Category: Homepage Latest News

Local Restaurant Guide – 4013

We’ve combed Northgate for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

Read: North Brisbane Area Sports Results Dec 26-28

1. Piccolo Ristorante

About Piccolo Ristorante
4.9 Google Rating

87 Ryans Rd, Northgate QLD 4013

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Nirdosh Bhattarai
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had an absolutely wonderful experience here!
The owner is incredibly kind and spoke to us so warmly like his own, which made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived.
The food was outstanding the lamb shank was perfectly cooked and full of flavour, the duck ragu was rich and comforting, and the sticky date pudding was just spot on. To top it all off, the owner generously treated us to a complimentary panna cotta, which was also absolutely delicious.
It’s a small place with a big heart. Huge thanks to the owner and the chefs for making our lunch so special.
Will definitely be coming back again

Josh Muir
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently visited this Italian restaurant with my mum, and we were both genuinely impressed. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive from the moment we arrived.
I ordered the spaghetti marinara, which was exceptional—fresh seafood, a beautifully balanced sauce, and honestly better than some meals I’ve had in Italy. My mum requested a cocktail that wasn’t on the menu, and the staff happily made it for her, which really highlighted their flexibility and customer focus.
We finished with the tiramisu, light and full of flavour, and the perfect end to the meal.
Overall, excellent service, delicious food, and thoughtful touches throughout. Highly recommend

Daniel Lachica Jr.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was craving for Italian food and my boyfriend and I searched for a place nearby and saw their restaurant. We arrived without a reservation but they were gracious enough to give us seats despite the place being fully-booked.
The food’s fabulous and delicious: we’ll definitely come back! Everyone’s warm and welcoming and it makes dining here so homely.

2. Kitchen8 Cafe

About Kitchen8 Cafe
4.6 Google Rating

20/62 Crockford St, Northgate QLD 4013

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

JK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tried the Orange Chicken Dutch at Kitchen8, chicken felt a bit sweet by itself, but with the veggies and sauce it all came together so well. Also had the signature Beef Eggs Benny and it was super tasty.

안소연
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everything I ordered was really delicious. Latte was savory and the fruit juice was fresh. The server service was perfect, too. I really want to go again. I had mushroom cream pasta, Wagyu burger, chicken salad, and I want to try other menus. Best taste I’ve ever experienced in Australia!!

Anastasia Owens
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Our experience was amazing! I took my husband here for their bene brisket and it was divine as well as their coffees. The staff were so lovely and we had service with a smile. I will be going back, it’s worth every dollar!

3. Flour & Chocolate Patisserie Northgate

About Flour & Chocolate Patisserie Northgate
4.7 Google Rating

78 Old Toombul Rd, Northgate QLD 4013

SAMPLE MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Cal Law
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Always excellent customer service and a great place to catch up with friends for gelato, coffee and baked goods.

C L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a great patisserie! Fantastic sandwich selection along with cakes and French pastries and other baked goods. I highly recommend their sausage rolls 🤤 I regularly stock up on their freshly baked baguettes as well.

Nanga Little
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Visited today with friend and high expectations having tasted some items previously at work. We had studied the menu online and looked forward to ordering in person. In-store was such a feast for our eyes and I got caught up taking photos. Anyone looking for a special place to visit for a catch-up or just really great baked items this is the place. Fresh made sandwiches looked appealing and will try another day.

4. Brew’d Awakening Cafe

About Brew’d Awakening Cafe
4.8 Google Rating

334 Melton Rd, Northgate QLD 4013

SAMPLE MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Orville de Raadt
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’ve been here before in summer and sat out the front. They also have an indoor dining area heated in winter AC in summer. The piece de resistance they’ve got a sun drenched back yard pet friendly and the high walls around it no breeze so lovely in the winter sun in qld. The staff are very friendly they even brought out a home made dog biscuit for pebbles with the coffee. I love finding these little hideaways Merlin coffee can’t go wrong and prices are reasonable as well

George F (Australia)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
First time at this little cafe in Northgate QLD. Without question the vanilla slices are home
Made and the best I have ever had anywhere.
All the food is freshly made and to a very high standard. It looks like a snack bar but is actually much more with plenty of seating and great food.

Zane Skipper
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Quick, calm and lovely service.
The atmosphere of the cafe is amazing with artwork littering all the walls, very open layout design.
Food is very consistent, yet to be disappointed.
I arrived just before the 0700 open time, staff had already opened up with large smiles on their faces.
Car after car consistently pulled in during the time I was present.
Dog Friendly, with a water bowl filled and provided.
Definitely coming back.
Can’t forgot the S&P shakers.

5. Aether Brewing

About Aether Brewing
4.6 Google Rating

340 Melton Rd, Northgate QLD 4013

SAMPLE MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Stephen Braid
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Found this place almost by accident. Terrific range of ales and lagers, all made on the premises. Variety of seating (outside, inside or near the vats). Excellent, friendly service. 4 minutes walk from Northgate train station. A must visit!

John de Lombardo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stumbled across this wonderful brewery by chance whilst riding our electric scooters. We dropped in for liquid refreshments. Four icy cold Mexican Lagers, delicious my friends. My beers tasted even better due to the friendly service. The Aether Brewery is a hidden gem in Melton St Northgate. A pop-up burger tent is attached to the brewery offering price friendly burgers. Go and enjoy.

Read: Brisbane Hustlers Mourn Founding Team Member Brett Barakat

Andie J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great microbrewery. Some really interesting beers on tap. I tried one of the sour beers, it was good. Good range of beer options and the pizza was tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful. Loved the venue, has a really cool vibe. One of my new favorite brisbane breweries.

Alby’s Brings Specialty Coffee to Wavell Heights in Stellar Year for Brissie Cafés

Photo Credit: Google Maps

As 2025 draws to a close, Brisbane’s dining landscape has proven more vibrant than ever, with a fresh wave of cafés and casual eateries opening across the city. Among the standouts, Alby’s in Wavell Heights has captured the essence of what makes a neighbourhood café truly special, quickly becoming a beloved community hub since opening in August.

Read: Wavell Heights Roots: Timber Industry Mourns the Loss of a Local Visionary

Hospitality veterans Daniel Bowles and Tiger Hsu transformed the former Kalisto Cafe site into this sun-soaked gathering place, reuniting their successful partnership from Butter Café. For Bowles, whose previous ventures include Little Loco, Miss Jones and Sister, the move to Wavell Heights represented an opportunity to bring specialty coffee culture and quality food to Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Photo Credit: Google Maps / Helen Bode

The café’s design immediately sets it apart, featuring a striking fluted-concrete counter, a coloured-glass sunroom and a dedicated kids’ nook. But it’s the atmosphere that truly resonates—locals have quickly made Alby’s their own, settling in for long visits over specialty coffee and creative menu offerings.

“We love the idea of opening neighbourhood cafés that are community focused,” Bowles explains. “I feel like the suburbs are crying out for specialty coffee and quality food—a place that is local and special to them, where they can catch up with their neighbours and friends. We wanted to bring that to Wavell Heights.”

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The menu delivers on that promise with inventive toasties, including a popular beef rendang option with American cheese and sauerkraut, alongside comfort favourites that have followed the duo from their previous ventures. Single O coffee from Sydney and sourdough from Brisbane’s Cordelia Sourdough Bakehouse round out the offering.

Photo Credit: Google Maps / maria rita mastronardi

Operating Monday to Friday from 6am to 2pm and weekends from 6:30am to 2pm at 199 Bilsen Road, Alby’s has quickly established itself as more than just another café. It’s become a gathering place where the simple pleasures of good food and warm company take centre stage.

Read: Brisbane Hustlers Mourn Founding Team Member Brett Barakat

In a year that saw Brisbane welcome Thai brunch specialists, artisan bakeries and inventive sandwich shops across the city, Alby’s stands out by reminding us that sometimes the best additions to our food culture are the ones that make us feel most at home.

Published 18-December-2025

Wavell Heights Roots: Timber Industry Mourns the Loss of a Local Visionary

Photo Credit: Versace Timbers/ Instagram

A small timber yard tucked away in the quiet back streets of Wavell Heights eventually grew into one of the state’s most successful suppliers thanks to the vision of Peter Leddy, who is being remembered this week as a father figure to the trade.

Read: Brisbane Hustlers Mourn Founding Team Member Brett Barakat

Peter passed away on 15 December at the age of 79 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His journey with the local community began decades ago when he saw potential in a modest operation. In 1983, he made a deal with his former employer, Ron Versace, to buy the business. At that time, it was a small merchant shop located in Wavell Heights. He knew that for the company to serve more people, it needed more space. He eventually found a new location in Virginia, close to the city centre, and moved the operations there in 2005.

Passing the Torch

Timber
Photo Credit: Versace Timbers

Once the new site was up and running, Peter decided it was time to retire. He wanted to travel and see Australia with his wife, Kerry. He left the business in good hands, passing the leadership to his four sons. Today, the company is still family-owned and operated. Graham Leddy serves as the managing director, while his brothers Bill, Doug, and Josh manage the production plant, accounts, and the Virginia site.

Graham noted that while products and faces change over the years, the commitment to service remains the same. He credited his father for instilling the belief that taking care of customers should never go out of style. 

The business has grown significantly from its early days. It now employs 55 staff members and operates out of a large facility with yards and offices covering more than 6000 square metres. In 2012, the team’s hard work was recognised when they won an award for the best building materials centre in the metro area.

Service Beyond Business

Timber
Photo Credit: Versace Timbers

Peter was known for more than just his business skills. He was a dedicated supporter of the industry, serving on the board during the early years of the organisation now known as the National Timber and Hardware Association. He was also a long-time member of the Brisbane Hoo-Hoo Club 218.

Before his time in the timber trade, Peter served his country. He was in the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict in 1968. His friends and associates across the wood merchandising sector are now mourning a man who gave so much to his profession and his country.

Read: Wavell Heights Butchers Victim of Elaborate Wagyu Fraud

A Final Farewell

Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kerry, their four sons, and ten grandchildren. A celebration of his life will take place at the Pinnaroo Cemetery and Crematorium Chapel in Bridgeman Downs on Tuesday, December 23, at 11 am. The service will offer a chance for family, friends, and colleagues to say goodbye to a man who built a lasting legacy from humble beginnings.

Published Date 18-December-2025

Brisbane Hustlers Mourn Founding Team Member Brett Barakat

Photo Credit: Georges Azzi/Facebook

The Brisbane Hustlers rugby club has announced the death of founding team member and committee contributor Brett Barakat, with tributes shared by teammates and friends online.

Read: Wavell State High Students Shine in Robotics and Engineering

Club Rebuild And Committee Work

The Brisbane Hustlers said the club rebuilt in 2012 after a hiatus, with Barakat among those who helped re-establish the team. The club described him as a committee member who supported the group’s work as it moved toward early Purchas Cup campaigns and preparations linked to the Bingham Cup.

The club said Barakat was often the first person new players met at training, regularly checking in and helping newcomers feel included.

Support For Events And Fundraising

In its tribute, the Brisbane Hustlers said Barakat threw himself into club activities including open days, a new players night, boot camp, awards nights, Rugger Bugger events, and the club’s first trivia night in 2014.

The club also said he helped manage the team at the Bingham Cup in Sydney in 2014 and led an outdoor cinema night on the oval screening Scrum, raising funds needed to get two teams to the tournament.

community tributes
Photo Credit: Christine Manfield/Facebook

Wider Community Connections

Barakat had also spent time living in Sydney and was involved with community groups there, including helping put together the first Arab float in Mardi Gras, according to accounts shared in tributes.

A separate tribute described Barakat as an organiser who brought Arab LGBTQIA+ people together through regular gatherings and performances, and also recalled time spent with him in Lebanon.

Brett Barakat
Photo Credit: Ewan Samway/Facebook

Gathering Details And Funeral Plans

An informal gathering in Sydney has been announced for Saturday 20 December, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Beauchamp Hotel, 265 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.

Updates shared online stated the Barakat family will hold a funeral service on Friday 9 January 2026. A further update said the funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Queensland time at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, with additional burial and wake information shared separately. A Sydney memorial Mass is planned for mid-January 2026.

Brisbane Hustlers
Photo Credit: Tamara McKee/Facebook

Next Steps

Read: Wavell Heights Butchers Victim of Elaborate Wagyu Fraud

Those organising the Sydney gathering have encouraged people to share memories and photos, with ongoing details about events to be circulated through a family-linked WhatsApp update group.

Published 17-Dec-2025

Wavell Heights Butchers Victim of Elaborate Wagyu Fraud

Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats has suffered a loss of nearly $9,000 after an alleged scammer collected a bulk order of premium Wagyu using what the owners later discovered was a falsified payment record.

Read: Wavell Heights Rises as Brisbane’s Newest Blue-chip Suburb

The case involved a buyer who identified herself only as “Panni,” placing an order for high-end Stone Axe Wagyu beef with the Brisbane butcher. The buyer claimed to operate a restaurant in Ballina, approximately 200km from Brisbane. She requested the Stone Axe Wagyu, a premium Australian beef product reportedly selling at up to $250 per kilogram, and the order totalled close to $9,000.

Wagyu
Inside Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats (Photo credit: Rachel P/Google Maps)

A day before the scheduled collection, the butcher’s owners say they received an image of what appeared to be a bank transfer confirmation. The printout looked legitimate, according to them, and on that basis they prepared the bulk order for pick-up.

When the time came to collect, “Panni” said her brother would pick up the meat. Staff asked for license details to verify the identity of the collector, but were instead told that noting the vehicle’s number-plate would suffice. Shortly before the shop closed, a man arrived and loaded four boxes of Wagyu into an unrefrigerated hire vehicle — footage from the shop’s CCTV confirms the loading. A staff member assisting with the loading reportedly became concerned after the man gave short, evasive answers when asked about the logistics of the long drive ahead.

The next business day the payment had not cleared. Attempts to contact the buyer failed: the phone number provided had been disconnected. Further checks revealed that the Ballina restaurant cited during the order denied ever placing it or collecting meat. They believe their business details were misused.

Wagyu
Photo credit: Google Street View

The incident aligns with recent warnings from scam-watch advisories about fraudulent meat-sale schemes. A consumer-protection agency cautioned that scammers posing as butchers or “farm-to-table” meat sellers have been targeting Western Australian communities, offering bulk meat at unusually low prices, requesting payment via bank transfer, then blocking buyers once payment is received. 

Although the Wavell Heights case involved a physical pick-up rather than home delivery, the tactics, immediate payment via bank transfer, pressure to complete a bulk order, and use of third-party collection, echo those described in the advisory.

For businesses handling expensive perishable goods, the case underscores the risks associated with large orders from unfamiliar clients. Advice from consumer-protection bodies recommends waiting for bank transfers to fully clear before releasing high-value stock, verifying identification when third-party collection is requested, and insisting on suitable refrigerated transport for perishable products.

Read: Lock It or Lose It: A Simple Message for Northgate Car Owners

Queensland Police are continuing their investigation. The owners of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats have said they will review their procedures for bulk orders to prevent similar incidents. Authorities encourage any business that suspects fraudulent activity to come forward and remain vigilant when handling large or unusual orders.

Published 9-December-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 4012

We’ve combed Nundah, Wavell Heights, and Wavell Heights North for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!

Read: Wavell State High Students Shine in Robotics and Engineering

1. RUSTICHELLA Pasta Bar

About RUSTICHELLA Pasta Bar
4.9 Google Rating

2/16a Aspinall St, Nundah QLD 4012

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Nicola Pennisi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rustichella offers high quality, authentic northern Italian food. The Tagliatelle Emiliana (pork and beef ragu with a dash of cream) was beautifully cooked and so delicious. The Traditional Egg Pannacotta served with fresh fruit coulis was so amazing too. The staff were friendly and attentive. Definitely will return to try more from the menu.

Suzzanna Wallace
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WHAT A TREASURE!!! I have a severe food allergy and called to ask questions about the menu. I spoke with Roberto, and was blown away by his patience and accommodating efforts to assure me I could enjoy dinner safely. We decided to drive there and are so thrilled we did!! What a gorgeous little place!! The food is beautiful, the wine glasses are a thin-stem fans dream, the staff could not be more helpful and pleasant!! We will be back, again and again!! So worth the drive!! 10/10 we’re booked in again for Friday!!

Melanie Heffernan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This restaurant has amazing food! Their pasta is incredibly fresh, and the flavours are perfectly balanced. Every dish we had was perfect and delicious! I can’t rave about it enough! And the pannacotta – it was a revelation! Wish I had ordered 3! Will definitely be back again! 🤩🤩

2. SEOUL BLUES

About SEOUL BLUES
4.9 Google Rating

88 Buckland Rd, Nundah QLD 4012

SAMPLE MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

William Cheung
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very flavourful and fresh food. The care taken in cooking and preparing is obvious in each item we ordered. I would say it’s kinda oily but I think that’s normal and authentic.

J K (Jee)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Extremely chuffed to have a Korean restaurant in Nundah. Food definitely has more of a Mum’s home style combined with street market vendor but absolutely delicious and hearty regardless. Portion sizes are generous and served in good time. Take away but also very casual eat in options but limited table seating.

CC Transfers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So much flavour. The Kim Chi Fried Rice with Spicy Chicken was yummy. Well done, next time ill be back for the Kim Chi Stew.

3. Soul Brothers Burger Bar

About Soul Brothers Burger Bar
4.4 Google Rating

47 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach NSW 2107

SAMPLE MENU
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Lavinia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LATE NIGHT FEED 💯
Initially thought the burger looked a bit small, but one bite in—delicioso! Juicy patty cooked to perfection, cheese melted beautifully over the meat, toasted bun, and crisp, fresh salad—so good. The hotdog was decent, and the cheesy fries hit the spot. Solid late-night fix! 💯

Jeffrey Yuen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stumbled upon this burger shop through a random Google search, and it was a great find. It wasn’t crowded on a weekday afternoon. The burger was delicious, and the bun choice was particularly impressive. Prices are reasonable. They only accept card payments, and the staff are nice and friendly. I would definitely recommend this place to others.

Michael Agi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love to promote awesome burger places in Brisbane. I took my family tonight and everyone was super impressed with service and food. My son and I had the Grand burger 🍔 and it was amazing. Also had their fries 🍟 and chicken tenders and they were cooked to perfection. Last but not least they know how to make a thick shake and the Caramel flavour was amazing. Atmosphere was also really nice including the area with all the other restaurants.
Thanks to all staff working tonight you did a great job. See you again very soon.

4. Fuel & Co

About Fuel & Co
4.5 Google Rating

190 Buckland Rd, Nundah QLD 4012

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Sam Sonter
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fast unobtrusive service. I had a coffee frappe and the smashed avo toast with ricotta cream, cherry tomatoes, and grilled peach slices, plus chorizo – the flavours complemented each other perfectly. Absolutely delicious!

Nour Obaid
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had an amazing experience at Fuel & Co. The food and coffee were superior! Everything tasted so fresh and well prepared. Service was also spot on.
Will definitely be back here again!

Deborah Davis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warmed my tummy this morning with Apple Porridge served with yoghurt and fresh fruit. My friend had the Egg Benedict which she said was great We also enjoyed good coffees. My first visit but I’ll be back.

5. BlockHouse Coffee + Small Bar

About BlockHouse Coffee + Small Bar
4.4 Google Rating

130 Ryans Rd, Nundah QLD 4012

SAMPLE MENU
BOOK A TABLE
SOCIAL MEDIA

Google Reviews

Jo Bell
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blockhouse is a fabulous hidden gem tucked away in suburbia. Recommended by a family member, our group of three enjoyed an excellent midweek lunch. Service was friendly and efficient. All our meals were generous and delicious. My Portugese chicken dish was outstanding. Blockhouse is a relaxed place to enjoy great menu options for breakfast and lunch. Highly recommended.

Shishir Chaudhary
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the best coffees I’ve had recently. Food was fresh and full of flavour too!

Read: Brisbane Plumbers Expands Services as Geebung Residents Look for Reliable Tradespeople

Kamila mendonça
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The place has table options in the dining room and the outside area. I had a great experience. The dishes we ordered were delicious, well presented, refined and flavorful. The staff is friendly. The coffee (mocha and espresso) was tasty, as were the tumeric latte and hot chocolate, which were also very good. I hope to return to try more options. I highly recommend the banana bread, the popcorn chicken, and the rash cakes. The portion sizes are not large, if compared to breakfast dishes at similar establishments, and the price is a little above the range.

Gerns Factory Residence: A Historic Gem in Geebung

Photo Credit: Gerns Factory/Facebook

The Gerns Factory Residence in Geebung highlights Brisbane’s industrial heritage, blending German craftsmanship with Queensland’s cultural history. Built in 1914 by German immigrant Heinrich (Harry) Christian Gerns, it reflects the contributions of German settlers to Geebung’s industrial foundation and Brisbane’s development

Read: Kimino – Where Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Exceptional Coffee in Ashgrove

The timber Queenslander-style home at 39 Buhot Street East was constructed by Gerns after he relocated to Geebung in 1895. The move aligned with the area’s German farming community and countered anti-German sentiment during World War I. The house, designed for Queensland’s subtropical climate, became the centre of Gerns’ family and business activities.

Adjacent to the residence, Gerns established a smallgoods factory that produced premium hams, sausages, and continental smallgoods. The business gained a stellar reputation across Brisbane, providing jobs and fostering Geebung’s economic growth.

Today, the Gerns Factory Residence is listed on Brisbane’s heritage register, protecting its architectural and cultural value. While privately owned, the residence is a notable historical site, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of Brisbane’s early settlers.

The legacy continues through Gerns Continental Smallgoods, a family-owned business still operating from its Geebung location. Known for traditional recipes and gluten-free options, the factory outlet on Buhot Street serves both wholesale and retail customers, maintaining the high standards set by Heinrich Gerns.

The Gerns Factory Residence is part of Geebung’s broader narrative of German heritage, which has shaped the area’s social and economic landscape. Nearby suburbs like Wavell Heights share similar stories of German settlers contributing to Queensland’s development.

Read: Pfingst Farmhouse in Wavell Heights: A Local Heritage Treasure

Visitors can explore the legacy of the Gerns family and other historical sites in Geebung, gaining insight into the industrious spirit that helped build Brisbane’s early economy.

Wavell State High Students Shine in Robotics and Engineering

Photo Credit: Wavell State High Facebook

Wavell State High School is celebrating a milestone moment as its students make standout achievements across robotics and engineering, showcasing the strong STEM culture growing at the heart of the Wavell Heights community. From a robotics team heading to a national championship for the first time to Year 10 engineers building and racing their own 3D-printed creations, the school is proving that innovation is becoming one of its defining strengths.

Read: Wavell State High School Celebrates Excellence in Sport, Science, and Community

WSHS Robotics Team Qualifies for National Championships

For the first time, students from Wavell State High School (WSHS) have earned a place at the FIRST Tech Challenge Australian Championships this December in Sydney. According to the school’s announcement, the team — Liam, Zahra and Kathrina — not only qualified for the national stage but also earned the Judges Award at regionals.

Photo Credit: Wavell State High School/Facebook

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a high-level robotics competition where students design, build and program robots to complete engineering challenges. It draws teams from across Australia and internationally, with the Sydney championship serving as the gateway to the world titles.

Photo Credit: Wavell State High School/Facebook

The team’s success is supported by mentor Eli McMillan and BotBuilders, a group known for guiding robotics teams across Queensland and around the world. Their involvement has helped WSHS students strengthen their technical skills and gain experience in competitive STEM environments.

Year 10 Engineers Race Ahead

STEM achievement continued in the school’s engineering classrooms, where Year 10 students have been working through a hands-on mechanical engineering project built around mousetrap-powered cars.

Throughout the term, students researched successful designs, developed prototypes, produced detailed 3D models and brought their creations to life using the school’s 3D printers. The project culminated in the end-of-term race, where Callum Kearney took first place and secured his name on the Year 10 Perpetual Engineering Championship Plaque.

Photo Credit: Wavell State High School/Facebook

The task encouraged critical thinking, design refinement and practical problem-solving — essential skills that mirror real-world engineering processes.

A School Growing in Strength and Opportunity

Wavell State High School, located on Telopia Avenue, has long been known for its diverse curriculum and strong Programs of Excellence in areas like dance, drama, music, netball and rugby league. Now its achievements in robotics and engineering highlight an evolving focus on innovation, technology and future-ready skills.

Guided by the school motto Esse Quam Videri — “To be rather than to seem to be” — WSHS continues to build a learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, create and push themselves further.

The recent wins in robotics and engineering show that Wavell State High is not only honouring its long-standing traditions but also shaping a new reputation as a school where STEM pathways thrive.

Read: Pfingst Farmhouse in Wavell Heights: A Local Heritage Treasure

Published 30-Nov-2025

Brisbane Plumbers Expands Services as Geebung Residents Look for Reliable Tradespeople

Photo Credit: Brisbane Plumbers

Many Geebung households are noticing that older pipes, hot-water systems and long-standing fixtures are starting to show their age, especially in post-war homes and classic brick properties scattered throughout the suburb. As locals look for reliable tradespeople who can respond quickly when something goes wrong, Brisbane Plumbers says it has expanded its services to support growing demand from areas like Geebung.

Read: Gateway Capital Completes $72.5-Million Purchase of Geebung Industrial Estate

The business reports a steady increase in calls from Geebung residents seeking help with everyday plumbing issues, including blocked drains affected by tree roots, leaking taps in older kitchens and bathrooms, and hot-water units reaching the end of their lifespan. The suburb’s mix of older homes and renewed family dwellings often means plumbing systems vary widely, making trustworthy, experienced tradespeople particularly important.

Brisbane Plumbers highlights its same-day and after-hours availability for urgent work — something many Geebung locals value when unexpected issues interrupt daily routines. The company also uses modern diagnostic tools such as CCTV drain cameras and high-pressure jetters, allowing quicker identification of blockages and leaks. This helps avoid unnecessary digging, which is especially useful in Geebung’s larger backyards, many of which still retain established trees and older stormwater layouts.

The company notes that Geebung homeowners increasingly prefer plumbers who explain issues clearly, provide upfront pricing and offer long-term maintenance advice rather than short-term fixes. With ageing infrastructure meeting new home renovations and upgrades across the area, Brisbane Plumbers expects demand to stay strong.

Read: Wavell Heights Clinic Expands Counselling Team to Meet Local Mental Health Needs

For Geebung residents, the expanded service means more support when stormwater drains clog after heavy rain, when older pipes finally give way, or when a hot-water system fails without warning. Brisbane Plumbers encourages locals to contact them for routine maintenance, general repairs or urgent call-outs, reaffirming their commitment to Brisbane’s northside communities.

Published 20-Nov-2025

Pfingst Farmhouse in Wavell Heights: A Local Heritage Treasure

Photo Credit: Google Maps/Street View

Sitting quietly on Highcrest Avenue, the Pfingst Farmhouse is a well-loved link to the early days of Wavell Heights.

Read: Northgate State School Principal Brings Fun to Reading with Library Reveal

Built in 1936 by Friedrich George Pfingst, this classic Queenslander-style home has witnessed the suburb’s transformation over the years.

A Slice of Wavell Heights History 

The Pfingst story starts with Hermann Pfingst, who arrived from Germany in 1863 aboard the Beausite. A few years later, in 1866, he bought 10 acres of crown land in what was then called German Station. The area was home to German settlers who had followed missionaries to Zion’s Hill back in 1838.

Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Mr Pfingst’s land, known as Portion 580, stayed in the family. However, by July 1927 Mr Pfingst passed away and by 1932, Friedrich George Pfingst took ownership and built the farmhouse in 1936. It was positioned facing what was then Hillcrest Avenue (now Highcrest Avenue) and became the centre of the family’s smaller property.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City/Local Heritage Places

The Farmhouse’s Classic Design 

The Pfingst Farmhouse ticks all the boxes of classic Queenslander architecture: elevated stumps for airflow, timber walls, and a corrugated iron roof. These weren’t just design choices—they were practical solutions for dealing with heat, humidity, and heavy rains.

The wide verandahs and weatherboard construction give the home its timeless character while keeping the space cool and breezy during Brisbane summers. It’s a design that’s both smart and charming, a reflection of early 20th-century craftsmanship.

Why It’s Heritage-Listed 

In 2003, the Pfingst Farmhouse was officially listed as a Local Heritage Place. This recognition celebrates both its architectural value and its connection to one of Wavell Heights’ early pioneering families.

After World War II, the suburb saw major changes. In 1946, most of the original 10-acre farm was acquired by the Queensland Housing Commission for new residential development. The farmhouse and remaining land stayed with the Pfingst family until 1957.

More Than Just a House 

The Pfingst Farmhouse isn’t just an old building—it’s a piece of Wavell Heights’ story. Its design speaks to a time when homes were built with care and intention, and its history highlights the resilience of one family who helped shape the suburb.

For locals, it’s more than just a landmark—it’s a reminder of where Wavell Heights came from. And for those who love history, it’s a rare example of the city’s interwar architecture still standing strong.

Pfingst Farmhouse renovation
Photo Credit: RayWhite
Pfingst Farmhouse blueprint
Photo Credit: RayWhite

Read: Tesla Crash in Wavell Heights Sends Driver and Teen to Hospital

The farmhouse recently changed hands, with the sale managed by real estate agent David Treloar of Ray White. As Wavell Heights continues to grow and change, the Pfingst Farmhouse remains a quiet connection to the suburb’s roots—a storybook in timber and tin for those who stop to notice.

Published 14-Nov-2025