NICHOLAS LOFTUS

NICHOLAS LOFTUS

Hands-On Training Takes Flight with Qantas 717 at Brisbane Airport

A retired Qantas Boeing 717 has touched down at Brisbane Airport for the final time, not to carry passengers, but to help train the next generation of aircraft engineers.



Training Future Aviation Workers

The donated aircraft is now housed at Aviation Australia‘s hangar at Brisbane Airport, where it has been repurposed as a real-world classroom. Students from Aviation Australia and the Qantas Group Engineering Academy will have the opportunity to work directly on the plane’s systems, from engines and hydraulics to avionics and safety checks.

The jet, once flown by QantasLink and carrying the registration VH-YQW, concluded its last passenger service in December before being prepared for training. Instead of being scrapped or left in storage, the aircraft has been given a second life that keeps its technology in active use. Aviation Australia noted that having access to a full commercial aircraft provides students with an experience that textbooks and simulations cannot replicate.

For apprentices and trainees, this means entering the workforce with confidence and industry-relevant skills. The ability to practise on a complete, functioning aircraft gives them a level of preparation that shortens the step between training and employment.

A Partnership with Purpose

The initiative is the result of a partnership between Qantas and Aviation Australia, with support from Queensland. While official statements described the move as a boost to the state’s training sector, the focus remained on the long-term value for students and employers in aviation.

Aviation Australia explained that the 717 bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry practice. By training on the same type of systems used in airline fleets, apprentices can meet real-world expectations from the first day of their careers. This aligns with industry efforts to address the global demand for skilled engineers, a shortage that has impacted aviation maintenance operations in recent years.

Community links are also in focus. Aviation High, based in nearby Hendra, provides pathways for secondary students with an interest in aviation. Those students may progress into Aviation Australia programs, where the Boeing 717 will become an integral part of their training journey.

Aviation High
Aviation High in Hendra
Photo Credit: GoogleMaps

Industry Commitment

Qantas emphasised that it was important for the last of its Boeing 717 fleet to continue serving in a useful role after more than two decades in operation. The airline, which is now introducing new Airbus A220 aircraft to its domestic fleet, sees the investment in training as part of keeping its long-term workforce strong.

Qantas stated that the Brisbane-based aircraft will provide future engineers with practical training in aircraft systems, reinforcing its commitment not just to new aircraft but also to the people who maintain them. The airline noted that this move helps ensure safe and efficient operations for years to come.

Aviation Australia added that the arrival of the 717 secures its place as a leader in aviation training. With the global aviation industry seeking more maintenance engineers, the organisation said Brisbane is well positioned to contribute to international workforce needs.

A Plane with a Legacy

The Boeing 717 type has a long history in Australia. First introduced in 2002 by Impulse Airlines and later absorbed into QantasLink, the aircraft became a regular sight on regional routes. VH-YQW, the aircraft now at Brisbane Airport, served travellers across the country before completing its final flight in 2024.

For many Australians, the 717 represented reliable connections between regional towns and larger cities. Now, the same aircraft will play a different but equally important role—helping to prepare the engineers who will support the next generation of aircraft that carry passengers around the nation.

A Community Focus

Brisbane Airport is already a significant hub for Queensland’s aviation industry, and the arrival of the 717 strengthens its place in education and training. Local students now have access to training that was once only possible through overseas programs or limited simulation facilities.



By embedding the aircraft within a local training program, the initiative keeps opportunities close to home for Queenslanders seeking careers in aviation. It also reinforces Brisbane’s role as both an operational centre and a training hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Published 18-Sept-2025

Freddie’s Ascot: From Dicki’s to a Bold New Chapter

New Farm’s much-loved Dicki’s Café made a second home in Ascot in 2021. Four years on, the corner-spot on Racecourse Road has taken on a fresh identity: Freddie’s Ascot. The rebrand keeps the community café spirit alive while adding a playful, distinctive twist — with the same great coffee and plant-based favourites, but now with a few new menu surprises (yes, even bacon).


Read: Magpie Safety Alert As ‘Guardian’ of Viola Place and Lomandra Drive Swoops Again


Like Dickie’s, Freddie’s still celebrates plant-forward dining with creative brunch options, while expanding into more inclusive offerings. Current favourites include:

DishDescription
Breakfast BurritoMexican rice, spiced “mince”, scrambled tofu, beans, salsa, spinach; gluten-free available
Sticky “Duck” ToastiePlant-based sticky “duck” with slaw and chilli jam on Turkish bread
Build-Your-Own BaosChoice of sticky “duck” or chick’n tenders
Dicki’s Classic BurgerServed with shoestring fries
Eggplant Parmigiana, Corn Fritters & Seasonal SaladsA rotating selection of plant-based mains and lighter options

Breakfast-specific dishes like house-made granola and Green Eggs on Turkish (tofu scramble, pesto, zucchini ribbons) are served until 11:00 a.m., while the all-day menu runs until closing.

For younger diners, a kids’ menu includes avo on toast, mini pancakes with ice-cream and hazelnut sauce, and “cheese” toasties.

Photo Credit: Freddie’s Ascot/Facebook

There are also share plates and a dedicated kids menu, with options such as mini avo on toast, cheese toastie, and mini granola.

Like the original venue, the Ascot cafe has an airy interior that’s bright and sunny, making it the perfect location for spending a relaxing afternoon.

Photo Credit: Freddie’s Instagram

Freddie’s beverage menu is as varied as its food. Alongside cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and specialty coffee (with alternative or dairy milks), the café is fully licensed, serving local craft beers, wine, and cocktails like Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martinis, and frozen Margaritas.

Freddie’s Ascot is open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., focusing on breakfast and lunch. The café offers custom cakes and catering, and can be booked for special events.


Read: Redevelopment Aims to Preserve Heritage of Paddock and Members Stands at Eagle Farm Racecourse


The airy, bright interior mirrors the relaxed vibe of the New Farm original, making it a staple for locals and weekend brunchers alike.

This cafe has evolved since its 2021 debut. It may no longer be strictly vegan, but its creative, plant-based menu continues to make it one of Ascot’s most vibrant café spots — perfect for everything from a weekday breakfast to a weekend brunch with cocktails.

Freddie’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. You can follow them on Facebook.

Updated 18-Sept-2025

Magpie Safety Alert As ‘Guardian’ of Viola Place and Lomandra Drive Swoops Again

It’s swooping season again in Brisbane, and pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to stay alert and take precautions, particularly at Lomandra Drive and Viola Place near the Brisbane Airport, where one particular magpie has earned a fierce reputation and its own distinctive moniker.


Read: New Shared Path to Connect Eagle Farm to Brisbane Airport


The bird, nicknamed the “Guardian of Viola Place,” is known to swoop cyclists and pedestrians travelling along Lomandra Drive and Viola Place, an area long considered a hotspot during the breeding season, which runs from July through January and peaks in September and October.

Space4cyclingbne has urged cyclists to take extra care near the Brisbane Airport bikeways, reminding riders to use protective gear and stay alert during swooping season.

Photo credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook

“Apparently a very small number of magpies are aggressive, but that might not be reassuring when one of those birds decides you are a threat to his nest,” the page shared through a Facebook post.

Photo Credit: https://www.magpiealert.com/

Several riders have already been swooped this year, with one cyclist falling from their bike after a close encounter with an aggressive magpie. While suburbs such as Forest Lake, Carindale, Oxley and Bald Hills are currently the worst affected by swooping birds, Eagle Farm residents and commuters are being urged to take precautions if they pass near the airport.

Magpie
Photo credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook

Wildlife experts say swooping is a defensive behaviour, carried out only by a small number of male magpies determined to protect their nests. Cyclists are frequent targets as their speed can be perceived as a threat.

To reduce the risk of injury, locals are advised to:

  • Wear protective gear: Use a helmet, wrap-around sunglasses, and consider headwear that covers the ears.
  • Stay calm: Don’t panic or swerve suddenly—maintaining control reduces the risk of falling.
  • Travel in groups: Birds are less likely to swoop when more people are present.
  • Report incidents: Log swooping encounters at magpiealert.com so others can be warned.

According to Council, 87 swooping bird reports have been lodged since July, and more than 40 aggressive birds were relocated in the past financial year. Queensland is also noted as having some of the country’s most defensive magpies, with a higher rate of swoop-related injuries than other states.


Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline


For locals who use nearby bikeways and paths, being aware of the magpies like the “Guardian” and taking simple precautions could make the difference between a safe ride and an unwanted encounter.

Published 16-September-2025

Redevelopment Aims to Preserve Heritage of Paddock and Members Stands at Eagle Farm Racecourse

The Paddock and Members Grandstands at Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot are set for a major transformation, with a development application lodged to refurbish and modernise the historic structures while enhancing the overall race-day experience.


Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline


Under the proposal (A006814732), patrons, jockeys, and stewards will benefit from upgraded facilities including new function rooms, stewards’ and jockeys’ areas, and modern amenities such as ice baths and spas. 

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online

The project also features redesigned bar and dining spaces, new terraces, and a link bridge connecting the Paddock to the St Leger Precinct.

Site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

The winners’ enclosure will be reconfigured to improve spectator views, while landscaped garden beds, green roofs, and upgraded lawns aim to soften the site and provide attractive gathering areas. A new community hub is also planned, designed to bring people together for race days and other events.

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online

As part of the redevelopment, some existing structures, including the John Power Stand, Steward’s Tower, and several trees, will be demolished. Despite the changes, planners stress the design will preserve Eagle Farm’s heritage character while delivering a contemporary upgrade that integrates with its historic surroundings.

History of the Grandstands

Undated photo of the completed Paddock Stand with the eastern edge of the 1924 Members Stand (Photo credit: Tote Archive/Brisbane PD Online)

Eagle Farm Racecourse, established in 1863 in Brisbane’s Ascot, has long stood as Queensland’s premier racing venue. Just 6 kilometres from the CBD, it became more accessible with the opening of Ascot railway station in 1882.

The Paddock Stand, designed in 1889–1890 by architects Hunter and Corrie in partnership with John H. Buckeridge, was a brick and iron grandstand completed in 1890. 

1936 photo of the Paddock Stand and the Members Stand (Photo credit: SLQ negative 65212/Brisbane PD Online)

Featuring a vaulted roof with a ventilated ridge, timber gables, and decorative cast-iron balustrades, the stand quickly became a focal point for racegoers. Its tiered seating faced the track, with a large open forecourt that encouraged both viewing and social interaction.

The Members Stand followed in 1904, and over the decades, both structures were extended and modified, most notably in the 1920s, when the Paddock Stand was lengthened in 1921 and the Members Stand expanded in 1925. These updates gave the grandstands a cohesive appearance, blending brick, rendered masonry, timber windows, leadlight details, and decorative arches.


Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Enhances Accessibility with Stylish New Lift


More than a century later, the Paddock and Members Grandstands remain integral to Eagle Farm’s heritage and identity. The new redevelopment aims to carry this legacy forward, ensuring the structures continue to serve both racing enthusiasts and the broader community for generations to come.

Updated 11-September-2025

Ascot Woman Struck by Own Vehicle, In The Hospital After Home Invasion

An Ascot woman remains in hospital with leg and hip injuries after being struck by her own vehicle during a home invasion on Hopetoun Street in the early hours of 10 September.



The 34-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after a group of offenders allegedly broke into her property around 4:40am, attempting to steal a black BMW X3 from the garage.

Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the incident, showing a vehicle arriving at the front of the property before individuals approached the home. Police believe the group gained entry by breaking window louvres before accessing the garage.

Local resident Bella Zarganis was woken by the commotion from her nearby home. She described hearing loud male voices, followed by crashing sounds and a woman’s distressing screams that prompted her to rush to her balcony. From there, she witnessed a car speeding away down the street.

Another neighbour, who preferred not to be identified, arrived at the scene within minutes of the incident. He found the injured woman lying in her driveway, clearly having been struck by the vehicle. Other residents had already gathered to provide assistance before emergency services arrived.

According to witnesses, the homeowners were alerted by their dog and discovered the break-in in progress. By the time they reached the driveway, the garage door was already open, the front door had been damaged, and the offenders were attempting to reverse the stolen vehicle.

The woman’s husband attempted to pursue the fleeing offenders, leaving behind a scene with the couple’s second BMW still on the street, hazard lights flashing and doors open, with personal belongings scattered on the ground.

Witnesses reported seeing at least three offenders involved in the incident.

The break-in reflects broader concerns about property crime in Queensland. According to recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data, over half of motor vehicle thefts occur at residential properties, whilst a vehicle is stolen approximately every 11 minutes across Australia.

Queensland Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for anyone with relevant dashcam footage or CCTV vision of the vehicle between 4:30am and 5:30am to come forward.

The incident highlights the strong community spirit in Ascot, with multiple neighbours responding quickly to assist the injured woman during the traumatic event.

Police investigations remain ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.

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

Published 10-September-2025

Why Families Are Moving on From Ascot State School at Year 5

At Ascot State School, one of Brisbane’s most highly regarded public schools, classrooms are starting to look emptier at the senior end of primary. In just one year, the number of students moving from year 4 into year 5 dropped from 114 to 74.


Read: Ascot State School: A Century of Learning and Growth


For parents and educators, this is more than just a numbers game. It reflects a growing shift in how families plan their children’s schooling.

Why Parents Are Moving Earlier

Year 5
Photo credit: Ascot State School/Facebook

Many parents in Ascot see year 5 as the ideal moment to move their children into private or Catholic schools. The reasoning is both practical and emotional. Some believe that smaller classes and specialist facilities at independent schools will give their children a stronger foundation, particularly in subjects like science, music and sport. Others see it as a way of giving their children extra time to settle into a new environment before the bigger jump to high school.

Photo credit: Ascot State School/Facebook

Parents like Tahana Lee said her son had loved Ascot State School and gained a strong foundation there, but she felt he needed more challenges and opportunities. She decided that moving him in year 5 to St Laurence’s College in South Brisbane would give him access to stronger academic programs and elite sporting pathways. She explained that age differences within cohorts were also a factor, as many families were holding their children back at Prep, leaving younger students at a disadvantage.

A Broader Trend

Data from the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board shows Ascot is not alone. Across Brisbane, senior years of primary school are shrinking as families take up year 5 entry offers at private colleges. Catholic schools in particular are reshaping the pathway, with some campuses opening junior schools for years 5 and 6. St Rita’s College in Clayfield introduced year 5 entry in 2022, while Brisbane Girls’ Grammar will follow suit in 2026.

At other schools, the effect is even more dramatic. Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Coorparoo saw its year 5 boys drop from 48 to just one in a single year. At St Anthony’s School in Kedron, the number of boys fell from 69 in year 4 to zero in year 5.

What Experts Say

Year 5
Photo credit: Atlantic Ambience/Pexels

Griffith University’s Professor Donna Pendergast said this pattern had been building for years but accelerated after year 7 officially moved into high schools in 2015. She noted that parents were motivated by both access to facilities and the chance to maintain friendships if many classmates were also moving on. She added that structured transition programs were critical, helping children adapt socially and academically when they left primary early.


Read: Therapy Dog in Training Introduced to Ascot State School Students


The Trade-Offs

The shift is not without cost. Families must take on higher school fees earlier, and children who leave in year 5 miss out on leadership opportunities such as being school captain or sports captain in their final primary years. For some, moving into a bigger and more competitive environment too soon can also be overwhelming.

In Ascot, the departure of dozens of students in a single year has left smaller cohorts in the senior grades, raising questions about how the school community will adapt. Yet for many parents, the decision is framed as an investment in their child’s future, one that cannot wait until year 7.

Published 1-September-2025

Ascot Long Lunch: An Afternoon of Food, Music and a Live Auction Among Friends

The Ascot Long Lunch is back after being rained off twice! Saturday, August 30 brings one of the best community events of the year to the Ascot State School Oval from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.



Bring your own food and enjoy the ambience, the bar and the entertainment.

The auction, MC’d by Harcourts Local, will include footy tickets, framed jerseys, six bottles of Scotch, a luxury weekend at Perigian Beach, a $10k architectural/interior design concept service, a billboard advert on Sandgate Road in Clayfield, and 12 months of property rental management.

Bring your own food, order a hamper or get delivery from Uber Eats! Champagne drinkers should get in early with their discounted pre-orders of Mumm Champagne.

Ascot Long Lunch
Photo Credit: Humanatrix

The event is run by the Ascot State School P&C, a volunteer group that supports school priorities and community activities through events and services across the year. They aim to bring families together and channel funds back into school programs and facilities. 

Bid on Prizes Up for Grabs

Ascot Long Lunch Auction

The Ascot Long Lunch is backed by an online auction (now live), with community partners donating prizes to help raise funds.

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Essence

Two Night Luxury Stay – Essence, Peregian Beach – Valued over $1,400 – Kindly donated by Essence Peregian Beach

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Lande

$10,000 Package for Architectural and/or Interior Design Concept Services – Kindly donated by Lande Architects

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Harcourts Local

Billboard Advertising on Sandgate Rd – Valued at $4000 – Kindly donated by Harcourts Local

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Rosel Group

Brisbane Broncos Jersey signed by the entire 2025 team – Kindly donated by Rosel Group

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Harcourts Local

Residential Property Management for a Year – Kindly donated by Harcourts Local

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Cheval Rouge

6 bottles of Whisky + 12 Month Subscription to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Valued at $900 – Kindly donated by Cheval Rouge

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Rosel Group

Gold Coast Titans Jersey signed by the entire 2025 team – Kindly donated by Rosel Group

Ascot Long Lunch Auction prize from Rosel Group

Tickets for 4 People to see a Gold Coast Titans home game – Valued at $300 – Kindly donated by Rosel Group

On the Oval

The Ascot Long Lunch will be an afternoon built around long communal tables under umbrellas, with live entertainment across the day. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic hamper, order a catering box, or even arrange a delivery.

At the same time, the bar serves sparkling, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic options using EFTPOS only. MUMM Champagne was available to pre-purchase at a discounted rate, with a small quantity to be offered on the day.

Food is BYO, but drinks are not. All beverages must be purchased from the bar.

Each setting includes a biodegradable plate, cutlery, a napkin and bottled water to keep things simple and minimise waste. 

The event is for adults aged 18 and over. Entry tickets and any pre-purchased champagne are listed as non-refundable. 



Tickets and Availability

The ticketing page shows three main options were offered: a table for eight, individual seats, and a pre-purchase MUMM Champagne add-on. Sales for tables closed first, followed by champagne pre-sales, then individual tickets, and a waitlist now appears on the ticketing page for late interest.

Published 21-Aug-2025

Enrolments Halve At Hendra State School Amid Shifting Education Choices

In Hendra, parents and neighbours are rallying as the suburb’s tiny state school sees its student roll halved in just three years.



Falling Numbers in a Growing City

Hendra State School has lost half its students in just three years, marking the steepest decline among Brisbane’s public primary schools. The drop from 2021 to 2024 came despite Brisbane’s population growing by more than nine per cent. Across the city, more than half of public primary schools reported falling numbers, with a total loss of 1005 enrolments. 

Similar trends were seen in Graceville and Ascot, where Year 5 enrolments dropped compared to Year 4 as some families moved children to private schools. Hendra’s small starting population, limited housing growth, and the draw of nearby private and Catholic schools made its decline particularly noticeable.

Parents Seeking Different Paths

Education researchers have pointed to a shift in parental priorities since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many families choosing home-schooling, independent schools or other alternatives over the local public option. 

Parents report making decisions based on teaching style, specialised programs, social environment and secondary school pathways. In affluent suburbs such as Hendra, some students are moved to private schools in upper primary to prepare for secondary entry, further reducing state school numbers.

Citywide Trends Highlight Mixed Fortunes

While Hendra recorded the largest percentage drop, it is not alone in facing challenges. Larger schools such as Jindalee, Bulimba and Grand Avenue in Forest Lake also lost between 16 and 20 per cent of their enrolments over the same period. 

At the same time, other Brisbane suburbs, particularly growth areas like Pallara, saw state primary enrolments rise sharply, in some cases beyond capacity. This uneven pattern reflects both demographic change and differing levels of demand for public schooling.

Department Response and Community Outlook

The Queensland Department of Education says demand for public schools remains strong, with nearly two-thirds of students attending them. Enrolment shifts are driven by local demographics and population movements, with plans in place to expand or build schools as needed. 



In Hendra, the community continues to support its small school, but falling numbers have sparked talks on sustaining programs. Residents are considering ways to keep it a viable choice for families into the future.

Published 13-August-2025

Highgate House Brings Timeless Style to Albion’s Home Design Scene

Highgate House, a long-established name in Brisbane’s interior design industry, has expanded its reach with a dedicated retail showroom in Albion, offering residents access to classic, customisable furniture and homewares without leaving their own suburb.



A New Chapter for a Trusted Name

After more than three decades in the business, Highgate House has grown from an interior design and decorating studio into a dual service, continuing its design consultancy while operating a full retail store. 

Located at 135 Sandgate Road in Albion, the converted warehouse space combines a curated selection of furniture, accessories and artwork with the option for in-store or online purchasing. The showroom is open Monday to Saturday, giving locals and visitors alike a chance to explore both ready-made pieces and custom designs.

What Shoppers Can Expect

The store specialises in timeless furniture styles, including bespoke sofas, dining tables and bedheads, with fabric and finish options available for personalisation.

Pieces are sourced from around the world, from handcrafted Indian cabinetry to European-inspired dining settings, and selected for their quality and enduring style. 

The homewares range includes lamps, cushions, mirrors, rugs and art, with many items available for immediate purchase or order through the Highgate House online shop.

Design Expertise On Hand

Highgate House continues to offer its styling services, both in-store and virtually, for customers seeking guidance on colour schemes, furniture placement or complete room makeovers. 

The design studio, operating from the same Albion address, remains available by appointment for more extensive interior projects. This combination of a retail presence and professional advice allows customers to source products and expertise in one location.

Community Connection and Service

Locals have praised the store’s welcoming service and ability to source pieces that suit both modern Brisbane homes and traditional Queenslander designs. Staff are noted for taking time with customers to ensure purchases fit their style and space, whether selecting a single armchair or planning a full home redesign. 



By offering both in-person browsing and online shopping, Highgate House aims to make quality home styling more accessible to the wider community.

Published 13-August-2025

St Margaret’s Ascot Educator Named Among Australia’s Most Influential 2025

Kerry Daud, head of digital innovation and design at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot, has been named among Australia’s Most Influential Educators for 2025.



National Recognition for St Margaret’s Leader

The Educator magazine listed Daud among 50 professionals whose work has significantly influenced the Australian education sector in 2025. Supported by the Australian Boarding Schools Association, the recognition highlights those achieving measurable outcomes and sector-wide impact.

Role at St Margaret’s

Daud serves as Head of Faculty for digital innovation and design at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, where she leads technology integration, eLearning development, and digital literacy initiatives. She has also held leadership positions in curriculum design and literacy coaching in other Queensland schools.

Digital Hub for Students, Staff and Parents

At St Margaret’s, Daud established M@ggie’s Digital Hub, a platform for students, staff and parents featuring interactive lesson planning tools, AI prompt-writing support, video tutorials, wellbeing resources, and eSafety guidance. Within two days of launching, the hub’s AI section recorded more than 970 visits.

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Photo Credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

Addressing Gender Gaps in Gaming

In 2022, Daud founded the Girls in Gaming program to provide an inclusive, girls-led esports environment. The initiative links gaming to skills in project management, music, game design, and art. Competitions are held on campus with supervised play, vetted games, healthy food, and movement breaks. Since launch, participation has grown by more than 1,500 per cent, with tournaments in 2024 involving over 190 students from 15 schools.

Sector-wide Collaboration

Beyond her work at St Margaret’s, Daud is co-founder and vice president of the Queensland Schools Network for Emerging Technologies (QLDSNET), supporting over 30 schools in technology adoption. In 2024, she helped organise the Education in AI Conference for Independent Schools Queensland and QLDSNET, focusing on AI ethics, assessment integrity, and policy in education.

Ongoing Contributions and Recognition



Daud is recognised as an Adobe Creative Educator Leader and is a research fellow with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Action Research Collaborative for 2025–2026.

Published 12-Aug-2025