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Zillmere Drug Charges Among More Than 130 Offences

Two Zillmere residents are among six people charged with more than 130 offences following Boondall Tactical Crime Squad investigations into alleged drug trafficking across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

The unit conducted targeted operations throughout late June and early July in an effort to identify suspected drug suppliers. Search warrants were subsequently executed at properties in Zillmere, Bald Hills, Carina and Stafford Heights.

Police have stated that the alleged trafficking offences were not connected.

Zillmere Drug Charges Follow Separate Investigations

Officers intercepted a 49-year-old man riding an e-scooter along Merrett Avenue in Zillmere on 15 July. Police allege drugs were found in his possession.

Further investigations led officers to execute a search warrant at a Crowley Street address. Police reported seizing 1.28 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA crystals, a substance identified as MCMA ecstasy, cocaine, diazepam, THC oil, 1.56 kilograms of cannabis and $35,100 in alleged drug cash.

The man was charged with 13 offences. These included trafficking in dangerous drugs, multiple counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of possessing tainted property, possessing an item for use in an offence, possessing or buying regulated medicines or hazardous poisons, possessing counterfeit money and possessing property allegedly acquired for the purpose of a drug offence.

He is expected to make his first appearance in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 6 August.

In a separate matter, officers charged a 39-year-old Zillmere woman on 7 July with four offences. She faces one count each of supplying dangerous drugs, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing an item used in an offence and permitting a place to be used.

She is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 August.

Grow tent containing two mature cannabis plants — Photo Credit: QPS

Warrants Executed at Two Bald Hills Properties

Police conducted a search at a Cavalier Street property in Bald Hills on 9 July.

It is alleged a 27-year-old man had airsoft rifles, a small quantity of cocaine, $22,000 in alleged drug cash, 1.68 kilograms of cannabis and a grow tent containing two mature cannabis plants.

He was charged with 12 offences, including drug possession, possessing items and utensils for use in offences, possessing instructions for producing dangerous drugs, possessing suspected proceeds of an offence and an offence involving the unlawful use of category A weapons.

The man appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 10 July and was remanded in custody. He is expected to return to court on 10 August.

An earlier search was conducted at a Kyeema Crescent address in Bald Hills on 30 June. Officers seized dangerous drugs, pepper spray, scales and utensils.

A 25-year-old Bald Hills man was charged with seven offences, including two counts each of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing drug utensils. The remaining charges related to possessing relevant substances or items, unlawful possession of a category R weapon and possessing property allegedly acquired for a drug offence.

The matter is expected to be heard in Sandgate Magistrates Court on 27 July.

Seized drugs beside alleged drug cash — Photo Credit: QPS

Carina Man Charged With 73 Offences

A search warrant was executed at a Waratah Avenue address in Carina on 7 July.

Police seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, LSD tabs, pipes, bongs, other drug utensils, ritanol, Vyvanse and $510 in alleged drug cash.

A 32-year-old Carina man was charged with 73 offences, including 60 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, three counts relating to drug utensils and one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

Other charges included possessing dangerous drugs, possessing or buying regulated medicines or hazardous poisons, possessing items connected with offences and possessing property suspected of being the proceeds of a drug offence.

He appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 8 July and was remanded in custody. He is expected to reappear on 17 August.

Stafford Heights Search Results in 26 Charges

Officers also executed a warrant at a Farrant Street address in Stafford Heights on 7 July, seizing methylamphetamine, cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

A 39-year-old Stafford Heights man was charged with 26 offences. These comprised 24 counts of supplying dangerous drugs, one count of trafficking in dangerous drugs and one count of possessing property suspected of being used in connection with a drug offence.

He is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 August.

Boondall Tactical Crime Squad officer-in-charge Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Challenger said the charges represented a substantial disruption to local drug supply networks and related criminal activity.

Information can be reported to Policelink through its online suspicious activity form or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through its online reporting service.

Relevant police reference numbers are QP2601330528, QP2601370560, QP2601315115, QP2601316284, QP2601316408 and QP2601269981.

Published 22-July-2026

QPS Officers Join Zillmere NAIDOC Community Celebration

Photo Credit: QPS

Queensland Police officers and Cultural Liaison Officers joined the Zillmere NAIDOC event, staffing a community stall and taking part in activities celebrating culture and connection.

Officers from Gateway Crime Prevention and North Brisbane Highway Patrol attended the Northside NAIDOC Community Fun Day on Thursday, 9 July.

They were joined by Cultural Liaison Officers, who worked alongside police at a stall and engaged with community members throughout the annual celebration.

Police Stall at Zillmere NAIDOC Event

The police stall gave officers and liaison staff an opportunity to speak with visitors during the program of performances, information displays and family activities.

A police motorcycle was one of the most popular features, with children and adults given an opportunity to try it out.

Cluedo, the Queensland Police dog mascot, also appeared during the event. The mascot was photographed sitting on the police motorcycle with officers.

The motorcycle and mascot formed part of the police presence at the community day, which focused on culture, community and connection during NAIDOC Week.

Officers Meet Native Wildlife

Police and Cultural Liaison Officers also took part in encounters with Australian native animals during the event.

A Cultural Liaison Officer was photographed holding a goanna alongside Cluedo, while another photograph showed a police officer holding a wombat.

The wildlife encounters were among the range of activities available during the Northside celebration.

Annual Community Day Brings Groups Together

The Northside NAIDOC Community Fun Day is an annual event held at Koobara Kindy in Zillmere.

It brings together government services, community information stalls, traditional dancers, performers and activities for visitors of different ages.

The wider program provided opportunities for community members to gather, participate in activities and recognise First Nations culture during NAIDOC Week.

Police participation centred on speaking with visitors, operating the community stall and joining activities across the event.

The day also acknowledged the past, present and future role of First Nations people and culture.

Queensland Police marked NAIDOC Week through activities involving officers, Cultural Liaison Officers and community members across the Northside event.

Published 10-July-2026

Geocaching Hunt Transforms Ordinary Aspley Signal Box

Photo Credit: CrDanitaParry

A plain traffic signal box in Aspley has been turned into an interactive map for treasure hunters, bringing the global world of geocaching to Murphy Road.

The transformation of this everyday piece of infrastructure took place during two community gatherings held throughout April and May.

The project was led by local residents David and Jess Warren, who wanted to celebrate the global hobby of geocaching. Geocaching involves using GPS tools or mobile phone mapping apps to find hidden containers, which are tucked away in various locations. This particular signal box serves as a physical representation of that digital hunt. The design features Signal the Frog, the official mascot for the activity, shown in various roles such as planting trees, hiking, and managing geocaches.

The artwork also incorporates a variety of icons that represent the different ways people can engage with the hobby. These symbols illustrate activities ranging from finding containers and studying geology to snapping photos via webcams or attending clean-up events.

By including a background of the Brisbane River, local greenery, and a native ibis, the designers ensured the piece felt connected to its specific home in Aspley. David Warren managed the project, while Jess Warren handled the design and supervised the painting process, with the couple’s two children contributing to the final result.

The effort was supported by the Brisbane City Council through the Artforce Brisbane program. Marchant Ward Councillor Danita Parry noted that the project was a successful way to bring more personality to local streets. She mentioned that she appreciated the way the box highlighted an unexpected interest and brought a sense of adventure to the area.

For the councillor, the project stood out as an effective example of how the council program could help residents feel more connected to their surroundings. By turning a plain metal box into a colourful visual guide for a popular outdoor activity, the project has provided a unique focal point for the neighbourhood.

Published Date 09-July-2026

Aspley State High Brings Shrek: The Musical to the Stage This July

Thomas Dixon Centre

More than 100 Aspley State High School students have spent months rehearsing after school, at lunch and on a weekend to bring Shrek: The Musical to their local community, staging the beloved fairytale across three performances.

Based on the hit animated film, the show follows grumpy ogre Shrek and his fast-talking sidekick Donkey on a mission to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, with the kind of big Broadway numbers, slapstick comedy and surprising heart that has made it a perennial favourite for school productions worldwide.

The musical runs from 30 July to 1 August at the Aspley State High School Performing Arts Hall.

A cast of students stepping up

Teacher and director Joshua Crossley said audiences could expect standout performances from students who had never sung on stage before. “We have students who have never sung on stage before who are now playing massive parts, including our Fiona,” he said. “The students and staff have been working so hard since February to create the best show possible.”

Year 12 student Ariella takes on the role of Princess Fiona, bringing what she describes as the character’s sassy and feisty energy to the stage. Fellow Year 12 student DJ plays Shrek himself, while Musical Captain Paige, also in Year 12, tackles Donkey with an eye on the comedy.

“I am really looking forward to being the comedic relief of the show and hopefully getting a few laughs,” Paige said.

Year 10 student Leon plays Pinocchio, navigating a demanding falsetto throughout. “Delivering lines in this constant high-pitched falsetto is both challenging and really fun, especially singing,” he said. Year 10 student Kayla takes on the role of Dragon, describing the role as a genuine stretch outside her comfort zone.

Younger students take the stage alongside seniors

The production draws on the full breadth of the school’s student body, from Year 7 to Year 12, as part of Aspley High’s biennial musical tradition. Year 7 student Vienna, a core dancer in the cast, said the ‘What’s Up Duloc’ routine was a personal highlight, while classmate Emma, who plays Elf, described the show as a chance to bring the community together.

Musical Captain Denah, who plays Ugly Duckling, said the show was genuinely funny and that the cast sounded incredible. “I hope the community will support the production because genuinely our performance is so funny and everyone sounds incredible,” she said.

A performance the cast can’t wait to share

DJ summed up the experience in practical terms of non-stop laughter and emotional moments, though full evening sessions are scheduled for up to three hours.. “It’s an hour and a half of rib-hurting laughter and emotionally relatable characters,” he said. “Most of all, it would mean the world to our performers; we’d adore having a giant audience to sing and act for.”

Aspley State High sits on Zillmere Road, 13 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, and its Performing Arts Hall serves as the venue for the three-night season.

Tickets start at $20 and are available via TryBooking.

Published 2-July-2026

Comfort Inn Carseldine Faces Major Redevelopment Under New Application

A redevelopment application has been lodged to transform the long-established Comfort Inn in Carseldine into a larger accommodation complex featuring 201 guest rooms.

Read: Carseldine Commuters May Face Longer Wait for Gympie Road Tunnel Completion

The proposal would replace almost all of the existing motel buildings with seven new accommodation buildings while retaining the site’s existing function room, creating a significantly expanded short-term accommodation development.

The redevelopment has been proposed for the Comfort Inn at 77 Denver Road, Carseldine, a 12,980-square-metre site that has operated as motel accommodation for many years. The development application seeks approval to demolish all existing motel buildings, except the function room, before constructing seven architecturally designed accommodation buildings.

Larger proposal replaces earlier approved expansion

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007016321

The latest application follows a development approval granted in 2024 for an expansion that would have increased the motel’s capacity to 137 guest rooms. The new proposal replaces that earlier concept with a comprehensive redevelopment that would increase the site’s accommodation capacity to 201 guest rooms.

According to planning documents, the current motel contains 55 guest rooms, all of which would be demolished as part of the redevelopment. Once complete, the site would accommodate 201 guest rooms, representing an increase of 146 rooms.

Designed by Sheltaco, the redevelopment would include three buildings rising to three storeys, with a maximum height of 9.5 metres, alongside four two-storey accommodation buildings positioned around the site’s northern, eastern and western boundaries.

The largest building would be located near the centre of the site and contain 72 guest rooms. Two additional three-storey buildings would provide 27 and 30 guest rooms respectively, while the four two-storey buildings would each contain 18 guest rooms, contributing another 72 rooms.

The proposal also includes a communal open space, a swimming pool and landscaped recreation areas. Supporting infrastructure would be upgraded as part of the redevelopment, including an increase in on-site parking to 113 car parking spaces, two service vehicle bays, on-site refuse collection facilities and upgraded vehicular access from Denver Road.

Planning documents also outline changes to site access, with an expanded seven-metre-wide Type B2 crossover proposed from Denver Road. A traffic engineering assessment submitted with the application concluded the redevelopment’s traffic generation would have a negligible adverse impact on the surrounding road network.

According to the planning report prepared by Town Planning Strategies, the proposal would introduce additional accommodation within seven contemporary buildings while improving the site’s presentation to the surrounding streetscape.

Read: Saturday Mornings Sorted Out as Carseldine Markets Kick Off 2026 Season

The report states the site is well suited to the redevelopment because of its long-established use as motel accommodation. It also concludes that the proposed buildings, which would not exceed 9.5 metres in height, are not expected to adversely affect the intended low-density residential character of the surrounding area.

The development application will now be assessed by Brisbane City as part of the development approval process.

Featured image: Render for Comfort Inn in Carseldine (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007016321)

Published 1-July-2026

When Your GP Says, “You’ll Need a Scan”: Why a New Carseldine Imaging Clinic Matters

Photo Credit: Supplied

Most people don’t give much thought to diagnostic imaging until the day their doctor says, “I’d like you to have a scan.”

For Sarah*, what began as persistent shoulder pain after a weekend of gardening ended with a referral from her GP. The doctor suspected more than a simple strain and recommended an X-ray, with the possibility of an MRI if further investigation was needed.

Like many patients, Sarah’s questions came almost immediately. Where do I go? How long will I have to wait? Will Medicare cover it? And if I need more than one type of scan, will I have to travel to different clinics?

Sarah’s experience is far from unusual. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 10 million Australians—almost two in five people—received over 27 million Medicare-subsidised diagnostic imaging services in 2022–23, highlighting the important role imaging plays in diagnosing injuries, illnesses and ongoing health conditions.

For many patients, the clinic isn’t somewhere they ever expect to visit—it’s somewhere they hope they’ll never need. But when that referral does arrive, having quality diagnostic imaging available close to home can make an already stressful experience a little easier.

Now, residents across Brisbane’s north have another local option, with RRD Imaging opening a comprehensive diagnostic imaging clinic at The Village Carseldine.

More Than Just a Scan

Diagnostic imaging often provides the missing piece of the puzzle between symptoms and treatment.

Whether it’s investigating persistent pain, confirming a fracture, assessing a sporting injury, screening for breast cancer, monitoring bone health or examining internal organs, imaging helps doctors make informed decisions about what should happen next.

While patients often think of “getting a scan” as a single appointment, the reality can be more complicated. Depending on what’s being investigated, a doctor may require different types of imaging, each designed to answer different clinical questions.

One Referral, One Location

For Sarah, the possibility of needing both an X-ray and an MRI raised another concern.

Would she need to visit multiple providers?

It’s a situation many patients encounter. Depending on the provider, not every imaging service is available at every location. More specialised examinations such as MRI, bone density (DEXA), mammography or dental cone beam CT (CBCT) may require appointments at different facilities.

The new Carseldine clinic brings these services together under one roof, offering MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, mammography, bone density scanning, orthopantomogram (OPG), CBCT, lung cancer screening and selected image-guided procedures.

For patients, that can mean fewer bookings, less travelling between different facilities and a simpler experience when more than one type of examination is required.

“RRD Imaging Carseldine has been purpose-built to provide residents of Brisbane’s northside with access to advanced diagnostic imaging technology comparable to that available in major metropolitan hospitals,” the RRD Imaging Lead Radiologist said.

“Our equipment has been selected to deliver high-quality diagnostic imaging while incorporating features designed to improve patient comfort, reduce scan times and support accurate diagnoses.

“By bringing these services together in a modern, community-based setting, patients and referring practitioners can access high-quality diagnostic care closer to home without the need to travel significant distances.”

Faster Answers Can Mean Faster Treatment

For many patients, the most difficult part isn’t the scan itself—it’s waiting.

Delays in diagnostic imaging can delay diagnosis and, in turn, treatment planning, particularly when doctors are trying to determine what’s causing a patient’s symptoms.

RRD Imaging’s Lead Radiologist points out that timely access had been a key consideration in designing the new clinic.

“We understand that timely access to diagnostic imaging is critical for patient care. Delays in imaging can result in delays to diagnosis and treatment.

“For this reason, our goal is to offer same-day or next-day appointments for most examinations wherever possible, helping to minimise wait times and enabling referring practitioners to make treatment decisions sooner.”

According to RRD Imaging, routine examination reports are generally provided to referring doctors within 24 to 48 hours, while urgent examinations may be prioritised and reported within two to four hours where clinically appropriate. Critical findings are also communicated directly to the referring practitioner when immediate attention is required.

Affordable Access Close to Home

Cost is another question many patients ask after receiving a referral.

Affordability is also a priority.

“At RRD Imaging, we are committed to making high-quality diagnostic imaging accessible, affordable and convenient for the community. We will bulk bill the vast majority of Medicare-eligible examinations where clinically appropriate.”

For services that do attract a gap payment, patients can generally expect out-of-pocket costs of around $20 to $150, depending on the examination, with fee information provided upfront before appointments so there are no surprises.

Another Piece of the Healthcare Puzzle

Sarah’s story is fictional, but the journey is one many people will recognise.

Whether it’s a child who falls off a bike, an athlete recovering from injury, someone attending a routine breast screen or pre-natal imaging, or an older person investigating osteoporosis, diagnostic imaging is often the next step after a visit to the doctor.

As Brisbane’s northern suburbs continue to grow, so too does the need for healthcare services closer to where people live. The arrival of a comprehensive imaging clinic in Carseldine adds another option for local patients and referring doctors—bringing a broad range of imaging services, same-day or next-day appointments for many examinations where possible, bulk billing for the vast majority of Medicare-eligible examinations where clinically appropriate, and the convenience of having multiple diagnostic services available under one roof.

Planning Your Visit

RRD Imaging’s Carseldine clinic offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic imaging services, including:

MRI
CT
Ultrasound
X-ray
Mammography
Echocardiogram
Bone Density (DEXA)
Orthopantomogram (OPG)
Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
Lung Cancer Screening
Image-guided procedures

Patients can also expect:

Same-day or next-day appointments for many examinations where possible
Modern diagnostic imaging equipment
An experienced imaging team
Bulk billing for the vast majority of Medicare-eligible examinations where clinically appropriate
Digital referrals accepted
Online appointment bookings
WorkCover, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and a wide range of insurance referrals accepted
Community-focused care close to home

RRD Imaging Carseldine officially opens on 1 July at Level 1, The Village, 520 Beams Road.

Published 29-June-2026

Sarah is a fictional patient whose story has been created to illustrate a common healthcare journey. This article contains information and imagery supplied by the clinic. RRD Imaging is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News.

Zillmere Teacher Ryan St John’s Full-Circle Journey Into The Classroom

Ryan St John’s path into teaching has come full circle at St Flannan’s School in Zillmere, where the former Brisbane Catholic Education student is now guiding a Year 3 class after first working at the school as a teacher aide.

A Zillmere Classroom With A Familiar Start

Ryan St John’s teaching journey has brought him back into a Brisbane Catholic Education classroom, this time as a Year 3 teacher at St Flannan’s School in Zillmere.

A Gamilaroi man and former BCE student, Ryan’s path into education began well before he became a classroom teacher. While studying, he worked at St Flannan’s School as a teacher aide, gaining practical experience in the same school community where he now teaches.

That early classroom experience helped shape his understanding of teaching and gave him a foundation for his career. It also allowed him to work in education while completing his Bachelor of Education at Australian Catholic University.

Ryan was supported through a BCE Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching scholarship, which formed part of his pathway into the profession.

From Teacher Aide To Year 3 Teacher

This year, Ryan teaches Year 3 at St Flannan’s School, with the role carrying an added sense of familiarity. Before becoming the class teacher, he had already worked with the same students when they were in Year 2.

That connection has helped create a smoother start to the school year, with teacher and students already familiar with one another. His move from teacher aide to classroom teacher shows how early school-based experience can support future educators as they move from study into teaching.

For Ryan, the pathway also helped him understand what primary teaching involved in a practical way. His experience at St Flannan’s became part of the route that led him into the classroom as a qualified teacher.

A Pathway Shared During National Reconciliation Week

Ryan’s story was shared during National Reconciliation Week, held from 27 May to 3 June, as part of a focus on shared histories, cultures and achievements in Australia.

His journey highlights a supported pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students considering teaching careers. Through teacher aide work, university study and scholarship support, Ryan was able to build experience while preparing for a career in education.

He has reflected on the role education plays in First Nations communities and the way teaching can contribute back through the classroom.

Ryan St John — *Photo Credit: St Flannan’s School*

St Flannan’s Zillmere And The Next Stage

St Flannan’s School in Zillmere enrols students from Prep to Year 6 and describes itself as a welcoming Catholic school community focused on learning, care and student growth.

For Ryan, teaching Year 3 at St Flannan’s brings together several parts of his education journey: his time as a BCE student, his teacher aide experience, his university study and the scholarship support that helped him move into teaching.

His story is a feature of steady progression rather than sudden change. It follows a student who found a pathway into education, gained experience inside the classroom and returned as a teacher helping guide young learners at St Flannan’s Zillmere.

Published 2-June-2026

Bridgeman Downs Subdivision Plan Revises Beckett Road Access For 43 Lots

Photo Credit: Pexels

A revised subdivision proposal for Beckett Road in Bridgeman Downs would create 43 residential lots across a 7.6-hectare site, with changes to vehicle access, internal roads, staging and retained environmental areas now central to the plan.

Beckett Road Layout Shifts Under Revised Plan

The proposal covers 409, 411, 415 and 427 Beckett Road and is listed under application A007012501. It was submitted on 30 April 2026 and remains in progress.

The amended plan is described as a minor change to an approved subdivision, but it includes several notable layout changes. The proposal would increase the residential yield to 43 lots, introduce staged delivery and remove the previously approved direct vehicle access from Beckett Road.

Instead of direct Beckett Road vehicle access, the layout identifies a future road connection through the adjoining southern subdivision. A pedestrian connection to Beckett Road would be retained.

The internal road network would also be realigned. The proposal includes supporting infrastructure such as a pad mount transformer, stormwater basin, water quality works, bioretention treatment and tree pit treatment systems.

Bridgeman Downs Subdivision Includes Covenant And Drainage Areas

The proposed residential lots range from 400 square metres to 764 square metres. The lot mix includes 31 lots between 400 square metres and 499 square metres, eight lots between 500 square metres and 764 square metres, and a retained dwelling lot of 3,707 square metres.

The plan also includes eight rear lots, a 1.29-hectare environmental covenant lot, a retained bushfire covenant area and drainage reserve land. Lot 901 is identified as an environmental and drainage reserve, while Lot 902 is identified as a 1,101-square-metre drainage reserve.

The proposal is planned in two stages. The first stage would reconfigure four lots into 28 residential lots, two balance lots, a park lot, a drainage easement and an access easement. The second stage would reconfigure two lots into 13 residential lots and a drainage lot.

43-lot subdivision — *Photo Credit: DA/A007012501*

Wildlife, Bushland And Infrastructure Concerns Raised

Opposition submissions lodged in 2025 raised concerns about bushland removal, koalas, wildlife habitat and the capacity of local infrastructure to support additional homes.

One objection opposed the removal of land described as being used by koalas and other wildlife. It sought either a stop to the development or a delay until wildlife relocation could be addressed through an animal welfare process. Other objections raised concern about further clearing of bushland and the pressure of additional properties in the area.

Those concerns sit alongside the revised plan’s retained environmental, bushfire and drainage areas, making the balance between housing yield and site constraints a central part of the local discussion.

residential subdivision — *Photo Credit: DA/A007012501*

Purser Street Traffic And Noise Issues Added To Debate

A separate objection lodged on 3 May 2026 focused on traffic, road access and noise impacts linked to the amended layout.

The objection referred to earlier traffic material that considered likely vehicle movements on the Purser Street extension. That material estimated that 76 lots across several nearby residential areas could generate up to 760 vehicle movements per day if all traffic used Purser Street.

The traffic material also stated that a 14-metre local street could accommodate up to 1,000 vehicle movements per day. However, the objection argued that the amended Beckett Road layout may have changed the assumptions behind that assessment, particularly because the earlier material referred to a left-in, left-out Beckett Road access.

The objection sought clarification on whether that access remained part of the plan and called for updated traffic assessment material if it had been removed or altered. It also raised concern that no formal noise assessment had addressed the effect of increased traffic on existing Purser Street residents.

The Beckett Road proposal remains under assessment, with no decision notice listed. Its next steps will determine whether the revised 43-lot layout proceeds as planned, changes further, or requires additional assessment of access, traffic, noise and site constraints.

Published 9-June-2026

The Banh Mi Shop That Started as a Market Stall Just Won Queensland’s Best

Banh Mi Factory/Facebook

Banh Mi Factory has been crowned Queensland’s best banh mi place in the 2026 QLD Day All the Best competition, after more than 74,000 votes were cast across 15 categories statewide.

The announcement came on 3 June, the day before Queensland Day, with Banh Mi Factory taking the top spot in a category that put some of Brisbane’s most beloved Vietnamese eateries up against each other for public votes.

For the regulars who have been lining up at Zillmere since this family-run shop opened its first bricks-and-mortar store after years as a market stall, the result will not come as a surprise.

The shop holds a 4.8 out of 5 Google rating across hundreds of customer reviews.

What makes a banh mi worth driving across Brisbane for

The banh mi at Zillmere is built the way it should be: a crunchy baguette, housemade mayo and pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber, and your choice of filling from chicken, beef, pork, tofu or mixed.

The Friday crispy pork special has earned its own following. Orders move fast at the counter, even during the lunch rush that reliably builds by mid-morning.

Beyond the banh mi, the menu includes pho made with a 24-hour broth, rice paper rolls, rice bowls and noodle salads. Everything is affordable, and portions are generous by any measure. The shop is alfresco-friendly, child-friendly and accessible, with dine-in seating inside and outdoor tables when the weather suits.

Banh Mi Factory has a second location at 10 Austin Street, Newstead, for inner-city regulars. The Zillmere original is open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3pm and closed Sunday. Phone (07) 3061 5067 or visit banhmifactory.com.au.

Published 5-June-2026

One More Step: Socceroos Face World Cup Crossroads Against Paraguay

World Cup campaigns can turn on a single afternoon.

John Aloisi’s penalty against Uruguay. Tim Cahill’s volley in Germany. Mathew Leckie’s winner over Denmark that carried Australia into the knockout rounds four years ago.

The next opportunity arrives on Friday, June 26 (AEST), when the Socceroos meet Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara with a place in the Round of 32 on the line. A point will be enough to secure second place in Group D behind the United States, while victory would send Australia into the knockout rounds with real momentum. Defeat would leave qualification resting on results elsewhere — a situation Tony Popovic has made clear he has no intention of relying on.

“We’re going into the game tomorrow to win,” Popovic said at his pre-match press conference.

“I expect they’ll be doing the same.”

Opportunity Knocks Again

The mood around the Australian camp has remained positive despite the 2-0 defeat to the United States.

Players and coaches have spent the week focusing less on the result than on the contrast between the two halves in Seattle. Australia struggled to handle the Americans’ intensity before half-time but looked a different side after the break, with Connor Metcalfe, Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato helping swing momentum and ask far more questions of the tournament hosts.

Popovic believes that response says as much about his squad as the opening 45 minutes.

“We’re happy with the squad,” he said.

“The players responded extremely well in the second half and we’re growing day by day, even quicker than I anticipated.”

Selection, though, has again been forced upon him.

Mathew Leckie has been ruled out after injuring his hamstring against the United States, while Jacob Italiano will also miss the match after suffering an adductor injury at training. Both started Australia’s opening win over Türkiye, meaning fresh faces will again be asked to perform in one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

A Different Kind Of Contest

Paraguay presents a challenge unlike the two opponents Australia has already faced.

The South Americans arrive level on points with the Socceroos after defeating Türkiye 1-0 despite playing the entire second half with 10 men following Miguel Almirón’s dismissal. It was a display built on resilience, discipline and an ability to stay organised when the pressure mounted.

Assistant coach Paul Okon Sr expects another uncompromising contest.

“They’re a typical South American team,” he said.

“They have very technical players, but they also like to play in unorganised chaos where they have a backs-to-the-wall mentality. It’s going to be a fight.”

Almirón’s suspension removes one of Paraguay’s biggest attacking threats, but Popovic believes little changes.

“They’re here because they deserve to be here,” he said.

“We have a lot of respect for them, but we’re also very confident in our ability.”

Ready For The Fight

Australia’s record against South American opposition has rarely been comfortable, which is one reason the Socceroos deliberately sought out friendlies against Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela over the past two years.

Those matches exposed many of the players to the physicality, tactical discipline and unpredictability that often define teams from CONMEBOL.

Jason Geria expects more of the same on Friday.

“They fight for everything,” he said. “And they play like every game is their last.”

Australia knows exactly what is coming. The challenge will be matching that intensity without getting drawn into the sort of battle Paraguay thrives on.

Everything Still In Australia’s Hands

There has been plenty of discussion about Australia’s heavier travel schedule during the tournament compared with Paraguay, but the Socceroos have shown little interest in using logistics as an excuse. The squad established its base in Northern California before the tournament specifically to limit travel across time zones, and Friday’s match will be played less than an hour from the team hotel.

For Popovic, the focus has remained exactly where it has been since the squad assembled before the World Cup — on continual improvement.

The Socceroos earned plenty of belief from their victory over Türkiye. They learned some valuable lessons against the United States. Now comes the match that will determine whether those lessons were enough.

Ninety minutes against Paraguay.

Win or draw, and Australia’s World Cup journey continues.

Published 25-June-2026