Our Lady of the Angels’ School in Wavell Heights has emerged as one of the top performers at the 2025 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Rugby 7s Carnival, finishing the season with strong results across two key divisions.
The school claimed the Under 10 Boys Division 2 title, showcasing impressive skill and teamwork from its youngest players. In the Under 12 Girls Division 2, the Wavell Heights students secured a joint runner-up finish alongside St William’s School, Grovely, capping off a solid performance in this year’s expanded carnival.
Photo credit: Our Lady of the Angels’ School, Wavell Heights/Facebook
The annual BCE Rugby 7s Carnival, which wrapped up recently, was the biggest yet, with more than 1,600 students from across 146 Catholic schools participating in regional competitions throughout south-east Queensland.
“We’ve also seen a surge in female players bringing new energy and skill to the field,” said BCE School Operations and Programs Lead Greg Casey said.
“A huge congratulations to every school, student, and coach involved and we hope to see you all back on the field in 2026,” Mr Casey added.
Photo credit: Our Lady of the Angels’ School, Wavell Heights/Facebook
He adds “I would like to thank Queensland Rugby Union for their support”.
“None of this would be possible without the Queensland Rugby Union who have supported BCE to bring this carnival to life since 2019,” he said.
“I would also like to thank our five regional co-ordinators for the organisation of these events.”
The Brisbane North regional matches were hotly contested, and Our Lady of the Angels’ results reflect a growing culture of sport and school spirit at the Wavell Heights campus.
The carnival, which has been running since 2019 with the support of Queensland Rugby Union, is set to return in 2026, continuing its mission to develop young talent and foster sportsmanship across Catholic schools.
Wavell Heights played host to a full day of school rugby league on 3 June 2025, as Wavell State High School faced Ipswich State High School in six matches during its annual Homecoming celebration.
The event featured six matches across key schoolboy divisions: Brisbane Broncos Old Boys Shield (Year 7), Renouf Shield (Year 8), Hancock Cup (Year 9), Walters Cup (Year 10), Langer Reserves, and Langer Trophy. Students, families and alumni filled the sidelines at Wavell Heights to support the teams.
Each match provided a strong contest, with Ipswich SHS — the first Langer school to compete across all Broncos-backed divisions — offering a serious challenge.
Kauri Pene was outstanding in defence and effort areas. Fullback Lachlan Duggan was a constant threat with darting runs. Roman Tetevano created a try and scored one himself. Ryda Roberts finished a clean backline movement. Noah Rawenata powered through a 15m effort to score. Elijah Unasa carried strongly before being met with a heavy front-on tackle. Strickland Rutene featured in the sweeping backline set that led to a try.
Renouf Shield (Year 8)
Wavell fell to Ipswich in a high-scoring contest.
Will Liku fought hard in the middle, especially late. Hudson Elliott helped steer the side from halfback. D Cherry and P Faafua both crossed for tries. M Shephard landed a goal.
Hancock Cup (Year 9)
Wavell secured a 22–4 win with a strong forward effort.
Kalani Ford-Stevens led with post-contact metres. Murphy Ballin and Hayden Watts were physical and consistent. Tala Lui scored a key try before halftime. J Bell crossed as well. J Hotere added three conversions. The back five — Lui, Nagas, Beazley, Martin and Soutar — supported through defence and carries. Martin and Soutar also stopped a late Ipswich try.
Walters Cup (Year 10)
Wavell dominated 30–6.
Cruz Molo was explosive through the ruck. Aki Tupouniua added structure and control at five-eighth. Lennox Fakatani delivered intensity and high involvement. Mikaere Cleave opened the scoring with a grubber kick try. Bensen Manu muscled over with a powerful run. Maihi Pene threw a well-timed pass to set up a try. Silas Tohilima-Gardner scored twice on the wing. Ruben Webb made a key break that helped shift momentum.
Langer Reserves
Wavell narrowed a 20-point deficit late in the match.
Jai Pattinson was effective in defence and contact. Hayden Madders guided the team’s attack and almost scored late before injury. Isaac Lui was consistent across both halves. Darius Andrews scored as part of Wavell’s second-half resurgence.
Langer Trophy
Wavell opened their campaign with a 36–18 win.
Fullback Timahna Tandy posted 20 points from two tries and six goals. Charlie Webb defended bravely on debut. Dallas Davidson made impact through the middle. Captain Sangstar Figota led the squad on the day.
Wavell SHS’s depth across all year levels was evident throughout Homecoming. With 50 players recognised for their individual efforts, the school demonstrated strong development across its rugby league program. The results and performances set a solid tone for the remainder of the Langer Trophy season.
Junior athletes in Wavell Heights are set to benefit directly from a significant boost to their sporting resources, with the North Brisbane Junior Rugby Club Inc receiving approximately $4,100.00 specifically for new equipment.
This local injection of funds is part of a larger, state-wide initiative that has seen junior sporting clubs across Queensland share in a treasure chest worth over $160,000 for uniforms and equipment.
This broader program, a partnership between The Dickinson Foundation and the Australian Sports Foundation, has provided an average of around $3,000 to more than 50 clubs from Cairns to Longreach to the Gold Coast.
The funding aims to foster physical and mental well-being in children while easing financial pressures on families. David Dickinson, of The Dickinson Foundation, highlighted that their family’s donation, with about a third allocated to Queensland clubs, helps local clubs provide the necessary uniforms and equipment, ensuring young Australians feel included, stay active, and thrive in sport.
Sue Hunt, chief executive of the Australian Sports Foundation, emphasised the vital role of grassroots clubs in building healthier, happier communities.
She noted that these clubs are often under-resourced and expressed the foundation’s pride in working with partners and donors to offer practical support like uniforms and equipment, as well as tools for clubs to fundraise independently.
The North Brisbane Junior Rugby Club Inc, whose main assets and clubhouse are at Hugh Courtney Sports Ground in Wooloowin, is a family-oriented club dedicated to growing junior boy and girl participation and skills in rugby union.
The club trains children aged six to 18, striving to instil virtues of Strength, Courage, and Respect. In 2019, the club experienced a successful year, with 575 registered players across 43 teams, and notably won all four Division 1 Junior premierships.
The club depends on various fundraising efforts, including the North Brisbane Rugby Club Foundation, and grants for capital upgrades and improvements to its facilities and coaching programs. The recent grant for equipment will directly support their mission to provide a strong foundation for young rugby players in the community.
After a completed improvement project, Northgate residents can now enjoy a safer and more durable road verge on Cambage Road that addresses minor bonded asbestos fragments.
The project involved removing approximately 200mm of gravel and rocks from the verge that contained the asbestos material. The area has since been compacted and smoothed, and Council installed a new asphalt layer to enhance safety and durability.
Why the Work Was Needed
Photo Credits; Google Maps
The upgrade was necessary to ensure the long-term safety and quality of the road verge, specifically due to the minor asbestos contamination found. The site was treated as Class B asbestos contaminated, and strict measures were taken to minimise potential health risks.
Safety Measures in Place
Photo Credits; Google Maps
To ensure community and worker safety, a licensed asbestos contractor was on-site during the project’s first week to manage the asbestos material securely. Air quality monitors were also installed to check for any release of asbestos fibres during the work. Council has stated that the health risk to workers was considered extremely low, with no risk posed to nearby residents or anyone outside the designated work zone.
Completing these works means a significantly improved and safer road verge for the Northgate community. Council has thanked residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the project. If the community has any further questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact Council directly.
A 20-year-old Wavell Heights man was caught carrying a steak knife at a Chermside bus stop during a targeted police operation last week, raising concern among locals about the rise in weapons offences across Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
On Thursday, 8 May, Queensland Police ran Operation Xray Calculus, targeting property crime, weapons offences and antisocial behaviour across North Brisbane. Officers from multiple units patrolled busy spots like train stations and shopping centres.
Officers spoke with hundreds during the sweep, including a Wavell Heights man found with a concealed steak knife at a Chermside bus stop and he was charged. More than 500 vehicles were also checked at train stations to help prevent theft.
At a Stafford Heights home, police found $1,500 in stolen goods tied to retail thefts. An 18-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were charged over the shoplifting.
Police say operations like Xray Calculus keep pressure on offenders and maintain a strong presence in crime-prone areas. They aim to make public spaces safer and boost community confidence.
Brisbane Safe Patrols City Centre
The next night, 9 May, police hit the CBD with Operation Brisbane Safe. On Edward Street, foot and bike patrols found a Kangaroo Point man carrying a knife and a stolen bank card.
A total of seven people were charged during the city patrols, with offences ranging from possession of weapons to handling stolen property. Police said the initiative helped disrupt unwanted behaviour and reminded the public that high-visibility patrols are active across the city.
Police Say Visibility Helps Prevent Crime
Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler said the recent operations reflect a broader effort to keep communities safe. He noted that police presence in public areas like shopping centres and train stations helps deter crime and gives residents reassurance.
He said local partnerships and community awareness help prevent repeat offences and spot at-risk individuals. More operations are planned based on crime trends and public feedback.
The 2025 Langer Trophy season is nearly here, and Wavell State High School is entering the competition with serious momentum. Known for producing top-tier rugby league talent, Wavell’s current crop is no exception—stacked with players who have thrived in elite junior systems and are ready to turn promise into performance.
With a blend of experience, emerging stars, and schoolboy rep pedigree, they are shaping up as one of the most well-rounded teams in the competition.
Photo credit: Wavell State High Rugby League/Facebook
Hayden Polson
A pillar of the Norths Devils Connell Cup side, Hayden Polson brings grunt and reliability to Wavell’s forward pack. Known for his high work rate and no-nonsense approach, Polson will be the Warriors’ go-to in the tough moments through the middle.
Timahna Tandy
The crafty half from the southern Darling Downs is one of Wavell’s most important players. After guiding Norths in the Connell Cup, Timahna Tandy returns as a composed playmaker with smart kicking, crisp passing, and outstanding goal-kicking accuracy.
Photo credit: Wavell State High Rugby League/Facebook
Hayden Madders
Madders will partner Tandy in the halves, bringing speed, vision, and a calm head. Having developed alongside his older brother Fynn—now a Norths hooker and Wavell alumni—Hayden has quietly built a strong all-round game and will be central to linking Wavell’s forwards and backs.
Billo Wotton
Year 11 centre Billo Wotton is ready to break through. A product of Palm Island and a Charters Towers Miners junior, Wotton’s development at Wynnum Manly under coach Jon Buchanan has refined his power, fitness, and aggression. Expect explosive runs and big defensive plays from this exciting young gun.
Devine Timu
Quick-footed and agile, Devine Timu showed his class for Wynnum Manly in the Connell Cup. The Year 12 outside back offers reliable finishing on the edge and can break games open with his pace. He’ll be a valuable asset in Wavell’s attacking arsenal.
Saia Papani
A 2024 Walters Cup Team of the Season second-rower, Papani has impressed with his boundless energy and work rate. His stint with Redcliffe during the Connell Cup gave him valuable experience, and whether starting or off the bench, he’s guaranteed to bring impact.
Boston Nau
Only in Year 11, Boston Nau is already well known in rugby league circles. After a strong Connell Cup campaign with Norths and a Queensland schoolboys rep season in 2024, Nau enters the Langer Trophy with confidence and strong backing. Elusive, quick, and smart, he’s a handful for any defence and will light up the backline for Wavell.
Ruben Webb
Rounding out Wavell’s deep squad is Ruben Webb, another dependable contributor who adds balance and maturity. While others may grab headlines, Webb’s consistent presence will be crucial over the long haul of the season.
With a balanced mix of flair, experience, and emerging talent, Wavell SHS looks well-equipped for a strong run in this year’s Langer Trophy. Keep an eye on the Warriors—there’s every chance they’ll be marching deep into finals territory.
She covered over 12,700 kilometres on a surf ski around Australia.
Over 254 days at sea.
In the modern world where resilience in children is under question, Bonnie is a wonderful example of the highest standards of mental strength and resilience.
She started nippers at Sawtel from the age of five, and dreamt from the age of 12 to become Karla Gilbert (she won the Kelloggs Ironwoman Series seven years in a row from 1995 to 2003) and at the age of 17, she became a professional Iron Woman competitor, as did her sister, Courtenay. She waitressed through uni and trained every day, 6.5 km in the pool every morning under the eye of legendary coach, Denis Cotterell. After uni each day she would do 10-20 km on the surf ski, and some running on the soft sand to complete her day that tended to be complete by 7:00 p.m., with competitions at the weekends. That gruelling schedule shaped her life daily until the age of 25.
She then evolved from Iron Woman competitions into a ski paddler on an 18 kg craft, typically racing over five-minute races, whilst embarking on a career as a dietician.
Her ultra endurance journey began at Broadbeach Library, reading a book about a lady who had written a biography about it. She had 25 rejections for sponsorship before she signed her first sponsor.
Her incredible journey paddling around Australia for over 254 days began when she paddled 73 km on her first day. Then, after about a week in, the daily target was scheduled to be 90 km on that day; but half way through a few hours, she was told it had to be increased to 120 km that day as it was decided she had to go around an island. After a month of constant paddling she had bulging discs and various other illnesses, but nothing would stop her, including the crocodiles encountered.
The mental hurdles she smashed through were endless. “Being prepared to adapt your plan” was front and centre in her amazing journey. Everytime a headwind came, she became stronger, and she would realise that when the headwinds dropped.
Lemons into Lemonade!
In the interview, Bonnie talks about a lot of the challenges along the way, including some good and bad decisions she made, how she developed her work ethic, and the joy of working to a plan.
This included a discussion around parenting and sport, managing finances, how she got into ultra endurance and many other fascinating anecdotes.
It’s an amazing story.
You can watch the interview with Barry Wilkinson of Milton based SW Brokerage here:
Barry’s podcast series is full of some great information about life and finances. It covers many things including little-known tips and tricks around finance.
The Shaw Road Pavilion in Wavell Heights, part of Brisbane’s National Cricket Campus, will be the venue for the 2025 Lanning v Perry Series, a key development event for young female cricketers across the country.
National Cricket Campus Hosts Premier Youth Series
The series will bring together 26 of Australia’s most promising teenage players for a week-long program focused on elite performance and development. Players will take part in three Twenty20 matches at Norths Cricket Club, located within the Shaw Road complex.
Named After Two Cricket Icons
The event is named in honour of Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, two of Australia’s most recognised figures in women’s cricket. Meg Lanning, who retired from international cricket in 2023, will serve as an assistant coach for the series, marking her first formal coaching role.
Ms Lanning will work alongside pathway coaches Natalie Schilov and Cassie Brock, as well as Gavan Twining, Australian women’s assistant coach and former NSW Breakers coach.
Pathway Towards 2027 U19 World Cup
Cricket Australia has positioned the series as a stepping stone for players aiming to qualify for the 2027 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. The program also includes non-cricket development sessions designed to build life skills and strengthen off-field readiness.
Players will be split into two teams named after Lanning and Perry, with final team lists to be announced prior to the first match on 25 April.
Queensland will be represented by Lili Hamilton, Chelsea Sonter, and Ayaka Stafford. New South Wales leads in player count with seven selected, followed by Victoria with six and Western Australia with four. Other states and territories also have representation.
Squad: Ira Aery (Victoria), Mia Barwick (Tasmania), Molly Dare (NSW), Ava Drury (NSW), Lucy Fletcher (Victoria), Lili Hamilton (Queensland), Arabella Handley (NSW), Alison Healey (WA), Ivy Hobbs (SA), Emily Jacobs (WA), Jasmine Kamboj (Victoria), Emma Krynauw (WA), Alia Livermore (ACT), Aurora Mavros (NSW), Charli McLennan (Victoria), Ilona Melegh (SA), Indigo Noble (Victoria), Indira Panelli (SA), Sophie Parsons (NSW), Emily Powell (NSW), Kaya Punter (NSW), Noura Abdul Qader (Victoria), Chelsea Sonter (Queensland), Ayaka Stafford (Queensland), Tegan Williamson (WA), Ajay Willoughby (SA)
April 25: First T20 match – Norths Cricket Club, Brisbane
April 26: Second T20 match – Norths Cricket Club, Brisbane
April 27: Third T20 match – Norths Cricket Club, Brisbane
The 2025 Lanning v Perry Series in Wavell Heights will offer participants not only match experience but also exposure to national coaching staff and structured development pathways. The event forms a critical part of Cricket Australia’s long-term investment in the women’s game.
Wavell Heights residents are facing increasing traffic delays as nearby arterial roads become more congested during peak travel times, according to the latest RACQ Travel Speeds Report.
The report highlights substantial slowdowns on corridors bordering Wavell Heights, impacting daily commutes and raising concerns about the suburb’s long-term connectivity.
Caption: Brisbane’s radial road network for public transport improvements and active transport. Photo Credit: RACQ
Regional Congestion Worsens, Impacts Local Commutes
Traffic congestion across South East Queensland (SEQ) continues to deteriorate, with motorists now spending up to 30 extra hours in traffic annually compared to five years ago. The RACQ report reveals sharp declines in travel speeds across numerous routes, particularly during peak morning and afternoon periods.
As an inner northern suburb, Wavell Heights sits at a critical junction between local streets and high-traffic arterial roads such as Sandgate Road and Gympie Road. While not directly situated on these corridors, the suburb relies heavily on them for access to major hubs including Brisbane CBD, Chermside, and Brisbane Airport.
Sandgate Road Delays Affect Wavell Heights Travel
Sandgate Road, especially the stretch between Braun Street/Roghan Road and Depot Road, has recorded one of the steepest declines in performance. Since 2019, afternoon peak hour speeds on this section have dropped from 44 km/h to 27 km/h—a 38.6% reduction.
This congested segment runs through the suburbs of Boondall, Geebung, and Virginia, all of which are adjacent to Wavell Heights. Residents heading east or northeast toward Nundah, Northgate, or the Gateway Motorway typically use feeder routes linking with Sandgate Road, meaning delays here directly affect local traffic flow from Wavell Heights.
Gympie Road Congestion Adds Pressure to Wavell Heights’ West
To the west, the Gympie Road corridor—specifically between Kedron Park and Albany Creek Roads—also contributes to congestion pressure on Wavell Heights. This key arterial borders the suburb and supports high volumes of north-south traffic. In 2024, average afternoon peak speeds on this stretch dropped to just 24.8 km/h.
Wavell Heights residents accessing Gympie Road via Hamilton Road or Rode Road are frequently caught in extended delays. This has a knock-on effect across the local road network, including increased rat-running through smaller residential streets as drivers seek alternative routes.
In response to the worsening congestion, RACQ has urged the development of a long-term SEQ transport strategy. Dr Michael Kane, RACQ’s Head of Public Policy, outlined the need for measures beyond traditional road-widening. He advocated for extended Brisbane Metro services—potentially north to Carseldine and south to Loganholme—and investment in cycling infrastructure.
Proposed solutions include improving connectivity between the Centenary Motorway and Bruce Highway, completing missing motorway links, and progressing long-awaited Gateway North upgrades. These broader reforms aim to divert through-traffic off urban roads and ease pressure on suburbs like Wavell Heights.
Local Impact and Outlook for Wavell Heights
Wavell Heights continues to face indirect but consistent traffic strain due to its proximity to both Sandgate Road and Gympie Road. While recent local intersection upgrades (e.g. Hamilton Road and Bilsen Road) have addressed safety, regional delays still ripple into the suburb.
Residents have expressed growing concerns about increasing travel times and the lack of consistent alternative transport options. Peak-hour congestion is affecting daily routines, including school drop-offs, work commutes, and access to essential services in Chermside and beyond.
The upcoming 2032 Olympics has added urgency to calls for improved infrastructure, but short-term relief remains limited. Delays to Stage 2 of the Northern Transitway and the long timeline for the proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel mean that pressure on surrounding roads is expected to continue.
With arterial congestion unlikely to ease in the immediate future, Wavell Heights’ transport outlook depends on coordinated investment in both regional infrastructure and local network resilience. Expanded public transport, active travel routes, and strategic upgrades to road corridors must align to prevent further strain on this key Brisbane suburb.
Northgate is now at the centre of a push to transform Australian manufacturing, having launched a new accelerator program and a robotics project to automate banana harvesting.
The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub) held an Industry Day in Northgate to mark five years since its establishment. The event brought together industry leaders and researchers to discuss the future of advanced manufacturing. A key announcement was the launch of Exit 2030, a program designed to help deep tech and advanced manufacturing founders plan their business exit strategies.
The ARM Hub CEO, Professor Cori Stewart, explained that selling a deep tech company is more complex than a typical business. Investors look at intellectual property, how easily the company can grow, its market position, and its long-term value. The Exit 2030 program will provide a group of 14 founders with advice and support to navigate these challenges. The program is designed for those planning to sell or merge their businesses within three to five years.
Another significant project announced at the Northgate event is the Banana Dehanding Project. This project aims to automate the labour-intensive process of separating bananas from their bunches. The Australian Banana Growers Council (ABGC) identified this area where Industry 4.0 technology could make a significant difference. Professor Stewart expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating it will help transform Australia’s horticulture industry.
The project is a collaboration between the ABGC, Hort Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Future Food Systems CRC, and BNL Industrial Solutions. ARM Hub experts, including Dr Chris Lehnert, Designer Anthony Franze, and Robotics Engineer Troy Cordie, have been working with banana farmers in North Queensland to understand the production process and identify opportunities for automation.
Dr Lehnert emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges faced by farmers to support the National Manufacturing Priorities for Food and Beverages. The project aims to develop a new robotic tool for banana farmers, particularly in Tully.
