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

Angela Jones Makes History at Doomben as Brisbane’s First Female Premiership Jockey

At Doomben Racecourse in Ascot, history was made as Angela Jones etched her name into Queensland racing folklore, becoming the first woman to win the Brisbane metropolitan jockeys’ premiership.


Read: Australia’s First Vertical Retirement Community Opens at Doomben Racecourse


Jones capped off the 2024–25 racing season this July with 66 wins, narrowly ahead of fellow rider and close friend Emily Lang, who finished on 64. Despite neither securing a win on the final metro day, the tally was enough to crown Jones the champion in what had been a fiercely contested battle until the last race.

While the crowd celebrated the breakthrough, Jones described her overwhelming feeling as one of relief rather than celebration. Her rise in the racing ranks has been marked by consistency, grit, and strong partnerships — notably with leading trainer Tony Gollan, who’s played a significant role in her success, having provided more than half of her winning rides to date.

She said she set out this season aiming to improve on her fourth place showing in last year’s Premiershi, when she rode 51 winners and finished 56.5 wins behind James Orman.

“I didn’t really think I was a hope, I just wanted to improve on my last season, but then just how the year played out with Jimmy Orman going away, obviously, we were in with a chance then and it’s probably been in the making for the last couple of months,” she said.

“That’s been my goal and it’s really good to pull it all off,” she added.

Jones’ journey into the saddle wasn’t conventional. Growing up on cattle property in Clermont, her path to racing began after a boarding school connection at Charters Towers introduced her to a couple who owned six racehorses.

Looking back, Jones says one of the pivotal moments of her life came when she crossed paths with former jockey Shane Scriven, who encouraged her to begin in Toowoomba. With family nearby and little racing experience, she took a leap of faith, joining trainer Lindsay Hatch, who mentored her from the ground up.

Jones sharpened her skills at Bahram Stud and later gained invaluable experience on Queensland’s outback circuit, riding at remote non-TAB tracks from Charleville to Mount Isa. She credits those early days with shaping her into the jockey she is today, learning tough lessons, away from the spotlight, in places where few were watching.

This exposure ignited her interest in the sport and opened the door to a career she hadn’t previously considered possible.

Photo Credit: Racing and Sports

Speaking to other media, Jones said she is privileged to be the first female to win a Brisbane jockeys’ title.

“I got to be the one to do it but it wouldn’t have happened without the lovely ladies beforehand who have done it really tough to pave the way and make it easy for us today. We don’t really have to prove ourselves – being female they look at us the same now, which is great,” she said.

“It was always going to happen and I’m just lucky enough to be the first one,” she humbly added.


Read: Did You Know that the Eagle Farm Racecourse Was a Military Camp in WW2?


The achievement also signals a changing tide in Queensland’s jockey scene. This year, seven women competed at the top level of the Brisbane premiership, a shift that’s reflected across the state’s broader racing industry. Of the 64 apprentice jockeys currently licensed in Queensland, 50 are female. Similarly, of the 42 students enrolled in trackwork rider training, 35 are women.

In anticipation of this surge, the Brisbane Racing Club is preparing to expand its female jockey facilities, acknowledging that the landscape is shifting toward gender balance, and perhaps even a female majority, in the coming years.

From sand tracks to the summit of Brisbane racing, Jones’ win at Doomben not only marks a personal triumph but also sets a new standard for women in the sport.

Published 4-August-2025

New 56-Unit Development Overlooks Crosby Park in Albion

A new residential project comprising 56 units is underway in Albion, located directly beside Crosby Park and positioned within a rapidly transforming inner-Brisbane precinct.



Urban Development Continues in Albion

A new residential development, Park House on Crosby, is moving forward in Albion as part of the suburb’s broader urban evolution. The project introduces 56 residences overlooking Crosby Park and is part of a trend toward low-volume housing options designed for owner-occupiers seeking more space and amenity in established inner-city areas.

Park House on Crosby
Photo Credit: Supplied

Project Context and Site Location

Park House is situated at the junction of Albion, Ascot, and Hamilton, adjacent to Crosby Park and within minutes of Brisbane’s central business district. The area has undergone extensive change over recent years, with the growth of green spaces and local lifestyle offerings contributing to a shift in land use and residential preference.

Design and Structure Overview

Designed by architecture firm Cottee Parker, the project includes a mix of pavilions, standard units, and penthouse apartments. Each dwelling incorporates large internal areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and access to private balconies or courtyards. Internal materials include natural stone surfaces and engineered timber flooring.

The building’s façade and layout incorporate curved elements and integrated planting around the perimeter. The rooftop includes communal facilities such as an infinity pool, spa, private cabanas, and BBQ areas, in addition to private garages and dedicated storage.

Crosby Park
Photo Credit: Supplied

Response to Housing Preferences

The design offers an alternative to traditional high-density apartment models. It targets owner-occupiers who prioritise space, connection to nature, and lifestyle flexibility. Floor plans have been structured to provide corner-facing views toward either the city skyline or nearby parklands.

Twelve apartments have been designed as corner units, and the ground-floor residences include private gardens. Upper-level units offer dual aspects to increase natural light and airflow.

Brisbane apartments
Photo Credit: Supplied

Local Amenities and Accessibility

Residents will have access to nearby dining, retail, and wellness services in Albion and surrounding precincts. Local venues include coffee shops, wine stores, wellness studios, and food providers located within walking distance of the site. The project is also positioned near major roads and transport corridors, providing direct access to riverfront locations and Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

What Comes Next



The project is currently open for registrations of interest, with appointments offered for prospective buyers. The limited number of residences is expected to generate strong demand based on current interest levels in low-rise housing close to the CBD.

Published 29-July-2025

FREE Health Checks Now Offered at Priceline Pharmacy Ascot to Combat Australia’s Type 2 Diabetes Crisis

Free five-minute health checks are being offered nationwide by Priceline Pharmacy this week to help Australians assess their risk of type 2 diabetes. The self-service checks are available locally at Priceline Pharmacy Ascot, providing instant results for those who may not realise they’re at risk.



Why Early Detection Matters

National Diabetes Week runs from 13 to 19 July 2025 and includes a national health check campaign led by Diabetes Australia and supported by Priceline Pharmacies. Over 300 stores, including Priceline Pharmacy Ascot, are offering free self-service checks through digital health stations. 

Diabetes Australia estimates around 500,000 Australians have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Another 2 million are at high risk of developing the condition. Early detection can help prevent serious complications such as stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. The health stations offer quick insights into blood pressure, cholesterol and other key health indicators at no cost.

Local Pharmacies Step Up

Pharmacies now play a growing role in community health, particularly in suburban areas like Ascot. At Priceline Pharmacy Ascot, staff are encouraging locals to drop in for a quick check that could flag hidden health risks. 

In Sydney, a man discovered he had type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol through one of these checks. Acting early allowed him to make lifestyle changes and manage his health before things became more serious.

A Growing Health Burden

Diabetes is now costing Australia more than $9 billion a year, according to new modelling, nearly triple what was once expected. With someone diagnosed every eight minutes, health experts say the urgency is clear. 

They’re pushing for more awareness and easier access to checks in everyday places like pharmacies. While free health checks are a strong first step, long-term action is needed through better food labelling, school programs and local prevention efforts.

How to Get Checked in Ascot

Anyone in the community can visit Priceline Pharmacy Ascot for a free, five-minute self-service health check during store hours. The digital health station offers instant insights into diabetes risk and other key health markers, with no appointment or Medicare card required. The pharmacy is located at Tenancy 2, Racecourse Village, 188 Nudgee Rd, Ascot, QLD, 4007, Australia.



For more information on National Diabetes Week or support resources, visit:
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Published 16-July-2025

Final Sky Homes Now Selling in Albion’s Nouveau Development

Construction is progressing on the Nouveau Sky Home Collection in Albion, with a limited number of double-storey residences still available.



Hilltop Project Progresses in Inner North

The Nouveau Albion development, located at 8–16 Anstey Street, is currently under construction, with a limited number of double-storey apartments still available in Brisbane’s inner north-east. The project comprises 42 residences, with prices starting from $1,745,000, and an estimated completion date of mid-2025.

Nouveau Albion
Photo Credit: Nouveau

Architectural Design Reflects Local Character

The development features a blend of brickwork, concrete and greenery. It is designed to complement Albion’s historic streetscape. Its architecture presents a modern interpretation of the traditional Queenslander. The arched terraces and base-brick foundations reference the suburb’s established character.

Situated on an elevated site, Nouveau offers views across neighbouring suburbs and the Brisbane CBD skyline. Each residence is designed to optimise natural airflow and light, in line with BCC’s “Buildings that Breathe” guidelines for subtropical living.

Brisbane apartments
Photo Credit: Nouveau

Residence Features and Rooftop Amenities

Residences in the Sky Home Collection span two storeys and include configurations such as three bedrooms with a multipurpose room or four-bedroom layouts. Open-plan living spaces are finished with oak timber flooring and a neutral colour scheme to create a warm, modern interior.

Selected top-floor residences feature private rooftop terraces with panoramic views and space for outdoor entertaining. Residents also have access to shared rooftop amenities including a pool, open-air terrace, BBQ facilities, and outdoor lounge and dining areas.

Bathrooms feature natural stone finishes, timber-look joinery, brass tapware, undermount vanity sinks, and integrated storage, delivering a clean and functional layout.

Albion real estate
Photo Credit: Nouveau

Vertical Living in Albion

Nouveau is designed to offer the scale and feel of a freestanding home within a multi-residential format. Landscaping and the integration of native flora strengthen the connection between interior living spaces and their subtropical surroundings. This contributes to a vertical lifestyle approach in Albion.

Completion Timeline and Availability



With construction underway and completion targeted for mid-2025, only a small number of residences remain available. The project is being delivered by Pyco Group.

Published 8-July-2025