Residents in Victoria Point and surrounding suburbs now have a new, convenient way to save lives, as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood brings its blood donation centres directly into local neighbourhoods.
The initiative is part of a wider Brisbane campaign aiming to make the life-saving act of giving blood more accessible for thousands of people and meet a critical community need for donations.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched a series of “Pop-Up” donor centres across the Greater Brisbane area in an effort to collect an additional 10,000 blood donations over the next year. These pop-ups are essentially mobile donor centres, set up in familiar local venues like community halls and sports clubs for several days at a time before moving to the next location.
The program began this week in Holland Park, with centres in Mt Ommaney, Mt Gravatt, Cleveland, Toowong, and Springfield also scheduled in the coming weeks and months. By bringing the facilities into the heart of suburban communities, the organisation hopes to remove the barrier of travel for many potential donors.
Lifeblood spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh explained that the success of the pop-up model relies heavily on local community support. While Lifeblood is confident there are enough eligible donors, she stressed the importance of residents booking and filling the available appointments to ensure the pop-up centres can continue to visit these locations.
Victoria Point residents can contribute at the YMCA on Link Road from 22 September to 3 October, and again from 15 to 24 December. Those in Cleveland can visit the Comfort Hotel Pacific from 11 to 17 August. To become a donor, individuals can simply drop into a pop-up, book an appointment online at lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or use the free Donate Blood app.
A young man broke his arm while running from police during a roadside stop in Capalaba, leaving local officers and residents stunned as a routine check turned into a foot chase through the suburb.
The incident began when officers pulled over an unregistered and uninsured vehicle during traffic checks in Capalaba. Behind the wheel was 21-year-old Angus Ryan Oakley, who had no driver’s licence. Rather than face the consequences at the roadside, Oakley bolted from the car, sparking a short pursuit.
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During the chase, he fell and fractured his left arm, an injury he didn’t realise at first due to the rush of adrenaline. Police confirmed his injury was self-inflicted and not the result of any force used by officers.
Medical Treatment and Arrest
Oakley was quickly caught and taken into custody. Paramedics attended the scene, and he was later taken to hospital where his arm was put in a cast. He also appeared to have facial bruising at the time of his arrest.
Police said he was not physically harmed by officers and sustained his injuries while fleeing. Following medical treatment, he was transported to the watch house for processing.
Court Appearance and Probation Orders
The following day, Oakley faced Cleveland Magistrates Court via video link. He was convicted of driving without a licence and breaching probation conditions tied to earlier offences from 2024.
The court issued an 18-month probation order, during which he must attend counselling, including sessions with a psychologist, and report any changes in residence or employment within two business days. Additionally, he was banned from driving for six months, with his disqualification set to end on 3 January 2026.
Magistrate’s Message to the Offender
Magistrate Deborah Vasta told the court that Oakley’s actions showed poor decision-making but also left open an opportunity for him to change course. She urged him to take the probation seriously, highlighting that it was a chance to access support and rehabilitation services rather than face stricter penalties.
The message was clear, further breaches would likely result in harsher consequences. The ruling prioritised support and stability, with hopes it would lead to better outcomes for both Oakley and the broader Capalaba community.
Published 12-July-2025
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A woman who stole hundreds of dollars worth of goods from retailers in Capalaba has been jailed for 13 months after repeatedly loading shopping trolleys and walking out without paying, sparking concern among local businesses.
Between April and June 2025, Eden Maree Wheatley, 34, carried out repeated thefts from major retailers in Capalaba, Alexandra Hills and Redbank Plains. She was sentenced on 1 July at Cleveland Magistrates Court.
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Court documents revealed she loaded trolleys with electronics, nappies, groceries and a GoPro, then walked out without paying. In one case, she used a stolen bank card to purchase fast food. Her conduct was labelled in court as bold, consistent and disruptive, sometimes involving help from another person at the exits.
Breaches and Aggressive Behaviour
While on bail, Wheatley failed to meet her obligations on seven separate occasions. She did not stay at her designated address or attend required appointments. During her time in custody, she spat on a police officer, an act that led to a serious assault charge.
The court considered this behaviour a major concern, citing the risk of further offences if she were released.
Sentencing and Court Decision
Magistrate Deborah Vasta sentenced Wheatley to 13 months in custody, 12 months for theft and fraud offences, plus one month for failing to appear in court. She was credited for 36 days already spent in custody and is eligible for parole on 27 July 2025.
Wheatley, who was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of sentencing, asked to be released but was refused bail. The magistrate stated that her repeated disregard for court orders and the community could not be overlooked.
Community Impact and Probation Plan
Local businesses in Capalaba and surrounding areas expressed concern about how easily thefts were carried out in broad daylight. While no one was physically harmed, staff at the affected stores were unsettled by the frequency and scale of the offences.
Wheatley will remain under probation for three years after her release, including supervision and counselling aimed at reducing the risk of future offending.
Published 11-July-2025
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Residents in Victoria Point and Capalaba are facing the reality of dwindling banking services as yet another branch shuts its doors, adding to a growing list of closures that have left the community with fewer face-to-face options.
The most recent closures, which have happened steadily since 2020, include branches from the Commonwealth Bank and People First Bank, leaving many locals forced to travel further or rely on online banking. According to industry figures, more than 180 branches have closed across Queensland in the past five years, with regional and outer suburban areas, such as Victoria Point and Capalaba, hit hardest.
Banks Cite Digital Shift
Bank representatives have stated that these changes are a result of more customers opting for digital services over visiting a local branch. Commonwealth Bank has confirmed that, while demand at smaller suburban branches continues to decline, it plans to keep regional branches operational at least until mid-2027. People’s First Bank has also stated that almost all its customers now bank online or through call centres, and fewer than one percent of its transactions occur inside a branch.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A spokesperson for the Bank of Queensland added that the group is reallocating resources to other areas where more people visit, and that the closures are part of a plan to match demand where it is growing.
Local Union and Community Concerns
The Finance Sector Union has argued that these closures come at a cost to staff and locals who prefer or need to bank in person. Union leaders said people working at closed branches are often forced to find new jobs or face long commutes to other locations. The union believes the continued branch cuts put older customers and those without easy internet access at a disadvantage.
Despite the closures, the Commonwealth Bank has announced upgrades to its remaining branches and ATMs, including spending $100 million this financial year to keep services running where they are most needed. Banks have also pointed to options like Bank@Post, where customers can do basic banking at Australia Post outlets.
Victoria Point and Capalaba Residents Adjust
Locals in Victoria Point and nearby Capalaba now have to travel further to access a teller. Some residents worry that this could also harm nearby shops, as fewer people visit shopping centres solely for banking. People are being encouraged to learn how to use online tools, phone banking, or postal services for everyday transactions.
The Finance Sector Union has called for better protections to keep more branches open, but major banks say the shift to digital is not slowing down. For Victoria Point, the closures mark another sign of how banking in Australia is changing—and how local suburbs must adapt.
Alexandra Hills has emerged as a standout performer in Brisbane’s property market, with unit prices in the eastern suburb seeing an impressive annual growth of almost 40 per cent.
The latest PRD Smart Moves report for Brisbane shows that median property prices across the city increased by 6.8 per cent between the first quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
This growth signals a tighter market, leading to a notable shift where Melbourne has now become more affordable than Brisbane for units.
The percentage of affordable unit suburbs in Brisbane has significantly dropped from 60.3 per cent in the latter half of 2024 to just 38.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. This means fewer suburbs now meet the criteria for being both affordable and liveable, which requires a median sales price below the city average, along with good amenities, low crime rates, and low unemployment.
Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, PRD Chief Economist, explained that Melbourne’s unit market is currently in a recovery phase, which creates unique opportunities for buyers there.
In contrast, many other Australian markets, including Brisbane, are already in a growth period. This situation has made finding affordable and liveable suburbs in Brisbane more challenging due to ongoing price increases and a limited number of new homes being built.
While affordability is a growing concern across Brisbane, Alexandra Hills has shown remarkable growth in its unit market. Units in this eastern suburb experienced a 39.9 per cent rise in median prices, making it the top performer for units in the eastern region. The suburb’s strong community feel, parks, and general liveability likely contribute to its appeal for residents.
The median sale price for houses in Brisbane now sits at $989,000, with units at $698,000. Despite these rising prices, the report noted that a large number of homes sold in 2024/25 were still within more accessible price brackets, particularly for houses under $849,999 and units under $549,999.
The decline in affordable suburbs in Brisbane suggests a clear shortage of homes, with fewer sales but continued price growth. To address this, $21.3 billion worth of projects are planned for Brisbane Metro in 2025.
These developments will focus on mixed-use properties and public infrastructure. However, the plans show a much greater emphasis on building townhouses (2,262), units (10,108), and residential land lots (13,194) compared to stand-alone houses (only 186).
Experts believe this trend means the shortage of stand-alone houses will continue, which will likely push up property prices for all types of homes even further. The market for houses is currently balanced, meaning neither buyers nor sellers have a strong advantage. However, the unit market still favours sellers, partly because some house buyers are now looking at units instead.
For renters, Brisbane’s market remains tight, with house rental yields at 3.2 per cent and unit yields at 4.5 per cent as of May, outperforming Sydney and Melbourne. The overall property market in Brisbane has not yet reached its peak.
With inflation settling within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range, and potential interest rate cuts expected from mid-2025, consumer confidence in the property market could improve.
However, factors like slower population growth, improving housing supply (especially for units), and ongoing affordability issues might prevent very sharp price increases. Investors remain interested in Brisbane, drawn by good rental returns and stable market conditions.
Sirromet Winery has become the first venue in Australia to host the internationally acclaimed Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, bringing the spellbinding world of Hogwarts to life in the heart of Mount Cotton, southeast of Brisbane.
The immersive forest trail at Sirromet Winery opened on 20 June 2025 and will continue through winter, transforming the bushland into a magical night-time adventure. The 1.7-kilometre walk features theatrical lights, soundscapes and life-sized magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
Scenes follow the order of the movie timeline, a detail unique to the Brisbane edition. Visitors can interact with creatures like Hippogriffs and Nifflers, walk through fog and glowing mushrooms, and spot the Weasleys’ flying car.
Families can cast spells, pose for photos and summon their own Patronus. While the trail is designed to be inclusive, Sirromet notes that steep and uneven areas may pose challenges for some.
Local Business with a Global Touch
Sirromet Winery’s partnership with global producers brings a major themed experience to the Redlands Coast for the first time. While known for hosting music and food festivals, this is the venue’s largest entertainment event to date.
Local tourism operators expect it to boost business, especially during school holidays and weekends. At the end of the trail, visitors can enjoy a themed village with butterbeer, warm drinks and official merchandise. Sirromet’s Cellar Door and Lawn Bar are also open longer to cater to both event guests and regular patrons.
Dining and Accommodation Options
To enhance the night out, Sirromet has launched pre-show dining packages at its Tuscan Terrace restaurant. Guests can enjoy a specially themed two-course meal paired with a glass of wine. Additional on-site dining is available during the day and evening, including casual café meals and mulled wine served at The Lawn Bar.
For those looking to stay overnight, Sirromet’s accommodation arm, Sanctuary by Sirromet, offers several packages. Options like the “Wizards Wonder” and “Winter Warmer” include luxury pavilion stays, breakfast, and wine tasting experiences, allowing guests to extend the magic into the next day.
Getting There and What to Know
The Forbidden Forest Experience runs nightly with session times beginning in the early evening. Tickets start at $49 for adults and $35 for children, with pre-booked parking available for $15 on-site.
A new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school has opened in Capalaba, joining the worldwide Gracie Barra network and providing structured martial arts training to the local community.
Capalaba Welcomes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy with Global Roots
A world-renowned martial arts group has launched a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Capalaba, giving locals access to a training system used in over 1,000 schools globally. Gracie Barra Capalaba, now open on Redland Bay Road, is part of the network founded by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. and known for its focus on discipline, confidence and community.
The academy brings structured programs that support both physical fitness and self-defence. Its classes are open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. Kids, teens, adults and women can all find tailored training in a safe and welcoming space.
Building Skills and Confidence at Every Level
Gracie Barra Capalaba isn’t just for athletes, it’s built for the whole community, including complete beginners. Head Instructor Roan Theron says the goal is to create a space where people can feel safe, get fit and grow more confident through martial arts.
Kids and teens can learn focus and resilience through fun, structured classes that tackle issues like bullying. Adults can train for self-defence or general fitness, while women’s-only sessions focus on empowerment and real-world safety. For those after something different, No-Gi classes offer a faster, MMA-inspired style without the traditional uniform.
Global Methods in a Local Setting
Gracie Barra Capalaba follows the same structured curriculum used across the organisation’s global network, with classes that build skills step by step. Students wear the red uniform that represents unity, integrity and personal growth.
While part of a worldwide system, the Capalaba academy keeps its focus local, creating a friendly space for families and first-timers. Instructors welcome all students, no matter their background or fitness level. The academy sees martial arts as a path to both physical skill and mental discipline.
Community Focus and Introductory Offers
Gracie Barra Capalaba adds to the local momentum alongside projects like the Capalaba Town Centre Revitalisation, though it operates separately from council efforts. The academy supports the community by promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging people of all ages to get involved.
To celebrate its launch, it’s offering free trial classes, discounted foundation memberships and early access to a VIP opening event. These limited-time offers are designed to make training more accessible for newcomers. Locals can find out more at www.gbcapalaba.com.au or follow the academy on social media.
The Mount Cotton community is facing a major shake-up as federal authorities re-examine a long-approved quarry expansion after internal documents revealed serious concerns about its environmental impacts and compliance with past promises.
The Mount Cotton Quarry, approved for expansion in 2012 and operated by Barro Group in southeast Queensland, is now under federal review following leaked government emails. Stage 1 works began in 2023, but officials have raised concerns about unmet environmental commitments tied to the project’s original approval.
The site, active since the 1960s and recognised as a Key Resource Area in 2004, plays a key role in supplying construction materials across South East Queensland. Federal emails revealed delays in building a conveyor belt meant to reduce truck traffic, as well as missing koala fencing and fauna crossings.
The conveyor is now not expected until 2040, yet quarrying is set to begin in mid-2024. With koalas now listed as endangered and truck movements projected to reach 16 per hour, scrutiny is increasing over the project’s impact on wildlife, air quality, and local roads.
Council And Community Response
Redland City Council says it is reviewing expert advice and seeking legal input on the quarry’s development conditions, after earlier calls for stricter rules were not adopted in 2019. Local residents say they were left out of the loop during a recent federal consultation, which ran from 19 May to 3 June.
Some worry the quarry’s expansion could damage wildlife corridors, local roads and air quality. The Community Reference Group continues to meet with Barro Group, which states that over 75 percent of the 250-hectare site will remain conserved. The company has also planted thousands of native trees and is building an 8-metre-high vegetated barrier to reduce dust and noise impacts.
Regulation And Future Approvals
The Mount Cotton Quarry is regulated by both state and federal agencies, with strict conditions on noise, dust, water management, and complaint reporting. While monitoring is ongoing, some environmental offsets and infrastructure works are still waiting final state approvals.
The federal Environment Department has reopened its review of the project’s approval. Environment Minister Murray Watt or his delegate will decide whether to revoke the original approval or impose stricter new conditions. That decision is likely to consider updated biodiversity protections and signs the quarry hasn’t met earlier commitments.
What’s Next For Mount Cotton?
While construction and early works continue at Mount Cotton Quarry, uncertainty remains over how far the project can go under its current permissions. Community members and environmental groups have signalled they want stronger protections and better transparency moving forward.
Whether this review results in tighter restrictions or allows the expansion to proceed as-is, the outcome could shape how other major developments are assessed in Queensland, especially those near residential and sensitive environmental zones.
Capalaba residents are being warned to stop putting old batteries in household bins after a string of fires erupted in local garbage trucks, fires that could have seriously injured workers or caused major property damage.
One Capalaba truck had to dump its load in a suburban street to stop a blaze from spreading. Redland City Council is urging residents to keep batteries, especially lithium-ion types, out of household bins.
State-wide Action Now Underway
The Queensland Government launched a $2 million safety campaign to tackle battery fires in household waste. The “Bin Blaze Ban” program helps councils like Redland by funding more drop-off points and public education.
Officials say battery fires have more than doubled since 2020, often caused by items like power tools, laptops and greeting cards. The state is working with councils and retailers to improve safe disposal options.
Safer Choices For The Capalaba Community
Capalaba locals are being urged to use B-cycle, the national battery recycling program, which offers free and safe disposal at hardware stores, supermarkets and council facilities. By visiting bcycle.com.au, residents can find the nearest place to drop off their used batteries.
Council staff have stressed that avoiding a fire could be as simple as setting batteries aside until they can be properly recycled. They’re calling on families to make it a habit, not just to protect the trucks and staff, but to keep neighbourhoods safe.
Keeping Waste Workers And Residents Safe
Redland City Council says it’s relieved no one’s been hurt, but warns that battery fires still put lives and property at risk. Just one blaze can shut down a street, threaten nearby homes or fill the air with toxic smoke.
Crews are now trained to spot early signs of trouble, like heat or smoke during their rounds. But the real fix, Council says, starts with the community knowing what not to toss in the bin.
Published 2-June-2025
Featured Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only
We’ve combed Capalaba, Capalaba BC, Capalaba DC, and Sheldon for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Lisa O ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We celebrated a birthday here and everyone was so friendly and helpful. The snitzels were all delicious. We will definitely be back. Thanks team. ☺️
B L ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We celebrated a birthday here and everyone was so friendly and helpful. The snitzels were all delicious. We will definitely be back. Thanks team. ☺️
Michael G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had my wife’s 50th birthday last night, absolutely a memorable occasion, food was ridiculously good, amber couldn’t do enough to make it a great occasion,, absolutely value for money, my wife had a ball.
Jordan K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Came for Yiros at Capalaba, seen these guys were opening and changed up our meal plan. So glad we did. The staff here are super friendly, the music great and the food delicious. Ordered loaded dog fries and loaded gems. We are fatties and love our cheese sauce and usually worry there’s never enough. I’d say there’s the perfect amount for a normal inexperienced cheeser. We are satisfied and would possibly go for that little bit extra. Chips and gems were crunchy also. Will be back.
Jessica W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Experienced Dawg Boys for the first time tonight and we were not disappointed! The customer service was amazing – something that’s very unseen these days. The food was delicious! We will be going back again and again and again!
Sasha W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great food, great price’s and amazing service. Brought a who let the dog out, just a cheese kransky on its own and a fried chicken wrap and it was massive! Definitely coming back.
Mad F ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fish and chips were amazing! Grilled sea perch with beer battered chips was nice and fresh. Fish was cooked nice and still juicy. Chips were very tasty not your average chips. Got a couple of sides and overall everything was cooked nicely and tasted great! Highly recommended 🥳
R.M. W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is always the freshest and best fish and chips I’ve found. It’s consistent, oil is changed regularly and the quality is always top notch. I always go for the flake it’s thick cut and never dries out. Chips are massive, in the photo is a jumbo serve and was too much. Salads always nice and crispy and towards the end of the meal each kid was delivered a complimentary fresh fruit platter. Good Ol fashioned service 🤙🏽
Yue Z ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oysters are delicious and fresh. but Fried oysters are average. The meal for two is quite large. French fries and fried shrimp are the best, and the squid rings, scallops, and fried fish are also OK. More lemon juice would be better.
Adam K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loving this place Wholesome burgers and May’s special is loaded fries! YUMMY! Stop on and try this place – it’s well worth a 5 star review!
Tanera N ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nathan was incredible! As an assistant manager, he delivered exceptional customer service and a memorable experience for me, one that I’ll remember for the rest of my life! Oh… And the food was great too.
Grazing K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ OMG you guys are amazing! Everything is so delicious — I’ve only tried the burgers and fried chicken so far, but wow. Juicy, crispy, full of flavour, and always fresh and hot. I’m just down the road and already hooked. Hashtag Burgers and Waffles, you’re my new fave!
M B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best kept secret is this gorgeous family run handmade fresh pasta shop and eatery. Owners Erika and Henri are super friendly and welcoming and have a lovely, casual dining eatery. Home to the best, tastiest and freshest $10 Pasta daily specials in Brisbane!! The spinach and ricotta cannelloni is fabulous, the sand crab lasagne takeaway was also very tasty, the ham and mushroom fettuccine is amazing and my favourite so far. There are different specials for each weekday and some every day specials. Highly recommend eating in for a freshly handmade, hot, super divine $10 meal. Can’t beat it!!
Bern-Mari B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing pasta, the best I’ve had since I visited Italy 9years ago… and this was actually better! So nice to have hand made paste and the carbonara sauce is a firm family favourite!!! See you next week 🙂
Jim B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pasta al Dente is a unique experience. This family owned and run business has been producing delicious pasta dishes for over 20 years and the quality of their food and service is first class. I just keep going back for more.
