A 75-year-old Carseldine man has died following a single-vehicle crash on Gympie Road in neighbouring Aspley, with police now investigating the circumstances.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 7.11pm on April 25 after a Nissan Pulsar left the roadway and struck a power pole. Despite being treated at the scene, the driver was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Queensland Police Service Forensic Crash Unit is examining what led to the vehicle leaving the road.
While the incident occurred in Aspley, the driver’s connection to Carseldine has brought the tragedy closer to home for local residents, particularly those who regularly use Gympie Road — one of the area’s busiest corridors.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen the crash or has relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
Information can be provided to police via Policelink or anonymously through Crime Stoppers, quoting reference number QP2600798278.
A Carseldine station signal fault brought a miserable start to the working week for thousands of north Brisbane rail commuters on Monday, with delays stretching across three lines and lasting the better part of the morning.
The fault emerged around 7:40am and disrupted services on the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Sunshine Coast lines running in both directions. Trains were not stopped entirely, but were required to slow significantly to safely pass through the affected area, creating a cascade of delays felt across the network.
TransLink advised that all inbound services on the affected lines would make additional stops at every station between Zillmere and Northgate — adding further time to an already frustrating commute.
Queensland Rail reported the fault had been repaired by around 9:00am and that trains were returning to timetable, albeit with residual delays. However, the ripple effects proved stubborn: TransLink was still reporting waits of up to 30 minutes for inbound services and 15 minutes for outbound as late as 10:20am. It was not until around 11:00am that services fully returned to their normal schedules.
The cause of the fault remains under investigation by Queensland Rail staff.
The disruption landed just a week after the train network was taken offline for a scheduled maintenance period — a timing that drew pointed frustration from commuters who took to the Queensland Rail Facebook page to vent. Many questioned what the maintenance had actually achieved. Others raised concerns about the network’s capacity to handle the expected surge in visitors and passenger numbers ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. A handful pointed out the irony of paying the state’s flat-rate fare for a service that had left them late for work with no compensation on offer.
Penny, a black and white cat believed to be about 17 years old, was found living alone in an Aspley rental property for nearly a month after her elderly owner passed away.
The situation came to light through a neighbour, Emily, who contacted Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane in early April seeking help. In her message, she said Penny had been affectionate towards her owner, who called her his “lucky Penny.”
Penny has been described as a very shy cat, fearful of unfamiliar people and prone to hiding. With the house being cleared out and people coming and going, she remained frightened and continued to stay out of sight.
Emily and her husband visited the property each day to leave food and check on her. Penny would wait until the house was quiet before coming out to eat and use her litter tray.
Emily said Penny, a former rescue cat, had not lived with other animals or children to her knowledge and would likely suit a quiet home where she could be the only pet. She also expressed concern that Penny might struggle to find a home due to her age and shy nature. The post received a strong response online, with many people sharing it.
Less than two weeks later, an update confirmed Penny had been rehomed. She is now living with a new family alongside two other rescue cats, Lilly and Norah.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cat Cuddle Cafe Brisbane
Penny is still settling in and remains anxious. She is currently staying in her own space, where she will remain until she is ready to adjust to her new surroundings.
The update noted the strong response from people who followed and shared the post, which helped Penny find her new home. For now, Penny is no longer alone and has a safe place to spend her remaining years.
A Mansfield family home that had not been touched since it was built in the 1990s has set a new Mansfield home sale record, fetching $2.52 million in a cash transaction — nearly half a million dollars more than a comparable property on the same street sold for just weeks earlier.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home at 38 Mansfield Place had been lived in by the same owner-occupiers since construction. After more than thirty years of raising a family there, the couple decided the 433-square-metre property had simply become too much to manage alone. With the kids long gone, they resolved to downsize — and listed the home with only a fresh coat of paint to show for any preparation.
RE/MAX agent Henry Wong, who managed the listing, said the home attracted considerable interest from the moment it hit the market in March. Within a single week, 29 separate groups had inspected the property. Much of that interest, he said, came from families with multigenerational living needs — particularly those with grandparents who visit from overseas and require close proximity to schools.
The original layout of the home, with its kitchens and bathrooms unchanged from the 1990s, turned out to be a drawcard rather than a deterrent. For families pooling resources across generations, the practical configuration was exactly what they were looking for.
Before the scheduled auction could take place, a family from Brisbane’s north side — who had previously lived in Mansfield and were hoping to return to the suburb — made an offer the vendors simply could not walk away from. The sale was completed as an unconditional cash contract at $2.52 million, bypassing the auction process entirely.
By comparison, 2 Mansfield Place — another five-bedroom, three-bathroom home on the same street — had changed hands just one month prior for $2.035 million, a difference of $485,000.
Wong said the result exceeded what the vendors had anticipated going in. The new owners, a young family with two children, reportedly have builders already lined up and plan to renovate once they move in.
The sale reflects a broader shift Wong has observed in Brisbane’s property market, where homes suited to extended family arrangements are becoming increasingly sought after. He noted that when multiple generations combine their purchasing power — and compete alongside interstate and overseas buyers — properties near well-regarded schools that offer flexible living configurations tend to generate particularly fierce competition.
Mansfield, a leafy suburb roughly 12 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD, has long been popular with owner-occupiers and families, and is home to Mansfield State High School, one of Queensland’s higher-performing state secondary schools.
A community woodworking project has helped create a recognition display at Aspley 10 Pin Bowl, with members of the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed cutting bowling pins in half for a Wall of Fame.
An unexpected request from a local bowling venue in Aspley led to a practical project for the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed. The task involved cutting a box of bowling pins in half, not for use in the game, but for display.
Members John and Neville carried out the work using a band saw, carefully dividing the pins into matching halves suitable for presentation.
Building A Wall Of Fame With Local Craftsmanship
The split pins were transformed into recognition pieces engraved with names and scores. These were prepared for display at Aspley 10 Pin Bowl as part of its Wall of Fame.
The display highlights bowling achievements and is expected to grow as more names and pins are added over time.
A Practical Role In The Community
The project reflects the broader work undertaken by the Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed. The group regularly completes repairs, restorations and small woodworking projects for the community.
Members range from skilled craftspeople to hobbyists and those learning new skills. Training and safety measures are part of daily operations, supporting participation across different experience levels.
More Than Woodworking: Connection And Purpose
The Shed operates from several workshops on the grounds of the Anglican Church on Ridley Road while functioning independently. It provides a space where men can stay active, social and involved in meaningful tasks.
Many members join to maintain routine, develop skills or connect with others, particularly during retirement or periods of personal change.
The Shed is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings and welcomes new members regardless of experience.
The bowling pin project adds to a range of community-focused work carried out by the group. Activities have included practical support for local events and organisations.
North Star Football Club in Zillmere has been confirmed for facility upgrades as part of a wider suburban sports and community works program across Brisbane.
North Star Football Club in Zillmere is one of four locations identified for approved upgrade works, alongside Oxenham Park in Nundah, Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre in Wynnum and Runcorn Pool.
At the Zillmere site, the planned works include replacement of the club’s roof and improvements to the change rooms. These upgrades form part of a broader effort to maintain and improve suburban sporting facilities used by local communities.
The wider program includes several projects across Brisbane suburbs.
At Oxenham Park in Nundah, the upgrade will deliver two new change rooms, a new toilet block with accessible facilities, a covered walkway connecting to the croquet club and a new path leading to the accessible car park near the cricket club.
At Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre in Wynnum, works will involve replacement of part of the roof in the main hall area and structural reinforcement to support the facility long term. The centre has been operated by volunteers and has hosted activities and community programs for more than 40 years.
At Runcorn Pool, upgrades will include improvements to accessible toilet and baby change facilities, installation of new bathroom fittings and construction of new walls. Indoor facilities are expected to close temporarily for around two months during construction, with temporary bathrooms to be provided.
Available project updates confirm that North Star Football Club in Zillmere is included in the current upgrade rollout, with roof and change room works identified as part of the program. However, the exact start timing for the Zillmere works is not consistently specified and remains subject to clarification.
A slice of nostalgia is heading to North Brisbane, with Carseldine Markets set to host a one-day vintage pop-up celebrating retro style, sustainable shopping and local creativity.
On Saturday, 21 March, the popular weekly market will introduce a special “Vintage Lane” activation, bringing together more than 150 stalls featuring pre-loved goods, antiques, local produce and live music. Organisers say the event aims to highlight Brisbane’s growing vintage scene while creating a vibrant space for the community to connect.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The morning market, running from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., is expected to draw early risers, collectors and families keen to browse unique items. The Vintage Lane pop-up will place a spotlight on pre-loved fashion, retro pieces, antiques and unusual finds, while also giving local makers and small businesses another platform within one of North Brisbane’s best-known market spaces.
Beyond the vintage offering, visitors can expect the mix that regulars know well — farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, breakfast bites and sweet treats.
For many shoppers, the appeal lies not only in finding something distinctive, but also in supporting reuse, local enterprise and Brisbane’s broader market culture. That community dimension remains one of the strongest angles of the story.
Market coordinator Mark Power said the pop-up reflects a strong local interest in second-hand goods and creative reuse, as more residents embrace sustainable shopping habits and support small businesses. The event will also provide a platform for local makers and independent sellers to showcase their work.
Photo Credit: Supplied
For regular marketgoers, the themed event offers something new within a familiar community space. Carseldine Markets already attracts thousands of visitors each Saturday, and the Vintage Lane pop-up is expected to add a fresh dimension to the weekly gathering.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Entry and parking will be free, with organisers encouraging visitors to arrive early to explore the full range of stalls and activities.
Carseldine Markets is located at 133 Dorville Road, Carseldine.
Carseldine commuters could soon see relief at one of Brisbane’s most congested junctions, with Queensland moving ahead on plans to upgrade the Gympie Arterial Road and Beams Road intersection, a long-standing bottleneck affecting daily travel across the northern suburbs.
The upgrade will be delivered alongside the duplication of the Linkfield Road Overpass, combining two major works into a single construction package aimed at improving traffic flow in Brisbane’s north.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the project have now opened, marking a key step toward construction and signalling that planning has progressed into the contractor selection phase.
The intersection at Carseldine has been under increasing strain as surrounding suburbs continue to grow. According to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, the area serves as a critical link for local commuters, freight operators and public transport, making congestion a daily issue for many residents.
Details on the government’s Gympie Arterial Road and Beams Road intersection upgrade project page show that the planned works include additional lanes and improved turning capacity, aimed at easing traffic build-up and improving safety for all road users.
The project is part of a broader effort to support population growth in Brisbane’s north, where traffic volumes have steadily increased over recent years.
Procurement process signals next stage
The opening of the EOI confirms that the project is moving beyond early planning. The tender process will identify construction partners capable of delivering both the intersection upgrade and the Linkfield Road Overpass duplication under one contract.
Information from the eTender listing outlines a scope that includes expanded road capacity and intersection improvements designed to reduce delays and improve travel times. Bundling the two projects means a streamlined delivery that will minimise disruption during construction.
Part of wider transport investment
The Carseldine upgrade is funded under the state’s Safer Roads, Better Transport program and is also reflected in the Brisbane North allocation within the Queensland Budget. Planning documents indicate the project is intended to support safer travel conditions while improving access for local communities and businesses.
While timelines for construction have not yet been confirmed, the start of the EOI process suggests the project is moving closer to on-ground works.
As the sun rises each month, hundreds of men gather at Dale Farm in Fitzgibbon for breakfast, stories and a reminder that resilience often grows through shared experience.
It was a very humid morning as I drove to Fitzgibbon, an interesting local community surrounded by green spaces near Carseldine, to an interesting house and some very interesting people.
Fitzgibbon is named after Abraham Fitzgibbon, the engineer who designed early Queensland railways. Fittingly, the suburb sits beside the North Coast railway line that helped develop the Carseldine–Bald Hills corridor.
Fitzgibbon didn’t really exist until the 1980s, when rural subdivisions began to take shape. Parts of the suburb were built on landfill, particularly around Telegraph Road and Roghan Road.
Meet Hudson Dale
Hudson Dale is an extraordinary, selfless man. I don’t fully understand how he has developed his amazing monthly men’s breakfast; but what I do know is we need more Hudson Dales on this planet.
Around 200 men gathered for breakfast on Saturday morning in Hudson’s converted barn as the sun rose, kicking off around 6:30am.
The property once flooded badly and tested Hudson’s love of what he calls Dale Farm, a sprawling acreage property among an estate of normal sized blocks.
Quite inexplicable how this enormous block sits within Desert Willow Way – it’s one of many eccentric but brilliant components of Hudson’s life.
A long line up for the great coffee, multiple volunteers cooking bacon, eggs, snags and toast, without fanfare… selflessness on full display.
I was an outsider, my first attendance at a monthly event that I had heard a lot about. In fact, my good friend Andre Moore, the former Bullets star and Denver Nugget, had previously been guest speaker and he had invited me but I couldn’t make it.
A gentleman introduced himself to me — Daniel. He had suffered a major car accident, the type where you spend 18 months in hospital while surgeons rebuild you. After running a very busy surveying business in Katherine, NT, he had recently moved from a wheelchair to walking with the assistance of a four-wheel walker as his rehabilitation unfolded from his new home in North Lakes.
The grace and dignity in this man would inspire anyone who met him. His family (including three kids) will have been through the most terrible journey, but Daniel was magnetic and hopefully, his recovery and continued progress will enable him to flourish.
The men that attended ranged in age from their early 20s to their 70s — business people, people looking for inspiration and company and sports people.
Ian Jacobs, three time world kickboxing champion, who looked in incredible shape, was in attendance.
Isaac Hardman was also in attendance, a young UFC fighter who was about to fight in his next IBC event having knocked out his previous opponent. IBC is a new derivation of MMA in the mould of what T20 is to cricket, a smaller cage so less room to retreat, two minute rounds and no grappling. You can follow Isaac’s career progress here and see his latest victory speech.
Quite a panoply of men who all had a story. Hudson’s off-the-cuff intro was hilarious. The warmth of the welcome was world-class and the main event didn’t disappoint. The main event was Barney Lewis.
Barney Lewis is quite a bloke. His business Legendex is a one stop shop for four wheel drives.
Barney’s 45-minute speech was inspiring, fascinating and didn’t pull any punches. It touched on the rugged story of his life and the rugged territory he had driven through. The theme was resilience, presented to a room of men that appreciated the tough times that life can bring.
He related the amazing story of driving the $1000 Track in Tasmania, known to be a catastrophe for anyone attempting it. Catastrophe, that is, for the vehicles that are designed to withstand the extreme conditions but rarely do. In fact, constantly repairing broken vehicles is the common outcome.
If you haven’t heard of the ‘Thousand Buck Track‘, here’s an insight into it:
He was a fan of the “half-bloke from Ipswich” –- you had to be there to appreciate who he was talking about, but the reference brought the house down.
He brought his big, red fire truck, a great example of a vehicle he has broken over and over and always repaired and made stronger.
Barney is a leader who would constantly divert respect and pride for his offsider, Jesse and his son Jackson.
His story covered his rollercoaster business and personal life, which would have resonated with the audience.
Here’s a longer form version of Barney’s business story on a podcast called the Wildcast. The host was also in attendance on Saturday.
The Men’s Breakfast happens every month, graced by men from far and wide that are determined to get up at the crack of dawn to attend an event with a purpose — inspiring resilience but not in a one dimensional way, focused instead on hearing great stories and being amongst a great group of blokes.
Hudson Dale is a force of nature who is quietly building a movement. Whilst his days focus on Commercial Real Estate as a director of Raine and Horne based in Kedron, his curation of the Men’s Breakfast deserves a spotlight.
Communities across South East Queensland are seeing more women step into the top jobs at their local Catholic schools, with a growing number of female educators appointed as principals and heads of college in recent years. As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has highlighted the appointment of 29 women to principalship or head of college or campus roles over the past two years, reflecting a shift toward stronger female representation in school leadership.
From Graceville and Bardon to Mango Hill, Birkdale and Scarborough, these appointments are shaping the future of education in neighbourhoods across the region. For families, students and staff, it means welcoming experienced educators who will guide school communities through the next chapter of learning and growth.
BCE’s People and Culture Executive Cathy Heffernan said the appointments reflect a broader effort to support and prepare more women for leadership roles in schools.
“Since the program commenced, 38 per cent of participants have progressed into Head of College, Principal or BCE office leadership roles,” Ms Heffernan said.
“Beyond appointments, the program builds confidence, capability and connection, qualities that are essential for leadership in today’s educational landscape.”
Jessica Lusk, Head of College Unity College (Secondary), Caloundra West Photo Credit: Supplied
Across BCE schools, female principalship has increased from 33 per cent in 2021 to 50 per cent in 2026. In BCE offices, women now make up 64 per cent of leadership roles, up from 48 per cent in 2021.
Many of the recently appointed leaders have participated in BCE’s Women in Leadership program, which was reimagined in 2024 to strengthen leadership pathways and build a pipeline of future-ready female leaders.
For educators like Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Head of College Jasmine Brown, the program has had a lasting impact.
“For me the program highlighted the importance of women actively supporting and advocating for one another,” she said.
“I also found the course an opportunity to connect with other like-minded women who shared the same aspirations for senior leadership.
“The impact of the program has endured well beyond its conclusion, particularly for me through the lasting professional relationships I have built.”
Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Photo Credit: Supplied
Since March 2024, a number of schools across South East Queensland have welcomed new female leaders, including appointments at St Mary’s College in Ipswich, St Patrick’s Primary School in Nanango, Unity College in Caloundra West, and St Francis College in Crestmead.
Other appointments span communities including Graceville, Bardon, Mango Hill, Ferny Grove, Birkdale, Zillmere, New Farm, Scarborough and Enoggera, where local school communities are now led by experienced educators committed to supporting students, families and staff.
For BCE, the growing number of women stepping into leadership roles reflects a commitment to creating inclusive leadership pathways and recognising the vital contribution women make to education and their communities.
As schools across the region celebrate International Women’s Day, these appointments highlight the strong role women continue to play in shaping the future of Catholic education across South East Queensland.
