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Street Spotlight: Hughes Rd E, Dakabin

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Every weekday morning, Hughes Road E comes alive with a familiar rhythm. Parents queue in their cars, kids clutching backpacks stream towards the gates, and the occasional P&F sausage sizzle sends the scent of onions drifting across the footpath. This is the street where life at Northpine Christian College truly plays out—the school’s front door, where the morning bell (a relic saved from an earlier campus fire, according to the school’s history) rings out to mark the start of another day.

For decades, Hughes Road East has been synonymous with the school that defines it. Northpine Christian College sits at 29 Hughes Road East, and its presence has shaped not just the daily rhythms of the street, but the very reasons families choose to live nearby. Real estate agents making their rounds often pause at inspection boards, adding notes about proximity to Northpine—a selling point that’s become as valuable as an extra bedroom or a renovated kitchen.

The street itself tells a story of suburban transformation. What was once a quieter stretch of road serving semi-rural properties has evolved into a sought-after address for families prioritising walkable school runs and tight-knit community life. Teachers wave from the office windows, school buses file in and out, and the properties lining Hughes Road East have watched their values climb steadily as the college expanded its enrolments and facilities.

But Hughes Road East isn’t just about the present. Its older sales records reveal the trajectory of a street that’s grown alongside its most prominent neighbour. In 1992, a four-bedroom home at number 13 changed hands for $130,000—a modest sum that reflected the area’s more rural character at the time. A decade later, in 2002, number 25 sold for $197,000, and by 2007, 7A Hughes Road East fetched $270,000. Each sale marked another step in the street’s evolution from country lane to commuter-friendly address.

Hughes Rd E, Dakabin Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 1 unit, 25 houses, 6 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years and 2 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 38%

Hughes Rd E, Dakabin – As It Looked in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON HUGHES RD E FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
7A Hughes Road East, Dakabin	$270,000	Apr 2007
25 Hughes Road East, Dakabin	$197,000	Apr 2002
13 Hughes Road East, Dakabin	$130,000	Aug 1992

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Dakabin in 2025 was $825,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Dakabin in 2021 was $470,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN DAKABIN SINCE 2021: $355,000

If you know Hughes Road E, Dakabin well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 13-November-2025

The Top Community Benefits of The Mill’s Major Upgrade

Early works have started at The Mill in Petrie, marking a major step toward a new precinct linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Earthworks and site preparation are now underway. The project is expected to offer long-term benefits for residents beyond the Games.

A Major Indoor Sports Centre Takes Shape

Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre (MBISC), the new indoor sports centre planned for the precinct. will have seating for about 10,000 spectators. The venue is expected to host Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic events, giving Moreton Bay a key role during the Games.

Council reports that the community will use the sports centre after the Games. This means local clubs, schools and residents will have access to high-quality indoor courts for training and competitions.

Lakes Precinct Upgrades Will Create Outdoor Spaces

The Lakes Precinct will also receive new picnic shelters, BBQs and open recreation areas. These improvements aim to encourage outdoor activity for families and visitors.

Plans also include a three-kilometre concrete walking track around the lake. This will offer a safe and scenic loop for walking, running or cycling.

Updated parking, including additional spaces, forms part of the Lakes Precinct. This will make the area easier to use as visitor numbers grow.

Local Jobs During Construction

Both the Olympic venue release and the Lakes Precinct update highlight opportunities for local contractors and workers, supporting jobs during construction.

With projects such as the indoor sports centre and lakeside upgrades, the precinct is becoming a growing place for learning, sport and outdoor recreation. This is supported by Council’s long-term plans for the area.

The City of Moreton Bay states that early works for the sports centre will run until mid-2026, whilst the construction on the Lakes Precinct began in October 2025 and will finish around mid-2026 as well.

Published 13-Nov-2025

Bray Park Pump Station Transformed Into Vibrant Wildlife Mural

A plain brick pump station in Bray Park has turned into a burst of colour after local artist Daniel Krause painted a large-scale mural featuring native wildlife, bringing art and community pride to one of Unitywater’s essential utility sites.

Local Art Brings Life To Essential Infrastructure

The mural was completed in early September 2025 as part of Unitywater’s Community Art Program. The initiative aims to give local artists opportunities to brighten water and wastewater assets across the Moreton Bay region. The artwork covers the Francis Road wastewater pump station, featuring a green tree frog and butterfly on the front, with a koala and cockatoo on the side walls.

A swirling blue pattern connects each image, representing how water links every living thing and how Unitywater’s service supports that connection in daily life. Krause, who lives locally, spent about 25 hours completing the design using acrylic house paint and aerosol spray. He finished the surface with an anti-graffiti sealant to protect it from damage and keep the colours bright.

Community Vote Shapes The Design

Before painting began, Unitywater invited residents from Bray Park and nearby suburbs to vote on which local animals should appear. A total of 153 votes were received, and the final mural reflected the community’s top choices.

Unitywater’s Executive Manager of Strategic Engagement, Joshua Zugajev, said the art program helps turn plain assets into something people enjoy seeing every day. He said it allows artists to create while giving locals a sense of pride and ownership in shared spaces.

Strengthening Local Connection Through Art

The Bray Park project follows a similar artwork completed on Bribie Island by local wildlife scientist and artist Jayda Bruce. Both projects form part of Unitywater’s ongoing effort to make infrastructure more engaging while reflecting local environments.

Residents who pass the pump station now see a colourful reflection of the wildlife that defines the Moreton Bay area. The mural serves as a reminder of the region’s biodiversity and the shared value of protecting natural resources.

Supporting A Growing Community

Unitywater provides water and wastewater services to more than 800,000 people across Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa. The organisation plans to invest $2 billion in infrastructure over the next five years and continues to employ over 700 people locally.

The Community Art Program aligns with its broader goal of fostering healthy, thriving communities while promoting sustainability and visual improvement of public assets.

Published 12-September-2025

Music Ignites Mango Hill Community Spirit at St Benedict’s College

At St Benedict’s College Mango Hill, music is more than a subject — it has become part of the school’s heartbeat, thanks to the dedication of teacher Michael White. Since joining the college as a founding staff member in 2013, White has helped transform a modest school program into a dynamic music community that continues to grow each year.

Over time, his commitment and innovative approach have made music an essential part of the school’s identity. He has been recognised as a Highly Accomplished Teacher through the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) certification framework, which acknowledges educators who shape culture and inspire excellence across schools.

Performance That Builds Confidence

White’s approach centres on giving students opportunities to perform and express themselves. Under his guidance, lunchtime and morning-tea concerts have become regular fixtures on the school calendar, offering students in Years 9 to 12 the chance to perform for their peers. These performances help students set learning goals, build confidence, and experience the energy of live performance.

Since 2023, the program has expanded beyond the classroom. Music students now perform at school carnivals, often playing for up to three hours at a time. These sets feature wind and brass instruments and showcase the creativity and teamwork that define the college’s approach to the arts.

Inspiring the Next Generation

St Benedict’s College Principal Tameika Grist said the success of the music program reflects White’s long-term dedication and the belief that the arts can bring a school community together. She noted that the positive culture created around music has given students confidence and a sense of belonging.

Several graduates have continued their studies at the Griffith Conservatorium of Music and other universities, with some aspiring to become music educators themselves. White’s leadership has encouraged students to pursue their passion beyond the school gates, contributing to a growing network of young musicians connected by their Mango Hill roots.

Commitment to Excellence in Education

The Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT) certification recognises educators who demonstrate consistent excellence and influence in their schools. Within BCE, these teachers play a crucial role in driving innovation, mentoring peers, and improving classroom practice. White’s achievements at St Benedict’s College Mango Hill show how passion, persistence, and a commitment to students can spark long-lasting change across a community.

Published 7-Nov-2025

Deception Bay Vet and Mum Mariska Kerkhoff Launches Heartfelt Children’s Book

In Deception Bay, local mum and veterinary surgeon Mariska Kerkhoff has channelled a difficult personal experience into a children’s book that promotes simple, everyday play for families. Her debut picture book, Tiny Tots Adventures at Home, is an illustrated rhyming story that encourages families to use everyday moments for play and learning.

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The book, now available for presale, blends storytelling and play to support connection, imagination and early learning in young children.

A Journey That Inspired Change

Mariska’s daughter was born three months premature, weighing less than 700 grams. During those early months in hospital, her family worked closely with physiotherapists, speech-pathologists and developmental specialists who guided her daughter’s progress.

As a parent and veterinary surgeon, Mariska observed how simple, interactive play supported her daughter’s development. She began exploring ways to make these experiences more accessible for other families and eventually launched Tiny Tots Adventures, a project aimed at helping parents nurture learning through play. What started as a few short social-media videos sharing play-based activities has since grown into a series of guides, play kits and now, a children’s book.

The Book: Tiny Tots Adventures at Home

Tiny Tots Adventures at Home takes young readers on a playful journey through familiar household settings, showing how everyday spaces can become the backdrop for creativity and learning. The story is written in rhyme and illustrated to accompany the play-based narrative. It encourages families to engage with their children through language, movement and imagination.

Mariska said, “We have learned the power of language-rich, interactive play in healthy brain development. I created this book to help families implement this in their daily lives, without needing screens or flashy toys.” The book is described as inviting families to connect, play and make memories together in everyday home spaces.

Originally from the Netherlands, Mariska moved to Australia in 2016 and now lives in Deception Bay with her family and several pets. Mariska’s background as a veterinary surgeon and her experience as a mother to a premature child inform her approach to play-based learning. Through Tiny Tots Adventures, she shares practical tools that make play accessible for all families, encouraging parents to use what they already have at home to spark engagement and connection.

Read: Deception Bay Club Site Earmarked For 42 Townhouses

With Christmas approaching, Tiny Tots Adventures at Home is presented as a screen-free gift option that focuses on quality time and imagination. The book is currently available for presale through the Tiny Tots Adventures website, with the first shipment expected to arrive in mid-November.

Published 7-November-2025

$4.1-M Revamp to Transform Netball Facilities at Les Hughes Sporting Complex

Bray Park’s Les Hughes Sporting Complex is set for a significant transformation, with a $4.1 million upgrade confirmed for its netball facilities. The investment will deliver a modern clubhouse, replacing the building that has served the local netball community for more than 40 years, and is expected to support over 2,000 members across 15 clubs.

Read: North Lakes Blues Netball Club Secures $1M for its Own Courts

Supporting Community and Participation

The upgrade will provide accessible, inclusive, and functional spaces for players, officials, and spectators. For Pine Rivers Netball Association, which manages activities across the complex’s 20 courts, the new facilities will mean safer, cleaner, and more comfortable areas for both training and match days.

Association President Rachelle Swan said the project would directly benefit the netball community. “For us, it’s about having cleaner, safer and more accessible facilities for our members and visitors,” she said. “We’re continuing to grow participation, especially among men, boys and in mixed competitions, and this upgrade will help us support that growth.”

Netball participation across Moreton Bay continues to grow, and clubs are preparing to meet the needs of more players. The upgraded clubhouse will provide modern, accessible spaces for players and spectators, supporting continued participation.

A Venue for Everyone

Photo credit: Elizabeth Hughes (Lizard)/Google Maps

The project will benefit players and spectators, providing modern spaces for everyone attending matches. Swan highlighted the importance of creating a venue that meets contemporary expectations. “We’re incredibly excited for this project to begin and to see the impact it will have on our ability to get even more people out on the courts playing netball,” she said.

The improved facilities will accommodate competitions and support players of all ages, from children to senior members. With mixed competitions gaining traction, the upgrade ensures that the complex can cater to everyone interested in netball, regardless of age or experience.

Looking Ahead

The investment comes as part of broader efforts to enhance grassroots sporting infrastructure across the state, in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By investing in facilities like Les Hughes Sporting Complex, the state aims to support local clubs and community participation.

Swan emphasised the long-term benefits for the association. “For our netball community, this isn’t just about a building. It’s about creating a hub where people feel welcome, safe, and supported while they play, coach or spectate,” she said. “The new clubhouse will allow us to continue growing participation and make netball more accessible to everyone in our area.”

Read: Street Spotlight: Francis Road, Bray Park

Construction is expected to start soon, providing local players and families with modern, inclusive facilities as the complex continues to host netball activities in the region. The Les Hughes Sporting Complex upgrade will provide improved facilities for Pine Rivers Netball Association and support participation across Moreton Bay.

Published 4-November-2025

Rothwell Property Market Snapshot

36 Waterlilly Court

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Comes with a master’s bedroom with walk-in robe, ensuite and ceiling fan, three generously sized guest bedrooms, large kitchen with modern appliances, large, fully-fenced yard.

3a Eugenia Avenue

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Features include a spacious master retreat with a large walk-in robe and private ensuite as well as two additional bedrooms with double-door built-ins and ceiling fans. It also has a well-appointed main bathroom, split-system air conditioning, and functional kitchen.

35 Jones Street

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located in a family-friendly street, it’s sold with an air-conditioned, open-plan lounge and dining zone flowing to a covered patio and low-maintenance backyard, which are perfect for easy weeknights and weekend BBQs.

60 Promenade Circuit

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Nested in a peaceful estate, it features open-plan living and dining, solar, double electric garage, security screens, outdoor entertaining area, and a fully fenced yard.

10 Bristol Court

5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Downstairs feature a spacious entry and internal staircase, kitchen Spacious entry and internal staircase, and large living/dining/bar area with fireplace while upstairs are equipped with large bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and air conditioning.

2/1 Whitlock Drive

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located near Rothwell Railway Station, the property is in close proximity not only to public transport but also to schools and local amenities. It boasts secure parking and a warm residential atmosphere.

28A Greene Street

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. The well- kept brick home, just a 10-minute ride to the beach front, comes with air-conditioned open-plan living and dining area, kitchen with gas cooktop and generous bench space, and low-maintenance yard.

41 Xanadu Crescent

5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Property highlights include a new designer kitchen, entertaining area, and a pool. It boasts a smart design, with the front half (Master suite, Office and Lounge) that can be closed off to become a parent’s retreat.

15 Wattle Road

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Located within the Mueller College precinct, this property offers a balance and comfort and convenience. It has an outdoor entertainment area, a fully fenced backyard, and double lock-up garage with internal access for security.

41A Leichhardt Avenue

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Property highlights include a light-filled separate lounge room, functional kitchen with electric appliances and range hood, air-conditioned open-plan dining area opening to courtyard, and a master bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite.

Over the past two months, Rothwell’s property market has shown steady activity across a mix of three- to five-bedroom homes. Three-bedroom homes sold between $745,000 and $788,000, four-bedroom properties ranged from $820,000 to $1.075 million, and larger five-bedroom homes achieved between $1.1 million and $1.24 million. These results suggest a balanced yet competitive market, where presentation, marketing strategy, and agent expertise continue to drive premium outcomes.

Published 31-October-2025

Street Spotlight: Francis Road, Bray Park

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Francis Road stands as a quiet residential thoroughfare in Bray Park, where established homes line a street that has been shaped by decades of suburban growth. The street’s character reflects the broader transformation of Bray Park from rural outpost to established suburb, with properties that tell stories of families who have put down roots and watched the neighbourhood evolve around them.

The area surrounding Francis Road has witnessed significant change over the years. Where once open paddocks and rural holdings dominated the landscape, suburban development gradually took hold through the 1990s and beyond. The street itself became home to families seeking the balance of accessible living and community connection that Bray Park offered, positioned between the busier arterial roads and the natural waterways that define the region.

Over time, Francis Road has developed its own sense of stability. With the majority of residents choosing to stay long-term, the street has fostered the kind of continuity that builds neighbourhood connections and local knowledge passed between longtime residents.

Francis Rd, Bray Park Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 62 houses, 14 others
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years and 8 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 51%

Francis Rd, Bray Park – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON FRANCIS RD, BRAY PARK

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
243 Francis Road, Bray Park	$825,000	Sep 2025
267 Francis Road, Bray Park	$865,000	Aug 2025
211 Francis Road, Bray Park	$1,500,000	Apr 2025

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON FRANCIS RD FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
235 Francis Road, Bray Park	$93,000	Mar 1996
Lot 104 Francis Road, Bray Park	$1,719,000	Feb 1993

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $807,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $470,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $337,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2025 was $807,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Bray Park in 2021 was $470,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN BRAY PARK SINCE 2021: $337,000

If you know Francis Rd, Bray Park well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Published 14-September-2025

Dakabin to Welcome New Wildlife Hospital Aimed at Saving Local Species

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital/Facebook

A $15-million wildlife hospital is coming to Dakabin, promising faster treatment for injured native animals and relief for overworked rescue groups across the Moreton Bay region.

The facility, which will include a community education hub, is set to become a vital service for one of Queensland’s most wildlife-dense areas, where koalas and other native species are often at risk from traffic, habitat loss, and disease.

Purpose-Built for the Community and the Environment

The new hospital will be built on land valued at about $3 million at 420 Old Gympie Road in Dakabin, with construction expected to begin once final designs and permits are completed. The location was selected for its accessibility, proximity to bushland corridors, and ability to support a long-term expansion plan.

According to the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation, the facility will focus solely on native wildlife, providing emergency care and rehabilitation for animals such as koalas, sugar gliders, wallabies, and flying foxes. It will not treat domestic pets, keeping its mission firmly on wildlife conservation.

The new Dakabin hospital forms part of a broader state-wide push to improve wildlife-care capacity across Queensland. Similar projects are being developed in Redlands, Southport, Currumbin, and Green Island, as part of an ongoing investment in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation infrastructure.

Each site is expected to work collaboratively, sharing expertise and resources to ensure that injured and sick animals receive timely, high-quality care.

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital/Facebook

Reducing Travel and Improving Survival Rates

Local carers and wildlife volunteers say the project could not come soon enough. Rescue groups have reported that injured animals often endure long trips — sometimes more than two hours — to reach the nearest veterinary hospital equipped to handle wildlife emergencies.

These journeys can significantly reduce survival chances, particularly for species prone to stress or shock. The new facility in Dakabin will mean faster intervention, potentially saving thousands of animals each year.

Education Hub to Build Wildlife Awareness

Community leaders and environmental advocates have also praised the inclusion of an education hub, describing it as a crucial bridge between science and the public. The education component will host workshops, school excursions, and volunteer training programs to teach residents how to respond when they find injured wildlife and how to make backyards and roadways safer for native species. The aim is to build a community that not only supports the hospital but actively contributes to preventing harm in the first place.

The hospital’s design will prioritise sustainability, with plans for solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and landscaping that mimics natural habitats. This will create a calm, restorative environment for recovering animals and demonstrate environmentally responsible development for the area. While the design phase is still underway, the facility is expected to include treatment and recovery rooms, triage areas, and outdoor rehabilitation enclosures.

A Regional Effort to Strengthen Wildlife Care

The Moreton Bay region has one of the largest koala populations in Queensland, making it a hotspot for wildlife rescues. However, increasing urban development has led to more frequent encounters between humans and animals, often resulting in road strikes and habitat fragmentation.

Wildlife groups hope the Dakabin hospital will act as a stabilising force — both for local ecosystems and for the growing network of carers who have worked tirelessly to protect the region’s biodiversity.

While an exact construction timeline has not been finalised, early projections suggest the hospital could be operational within three years. Once complete, it will serve as both a treatment centre and a community hub, offering volunteer placements, training programs, and collaboration opportunities for universities and wildlife researchers.

Local volunteers say the facility will fill a long-standing gap in the region’s animal care network and help build long-term resilience for the area’s environment.

Published 28-Oct-2025

Narangba Train Station Adds 100 Car Parks to Meet Rising Demand

Commuters in Narangba will soon see relief from packed train station car parks, with work underway to add more than 100 new spaces and improve safety features at the busy northside facility.

Early works began in September on vacant rail corridor land off Main Street, northwest of Narangba train station. The Department of Transport and Main Roads is delivering the project on behalf of Queensland Rail, with major construction works to follow. The initial stage includes fencing, earthworks, drainage and preparing a new site access, while the next stage will bring the full construction program.

Narangba Station — *Photo Credit: TMR QLD*

What’s changing at Narangba

Once complete, the upgrade will increase the station’s capacity from about 380 to nearly 500 spaces. The design features four new accessible parking bays, six motorcycle bays, and a dedicated left-turn lane from Main Street to enhance traffic flow into the site.

New lighting and CCTV will be installed across the facility to improve safety, while a new pedestrian pathway will provide safer and easier access to the station platforms. Retention and detention basins are also planned to improve stormwater management. These features are designed not only to add more space but also to deliver a safer and more efficient environment for commuters.

The project is intended to improve everyday convenience for people travelling to work, study or appointments. Residents have long raised concerns about congestion in surrounding streets and the lack of safe pedestrian links. The design changes are also expected to ease congestion along Main Street, where vehicles currently queue or circulate in search of parking.

Part of a wider network approach

In the past, upgrades were focused on simply increasing numbers. More recent projects, including Narangba’s, are shaped by the Park ‘n’ Ride Strategy and the Public Transport Infrastructure Manual, which emphasise safety, accessibility, and better management of parking. Features like CCTV, lighting, stormwater works and pedestrian connectivity are now standard inclusions.

TMR Minister Brent Mickelberg has stated that more than 300,000 trips were made through Narangba station in the last financial year, underscoring its role as a key commuter hub for the City of Moreton Bay. Narangba’s population was estimated at about 23,130 in mid-2024, reflecting nearly three per cent growth in a year.

The introduction of permanent 50-cent fares across South East Queensland has also driven up patronage, adding pressure to stations already operating at capacity. For locals, full car parks often mean either arriving unusually early or spilling into residential streets, an issue the expansion is intended to ease.

Published 25-Oct-2025