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Brighton Among Brisbane’s Top Suburbs For Magpie Attacks

Brighton has joined Brisbane’s list of top swooping hotspots, as nesting magpies hit their peak defensive season across the city.

Swooping Season Reaches Its Peak

Brisbane City Council says swooping season peaks in September and October when magpies guard their nests. Brighton ranked among the city’s top suburbs for swooping last season, just behind New Farm and Forest Lake.

*Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Reports show magpie activity runs from July to January, with spring seeing the most attacks. MagpieAlert.com has logged many Brisbane incidents this year, including repeat cases in Brighton. Experts note only a few magpies are aggressive, but startled cyclists risk injury if they lose control.

Council Urges Residents To Stay Calm And Report Incidents

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner reminded residents to report swooping activity so council officers can place warning signs in affected areas. The council also relocates aggressive birds when necessary to protect both residents and wildlife. Over the 2024–25 financial year, more than 40 birds across Brisbane were moved after repeated reports of attacks.

Council environment chair Councillor Tracy Davis said the signs help alert locals to avoid affected routes, adding that magpies were acting out of instinct to protect their chicks. The council discourages harming or feeding the birds, warning that it is illegal and could attract fines.

Cyclists Share Safety Advice

Cycling groups like Space4CyclingBNE remind riders to wear helmets and wraparound sunglasses to protect their eyes. Some add cable ties or reflective tape, though experts say these don’t always stop swooping.

Riders are urged to stay calm, keep control, and log incidents on MagpieAlert.com. Bicycle Queensland promotes safety through awareness campaigns and recommends PieProof helmets and brim attachments. The group notes that magpies rarely cause serious injuries, but crashes from frightened cyclists remain a real risk.

Brighton Community Response

Brighton residents have shared warnings online about returning “problem” magpies near local parks and cycling paths. Locals say the same birds defend the same nesting spots each year.

Community groups urge people to take alternate routes during peak swooping season. The advice remains simple: stay alert, stay calm, and give the magpies space.

Published 3-October-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook

Brisbane Broncos Deliver Yet Another Massive Second Half To Become 2025 Premiers

22-12 down to the Melbourne Storm at half time after an electric first half where the Storm ground out the upperhand over the Brisbane Broncos.

A massive moment when a Tui Kamikamica try from a brilliant kick by Munster is overturned for an arm tackle by Reece Walsh, then a brutal Shibasaki barge and it’s 22-16.

8 minutes in though, Adam Reynolds is off with what appears to be a calf injury. Cory Paix came on and Ben Hunt went to half back.

Payne Haaas comes back on with 26 to go, just after Ezra Mam pulls off a big hit to retrieve possession.

Then you beauuuuty Deine Mariner goes over in the corner from a great Reece Walsh pass when Ben Hunt pulled off a miracle to get it to him off the ground, having attracted defensive attention. Walshey missed the kick but his impact was becoming key to the Broncos comeback once again!

Storm 22 Broncos 20

Then another bullet pass from Walshey to Shibasaki and Gehmat does the rest.
Reece places the ball on the kicking tee with his black-painted finger nails from the left touchline and swings it around magnificently.

Storm 22 Broncos 26

80,223 announced as the crowd, has to be 60,000 Broncos fans!

A mistake by Payne Haas in the “play the ball”, slight momentum for the Storm. Papenhuyzen almost gets through but a Walsh tackle turns the ball back over to the Broncos. Massive tackle from Willison.

Paddy gets called for offside at the “Play the Ball”(t be fair Mr Carrigan was upto mischief) and the Storm roll out of their half.

Ben Hunt is knocked out and bravely tries to run it off but the ref wasn’t buying that. Smoothy comes on to replace Hunt.

Then chaos from a Munster high kick and the Broncos get the ball back.

The Broncos butcher a great chance then the Storm get a linebreak, Mam with a massive tackle then Walsh with another massive tackle but Ezra’s tackle is called high and now the Storm have a penalty 35 out.

4 minutes to go. Another penalty with Piakura late on Pap.

Then Coates is bundled over the touchline by Deine Mariner and Kotoni Staggs.

High tackle on Staggs and Loiero sent to the bin!

C’mon boys only 2 minutes left.

What a tackle by Walsh and it’s all over !!!

Bulls Begin Sheffield Shield Campaign at the Allan Border Field

The Queensland Bulls kick off their Sheffield Shield campaign this Saturday, 4 Oct, against the Tasmania Tigers at the Allan Border Field in Albion.

The 13-man squad combines plenty of international talent with youth.

Players
Marnus Labuschagne (captain)
Hugo Burdon
Jack Clayton
Benji Floros
Hayden Kerr
Usman Khawaja
Michael Neser
Jimmy Peirson
Matthew Renshaw
Gurinder Sandhu
Mitchell Swepson
Hugh Weibgen
Jack Wildermuth

Hugo Bardon is a 23-year-old batsman, bowling occasional leg spin. He made his Sheffield Shield debut last season.

Jack Clayton is a 26-year-old left-hand batsman who can bowl slow left-arm. He has worked his way through Premier Cricket and he’s now on a full contract.

Benji Floros is a 27-year-old right-arm quick bowler. Held back by injuries since his Shield debut in 2021 but he’s fit and ready to go in 2025.

Hugh Weibgen is a 20-year-old all rounder, bowling off breaks. He captained Australia under 19s last year and already has a ton under his belt this season in the One Day Cup.

Queensland have had two good wins in the One Day Cup so far and will be hoping to get off the Shield mark in this one. But Tasmania’s top order batter, Jake Weatherald, was last season’s top run scorer in the Shield and after getting used to wearing his baggy green, Tasmanian all-rounder, Beau Webster, will be looking to earn his place in the Ashes squad.

So packed full of talent, this is one to trundle down Greg Chappell Street for.

The game starts on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. If you can’t get to the Allan Border field, it will be broadcast on Kayo.

Can The Broncos End the 18-Season Drought and Win the NRL Telstra Premiership?

It was 1992 when the Brisbane Broncos won their first Premiership, led by Alfie Langer who had taken over as skipper when Gene Miles retired. Going back-to-back in 1993 and winning the Super League in 1997. Following up again with a Premiership in 1998 and another at the turn of the millenium in 2000 and again in 2006.

That’s 18 seasons ago. Time flies. Let’s not forget Kevvie put together the majority of the current Broncos side including bringing Reece Walsh from the Warriors, and Walters led them to a Grand Final in 2023.

Then he passed the baton to Madge.

Madge, aka “enemy numero uno” having led the Blues in a massive comeback win against the Maroons, in the 2024 Origin Series. Plenty of locals could not forget that and surely Madge kept his head down for that very reason.

The decision to appoint Maguire was brilliant! A masterclass move by the Broncos Board.

So now after quite a rollercoaster season, where at times the Broncos looked dire yet have far more often looked unbeatable. It’s only in recent weeks though that we have fully understood the resilience and sheer determination of this group.

The Broncos beat the Storm in the final game of the regular season to make the 4, 30-14, at Suncorp and after the game, skipper Paddy Carrigan spoke about the deluge of goal-line defence they had practiced in training.

That’s where their backbone has been developed, the layers of determination, and now the belief that no matter how high the mountain, it can always be climbed.

The “Mission Impossible” of coming back from 14-0 against the 4 time Premiers, now seems a walk in the park compared to the hole the Broncos were in against the Minor Premiers, but in reality both comebacks were miracles of belief and determination.

How much was Paddy Carrigan missed last week (and Billy Walters), and how much fresher will he be as a result? At the same time Payne Haas desperately needs a week off, but give us one more big one, Payne!

King & Loiero vs Carrigan & Haas – Broncos win.

In that final regular season game at Suncorp, Jahrome Hughes was coming off an injury break, and it would be fair to assume he’s now back to full capacity.

Munster & Hughes vs Hunt & Reynolds – Tough call.

Papenhuyzen + Howarth + Meaney vs Walsh + Staggs + Shibabsaki – Broncos win

Warbrick + Coates vs Karapani + Mariner – Broncos win

Grant Atkins did a great job of the Broncos-Panthers last week and is given the honours in the middle for the Grand Final.

18 seasons is a long time. It’s time to put that to bed, boys!

The Grand Final of the NRL Telstra Premiership kicks off at 6.30pm Brisbane Time, this Sunday, October 5. BE VERY CAREFUL AS DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS ON SUNDAY!
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Foxtel and Kayo.

Published 2-October-2025

Historic Sandgate Marine Rescue Service Returns to Its Roots with New Identity

The Sandgate Marine Rescue volunteers who’ve been watching over Moreton Bay’s waters for more than half a century have embraced a new identity that actually takes them back to their beginnings.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Brisbane has officially transitioned to Marine Rescue Queensland Sandgate, bringing one of the state’s longest-running marine rescue operations under the MRQ umbrella.

For Unit Commander Neil Sheppard, the change represents something of a homecoming for the service, which first began operating from the historic bayside suburb in 1969 as the Sandgate Yacht Club Search and Rescue Squad.

The connection runs even deeper when you consider that the Sandgate Yacht Club itself was established back in 1912 – making this latest chapter part of a maritime safety story that spans more than a century.

“We’ve been keeping an eye on boaties in these waters for generations, whether they’re under sail or using motor power,” Sheppard explained. The location has always been strategic, with easy access to Moreton Bay and the network of waterways that draw thousands of recreational boaters each year.

While the rebrand brings new uniforms, signage and official designation, the day-to-day reality for local boaters won’t change much. The same experienced volunteers will continue providing round-the-clock emergency response services, with crews maintaining their weekend and public holiday monitoring schedules from the Sandgate base.

The transition brings more than 90 dedicated volunteers into the MRQ network, adding to a statewide service that now encompasses 20 units and over 900 volunteers across Queensland.

MRQ Chief Officer Tony Wulff emphasised the value these volunteers bring to water safety across the state, from the far north Torres Strait down to the New South Wales border. Beyond their on-water rescue duties, crew members spend considerable time each year training and practising to ensure they’re prepared for any weather conditions or emergency situations.

The integration reflects the Queensland Government’s approach to creating a unified, state-funded volunteer marine rescue service under the Queensland Police Service coordination structure, while maintaining the distinct identity and operational independence that makes these local units effective.

For Sandgate residents and the broader boating community who rely on these services, the change represents continuity rather than disruption. The familiar sight of rescue vessels heading out to assist troubled boaters will remain a reassuring constant, backed by the same local knowledge and experience that has made this unit a trusted presence on Moreton Bay for decades.

The transformation also highlights how community-based emergency services evolve while preserving their essential character – in this case, maintaining an unbroken commitment to water safety that stretches back to the early days of recreational boating in the area.

Published 17-September-2025

Brisbane Cricketer Settles in Deagon Amid Property Growth

Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire cricketer Nicola Hancock has purchased a home in Deagon, as the suburb records strong property growth and increasing demand from buyers.

Background And Context

Nicola Hancock, an allrounder for Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat, has bought a house in Deagon after selling her Boondall townhouse. She originally purchased the Boondall property for $502,000 and saw its value rise by around $250,000 over three years. This gain enabled her to buy the Deagon home for just under $1 million.

Hancock, who was named Players’ Player in the 2024–25 Women’s National Cricket League, said she was attracted to Deagon’s balance of lifestyle and city access. She noted the suburb’s image had changed in recent years, with more people recognising its appeal.

Deagon Property Market

Deagon was ranked eighth in a SuburbTrends and MCG Quantity Surveyors lifestyle and growth study for Southeast Queensland, the only Brisbane suburb to appear in the top 10.

Property data varies depending on timeframe. Source figures show a median listing price of $650,000 in 2025, while market records for September 2024 to August 2025 indicate a median of $900,050, representing 13.9 per cent annual growth. Over the same period, 68 houses were sold, with a median time on market of 37 days and an average rental yield of 3.5 per cent.

*Photo Credit: Nicola Hancock/Instagram*

Changing Demographics

Local agents report that younger families are increasingly buying into Deagon since the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously, the area was more commonly held by older couples and long-term residents. Instead of demolishing existing homes, many new buyers are choosing to renovate, retaining the character of the suburb.

Inspections of Deagon homes often attract 30 to 50 groups during a three-week campaign, reflecting growing competition.

Lifestyle Appeal

Deagon sits about 20 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD and is valued for its access to the waterfront, shopping hubs, and schools. Hancock said she wanted to secure a property before prices rose further and described the area as peaceful and family-friendly.

Outlook

Deagon continues to attract younger buyers seeking lifestyle and affordability compared with inner Brisbane. For Hancock, the suburb represents both a personal lifestyle choice and a timely property investment.

Published 14-Sep-2025

Photo Credit: Pexels

Sandgate and Districts Ambulance Station Opens to Support Growing Community

The new Sandgate and Districts Ambulance Station has officially opened, delivering a $12 million state-of-the-art facility to boost emergency response across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Read: Sandgate Aquatic Centre Keeps Families Splashing Year-Round

The station will be home to 25 paramedics, three patient transport officers and an Officer-in-Charge, providing support to communities in Sandgate, Bracken Ridge and nearby areas. Purpose-built to meet increasing demand, the station gives frontline staff access to modern infrastructure designed for both care delivery and professional development.

Photo credit: Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)/Facebook

Its features include dedicated office and write-up spaces, charge and breakout areas, locker rooms, a multi-function rest, study and training room, a general meeting room, and a 10-bay plant room to house ambulance vehicles.

Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls MP joined QAS Assistant Commissioner Tony Armstrong at the official opening on Saturday, September 6, alongside local paramedics who will now call the new Sandgate and Districts Ambulance Station their base.

QAS Assistant Commissioner Tony Armstrong said the completion of the new station represented a significant step forward for staff and the community.

“Metro North is one of the busiest regions for ambulance demand in our state, and to provide our paramedics and patient transport officers with a purpose-built replacement ambulance station here at Sandgate and districts means so much for our hard-working team,” Mr Armstrong said.

“Our highly skilled team of paramedics and patient transport officers can operate from a well-functioning structure with future opportunities for growth.”

Read: Brighton Foreshore Pathways, Picnic Spots, and Access to be Improved

With its modern design and expanded facilities, the Sandgate and Districts Ambulance Station ensures local residents can rely on faster response times while paramedics benefit from a workplace built to support their vital roles well into the future.

Featured image credit: Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS)/Facebook

Published 9-September-2025

Firearms Hidden at Brighton Football Ground Spark Police Investigation

A concerning discovery at a beloved Brighton football ground has prompted a Queensland Police investigation after multiple firearms were found concealed in bushland at the popular community sporting venue.

The weapons were discovered at Brighton District Football Club on Wickham Street last Sunday evening, with police called to the scene around 6pm following the alarming find.

The firearms were located hidden inside an esky amongst grassland at the club’s Wakefield Park grounds, a venue that regularly hosts junior football matches and training sessions for local children and families.

Queensland Police have confirmed the weapons were reported as stolen from a property in Buderim, approximately an hour’s drive south of the Brisbane suburb where they were recovered.

A Queensland Police spokesperson said investigations remain ongoing but provided limited details about the discovery.

“Investigations in relation to the firearms are ongoing, however it appears the weapons were reported stolen from a Buderim property,” the spokesperson confirmed.

“There is no further information able to be provided at this stage.”

The incident has raised concerns for the local Brighton community, given the club’s role as a popular family destination where children regularly train and play football.

Brighton District Football Club, also known as the Brighton Bulldogs, serves as a cornerstone of the local sporting community. The club operates from Wakefield Park on Wickham Street and describes itself as “a strong club with a proud history of being a friendly footballing community”.

Both Football Queensland and Brighton Football Club have been approached for comment regarding the incident.

The discovery highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearms in the community, particularly when found near venues frequented by families and children.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding how the weapons came to be at the football ground and are working to determine any connections between the original theft in Buderim and the Brighton location.

The incident remains under active investigation, with police asking anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Published 1-September-2025

Brighton Mourns Nathan Street Bakery Owner After Sudden Death

Nathan Street Bakery in Brighton has closed after the sudden death of its owner, leaving the bayside community mourning the man whose pies, pastries and kindness shaped daily life.

A Community Fixture

“Dear loyal customers, The bakery is permanently closed…” Customers first learned of his condition through a handwritten sign on the bakery door Saturday, and after subsequently learning of his passing on Sunday, tributes in the form of notes and flowers began appearing outside the bakery. Beloved community baker Kiet Ta, 52, died Sunday from a brain haemorrhage, as confirmed by his family.

For more than 15 years, Nathan Street Bakery had been part of daily life for Brighton and Sandgate locals, many bypassing other bakeries just to visit. Residents remembered Ta for greeting everyone with a smile and recalling their regular orders.

The shop earned praise for its pies, pastries and bread, with favourites including potato top pies, cream doughnuts, banh mi, lamingtons and vegemite scrolls. Locals said Ta often worked through the night to prepare food for the community he loved serving.

A Family’s Loss

Ta is survived by his wife, Huy Nguyen, and their sons Theo and Sebastian. Nguyen said her husband often shared stories about customers and felt fortunate to serve them. Despite long hours, he found joy in meeting people each day.

Their son Theo said his father rarely rested, working from midnight until late afternoon, and never gave up on the bakery despite challenges.

From Refugee to Baker

Born in Vietnam in 1972, Ta fled with his family as a child, spending a year in refugee camps in Malaysia before resettling in Australia. He first trained as a mechanic before turning to baking, opening Khai’s Bakery in Sandgate in the early 2000s and later running shops at Woody Point and Redcliffe.

Ta eventually established Nathan Street Bakery in Brighton with his wife, Huy Nguyen, where they built a loyal following. The family said they were thankful for the support of customers and their landlord, with Nguyen contributing pies and lamingtons from home during her own health struggles.

Outpouring of Tributes

News of Ta’s death prompted a wave of condolences on social media, with customers remembering him as kind and deeply missed. Some said Nathan Street Bakery was the best in Brighton, while others recalled his care and customer service.

Flowers, notes and messages were left outside the shop as locals mourned his passing. The family asked for privacy and confirmed funeral arrangements would be private.

Published 26-August-2025

Featured Photo Credit: Google Maps

Brighton Foreshore Pathways, Picnic Spots, and Access to be Improved

Brighton’s popular foreshore is set for a significant refresh, with a final concept plan released outlining upgrades to key recreation areas between 9th and 19th Avenues.

Read: Sandgate Aquatic Centre Keeps Families Splashing Year-Round

The plan covers Brighton Park, Decker Park, Brighton Health Campus and Sandgate Foreshores Park, with works designed to make the foreshore more accessible and enjoyable for both residents and visitors.

Among the proposed improvements are widened promenade pathways, new picnic areas, additional shade and seating, coastal protection features, and better access to tidal flats. Interpretive information about the environment will also be added to help visitors connect with the area’s natural heritage.

Brighton Foreshore Parklands – final concept plan (Photo credit: BCC)

Community feedback has shaped the plan, with 81 per cent of respondents supporting the overall vision. Retaining existing trees, planting more for shade and habitat, and rebuilding the 12th Avenue boat ramp for non-motorised watercraft access were among the most popular suggestions.

Initial works will focus on upgrades to the 12th and 19th Avenue recreation areas and new park furniture between 9th and 18th Avenues. These will include enhanced pathways, an accessible beach ramp, upgraded disabled parking, and new facilities to support families and people with mobility needs.

The project is scheduled to begin with detailed planning and design in 2025, with construction expected to follow in 2026, subject to approvals and weather conditions.

Read: Youths Allegedly Rob Boutique Store in Brighton

Once complete, the improvements will provide more opportunities for recreation, relaxation and socialising, while protecting the foreshore’s environmental and cultural values.

Published 22-August-2025