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Ascot Home Sells for $9.8 Million After Just Five Days on Market

In one of Brisbane’s most exclusive postcodes, a heritage home at 104 Alexandra Road, Ascot has made headlines after selling for about $9.8 million — and it happened in just five days.

The sale marks a new record for Alexandra Road, a street already known for its grand homes and leafy outlook.

The Home and Its History

The property sits on a generous 1,275-square-metre block and features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and parking for four cars. Originally built around 1936, it was carefully modernised to balance its classic charm with contemporary comfort.

The design encourages indoor-outdoor living, with wide terraces, open pavilions, and landscaped gardens that make the most of Queensland’s subtropical climate.

Among its standout features are a 25-metre lap pool, a separate pool house, and an underground level that includes a wine cellar, cold room, and four-car garage. Smart-home technology has been integrated throughout, along with a sustainable irrigation system.

The Sale and Its Significance

The property was listed through Ray White New Farm and attracted strong buyer interest immediately. Despite its premium price point, the campaign lasted less than a week before a sale was finalised.

The quick turnaround reflects both the limited supply of prestige properties and the continued strength of Brisbane’s high-end housing market. Industry analysts noted that few properties in Ascot or nearby Hamilton achieve prices near $10 million, making this transaction a clear indicator of confidence in Brisbane’s luxury sector.

Agents described it as a new benchmark for the suburb and a sign that demand for top-tier homes remains firm even amid broader economic uncertainty.

A Record and a Reflection of Demand

The vendors, who had owned the property for about 15 years, decided it was time to move on, opening an opportunity for a new buyer to take on one of the suburb’s standout homes. The sale adds to a growing list of multimillion-dollar results across Brisbane’s inner north, a trend driven by limited stock and a preference for established prestige suburbs like Ascot.

The success of this short campaign highlights that well-presented, architecturally distinctive homes continue to attract buyers quickly when they appear on the market. It reinforces Ascot’s long-standing reputation for elegance, privacy, and lifestyle — qualities that make it one of Brisbane’s most desirable addresses.

Published 22-Oct-2025

The Gallery to Revive Racecourse Road with Design-led Living and Retail Spaces

A new era is taking shape along Hamilton’s Racecourse Road, as The Gallery, a contemporary mixed-use precinct, aims to revitalise the community spirit at the high street, long known for its leafy poincianas, boutiques and café culture.

Read: Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

For decades, Racecourse Road has been a favourite among Brisbane locals and visitors alike. But as social and shopping patterns have shifted, local stakeholders see a need to reinvigorate the strip.

The Gallery is designed to respond to this by blending urban convenience with local character, encouraging more people to live, shop, and gather along the street once again.

Developed by Graya and designed by the architecture studio bureau^proberts, The Gallery has been approved by Brisbane’s local officials and is set to combine high-end retail, dining, wellness, and residential living within one thoughtfully designed building.

Andrew Bell, Partner at bureau^proberts, said the project was shaped by a desire to reimagine the traditional suburban high street through good design and community thinking.

“We believe that increased density is the answer to arresting the decline of high street precincts,” Bell said. “When people live close to quality retail and hospitality, they bring new life to their neighbourhoods.”

At the heart of The Gallery’s vision is the idea of connection between residents, businesses, and the wider community. The project will include ground-floor retail and dining spaces, together with a wellness centre and apartments above. According to the project’s media release, the development will offer about 1,500 square metres of retail space.

The architectural design draws heavily from Hamilton’s heritage. Bureau^proberts looked to the suburb’s well-known Queenslander homes and historic landmarks for inspiration, incorporating broad verandahs, layered balcony gardens, and stone arbours that reflect the suburb’s architectural lineage.

Liam Proberts, Managing and Creative Director at bureau^proberts, said the design intent was to create a building that felt both contemporary and connected to its surroundings.

“These architectural elements ground the building in place while embracing Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle,” Proberts said. “The Gallery reimagines the high street through a contemporary design response, creating a meeting place for activation, engagement, and renewal.”

According to the architects, nearby heritage features such as the Eagle Farm Racecourse gatehouses and local civic buildings influenced the project’s stone textures and detailing.

Architects and developers involved in the project suggest that, as more people seek convenience and connection, mixed-use developments can help support high street vitality. Bureau^proberts and Graya hope The Gallery will serve as an example of how suburban renewal can occur while maintaining a sense of local identity.

Bell said the project’s goal is to bring new dynamism to Racecourse Road and inspire more people to make the neighbourhood part of their daily routine, whether by dining, shopping, or enjoying the vibrant street life that Hamilton is known for.

As the project progresses through approvals and planning, developers and some local businesses have expressed optimism about the precinct’s future. Developers expect The Gallery will add notable architecture to Hamilton and contribute to re-establishing Racecourse Road as a prominent suburban destination.

Read: Rundown Lancaster Road Home Now on the Market Following Years-Long Ownership Dispute

If realised as planned, The Gallery could help reconnect locals with a cherished part of Brisbane’s story, where community, commerce, and design come together under the shade of the poincianas once more.

Published 15-October-2025

North Brisbane Area Sports Results – Oct 10 to 12

Sun, October 12, 2025 – NRL – Round 1
• PNG PM XIII 10 | AUS PM XIII 28

Sun, October 12, 2025 – WNCL 2025-26 – Women – Match 11
• Queensland Fire 8-278 (49.1) | ACT Meteors 8-277 (50.0)

Award-Winning Ascot Kindergarten to Build New Nature Play Spaces with Prize Money

Photo Credit: Childcare & Kindergarten Ascot

A local Ascot kindergarten is translating its significant national and internal awards into tangible benefits for its children and families, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of the community’s early learning landscape.

A Commitment to Positive Impact

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten has recently been the focus of major recognition, celebrating a win at the national HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards. This honour acknowledged the centre’s dedication to advancing pedagogy and practice.

Adding to the accolades, the kindergarten’s team was also named a finalist for the prestigious Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award at the 2025 C&K Awards, highlighting their collaborative efforts to create lasting positive outcomes for the children and families they serve. The Inspiring Impact award specifically celebrates teams that demonstrate a deep commitment to their local communities.

Cultivating Confidence and Respect

The national HESTA award was given for the kindergarten’s ‘Proud to Be Me’ initiative, a program designed specifically for its three- to five-year-old children. The initiative focuses on building a welcoming and inclusive environment where children are empowered to express their authentic selves. It integrates lessons on emotional literacy and respecting diversity into the daily learning program.

Teacher Director Karina Hannan-Lopez stated that the award provides hope that the foundations they lay for children today will inspire brighter futures. She affirmed the team’s encouragement to continue exploring new ways of teaching equity and embracing innovative practices that enrich a child’s development.

From Accolades to Action

Demonstrating a direct link between the recognition and the children’s experience, the kindergarten plans to use the prize money from the HESTA award to enhance its outdoor environment. The funds will go toward developing natural play spaces designed to spark imagination and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.

This project aligns perfectly with the centre’s core philosophy, which uses its beautiful, large landscaped gardens as an open learning environment. The C&K curriculum model, led by university-qualified teachers, centres on the principle of learning through play, with educators skilfully extending children’s experiences in both indoor and outdoor settings.

A Partner for ASCOT Families

Beyond its award-winning programs, C&K Ascot serves as a vital resource for local families through its practical and supportive offerings. The centre provides an extended hours program that runs until 6 p.m. as well as a holiday program during Queensland school holidays, with both services included in the daily fee.

Families can choose from two, three, or five-day-a-week attendance options. To ensure parents remain an integral part of their child’s learning journey, the kindergarten fosters close relationships with families and uses the Storypark app to share documentation and daily highlights, creating a strong, collaborative community.

Published Date 09-October-2025

Help Enterprises Recognised Among 2025 Business Award Finalists in Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: Help Enterprises/Facebook

Help Enterprises, located in Eagle Farm, has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards under the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise category, recognising its six-decade contribution to inclusion and community development in Brisbane.

Building Inclusive Opportunities in Eagle Farm

For nearly six decades, Help Enterprises has been creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability through its operations based in Eagle Farm. The organisation’s work centres on providing employment pathways, training programs, and social enterprise initiatives that foster independence and strengthen community ties. Its inclusion in this year’s finalist list reflects a continued dedication to driving positive social outcomes while supporting Brisbane’s growing and diverse workforce.

Recognition in the Social Enterprise Category

Help Enterprises is one of four finalists in the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award, a category that recognises businesses addressing social challenges through innovative, impact-led models. The nomination acknowledges organisations that prioritise people and community benefit alongside commercial activity. This recognition highlights how enterprises like Help contribute to Brisbane’s inclusive growth and demonstrate the city’s capacity to blend economic development with social purpose.

Two Decades of Celebrating Local Innovation

The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards mark the 20th year of celebrating Brisbane’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. This year, 31 businesses and eight business leaders—44 finalists in total—are competing across 11 categories. The awards span multiple sectors, from sustainability and property development to tourism and technology. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Brisbane City Hall.

Eagle Farm’s Role in Brisbane’s Business Landscape

Eagle Farm’s industrial precinct continues to play an important part in Brisbane’s economy, housing enterprises that support both commercial growth and community impact. Through Help Enterprises’ efforts, Eagle Farm has become a hub for inclusive employment and social innovation, illustrating how local industry can help shape a more equitable city.

Looking Ahead

Help Enterprises’ recognition as a finalist reinforces the value of inclusive business models and highlights Eagle Farm’s continuing role in Brisbane’s success story.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Time & Temp Brings Small-Batch Precision to Albion’s Baking Scene

Photo Credit: timeandtemp_/instagram

A new name in Brisbane’s baking community, Time & Temp, has drawn attention in Albion for its focus on precision and simplicity.

A Measured Approach to Baking

Melbourne-trained duo Manning Young and Palita Cai run Time & Temp, a small Albion bakery known for its pastries and precise coffee. It opened in August 2025 in a 45-square-metre space on Sandgate Road, formerly Brewbakers.

The name reflects their focus on time and temperature in every process. Young handles the coffee roasting, while Cai leads the pastry work. They use seasonal produce, Pepe Saya butter, and sustainable flour from Wholegrain Milling Co.

From Melbourne to Meanjin

Before starting the business, the pair worked across Melbourne’s food and coffee scene. Their experience shaped a philosophy built on quality and restraint rather than expansion. They chose Albion for its growing local food identity and sense of community.

Most of the space is devoted to baking, with only a small counter and a few outdoor seats. The focus remains on production, not presentation, aligning with their goal to serve simple products made well.

Pastries Worth the Queue

Time & Temp has quickly gained attention for its signature items including plain croissants, pain au chocolat, and cardamom buns. Each weekend brings new flavours such as maple pecan pie, corn danish, or rhubarb crumble danish.

The bakery operates Friday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon, though customers are often met with early sell-outs. Coffee service is limited to batch brew, with blends roasted by Young and priced between $4 and $6.

Community Response and Next Steps

Albion locals have embraced the new bakery for its clear purpose and consistency. Early visitors described the space as clean, warm, and efficient.

The pair plans to keep operations small and focused, preferring to rotate offerings based on seasonal produce rather than expand the menu or seating.

The business reflects a growing Brisbane trend toward neighbourhood bakeries that prioritise craftsmanship over scale.

Published 3-October-2025

Royal Queensland Golf Club Redevelopment Approved in Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

A redevelopment of the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm has been approved, including a new nine-hole course, pavilion, and upgrades to existing facilities.

A Century-Old Venue Prepares For Change

The Royal Queensland Golf Club, which has a history of more than 100 years, will undergo a major redevelopment following the approval of a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation. The site has been identified as a potential venue for golf events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

New Facilities To Support International Sport

The redevelopment plan features a championship-standard nine-hole course, an Eastern Pavilion with amenities and an undercover deck, an administration building, and a kiosk. Outdoor racquet sport facilities are also included. This is alongside upgrades to the existing course. These works form part of wider preparations for hosting international sporting events.

Royal Queensland Golf Club — Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

Returning Golf To Eagle Farm’s Eastern Side

The redevelopment will return golf facilities to land east of the Gateway bridges at Eagle Farm, an area that once formed part of the club’s original course. The project is intended not only to support Olympic requirements but also to contribute to the long-term future of the venue.

Mixed Community Reactions To Approval

Public opinion has been mixed. Comments on social media raised concerns about other priorities such as healthcare, housing and public infrastructure, while others acknowledged the redevelopment as an opportunity to strengthen Brisbane’s sporting legacy and tourism profile linked to the 2032 Games.

Brisbane 2032 — Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

Next Steps For The Royal Queensland Golf Club

With approval granted, the Royal Queensland Golf Club is now able to move forward with its redevelopment plan. The upgrades are aligned with preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, after which the enhanced facilities will continue to serve members and the sporting community.

Published 29-Sep-2025

Music Journeys: How St Margaret’s Old Girls Are Inspiring the Next Generation

At St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, music has long been more than an extracurricular. For many students, the school’s rich and diverse program has provided the spark for lifelong careers in the performing arts. Three Old Girls – Meleia Richardson (’21), opera singer Nina Korbe (’15), and violinist Annabelle Traves (’14) – show just how far that spark can reach.

Read: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Australian Education Awards Finals (Again!)

For Meleia Richardson, music shaped every corner of her school life. From choirs and rock bands to lead roles in school musicals, she embraced every opportunity to perform. In her senior year she played Miss Honey in Matilda, a role that felt symbolic of the encouragement she had once received from older girls and was now passing on to younger students.

“I spent most of my spare time in the Sister Helen Orchestra Room and absolutely loved it,” she recalled. “I feel very lucky to have been part of a school that offered such a rich, diverse, and high-quality music program.”

Meleia Richardson (Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School)

After graduating, Meleia studied Contemporary Voice at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, where she developed as a solo artist and songwriter, experimenting with recording and production as well as performance. In 2025, she returned to Classics in the Cathedral, a St Margaret’s tradition she always loved, before stepping into professional performance.

Now represented by an agent, she is working towards contracts as a vocalist on cruise ships and has also begun exploring the growing field of music therapy after her experiences in disability support.

While Meleia’s career is taking flight, two other St Margaret’s alumnae are already established names in the performing arts.

Old Girls — Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

Nina Korbe (née Wildman ’15) has become one of Brisbane’s rising opera stars. Recently listed among Style Magazine’s 30 Under 30, she is fresh from playing the lead role of Maria in Opera Australia’s West Side Story. Next year she will take to the stage at QPAC’s Glasshouse Theatre as Molly Johnson in The Drover’s Wife, marking another milestone in her fast-growing career.

Annabelle Traves (’14) has taken her violin to some of the world’s most celebrated concert stages. She has toured globally with André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, performed alongside Bruce Springsteen, and earlier this year released her debut single. Also featured in Style’s 30 Under 30, Annabelle continues to balance large-scale international tours with her own creative projects.

Read: St Margaret’s Principal Named One of Queensland’s Most Influential Educators

Together, these three Old Girls represent the breadth of opportunity that begins at St Margaret’s: from opera and orchestral touring to contemporary performance and music therapy. Each has followed a different path, yet all share the same foundation – a school community that nurtured their talents, challenged them to grow, and inspired them to dream boldly.

Their stories now inspire the next generation of St Margaret’s students who, like them, are discovering their passions and imagining their futures in music and beyond.

Published 22-September-2025

Eagle Farm Engineer’s Rapid Rise Wins National Aviation Award

Photo Credit: Aaron Pollard/ LinkedIn

Signalling the high quality of emerging Australian talent, an Eagle Farm-based Alliance Airlines engineer, Aaron Pollard, has been awarded a national scholarship for excellence, highlighting the critical role of ground crews in aviation safety.

A New Pace in Aircraft Maintenance

aviation — *Photo Credit:* *Civil Aviation Safety Authority/ Facebook*

Pollard has set a remarkable pace in a field where precision and experience are paramount. His rapid completion of what is normally a three-year apprenticeship has drawn attention from industry leaders, showcasing the high calibre of emerging talent within Australia’s aviation sector. Working from the Alliance Airlines hub in Eagle Farm, Mr Pollard represents a fresh wave of technicians whose swift development is matched only by their commitment to their craft.

National Honour for Safety Commitment

This dedication was formally recognised when Mr Pollard was named a recipient of the 2025 Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) scholarship for aircraft maintenance engineers. He was selected from a competitive field of more than 70 applicants from across the country. The CASA Chief Executive Officer, Pip Spence, noted that Mr Pollard was chosen for his strong commitment to aviation safety and genuine passion for his career. The scholarship, valued at up to $5,000, supports engineers in gaining the final licences needed to certify aircraft for flight.

Building a Career on the Ground

Mr Pollard’s swift rise is built on a solid foundation of training and diverse experience. Before joining Alliance Airlines, he held roles at TAE Aerospace and Northrop Grumman Australia, gaining exposure to different facets of the aerospace industry. He recently completed his Certificate IV in Aeroskills at Aviation Australia, finishing the qualification between 2023 and 2024. This background provided him with the skills to not only excel but also to innovate in his approach to aircraft maintenance.

The Engineer’s Satisfaction

For Mr Pollard, the reward for a long shift comes not just from solving a complex mechanical issue, but from the confirmation that his work is keeping Australians moving safely. He described the satisfaction of checking flight-tracking apps after a tiring night shift to see an aircraft he just serviced back in the air, safely on its way. It is this deep sense of responsibility and purpose that officials believe is vital for maintaining Australia’s world-class aviation safety record.

Published Date 24-September-2025

Bulls Begin Sheffield Shield Campaign at the Allan Border Field

The Queensland Bulls kick off their Sheffield Shield campaign this Saturday, 4 Oct, against the Tasmania Tigers at the Allan Border Field in Albion.

The 13-man squad combines plenty of international talent with youth.

Players
Marnus Labuschagne (captain)
Hugo Burdon
Jack Clayton
Benji Floros
Hayden Kerr
Usman Khawaja
Michael Neser
Jimmy Peirson
Matthew Renshaw
Gurinder Sandhu
Mitchell Swepson
Hugh Weibgen
Jack Wildermuth

Hugo Bardon is a 23-year-old batsman, bowling occasional leg spin. He made his Sheffield Shield debut last season.

Jack Clayton is a 26-year-old left-hand batsman who can bowl slow left-arm. He has worked his way through Premier Cricket and he’s now on a full contract.

Benji Floros is a 27-year-old right-arm quick bowler. Held back by injuries since his Shield debut in 2021 but he’s fit and ready to go in 2025.

Hugh Weibgen is a 20-year-old all rounder, bowling off breaks. He captained Australia under 19s last year and already has a ton under his belt this season in the One Day Cup.

Queensland have had two good wins in the One Day Cup so far and will be hoping to get off the Shield mark in this one. But Tasmania’s top order batter, Jake Weatherald, was last season’s top run scorer in the Shield and after getting used to wearing his baggy green, Tasmanian all-rounder, Beau Webster, will be looking to earn his place in the Ashes squad.

So packed full of talent, this is one to trundle down Greg Chappell Street for.

The game starts on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. If you can’t get to the Allan Border field, it will be broadcast on Kayo.