Moreton Bay SES Petrie Member Honoured For Emergency Service Work

A volunteer with the Moreton Bay SES unit in Petrie has been recognised in the City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards for long-term service supporting emergency response and volunteer training.



Service Through The Moreton Bay SES Petrie Unit

Ronald Aquilina received a Mayor’s Community Spirit Award for his contribution to the State Emergency Service, with official material identifying him as part of the Moreton Bay SES Unit, Petrie.

His service spans more than a decade and includes operational roles before, during and after disaster events. The award material highlights his work coordinating and training SES members on flood boats, as well as his role in supporting volunteer readiness.

Training And Mentorship Focus

According to the award citations provided, Mr Aquilina developed a structured mentorship program to support new SES volunteers. The initiative focused on building practical skills and supporting volunteers as they progressed through operational roles.

The material states that these initiatives improved crew capability and safety through coordinated training and mentoring, contributing to more effective disaster response.

Australia Day Awards 202
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Experience Across Emergency Response

Mr Aquilina’s experience with Volunteer Marine Rescue is also referenced in the award material, informing his roles within the SES. His background across both organisations supported training and operational coordination.

Recognition for his service includes internal SES acknowledgements, reflecting his involvement in training, leadership and volunteer development.

Moreton Bay SES Petrie
Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

Other Honourees Recognised

The same City of Moreton Bay 2026 Australia Day Awards also recognised Chris Paterson as Citizen of the Year for work through Bamboo Projects, which employs people living with disability or mental health challenges to remove marine debris from local waterways.



Mayor’s Community Spirit Awards were also presented to Jan Schutt and Alison Schutt for their work with Stationery Aid, an initiative redistributing unused school supplies to students facing resource barriers across the City of Moreton Bay.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Decades of Service Honoured: Mango Hill’s Lynda Barry Awarded Order of Australia Medal

For more than three decades, Lynda Jane Barry has contributed to lifesaving and community safety across Queensland and beyond. This Australia Day, the Mango Hill resident’s long-standing commitment was formally recognised when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, honouring her service to lifesaving, lifeguard training and the community.


Read: Mango Hill Urban Village to Bring 23 Towers and Thousands of Homes to North Lakes


Mrs Barry was named on the Australia Day 2026 Honours List among 472 Australians to receive an OAM. This year’s honours recognised a total of 949 recipients nationwide, marking an increase in the number of Australians acknowledged for service across a wide range of fields.

According to the official citation, Mrs Barry received the honour “for service to lifesaving and lifeguard training, and to the community”, reflecting a volunteering career that began in 1989 and continues today.

Following the announcement, Mrs Barry acknowledged the recognition in a message shared on LinkedIn.

“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to lifesaving and the community,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the many volunteers, colleagues and mentors who have shared this journey — this recognition reflects the collective effort of an incredible community. Thank you for the ongoing support.”

A significant portion of Mrs Barry’s service has been through the Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club, where she has been a member for more than 35 years. During that time, she has held numerous roles across patrol operations, administration, training and leadership. She has served as Club Captain since 2005 and was recognised as a Life Member in 2009.

Mrs Barry in 2009 (Photo credit: Facebook/Ithaca-Caloundra City Life Saving Club Inc)

Her involvement with junior members has been a consistent part of her contribution. Since 2002, Mrs Barry has worked as a coach and administrator with the Junior Lifeguard Program, supporting the delivery of structured training and development pathways for younger participants. She has also been a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation trainer since 2012 and previously delivered the Grey Medallion Program as part of community water safety education.

Beyond her club, Mrs Barry has contributed extensively through the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland. From 2002 to 2023, she served as Chief Organiser and Referee for beach carnivals, a role involving the coordination and officiating of major lifesaving events. Her involvement has also included serving as a Volunteer Trainer and Assessor, managing Queensland teams at national championships, and contributing as a member of the State Sports Committee between 2009 and 2013.

Mrs Barry’s experience has extended internationally. She was involved as an assistant trainer for a lifesaving delegation in Xiamen, China, and has participated in World Life Saving Championships as both a competitor and team manager, including events held in Egypt and Australia.


Read: Urban Village Proposal Unveiled for Mango Hill


Her service has also included governance and support roles within the lifesaving sector. Mrs Barry is a founding member of Life Saving Support Services Inc, established in 2015, and has served as Treasurer since 2017. The organisation provides operational and logistical support to lifesaving activities and events.

In addition to her lifesaving work, Mrs Barry has contributed to youth development and education through her role as a Program Support Officer with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Queensland since 2017. She also worked at North Lakes State College from 2005 to 2017, including in administrative and support roles.

The OAM adds to a substantial list of previous recognitions acknowledging Mrs Barry’s sustained service. These include the National Medal awarded in 2025, recognition as a Companion and Fellow of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, and multiple service medals and bars awarded over several decades.

For communities such as North Lakes and Mango Hill, where volunteer involvement plays a central role in local organisations, Mrs Barry’s Australia Day honour reflects the cumulative impact of long-term service. Her recognition highlights the contribution of volunteers whose commitment supports lifesaving training, education and community safety year after year.

Published 27-January-2026

Major Anzac Avenue Resurfacing Project to Begin in Mango Hill and Rothwell

Asphalt resurfacing will soon commence on approximately three kilometres of Anzac Avenue, with works scheduled to begin in late January 2026 along one of the region’s most heavily travelled arterial roads.


Read: Debate Grows Over Proposed School on Former North Lakes Golf Course


The $5.6 million project will target the stretch between Diamond Jubilee Way and Kinsellas Road East in Mango Hill through to Finnegan Street in Rothwell—a route that carries around 48,000 motorists daily. The comprehensive upgrade includes asphalt resurfacing and repairs, guardrail improvements, and a complete deck resurfacing of the Saltwater Creek bridge crossing.

Works are expected to be completed by mid-2026, weather and construction conditions permitting. Given the substantial traffic volumes along this corridor, the bulk of construction will take place at night, with occasional weekend and daytime works as required.

What Motorists Can Expect

Anzac Avenue
Photo credit: Google Street View

Local residents and commuters should prepare for some disruption during the construction period. The night-time scheduling will help maintain traffic flow during peak hours while delivering essential road improvements.

The resurfacing works aim to improve road surface quality and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. By extending the road’s lifespan, the project addresses the needs of one of the area’s critical arterial roads serving the rapidly expanding communities of North Lakes, Mango Hill, and surrounding suburbs.

Part of Broader Regional Investment

This upgrade forms part of a much larger $7.2 billion investment in transport infrastructure across the North Coast region over the next four years. The funding envelope covers the local government areas of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, and Somerset councils.

Within that broader allocation, $5.6 billion has been earmarked specifically for improving the safety and durability of roads across Queensland. The Anzac Avenue project is one of numerous initiatives designed to address road quality and safety concerns across the state.

Project Timeline and Traffic Management

Anzac Avenue
Photo credit: Facebook/Chris Whiting MP

Transport and Main Roads has indicated that efforts will be made to minimise inconvenience to motorists during construction. The decision to schedule most works at night reflects the challenges of maintaining traffic flow on a road carrying 48,000 vehicles daily.

Occasional weekend and daytime works will be required to complete certain aspects of the project, though the majority of disruptive activities will occur outside peak travel times.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

Getting More Information

Residents with questions about the project timeline, expected impacts, or specific work schedules can contact Transport and Main Roads on (07) 5451 7055 or via email at northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au.

While roadworks inevitably cause some inconvenience, the project represents a necessary investment in maintaining the quality and safety of infrastructure that tens of thousands of local residents rely on every day. The improvements should deliver smoother journeys and enhanced safety for motorists.

Published 19-January-2026

New Deception Bay Urgent Care Clinic Opens Near Dakabin

Residents in Dakabin can now access nearby free, walk-in urgent healthcare following the opening of the Deception Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which operates seven days a week with no appointment required.



Clinic Location And Operating Hours

The Deception Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic opened in late December and is located at 75–79 Bailey Road, Deception Bay. The clinic operates seven days a week, with listed hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Sunday.

All services provided at the clinic are bulk billed, meaning eligible patients can access urgent care at no direct cost. Treatment is covered under Medicare, allowing patients to receive care without paying consultation fees or upfront charges.

Deception Bay Urgent Care Clinic
Photo Credit: Pexels

Types Of Care Available

The clinic is staffed by doctors and nurses trained to treat urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Conditions managed at the clinic include cuts, sprains and viral infections.

Care is delivered on a walk-in basis, providing an alternative option for patients who do not require emergency department treatment.

Impact On Nearby Hospitals

The clinic is expected to help ease pressure on nearby hospital emergency departments. During the 2023–24 period, around 20 per cent of presentations at Caboolture Hospital were classified as semi-urgent or non-urgent.

By redirecting suitable cases, the clinic supports more efficient use of emergency services at Caboolture and Redcliffe hospitals.

Dakabin urgent care
Photo Credit: Pexels

Community Feedback

Public comments following the clinic’s opening reflect mixed but generally positive experiences. Some residents reported short wait times and efficient care, while others raised concerns relating to referrals, paperwork and service scope.

Several comments also highlighted improved access to care compared with limited doctor availability in the area, particularly during holiday periods.

Part Of A Wider Network



The Deception Bay clinic joins 18 existing Medicare Urgent Care Clinics operating across Queensland, with a further seven planned to open. National reporting on the clinic network states the aim is for most Australians to live within a short drive of an urgent care clinic.

Published 14-Jan-2026

Construction Set for Narangba Eagles Soccer Clubhouse

Construction on a new modern clubhouse for the Narangba Eagles Football Club is set to commence in January 2026, marking a significant milestone for the local soccer community.


Read: Narangba Eagles FC: Redefining Community Through Football


The $6.1 million facility at Harris Avenue Sports Complex will enhance the game-day experience for players, officials and supporters who use the venue each week. Designed to meet district-level standards, the new building will be constructed between the two existing soccer fields and is expected to be completed by early 2027.

Modern facilities designed for everyone

Photo credit: Facebook/Ellie Smith – Independent

The new clubhouse will feature accessible change rooms, ensuring players of all abilities can use the facilities comfortably. A modern canteen will provide a social hub for families and spectators, while dedicated referee rooms will give match officials professional spaces to prepare and debrief.

All amenities have been designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, addressing the club’s current and future needs. The facility will provide accessible spaces for all players and community members, making soccer more enjoyable and welcoming for everyone.

For parents and supporters, the upgraded facilities mean more comfortable spaces to watch matches and socialise, particularly important during the cooler months when families spend hours at the fields supporting their young players.

Supporting grassroots sport

Photo credit: Facebook/Narangba Eagles Football Club

The Narangba Eagles Football Club will benefit from facilities designed to meet the club’s current and future needs. The new clubhouse addresses these requirements by providing spaces that meet district-level facility standards.

This means the club will be better positioned to host larger competitions, attract quality coaching staff, and provide an environment that encourages continued participation in the sport.

The project has received $3 million in funding from the Investing in Our Communities program, with the remaining investment coming from Moreton Bay Regional Council.

What to expect during construction

Work will begin in January 2026 and continue for approximately 12 months, weather permitting. Construction activity will generally take place between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.

For families with children enrolled in soccer, there’s good news: the 2026 season will proceed as planned. The construction site will be fenced off from existing facilities, ensuring players can continue training and competing without disruption. Tennis, baseball and other users of Harris Avenue Sports Complex will also continue their regular activities.

Some temporary changes to traffic flow and access may occur during the construction period, particularly affecting nearby residents and the local school. Council has committed to notifying affected residents in advance of any changes, and contractors will work directly with the community to minimise inconvenience.

Construction crews will also take steps to reduce noise and disruption where possible, recognising that residential properties and educational facilities are located nearby.

A hub for community connection

Beyond the practical benefits of change rooms and canteen facilities, the new clubhouse represents an investment in community infrastructure that will serve Narangba for generations. Soccer clubs like the Eagles provide more than just sporting opportunities—they’re places where friendships are formed, families connect, and young people develop teamwork skills and healthy habits.


Read: Narangba Station Park ‘n’ Ride Upgrade Begins with Extra Parking and Safety Features


The upgraded facilities will help ensure the club remains a vibrant part of the local community, providing a welcoming environment for newcomers while continuing to serve long-time members.

Published 9-January-2026

Mango Hill Urban Village Faces Resident Concerns Over Traffic and Infrastructure

Residents are making their voices heard as the Mango Hill Urban Village proposal undergoes public consultation, with several locals raising serious concerns about the scale and impact of the 23-tower development.


Read: Mango Hill Urban Village to Bring 23 Towers and Thousands of Homes to North Lakes


The project, proposed by the Pace family for a 10.4-hectare site on Anzac Avenue, has attracted pushback from community members worried about traffic congestion and infrastructure strain.

Photo credit: DA/2025/1375

The development application (DA/2025/1375), currently before the City of Moreton Bay, seeks approval for 2,329 apartments across towers ranging from eight to 30 storeys—more than triple the 715 homes approved for the same site in 2018.

Infrastructure Concerns Dominate Feedback

Some residents have formally submitted concerns about increased traffic pressure on local roads, with one resident bluntly stating: “Current infrastructure in the area, roads, parking parklands and schools are not sufficient for the current population as of now. Anzac Ave is choking with current traffic levels and can’t accommodate more (Bruce Hwy is worse).”

The sentiment reflects broader anxiety about whether existing infrastructure can handle the influx of thousands of new residents to the area.

The developers propose a new intersection and public road network connecting to Anzac Avenue and Bowen Street as part of the project. They point to the site’s location just 400 metres from Mango Hill train station as a key feature of their transit-oriented development approach.

Vision for Growth

Photo credit: DA/2025/1375

The Pace family, who transitioned to property development after selling their egg business in 2023 for a reported $350 million, argue the region needs this kind of transformation.

In their submission to council, the developers stated the original 2018 plans, still unbuilt, failed to capitalise on the site’s unique opportunities near major transport infrastructure. They maintain the current proposal would deliver significant economic and lifestyle benefits that the lower-density version could not achieve.

Beyond residential towers, the proposal includes 118,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and 6,600 square metres dedicated to food, beverage and small retail operations at ground level. The developers estimate the project could create approximately 12,000 jobs—a substantial boost to the local economy.

A “green spine” pedestrian and cycling network would connect various zones within the precinct, along with 1.23 hectares of green space and pedestrian corridors designed to create a walkable urban environment.

Addressing the Housing Shortage

Mango Hill Urban Village
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375

The developers have pointed to Moreton Bay’s housing composition as justification for high-density development. With 81 per cent of the region’s housing stock consisting of more expensive detached homes, they argue the towers would provide much-needed options for young professionals and couples priced out of the traditional housing market.

Moreton Bay’s population of 500,000 is projected to grow by 200,000 residents over the next 20 years, making it one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The developers contend that high-density developments near transport hubs are essential to accommodate this growth sustainably.

However, when questioned by council, the developers made no commitments to affordable housing minimums, raising questions about whether the units will genuinely serve those struggling with housing costs.

Heritage Trade-offs

Mango Hill Urban Village
Photo credit: DA/2025/1375

The proposal would require removing three mango trees from the central island of Anzac Avenue to accommodate new road infrastructure. These trees hold historical significance, having been planted as part of a World War I memorial project that employed returned servicemen and honoured fallen comrades.

The developers have proposed planting 82 new mango trees across the site to offset the loss of 12 trees in total, though the heritage connection may prove difficult to replicate.

What Happens Next

Three additional submissions were rejected by council for not being properly lodged, suggesting there may be broader community interest in the proposal that hasn’t been formally captured.

The developers initially requested a 20-year approval period but scaled this back to 10 years after council queries—a move that may reflect recognition of community concerns about locking in such a long development timeline.

As the public submission period continues, the City of Moreton Bay faces the challenge of balancing resident concerns about infrastructure with the need for housing diversity and economic development in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.


Read: Debate Grows Over Proposed School on Former North Lakes Golf Course


The City of Moreton Bay will make a decision on the application following the conclusion of the public submission period.

Published 31-December-2025

Mango Hill Property Fire Sparks Emergency Declaration on Sunday Morning

Emergency services worked throughout Sunday to contain a significant fire that destroyed multiple sheds at a Mango Hill property and prompted an emergency declaration in the surrounding area.



The blaze erupted at a property on Kinsellas Road West just before 6.30am on 28 December, with Queensland Fire Department crews arriving to find three sheds fully engulfed in flames.

Six fire crews attended the scene, battling the inferno until approximately 10.30am before bringing it under control. According to Queensland Fire Department, the sheds contained tyres and various other materials, with the burning rubber producing thick black smoke visible throughout the neighbourhood.

Queensland Police declared an emergency under the Public Safety Preservation Act shortly after 7am, encompassing Kinsellas Road West, Diamond Jubilee Way and Waler Close. The declaration was revoked at 10.56am, according to Queensland Police News.

During the emergency period, residents in the affected streets were asked to remain indoors with windows closed and air-conditioning systems set to recirculation mode where possible. Members of the public were urged to avoid the area.

Four people at the property were assessed by paramedics for minor injuries but none required hospitalisation.

Atmospheric testing conducted at the scene returned nil readings, indicating the air quality was safe, a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson confirmed.

By mid-afternoon, firefighters were still working to extinguish remaining hotspots and had requested specialist extraction equipment to reach areas of concern. Crews remained on scene into the evening to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Fire investigators were also called to determine the cause of the blaze.

An excavator was brought in to help pull apart material within the sheds to allow firefighters better access to hotspots.

Several neighbours reported witnessing the dramatic scene unfold. Sam Sood, who was visiting family in the area for Christmas, said the fire erupted at the property directly behind his sister’s home.

Local resident Jekope Nuke indicated that rubbish was often burned at the property’s backyard.

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said residents had previously lodged multiple complaints with the Moreton Bay Regional Council regarding smoke from burning activities at the property. The neighbour said complaints were made because smoke would drift into the neighbouring unit complex and had a chemical smell, but they were told the burning was technically contained within a steel drum and council could not take action.

Mr Sood mentioned his sister had previously raised concerns about chemical odours and several fires at the property.

Dozens of residents from the neighbouring unit complex were evacuated and unable to return for several hours while crews worked to control the fire.

The City of Moreton Bay Council was contacted for comment but did not respond by publication time.



There is no suggestion of criminal wrongdoing in relation to the incident or the property’s occupants.

Published 28-December-2025

Volunteer Numbers Set to Rise with New Deception Bay Base

Disaster response in Deception Bay has received a massive boost with a new multi-million dollar headquarters that will more than double the number of local volunteers able to train and respond during severe weather.



Boosting Local Safety

The Deception Bay State Emergency Service (SES) Group has officially moved into a new facility at 12 Old Bay Road. This project comes at a critical time as Queensland enters its severe weather season. 

Delivered through a partnership between the state and local governments, the $3.75 million depot is designed to strengthen disaster readiness for the entire Moreton Bay City area. The new base replaces older infrastructure and provides a modern space for a group that has served the community for four decades.

Room to Grow

A major benefit of this upgrade is the immediate increase in training capacity. Previously, the group could only accommodate 50 members for training sessions, but the new building allows up to 120 volunteers to train each night. This expansion supports a current recruitment drive, with the unit looking to add 35 new volunteers to its ranks. The facility services a wide region stretching from Deception Bay out to Laceys Creek in the west.

Better Tools for the Job

The depot includes expanded storage and specialized operational areas. It is built to house a larger fleet of rescue vehicles, including flood boats, all-terrain vehicles, and general response cars. Beyond just storage, the site features dedicated command capabilities that allow for better coordination during emergencies.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie indicated that the new design focuses on giving volunteers the right tools and space to do their jobs safely. He noted that while the weather cannot be controlled, ensuring volunteers have proper facilities is essential for them to face dangerous conditions.



Supporting Volunteer Well-being

SES Chief Officer Dr Mark Armstrong highlighted that the building does more than just store equipment. He explained that the facility provides a functional and safe environment for members to plan and operate. According to Armstrong, this support is vital for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of volunteers who give up their personal time to protect the community during crises. 

The upgrade reflects the growth of the service across the state, which has seen active membership numbers rise to over 5,300 people in the last year.

Published Date 12-December-2025

Gnocchi, Done Properly: Why Gnocchi Gnocchi Has Put Down Roots in North Lakes

When Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers opened in North Lakes, it wasn’t a speculative move into a new market. It was a return shaped by memory — and by unfinished business.

From Market Stall to Neighbourhood Fixture

Several years earlier, the business had tested the area with a pop-up at Westfield North Lakes. The response surprised even its founders. Locals flooded social media asking when it would be back, and many were openly disappointed when the temporary store closed. For a business that began with a folding table at weekend markets, it was a clear signal. This wasn’t novelty. People here wanted the food to stay.

Photo Credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

That market-stall beginning still sits at the centre of the story. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers was founded by Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theodor Roduner, two friends drawn together by Italian food rather than formal business plans. Cleary-Corradini grew up in an Italian-Australian household where time with his nonna meant time in the kitchen, learning pasta by repetition rather than instruction. Roduner, who comes from a Swiss hospitality family, spent years in professional kitchens before the idea of gnocchi as a standalone offering ever took shape.

In this video, founders Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theo Roduner explain their way of working — shaped by nonnas, early mornings, market crowds and a belief that gnocchi is worth taking seriously.

Behind the scenes, the business is split along clear lines. Theo, a trained chef with more than 25 years in kitchens, leads menu development and kitchen operations, drawing on traditional recipes, fine-dining experience and seasonal produce. Ben, who describes himself first as a food lover rather than a chef, focuses on sourcing, product development and the broader direction of the brand.

The “early mornings” aren’t shorthand. In the early days, Theo was getting up before dawn to peel potatoes by hand, working between lunch and dinner services in borrowed kitchens. When the markets sold out — which they did, repeatedly — they simply made more the following week, then more again. Eventually, the scale outgrew favours and borrowed space, forcing a decision: either stop, or commit.

Each year, Ben travels back to Italy, paying close attention to how food is evolving there — from ingredients and flavours to how casual dining is shifting.

In this video, Ben talks about sourcing the porcini mushrooms that he uses to make the bestselling Wild Mushroom and Truffle gnocchi.

Those observations feed back into the business, shaping monthly chef specials and menu updates rather than wholesale changes. The aim, they say, is to evolve without drifting.

Springfield market stall of Gnocchi Gnocchi
Photo Credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

It’s a partnership built less on hierarchy than repetition. The same approach that defined the early market days — turning up, refining the process, and doing the work again the next week — still underpins how decisions are made now, even as the business has grown across multiple locations.

Doing One Thing Well

The partners chose to commit, but narrowly. The idea wasn’t to open an Italian restaurant. It was to build a gnoccheria — a restaurant where gnocchi wasn’t a supporting player but the point of the exercise.

That decision still defines the business. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers describes itself as Australia’s first gnoccheria, and the menu has never drifted far from that original constraint. From its Brisbane beginnings, the group has expanded steadily and now lists locations at South Bank, Paddington, Clayfield, Stafford, Middle Park, Cleveland, Ipswich, Morayfield, Maroochydore, Southport, Newtown in New South Wales, and North Lakes.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

In 2025, the business was named a finalist in Brisbane’s Lord Mayor’s Business Awards in the ANZ High-Growth Business category — recognition that reflects steady expansion rather than overnight success.

Despite that growth, the fundamentals haven’t changed much since the market days. Gnocchi is made daily using potatoes, Australian-milled flour, free-range eggs, parmesan and a small but deliberate addition of nutmeg. No other pasta shapes, no pizza, no shortcuts. The reasoning is simple: if you do one thing, you get better at it.

What People Keep Ordering

Mushroom truffle gnocchi
Wild mushroom and truffe gnocchi. Photo credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi

Across the venues, the most popular dishes remain consistent. Wild Mushroom and Truffle gnocchi continues to lead the way, followed closely by the slow-cooked beef bolognese — the kind of traditional dish people order because they already know what it tastes like.

Lobster Bisque. Photo credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi

There are richer options too: lobster bisque with barramundi for seafood lovers, pork and fennel Italian sausage for those chasing comfort. These aren’t novelty plates. They’re dishes built to be returned to.

At North Lakes, the menu has broadened slightly to reflect how locals dine. Gnocchi remains the anchor, but lasagne, arancini and classic Italian desserts such as cannoli, tiramisù and panna cotta now sit alongside it.

The shift isn’t about dilution; it’s about fitting into a suburb where dinner often involves families, shared tables and repeat visits rather than quick lunches.

A Local Business in Practice

North Lakes is run by owner-operators Kajal and Roshan, and its day-to-day rhythm reflects that local ownership. The venue sits just off the main road, next door to McDonald’s, with undercover alfresco seating and easy parking. Some locals still remember the space as a former fish-and-chip shop, which has made it easy to miss at first glance.

Community involvement is handled in much the same way as everything else — quietly and locally. At North Lakes, the team regularly donates dine-in gnocchi vouchers as player-of-the-match awards to junior sporting clubs across North Lakes and nearby suburbs, including softball, netball, rugby and soccer teams.

Clubs supported include Lakers Softball, Griffin Netball Club, Narangba Rangers Rugby Club and Grasshopper Soccer Club in Griffin. For the business, the connection is practical rather than performative: feeding families, supporting volunteers, and staying visible in everyday community spaces.

The approach reflects how the founders and their owner-operators see their suburban venues functioning long term — not as destination dining, but as reliable neighbourhood restaurants that become part of local routines.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers

The customers aren’t chasing theatre. They’re looking for food that feels handmade, filling and reliable. Families, young professionals and takeaway regulars move through the space for the same reason people lined up at the markets years ago: they know what they’re getting.

Ben and Theo have been open about plans to keep expanding, particularly across South-East Queensland. But the approach remains close to the one that started it all — long mornings, simple menus, and a belief that gnocchi, done properly, is enough.

For North Lakes, that means a restaurant shaped as much by local response as by Italian tradition. The pop-up showed the appetite was there. The permanent stores are about keeping it.

Published 20-December-2025

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers is a Proud Promotional Partner of North Lakes Today

Mueller College Students Shine in Statewide Aerospace Awards

Mueller College highlighted two of its students after they were recognised at the annual Aerospace Industry Education Awards in Brisbane, a statewide event that celebrates achievement in aviation studies across Queensland.



Strong Performance From Local Students

Mueller College reported that Year 11 student Elloise earned runner up for the Year 11 Aerospace Systems Award. This category focuses on students who show understanding of aviation concepts through coursework and assessment completed during the school year. 

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

The school’s announcement noted pride in Elloise’s commitment to her studies and her ability to reach finalist level in a competitive field of students from different regions.

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

The school also confirmed that Year 10 student David Kennedy won the Year 10 Aerospace Award. His recognition places him among the top Year 10 aerospace students in Queensland. Mueller College staff shared their pride in David’s work and noted the effort he put into developing his knowledge in aviation studies.

Presence at the Minister’s Table

Mueller College stated that representatives from the school were invited to sit at the Minister’s table during the ceremony. Advisers from TAFE, staff from Aviation Australia and representatives from Boeing Defence were also present. 

The school described the experience as a positive opportunity for its students to be present in a setting with leaders from education and industry. The school noted that moments like this create meaningful exposure for students who are interested in aviation pathways. 

Community Connection and School Pride

Mueller College shared the outcomes of the awards online for its school community. The announcement received positive attention from those who support the program and value opportunities that recognise student achievement.

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

The school continues to promote its aviation subjects as a pathway for students who enjoy practical learning, structured coursework and exposure to real world aviation topics.

Importance of Recognition in Aviation Education

The Aerospace Industry Education Awards provide recognition for students who show interest and performance in aviation studies. Mueller College highlighted the achievements of Elloise and David as important milestones in their learning. 



The school continues to support interest in aviation education and encourages future participation among younger students who follow the program.

Published 12-December-2025