.

More leaders needed to keep momentum going

The breadth of these activities reflects the scope of the program — and the growing need for volunteers to help deliver it.

Adult leaders play a key role in guiding young people through each stage of Scouting, helping them take on new challenges, learn skills and build confidence in a structured but adventurous environment.

With flexible opportunities available, the group is encouraging anyone interested in making a difference to consider getting involved.

To find out more or register interest, visit volunteerwithus.com.au.

Published 28-April-2026

Brendale’s $722M Supernode Signals a Power Shift for Brisbane’s North

The activity unfolding behind the fences in Brendale is doing more than adding another industrial project to the map—it’s marking a clear pivot in how Queensland is planning for energy, data and long-term growth. What’s taking shape here is one of the state’s most significant clean energy investments, with implications that stretch well beyond the suburb itself.

Brendale steps out of its industrial lane

For decades, Brendale has been known as a dependable base for manufacturing and logistics. That foundation isn’t going anywhere—but it’s now being overlaid with something far more strategic.

The Supernode project, led by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, is turning the South Pine site into a large-scale battery storage and data infrastructure hub. It’s a combination that reflects where investment is heading: toward projects that can support both the electricity grid and the digital economy at the same time.

When the project moved from plan to reality

The groundwork for this shift has been building for years, but momentum accelerated sharply in 2025. A $722 million financing deal allowed construction to ramp up across the first stages of the battery system, shifting the project from concept into delivery.

Once complete, the system is expected to reach around 780 megawatts in capacity—placing it among the largest battery storage projects in Australia. Early commitments from major energy players have reinforced the project’s role in the state’s future energy mix.

What flows on from a project like this

The immediate benefits are straightforward: construction jobs, followed by ongoing roles in operations and maintenance. But the longer-term impact is where the story sits.

By pairing energy storage with high-capacity data infrastructure, the project creates conditions for industries that depend on both—cloud services, advanced manufacturing, and digital production among them. That kind of clustering tends to attract further investment, creating a secondary wave of economic activity.

A sign of where big projects are heading

There’s a broader pattern at play. Projects of this scale are increasingly landing in outer suburban areas with the right mix of land, connectivity and infrastructure access.

Brendale fits that brief—and its evolution reflects a wider shift in how cities like Brisbane are distributing growth. Instead of being concentrated in inner-city precincts, major investment is spreading into established industrial corridors that can be repurposed for new industries.

Not a short-term boom, but a long-term shift

What’s happening in Brendale isn’t a one-off spike in activity. With multiple stages underway and more still planned, the suburb is in the middle of a longer transition.

Its industrial base remains a strength—but it’s now being complemented by infrastructure tied to renewable energy and digital demand. If the project delivers as expected, Brendale’s role in Queensland’s economy will look very different by the end of the decade.

Published 29-April-2026

Northside Artist Dublin Rose Set to Release Debut Album After Decade on local stages

Brisbane northside musician Dublin Rose is preparing to release her long-awaited debut album, marking a milestone after years building her presence across local venues and community stages.

The self-titled nine-track record will be released on 8 May, blending pop, indie rock and folk influences. It features her latest single They Say, continuing the emotionally grounded, instinctive songwriting that has shaped her rise through the Brisbane music scene.

Many of the tracks date back several years, with the finished album capturing both their original form and the artist’s development in the studio. The result is a project that reflects both longevity and creative progression.

Her writing style remains rooted in spontaneity, with ideas often forming quickly from everyday moments and evolving into fully realised songs in a short space of time. That immediacy carries through the album’s tone, giving it a consistent sense of authenticity across genres.

From northside stages to international dates

The release will be marked with an 18+ launch show at Black Bear Lodge on 23 May, with strong support expected from Brisbane’s northside communities.

Having started performing at local markets and festivals as a teenager, the release represents a full-circle moment roughly a decade into her live career, moving from grassroots performances to a headline album launch in one of the city’s established live venues.

Photo Credit: Dublin Rose Music/Facebook

The album also sets up an international run, with a three-month European trip to follow. Performances are planned across London, Paris and Ireland, with a focus on smaller, intimate shows that align with the personal nature of her music.

The debut album will be available from 8 May.

GEt TICKETs

About Dublin Rose

Dublin Rose is a 21-year-old Brisbane-based singer-songwriter and guitarist whose sound blends indie pop-rock and folk, driven by sharp storytelling and a clear soprano vocal style.

She began busking at local markets at 12 and has since developed into a regular performer across Brisbane, both solo and with her three-piece band. Her live experience includes performances at venues such as The Tivoli, The Regatta, Felons Barrel Hall, The Brightside and Black Bear Lodge.

In 2024, she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at Queensland University of Technology, where she was selected for the student-run label Vermilion and formed her current band. She went on to win the QUT Battle of the Bands.

Her recent highlights include winning the People’s Choice Award at Brisbane City Council’s QUBE Effect program, supporting touring acts, selling out headline shows at The Brightside and The Junk Bar, and receiving airplay across ABC Radio Brisbane and community radio.

With growing momentum and an expanding live footprint, Dublin Rose is continuing to build her audience both locally and internationally.

Published 28-April-2026

Featured Image Credit: Dublin Rose Music/Facebook

Northside Gallery to Host Debut solo Exhibition by Brisbane Artist Mike McCarthy

A new solo exhibition exploring colour, structure and emotional response will open on Brisbane’s northside this month, marking a milestone moment for local artist Mike McCarthy.

Titled Discovery, the exhibition will be presented at Gallery 4017 from 8 May to 6 June, with an opening night scheduled for 6.30pm.

Located in nearby Deagon, the gallery sits within easy reach of Bracken Ridge, offering northside residents access to a growing program of local exhibitions.

The exhibition is McCarthy’s first solo showcase after more than a decade developing his practice, primarily working in acrylic on canvas. His work centres on still life compositions, using carefully arranged everyday objects to explore the relationship between shape, colour, light and shadow.

Across the collection, familiar subjects are reinterpreted through deliberate structure and tonal contrast, inviting viewers to form their own emotional responses rather than guiding a fixed narrative.

While still life remains his core focus, McCarthy has also worked across landscape and portraiture. His style is grounded in realism, layered with influences from Art Deco and Pop Art, reflecting both classical and modern approaches to composition.

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A northside pathway to a solo exhibition

McCarthy’s path to a solo exhibition has been shaped outside formal academic training, instead built through workshops and mentorship, including guidance under Artrageous Artist-in-Residence Shane Rodwell. This hands-on approach has contributed to his technical grounding in colour theory, light and perspective.

His recent work has gained recognition through multiple community exhibitions, including consecutive People’s Choice Awards at Artrageous in 2023 and 2024, as well as a highly commended result with the Redcliffe Art Society. He has also exhibited at the Nundah Art Shows and contributed to the Deagon Railway Station mural project.

Discovery represents a progression from group exhibitions to a dedicated gallery setting, bringing together a cohesive body of work developed over recent years.

The exhibition runs until 6 June at Gallery 4017.

Published 26-April-2026

Featured Image Credit: Sandgate Guide

Couple Mark 25 Years by Raising 134th Guide Dog

Barry and Lis Foat of Bald Hills have spent the past 25 years raising guide dogs for Guide Dogs Queensland, nurturing around 135 dogs into the early stages of a journey that has given independence, confidence and companionship to vision-impaired people across the state.

Organisers recently honoured the couple at a Volunteer Recognition Morning Tea alongside other long-serving volunteers who had reached milestones with the organisation. Their latest charge, Rufus, is puppy number 134 in a remarkable personal tally that speaks to a quarter century of quiet, consistent commitment to one of Australia’s most vital community volunteer programmes.

Their story began simply, with grief and love. After losing their own dog, Barry and Lis decided to channel their affection for animals into something that would matter beyond their own household. They signed up as puppy raisers with Guide Dogs Queensland and never looked back.

From One Dog at a Time to a Lifetime of Purpose

In the early years, Barry and Lis raised several guide dogs simultaneously. Puppy raisers play a foundational role in the guide dog journey, taking on pups from as young as eight to ten weeks old and accompanying them almost everywhere, helping them learn basic socialisation and obedience skills in a wide variety of everyday environments.

“In the beginning, we had several at a time, but in the last few years, we are only taking one at a time,” Lis said.

Now both in their mid-70s, the pair no longer take on puppies but continue to contribute through other programmes. They currently support dogs with behavioural issues and care for animals recovering from surgery. “I get a lot of dogs now that have had surgery, so we look after them in their recuperation,” Lis said. She also volunteers at the Guide Dogs Queensland centre, assists with fundraising appeals, sells merchandise at shopping centres and packs merchandise in the organisation’s warehouse.

The commitment to record-keeping has been just as meticulous. “I keep a chart on all of them and send reports to Guide Dogs Queensland,” Lis said.

What It Means to Watch Them Go

For Barry, the reward has always been in knowing what the dogs they raised would go on to do. “I just find that I’m amazed at what the dogs can do,” he said. “I think we have been an instrumental arm in getting that dog out into the workplace to help another vision-impaired person.”

Trainers carefully match each guide dog that completes training with a handler based on personality, lifestyle and travel needs, with the partnership providing both independence and companionship. For a couple who have raised around 135 of them, the cumulative impact on real people’s lives is extraordinary.

Recognition has come in the form of pins and badges from Guide Dogs Queensland over the years, though Barry is clear that was never the point. “It’s nice to be recognised, but you don’t do it for that,” he said. “I’m doing it because we enjoy doing it.”

Lis, for her part, has a simpler explanation for a 25-year commitment that shows no signs of stopping. “We just love dogs,” she said. “Dogs make you live longer, and I’m going to be living for a very long time.”

A Legacy That Keeps Growing

Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Jock Beveridge said reaching 25 years of puppy raising was an extraordinary milestone. “Through their commitment to puppy raising, Barry and Lis have helped shape the journey of many guide dogs in training,” he said. “Their patience, care and passion have made a lasting impact not only on the dogs they’ve raised, but on the people who will one day rely on those dogs for independence.”

For anyone inspired by the Foats’ story, Guide Dogs Queensland is actively seeking puppy raisers across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Raising a guide dog puppy is a 12 to 15-month commitment, with all veterinary costs covered, equipment provided and ongoing support from the organisation’s puppy development team. Enquiries can be made at qld.guidedogs.com.au or by calling 1800 810 122.

Published 10-April-2026

Featured Image Credit: Cr Sandy Landers/Facebook

Bracken Ridge Ladybirds Celebrate 35 Years of Friendship and Community Support

The Ladybirds social group in Bracken Ridge has celebrated 35 years of friendship and community support, marking the milestone with a gathering that reflects decades of connection among local women.

From A Simple Idea to A Lasting Group

The Ladybirds in Bracken Ridge began in 1991, when Alma Pickvance, Shirley Kingston and Jenny Kemble formed a friendship group after meeting at SANDBAG. The three women, including two who were new to Australia, set out to create a space where young mothers could connect while their children spent time together.

What started as a small initiative has continued for more than three decades, maintaining a focus on social connection and support within the community.

community group — *Photo Credit: CrSandyLanders/Instagram*

A Milestone Marked in Bracken Ridge

The group marked its 35-year milestone with a special lunch at the Bracken Ridge Tavern on 5 March, bringing members together to recognise the longevity of the group and the friendships formed over time.

This celebration follows earlier milestones, including a 30-year anniversary marked with a morning tea, reflecting the group’s consistent presence across the years.

Bracken Ridge Ladybirds — *Photo Credit: CrSandyLanders/Instagram*

A Weekly Routine That Endures

The Ladybirds continue to meet every Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 11am at Bracken Ridge Hall, except during school holidays. These regular gatherings provide time for conversation, shared activities and ongoing support.

The group operates without formal leadership, with members sharing responsibility and contributing equally. This structure has supported an environment where opinions are respected and members are able to connect openly.

Over time, the focus of the group has shifted. While it was first created for young mothers, it now primarily supports women who are retired or have lost partners, offering opportunities for social interaction and connection.

Brisbane community — *Photo Credit: CrSandyLanders/Instagram*

Giving Back to the Community

Alongside friendship, the Ladybirds in Bracken Ridge have maintained a strong commitment to helping others. The group organises fundraising efforts and donation drives, including raising money during the Christmas period to support children.

Members also take part in food drives through SANDBAG for people experiencing homelessness and contribute to organisations supporting those affected by domestic violence. These activities reflect a consistent focus on community support alongside their regular gatherings.

Friendship at the Centre of 35 Years

The longevity of the Ladybirds in Bracken Ridge reflects a shared commitment to friendship, empathy and mutual support. Members continue to gather each week to share experiences, celebrate occasions and maintain connections built over time.

From its beginnings as a small group of mothers to its current role supporting women later in life, the Ladybirds have remained focused on creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The 35-year milestone highlights the group’s enduring place within the Bracken Ridge community.

Published 5-Apr-2026

Photo Credit: CrSandyLanders/Instagram

Years of Patience Pay Off as Bracken Ridge Man Scoops Major Windfall

A long-time Bracken Ridge local has stunned his community by turning a regular club visit into a $117,000 retirement fund.

The Midnight Realisation

The life-altering event took place during Keno draw 61 on Monday, 16 March 2026. The local man had visited the Aspley Hornets on Graham Road in Carseldine to place his usual entry, a Keno Classic 9 Spot. After the numbers were drawn, he was informed by club staff that his ticket was worth a significant amount of money.

While he initially believed he had won roughly $50,000, the final tally was actually $117,400.30. This discovery led to a restless night, with the winner spent hours walking through his home trying to process the scale of the prize.

A Strategy of Persistence

The win was not a matter of sudden inspiration but rather the result of years of patience. The resident explained that he had been playing the exact same sequence of numbers for a very long time, always maintaining the belief that they would eventually appear on the screen together. He described the moment of the win as a shock that left him unable to speak. The emotional weight of the prize became clear as he realised that the financial boost was enough to change his daily life forever.

Community Celebrations and New Beginnings

At the Aspley Hornets, the news has created a sense of pride among the staff and management. General Manager Danni Francis noted that the winner is a familiar face at the venue and expressed the team’s collective joy at seeing a loyal member achieve such success. The win has become a major talking point for guests at the Carseldine club. For the Bracken Ridge man, the most significant outcome of the jackpot is the end of his professional career. He confirmed that the winnings are sufficient to allow him to retire immediately, sparing him from ever having to return to his job.

Published Date 17-March-2026

Photo Credit: KENO

Have Your Say: Bracken Ridge Motorway Designs Open for Public Review

Residents in Bracken Ridge are being asked to provide their thoughts on a significant redesign of the Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway that aims to fix local traffic.

A Long-Awaited Solution for Drivers

The first stage of this multi-phase plan focuses on the Gateway to Bruce Upgrade. This part of the project targets the Gateway Motorway starting at Bracken Ridge and stretching to the Pine River. It also involves work on the Bruce Highway at the busy interchange where it meets the Gympie Arterial Road. Engineers are currently working on the final detailed designs for these sections.

Construction crews are expected to arrive on-site to begin the physical building process in late 2026. This initial phase is a priority because it tackles a transport corridor that is known for being one of the most crowded and difficult to navigate in the northern part of Brisbane.

Gateway Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrades
Anzac Avenue (GMBHU) project – 2023
Photo Credit: TMR

Expansion and Environmental Protection

Once the first section is underway, the focus will shift to a second stage of improvements. This part of the plan involves building collector-distributor roads on both sides of the Bruce Highway. These new roads will create a direct link between Dohles Rocks Road and the Gateway Motorway.

To make this possible, the government plans to build two new bridges over the Pine River. This stage is currently in the preliminary design phase, though officials noted that they still need to secure more money before this specific portion of the work can start.

The project is not just for cars and trucks. The plans include a longer path for people who walk or ride bikes, extending the existing shared track north over the Pine River. Designers have also included a special tunnel under the road for local animals. This fauna underpass will be located on the north side of the new river bridges to help wildlife move safely through the area without having to cross the busy highway lanes.

VIew LARGER MAP

Opportunities for Local Feedback

Residents have several chances to look at the updated design details and see how the changes might affect their daily travel. The project team is hosting a series of community meetings where people can ask questions and see artist drawings of the finished roads.

The first session is set for Saturday 28 March from 9am to 12pm at the Sandgate Scout Hall. Another meeting will take place at the Murrumba Downs Shopping Centre on Tuesday 31 March between 2pm and 5pm.

In April, the team will move to Westfield Chermside near the Kmart entrance on Thursday 16 April from 6pm to 9pm. This will be followed by a session at the Bald Hills Scout Hall on Tuesday 21 April from 4pm to 7pm.

The final two meetings are scheduled for Thursday 30 April at Bracken Ridge Plaza from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday 2 May at Westfield North Lakes near Coles from 9am to 12pm. For those who cannot attend in person, an interactive website is available to show the project’s progress and key goals.

Published Date 17-March-2026

Photo Credit: Dept of Transport and Main Roads

Fatal Lake Wivenhoe Collision Claims Life Of Bracken Ridge Driver

A Bracken Ridge woman has died and two other people were injured after a head-on crash near Lake Wivenhoe, north-west of Brisbane.

Crash On Brisbane Valley Highway

The collision occurred on Brisbane Valley Highway at Lake Wivenhoe at about 11:10 p.m. on 14 March 2026.

Police reported that a white Holden Commodore and a black BMW collided head-on while travelling in opposite directions. The crash happened late at night, prompting an investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident.

Bracken Ridge crash — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Bracken Ridge Fatality Confirmed

The driver of the Commodore, a 23-year-old woman from Bracken Ridge, was declared deceased at the scene.

A 24-year-old man from Mango Hill, who was travelling as a passenger in the same vehicle, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the BMW, a 30-year-old woman from Coominya, was also taken to hospital. Her injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.

Lake Wivenhoe crash — *Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook*

Hooning Reports Under Investigation

Police are examining reports that the Commodore had been seen with a large group in the area shortly before the crash, including reports of hooning.

This aspect of the incident remains under investigation and has not been confirmed.

Appeal For Witnesses

Investigators have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage, to come forward.

The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Ongoing Investigation

Inquiries remain ongoing as police work to determine the events leading up to the crash and the factors involved.

Published 16-Mar-2026

Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook