Aspley Archives - Aspley News

Aspley Men’s Shed Helps Create Bowling Wall Of Fame

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.

From Workshop To Wall: An Unusual Task In Aspley

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.

Ridley Road Community Men's Shed — Photo Credit: Ridley Road Community Men’s Shed/Facebook

Continuing Community Contributions In Aspley

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.

Projects like the Wall of Fame demonstrate how simple requests can be turned into lasting features through local skill and collaboration.

Published 26-Mar-2026

Two Train Stops. A 10-Year Life Gap. What It Means for Zillmere and Geebung

University of Queensland

You can board a train at Zillmere and arrive at Geebung in minutes.

But new research from the University of Queensland shows the difference in median age of death between men living near those two stations is 10 years.

The study, published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia, mapped median age of death across Queensland’s rail network. Using train stations as geographic markers, researchers highlighted how health outcomes can diverge sharply within just a few kilometres.

Along the Redcliffe Peninsula line, men living near Zillmere station recorded a median age of death of 72. Near Geebung station, the figure was 82.

Same rail line. Two stops apart. A decade of difference.

The study measures median age of death — the age at which people in an area have actually died — rather than projected life expectancy. While different from formal life expectancy modelling, it remains a strong indicator of embedded health disadvantage.

How the Research Was Conducted

The research was led by Associate Professor Jonathan Olsen from UQ’s Institute for Social Science Research, alongside Associate Professor Mark Robinson, Professor Lisa McDaid and Professor Jonathan Corcoran.

By overlaying mortality data onto Queensland’s rail map, the team created a clear, place-based framework that residents and policymakers can easily interpret. Stations became reference points for comparing outcomes along shared transport corridors.

Life expectancy gap for Zillmere and Geebung — Photo Credit: University of Queensland

Across Queensland, the median age of death for women ranged between 68 and 88. For men, it ranged from 60 to 83. The Zillmere–Geebung gap sits within that broader statewide variation.

The Pattern Repeats Across Brisbane

The Redcliffe Peninsula line is not an isolated example.

Life expectancy gap for Murarrie and Cannon Hill — Photo Credit: University of Queensland

On the Cleveland line, women near Murarrie station recorded a median age of death 15 years lower than women near Cannon Hill, despite being just 1.6 kilometres apart.

Life expectancy gap for Darra-Sumner and Inala-Richards — Photo Credit: University of Queensland

South of the CBD, men in the Inala–Richlands area recorded a median age of death of 70 — 11 years below men in Darra–Sumner. For women in those same areas, the gap reached 12 years.

Researchers link these differences to a mix of income levels, housing security, education access, employment opportunity, family structure and access to services and green space.

What the Findings Are Meant to Do

The authors stress the data is not designed to stigmatise suburbs. Instead, it provides an evidence base for targeted, place-based investment — from park upgrades and active travel infrastructure to community health initiatives.

Similar transport-mapped studies have been conducted in Glasgow, London and New York, allowing governments to track whether investment narrows gaps over time.

The full research paper is available here. UQ’s Institute for Social Science Research can be contacted through issr.uq.edu.au. Maps and media resources from the study are available through the UQ newsroom at news.uq.edu.au.

For Zillmere and Geebung residents, the takeaway is simple but confronting: postcode can shape health outcomes.

Two stations. Ten years.

Published 2-March-2026.

Aspley Families Welcomed to Guardian Childcare for February Tour Month

Guardian Childcare and Education

Guardian Childcare and Education is inviting Aspley families to explore the centre at 1239 Gympie Road during its February 2026 Tour Month, showcasing the To BE Me learning program and highlighting the centre’s recent upgrades, enhanced safety measures and Nutrition for Life food initiative.

Tour Month, now underway across Guardian Childcare’s network of approximately 180 centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, offers families a chance to step inside a day in the life of a child at Guardian and see first-hand how the centres support children to learn, play and grow. The Aspley centre has operated since 2005 and holds an Exceeding rating under the National Quality Standard. It is one of more than 15 Guardian centres across Queensland taking part in the initiative.

Guardian Childcare Chief Network Officer Sharon Whiteman said centre teams were proud of their services and enjoyed showing them to children and families. She said the organisation aimed to provide safe, inspiring spaces where children felt comfortable and confident, could be themselves and grow at their own pace. She said the team focused on delivering a premium, fun and engaging experience for children and families in everything they did.

What Aspley Families Can See on Tour

The Aspley centre at the corner of Gympie Road and Riordan Street caters to children aged six weeks to six years and is licensed for 150 children. The purpose-built outdoor space, accessible from every classroom, features vegetable gardens, a sandpit, mud pit and pet budgies, along with resident bees and a native Australian garden. The interior features learning spaces equipped with age-appropriate resources inside.

Photo Credit: Guardian Childcare and Education

Tour Month is an opportunity for families to understand how the To BE Me program works. Launched in 2025, To BE Me is an individualised learning program designed around each child’s age, stage and interests. The centre records every milestone and shares it with families, creating a keepsake for the future. The program also demystifies the link between play-based activities and learning to read, write and understand numbers, helping families see and understand their child’s progress at every step.

Aspley families attending the tour can learn how the centre implements the Safety Plus program, which sets child safety standards above regulatory requirements, and how Nutrition for Life supports families who want healthy, engaging meals that build lifelong habits. An on-site cook prepares five nutritious meals each day, serving them in the centre’s piazza to encourage multi-age interaction.

Free Kindergarten and All-Inclusive Fees

The Aspley centre offers the Queensland Government funded kindergarten program, providing families up to 15 hours of free kindergarten a week for 40 weeks per year. This funding, for children who turn four years old by 30 June in the year before they attend primary school, is in addition to the Child Care Subsidy and helps lower out-of-pocket fees.

Guardian Childcare centres have everything included in the fees, including meals, nappies, hat, wet bag and all learning programs, helping to make daily life simpler for families. The Aspley centre trades Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 6.30pm.

Whiteman says many Guardian centres still have vacancies for 2026 and most centres still have available slots for family tours. To check out the Aspley centre and book a tour, visit guardian.edu.au/book-a-tour.

Published 19-February-2026.

Aspley Orchid Society Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Valentine’s Day Summer Show

Chermside Guide / Facebook

The Aspley Orchid Society hits its 50-year milestone this month, celebrating five decades of local history with a massive Summer Show this Valentine’s Day at the Pine Rivers Showgrounds Hall in Lawnton.

Since kicking things off on 6 February 1976, the society has become the go-to hub for orchid lovers right across Brisbane’s north side. President Trich Ewing said that with 50 years on the board, Aspley Orchid Society can rightly say it is part of the local community fabric.

The Valentine’s Day show on Saturday, February 14, runs from 8am to 3:30pm and features competitive orchid displays, orchid sales from experienced growers, and expert advice for novices and experienced growers alike. Secretary Roslyn Hunt said hosting the show on Valentine’s Day brings extra charm, as orchids make an ideal romantic gift.

Five Decades of Growth and Community Building

A key moment for the society came in 1995, when life member Chris Duffy established the New Growers group to educate new members about growing orchids. This initiative continues today and has contributed to raising public awareness about the organisation while bringing in new members over the past three decades.

50th year of Aspley Orchid Society — Photo Credit: Chermside Guide

Another milestone arrived in 1982, when the society secured a permanent venue at the Wavell Heights Community Hall. When the society outgrew its space, members rolled up their sleeves to enclose and roof the veranda themselves, expanding the hall for the whole community to enjoy.

Anniversary Celebrations Extend Beyond Valentine’s Day

To celebrate the 50th anniversary properly, the society will hold a formal dinner in mid-March as a thank you to members past and present. Roslyn Hunt said the celebration recognises all the years of hosting successful orchid shows and expanding membership, as well as the society’s commitment to future excellence in orchid growing and community spirit.

The society looks forward to nurturing future generations, strengthening ties with the wider community, and celebrating orchids for decades to come. The 50 years of continuous operation demonstrate the enduring appeal of orchid cultivation among Brisbane gardeners and the value of specialist hobby groups in suburban communities.

What to Expect at the Summer Show

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, come along to grab some expert tips, stock up on supplies, or snag a flowering orchid for your Valentine. The romantic themes of Valentine’s Day match the orchids’ delicate beauty, making them perfect gifts for that special someone.

Aspley Orchid Society's 50th anniversary — *Photo Credit: Aspley Orchid Society*

Admission to the show is $5 for adults, with children under 14 free. The event takes place at Pine Rivers Showgrounds Hall, 757 Gympie Road, Lawnton.

More information about Aspley Orchid Society is available here.

Published 10-February-2026.

Jewellery Heist Under Police Investigation in Aspley

Photo Credit: Pexels

Police are investigating a jewellery theft at the Aspley Shopping Centre after masked offenders targeted a store inside the complex.

Early-Morning Break-In

Police reported that two masked thieves forced their way into the Aspley Hypermarket at around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, 29 November. The offenders shattered the centre’s main entrance before breaking open a display cabinet holding jewels, chains, rings and earrings. Officers said the pair took the items and left the scene, and investigators believe a third person acted as a getaway driver.

The incident was captured in footage shared online, which prompted a significant amount of public discussion. The images circulated widely and led to hundreds of comments from locals who reacted to the early-morning smash-and-grab.

Background on the Business

The jewellery store forms part of a family-owned company established in 1978 by Giovanni and Maria Antonaglia. Over several decades, the owners travelled internationally to source high-quality items, including innovative jewellery designs and unique gifts, which they introduced to their Australian customers.

The company has since expanded, becoming the parent organisation of Crown Family Jewellers at Westfield Chermside. Their daughters now lead the operations, and the store features an in-house master jeweller who produces custom-made pieces. The family has also engaged in charitable initiatives, and in 2008 Giovanni received a Queen’s Orders of Australia Medal for his contributions.

Aspley Hypermarket — Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Sentiment

Comments online reflected concern about the break-in and support for the affected business. Some people questioned the value of the items taken, noting speculation about whether the pieces were of high worth or lower-cost items. Others expressed frustration at theft-related incidents and sympathy for the store owners, especially given the family’s long presence in the jewellery industry.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to search for the two masked offenders and the suspected getaway driver linked to the Aspley incident. Inquiries into the jewellery heist remain ongoing.

Published 30-Nov-2025

Infrastructure Upgrade Funding For Scouts And Guides In Aspley

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

A funding allocation for Queensland Scouts and Girl Guides will deliver accessibility improvements for the Aspley Scout Den as part of broader upgrades supporting multiple facilities across several communities.

Aspley Works Included In Wider Facility Program

On 20 November 2025, more than $1.7 million was directed toward improvements for 10 local groups linked to Scouts and Girl Guides. This includes six Scout groups, three Girl Guides units and one Scout camp.

Aspley forms part of the program through planned accessibility works for its Scout Den, identified alongside other facility upgrades across Queensland.

Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Upgrades Planned Across Multiple Locations

The program includes a refurbishment of the kitchen at the Mount Gravatt Girl Guides Hall and facility upgrades for Girl Guides units in Moggill and the Kenmore District.

Additional works cover improvements to Scout halls in Helensvale and Dayboro, as well as refurbishments for Scouts in Moggill, Karana and Kenmore.
New machinery will also be delivered to Seeonee Park Scout Camp in Rockhampton to support its ongoing activities.

The Aspley Scout Den will receive accessibility-focused improvements aimed at ensuring the facility remains functional, safe and suitable for continued community use.

community facilities — Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Supporting Local Activities And Youth Participation

Scouts and Girl Guides provide structured programs that encourage outdoor engagement, skill development and community involvement. Facilities such as the Aspley Scout Den support regular activities throughout the year, including meetings, camps, skills-based learning and outdoor programs.

The improvements are expected to assist current participants while helping encourage future involvement among young people across the region.

infrastructure upgrades — Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Community Benefits And Next Steps

Communities linked to each upgraded site are expected to benefit from more accessible and better-maintained spaces. These improvements aim to support long-term usage, ensure safe participation environments and sustain ongoing programs.

Once completed, the works across Aspley and the other identified locations will help these groups continue offering activities and experiences for young members.

Published 24-Nov-2025

Motorcyclist Miraculously Uninjured After Frightening Gympie Road Encounter

A motorcyclist has spoken out after a frightening encounter on Gympie Road in Aspley left him shaken but miraculously uninjured.

Ruchir Awate was waiting at traffic lights on Gympie Road when a red Mazda allegedly rear-ended his motorcycle without warning on Tuesday evening.

What appeared to initially be a traffic accident quickly escalated into something far more sinister. Footage captured on Mr Awate’s action camera shows the vehicle reversing before allegedly driving directly towards him as he sat on the side of the road after being knocked from his bike.

“I think at one point my legs were under his car and my heart was just beating,” Mr Awate said. “I was thinking, am I – is this it?”

The incident didn’t end there. The driver allegedly attempted to steal Mr Awate’s bag, which had fallen during the collision. The motorcyclist managed to retrieve his belongings by reaching through the car window.

Separate mobile phone footage shows Mr Awate, still wearing his helmet, jumping onto the footpath and moving towards bushes to escape the vehicle.

“I thought, it’s stolen or something, he doesn’t care about the car, he’s gonna go straight into me over the curb into the bush,” Mr Awate explained.

Queensland Police are investigating the incident and have identified a person of interest. Authorities have indicated that the registered owner of the vehicle does not match the description provided by Mr Awate.

Police expect to lay charges soon.

Mr Awate, who captured the entire ordeal on his action camera, expressed hope that the person responsible would be held accountable.

“I really do hope the police can track him down. I hope he understands what he’s done wrong and I hope he gets the charges that are coming,” he said.

The incident occurred in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with Aspley residents likely to be concerned about road safety following the alleged attack.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Queensland Police.

Published 12-November-2025

John Newman Green 3 Officially Opened at Aspley Memorial Bowls Club

Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Aspley Memorial Bowls Club officially opened its new John Newman Green 3, honouring long-time member John Newman in a ceremony attended by family, officials, and club supporters in Aspley.

Honouring a Long-Time Club Member

The Aspley Memorial Bowls Club hosted the official opening of the John Newman Green 3 on Saturday, recognising the dedication of the late John Newman, who served as a club member for 40 years. The new green was named in his honour to acknowledge his longstanding contribution to the club’s growth and success. Club members, supporters, and the Newman family attended the ceremony to celebrate his legacy.

Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Ceremony and Community Attendance

The official opening featured the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the occasion. The event was organised by club member Michael Skinner, with photography by Mia Congram. Those in attendance included Jill Newman and family, Brett Wilkie from Bowls Queensland, and representatives from the Moreton Bay District Bowls Association, Geebung RSL, and local organisations. Guests also included former club supporters Amanda Cooper and Councillor Sandy Landers. The event reflected the close ties between the club and the wider community, showcasing the collective effort that supports its continued development.

John Newman Green 3 — Photo Credit: Aspley Memorials Bowls Club/Facebook

Modern Facilities and Club Growth

Located at 20 Kookaburra Court in Carseldine, the Aspley Memorial Bowls Club—known locally as “The Friendly Club”—operates three artificial greens, one of which is covered and two fitted with lights. The club caters to players of all ages, encouraging both social and competitive participation. It offers regular playing sessions, barefoot bowls, and community events throughout the year, providing opportunities for both experienced and new bowlers to get involved.

Promoting Health and Connection

Beyond sport, the club acts as a social hub for residents in and around Aspley. It offers venue hire for community functions and family gatherings, supported by volunteers and local sponsors. Upholding family-friendly values, the club operates without gambling facilities and focuses on providing a welcoming space for recreation, connection, and active living.

Looking Ahead

The addition of the John Newman Green 3 marks a major step forward in maintaining high-quality playing surfaces and ensuring the club remains a key part of the community’s sporting life. The development strengthens Aspley’s reputation for supporting local sport and continues the legacy of members like John Newman who contributed decades of service to the club.

Published 6-Nov-2025

New Youth Programmes Launch in Aspley and Bridgeman Downs with Kickstarter Funding

Photo Credit: Pexels

To help steer young people away from a life of crime, two community organisations in Aspley and Bridgeman Downs have been chosen to deliver new, locally-focused support programmes funded by the $2.7 million Kickstarter initiative.

Grassroots Action for Local Youth

The investment will see the Queensland Blue Light Association Inc. begin its ‘Blue Edge’ programme in Aspley, while ACCER Care PL will run its ‘YD Project’ in Bridgeman Downs. These are two of the first 11 community-based projects in the region to receive the new funding.

In Aspley, the eight-week ‘Blue Edge’ programme will support at-risk youth by combining physical training with life skills workshops and peer-led mentorship. Delivered twice a week, the initiative aims to enhance mental and physical wellbeing, build leadership, and foster respectful relationships between young people and police, culminating in a celebratory graduation event.

Meanwhile, the ‘YD Project’ in Bridgeman Downs is a 12-week early intervention initiative focused on empowering Indigenous youth aged 8 to 17. The programme uses individualised case management, mentoring, and cultural activities to foster positive life choices. For participants who require additional support, an optional extended 12-week phase is also available.

The Fuel Behind the Initiative

This local support is made possible by the Queensland Government’s new ‘Kickstarter’ grant programme. The Aspley and Bridgeman Downs organisations received a share of the $2.7 million distributed in the first round of funding.

The Kickstarter programme was created to trial new ideas for preventing youth crime by empowering local groups to address challenges unique to their communities. To be successful, applicants had to show how their projects would reduce crime, help youths re-engage with education or training, and repair family relationships. Programmes that demonstrate a measurable positive impact may become eligible for ongoing funding in the future.

A Statewide Push for Early Support

The grants are part of the government’s wider $115 million ‘Gold Standard Early Intervention’ strategy, a key pillar of its efforts to improve community safety. Overall, a total of $50 million will be committed to the Kickstarter programme across four years.

According to the Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support, Laura Gerber, this investment is a critical step in preventing young people from entering a life of crime. The government’s view is that effective, community-led intervention offers youths a positive path forward while helping to restore safety in local neighbourhoods. The initiative follows a period where, according to the government, insufficient investment was made in such preventative measures.

More Opportunities on the Horizon

With the first round of recipients announced, the government has now opened a second round of funding. Community organisations across Queensland are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $300,000 to develop their own innovative early intervention ideas.

Applications for the second round of the Kickstarter programme will close on 10 September 2025.

Published Date 13-September-2025

Maccas Aspley Rings in 50 Years on Founder’s Day With $2-Nuggets

McDonald’s Aspley is celebrating 50 years of feel-good moments with the Brisbane community, marking the milestone alongside McDonald’s Founder’s Day on 5 October 2025 — and customers can join the party with a special $2 deal for 6 nuggets, available all week long.

Steve Jamieson, Senior Operations Manager for McDonald’s Aspley said,

“We are proud to celebrate fifty years of serving up our great tasting food and providing feel good moments for our customers.”

“McDonald’s Aspley has provided thousands of jobs, training and development opportunities to members of the Brisbane community over the past five decades, as well as supported local causes and groups that are important to our customers and people, including Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Aspley McDonalds — Photo Credit: Supplied

“Some of our crew members have been with us for almost a decade, so we are proud to be long-term members of the community and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our people and customers.”

The celebration will coincide with McDonald’s Founder’s Day on 5 October 2025, which honors the legacy of McDonald’s Founder Ray Kroc on his birthday.

The crew at McDonald’s Aspley will be celebrating in the restaurant all week long with pins and birthday posters in the restaurant as well as a special menu offer of $2 for 6 nuggets all week long.

Published 26-Sept-2025