Eagle Farm Archives - Ascot News

Help Enterprises Recognised Among 2025 Business Award Finalists in Eagle Farm

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

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

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

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.

“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.

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

New Shared Path to Connect Eagle Farm to Brisbane Airport

Construction is set to start soon on a much-anticipated shared path that will improve access and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Eagle Farm and Brisbane Airport.

Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

Beginning in late May 2025, the 600-metre path will link the existing shared path at Schneider Road to the established bike lane and footpath at Viola Place, closing a known gap in the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

This direct connection will also pass under the Gateway Motorway, providing a safer and more convenient alternative to current detours via Terminal Drive, Lamington Avenue, and Nudgee Road to the west, or Kingsford Smith Drive, Sugarmill Road, and Lomandra Drive to the east.

Designed with both safety and sustainability in mind, the new path will be between 2.5 and 3 metres wide and will feature:

Line marking and wayfinding signage to integrate with the local bikeway network
Solar-powered LED lighting for improved visibility
Fencing for user safety
A new, relocated weir crossing over a waterway
Turfing and landscaping to enhance the surrounding environment

The route has been identified as a principal cycle connection under Queensland’s Principal Cycle Network Plan and is considered a priority for future infrastructure upgrades.

Jointly funded by Brisbane and Queensland’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program, the project is expected to be completed by early 2026. Once finished, the new path will enhance links between major bikeways, while also improving access to Brisbane Airport, the Australian TradeCoast, and the future Northshore Hamilton precinct—home to the main athlete village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Preliminary Design of New Albion Station Hub Revealed to Brisbane Community

Works will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday to Saturday. Construction will continue for up to eight months, weather and site conditions permitting.

During this time, local residents and commuters may see contractors on site, experience increased noise, dust, or vibrations, and notice construction vehicles accessing the area. For community safety, sections of the project site will be temporarily closed to the public while works are underway.

Published 23-May-2025

Eagle Farm Factory Delivers 2,000th Queensland Bus to Local Operator

Photo Credit: Volgren

The Eagle Farm manufacturing plant, a key player in Queensland’s transport industry, celebrated the delivery of its 2,000th locally built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, marking a significant milestone for the region’s manufacturing sector.

Significant Milestone

Volgren, the bus and coach body manufacturer, reached a significant production milestone at its Eagle Farm facility. The company handed over its 2,000th Queensland-built bus to Kangaroo Bus Lines, a local bus operator. This achievement highlights the factory’s role in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Established in 2009, the Eagle Farm plant has been central to bus production in Queensland, supplying over 1,000 buses to Brisbane City Council. The factory also set a new production record in 2024, manufacturing over 180 buses.

Industry Recognition

Volgren’s senior management, representatives from Volvo Buses, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the Queensland Bus Industry Council, and Kangaroo Bus Lines attended the handover ceremony at the Eagle Farm facility. To commemorate the event, Volgren’s CEO presented a plaque and key to Kangaroo Bus Lines, acknowledging their contribution to this achievement. The event also included a celebratory cake, shaped like the 2,000th bus.

Company Statements

Volgren’s CEO stated that the delivery of the 2,000th bus represents 45 years of hard work and strong partnerships with operators. He emphasised Queensland’s crucial role in Volgren’s national success and the company’s commitment to local manufacturing. He also credited the dedication and expertise of the company’s staff for the success.

Volgren’s CCO noted the importance of partnerships with industry leaders like Volvo and Kangaroo Bus Lines, which have enabled the company to achieve such milestones. He expressed gratitude to all customers and partners who have supported Volgren.

Economic Impact

Volgren has been operating in Australia for 45 years and has built over 10,000 buses. The company’s operations support local jobs and contribute to the Queensland economy. The delivery of this is seen as a significant achievement, but the company intends to continue production.

Published Date 25-March-2025

Inside Volgren Factory in Eagle Farm: The Heart of Brisbane’s Bus Production

The manufacturing facility of Volgren in Eagle Farm continues to play a key role in local transport innovation, producing buses that support public transport across the city.

Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

The site was in the spotlight this week as Treasurer Jim Chalmers, alongside Ministers Anika Wells and Murray Watt, visited the facility to discuss economic updates and the future of Australian manufacturing.

Volgren’s Eagle Farm site, which has been in operation since 2010, spans 2.65 hectares and produces around 150 buses each year. It supplies vehicles primarily for Council but also works with other clients. The facility plays an important role in local employment, supporting skilled jobs in the manufacturing sector.

Minister Wells highlighted the impact of businesses like Volgren on local workers and industries. “It’s always great to be home and here at Volgren, where for the past 15 years in part of our manufacturing hub here on the Northside, Volgren has been not just helping commuters get to places on public transport but providing great secure jobs for auto electricians, for welders, for spray painters who live and love working here on the northside of Brisbane,” she said.

During the visit, Treasurer Chalmers also addressed broader economic developments, including the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) recent interest rate cut. “We welcome the news that interest rates are being cut in Australia. This is the rate relief that Australians desperately need and deserve after all of the progress that we’ve made together on inflation,” he said.

Chalmers also noted positive wage growth trends, with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing five consecutive quarters of real wage increases. “What the data shows is that we have now had 5 consecutive quarters of wages growing above inflation in Australia under the Albanese Labor government. The last quarter, the December quarter 2024, showed real wage growth. So, wages growing above inflation by 0.5 per cent. And if you look at the whole year of 2024, we saw real wage growth of 0.8 per cent, leading to 5 consecutive quarters of real wage growth in Australia,” he added.

Read: Interest Builds as Former Albion Flour Mill Site Hits the Market

Volgren’s Brisbane site is part of a broader push to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector, particularly in sustainable transport. With increasing demand for locally made buses, facilities like the Eagle Farm plant are expected to remain central to the industry’s growth.

The Eagle Farm facility is one of several sites operated by Volgren across Australia, supporting both local jobs and the country’s transition to more efficient public transport solutions.

Published 21-February-2025

Brisbane Racing Club Halfway Through $1.5 Billion Revamp to Secure Future

The Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) is halfway through its ambitious $1.5 billion master plan aimed at securing its long-term future by developing excess land and diversifying revenue streams.

Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

The project, launched in 2012, seeks to preserve the club’s racing heritage while generating new income through real estate and commercial ventures.

BRC was formed in 2009 following the merger of the Queensland Turf Club and Brisbane Turf Club, two historically rival organisations that were land-rich but financially struggling. The merger was essential for survival, as revenue from race meetings increasingly flowed to the government rather than the clubs.

Photo credit: Brisbane Racing Club/Google Maps

New chairman Richard Morrison emphasised the club’s continued commitment to thoroughbred racing, stating that they host about 80 races annually, including Queensland’s prestigious Star Stradbroke Handicap. He also highlighted the importance of maximizing underutilised land for sustainable growth, noting that while core racing areas would remain untouched, other sections of real estate could be repurposed.

Brisbane Racing Club — Eagle Farm Infield Stabling and Training Facilities (Photo credit: brc.com.au)

Over the past decade, BRC has successfully completed major developments, including the $50 million Eagle Farm Infield Stabling and Training Facilities, two Ascot Green residential towers, Racecourse Village Shopping Centre, and Bernborough Ascot Retirement Living. The club has also expanded into licensed venues, revitalizing Gallopers Sports Club at Ascot, Souths Sports Club at Acacia Ridge, and The Gibson at Stafford.

This year, the third residential tower at Ascot Green, Charlton House, is set for completion, with five more buildings planned. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, particularly regarding aging infrastructure at Eagle Farm. The Dr John Power Stand, built in 1958, is set to be condemned in August 2026, while the heritage-listed St Ledger Stand remains unsafe for patrons. Restoring these facilities would require significant investment, with an estimated $130 million needed for upgrades.

BRC chief executive Karl deKroo acknowledged the financial hurdles ahead and emphasised the need for government support. He explained that the club is working closely with Racing Queensland and the new government to explore viable solutions. One potential opportunity includes utilizing Doomben’s infield for Olympic equestrian events.

Read: A Day of Racing, Fashion, & Fun: Girls Day Out Returns to Eagle Farm

Despite financial pressures, BRC remains in a stronger position than some other major Australian racing clubs, such as the Victoria Racing Club and the Australian Turf Club, both of which reported losses last financial year. With ongoing developments and strategic planning, the club aims to sustain its status as a premier metropolitan racing venue while securing a stable financial future.

Published 15-February-2025

Homegrown Legacy: Greg Norman and Royal Queensland’s Road to Brisbane 2032

A historic full-circle moment is unfolding at Eagle Farm’s Royal Queensland Golf Club, as former shop assistant turned global golfing icon Greg Norman AO joins the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee (OCOG). For local residents, this appointment carries special significance as their neighbourhood golf club prepares for its Olympic destiny.

Read: Summer Surge: How the North Brisbane Property Market is Heating Up in 2025

From Pro Shop to Olympic Leadership

Greg Norman, who once worked in Royal Queensland’s pro shop during the 1970s, now returns in a pivotal role, helping to shape the club’s transformation into an Olympic venue. Reflecting on this journey, Norman remarked, “In my youth in the 70’s I worked in the golf shop at Royal Queensland and now that course will be the home of golf at Brisbane 2032.”

“As a proud Queenslander it is an honour and privilege to help shape the Brisbane Games.”

Greg Norman Shapes Olympic Future of Royal Queensland

Since its founding in 1920, Royal Queensland has been a cornerstone of the Eagle Farm community, hosting numerous prestigious tournaments. Now, it stands on the cusp of an unprecedented evolution. As the venue prepares to welcome the world’s best golfers in 2032, Norman’s deep-rooted connection to the club adds an invaluable perspective to its Olympic planning.

*Photo Credit: CC-BY 2.0 / Ted Van Pelt / Flickr*

OCOG President Andrew Liveris reinforced the significance of his involvement, stating, “What better Queensland sports brand than Greg Norman? He will help elevate our state and our city on the global stage over the next seven years.”

Read: Olympic Stadium Debate Heats Up in Ascot: Doomben Racecourse at Risk

Beyond his sporting achievements, Norman brings substantial business expertise to the role. As chairman and CEO of the Greg Norman Company, he has overseen successful ventures in apparel, interior design, real estate, and golf course design—experience that could prove invaluable in Brisbane’s Olympic development.

As Royal Queensland Golf Club prepares to welcome the world’s best golfers in 2032, the community can take pride in knowing that one of their own is helping guide the way.

Published 31-January-2025

The Eagle Farm Siege: A Historical Look at Courage and Crisis

Photo Credit: QPS/Museum

The usually calm atmosphere of Eagle Farm Airport was shattered by an unexpected crisis.

On 26 July, 1985, Michael Petrovic, a 41-year-old man from Alexandra Hills, boarded a sightseeing helicopter flight with his two young children. What began as a routine family outing quickly escalated into one of Queensland’s most tense hostage situations.

Eagle Farm Siege — *Photo Credit:* *National Library Australia*

While mid-air over Currumbin, Mr Petrovic brandished a sawn-off shotgun, demanding the pilot fly them to a US airbase in Japan. Unable to meet the demand, the helicopter made an emergency landing at Eagle Farm Airport under the guise of refuelling. Once on the tarmac, Mr Petrovic seized control of a fuel tanker, spreading aviation fuel across the ground and even onto his children, all while firing two warning shots into the air.

A Man in Crisis

The events at Eagle Farm were deeply rooted in personal anguish. Mr Petrovic had recently gone through a difficult divorce, and the emotional toll seemed to drive his desperate actions. His children, aged just 8 and 9, remained startlingly calm throughout, seen playing on the fuel tanker and near the helicopter as their father held authorities at bay.

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The Negotiators Step In

The Queensland Police Emergency Squad arrived on the scene, tasked with preventing tragedy. Among them were Sergeant Ron Strong and Constable Denver Monley. Negotiations began under immense pressure, with Sgt Strong addressing Mr Petrovic by his Slavic name, ‘Mischa,’ in an effort to build trust. Over four tense hours, Sgt Strong carefully reassured Mr Petrovic, promising to ensure the safety of his children.

Finally, after hours of patient negotiation, Mr Petrovic surrendered peacefully. No lives were lost, and the children were unharmed—an outcome that stood as a testament to the skill and resolve of the negotiators.

Honouring Bravery

Eagle Farm Siege 1985 - Crisis and Resolution — *Photo Credit: Queensland Police Museum*

In the years that followed, Sgt Strong and Cst Monley were recognised for their heroism. In 1989, Sgt Strong received the Australia Bravery Medal, and in 1994, he was awarded the National Medal for his dedication to duty in hazardous circumstances. Sgt Strong eventually retired in 2003 at the rank of Inspector.

Lessons from Eagle Farm

The Eagle Farm siege remains a poignant chapter in Brisbane’s history. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between authority and empathy in crisis situations. The incident is often studied as a model of successful negotiation under extreme pressure.

Though decades have passed, the story of Eagle Farm continues to resonate—a moment where calm words, trust, and courage prevailed over chaos.

Published 2-Jan-2024