Charlotte Fung, a Calamvale school teacher and long-time community volunteer has been recognised for her outstanding efforts in supporting children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disabilities. She has dedicated years to Variety – the Children’s Charity, and has clinched a State Finalist spot in the Miss World Australia competition.
Her commitment to fundraising and advocacy has already brought in over $10,000, with more planned in the coming months.
Fung, a dedicated educator, has been actively involved in community fundraising efforts, using her platform to make a difference in young lives. She has hosted events such as raffles, high teas, charity yoga sessions, and sausage sizzles, all aimed at raising money to support children in need. Her work with Variety’s camps and programs has helped children build friendships, gain skills, and find mentors.
“As a teacher, I see firsthand how much of a difference support and resources can make in a child’s life,” she said. “I want to keep working to ensure children have the help they need.”
Her efforts were recognised during the Miss World Australia preliminary finals, where she stood out for her fundraising achievements and community service.
Photo Credit: Charlotte Fung/Instagram
Upcoming Event in Calamvale
Fung is now focused on her next big initiative—a Variety Show for Variety at Calamvale Community College on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. The event is expected to bring together local residents and supporters to raise much-needed funds for children’s programs.
With a goal of raising over $20,000, she is calling on the community to get involved. The suggested donation is between $40 and $50, collected at the event. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via calamvale.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au.
Community Support and Future Plans
Fung’s efforts extend beyond fundraising—she is also raising awareness about the challenges faced by many children and the work organisations like Variety do to support them. Her advocacy has encouraged more people to get involved, creating a ripple effect of generosity and community action.
She plans to continue hosting fundraising events and community initiatives, ensuring that more children receive the assistance they need. Residents interested in supporting her cause can find more details on her fundraising page at Miss World Australia.
Brisbane kids will soon have even more sun-safe places to play, with Killarney Street Park in Forest Lake among the final playgrounds to receive new shade sails.
The Brisbane City Council is in the final stages of its three-year program to install shade at 150 playgrounds, protecting young children from the harsh Australian sun.
The council’s “Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds” program is a major initiative to create cooler and safer play spaces for children. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that as a father of four, he understands how important it is to shield children from harmful UV rays. He added that these upgrades will allow kids to play outdoors for longer while staying protected.
Since 2022, the program has already installed shade sails at 116 playgrounds, with the remaining 34, including Killarney Street Park, scheduled for completion by the end of June 2025.
Community Benefits
Councillor Fiona Cunningham stated that playgrounds are vital hubs for fun and imagination in local communities. She noted that the council is dedicated to improving these spaces for younger residents. The shade sails are designed to cover the entire play area, providing relief from the heat during the hottest parts of the day. The council believes these upgrades will make local parks more accessible and comfortable for families.
Ongoing Investment
Shade sail assembly at Brisbane Playground Nell Jones Park Photo Credit: Kids on the Coast
The council has invested significantly in this program as part of its commitment to enhancing Brisbane’s lifestyle. The Lord Mayor said this investment is a key part of their ongoing efforts to improve public spaces in suburban areas. The council has also indicated that they will continue to add shade to more playgrounds in the future as part of their regular budget planning.
Playgrounds scheduled to receive shade over the next 6 months
Park Name
Suburb
Borage Place Park
Calamvale
Sunflower Crescent Park
Calamvale
Bowie’s Flat Park
Camp Hill
Nell Jones OAM Park
Sandgate
Victor Grenning Park
Zillmere
Barramundi Street Park
Manly West
Ferguson Park (Enoggera)
Enoggera
John French Memorial Park
Gaythorne
Desoto Place Park
Forest Lake
Killarney Street Park
Forest Lake
Tollana Place Park
Inala
Wallaroo Way Community Park
Doolandella
Jamboree Lions Community Park
Middle Park
Newcomb Park
River Hills
Allara Place Park
Eight Mile Plains
Wallaby Parade Park
Rochedale
Gum Nut Nook
Mcdowall
Laurina Crescent
Mcdowall
Antrim Street Park
Acacia Ridge
C.A.O Sullivan Park
Acacia Ridge
Norma Croker Park
Acacia Ridge
Vic Lucas Park
Bulimba
Albert Bishop Park
Nundah
Warburton Park
Virginia
Rasey Park
Herston
Sceptre Row Park
Bardon
Mirbelia Street Park
Kenmore Hills
Nankoor Street Park (No.9)
Chapel Hill
Platypus Park
Mount Crosby
Sherwood Arboretum
Sherwood
Free Street Park
Newmarket
Corramulling Park
The Gap
Bellevue Terrace Park
St Lucia
Fig Tree Common Park
Fig Tree Pocket
Source: Supplied
Along with Killarney Street Park, other playgrounds included in this final phase of the project are Perkins Street Playground at Nell Jones OAM Park in Sandgate, Gum Nut Nook Playground and Laurina Crescent Playground in McDowall, Warburton Park Playground in Virginia, Biran Street Playground at Bowie’s Flat Park in Camp Hill, and Barramundi Street Playground in Manly West. The council confirmed that works are now commencing at all these locations.
Pallara is grappling with frequent power outages and lagging infrastructure, leaving residents frustrated and demanding action from local and state governments.
Recent power outages have again highlighted the ongoing reliability issues facing Pallara residents. A recent outage, reportedly caused by a fallen tree on a power line, is just the latest in a string of disruptions. Community members report that these repeated outages are unacceptable and significantly impact their daily lives and businesses.
Local representatives have acknowledged the community’s concerns, with one representative stating they sympathise with the frustration and disruption caused by the outages. They confirmed that they have written to Energex and the State Energy Minister, seeking urgent action to address this persistent problem.
Residents are being encouraged to contact the Minister and Energex directly, outlining the impact of these outages on their households and businesses, further to amplify the call for a reliable power supply. It has been noted that the local Member of Parliament has also contacted Energex to request an explanation for the repeated power failures.
Infrastructure Struggles to Keep Pace with Growth
Beyond the power issues, Pallara’s rapid population growth has significantly strained existing infrastructure. Residents and local representatives have voiced concerns about inadequate road networks, limited public transport options, and the need for improved school safety measures.
One local representative has been actively engaging with Council, meeting with Committee Chairs and raising Pallara’s infrastructure needs in Council meetings. They have also written to the relevant Council representatives to advocate for investment in road upgrades, improved public transport, and safer school zones.
Residents feel that Pallara has been overlooked regarding essential services, which is unacceptable given the suburb’s rapid expansion.
Community Advocacy Efforts
Photo Credit: Pexels
Local representatives are urging residents to join the call for improved services. They encourage community members to directly contact relevant State and Council representatives to express their concerns and demand action. While some representatives have acknowledged limitations in their direct control over energy infrastructure, they have pledged to continue advocating for the community’s needs.
One representative has also addressed concerns about their communication on social media, explaining that their account is often subject to delays on some platforms and that their focus on community meetings and events limits their time online. They have encouraged residents to contact their office directly via email for a more timely response.
Pallara residents are now looking to both Energex and the State Government to provide concrete solutions to the ongoing power issues. They are also calling on Council to prioritise infrastructure development to ensure it can adequately support the growing community. The community must ensure Pallara receives the essential services and infrastructure to thrive.
The first day of school brought triple the excitement for the Patels of Pallara, as three-year-old triplets Mizaan, Matilda, and Miraya eagerly began attending Pallara State School.
They especially looked forward to using laptops, learning to read, and making new friends.
The Patel triplets are just three of an estimated 12,000 Mater babies expected to begin their school journey across Queensland this week. Their story is unique: They were born prematurely at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane on 27 September 2019 and spent their first month under the dedicated care of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The triplets’ birth was rare. Like the Patels, naturally occurring triplets have a one-in-10,000 chance of happening. Adding to the uniqueness, Matilda and Miraya are monochorionic diamniotic twins, meaning they are identical and share a placenta during pregnancy, each having an amniotic sac. This type of twinning within a triplet pregnancy is even rarer, occurring in approximately one in 20,000 cases.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Born at 34 weeks and three days gestation, the trio arrived within minutes of each other. Mizaan led the way, followed by Matilda, and finally Miraya. Due to Matilda’s slightly smaller size, doctors decided to deliver the triplets early to ensure her healthy development.
As their children prepare to enter the classroom, parents Priyanka and Vrujal Patel are experiencing a mix of emotions. While they admit the house feels much quieter, they are pleased the triplets will be in the same class. Mrs Patel believes the girls will watch out for their brother, as they share a close bond, evident in their enjoyment of activities like swimming and gymnastics.
Mrs Patel describes her children as having distinct personalities that will keep their teacher on their toes. Mizaan, the social butterfly of the group, loves the outdoors and exploring new places. Matilda, known for her kindness and gentle nature, enjoys creative pursuits and spending time with loved ones. Miraya, the youngest, has a mischievous streak and a knack for getting her way.
The Patel triplets will mark Pallara State School with their unique personalities and shared history.
Forest Lake has emerged as an area of concern in Brisbane City Council’s latest report on food safety despite having a relatively small number of food venues.
The suburb received a disproportionate number of infringement notices in 2023-24, raising questions about food-handling practices in the area. Brisbane City Council reveals it was responsible for 100 percent of Queensland’s food safety prosecutions last year.
Council data shows that across Brisbane, 47 food businesses faced court action for serious breaches of food safety standards. These violations ranged from the presence of cockroaches and rodents to inadequate handwashing facilities. In two instances, cockroaches were discovered in the food, while rat droppings were sighted at 14 venues.
One establishment was found to have a rat’s nest on the premises, and another had a live rodent caught in a trap.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Cr Sarah Hutton, Chair of City Standards, acknowledged that while most of Brisbane’s food businesses maintain high standards, safe food handling is crucial for public health. She emphasised the importance of the hospitality sector in contributing to the vibrancy of the city’s suburbs.
Brisbane City, Fortitude Valley, Sunnybank Hills, and Upper Mount Gravatt recorded the highest prosecutions, fines, and complaints. However, Forest Lake stands out, given its low number of registered food venues compared to the high number of infringements.
Dr David Harley, a senior specialist in Public Health Medicine at Queensland Health, reminded the public that unsafe food handling and inadequate cooking can lead to bacterial infections such as salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. He stressed the importance of properly cooking chicken to prevent campylobacter infection.
Dr Harley also noted that viruses, particularly norovirus, are a common cause of gastroenteritis, especially among young children.
Brisbane City Council offers local businesses free food safety training and resources to promote compliance with regulations and best practices. This information is available on the council’s website.
The Oxley Creek Transformation project brought new life to Larapinta, with Warril Parkland evolving into a thriving recreational space featuring nature-based attractions and ecological restoration efforts.
The Oxley Creek Transformation Master Plan is a long-term initiative aimed at revitalising the 20-kilometre corridor stretching from the Brisbane River to Larapinta. With a $100 million investment over 20 years, the project seeks to turn the degraded landscape into a world-class green, lifestyle, and leisure destination.
2016: The project was pledged by then city official Graham Quirk with a $100 million commitment.
2017: Oxley Creek Transformation Pty Ltd was established to oversee the project.
2018: The Oxley Creek Transformation Master Plan was finalised and implementation commenced.
2020 (July): Warril Parkland was officially opened and welcomed as a key addition to the Calamvale Ward.
Key milestones include the completion of various parklands, such as Warril Parkland in Larapinta, which offers a range of recreational facilities and environmental restoration efforts.
Photo Caption: Wayfinding map of Warril Parkland Photo Credit: BCC
Current Developments in Larapinta
Before its transformation, Warril Parkland was part of an existing bushland reserve consisting mainly of natural areas and picturesque lakes. It was identified as an area with the potential to be expanded into a regional parkland to enhance recreational opportunities and environmental sustainability. The site was primarily underutilised, with minimal infrastructure to support public access and recreation.
Developed to educate children of all ages on sustainability, the Green Heart Ranger Program provides opportunities to protect and enhance Oxley Creek and its surrounding green spaces. Participants can build their knowledge about the area’s people, plants, and animals through interactive activities and challenges. The program includes:
Educational workshops and hands-on activities focused on conservation.
The Warril Parkland Discovery Trail, featuring quizzes and challenges to test environmental knowledge.
Seasonal events that encourage kids to actively participate in park care initiatives.
Community initiatives such as tree planting and clean-up events have demonstrated strong public involvement. Groups such as the Browns Plains Scout Group and the Oxley Creek Catchment Association have actively contributed to maintaining and enhancing the park.
Visitors have expressed positive sentiments about the park’s facilities. Claudia Purcell praised the playground, highlighting its climbing structures, flying fox, and water play features, and recommended the park as a must-visit destination for families. Honeycomb House Respite also recently enjoyed a barbecue at the park, further showcasing its appeal as a social and recreational hub.
Sabrina Syddall and Andrea Bloor described Warril Parkland as the “Best Park Ever,” noting the extensive range of activities and scenic beauty that kept them exploring all day.
Strategic Corridor Restoration and Environmental Impact
The Strategic Corridor Restoration Plan plays a crucial role in the development of Larapinta by addressing past land degradation issues such as erosion, contaminated land, and habitat loss. Restoration efforts include:
Creek and bushland rehabilitation.
Water quality improvement initiatives.
Habitat connectivity and wildlife protection.
These efforts align with the project’s broader goals of sustainability and ecological resilience, ensuring Larapinta continues to thrive as an environmental asset.
Photo Credit: Oxley Creek Transformation Master Plan
Conclusion: More to Come for Larapinta
With further developments planned, Larapinta is set to become a key destination within the Oxley Creek corridor.
As restoration efforts continue and additional facilities are introduced, the park will offer even greater opportunities for recreation, education, and ecological appreciation.
The project aims to create a space where residents can enjoy various activities, from playing sports to relaxing with friends and family. Council recently completed the first stage of community engagement, where locals shared their ideas for the future of the parks.
Residents highlighted the importance of the natural environment and green spaces, suggesting improvements to recreational facilities, safety, and park connectivity. This feedback will be used to develop a final concept plan for the precinct.
Council is committed to enhancing the Ellen Grove District Park and Waterford Road Park while protecting the natural environment. The final plan will guide future improvements, ensuring the parks meet the community’s needs and preserve the area’s biodiversity. This includes providing open green spaces, facilities for sports and recreation, and maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
Council is currently reviewing community feedback and conducting technical investigations. A draft concept plan is expected to be released in November 2024, with the final plan in mid-2025. Construction on the park upgrades is anticipated to commence in 2026.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed, a cherished community hub for local men, is urgently seeking a new home as their current lease, which expires on 31 January 2026, will not be renewed.
The group, currently based at a site leased from Arethusa College at 25 High St, has received confirmation from the college’s Head Office that the lease will not be extended beyond the set date.
For the past 18 months, they have been in discussions with BCCl about relocating to the Ellen Grove Park precinct.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed provides a welcoming and secure environment for men to engage in meaningful activities or simply socialise. Many members find solace here, addressing issues such as loneliness, depression, and isolation, particularly after personal hardships or retirement.
The organisation’s dedication to promoting “mate-ship” has fostered a strong sense of belonging among its diverse members. Through a variety of activities, from community projects to personal hobbies, the Shed enhances health, productivity, and mental well-being.
Proposed Site in Ellen Grove
The group has identified land within the Ellen Grove Park precinct, behind the carpark between Waterford Road and Coriander Street, as a suitable new site.
While the city officials have designated this land for sport and recreation, the Men’s Shed argues that its activities align with recreational purposes. Additionally, the proposal includes plans to introduce a Women’s Shed, extending the benefits to a broader community base.
Local residents have voiced their support for the Men’s Shed, highlighting its vital role in the Forest Lake community. Social media discussions have reflected frustration over the sale of the current site, with many believing it was always intended to serve as a community centre.
A petition advocating for a new site has already gathered over 570 signatures, demonstrating strong community backing for the relocation effort.
The Forest Lake Men’s Shed is urging supporters to sign their ePetition, which will remain open until 30 April 2025, to encourage city officials to secure a new site. With time running out before the current lease expires, securing an alternative location is crucial to ensure the continuity of this valuable community resource.
Police were called to an Inala residence around 12:20 p.m. after receiving reports that two women and a man were allegedly trying to steal a dog from the property. The situation took a serious turn when it was discovered the male suspect was armed with a knife.
Earlier that day, the RSPCA had received separate reports alleging animal cruelty at the same address. This prompted their involvement when police apprehended a 25-year-old Acacia Ridge man at the scene.
Photo Credit: Pexels
He was subsequently charged with possessing a knife in a public place and is due to face Richlands Magistrates Court on January 31st.
In a further development, the RSPCA removed one dog and six puppies from the property due to concerns about their health and living conditions.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into both the attempted robbery and the animal welfare allegations are ongoing. The Queensland Police Service is focusing on the circumstances surrounding the attempted theft, while the RSPCA continues its independent inquiries into the animal cruelty claims.
A promise to improve safety in Forest Lake and other previously identified areas of Brisbane has come under scrutiny as the local community calls out delays in CCTV rollouts.
The CCTV rollout, proposed in the lead-up to the March 2024 local leadership selection, included plans for cameras in 26 wards, targeting areas with high crime rates. The Forest Lake bus stop, in particular, has seen an uptick in serious incidents.
Despite the commitment, residents have been told the rollout may not occur for years, with officials stating that the cameras will be installed “this term” without specific timelines.
Forest Lake’s Ongoing Safety Issues
Recent violent incidents, including attacks near the bus stop underscore the need for improved surveillance at Forest Lake. Local safety advocates argue that installing mobile cameras would deter such crimes and enhance the sense of security for residents. Forest Lake is one of several locations highlighted by community members as increasingly unsafe, particularly for women.
Katie Dall, a community organiser and self-defence advocate, has voiced concerns about the lack of progress. She believes the cameras could serve as a deterrent and provide critical evidence for law enforcement. Ms Dall points out that even daylight hours no longer guarantee safety in some Brisbane suburbs, further stressing the urgency of action.
Forest Lake bus stop Photo Credit: Google Maps
Community and Expert Responses
The delay in the CCTV rollout has drawn criticism from community members, who argue that the initiative is vital for improving safety in vulnerable areas like Forest Lake. Some claim that the project was expected to begin in early 2025 but has yet to show progress. This has led to concerns about public trust and whether the timeline will meet the immediate needs of residents.
Council representatives, however, have clarified that the timeline was not finalised but reaffirmed the commitment to completing the installations within the current term. They also highlighted other recent investments in public safety, including permanent cameras at locations such as Musgrave Park and Tinchi Tamba Wetlands.
Broader Safety Investments
Brisbanel manages a network of over 3,700 cameras as part of its CitySafe program. Recent additions to the network include permanent cameras in high-traffic areas to monitor and deter anti-social behaviour. Council has allocated $1.8 million this financial year to enhance its surveillance infrastructure.
While these measures have improved safety in some areas, critics argue that mobile cameras offer the flexibility to address emerging hotspots. Community members and experts alike continue to call for clarity and urgency regarding the CCTV rollout, particularly in high-risk locations such as Forest Lake.
