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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional
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.
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.
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.”
Photo credit: Rod Bower/Facebook
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
Photo credit: JackieLou DL/Pixabay
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
The accused is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today. Authorities have confirmed investigations are continuing, with particular focus on the Northgate connection.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Caro Sierra/Google Maps
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jacob Elordi, a young actor from the Brisbane suburb of Wavell Heights, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s hottest rising stars. Elordi, born on 26 June 1997, first gained international recognition for his role as Noah Flynn in the popular Netflix movie The Kissing Booth.
Despite his fame, Elordi stays true to his roots. He’s known for being down-to-earth and has managed to keep his personal life mostly out of the spotlight. With his talent and dedication, Jacob Elordi is just getting started in Hollywood.
Elordi’s journey to Hollywood began at St. Joseph’s Nudgee College, a Catholic boys’ school in Brisbane. He loved acting in school plays, and it wasn’t long before he set his sights on the big screen. After graduating, Elordi moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting dreams. He landed several small roles before scoring his big break in The Kissing Booth in 2018. The movie was a huge success, and Elordi became a teen idol almost overnight.
Since then, Elordi has shown that he’s more than a pretty face. He’s taken on challenging roles in projects like the HBO drama series Euphoria, where he plays a complex and troubled character named Nate Jacobs. He’s also starred in movies like Deep Water with Ben Affleck and 2 Hearts, which are based on a true story. In 2023, Elordi appeared in Saltburn, a dark comedy directed by Emerald Fennell. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to much acclaim.
Elordi has a busy schedule ahead of him. He’s set to star as Heathcliff in a new movie version of the classic novel Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell. He’ll be acting alongside Margot Robbie, another Aussie who has made it big in Hollywood.
Despite his fame, Elordi stays true to his roots. He’s known for being down-to-earth and has managed to keep his personal life mostly out of the spotlight. With his talent and dedication, Jacob Elordi is just getting started in Hollywood.
The newly refurbished library at Northgate State School has become the talk of the town, thanks to a creative video by Principal Zac Branford that perfectly blends humor, Gen Z slang, and school pride.
The video, which has racked up widespread attention on social media, features Mr Branford showcasing the school’s revamped library while dropping popular terms like rizz, ghost, squad, and GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
At one point, he even joins in on the viral “mewing” trend, humorously emphasizing his jawline—a move that seems to have charmed students and parents alike.
The project, which took over a year to complete, involved gathering input from students, conducting research on contemporary library designs, and carefully planning and executing the vision, according to Mr Branford.
“We began by asking our students what they wanted, then we researched to get a feel for what was out there, and then we planned and delivered this great space,” he shared.
The result? A modern library featuring cozy soft furnishings, shelves stocked with captivating reads, and a welcoming vibe. The upgrade got its first round of rave reviews last October, when students from the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy gave the new setup a trial run, diving into books while enjoying the library’s updated comforts.
Photo credit: Zan Branford/LinkedIn
Mr Branford, an avid book enthusiast himself, is passionate about the impact of reading. “Books and reading are absolutely pivotal, and the power of stories and learning through narrative is invaluable,” he said.
While his aim was to celebrate the library’s opening, Mr Branford didn’t expect his video to resonate so widely. “When I created a video for our school community to celebrate our new library, I certainly didn’t expect this. Nonetheless, I’m glad to see our school’s awesomeness being celebrated,” he shared in a social media post.
The video’s success has put a spotlight on the positive changes happening at Northgate State School. It’s also a reminder of how humor, creativity, and a touch of “rizz” can bring attention to important educational milestones.
As the school community gathers to enjoy the library’s new chapter, Mr Branford’s video has shown that being relatable and fun is an excellent way to engage and inspire.
On Saturday, 30 November 2024, a Tesla vehicle crash on Shaw Road in Wavell Heights resulted in a significant fire and injuries to the driver and a teen.
Queensland emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 11:00 AM. A man in his 50s and a teenage female passenger were both taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with stable conditions, suffering from rib and back pain.
The Queensland Fire Department reported the vehicle burst into flames after the collision. They warned of extensive smoke production, advising local residents to close windows and doors and keep respiratory medications accessible.
Police implemented traffic diversions around the crash site, recommending motorists avoid the area. The fire department indicated the blaze was expected to continue burning for some time.
The specific circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation. No additional details about the cause of the collision have been released at this time.
