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Capalaba Residents Urged to Close the Disaster Planning Gap at Free Local Event

Brisbane residents in areas like Capalaba are being challenged to confront a startling gap in local disaster readiness as new data reveals that more than sixty per cent of Australians currently lack any formal plan to handle the increasing threat of extreme weather.

Bridging the Readiness Gap

Recent figures from NRMA Insurance suggest a widespread lack of awareness regarding local environmental dangers. Nearly one in four people across the country admit they do not understand the specific weather risks tied to their own suburbs. Furthermore, a third of the population remains unsure of what actual steps are necessary to protect their homes when a storm or bushfire approaches.

This lack of preparation is particularly concerning following a spring season that saw over thirteen thousand insurance claims for weather-related damage across the nation, marking a significant peak in recent years.

Hands-On Support for Locals

To address these concerns, a series of EmergencyRedi™ workshops are being rolled out across the Brisbane region through a partnership between the Australian Red Cross and NRMA Insurance. These free sessions are designed to move beyond general advice and provide neighbours with the specific tools they need to stay safe.

A key part of the programme involves helping attendees build a personalised RediPlan. This document acts as a central hub for a household’s most important details, including medical needs, emergency meeting spots, and specific arrangements for pets or livestock.

Dates and Locations for Brisbane Residents

The initiative, which falls under the broader Help Nation project, aims to build stronger ties within the community so that residents feel more capable of helping themselves and others during a crisis. The first of these local sessions will take place in Capalaba at the Redland Community Centre, located at 29 Lorraine Street.

This workshop is scheduled for Friday, 6 March 2026, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. A second session will be held for the Moreton Bay area on Thursday, 12 March 2026. This afternoon meeting will run from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the North Lakes Community Centre in Meeting Room 1 on Level 2.

Prioritising Practical Knowledge

Organisers emphasise that feeling unprepared is a common issue, with roughly forty per cent of people feeling they lack the knowledge to respond effectively to a natural disaster. By attending these local events, residents can identify their specific risks and gather the items they might otherwise forget in a high-stress situation, such as copies of essential documents or stress management techniques. Jennifer Cobley of NRMA Insurance noted that taking these small, practical steps before an event happens is the most effective way for people to protect their families and the things they value most.

Published Date 10-March-2026

Photo Credit: Supplied

Sylvia P Named Official Gymnastics Teamwear Supplier For Glasgow 2026

Commonwealth Games Australia has confirmed Sylvia P Teamwear as the official supplier of gymnastics teamwear for the Australian team ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The agreement will see the Australian brand deliver competition and training apparel for athletes competing in artistic gymnastics as preparations continue for the international sporting event.

Partnership Supporting Australian Gymnastics

The partnership covers uniforms for both men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, providing specialised apparel designed for the technical demands of elite routines.

Commonwealth Games Australia indicated the collaboration reflects a shared focus on quality, innovation and supporting Australian-designed and manufactured sportswear. The uniforms will be produced to meet the performance requirements of high-level gymnastics competition while maintaining comfort and functionality.

The appointment places Sylvia P within the Australian team program as gymnasts prepare for the upcoming Commonwealth Games cycle.

Experience In Gymnastics Apparel

Sylvia P is an Australian-designed and manufactured brand with more than three decades of experience in gymnastics apparel.

The company has operated in the gymnastics market for over 30 years and has supplied uniforms to grassroots clubs as well as state-level gymnastics program initiatives across Australia.

Its experience in developing sport-specific apparel has positioned the brand to support athletes competing on the Commonwealth Games stage.

Sylvia P gymnastics teamwear — *Photo Credit: Sylvia P Teamwear*

Preparing For Glasgow 2026

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Gymnastics remains part of the Games program, with artistic disciplines included among the sports set to be contested during the event.

Preparations are now moving towards the final design phase for competition uniforms alongside the athlete selection process, where Australian gymnasts will aim to secure positions on the national team.

The partnership marks a step in the preparation process as the Australian gymnastics squad continues its lead-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Published 8-Mar-2026

Photo Credit: Sylvia P Teamwear

Women Leading the Way in SEQ Catholic School Communities

Communities across South East Queensland are seeing more women step into the top jobs at their local Catholic schools, with a growing number of female educators appointed as principals and heads of college in recent years. As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has highlighted the appointment of 29 women to principalship or head of college or campus roles over the past two years, reflecting a shift toward stronger female representation in school leadership.

From Graceville and Bardon to Mango Hill, Birkdale and Scarborough, these appointments are shaping the future of education in neighbourhoods across the region. For families, students and staff, it means welcoming experienced educators who will guide school communities through the next chapter of learning and growth.

BCE’s People and Culture Executive Cathy Heffernan said the appointments reflect a broader effort to support and prepare more women for leadership roles in schools.

“Since the program commenced, 38 per cent of participants have progressed into Head of College, Principal or BCE office leadership roles,” Ms Heffernan said.

“Beyond appointments, the program builds confidence, capability and connection, qualities that are essential for leadership in today’s educational landscape.”

*Jessica Lusk, Head of College Unity College (Secondary), Caloundra West*
*Photo Credit: Supplied*

Across BCE schools, female principalship has increased from 33 per cent in 2021 to 50 per cent in 2026. In BCE offices, women now make up 64 per cent of leadership roles, up from 48 per cent in 2021.

Many of the recently appointed leaders have participated in BCE’s Women in Leadership program, which was reimagined in 2024 to strengthen leadership pathways and build a pipeline of future-ready female leaders.

For educators like Notre Dame College, Bells Creek Head of College Jasmine Brown, the program has had a lasting impact.

“For me the program highlighted the importance of women actively supporting and advocating for one another,” she said.

“I also found the course an opportunity to connect with other like-minded women who shared the same aspirations for senior leadership.

“The impact of the program has endured well beyond its conclusion, particularly for me through the lasting professional relationships I have built.”

Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek
Photo Credit: Supplied

Since March 2024, a number of schools across South East Queensland have welcomed new female leaders, including appointments at St Mary’s College in Ipswich, St Patrick’s Primary School in Nanango, Unity College in Caloundra West, and St Francis College in Crestmead.

Other appointments span communities including Graceville, Bardon, Mango Hill, Ferny Grove, Birkdale, Zillmere, New Farm, Scarborough and Enoggera, where local school communities are now led by experienced educators committed to supporting students, families and staff.

For BCE, the growing number of women stepping into leadership roles reflects a commitment to creating inclusive leadership pathways and recognising the vital contribution women make to education and their communities.

As schools across the region celebrate International Women’s Day, these appointments highlight the strong role women continue to play in shaping the future of Catholic education across South East Queensland.

Name	Position	School	Suburb
Alison Gilbert	Principal	St Mary’s College	Ipswich
Sarah McCarthy	Principal	St Patrick’s Primary School	Nanango
Jessica Lusk	Head of College (Secondary)	Unity College	Caloundra West
Nicole de Vries	Head of College (Primary)	Unity College	Caloundra West
Andrea Hickey	Head of Campus	St Francis College	Crestmead
Bernadette Wright	Principal	Christ the King School	Graceville
Carol Seagar	Principal	St Joseph’s School	Bardon
Clare Hogan	Principal	Our Lady of Good Counsel School	Gatton
Renay Condon	Principal	St Benedict’s Primary School	Mango Hill
Louise Parry	Principal	St Thomas More Primary School	Sunshine Beach
Amanda Steer	Principal	St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School	Ferny Grove
Nadia Galetto	Head of College	St Bonaventure’s College	Flagstone
Jo-Anne Boyle	Principal	Holy Spirit School	Bray Park
Gabrielle Jansen	Principal	St Mary MacKillop Primary School	Birkdale
Cheryl Bell	Principal	St Flannan’s Primary School	Zillmere
Bianca Murphy	Principal	Holy Spirit School	New Farm
Liesl Profke	Principal	St Clare’s Primary School	Yarrabilba
Tracey-lee Cheesman	Principal	Our Lady of Fatima Primary School	Acacia Ridge
Veronica Wasiak	Principal	St Michael’s College	Merrimac
Gemma Lovell	Principal	Mother Teresa Primary School	Ormeau
Velma Erskine	Principal	St Joseph’s Primary School	North Ipswich
Megan Pidskalny	Head of Campus	FisherONE Online Education	—
Jasmine Brown	Head of College	Notre Dame College	Bells Creek
Melissa Fallarino	Head of Campus	Southern Cross Catholic College	Scarborough
Felicity Pryer	Principal	St Pius X School	Salisbury
Lisa Atholwood	Head of Campus	Emmaus College	Jimboomba
Sharon Collins	Principal	Siena Catholic College	Sippy Downs
Kate MacArthur	Principal	Our Lady of Assumption School	Enoggera
Helen Boyes	Principal	St Paul’s School	Woodridge

Published 6-March-2026

Artistic Spirit Thrives in Capalaba as Local Resident Hits Century Mark

A Capalaba woman who once used timber scraps from the construction of the Sydney Opera House to fuel her passion for fine art has officially joined the exclusive ranks of Australia’s centenarians.

A Life Defined by Creative Resilience

*Free for All by Mary Kirby*
*Photo Credit:* *Yurara Art Gallery and Studio/ Facebook*

Mary Kirkby reached the age of 100 on 24 February. Looking back on her long journey, she noted that the decades seemed to pass in an instant. Born in Sydney, her early years were spent exploring the rugged bush tracks of the Blue Mountains. This connection to the Australian landscape eventually became the primary focus of her professional life as an artist.

Although she originally hoped to join the army during World War II, she followed her mother’s wishes and pursued formal education instead. She spent three years studying at East Sydney Technical College, which prepared her for a diverse career in the arts.

Turning History into Art

While she worked in traditional roles such as ticket writing for shops and positions at the Government Printing Office, her most unique work involved a piece of Australian history. Her father worked on the construction of the Sydney Opera House and brought home leftover wood segments.

She turned these discarded pieces into intricate marquetry, which involves fitting different types of wood together to create pictures. Her talent for capturing landscapes and seascapes in oils and watercolours led to several solo exhibitions and placed her work in private homes as far away as the United States.

Health and Family Roots

The long-time member of the Redlands Yurara Art Society maintains a high level of physical fitness and independence. She spent 40 years as an active ballroom dancer and continues to walk regularly around her neighbourhood. Her daughter, Cynthia McClusky, observed that her mother remains incredibly self-reliant and simply focuses on living her life to the fullest. As the head of a massive family tree, she now has seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A Milestone Celebration

To mark her 100th year, she planned a series of community and family events. These included a barbecue and a large gathering at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Ormiston. Proving that she still has an adventurous heart, she also arranged to take a ride on the large observation wheel at South Bank to view the city from above. She continues to stay busy in her daily life by crocheting, painting, and preparing her own meals at home.

Published Date 04-March-2026

Photo Credit: Yurara Art Gallery and Studio/ Facebook

Redland City Plan Overhaul: What the Planning Changes Mean for Your Street

Residents across Capalaba and the broader Redland region have until 29 March to submit feedback on a series of proposed planning changes covering housing density, craft brewing and road access, with consultation now formally open. The amendments to the Redland City Plan, formally gazetted in recent weeks, touch on housing density, tourism land use, craft brewing and road access.

Read: Have Your Say: Redlands Launches Community Consultation for City Plan

Changes in Residential Lot Sizes

Photo credit: yoursay.redland.qld.gov.au

Among the most significant proposed changes is the reduction in minimum residential lot sizes in certain areas. In certain low-density areas, lots could shrink to 300 sqm, down from the 400 sqm benchmark that has long been the suburban standard across much of Redland. For dual-occupancy development, density must not exceed one dwelling per 350 sqm, or one per 300 sqm on corner lots.

Not every suburb is in line for smaller blocks. In canal estates, Raby Bay, Sovereign Waters, Wellington Point and Aquatic Paradise, minimum lots would generally stay at 600 sqm with at least 15 metres of frontage. Duplex-style housing in those areas would require at least 1,000 sqm and 30 metres of frontage. Over at Point Lookout on North Stradbroke Island, dual-occupancy homes would need a minimum 800 sqm site with a 20-metre frontage.

In emerging communities including parts of Thornlands and the Kinross Road precinct, minimum density targets are set to increase to at least 25 dwellings per hectare, signalling higher-density neighbourhoods in those growth corridors.

One of the more unexpected inclusions in the amendments is support for boutique-style craft breweries in selected industry zones. The inclusion signals a broadening of permitted uses in Redland’s industrial zones.

Driveways and road access

Separate notices that took effect on 27 February declared four major roads as “limited-access” corridors — Beenleigh–Redland Bay Road, Birkdale Road, Capalaba–Victoria Point Road and Colburn Avenue. The declaration, made by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, means new or altered driveway access onto those state-controlled roads will be tightened or banned outright. Anyone with plans to build or renovate on a property fronting one of those roads may wish to check the implications before proceeding.

Read: Redlands Arts Guide: Dinkum Assorted Finale and New Gallery Openings

Rural landholders also get a mention in the amendments, with eligible properties potentially able to host up to five small, self-contained camping sites, a broadening of permitted tourism-style land uses.

The amendment notices were signed by Redland City chief executive officer Louise Rusan. Public consultation opened on Monday, 2 March, and submissions close on 29 March 2025.

Redland City will be accepting public submissions on the proposed City Plan amendments until 29 March. Read the documents and lodge your submission directly through Redland’s Your Say portal.

Featured image credit: Redland City

Published 3-March-2026

Sheldon College Earns National 5-Star Innovative Schools Recognition for AI-Led Teaching Overhaul

Sheldon College has earned a place on The Educator’s national 5-Star Innovative Schools list of 2025, recognised for a whole-college approach to artificial intelligence in teaching and learning that spans early primary through to Year 12.

The accolade, awarded by The Educator, Australia’s leading education news publication, places Sheldon College among a select group of Australian schools at the recognised frontier of educational practice. For families in Brisbane’s bayside, it adds another national credential to a college that has quietly built one of the most decorated profiles of any independent school in Queensland.

An AI Framework Built From the Ground Up

The recognition centres on Sheldon College’s AI Implementation Framework, a structured, college-wide strategy that treats artificial intelligence not as a bolt-on tool but as a subject of critical inquiry woven into everyday teaching. At the core of this framework sits the AI Champions Team, a group of staff drawn from across the college, tasked with evaluating emerging technologies, supporting teachers in designing innovative approaches and establishing consistent guidelines for the ethical and effective use of AI in classrooms.

That team approach matters because it distributes expertise rather than concentrating it. A program of professional learning has run alongside the framework, designed to demystify AI for staff and enable them to apply it confidently in lesson design, assessment and student engagement. The result, according to the college’s head of digital pedagogy and innovation Adam Moss, is an approach grounded in evidence-based practice rather than novelty.

The numbers support that claim. In both 2024 and 2025, Sheldon College surveyed students in Years 7 to 12 asking whether they felt engaged in their lessons. The proportion responding “always” rose from 39 per cent in 2024 to 44 per cent in 2025, a measurable shift the college attributes to its innovation-driven teaching and learning programs. A separate snapshot survey of 50 teachers in early 2025 found that 70 per cent had moved beyond initial exploration of AI tools into meaningful integration in their classrooms.

From Prep to Year 12: Technology Embedded at Every Level

The framework reaches into the earliest years of learning as well as the senior college. In the junior college, Apple Classroom has been introduced from Prep to Year 3, giving teachers the ability to guide learning in real time, view student screens, share resources and lock devices when needed, creating a more structured and distraction-free learning environment.

Further up the school, Year 5 to 12 students work with generative AI tools designed to function as on-demand tutors, while a pilot using NotebookLM as an independent learning tool for Year 8 students is planned for 2026, enabling students to set learning goals, identify areas for improvement and direct their own inquiry into areas of personal interest.

The college also plans to launch an entrepreneurship and incubation hub, connecting students with local business mentors and start-up leaders to tackle real-world challenges. For a school already running an Aviation and Space Academy in partnership with Australian Wings Academy and a performing arts programme with more than 1,000 students enrolled, the hub would extend an already distinctive co-curricular offering.

A College With a Track Record of National Recognition

The 5-Star Innovative Schools listing is the latest in a consistent run of national recognition for Sheldon College. The college holds excellence awardee status for Primary School of the Year in the non-government category at the 2025 Australian Education Awards, a parallel excellence awardee recognition for Best School Strategic Plan, and a 5-Star Employers of Choice designation from The Educator for 2025. It also received the Performing Arts School of the Year Award from the Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association in 2025.

Founded in 1997 by Lyn Bishop, previously a principal at Alexandra Hills State High School, Sheldon College opened with around 100 students and has since grown to become one of the largest schools in Redland City. Today it runs from 15 months of age through to Year 12, encompassing early learning, a junior college, a middle and senior college, the Australian School of the Arts, and the Aviation and Space Academy.

Sheldon College is also one of only three school-based Tennis Australia National Talent Hubs in the country and the only one in Greater Brisbane. The breadth of that recognition across academics, arts, sport and now innovation technology reflects a college that has built deliberately across multiple pillars rather than betting on a single point of difference.

Open Day and Enrolment Information

Families interested in seeing the college’s programmes firsthand can attend the Open Day on Saturday 7 March 2026. Sheldon College accepts enrolments from 15 months through to Year 12 and offers private bus routes in addition to Transdev Queensland services. Bookings for tours, enrolment applications and full programme details are available at sheldoncollege.com or by calling (07) 3206 5555.

Published 2-March-2026.

Thorneside Rapper Asher Iyer Advances To Australian Idol Top 30

Thorneside-based rapper Asher Iyer has progressed to the Top 30 on Australian Idol after returning for a second audition following an earlier setback.

From New Zealand To Thorneside

Iyer was born in Whangārei, New Zealand, and moved to Brisbane at age 14. He now lives in Thorneside and is completing Year 12 at Redlands College.

His interest in music began at 11 when he started writing lyrics while experiencing bullying at school. Rap appealed to him for its storytelling style, and he began shaping his own material around personal experiences. By 12, he had taught himself to use recording software and started producing original tracks.

Before focusing fully on music, he competed in karate and qualified to represent New Zealand internationally, although financial limitations prevented travel.

Australian Idol 2026 — *Photo Credit: Asher Iyer/Instagram*

Building A Home Studio

To support his music goals, Iyer worked weekends at KFC. He later converted a spare room into a recording space after presenting a plan to contribute 20 per cent of the rent.

He went on to establish AIR Audio, a home-based recording studio promoted through platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify. The studio offers recording opportunities for young Brisbane artists seeking lower-cost options.

Asher Iyer Thorneside — *Photo Credit: Asher Iyer/Instagram*

Australian Idol Setback And Return

In 2026, Iyer auditioned for Australian Idol. During his first audition in Brisbane, he forgot his lyrics. He later travelled to Sydney for another attempt and received a golden ticket, securing a place in the Top 30.

He has spoken about managing nerves on stage and balancing school assignments with the demands of the competition. He plans to complete secondary school and pursue university studies while continuing to develop his music career.

Published 26-Feb-2026

Photo Credit: Asher Iyer/Instagram

COVID-19 Outbreak Confirmed at Buckingham Gardens Aged Care Facility in Alexandra Hills

Authorities have confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak at Buckingham Gardens Aged Care in Alexandra Hills after families raised concerns about lockdowns and staff wearing full protective equipment.

Authorities contacted the facility directly and confirmed they have no extenuating concerns about the current outbreak, which the facility is managing under its outbreak management plan. The facility has placed two residential houses on the site, each accommodating 10 residents, into lockdown and requires carers to wear full personal protective equipment, including gowns, masks and gloves.

Families Report Confusion Over Transparency

The confirmation follows reports from visitors and families who noticed signs alerting people to the outbreak and staff in full PPE working in affected areas. One visitor said a staff member confirmed the presence of COVID-19 when asked directly, describing how uncomfortable the protective equipment was to wear during shifts.

Churches of Christ, which operates Buckingham Gardens, declined to answer questions about case numbers or provide details about the outbreak, citing privacy regulations. The organisation issued a brief statement saying it would not comment on anyone’s medical status, a response that left some families frustrated about the lack of early clarity.

Churches of Christ statement regarding the outbreak at Buckingham Gardens — Photo Credit: Churches of Christ

Lockdown Limited to Specific Houses

Buckingham Gardens consists of five low-set residential-style houses with shared communal spaces. Lockdown measures apply only to the two affected houses, not the entire complex, allowing unaffected residents to continue normal activities within their own areas.

The residential-style design allows staff to contain outbreaks within specific buildings instead of imposing facility-wide restrictions, and the facility must clearly inform families about which areas are affected.

Outbreak Reporting Sits With Authorities

Queensland Health said outbreaks of acute respiratory illness in aged care facilities are not notifiable to the state, with responsibility for outbreak reporting and management sitting with the federal government. This means state health authorities have limited involvement in monitoring or communicating about outbreaks in federally regulated aged care settings.

Families said the confirmation validated their concerns and highlighted ongoing anxiety around transparency during outbreaks in aged care environments. The lack of proactive communication from the facility left some relatives distressed, particularly those unable to visit loved ones during the lockdown period.

Published 9-February-2026.

Capalaba Dog Attack Highlights Ongoing Training Concerns Across Queensland

A dog attack in Capalaba has renewed focus on owner training and dog behaviour, as Queensland data shows attack numbers remaining high across major local areas.

Capalaba Incident At Wentworth Park

An attack at Wentworth Park in Capalaba earlier this year involved Vanessa Roberts, who was bitten three times while using a mobility scooter with her support dog. She reported ongoing impacts beyond her physical injuries, including anxiety about travelling with her support animal following the incident.

Capalaba dog attack — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Attack Numbers Show Little Change

The Capalaba incident reflects a broader pattern across Queensland, where figures compiled from the state’s ten largest councils recorded 6,457 dog attacks in 2025, similar to 6,670 in 2024 and 6,490 in 2023. The dataset was described as equating to at least 124 attacks a week across the state’s largest towns and cities.

Population-based rates in the breakdown included 5.4 attacks per 1,000 people each year in Cairns, nearly 3 per 1,000 in Townsville, and 2.7 per 1,000 in Moreton Bay. The report also identified North Queensland and Moreton City Council as the worst-affected areas, with no improvement reported over the past four years.

Online Advice And Socialisation Debated

Dog training operators said owners can struggle when relying on online material that is incomplete or unsuitable for their situation. They also raised concerns that social media messaging can discourage socialisation, including warnings that may push owners away from common settings such as dog parks.

Community Response Focuses On Responsibility

Public reaction to the report centred on owner responsibility, with repeated calls for training, leashing and, where appropriate, muzzles. Comments also included discussion about compulsory training, with differing views on whether it could be monitored or enforced.

Bite Risk Guidance

The RSPCA said children are at higher risk of severe injury and noted that any dog can bite, particularly when fearful, in pain, or feeling threatened. It also highlighted the role of recognising warning signs in dog behaviour before situations escalate.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Photo Credit: Pexels

Birkdale’s Former US Army Radio Receiving Station And Its Wartime Role

A former World War II radio receiving station in Birkdale operated as a major communications hub during the conflict, supporting Allied command networks across the South West Pacific.

World War II Radio Receiving Station In Birkdale

A former World War II radio receiving station in Birkdale played a critical role in Allied military communications across the South West Pacific, operating as one of the region’s most important listening and relay facilities.

Located off Old Cleveland Road East, the site was built between 1942 and early 1943 by the US Army Signal Corps. Known during the war as the Capalaba Receiving Station, it functioned as a key communications link between Allied command centres and the United States via San Francisco.

Queensland Heritage Register — *Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc*

Strategic Role In Allied Communications

The station serviced the entire South West Pacific Area, handling multiple teletype and radio telegraph circuits connecting command locations across the region. Its position within a layered communications network ensured messages could continue flowing even if other facilities were damaged or disrupted.

Signals received at the Birkdale site were relayed by secure cable links to Brisbane, supporting rapid decision-making during military operations.

Birkdale radio receiving station — *Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc*

Purpose-Built For Long-Range Interception

During World War II, radio interception was essential to intelligence gathering. Large, direction-based antenna systems were required to determine the origin and direction of transmissions, necessitating isolated sites away from electrical interference.

The station was established on Willards Farm, later known as Cotton Farm, selected for its terrain and radio reception qualities. The land was acquired to allow construction of a purpose-built facility capable of supporting multiple antenna arrays.

Inside the building, radio equipment once lined much of the interior. Records confirm the use of the CW3-D Radio Receiver Assembly OA-59/FRC, a crystal-controlled, fixed-frequency receiver designed for long-range communications. These receivers operated with matched rhombic antenna arrays, a configuration critical to signal reliability.

World War II history — *Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc*

Secure Communications And SIGSALY

The Birkdale station also supported the SIGSALY system, an advanced digital speech encryption network used for high-level Allied communications. This system enabled secure voice contact between Brisbane and overseas command centres and remained uncompromised throughout the war.

military communications — *Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc*

Post-War Transition And Heritage Status

By January 1946, preparations were underway for the US Army to withdraw from the site. After negotiations regarding repairs and acquisition, the final evacuation occurred at midnight on 30 November 1946, when the station transferred to the Postmaster-General’s Department.

One complete rhombic antenna remains on the site. The former receiving station was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 26 June 2020, recognising its intact structures and its role in wartime intelligence and communications in Birkdale.

Published 6-Jan-2026

Photo Credit: The Ram/Radschool Association Inc