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Sandgate’s ‘Rosewood’ to Change Hands After 127 Years in One Family

A new chapter is about to be added to a rare piece of Sandgate history, with a heritage home that has remained in the same family for more than 127 years now preparing to change hands.

Built in 1895 and originally known as ‘Rosewood’, the two-storey residence at 11 Lunn Street has been held by the McKeering family since 1897. It’s long enough to span five generations, and to quietly watch Sandgate evolve around it.

Over the decades, the home has worn plenty of hats. Family accounts describe it as a lively gathering place in the 1930s, then later reconfigured as flats, before returning to its role as a single family home. In more recent years, it has been carefully reshaped again, not as a reinvention, but as a continuation of the life already lived inside its walls.

Current owners Greg and Rachel McKeering have called the property home for more than two decades. During that time, the house has been renovated and reworked to suit a growing family. It was a long, practical process led by Mr McKeering, a semi-retired carpenter and builder. One telling detail: the kitchen was moved multiple times over the years as needs changed, a reminder that even the oldest homes remain works in progress.

Yet the home’s earlier character hasn’t been erased. Original elements have been preserved where possible, including rosewood flooring that remains intact beneath newer finishes — a hidden layer of the house’s first life, waiting for whoever comes next to decide what to reveal.

Today, ‘Rosewood’ is a large and flexible home, arranged across two levels with six bedrooms, multiple living areas, and a layout designed to accommodate different generations under one roof. A separate downstairs apartment, with its own kitchen and bathroom, adds to that versatility. It’s offering space for extended family, older teenagers, or guests who need a little independence.

Outside, the backyard tells its own more recent story. The family installed a pool that has since become the centre of countless get-togethers. It’s a modern counterpart to a century-old home that has always been about people coming together. With a pool and heated spa and areas set up for outdoor living, it’s easy to imagine the noise of Christmas afternoons and weekend visits echoing the kind of gatherings Sandgate homes are built for.

Some of the most personal memories are also the simplest: children raised there, milestones marked there, and even one extraordinary family moment — a grandchild delivered in an upstairs bathroom — becoming part of the home’s private history.

Now, with the family preparing for a tree change to acreage, they’re leaving behind more than a house. They’re handing over a place that has carried everyday life for more than a century: altered and adapted, but continuously loved, and anchored to the same patch of Sandgate soil since the late 1800s.

For locals, it’s a rare chance to reflect on how much history can sit quietly behind a familiar façade, and how, sometimes, the biggest change isn’t a renovation or an extension, but simply the moment a well-kept family home becomes someone else’s story.

Published 31-Jan-2026

Shorncliffe Station Works Continue In 2026, With Sandgate As Interim Terminus

Major works are progressing on the Shorncliffe station renewal and accessibility upgrade, with line services temporarily terminating at Sandgate while the Shorncliffe station remains closed.

January 2026 Construction Update

Works at Shorncliffe station advanced following its closure in late November 2025, with multiple construction activities underway as of January 2026. The heritage station building has been temporarily relocated to the station carpark to allow structural carpentry works to proceed.

Restoration activities have also begun on the heritage awning, alongside the removal of the existing concrete footpath, ramp and stair access to the platform. Concrete has been poured for a new footpath, and excavation works are underway around the station building to prepare for the installation of modern station services.

Additional completed works include demolition of the former public toilet block and removal of the concrete slab roof from the World War II-era air raid shelter.

heritage restoration — *Photo Credit: Queensland Rail*

Upcoming Works

According to the January 2026 update, the next stages of construction include rebuilding the amenities wing of the heritage station building and commencing paint restoration works. New roofing and guttering are planned for heritage buildings and awnings.

Further works are scheduled for waterproofing and painting the air raid shelter, along with construction of a retaining wall linked to a new core zone waiting shelter. Construction activities are generally planned between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, unless otherwise advised.

Sandgate station upgrade — *Photo Credit: Queensland Rail*

Transport Arrangements During Closure

While the station remains closed, Shorncliffe line trains terminate at Sandgate station. Shuttle bus route R346 continues to operate between Sandgate and Shorncliffe to maintain passenger access during the renewal works.

A dedicated school shuttle service for St Patrick’s College students is operating from Wednesday 28 January. The service includes three trips from Sandgate statio n before school and six return services from St Patrick’s College after school, operating as a direct route between the station and the school.

Background And Heritage Context

Shorncliffe station was purpose-built in 1897 as a seaside rail terminus for north Brisbane residents and was expanded in the mid-1910s as the area developed. The site contains Brisbane’s only surviving railway station air raid shelter from World War II, which is being retained as part of the project.

The station building was designed by Queensland Railways architect Henrik Hansen, who was responsible for several timber station designs across Queensland during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

What Happens Next

The Shorncliffe station renewal and accessibility upgrade forms part of Queensland Rail’s broader program to modernise the South East Queensland rail network. The station is expected to reopen in mid-2026, following completion of restoration and accessibility works.

Published 26-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

Sandgate Backs Large-Scale Container Recycling Effort

People across Sandgate and Brisbane’s northern suburbs have grown used to seeing Paul Quarrell quietly collecting discarded drink containers bound for the Burpengary Express Recycling Containers for Change centre.

Since starting in 2020, Paul has returned more than 1.3 million containers, turning everyday recycling into direct support for children’s programs across Queensland.

“It’s not that I feel like I’ve got to help — I want to help,” Paul says. “No one asks to go through these struggles. This is my way of giving back to society.”

From Car Crash To Container Collecting

Paul Quarrell, a Moreton Bay resident on the disability support pension, began collecting eligible drink containers after a car crash left him unable to work. He directed the refunds into charity fundraising and expanded the effort over time.

A familiar face in the Moreton Bay region, Paul spends hours each day walking suburbs including Sandgate and surrounding northern Brisbane communities, checking bins, footpaths and public spaces for eligible containers.

In 2025 alone, he collected more than 750,000 containers, with most of the refunds donated to children’s charity programs. Paul keeps only a small amount each month to cover fuel costs.

“People have got to stop looking at just the 10 cents,” he says. “They need to start looking at the big picture. It’s a cumulative thing.”

That cumulative impact is clear in the numbers: wheelie bins regularly line up on Paul’s driveway, collected weekly by Burpengary operator Express Recycling before the containers are processed.

How Containers For Change Works

Containers for Change provides a 10-cent refund for most eligible aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150 mL and 3 L. Participants can keep refunds or donate them to registered community groups and charities.

Sandgate container recycling — *Photo Credit: Courier Exchange*

Containers returned at refund points are sorted by material type and transported to processing facilities, where they are recycled into new products. Participants can keep their refunds or donate them to registered charities and community groups.

Paul’s approach shows how the system works at a grassroots level — collecting containers others no longer want, returning them at the Burpengary centre, and directing the refunds toward community causes.

“To see those smiles on the kids’ faces when their grants are accepted because of funds raised from container recycling — you just can’t beat it,” he says.

Sandgate’s Role In A Growing Effort

Sandgate is among the communities Paul has publicly thanked for their support, contributing containers that help drive his fundraising total higher.

“I think ‘yee-haw’ when I see one container,” Paul says. “Because it’s one container closer to a million.”

Containers for Change — *Photo Credit: Courier Exchange*

That million-container milestone is now his next target, with Paul aiming to collect another one million containers within a year, generating significant additional funding for children’s support programs.

Since 2020, reports place Paul Quarrell’s overall collection at more than 1.3 million containers, with at least $130,000 donated to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Queensland. Another report provided to this project has published higher totals, indicating the figures may differ depending on when they were recorded.

In 2025, he collected more than 750,000 containers. He typically sets aside $50 per month from refunds for fuel, donating the remainder.

He is reported to return about 36 wheelie bins of containers per week, which are collected for processing by local operator Express Recycling. He has also credited Queensland Rail with allowing recycling activity at train stations.

Still Walking, Still Collecting

Paul’s work continues week after week, rain or shine, with the Burpengary Express Recycling centre remaining a key drop-off point for the thousands of containers he gathers from Sandgate and nearby suburbs.

His stated goal for 2026 is to collect one million containers within a year, with an aim of contributing a further $100,000 in donations to the charity.

“Go out there and do it,” Paul says. “You’ll see how much it can benefit — whether it’s for charity, your car registration, or your family. You’re doing something good.”

For Sandgate residents, it’s a reminder that the containers placed out each week don’t just disappear — in this case, they’re helping one local man turn recycling into real change.

Published 26-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: Container Exchange. Some quotes are from this article from Containers for Change.

Sandgate Moora Park: Where Generations Met for Concerts, Holidays and Summer Gatherings

Sandgate Moora Park has been the bayside’s social heart for over a century, with its Victorian-style 1897 bandstand still hosting gatherings where families once flocked for music, carnival rides and cooling summer breezes.

The phrase “meet you at Moora Park” echoes through generations of Sandgate and Shorncliffe families. What began as the suburb’s premier entertainment venue in the late 1800s remains a gathering place today, though the chair-o-planes and canvas marquees have long disappeared.

When Moora Park Was the Place to Be

Around 1902, postcards captured Moora Park as a bustling seaside destination. Early photographs show families crowding the waterfront, drawn by concerts at the bandstand and the promise of sea breezes on hot Brisbane days.

By 1930, Sandgate Moora Park had evolved into a full entertainment precinct. Historical images from that era reveal chair-o-plane rides spinning near the beach, canvas marquee tents dotting the foreshore, and crowds seeking relief from summer heat. A kiosk served refreshments until its demolition in 1974, marking the end of an era when the park functioned as a commercial entertainment hub.

The rotunda built in 1897 formed the centrepiece of public gatherings. Concerts and community events drew people from across Brisbane’s northern suburbs, making Moora Park more than just a local amenity. It became a regional destination where suburbs bonded over shared experiences of music, holidays and simple pleasures like sitting under the trees.

From Sandgate to Shorncliffe

Perched on the Shorncliffe bluff, the park sits in an area originally known as Upper Sandgate. This shift in boundaries didn’t diminish Moora Park’s role as a social anchor. The extensive lawns overlooking Moreton Bay and the Redcliffe Peninsula provided space for picnics, sports and the kind of unstructured gathering that built neighbourhood connections.

Historical records show how the park adapted to changing tastes. The commercial carnival atmosphere of the early 1900s gradually gave way to quieter family recreation. The chair-o-planes vanished, the kiosk came down, but families kept coming because Sandgate Moora Park offered something timeless: waterfront space where people could gather without formality or cost.

Postcard of the Moora Park — Photo Credit: Jill Mayne Rogers/Facebook

Heritage That Still Functions

Today’s Moora Park retains its 129-year-old rotunda, now a holding up to 17 people, with power and marquee permits available. The structure maintains its original charm while serving modern functions like small weddings, birthday parties and community gatherings.

The park’s designation as a local heritage place recognises its historical importance beyond architecture. It acknowledges how this waterfront green space shaped bayside social life across multiple generations. Families who visited as children now bring their own grandchildren to the same lawns and playground.

Children's playground — Photo Credit: SA/Google Maps

Current amenities include barbecues, picnic shelters, playground equipment featuring traditional swings on the upper level and an expansive timber fort playground below. The facilities support the casual gatherings that have always defined the park’s purpose. People still meet at Moora Park, though they’re more likely arranging weekend barbecues than attending bandstand concerts.

A Social Calendar Written in Grass and Shade

Moora Park’s real heritage isn’t just the rotunda or the postcard views across Moreton Bay. It’s the accumulated memory of thousands of gatherings, from grand public concerts to quiet family picnics. The park witnessed courtships, birthday celebrations, holiday traditions and those unremarkable summer afternoons that somehow became treasured memories.

For Sandgate families, the park represents continuity. Grandparents remember the kiosk, parents recall childhood playground visits, and today’s kids climb the same trees that shaded earlier generations. This layering of experience makes Moora Park more valuable than its facilities alone would suggest.

The phrase “meet you at Moora Park” carried weight because everyone knew the place. It required no street address or detailed directions. The park functioned as a community landmark where social calendars naturally intersected, where chance meetings happened because everyone eventually passed through.

Photo Credit: Sue Simmonds/*Google Maps*

What Moora Park Means for Sandgate Today

Sandgate Moora Park shows how public spaces gain value through sustained use across generations. The 1897 rotunda matters not just as heritage architecture but as proof that some gathering places endure because they meet fundamental human needs for shade, water views and room to spread a picnic blanket.

The park’s evolution from entertainment precinct to quiet recreation area reflects broader changes in how Australians spend leisure time. Yet the core function persists: providing waterfront space where bayside residents can gather without barriers or costs. Modern Sandgate might lack the chair-o-planes and concert series, but families still choose Moora Park when they need a place to meet.

Visit Moora Park at 65 Park Parade, Shorncliffe. The rotunda is available for booking through Brisbane’s park reservation system, while the lawns, barbecues and playground remain free for all visitors.

Published 26-January-2026.

Sandgate Clock Tower Hides a Piece of Ipswich History

The iconic clock tower defining the skyline of Sandgate conceals a surprising secret –its mechanical heart– one of the oldest working clocks in Brisbane which originally belonged to a completely different city.

Rising from the Ashes

The story of the current town hall began with a disaster. In May 1910, a fire destroyed the previous council chambers located in neighbouring Shorncliffe. This event forced the local council to rethink their location. While the first municipal buildings sat near the pier, the centre of development had shifted over time. The council decided to move operations closer to the railway station on Rainbow Street, which had become a busy hub for the seaside resort area.

Construction on the new building started in 1911. Builder John Gemmell took on the project, which cost £5000 at the time. The work moved quickly, taking only about eleven months to finish. On 14 October 1911, Sir William MacGregor, the Governor of Queensland, laid the foundation stone to mark the start of this new chapter for the community.

A Famous Architect’s Early Work

The design of the building came from a man who played a huge role in the look of Brisbane. Thomas Ramsay Hall was the architect responsible for the town hall, but he held another job at the same time: he was the Town Clerk of Sandgate. This project was one of his earlier works before he went on to design the famous Brisbane City Hall.

Hall designed the building to sit on a sharp corner, giving it a distinctive L-shape. He chose a style known as Federation Free Style, mixing rough-cast stucco with face brick. The design included grand features like massive columns at the main entrance and decorative Art Nouveau signage. Inside, the main hall featured a ceiling made of pressed metal and a dress circle gallery for seating.

The Clock That Travelled

While the building opened on 21 September 1912, its most famous feature did not arrive until years later. The four-faced clock that looks over the street was not part of the original construction. The mechanism inside was actually built in Croydon, England, way back in 1877 by Gillett and Johnston.

For many years, this clock kept time for the people of Ipswich at the Old Ipswich Town Hall. In 1923, the Sandgate Town Council purchased the clock and brought it to the coast. A Brisbane watchmaker named Frederick John Bright installed it in the tower. Experts say it remains one of the oldest functioning clocks in the entire city, ticking away reliable time more than a century after it was made.

Serving the Community

Significant changes came to the region in 1925. The Town of Sandgate merged with 19 other local councils to form the Greater Brisbane area. Even though the local government structure changed, the building stayed relevant. The Brisbane City Council kept the hall for public use. Over the decades, it has served many purposes, acting as a library, a health clinic, and a meeting place.

Recognising its importance, the state government added the hall to the Queensland Heritage Register in January 1995. Today, it continues to serve the locals just as it did over a hundred years ago. The main hall hosts community gatherings and events, while the library operates from the spaces that were once council offices, keeping the building at the centre of daily life in the suburb.

Published Date 26-January-2026

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Historic Brighton World War II Site Set for Transformation into Major Seniors Living Precinct

A historic World War II site in Brighton will be transformed into a major seniors living community featuring luxury amenities and high-care support under new planning documents.

LDK Seniors Living lodged the proposal recently for the 2.1-hectare block at 16 Twenty Fourth Avenue. The project, named The Baybrook, is designed to be a significant addition to the bayside suburb, located about a 35-minute drive from the Brisbane CBD. The developers aim to turn the former RAAF barracks location into a modern village for older residents.

A New Look for the Bayside

World War II — *Photo Credit:* *DA A006811510*

The design includes two main buildings that will change the local skyline. One building will stand at six storeys, while the other will reach seven storeys. Together, they will house 136 independent living units for active seniors. There will also be a dedicated care facility with 19 high-care studios for those needing extra support.

Future residents will have access to a variety of social spaces right on the property. The plans show a café, restaurants, and bars where neighbours can meet. For entertainment and self-care, the site will feature a theatre and a hair salon. A communal rooftop terrace on the taller building will offer views of the surrounding area. To handle traffic, the site will include 293 car parking spaces spread across the basement and ground levels.

Respecting Local Heritage

The land has a deep connection to Australia’s military history. It currently houses buildings constructed during the Second World War. The plans indicate that the two existing structures on the southern half of the site will be developed, but only after specific heritage matters are sorted out.

Although LDK Seniors Living secured the site last year, property records still list The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust as the owner. The site was sold without prior development approval, but early concept plans had suggested a mix of homes and apartments to boost growth in the area.

Building with Safety in Mind

The location sits in an area mapped for potential storm-tide flooding. To ensure the safety of the residents and the longevity of the buildings, the developers have planned for these environmental factors. The minimum habitable level for the units will be set at 3.6 metres. This elevation is intended to protect homes from water inundation during severe weather events.

Community Context

This proposal represents one of the largest developments for Brighton and the nearby bayside suburbs in recent years. The community has a history of engaging with aged care issues. Fourteen years ago, there were significant protests regarding the proposed closure of Eventide, a state-run facility nearby. Agents who managed the expressions-of-interest campaign noted that the site attracted nine formal offers, signalling strong interest in the future of this coastal neighbourhood.

Published Date 16-January-2026

Photo Credit: DA A006811510

Bad Blood Heads North: Tszyu–Zerafa Lights Up Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Sandgate fight fans won’t have far to travel when one of Australian boxing’s most talked-about rivalries finally reaches boiling point at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in neighbouring Boondall.

On Friday, January 16, a blockbuster showdown between unbeaten rising star Nikita Tszyu and battle-hardened contender Michael Zerafa will happen — a fight years in the making and heavy on local interest.

Staged by No Limit Boxing, the bout has been widely promoted as one of the most anticipated Australian clashes in recent memory, driven by a long-running feud, public exchanges and unresolved tension stretching back several years. For Brisbane and bayside locals, the event brings elite boxing to their doorstep.

When and Where

The event takes place on Friday, January 16, with the fight card beginning at 6pm AEST. With a full main card scheduled, the headline bout is expected later in the evening, likely around 9pm–10pm AEST, depending on how earlier fights progress.

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre, a familiar venue for major concerts and sporting events, is expected to draw a large crowd for a night that promises intensity well before the opening bell.

What’s at Stake

The main event is set for 10 rounds at a catchweight between super welterweight and middleweight, ensuring neither fighter enters with a clear size advantage.

For Tszyu, 27, the fight represents the most significant test of his unbeaten professional career. Known for his aggressive, high-pressure style and southpaw stance, he has built momentum quickly and carries a surname synonymous with Australian boxing. A victory would firmly establish him at the next level domestically.

For Zerafa, 33, the bout is another high-stakes opportunity to leverage experience. With more than 40 professional contests, he has faced former world champions and elite contenders across multiple weight divisions. While he has fallen short on the biggest stages, his depth of experience remains a central talking point heading into this matchup.

Styles Make Fights

Stylistically, the contest shapes as a genuine contrast. Tszyu applies constant pressure from the southpaw stance, often turning bouts into physical exchanges. That approach has delivered knockouts, but has also left him open to counters.

Zerafa, fighting orthodox, is generally more measured. He has shown an ability to absorb pressure, stay composed and strike when openings appear. Combined with the southpaw-orthodox matchup, the dynamic suggests a fight more likely to ignite than settle into a cautious rhythm.

A Stacked Undercard

Beyond the headline act, the card features several bouts of interest, including the professional boxing debut of former Melbourne Storm forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona, adding crossover appeal for league fans.

Heavyweight and domestic match-ups round out a program designed to keep the crowd engaged throughout the evening, rather than building solely toward the main event.

Local Excitement

For Sandgate and surrounding suburbs, major boxing events rarely land this close to home. With the Brisbane Entertainment Centre only a short drive away, locals have a rare opportunity to see a nationally significant bout live without interstate travel.

Whether it ends with a breakout performance from the younger Tszyu or a statement win from the seasoned Zerafa, Friday night promises atmosphere, tension and a genuine sense of occasion — the kind that lingers well beyond the final bell.

Fans unable to attend can watch live via Main Event on Kayo Sports, but for those heading to Boondall, it’s a chance to see Australian boxing’s next chapter unfold in person.

Published 13-Jan-2026

Featured Image Credit: BEC/Facebook

The Crown Jewel of Sandgate Sells for $5.25 Million

48 Flinders Parade was described as the “Crown Jewel of Sandgate” but when it was recently sold for over $5 million, smashing the price record for Sandgate by over $2 million, corks popped and eyes widened.

The $5-million price barrier is so rarely breached that this sale appears to have created more blue sky for many prestige properties north of Brisbane, perhaps especially on the coast.

The coastal aspect of 48 Flinders Parade most definitely contributes heavily to it’s value, with uninterrupted views across Moreton Bay, taking in Woody Point, Shorncliffe Pier and the Port of Brisbane.

The 5 Bedroom house itself has been renovated to extraordinary detail and sits a short stroll from the vibrant local cafe scene.

“From the moment we launched the campaign, it was clear this wasn’t just another prestige listing – it was a once-in-a-generation home. Marketed through a tailored premium-property campaign, the home attracted extraordinary attention from the outset and the level of interest was phenomenal, with more than 50 groups attending our VIP pre-market event and over 200 groups throughout the full campaign,” says Felicity Harden of Harden Property.

“While we had enquiry from interstate and overseas, the strongest buyer demand ultimately came from Brisbane-based prestige purchasers who immediately recognised the rarity, scale and architectural excellence of the property. The enquiry we received was highly qualified and engaged, with buyers demonstrating genuine intent throughout the process. And I’m incredibly proud that the final sale price of $5.25 million has now set a new Sandgate suburb record by $2.3 million above the previous high of $2.95 million, while also breaking the entire 4017 postcode record by $900,000.

Most importantly, the outcome delivered exceptional results for our clients on both sides of the transaction, with an outstanding result for the sellers and very happy purchasers excited to call this remarkable property, home. Properties like this don’t just set new price ceilings, they redefine what buyers believe is possible in Sandgate and across the 4017 marketplace. This campaign truly highlighted just how special this home is.” says Felicity.

Felicity Harden sold 504 Flinders Parade earlier this year, over the border in Brighton, for $3,350,000, so she is no stranger to representing the top end of the market in the area.

The sale of 48 Flinders will certainly cause many home valuations to be revisited in 2026.

You can reach Felicity to discuss this landmark sale or your own home’s valuation on 0444 544 608.

Harden Property is a proud supporter of Sandgate News

Published 31-Dec-2025
Featured Image Credit: Supplied

Exploring the Outdoor Gallery on Sandgate Streets

Sandgate residents continue to enjoy a vibrant outdoor gallery where everyday traffic signal boxes display the enduring creativity of locals through the long-running Artforce Brisbane program.

Stories on the Corner

Walking through Sandgate, locals are likely familiar with the colourful artwork that wraps around the suburb’s utility boxes. These pieces serve as snapshots of the community, with Ariya McDonald’s piece “Expanding Horizons” and Kimberly Smith’s “Birds of Sandgate” reflecting the local environment. At other intersections, the artwork speaks to the seaside lifestyle, such as Mary Harm’s “Fish n Chips,” while Nyree Cooper shares a simple message with “Gratitude.”

These designs have transformed standard metal infrastructure into points of pride that have become part of the daily scenery for commuters and pedestrians.

Expanding Horizons

Artist: Ariya McDonald Location: Sandgate (B0108)

This piece is a true tribute to the local area, specifically drawing inspiration from Sandgate District State High School. The design features the Ibis—often playfully known as the “bin chicken” but here celebrated as a school mascot representing the motto “I Believe In Sandgate.” The artwork is washed in the warm colours of a sunrise and sunset, reflecting the suburb’s stunning waterfront views. It also incorporates native Australian flora and a stack of books, symbolising both the natural beauty of the area and the value of education.

Birds of Sandgate

Artist: Kimberly Smith Location: Sandgate (B8031)

Living by the bay, residents are used to sharing the footpaths and foreshore with plenty of feathered locals. Kimberly Smith’s artwork captures this daily reality, turning a standard utility box into a celebration of the wildlife that calls the 4017 postcode home. By highlighting the birds of the area, the piece serves as a reminder of the unique environment that exists right on the doorstep of the suburban streets.

Fish n Chips

Artist: Mary Harm Location: Sandgate (SC814398)

It wouldn’t be Sandgate without a nod to the classic seaside dinner. Mary Harm’s artwork, “Fish n Chips,” playfully immortalises the tradition of grabbing a meal by the water. Whether it’s a family outing or a quick bite after a swim, this artwork connects with anyone who has spent a weekend afternoon on the Sandgate foreshore battling the seagulls for a hot chip.

Gratitude

Artist: Nyree Cooper Location: Sandgate (SC3543)

While some boxes celebrate nature or food, Nyree Cooper’s “Gratitude” brings a gentle reminder of community spirit to the streetscape. In a busy world, this artwork encourages passersby to pause and reflect. It stands as a simple but effective prompt for mental well-being, fitting perfectly into the friendly and supportive atmosphere that Sandgate residents are known for.

A Long-Standing Tradition

This splash of colour is part of the established Artforce Brisbane initiative, which has been running since 1999. Managed by the Brisbane City Council, the program was designed to turn traffic signal boxes and pad-mount transformers into art to discourage graffiti.

Over the last two decades, more than 5,000 volunteers have painted over 1,200 boxes across the city. What began as a way to keep surfaces clean has evolved into a way for suburbs like Sandgate to showcase their unique identity through visual storytelling.

Community at Heart

The program remains open to nearly everyone in Brisbane, ensuring that the art seen on the streets comes from the people who live there. School students, families, and community groups are encouraged to apply, not just professional artists.

Once a design is approved, the Council provides the necessary equipment and safety gear, giving the artist a set time to complete their work. The initiative also honours these contributions through annual awards, recognising the efforts of those who help keep the neighbourhood looking bright and welcoming.

Published Date 31-December-2025

Sandgate Farewell For Outgoing Parish Priest Fr Joseph Kanatt

Sandgate–Brighton parishioners are farewelling outgoing parish priest Fr Joseph Kanatt, recognising his support for elderly and housebound members of the community.

Six And A Half Years Of Ministry

Fr Joseph Kanatt MCBS has served the Sandgate–Brighton Catholic parish for six and a half years. Parishioners say his approach focused on presence and availability, particularly for people who were elderly, unwell or approaching end of life. Long-time members of the parish described his ministry as one that prioritised pastoral care alongside day-to-day parish responsibilities.

Linking Parish And School Communities

During his time in Sandgate, Fr Kanatt introduced the ‘One in Christ’ Mass several times each year. The Mass included contributions from the local school and was intended to strengthen links between students, families and parishioners. Parish members said the initiative helped foster a greater sense of shared identity across the parish community.

Improving Parish Communication

Fr Kanatt also supported improvements to parish communications. These included installing new speakers at the Sandgate church and new microphones at the Brighton church to improve audibility during services.

Parishioners said he encouraged regular updates through the parish social media page and supported the continuation of a parish magazine published three times a year. The magazine featured articles from parishioners and schools and was intended to keep the community informed about parish activities.

Fr Joseph Kanatt — *Photo Credit: Sandgate Brighton Catholic Parish/Facebook*

Focus On Elderly And Aged Care Residents

Parish posts show Fr Kanatt regularly celebrated Mass and visited residents at Regis in Sandgate, including those who were housebound. Residents, staff and families expressed appreciation for the Masses and visits provided over his time at the parish.

The parish also noted him celebrating Mass with residents at Regis Care, where long-time parishioner and former lead organist Dell Purtill was preparing to mark her 100th birthday.

Workload And Next Steps

Parishioners said Fr Kanatt maintained a demanding schedule, celebrating five weekend Masses as well as weekday services. Alongside pastoral duties, he also managed administrative work and oversaw renovations at the Brighton church.

The parish confirmed he is moving on to serve the parish community of Victoria Point, with Sandgate parishioners noting his departure will be felt, particularly among elderly members of the community.

Published 12-Dec-2025

Photo Credit: Sandgate Brighton Catholic Parish/Facebook