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Sherlock Holmes Play Brings Mystery and Laughs to Northgate Stage

Something curious is happening at Northgate Hall — and it involves a ghostly hound, a few quick costume changes and a lot of laughs. A classic Sherlock Holmes mystery is coming to life in the suburb, with a quirky, fast-paced performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles set to take the stage at the local site.

Mystery at Northgate Hall

UpStage Theatre, a Brisbane-based community group known for lively and accessible performances, will present The Hound of the Baskervilles at Northgate Hall until the 12th of April 2025. Tickets are available online through TryBooking.

The show offers a humorous and fast-paced spin on the original Sherlock Holmes tale, as Holmes and Watson investigate the eerie legend of a ghostly hound on the moors. With creative staging and an energetic approach, the performance is designed to keep audiences engaged while adding a fun twist to the well-known mystery. The Northgate venue provides an intimate setting, making it an ideal space for community members to enjoy live theatre close to home.

Sherlock Holmes in Northgate — *Photo Credit: UpStage Theatre QLD*

Theatre With a Local Focus

UpStage Theatre continues to build connections across Brisbane by bringing their productions to a range of community venues. Their debut show, Murder on Record, was staged at the Banyo Bowls Club in August 2024, where audiences joined in to solve a musical-themed mystery.

Since then, the group has expanded from just six members to more than 150, welcoming performers and volunteers from all walks of life. Their inclusive approach encourages participation from anyone interested in theatre, regardless of experience.

Founder Virginia Gray has focused on creating welcoming and low-pressure performance opportunities, aiming to make theatre something everyone can be a part of.

Growing Local Arts Scene

UpStage Theatre’s Northgate show is part of its broader mission to support local arts and make live theatre more accessible. Future plans include a musical production and a platform for showcasing Queensland writers.

The Northgate staging of The Hound of the Baskervilles offers residents a chance to experience this energy up close. Whether you’re familiar with Sherlock Holmes or just looking for a fun night out, this local performance brings creativity, humour and connection to the neighbourhood stage.

Get Tickets

Published 1-April-2025

Complex Skull Reconstruction Performed on Wavell Heights Baby

Photo Credit: Pexels

A baby from Wavell Heights has undergone a complex six-hour surgery in Brisbane to rebuild his skull after being diagnosed with craniosynostosis.

Early Concerns After Birth in Wavell Heights

Wavell Heights couple Natasha Strickland and Jamie Thompson welcomed their first child together, Lawson, on 20 May 2024 after a labour lasting more than 40 hours. In the weeks following his birth, they noticed their son’s skull appeared elongated, initially assuming the shape resulted from a vacuum-assisted delivery.

However, as the weeks progressed, the condition worsened to the point where Lawson could not lie comfortably on his back. Despite multiple visits to child health clinics in Queensland, no concerns were raised until the couple visited their GP, who referred them to a paediatrician.

Craniosynostosis Diagnosis and Urgent Referral

At six weeks old, Lawson was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a rare condition where the skull bones fuse prematurely before the brain fully develops. The paediatrician identified the issue immediately by feeling bone deposits along Lawson’s skull.

According to Children’s Health Queensland, untreated craniosynostosis can lead to abnormal head shape, increased pressure inside the skull, and potential developmental issues. Lawson was diagnosed with sagittal suture craniosynostosis, the most common form, affecting approximately one in every 2000 births in Australia.

sagittal suture craniosynostosis — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Children’s Health*

Planning for a Major Operation

Lawson was referred for genetic testing, followed by assessments with neurosurgeon Dr Rob Campbell and plastic surgeon Dr Diana Kennedy at Mater Children’s Private Hospital.

A CT scan was postponed until Lawson was six months old to reduce radiation exposure. Using 3D renders and models, the surgical team prepared to perform a full cranial remodelling operation, originally scheduled for February but postponed due to illness.

Six-Hour Surgery Reconstructs Baby’s Skull

On Monday, 17 March, just days before Lawson turned 10 months old, surgeons conducted a nearly six-hour operation. A wavy incision from ear to ear allowed removal of most of the skull, which was then reshaped and reinserted with gaps to accommodate brain growth.

Ms Strickland and Mr Thompson waited at the hospital during the procedure, describing the emotional toll and confronting scenes in the intensive care unit, where Lawson was connected to numerous wires with his face swollen shut.

Wavell Heights baby — *Caption: A family photo of the Thompsons.*
*Photo Credit: Jamie Thompson/Facebook*

Post-Operation Recovery and Positive Signs

Lawson was discharged just six days after surgery. His parents reported significant improvements, including increased movement and attempts to communicate. They also noticed visible changes in his appearance.

Dr Campbell, who has performed craniofacial surgeries at the Mater for years, said early treatment helps reduce developmental complications. He credited technological advancements like 3D scanning and ultrasonic bone welding for improved outcomes.

Support from the Wavell Heights Community

Mr Thompson expressed gratitude to the Mater teams, Queensland Children’s Hospital, and Craniofacial Australia for their support. He also acknowledged the encouragement from family, including Lawson’s siblings, Eve and Will.

Community members shared support online, with friends and supporters describing the journey as emotional, intense, and courageous. Craniofacial Australia also thanked the family for helping raise awareness.

Ongoing Monitoring and Outlook

Although Lawson’s genetic testing found no clear cause for his condition, ongoing monitoring will ensure the skull bones do not fuse again prematurely. While he will carry a surgical scar from ear to ear, his hair is expected to eventually conceal it.

Ms Strickland described the experience as daunting but said the care and professionalism of the Mater team gave them confidence in handing over their son for the life-changing operation.

Published 27-Mar-2025

Series of Burglary Attempts Target Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

A series of burglary attempts across Wavell Heights last Thursday night has prompted police to seek public assistance as they continue their search for the suspect.

Between 10:45 PM and 11:30 PM on Thursday, March 20, an unknown male attempted to break into multiple homes and vehicles across five streets in the suburb. The affected areas include Glenside Street, Benyon Street, Newman Road, Highlands Street, and Main Avenue.

In one successful theft, keys to a vehicle were taken from a Highlands Street address. A suspicious Volkswagen Amarok noted during the incidents was later recovered in neighbouring Northgate the following day.

Police responded promptly after receiving reports of suspicious activity from Wavell Heights residents, deploying unmarked units and the dog squad to patrol the area. Despite their quick response, the suspect had already fled the scene.

Investigators have obtained CCTV footage from residents, which they’ve distributed to patrolling officers. Police have released a description of a person of interest who may be able to assist with their ongoing investigation.

The man is described as having a tanned complexion, proportionate build, and dark hair worn in a bun. At the time of the incidents, he was wearing blue shorts and a black baseball cap, but no shirt or shoes.

Local authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant and ensure their homes and vehicles are properly secured. They’re also requesting anyone with additional information or security footage from the night of March 20 to come forward.

Anyone who recognises the described individual or has information related to these incidents is urged to contact police through Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 27-March-2025

Northgate Dream Home of Food Influencer Hits the Market

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

A Northgate property transformation has resulted in a custom-built home now available for purchase after food influencer Shannon Cooper converted what she called “the most expensive shed in Northgate” into her dream residence.

The property at 107 Gympie Street represents one of two adjacent properties Ms. Cooper purchased from the same owner before subdividing the land into three plots. The original structure on this particular plot was an older house being used as a shed, which the local council had determined was unsafe for habitation.

The unsafe conditions included “massive cracks all through the ceiling” and floors that were “sunken in places,” according to Ms. Cooper, who runs the Instagram account My Food Religion.

Rather than attempting to renovate the dangerous structure, Cooper opted for a complete rebuild while residing in the neighbouring home. She collaborated with RedDoor Architects to design a house that would meet council requirements while complementing the character of other buildings in the Northgate streetscape.

The new design focused on maximising space on the small Northgate lot while maintaining attractive outdoor areas. This approach has proven successful, with Place Ascot agent Janelle McKenna noting that many potential buyers mistake the new construction for a renovation, believing it to be seamlessly integrated with the neighbourhood’s aesthetic.

The Northgate home features architectural elements designed to enhance spaciousness, including high ceilings and large voids, plus significant glass openings connecting to the backyard. This design allowed Cooper to monitor her daughter in the backyard pool from various vantage points inside the home.

Cooper and her family have now decided to relocate to the Sunshine Coast, though she expressed that she’ll particularly miss the kitchen, which served as an ideal space for her content creation and recipe development work.

The Northgate property is scheduled for auction on Saturday, March 29.

Published 15-March-2025

Authorities Warn of Deadly Infections in Floodwaters, Sewage Spill Sparks Health Concerns in Wavell Heights

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred no longer a threat, Brisbane is facing major clean-up efforts after widespread flooding inundated suburbs. As residents return to assess the damage, authorities are warning about the health risks associated with floodwaters, particularly the potential for rare but serious bacterial infections.

Read: Wavell Heights Road Closure Reinforces Benefits of Automated Flood Alerts

Sewage Contamination in Wavell Heights

In some areas, floodwaters have mixed with sewage, increasing the risk of infection. A resident of Wavell Heights shared their concerns in a private Facebook group, stating, “The footbridge and surrounding areas along the Cressey Street drain has been the scene of a poonami with loads of raw sewage spilling during the recent flooding.”

Queensland Health has reinforced the dangers, reminding people to stay away from floodwaters due to contamination from human waste, industrial chemicals, and hidden hazards like sharp objects and wildlife.

Risks of Bacterial Infections

Among the serious health risks is melioidosis, an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium commonly found in soil and water in tropical regions. The bacteria, usually deep underground, can be stirred up by heavy rains and floods, posing a risk to humans through skin wounds, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminated water.

Queensland Health warned that exposure to polluted water can lead to various illnesses, including:

Diarrhoea and vomiting
Wound infections
Dermatitis
Conjunctivitis
Potentially fatal diseases such as leptospirosis and melioidosis

Safety Precautions

To reduce the risk of infection, authorities have provided key safety recommendations:

Avoid wading through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow.
Wear protective footwear, such as solid boots or shoes (not thongs), if entering floodwaters is unavoidable.
Use gloves when handling objects contaminated by floodwater.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after any contact with floodwater or soil.
Clean household surfaces and items that were exposed to floodwaters to prevent bacterial spread.

Read: Norths Rugby Club Avoids Serious Damage From Cyclone Alfred

Experts also highlight that flood-related health risks extend beyond bacteria, with potential injuries from submerged debris, animal bites, and even venomous creatures lurking in the water.

As Queensland works to recover from the floods, residents are urged to stay informed, take precautions, and follow official health advice to avoid preventable illnesses and injuries.

Published 12-March-2025

Wavell Heights Road Closure Reinforces Benefits of Automated Flood Alerts

Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook

The Automated Flooded Road Warning System (AFRWS) installed on Shaw Road, Wavell Heights, was crucial in preventing motorists from entering dangerous floodwaters following heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred. The system, designed to enhance road safety, ensures timely alerts and road closures, reducing risks during extreme weather events.

Wavell Heights flood warnings — *Caption: Shaw Road flooded due to ex-Cyclone Alfred.*
*Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook*

Enhancing Safety with Real-Time Alerts

BCC has installed AFRWS across flood-prone locations, including Shaw Road. The system was tested following Cyclone Alfred, which caused significant flooding. The LED road signs are triggered automatically when water levels exceed a safe threshold. This effectively alerts motorists to the road closure, preventing potential hazards.

The system operates via solar-powered technology and is designed for high visibility. It ensures that alerts remain functional even during extreme weather conditions when power outages may occur. Some locations are also equipped with cameras for remote monitoring.

How the AFRWS Works

AFRWS is a solar-powered system that helps keep drivers safe from floodwaters. It automatically lights up LED signs when flooding occurs. Messages like “ROAD CLOSED AHEAD” or “ROAD CLOSED—NO ENTRY” appear when activated. The signs stay bright day and night, making sure drivers can see them even in bad weather.

Automated Flooded Road Warning System (AFRWS) — *Caption: Shaw Road flooded due to ex-Cyclone Alfred.*
*Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook*

Shaw Road Flooding: A Timely Warning

Following heavy rainfall from Cyclone Alfred, Shaw Road became flooded, with warning signs activating as water levels rose. The traffic lights remained functional, assisting motorists as the situation developed rapidly. Other low-lying areas nearby also experienced flooding. This reinforces the need for automated flood warnings in vulnerable locations.

Future Expansion of AFRWS

BCC has committed to expanding AFRWS across additional flood-prone areas. More locations are being assessed as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety. This initiative complements other safety measures, including:

Wildlife Awareness Monitors (WAMs) – alerting drivers to potential wildlife hazards
Speed Awareness Monitors (SAMs) – helping reduce speeding in suburban areas

Community Response and Next Steps

Residents and drivers in Wavell Heights have embraced the AFRWS. However, even with the system, BCC reminds motorists to check road conditions regularly and always follow warning signs during severe weather.

For more information on the AFRWS initiative, motorists can contact BCC at 07 3403 8888.

Published 11-Mar-2025

Norths Rugby Club Avoids Serious Damage From Cyclone Alfred

Photo Credit: Facebook / Leanne Linard MP

Norths Rugby Club has avoided serious damage despite threatening floodwaters in Wavell Heights from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

The club, located at Hugh Courtney Oval near Kedron Brook, potentially faced a $50,000-plus recovery bill as water levels rose toward the crossbar of goalposts on Sunday. Director of Rugby Michael Bell witnessed the brook overflowing around 7:30-8:00 AM Sunday, with water advancing across the playing field within an hour.

“If it gets into the clubhouse we are in a lot of trouble,” Bell had said on Sunday, noting approximately $50,000 worth of newly ordered playing gear was at risk, along with irreplaceable club memorabilia.

**Kedron Brook**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Carolynne Berry

However, a Monday morning assessment revealed a more positive outcome for the Wavell Heights sporting facility.

“Out and about this morning checking on key areas that are often hit the hardest by extreme weather – our local clubs down at Shaw Road have debris on the roads leading in to their carpark and along fence lines but the Norths Rugby Club and cricket fields have avoided serious damage,” MP Leanne Linard reported.

This comes as significant relief for the Wavell Heights club, particularly given their difficult experience during the 2022 floods when water levels at the club reached just below the goalpost pads and came within 6 meters of the club concourse.

While some cleanup will be necessary to clear debris from roads and fence lines in the Shaw Road sporting precinct, the Wavell Heights facility appears to have escaped the worst-case scenario that officials feared when Kedron Brook’s banks first broke.

Published 10-March-2025

Two Men Detained at Northgate Home in Police Investigation

Police have detained two men at a Northgate home following an incident where shots were allegedly fired at an unoccupied vehicle in Bald Hills yesterday.

Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire on Gladdon Street in Bald Hills around 10:30am Sunday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a parked car that had been shot at in what police believe was a targeted attack. No injuries were reported.

Following the incident, officers attended a residence on Nudgee Road in Northgate where they took two men into custody. During their search of the Northgate property, police allegedly located a shotgun.

The 20-year-old man now faces 11 charges, including:

Discharging a weapon in a public place
Wilful damage
Unlawful possession of a category A weapon
Possession of a shortened firearm
Using a vehicle without required number plates
Driving without a license
Unlawful stalking
Assault occasioning harm (domestic violence offence)
Wilful damage (domestic violence offence)
Deprivation of liberty
Unlawful possession of explosives

The accused is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. Authorities have confirmed investigations are continuing, with particular focus on the Northgate connection.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.

Published 17-February-2025

Keith Boden Wetlands Restoration Gains Momentum

Efforts to restore the Keith Boden Wetlands are gaining momentum, with sediment sampling now underway as part of the rehabilitation project.

Read: Community Calls for Action as Wavell Heights Wetlands Decline

Cr Adam Allan shared an update on January 30, confirming that the city’s teams and contractors were on-site conducting crucial sediment sampling activities.

“The results of the sediment sampling will inform removal and disposal processes and costings,” Cr Allan stated. This marks a key step forward in the ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the wetlands, which have suffered from excessive sediment accumulation.

Keith Boden Wetlands — Photo credit: Cr Adam Allan/Facebook

Community advocacy played a significant role in pushing for urgent action. Last year, residents voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of the wetlands, with one local, Abbey Beck, launching a Change.org petition just two months ago. Since then, the petition has garnered over 700 signatures.

“As members of this community, it is our responsibility to restore this vital ecosystem. We must urge our local authorities to take immediate action to clean up and regenerate our local wetlands before it’s too late. This is not just about preserving nature—it’s about safeguarding our children’s future and teaching them to respect and take care of their environment,” Ms Beck wrote.

“Various species – such as eels, tortoises, and a wide array of wetland birds – that once thrived are now struggling to survive, some even nearing extinction in our area. This is not just a loss of biodiversity, but it also signifies the undermining of a delicate balance that sustains life and nature,” she said.

Originally constructed in 1998, the Keith Boden Wetlands were designed to filter pollutants from stormwater before it flowed into Kedron Brook and Moreton Bay. However, over time, the area has struggled under the weight of excessive sediment accumulation. Despite recent rains, exposed mudbanks and decaying sediment have worsened, impacting water quality and local biodiversity.

Read: Engineering Meets Nature: Wavell Heights’ Essential Stormwater Channel

Residents have expressed hope that the latest developments signal real progress. With sediment sampling now in motion, the community is eager to see the next steps unfold in the long-awaited restoration of this important ecosystem.

Published 7-February-2025

Wavell State High Educator Brett Dascombe Among Global Teacher Prize Finalists

Brett Dascombe, a senior teacher at Wavell State High School, has been named a top-10 finalist for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize. While he remains modest about his chances of taking out the US$1 million award, his pioneering work in geospatial technologies has already made a significant impact in the classroom and beyond.

Read: Wavell State High School Teacher Wins Excellence in Teaching Award

Mr Dascombe expressed doubt about progressing further in the competition, acknowledging that many compelling stories, particularly from less developed countries in Africa, Asia, and South America, could have a greater need for the prize.

Wavell State High’s Brett Dascombe at the Peter Doherty STEM Awards (Photo credit: Wavell State High School/Facebook)

Despite his humility, Mr Dascombe is no stranger to recognition. His innovative approach to teaching has earned him multiple accolades, including a 2023 Schools Plus Teaching Awards Fellowship, a TEACHX Innovation in Teaching award, the Peter Doherty STEM Award, and a Showcase Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Queensland education department.

The Global Teacher Prize, run by the Varkey Foundation, is one of the most prestigious education awards worldwide. While he downplays his chances, Mr Dascombe has already considered how he would use the prize money if he won.

He has expressed a desire to fund peer learning projects with his students in the Pacific and in First Nations communities in Australia, seeing this as a meaningful way to share technology and skills, particularly in areas facing climate change challenges.

A Passion for Geospatial Technology

Photo credit: Wavell State High School/Facebook

Mr Dascombe’s interest in geospatial technologies began during his university days as an Arts student. He recalls developing a passion for GIS (geographic information systems) and spatial technologies and seeing their potential applications. He integrated these tools into his teaching career for two decades, but in the past five years, he has explored their greater impact in the classroom, particularly in alignment with the new Queensland geography syllabus.

This dedication is evident in the projects he creates for his students. As the new school year begins, he is already working on a new initiative: mapping food deserts in Brisbane. He plans to have students identify food deserts in their communities and examine the locations of community gardens.

Beyond the classroom, Mr Dascombe ensures his students engage with real-world issues. In one project, his class identified high levels of E. coli at a beach on North Stradbroke Island and traced the contamination back to overflowing septic tanks. The students then took action by contacting a septic tank company to address the issue. He acknowledges that this kind of geography work may not always seem glamorous but highlights its practical impact.

Showcasing Student Work

Photo credit: Queensland College of Teachers/Facebook

Mr Dascombe is committed to making sure his students’ work gets the recognition it deserves. He recalls that, in the past, student assignments were typically stored away for years, despite their exceptional quality.

About five years ago, he began obtaining permission to share student projects, leading to numerous awards and opportunities, including Australian Geospatial Awards and state conference presentations. He believes students’ personalities come through in their work, making it important to showcase their efforts.

For Mr Dascombe, geography extends far beyond mapping. He emphasises that the subject now encompasses elements of design, economics, sustainability, and community impact, making it a much more holistic field of study, which excites him.

Read: Wavell Heights’ Own Jacob Elordi Takes Hollywood by Storm

Encouraging Teachers to Celebrate Their Achievements

Mr Dascombe also believes educators should take pride in their successes. He feels that teachers often do not highlight their achievements enough and notes that there are many incredible teachers in Australia.

He actively uses LinkedIn to share the innovative work being done at Wavell State High School, hoping that this visibility encourages other educators to explore new ideas and teaching methods.

The Global Teacher Prize will announce its winner at the World Government Summit in Dubai from February 11 to 13. Whether or not he wins, Brett Dascombe has already left a lasting impact on his students and the field of geography education.

Published 4-February-2025