Platform screen doors, a familiar sight to those who have travelled on the Sydney Metro, will be introduced to Brisbane commuters, with plans to install them as safety improvements at the Boggo Road Station in Dutton Park and several other underground Cross River Rail stations, beginning 2026.
These screens, a novelty to Brisbane’s train network, will also be installed at the Woolloongabba, Albert Street, and Roma Street underground stations.
Photo Credit: Cross River Rail
The installation of platform screen doors has been implemented to enhance passenger safety by reducing the likelihood of falls onto the tracks and object drops. In addition, these screens help to decrease noise levels within underground stations and provide air conditioning, resulting in a more comfortable commuting experience for passengers.
Construction Progress
Progress persists at the Boggo Road station construction site as the edifice steadily emerges above ground level. Teams are currently focused on erecting internal walls ready for canopy installation.
Below ground, rail installation within the station is set to proceed in the following months, representing a pivotal milestone. Meanwhile, fit-out endeavours within the station box are underway, featuring the installation of utility rooms crucial for station operations.
Photo Credit: Cross rRver Rail
Graeme Newton, CEO of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing construction progress.
He highlighted the innovative features introduced, such as escalators, elevators, spacious walkways, and glass panelling at the platform level, all contributing to an unprecedented safe and efficient transport experience in Brisbane.
The Yeronga Memorial Park, with its solemn cenotaph, has long stood as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served from the Stephens Shire during World War I. However, the memorial’s integrity was challenged when the community discovered that the tablet included the names of civic officials instead of solely honouring the soldiers.
In 1922, the community was stirred into action upon learning that the Memorial Tablet at Yeronga Memorial Park listed not just the soldiers who had given their lives but also several local councillors, including the Chairman and members of the Stephens Shire Council.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
A heated debate ensued at local meetings over including councillors’ names, deemed insulting to service members. The public demanded their removal.
The Campaign for Justice
Central to the dispute was the campaign led by the family of Sgt William Percival Sparkes, a Gallipoli veteran and war hero, whose name was initially excluded from the tablet due to bureaucratic stipulations that he did not die overseas.
The relentless efforts of Sparkes’ mother and sister highlighted the perceived inequity in the tablet’s inscriptions, putting pressure on the local government to amend this oversight.
The controversy reached a turning point when the Governor of Queensland intervened, suggesting at a public ceremony that the councillors’ contributions paled in comparison to the sacrifices made by the soldiers.
Subsequently, the council agreed to remove the non-military names, aligning the memorial solely with those who fought and died in the war.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Who was Sgt William Percival Sparkes?
Sgt William Percival Sparkes was a distinguished soldier and a significant figure in the local community of Stephens Shire. Before the war, he lived in his,”Glen View” home on Annerley Road. His life and military service shed light on the bravery of those who fought and the complexities of post-war recognition.
Born in 1882, Sparkes was an advertising manager for the Allan & Stark department store in Brisbane before the war. Well-known in local musical, sporting, and horticultural circles, he enlisted as a gunner in the 3rd Brigade Field Artillery on 20 August 1914, just as World War I began.
Military Service
Rapid advancements and commendations marked Sparkes’ military career. After training, he was deployed to Egypt with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF). His exceptional skills in artillery earned him a promotion to bombardier, followed by further promotions due to his gallantry and leadership at Gallipoli.
He landed with the first Anzacs in April 1915 and was soon Mentioned in Despatches for his acts of bravery under fire. Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds in May 1915, he returned to the front lines after recovering.
The physical toll of the war significantly impacted Sparkes. He developed a heart murmur attributed to the stress of his service, leading to his discharge in October 1917 as permanently unfit for military duty.
Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial
Returning to Brisbane, he rejoined Allan & Stark and ventured into politics, standing for the Buranda seat in the State Legislative Assembly in 1918. Despite his efforts, he was defeated, a campaign marred by personal attacks on his military record.
Advocacy for Recognition
In the post-war years, Sparkes was involved in another battle, this time for recognition at the Yeronga Memorial Park. His initial exclusion from the Memorial Tablet due to not dying overseas sparked a campaign by his family, emphasising the inconsistency in the memorial’s criteria, given that non-military personnel were included.
Death and Legacy
William Percival Sparkes passed away on 15 December 1921, from an aortic aneurysm, which doctors attributed to his war service. His papers, including war diaries, were later acquired by the State Library of New South Wales, preserving his legacy.
Meanwhile, the Yeronga Memorial Park now stands corrected, reflecting only the names of those soldiers from the Stephens Shire who served their country with valour.
Yeerongpilly artist Rachel Si-En Choi has been awarded a $9,900 grant from the Brisbane City Council’s Creative Sparks Programme to develop a groundbreaking project titled “New Waves.”
Rachel’s project will be a hybrid event and exhibition designed to explore the intersection of art and the lived experiences of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. By incorporating film, music, and photography, the event aims to bridge the gap between artistic expression and accessibility.
Set against a melancholic beach backdrop, “WAVES” tells the story of Indiana, a young woman grappling with the recent death of her mother. Seeking solace in music, Indiana finds no comfort, instead experiencing a tormenting descent into debilitating phantom noises and intrusive sounds from her neighbour.
The Creative Sparks Grants program, a joint initiative by Brisbane City Council and Arts Queensland, awarded nearly $200,000 in total funding to 19 Brisbane-based artists and arts groups. This investment aims to bolster the city’s vibrant creative scene by supporting the development and presentation of diverse artistic projects across various suburbs.
The 2024 Creative Sparks grant recipients represent a wide range of artistic disciplines. Alongside Rachel’s exploration of accessibility, other funded projects include a new musical by Paul Hodge and a circus performance.
This diversity ensures Brisbane audiences will have a multitude of exciting artistic experiences to choose from in the coming months.
Queensland Rail is urging drivers to remain attentive on the roads after releasing CCTV footage showing a series of trucks colliding with rail bridges and protection beams across South East Queensland.
One of the incidents was spotted at Annerley Road in Dutton Park. According to the rail operator, they recorded nine trucks striking rail bridges and protection beams along some of the region’s busiest roads within a 48-hour period.
Striking a low bridge over rail lines risks harming not just the vehicle’s driver and passengers, as well as other motorists nearby, but it can also jeopardise the safety of train passengers and rail workers if the impact severely damages the critical rail infrastructure.
Photo credit: RAIL – Back On Track/Facebook
Queensland Rail has previously highlighted that collisions with rail bridges can lead to significant disruptions for drivers, causing over 200 hours of traffic delays each year, as well as result in costly fines due to the damage inflicted on the rail infrastructure.
Queensland Rail executive general manager Sarah Dixon commented that while only one of the incidents involved a vehicle hitting a rail bridge directly, the remaining eight saw vehicles strike protection beams, preventing them from damaging the bridges.
She acknowledged that thanks to the protection beams in place, impacts to rail services were minimal, as each protection beam strike would have been a bridge strike without that infrastructure.
Ms Dixon described the spate of bridge and protection beam strikes earlier this week as “worrying”. She mentioned that although no rail traffic was affected by the Countess Street protection beam strike in Brisbane’s CBD on Monday, there was a significant impact on road traffic after multiple lanes were closed for several hours.
With bridge strikes causing major delays and costly damage, Queensland Rail hopes the release of this CCTV footage will serve as a wake-up call for drivers. The rail operator emphasises the importance of staying alert behind the wheel and being aware of vehicle height restrictions, especially when approaching bridges and overpasses.
Did you know that the Fairfield Library, located at Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre, has a line-up of FREE, inclusive events for the community? Not all of them are about books either so check them out!
If you’re between 18 to 29 years old, the 20-Something Book Club offers a dynamic platform for young adult readers of fiction and non-fiction to discuss captivating reads with like-minded peers.
Get ready to bring your paper and pens as you engage with diverse people who are into an equally diverse selection of genres and authors. This event encourages readers to engage, exchange thoughts, and expand their reading list. Join the event on Thursday, May 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click here to learn more about it.
Southside Community Craft Circle
The association’s mission is to utilise their talents in making crafts to help the disadvantaged in the community and provide a welcoming space for craft enthusiasts of all skill levels.
With free admission catered for audiences like young adults, adults, and seniors, this event offers an engaging opportunity to connect with fellow crafters, from knitting and crocheting, and more.
This inclusive gathering will meet from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. on Tuesday, May 7 Interested participants can learn more here.
One-on-One Tech Help
Technology can sometimes be overwhelming, but fear not! The One-on-One Tech Help workshop, led by Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect, is here to provide assistance with troubleshooting technical issues, developing digital skills, and improving overall online confidence.
The goal of this event is to aid attendees who have difficulties with technology and improve their online confidence in navigating digital devices. This free One-on-One Tech Help workshop is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7.
Interested audiences of young adults, adults, and seniors can learn more about the event at Fairfield Library here.
Evening Book Club
For those with a passion for books but limited daytime availability, Brisbane’s Evening Book Club presents the perfect solution. Attendees will expect to read and discuss “Operation Jungle” by the author John Shobbrook.
This event aims to strengthen the joy that literature brings to local book enthusiasts. Mark your calendar for this free event for audiences of adults, young adults, and seniors from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16. Click here to learn more.
The Tinker Table features Cubelets, a fascinating hands-on activity for all ages. Participants will get the chance to experiment with modular robotic blocks that snap together to create functioning robots.
Scheduled on Saturday, May 25, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Led by BNEtechkids, this interactive session encourages exploration, problem-solving, and creativity in a playful environment.
Opened just this week, the green-hued cafe is already making waves, offering locals a brand-new spot to indulge in sublime ST ALi coffee, gourmet sourdough toasties, and a generous dose of community spirit.
The team behind the trendy Fifth Avenue Lifestyle complex, home to Hawthorne Coffee, approached Fieldy’s owner Tom Wilcock with the perfect opportunity – a vacant space in Fairfield that was ripe for a cosy new cafe concept. Seeing a chance to replicate Hawthorne’s resounding success in an area lacking quality coffee options, Mr Wilcock enthusiastically agreed.
Photo credit: Fieldy’s Coffee/Instagram
The food menu at Fieldy’s Coffee features a selection of house-baked muffins and cookies, five different crispy toasties with a rotating special, as well as acai bowls, and avocado toast. In addition to their cafe menu, Fieldy’s also offers their signature coffee beans for retail sale.
Visually, the cafe has a distinct earthy aesthetic compared to Hawthorne’s pastel palette, with forest green tiles and cushions accenting the black and timber decor. There’s also a small parking area out back, making it easy for Fairfield residents to pop in for their morning caffeine fix.
Photo Credit: Fieldy’s Coffee/Instagram
With Fieldy’s Coffee now open in Fairfield, this vibrant neighbourhood has a new caffeine oasis to call its own – a little sibling to the beloved Hawthorne, but with its own unique personality that’s sure to win over the locals.
Fieldy’s Coffee is open seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on weekends. Follow them on Instagram @fieldyscoffee for updates.
Claims abound about Johnny Cash, the iconic “Man in Black,” performing at Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park, in the early 1970s, stirring both fascination and scepticism among fans and historians alike.
More than 45 years since Johnny Cash came to Australia in 1971, a story still persists that he visited Boggo Road Gaol, the most notorious prison in Queensland during that time, to perform for a select group of inmates.
The narrative, fueled by memories of retired prison officer Bill Eaddows, suggested Mr Cash played within the gaol’s confines, bringing his music directly to those living in the shadow of the state’s heavy-handed justice system, under the watchful eye of Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s administration.
Mr Cash, no stranger to the prison environment with his performances in American facilities like Folsom and San Quentin, allegedly sought to extend his advocacy for prison reform internationally, choosing Boggo Road as a venue not once, but reportedly twice, in the early ’70s.
A Musical Family’s Australian Journey
Verifying the specifics is challenging due to the scarcity of records, such as historical correspondences, which have long been lost. The late Mr Eaddows remembered Mr Cash’s performances at Boggo Road Gaol twice in the 1970s, likely during ’71 and ’73, coinciding with his tours in Australia. Due to a rigorous ban on photography within prison walls at the time, no visual evidence of these events exists.
On the evening of 29 March 1971, Mr Cash had a show at Brisbane’s Festival Hall. This performance is believed to have occurred on the same day he visited Boggo Road Gaol, marking the finale of his Australian tour before departing for New Zealand.
Accompanying the singer to Australia were his wife, June Carter, and six members of her illustrious country music family, The Carters. Alongside them was Johnny and June’s one-year-old son, John, with the family traversing Australia in a caravan.
Advocacy Behind Bars
By the early 1970s, Mr Cash emerged as the foremost figure advocating prison reform. Drawing inspiration from the life of Jesus, whom he greatly admired, Mr Cash leveraged his fame to foster positive change. According to Mr Eaddows, this advocacy led him to perform at Boggo Road Gaol.
The inmates present at his performance likely had no prior knowledge of Mr Cash’s visit, as such an event would have required discreet and advanced planning. A former inmate suggested that Mr Cash might have corresponded with one of the prisoners, indicating a personal connection to the cause.
Photo Credit: Adam French/Google Maps
This behaviour was consistent with the singer’s approach to his tours; he often made unpublicised visits to prisons across the globe, including facilities in Sweden and Germany, totalling over 20 and, by some accounts, as many as 30 prisons. During these visits, he performed for the inmates and engaged with them personally, responding to their letters and listening to their stories.
Mr Dawson’s investigation, prompted by inquiries and the recounting of supposed witnesses, ultimately revealed these stories as potentially fabricated. This conclusion is supported by responses from former staff and inmates who collectively deny the event’s occurrence.
Despite the allure of Mr Cash’s legendary status and his known prison tours, Mr Dawson’s research suggests that the Boggo Road performances are more likely a part of local lore, a myth perpetuated without substantial evidence.
Yet the intrigue surrounding Johnny Cash’s connection to Boggo Road Gaol highlights the enduring impact of his legacy, not only as a musician but as a figure of cultural significance, whose life and work continue to inspire debate and investigation.
Whilst the truth of his presence at Boggo Road may remain elusive, the story itself speaks volumes about Mr Cash’s lasting influence and the intersection of music, justice, and history in Australia’s collective consciousness.
With the launch of Pradella’s newest residential project, Jardinia, for 2024, Brisbane’s thriving real estate market is a hive of activity. Tucked away in the energetic Yeronga suburb, Jardinia is a stunning new urban living space with lots of greenery, modern conveniences, and exquisite design.
The name Jardinia comes from the Spanish word for garden. This building is a great example of how modern design and nature can live together. This five-story building at 26–36 Shottery Street has 87 well-designed flats and is in a great spot, close to Yeronga Station and all the great things to do on Fairfield Road.
The well-known architecture company Wiltshire Stevens made Jardinia. Its unique living green facade makes it blend in perfectly with its surroundings. Private foyers welcome visitors as they enter their homes and lead to sizable, open-plan living rooms that effortlessly flow onto sizable terraces. This creates a sense of community and openness.
The flats at Jardinia have the best SMEG appliances on the market and have sleek stone countertops with sinks set into island benches. The large master suites have walk-in closets that are a good size and luxurious baths with double vanities, freestanding bathtubs, and separate showers. If you have different living needs, the extra bedrooms can fit them with built-in closets and easy access to the main bathroom.
Some homes also have rooms that can be used for more than one thing, like an office, a media room, or an extra bedroom, based on what a modern family needs.
Residents of Jardinia can choose from two current colour schemes that let them express themselves and make their homes unique.
The rooftop terrace at Jardinia, which draws inspiration from the riad gardens of exotic palaces, makes life even better. With entertainment areas, chairs, and a resort-style pool, it’s a peaceful haven in the middle of the city’s chaos.
Health and well-being are important to Jardinia, so they have features like a fully-stocked gym and a media room that can be used for different things. These let residents stay busy and calm in the comfort of their own homes.
Position Property is in charge of Jardinia’s marketing effort. At $559,900, it’s a great choice for picky buyers who want to live in style in Brisbane’s inner-ring areas.
Pradella has been an important part of Brisbane’s growth since its start in 1956, when Kim Pradella was in charge. The company is known for big projects like the $1 billion Montague Markets area in the West End. They are excited about their newest project in Toowong and are working on a development application right now.
Jardinia is the best example of Pradella’s commitment to quality. It is a lush oasis in the middle of the city where people can live, work, and enjoy a refined and peaceful way of life.
A million-dollar commitment to upgrade facilities at various sporting grounds and parks in Brisbane, including Yeronga, has been unveiled amidst the city’s increasing demand for quality sporting infrastructure.
The $1.8-million plan will include replacing outdated halogen lights with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient LED lights at seven key parks utilized by 11 sporting clubs citywide.
This strategic investment not only promises to modernise lighting infrastructure but also holds the potential to yield substantial financial savings for community clubs. With estimated annual electricity bill savings of up to $4000 per club, the initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, empowering clubs to direct resources towards enhancing grassroots sporting initiatives and community engagement.
Moreover, the transition to LED bulbs is projected to deliver significant environmental benefits, with a staggering 70 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per location. This substantial decrease translates to an equivalent of emissions from an average Brisbane household over a year, underlining the initiative’s contribution toward the city’s broader sustainability goals.
Leyshon Park, Yeronga
Among the prominent locations slated for lighting upgrades is Leyshon Park, nestled in the heart of Yeronga and serving as the cherished home ground for the esteemed Yeronga Eagles Football Club (YEFC). This green space holds a special place in the hearts of residents and sporting enthusiasts alike.
Beyond its lush fields and pristine facilities, Leyshon Park is a melting pot of camaraderie, diversity, and sporting excellence, where individuals from all walks of life converge to celebrate the joy of football.
YEFC has been synonymous with passion, dedication, and sporting prowess for decades, nurturing generations of athletes and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Guided by a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, the club’s mission is to provide football pathways for both seasoned players and eager newcomers.
The announcement of this comprehensive sports infrastructure overhaul reflects the local council’s unwavering commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Brisbane’s diverse sporting community.
Re-elected Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, spearheading this initiative, reiterated its significance in empowering clubs to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By providing essential support and modernizing facilities, the Better Sports Lighting Program is poised to catalyse positive change, ensuring that sports clubs can continue serving as vibrant community activity and well-being hubs.
Corinne Kelleher, a resilient mother from Annerley, draws strength from her daughters as she navigates her battle with breast cancer. Her touching story of courage and determination resonates with thousands as she prepares to participate in the 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run, proudly presented by Queensland X-ray.
The anticipated event, set to unfold on Sunday, 10th March 2024, will witness a remarkable gathering of 23,000 individuals on the streets of Brisbane. Their collective efforts aim to raise crucial funds for breast cancer services, equipment, and research at Mater Hospital.
While the CBD event is already at capacity, Ms Kelleher invites fellow Queenslanders to partake in virtual fun runs within their communities. This inclusive initiative promotes awareness and fosters solidarity in the fight against breast cancer.
Ms Kelleher, 40, candidly shares her journey, describing her initial diagnosis as “scary as hell.” However, her daughters, Harper, aged 7, and Sloane, aged 3, serve as inspiration, propelling her forward with unwavering resolve.
“The girls absolutely inspired me to keep positive, to keep going, and to keep at the forefront of my mind that I can and will get through this,” Ms Kelleher affirmed, reflecting on the unwavering support of her family.
Corinne Kelleher, Steve Kelleher with Harper, 7, and Sloane, 3 pictured at their home in Annerley, Brisbane 6th of February 2024. Photo Credit: Supplied/Josh Woning
Despite the challenges of treatment, the Annerley mum remains transparent with her daughters about her condition, navigating their inquiries with grace and honesty. She emphasises the importance of raising awareness, particularly among women in her age group who may not undergo routine mammograms.
Her participation in the fun run marks a personal milestone, symbolizing her commitment to the cause. Alongside her supportive husband, she endeavours to complete the run, buoyed by the cheers of her daughters awaiting the finish line.
Ms Kelleher’s journey underscores the critical role of early detection and intervention in combating breast cancer. Despite the absence of a family history, she underwent extensive treatment, including a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Guided by the expertise of Mater Private Hospital‘s dedicated healthcare professionals, Ms Kelleher remains steadfast in her fight against invasive ductal carcinoma. With six cycles of chemotherapy remaining, she embraces each day with resilience and optimism.
Reflecting on her journey, M. Kelleher acknowledges the profound impact of her support network, including family, friends, and healthcare providers. Her determination to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst treatment speaks volumes about her strength of character.
Photo Credit: Supplied/Josh Woning Corinne Kelleher pictured at their home in Annerley, Brisbane 6th of February 2024.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas aptly observes that the outpouring of support for the virtual challenge underscores a collective commitment to effecting change. Through grassroots initiatives and community engagement, individuals across Queensland unite in solidarity against breast cancer.
Funds from the event will facilitate groundbreaking research and provide vital support services for breast cancer patients across Mater hospitals statewide. Participants reaffirm their dedication to improving outcomes and fostering hope for those affected by this pervasive disease with each step taken.
For those eager to contribute to the cause, registration for the virtual event remains open at www.womensdayfunrun.com.au. Together, Queenslanders embark on a shared journey of resilience, compassion, and empowerment, epitomizing the enduring spirit of unity in the face of adversity.
