Bracken Ridge Archives

Twinkling Treasures: Best Christmas Light Displays Around Aspley

This holiday season, Aspley and its surrounding neighborhoods are lighting up the streets with spectacular Christmas displays. Whether you’re strolling through Aspley itself or exploring nearby Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, and Carseldine, you’re in for a treat.

Read: Aspley Christmas Market Promises Festive Fun

From stunning light displays to festive decorations, these areas offer the perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the holiday magic. Here are some must-see displays that will fill your heart with Christmas cheer.

Aspley: A Festive Delight

Aspley home’s Christmas lights display (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

The owner of a home at 11 Stonycroft Street in Aspley shared that they have been setting up the display for about a decade and it usually takes over a month to complete.

They expressed their joy in sharing the display with the community, and highlighted that the best part of their display is that it is computer-controlled and synced to music, which visitors can tune into.

Bald Hills: A Sparkling Start

Display at 167 Kluver Street, Bald Hills (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

Bald Hills lights up with festive cheer, offering some truly spectacular displays. Streets like Arnica Crescent and Kluver Street are transformed into holiday wonderlands, with homes twinkling in a variety of colors and themes.

Bracken Ridge: A Community Affair

83 Sophy Crescent, Bracken Ridge (Photo credit: christmaslightsearch.com.au)

The Christmas light displays in Bracken Ridge are a reflection of the strong community spirit that thrives in the area. Homes on Sophy Crescent and Stradbroke Street are decked out in vibrant lights, with many displays offering interactive elements like Santa’s sleigh and festive inflatables.

The owners of a display on Sophy Crescent shared that the highlight of their setup is the vibrant array of colors and playful animal-themed decorations, featuring beloved characters like Bluey and Bingo.

The owner of 21 Emma Street in Bracken Ridge has been creating festive Christmas light displays for a couple of years, complete with inflatables, lasers, projections, a window display, and a bubble, smoke, or snow machine. They shared that it takes about a month to set up and is a labor of love, bringing fun and joy to the whole family.

Carseldine: Bright Nights Ahead

A Carseldine homeowner is debuting their Christmas lights display this year, sharing that it took a month to set up. They expressed their love for decorating, saying it brings them joy to see the festive lights come to life.

Tips for Visiting

Map Out Your Route
Make sure to plan your visit and focus on one neighborhood per night to fully appreciate the displays.
Bring the Kids
These light displays are ideal for children, with many homes offering fun and interactive elements like taking photos in Santa’s sleigh or receiving a candy cane.
Arrive Early
To beat the crowds and secure the best viewing spots, it’s recommended to arrive early in the evening.

Read: Aspley Mum Wins $100 Million After Leaving Winning Ticket in Glovebox

Celebrate the Season

From Aspley to Bald Hills, Bracken Ridge, and Carseldine, these neighborhoods offer some of Brisbane’s most beautiful and festive Christmas light displays. Whether you’re admiring synchronized shows, enjoying the sight of inflatable Santas, or simply strolling through the glowing streets, these suburbs provide the perfect setting to create holiday memories.

Published 5-December-2024

Trent Dalton Brings Bracken Ridge to the Bookshelves

In “Boy Swallows Universe,” author Trent Dalton paints a vivid picture of life in Bracken Ridge, where the novel’s young protagonists face their toughest challenges.

Overview of “Boy Swallows Universe”

“Boy Swallows Universe” has captured the hearts of readers nationwide with its gripping narrative and deep, emotional resonance. Set predominantly in Bracken Ridge, the novel explores the tumultuous life of its protagonist, Eli Bell, as he navigates a world of crime and adversity.

Since its release in 2019, the book has not only become a bestseller but has also been acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by those living on the fringes of society.

Impact of Bracken Ridge on the Story

Bracken Ridge plays a significant role in Mr Dalton’s narrative beyond just being a setting; it is essential to the story’s foundation and significantly influences the lives and choices of its characters.

Bracken Ridge home of Trent Dalton — *Photo Credit: realestate.com.au*

The novel’s depiction of the suburb mirrors genuine socioeconomic difficulties such as poverty and domestic abuse, which deeply impact the characters.

Key events in the narrative, such as Eli’s confrontations with local criminals and his experiences of family turmoil, are deeply intertwined with the setting, highlighting how the environment can impact personal growth and resilience.

Mr Dalton weaves significant themes through the fabric of “Boy Swallows Universe.” Resilience, hope, and the quest for a brighter future stand out against the harsh realities of Bracken Ridge. The suburb’s gritty reality tests the characters, especially Eli and his brother Augustus, pushing them toward emotional and moral growth.

“Boy Swallows Universe” is more than just a story about growing up; it is a cultural commentary on the struggles and triumphs of life in Bracken Ridge. Through Eli and Augustus’s eyes, readers experience the harsh realities and hopeful aspirations of those living in this Brisbane suburb.

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A post shared by Trent Dalton (@trentdaltonauthor)

About Trent Dalton

Born and raised in Brisbane, Mr Dalton’s upbringing in the outer suburbs of Brisbane significantly influenced his literary work. Mr Dalton, who attended Bracken Ridge State High School, began his career in journalism, gaining recognition as a skilled feature writer for the Weekend Australian Magazine, where his ability to tell captivating stories about everyday Australians won him national acclaim.

Dalton’s breakthrough as a novelist came with his debut novel. “Boy Swallows Universe” received widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including the 2019 Indie Book of the Year and the UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing. The novel was also adapted into a Netflix series.

Following this success, Dalton continued to explore deep and varied themes in subsequent novels such as “All Our Shimmering Skies” and “Love Stories.” His writing often intertwines personal history with fiction, characterized by a poignant and evocative style that resonates with a broad audience. Mr Dalton remains a prominent figure in Australian literature, admired for his ability to blend profound emotional depth with distinctly Australian settings and stories.

Published 1-Oct-2024

St John Fisher Students Brew Marketing Success with Origin Tea

Photo Credit: Facebook / St John Fisher College

At just 16 years old, three students from St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge have turned their school project into a real-world success by partnering with Queensland’s Origin Tea. Their fresh marketing concept, crafted as part of a QUT competition, resonated with the tea company’s founders, leading to an exciting collaboration.

Charlotte Crago, Grace Bell, and Simrat Gill impressed the company’s founders with their innovative marketing ideas, leading to their immediate hiring.

The opportunity arose through a competition organised by Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Business School, which challenged over 120 high school students to develop strategies for building a tea culture among Generation Z. The Bracken Ridge trio’s “spill the tea” campaign caught the eye of Origin Tea’s founders, brothers Chris and Lawrence Seaton.

Their creative concept revolves around fostering connections and sharing news over a cup of tea, embodied in the tagline “there’s a juicy conversation brewing in every cup of Origin Tea.” This fresh approach is now being rolled out across Origin Tea’s Instagram and TikTok channels, aiming to resonate with younger consumers.

For Chris Seaton, this collaboration represents a full-circle moment. He initially conceptualised the tea business during his own marketing studies at QUT. Twelve years later, Origin Tea has become one of Australia’s fastest-growing consumer tea brands, with a presence in over 1,000 cafés, international markets, and Woolworths supermarkets.

The experience has been equally rewarding for the students. Grace Bell expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The opportunity to work with Origin Tea was an enriching experience because I got to work with a real-world business and gain valuable insight into the field.”

Looking ahead, both Grace and Simrat are considering studying business and law at QUT after completing high school. Charlotte is also interested in pursuing a business degree, potentially majoring in entrepreneurship, international business, or marketing.

Published 18-September-2024

Tails Wag Supreme in Bracken Ridge

Bracken Ridge residents aren’t barking mad; they’re simply head over paws for their four-legged companions. This northern suburb boasts the highest number of registered dogs in Brisbane, with a whopping 2320 furry residents.

From tiny chihuahuas to sturdy bull arabs, Bracken Ridge showcases Brisbane’s diverse canine community. But there’s one breed that reigns supreme across the city: the ever-popular Labrador retriever.

Brisbane is home to an impressive 9605 labs, with The Gap proving a particular hotspot for these playful pups.

According to Brisbane City Council animal registration data, compiled by Ray White data analyst Jemima White, suburbs with younger families and more affordable housing tend to attract the most dog lovers. Bracken Ridge, Forest Lake, The Gap, Carindale, and Wynnum all earn top marks for their canine-friendly vibes.

“These leafy suburbs offer easy city access, great schools and parks, plus the larger house blocks that dogs adore,” Ms White explained.

The type of dog also reflects the housing style in each postcode. Inner-city apartments in areas like Brisbane City, New Farm, and Fortitude Valley see more compact breeds like Maltese and Dachshunds, while sprawling properties in Pullenvale and Anstead are ideal for energetic labs and border collies.

Breed	Count
Labrador Retriever	9605
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	7019
Border Collie	6995
Maltese	6712
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	5534
Poodle	4760
Golden Retriever	4223
Dachshund	4127
Australian Kelpie	4016
Jack Russell Terrier	3365
Cocker Spaniel	3205
Australian Cattle Dog	3029
German Shepherd Dog	2698
Shih Tzu	2409
American Staffordshire Terrier	2345
Fox Terrier	2027
Poodle (Toy)	2003
Beagle	1760
French Bulldog	1616
Poodle (Miniature)	1592
Chihuahua	1553
Greyhound	1388
Pug	1353

Source: Ray White / Brisbane City Council

The importance of a pet-friendly home doesn’t go unnoticed by house hunters. Ray White Sherwood agent Lisette Schults-Rand confirms that buyers often consider the needs of their furry companions when searching for a new property. A large, fenced yard is high on the wish list for those wanting happy and active pets.

The connection between puppies and property isn’t limited to buyers. Ms Schults-Rand has even seen sellers relocate to better suit their elderly dogs who struggle with stairs. Her own rescue greyhound, Steve, is a beloved fixture at the Sherwood office, boosting morale and providing cuddly stress relief.

*Photo Credit: Pexel/ Michael Tuszynski*

Unfortunately, Brisbane’s housing crisis is taking a toll on both people and their pets. Animal Welfare League Queensland CEO Katie Garrett reports a surge in surrender rates as pet owners struggle with rising costs and the difficulty of securing pet-friendly rentals. The AWLQ provides a vital lifeline, caring for thousands of animals each year through their shelters and community vet clinics.

Published Date 08-May-2024

Coles Provides Sports Equipment Grant to Bracken Ridge Little Athletics, Other Community Sports Clubs

Coles has been giving out sports equipment grants to various community sports clubs such as Bracken Ridge Little Athletics, to help purchase new equipment for practice and training.

Bracken Ridge Little Athletics was given the grant in 2021, in the third round out of six rounds for the year. They used the money to buy a high jump mat cover and stands and defibrillator.

Funds for the grants have been raised from specially marked reusable bags designed by Aussie kids, as well as the sale of bananas sold at Coles’ supermarkets on National Banana Day in May, with 10 cents from every 1 kg sold going to the Little Athletics Community Fund.

Photo Credit: Bracken Ridge Little Athletics/Facebook

The funding brings Coles’ allocation of sports equipment grants to over $2 million in three years and comes at a time when community sports clubs continue to feel the effects of COVID-19.

Coles CEO Steven Cain said the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund is just one way Coles is supporting local communities and helping young Australians to live healthier, happier lives.

“We know it’s been a very challenging 18 months for communities across Australia who thrive on grassroots sport,” he said.

“Little Athletics plays a vital role in not just producing elite athletes like our Coles ambassadors Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc, but also by encouraging kids to be active and healthy.”

In addition to providing more than $2 million in equipment grants, Coles has donated more than 3.6 million bananas to Little Athletics centres since 2017.

Coles will be rolling out more funding for Little Athletics in 2022. To learn more about the successful recipients, check out Little Athletics Fund.

Luck Strikes Twice Four Weeks Apart for Bracken Ridge Local

A very lucky Bracken Ridge man has been having a great 2022 so far, following two strokes of good fortune just four weeks apart this year. The unexpected life-changing experience will help with securing his savings and superannuation for the future.

The Bracken Ridge was euphoric upon learning of his new fortune, totalling $100,000, after winning another smaller but still substantial prize last month. At first, he was very confused after receiving the call confirming his latest windfall.

The lucky man said that he has been playing The Lott for years and years, and since good fortune comes in threes, he’s ready for the next one.

“I must be on some sort of winning streak with this ongoing luck!” the winner exclaimed.

“When you called initially, I thought to myself, ‘What’s going on, mate?’. I was very confused because I had no idea about the win. This is such a nice surprise.

“It’s funny you say this actually because I won another big prize four weeks ago, but it wasn’t as big as this. You can call me any day with this type of news.

“I’ll probably put it towards my superannuation to help me with the future! This will be a tremendous help towards my savings.”

He purchased his winning entry online.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $8.31 million for draw 10535, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $7.73 million for draw 1563. Last year, over 127 won the Lucky Lotteries 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries, with $32.95 million in total. The biggest winner was a Coolangatta man who won the $9.41 million Mega Jackpot prize in May 2021.

Dorville Road Improvements Project Now Complete

Following a few months of works, the Dorville Road improvements project near Cabbage Tree Creek in Aspley is finally complete.

Read: Here’s A Sneak Peek Into The New Sands Social Sandgate

Dorville Road was widened to provide a new on-road parking lane between Cabbage Tree Creek and the Kingfisher Recycling Centre. The works involve formalising the eastern road edge with new kerb and channel.

The project also included the replacement of a 90-metre section of footpath on the eastern side of Dorville Road, resurfacing the road between Cabbage Tree Creek and the Kingfisher Recycling Centre road line marking, landscaping and turf.

The Dorville Road improvements project was completed to formalise street parking, improve drainage, eliminate washouts, and improve pedestrian safety, notably for local school students and market goers in the area. It is funded under the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure grant program.

The $2.5-billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recently completed work is one of the road and intersection projects north of Brisbane. Extensive road resurfacing has been done on Robinson Road West, as well as multiple roads across Aspley are being resurfaced.

“Despite a world pandemic, we have not slowed down and in fact there are so many projects that have been completed or close to completion,” said Cr for Bracken Ridge Ward Sandy Landers.

St John Fisher College in Bracken Ridge Submit Plans for New Food Tech Building

St John Fisher College, a secondary girls’ school in Bracken Ridge, has submitted plans to build a new food technology building where the students can train and improve their culinary skills.

The proposal (DA A005794488) lodged with Brisbane City Council calls for a demolition of one building to make way for two new structures that will serve as a training facility for food and design. The developers said that the project will not impact the surrounding buildings which are also part of the school’s property.

Improvements to the Kolega Cafe, which have already begun, will be incorporated into the development to provide for a better dining space with proper ventilation for the students and staff.

“The proposed buildings are designed fit for purpose, being specialist learning facilities within an existing school campus, and are considered in keeping with the existing character and amenity of the school and the surrounding locality,” the DA stated.

The new facility should be a worthy addition to a school that develops well-rounded students who excel in academics, sports, music and theatre, science and technology, and culinary.

Catering to Year 7 to 12 students, St John Fisher College, administered by Brisbane Catholic Education, has fully-equipped facilities that support the students’ various interests.

The school’s strong academic outcomes combined with vocational experiences and a strong pastoral community provide the students with the best opportunities to pursue further education or rewarding careers when they graduate.

Backyard Bonanza 2019: Huge Family Event Returns to Bracken Ridge

One of the biggest family events in Brisbane is back at the McPherson Park in Bracken Ridge. This is a free event you shouldn’t pass up because it will be a treat for your kids and even your dogs!

Backyard Bonanza is happening on Sunday, the 26th of May 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be two main stages for this event where simultaneous activities for both kids and adults will take place.

The highlight of this year’s Backyard Bonanza will be the new locomotive train, Sunny, from Bracken Ridge Lion. There will also be lots of games and mascot entertainment for the kids, while professional bands will play the adults’ favourite music.

Heaps of shopping and foodie booths will also be present at the Backyard Bonanza. It won’t just be fun and games, however, because there will be an educational workshop where participants may learn how to plant bean sprouts, as well as make recycled pots for plants.

Stick a while longer to watch the Pooch Parade at the Backyard Bonanza. Residents may register to showcase their lovely four-legged family members and make a gold donation to benefit the Animal Welfare League.

Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the Backyard Bonanza coming from Bracken Ridge, Aspley and other nearby suburbs.