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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ascot has long been known for its prestige. With its wide, tree-lined streets, grand Queenslander homes and proximity to the racecourse, Ascot has long held its place as one of the city’s most expensive suburbs. Now, new income data confirms what locals have already known — Ascot is firmly entrenched as one of Brisbane’s richest neighbourhoods.
According to official personal income data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the top 1 per cent of earners in Ascot are taking home incomes far above the city average. The average income across Brisbane is just under $72,000, but in Ascot, that average climbs to more than $132,000. And for those at the top, it’s far higher.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The top 1 per cent in Ascot are earning well into the multi-million-dollar range each year—money that doesn’t just come from salaries, but from business profits, investments, and rental income. This group includes people running successful companies across construction, finance, real estate and other industries that thrive in both local and national markets.
Photo credit: Google Street View
While income data doesn’t include assets, it’s clear that Ascot’s wealth extends beyond what’s reported. The suburb has been home to some of the most expensive property sales in Brisbane’s history. Last year, a record-breaking sale saw a heritage-listed estate on Sutherland Avenue sell for $23 million, more than double what it was purchased for just two years earlier. Grand homes like these reflect not just high incomes, but significant family wealth and long-term investment.
Ascot’s charm lies in its blend of heritage and luxury. It’s a suburb with deep roots—many homes have been in the same families for generations—but it continues to attract new buyers seeking status, space, and location. Its access to private schools, leafy parks, and the Eagle Farm Racecourse adds to its appeal.
But while the wealth is unmistakable, the income data also highlights a wider issue: the growing gap between Brisbane’s richest and the rest. The median income in Greater Brisbane is around $57,000, meaning many households across the city earn less than half what’s typical in suburbs like Ascot. The top 1 per cent across the city earn, on average, over $653,000 a year, a figure that continues to rise in elite pockets like Ascot, Hawthorne, and Pullenvale.
Today, Ascot remains a suburb where wealth isn’t always loud, but it’s deeply ingrained, from its manicured gardens to its top-end real estate. For those at the top of Brisbane’s income ladder, Ascot isn’t just a postcode—it’s a legacy.
While no date has been set for the appeal hearing, a millionaire developer is challenging local authorities in court over their refusal to allow the demolition of his family’s $8 million Ascot estate, a home they have cherished for over three decades.
Cleighton Clark, the founder of the well-known Sunshine Coast apartment building company Habitat Development Group, lodged his appeal in the Planning and Environment Court on 22 May, following the local government body’s decision on April 30 to reject his demolition application.
The grand residence, known as ‘Lorne,’ is an 86-year-old mansion located on Anthony Street in Ascot. It was originally designed by architect Roy Ashley Shaw in 1936 and constructed by Blair Cunningham. Historical documents indicate that the Campbell family resided in the home starting in 1939.
Mr Clark’s parents, David and Helen Clark, acquired the five-bedroom property in December 1992. Current property records show that the home is jointly owned by Cleighton Clark, his brother Steele Clark, and Melita Hollands.
The extensive property covers four lots, totalling 1578 square metres, and features a nearly 38-metre frontage to Anthony Street. It includes beautifully landscaped gardens and an in-ground swimming pool. Last October, the home was listed for sale at $7.65 million, with advertising describing it as “the embodiment of Ascot living.”
The listing also highlighted the home’s eastward views towards Moreton Bay, its high ceilings, detailed cornicing, and original flooring, noting that it was being offered to the market for the first time in 32 years.
Mr Clark’s development consultancy, Project Urban, submitted a report to the local government body, stating that tearing down the house would allow for future redevelopment of the site. They believe this redevelopment aligns with the area’s existing planning rules and character expectations.
The house is situated within a traditional building character overlay, spanning land identified as 89A, 91, 93, and 95 Anthony Street.
The local authorities refused the application, explaining that demolishing Lorne would “result in the loss of traditional building character and fails to protect a building constructed in 1946 or earlier where it forms a part of a character streetscape.”
In his appeal, Mr Clark argues that the home has undergone significant changes over the years and no longer looks like it was built in 1946 or earlier.
He specifically pointed to alterations made in 1967 or 1993, noting that “polystyrene facade decoration has been added to the street facing and northern facades which include fluted columns, arches, engaged pilasters, keystones, entry pediments, dentils, cornices and window hoods.”
Habitat Development Group, founded by Mr. Clark, is frequently ranked among Australia’s top 10 apartment builders by the Housing Industry Association. The legal battle over the Ascot mansion’s future continues, with the date for the appeal hearing yet to be determined.
Postcode 4007, covering the blue-chip suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton, has once again proven its standing in Brisbane’s prestige property market. Over the past 12 months, three standout sales have set the tone for what buyers are willing to pay to secure a home in one of the city’s most desirable enclaves.
The top sale in the area, and among the highest recorded in Brisbane for the year, was 22 Yabba Street, which changed hands for an impressive $10.5 million. This sale reflects a growing appetite for large, well-appointed homes in tightly held pockets.
Set on a generous parcel of land, the residence offers a rare combination of scale, privacy and premium amenities, including a tennis court, pool and landscaped gardens. This renovated Tudor-style residence is regarded as an Ascot landmark. It blends nostalgic charm. Think leadlight windows, an original fireplace and Morris & Co wallpaper—with modern indulgences including a floodlit tennis court and a poolside firepit patio. Properties at this level remain scarce, with few listings matching its calibre.
154 Yabba Street, Ascot – $5.8 million
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Just a few doors down, 154 Yabba Street also recorded a major sale at $5.8 million. Originally a 1920s Queenslander, 154 Yabba Street has been architecturally reinvented by Ian Webb Architects into a modern family sanctuary. Inside and out, it wows with resort-like features—there’s a sunken lounge, hanging gardens, and even a heated magnesium pool with cantilevered daybeds over the water.
With two of the top three sales on the same street, Yabba Street is emerging as a prestige micro-market within Ascot. The property’s high-end finish, street presence, and walkable location near Oriel Park and Ascot State School made it especially attractive to families upgrading within the suburb.
64 Riverview Terrace, Hamilton – $5.8 million
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Rounding out the list is 64 Riverview Terrace in neighbouring Hamilton, which also sold for $5.8 million. Perched high on Hamilton Hill’s exclusive ridgeline, this home shares in the prestige of a street famed for its extraordinary homes and panoramic river views. In fact, local agents note that Riverview Terrace boasts some of Brisbane’s most unique residences – properties along this hilltop enclave can command eight-figure price tags.
The sale reflects continued strength in Hamilton’s top-end market, driven by limited supply and high demand for river-adjacent property.
Why These Numbers Matter
These three sales underline the continued strength of Brisbane’s prestige market, particularly in the inner north. Notably, the concentration of activity on one street, Yabba Street, where multiple properties have commanded significant price tags within a year. This suggests more than just isolated buyer interest. It points to a shift in how certain pockets within established suburbs are being valued.
In a broader context, these results come amid increasing buyer competition for quality homes in lifestyle suburbs with proximity to elite schools, green space, and transport links. Ascot and Hamilton have long been considered aspirational addresses, but this latest data reinforces their place at the very top of Brisbane’s residential hierarchy.
For homeowners in the area, it’s a strong signal of rising land value and sustained interest from high-net-worth buyers. For agents and investors, it’s a clear indicator of where demand remains strongest, even as broader market conditions fluctuate.
Sutherland Avenue in Ascot represents the pinnacle of Brisbane’s prestige residential streets, where exclusivity meets unwavering community commitment. While the street already existed in 1936, today’s Sutherland Avenue has evolved to accommodate significantly more properties than its historical footprint, reflecting the area’s desirability and careful urban development.
What makes this street truly remarkable is its 100% owner-occupancy rate – a rare achievement that speaks to the deep connection residents have with this prestigious location. With homeowners staying an average of 14 years and 5 months, and 54% of residents having called Sutherland Avenue home for more than a decade, the street demonstrates exceptional stability in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after postcodes. The street’s property transaction history tells a compelling story of Ascot’s meteoric rise, with 37 Sutherland Avenue selling for $415,000 in November 1989 – a stark contrast to today’s multi-million dollar valuations that reflect the area’s transformation into one of Brisbane’s most exclusive residential enclaves.
Sutherland Avenue, Ascot Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 16 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 100% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years, 5 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 54%
Sutherland Avenue, Ascot – As It Looked in 1936
Sutherland Avenue, Ascot in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON SUTHERLAND AVENUE, ASCOT
Property Address | Sale Price | Sale DateNo recent sales data available
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON SUTHERLAND AVENUE FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address | Sale Price | Sale Date 30 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $6,120,000 | Mar 2003 42 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $1,400,000 | Apr 2000 37 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $415,000 | Nov 1989
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2025 was $1,576,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2021 was $1,325,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $251,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2025 was $3,430,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2021 was $2,620,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $810,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2025 was $697,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2021 was $420,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $277,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2025 was $1,106,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2021 was $625,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM UNIT IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $481,000
Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, has opened Poinciana House, the latest addition to Keyton’s Bernborough Ascot community. Located beside Doomben Racecourse, the development introduces 53 new apartments to what is described as Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse precinct.
A Growing Retirement Precinct
Bernborough Ascot forms part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment being led by Brisbane Racing Club. The precinct already includes Fig Tree House, which has reached full occupancy. Poinciana House is the second residential building in the development, designed to support long-term independent living and wellness for older Australians.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
The development has been delivered in partnership with builder Balmain & Co, which highlighted the project’s sustainability credentials and emphasis on lifestyle-focused design.
Features and Facilities
Poinciana House offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across multiple floorplans. Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, storage, and functionality, with two interior finish schemes available.
Residents have access to an extensive selection of health and lifestyle facilities, such as a rooftop terrace, magnesium indoor pool, sauna, gym, fitness area, bowling green, café, and shared dining and lounge spaces. Allied health consulting rooms are located onsite, along with a concierge desk, parcel services, and a personalised health and wellness program.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
A 24-hour emergency call system and pharmacy delivery service are also available to residents.
Sustainable Recognition
Bernborough Ascot has received a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, recognising its commitment to sustainability and urban regeneration. Poinciana House contributes to this rating with its environmentally focused design and energy-efficient features.
Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram
A Model for ‘Ageing in Place’
Keyton has positioned the development as part of a broader shift toward integrated retirement living. With the adjacent Opal Healthcare’s Ascot Grove Care Community scheduled for completion in 2027, the precinct aims to provide a continuum of care allowing residents to transition between levels of independence without leaving the community.
A property on Lancaster Road in Ascot, linked to former real estate agent and auctioneer Edward Amos, has been listed for sale via expressions of interest amid ongoing legal proceedings related to unpaid debts.
This comes after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this month reportedly authorised the seizure and sale of nine properties connected to Mr Amos, as part of efforts to recover long-outstanding court costs and other liabilities.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Ascot home is among nine properties in suburbs including Clayfield, Wooloowin, Newmarket, and Surfers Paradise, reportedly forming part of a substantial portfolio accumulated over decades. Many of the properties have fallen into disrepair, with some no longer habitable and at least two already demolished.
The timber character home, situated on a level 405 sqm block, is currently “council-approved for demolition or removal of the existing dwelling” based on the listing. Marketed as a redevelopment opportunity in a tightly held suburb, the property is one of several across southeast Queensland that may be sold to satisfy long-standing financial obligations allegedly owed by Mr Amos.
Legal proceedings spanning more than a decade have centred on Mr Amos’ refusal to settle unpaid court costs and other financial liabilities said to total under $200,000. Previous efforts to sell certain properties were reportedly delayed when Mr Amos claimed they were held in trust for his children—claims later rejected by the court due to a lack of supporting evidence.
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Lancaster Road property, located in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after residential pockets, is now being marketed for potential redevelopment. Despite the overall portfolio’s estimated value running into the millions, the legal action reportedly stems from much smaller unpaid sums.
Mr Amos, who has a history of disputes involving land tax and council rates, has not publicly responded to the latest developments concerning the properties, including the one in Ascot.
We’ve combed Ascot and Hamilton for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
George Michaelson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Passionate about food and wine, they really care about what they’re doing. Pulling this off in a restaurant would be good but pulling this off in a bus with a tiny mise.. Sarah knows her wine, the pairings were great. They take note of allergies and are super careful.
TheRealOGLoc ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ambiance of this restaurant is absolutely delightful, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food is delicious, and their quail dish is truly unique and flavorful—a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in something extraordinary.
Linda Erg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Da Biuso is a special dining experience. The food was considered and beautiful. Highlights for me were the buttery scampi and delicate trout. The fit out is adorable and the custom plates were a wonderful touch. Sarah and the team were attentive, knowledgeable and accommodating.
Constantine T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend ! After visiting twice, I can confidently say it’s a fantastic spot for a great dining experience. The service is outstanding—staff members are warm, attentive, and make you feel genuinely welcome. The food is of exceptional quality, with fresh ingredients and flavors that truly stand out. Best oysters ever tasted, fresh and juicy. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a night out with friends, Flaming & Co delivers on both atmosphere and taste. Definitely a place worth returning to!
Marco Ho ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We went with some friends for dinner and had a great time. Food was excellent, I recommend the kangaroo croquette (if you don’t prefer it gamey) and the smoked chicken which was cooked perfectly with succulent texture plus generous serve. The restaurant is dog friendly with outdoor seating (front patio) and had a warm vibe. At the time of this review, we ordered from the summer menu 2025.
Donna Tulloch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Everything was absolute perfection. Steaks were the best. You probably need to order a side with the main though as the portion for the main is smaller but still plenty with the extra side. Wattleseed bread as a starter was amazing. We dined from the winter menu and I’ve posted the pics here as I noticed their menu options were different to photos from reviews. Service was fantastic. Really delicious food and lovely atmosphere. We really liked the modern Australian spin on classic food. The service was lovely and the food was wonderful. Surprise favourite: duck pate. I’m not generally a pate fan but my partner is. We both loved it. The sauce and sauerkraut went really well with it!
John Har ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was excellent. I had the banquet meal along with most of our group. It was a delicious experience that was crafted with some real talent. The ingredients were bursting with freshness. Throughout the evening we were served by very friendly people who had a good eye for detail and addressed our needs well. The restaurant is in a beautiful location and presents very well inside, the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and enjoyable. Fosh bar & restaurant sets a standard for 5 stars that I think other establishments will have difficulty attaining. Yes, it’s that good.
Monique Simmons ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FOSH delivered an incredible dining experience! We had oysters, squid, Thai fish curry, and mussels—each dish was packed with flavor, with the Thai fish curry being a standout surprise. The service was impeccable, with friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff who were happy to chat and offer menu insights. A fantastic spot for a date night.
Mira Seth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Grilled fish was great. Would def come back for the grilled fish though. Prices are pretty decent too for you get. Portions are pretty alright. Would def come back and try the other dishes sometime. Dusaf is also really attentive and made sure everything was going good for our table.
Na ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pleasant experience with Sono from beginning to end. We had the 6 course banquet ($125pp) and everything was amazing. The staff’s knowledge was superb as they explained in detail all the food that was served. I highly recommend the black cod as the main as it absolutely blew us away. Furthermore, they were all super friendly and congratulating us and asking to take our pictures as it was our anniversary. This place is worth the money and has became a favourite. Would come here again
Matthieu Mo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Got a private room with my parents and wife! The service was amazing, quick, and extremely friendly + knowledgeable about the food! I enjoy fine dining, but I am especially glad that they timed the food items perfectly. Did not have to wait between the courses
TONY DING ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service is awesome! They prepared a table next to river view for our anniversary. – Food is fresh and various. Dinner set is perfect for two people. – My favourite dish is long-time seasoned miso roasted fish. Fish is very tender, well-seasoned and with a tint of charcoal-grilled flavour. So yummmm!!! – Not cheap, but pretty sure we will be back there.
Nishant Rana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had a wonderful dining experience at Aroma Restaurant! I ordered the Pollo Prawns, and it was not only beautifully served but also incredibly tasty and healthy. Every bite was full of flavor, and I truly appreciated the quality of the ingredients. The pizza was hands down the best I’ve had in a long time—perfectly cooked with a delicious crust and generous toppings. The overall atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was excellent. I will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend Aroma Restaurant to anyone looking for great food and a delightful dining experience!
Feasting with Zen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ New to the area, was happy to give them a try what a delightful menu, many options to select from, a great wine & cocktail list. Brisbanes biggest Parmi, It was too big for us!! Friendly team, thank you Annabelle for great service.
ASH PATEL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The breakfast menu offers a variety of options, from classic dishes like eggs Benedict to more contemporary choices such as avocado toast. Dishes are well-presented, and the use of fresh ingredients is evident in the flavors. The coffee, a highlight for many visitors, is rich and expertly brewed. Aroma @ Ascot delivers a satisfying breakfast experience with its combination of delightful ambiance, attentive service, and quality cuisine. It stands out as a recommended spot for both locals and visitors seeking a pleasant start to their day in Ascot.
We had breakfast here & the food was good. The Xiu Mai (Vietnamese meatballs) were a particularly tasty dish, according to my partner. My order was the Buddah bowl, also good, very healthy dish, with edamame, beetroot homous, tomatoes, spinach, avocado etc. Fresh ingredients & generous serves. Service a little slow, but they were busy
Jhony Stiven Huertaz Ortiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
I just had the Beef Stew (Bo Kho) at Verandah on Racecourse and it was an exceptional experience. I added an extra serve of rice with hot sauce and ordered a chocolate with Taro. The portion is generous and the combination of flavours gives it an interesting sense of authenticity. If you’re looking for a breakfast that is more than your standard bacon and eggs, this is a great option if you’re in Hamilton. The service was attentive and the atmosphere was pleasant and fresh.
Tribal Woman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My partner and I ate here on a Saturday night. Our food was delicious and fresh! I had the vegetarian fried rice and it was so good; I absolutely devoured it! My partner had a chicken pho, his favourite Vietnamese dish, and he really enjoyed it. We both stuffed our faces as it was SO yummy! Fabulous and fresh, the loveliest staff, and of course, the most beautiful restaurant on Racecourse Road! Oh, and they have wonderful live music. So 10/10. Love this plac
Michael Meng ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great place to grab dinner. Menu is good. Food is served quickly and tastes great. The pizzas are surprisingly filling. Chicken Parmigiana is very, very good. Dinner serving sizes are great. Atmosphere is great. During my two dinners, sports (NFL – Jan 2025) were shown on the multiple TV screens. The dining area is clean. Toilets are clean also. I would definitely eat here again.
Dave Mac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We have just had Gallopers Xmas lunch. I can’t say anything, but it was a gastronomic delight. The freshest seafood, perfectly roasted meats and salads to tatilise your tastbuds all accompanied by an aray of every vegetable you can think of. Not to mention the work of the pastry chef, which was an art form. Well done to all the chefs. I understand this was the first time at gallopers. Can’t believe it. Felt like you had perfected this over many years.
Oliver O’loughlin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place is a straight 10… Best steak sandwich in brisbane. Service is always off tap and the ambiance is something I could only hope my funeral reflects.
Qudos Bank has engaged with its Ascot members and the wider community to provide clarity on its upcoming merger with Bank Australia. At a recent information session, executives assured members that the merger would enhance services, expand the branch network, and maintain job security, while also allowing members to vote on the proposed transition.
For over 65 years, Qudos Bank has served its members as a trusted, customer-owned financial institution. However, as the banking sector becomes increasingly competitive, smaller institutions face growing regulatory requirements and the need for greater investment in technology to enhance customer experience.
Recognising these challenges, Qudos Bank has proposed a merger with Bank Australia. The merger aims to strengthen both institutions.
During an information session held in Ascot on 24 February, Qudos Bank Chief Executive Officer Brendan Wright and Bank Australia Managing Director Damien Walsh addressed local members. He provided insights into the merger’s benefits and answering key questions.
A key aspect of the merger is its commitment to preserving existing services. Members were reassured that there would be no branch closures. Qudos Bank members will gain access to an expanded branch network, increasing from five to 15 branches across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT. This includes locations in each state’s central business district, offering greater accessibility.
Additionally, the merger will allow for lower fees and charges on certain products and services from day one.
Job Security and Future Growth
One of the primary concerns addressed was employee job security. Qudos Bank confirmed that there would be no job losses for non-executive employees. Furthermore, the new entity will maintain 100% Australian-based customer support teams, ensuring that all operations continue to be handled locally.
Key Benefits for Qudos Bank Members
According to Qudos Bank, the merger with Bank Australia is a proactive strategy that will provide:
Increased financial and operational capacity to support members.
Lower fees and charges on select products and services.
Expanded branch network, including CBD branches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra.
Enhanced investment in digital banking for an improved customer experience.
Greater investment in cyber security and fraud prevention to protect members.
No changes to existing accounts, loans, deposits, or banking services.
No direct changes to interest rates as a result of the merger, apart from standard adjustments based on market conditions.
Why Bank Australia?
Bank Australia was selected as the preferred merger partner due to its shared history as a customer-owned bank with a strong financial track record. The bank has demonstrated sustainable growth while maintaining competitive products and personalised service.
Both banks operate under 100% Australian-based customer support, reinvesting profits into better rates and fairer fees for members. Bank Australia also has a strong track record in community and environmental initiatives and has received multiple awards from Finder, Canstar, Money Magazine, Mozo, and other financial rating agencies.
Photo Credit: Qudos Bank
Timeline and Member Vote
The merger is still subject to regulatory approval and a member vote, with the following key dates:
Early 2025: APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) reviews the merger application.
March 2025 (Subject to Approval): Member Information Booklet released, detailing the full terms of the merger.
April 2025 (Subject to Approval): Member vote takes place at a Special General Meeting (SGM), with online voting available through a third-party platform.
1 July 2025 (Subject to Approval): If approved, the merged entity will officially begin operations.
Qudos Bank is encouraging members to participate in the vote. Their approval is essential for the merger to proceed.
Stronger Together: A Future-Focused Customer-Owned Bank
Brendan Wright assured members that the merger would bring long-term advantages. The combined entity will be one of Australia’s largest customer-owned banks with nearly $20 billion in assets and serving 300,000 members. The merger is expected to strengthen competitiveness within the Australian banking sector, increasing financial stability and investment in customer services.
