Families in Bardon are on track to inherit hundreds of thousands — and in some cases more than $1 million — in property wealth, placing the suburb at the centre of a major generational shift that could reshape who gets a foothold in Brisbane’s housing market.
The trend comes as new modelling released in late March 2026 by FoundIt Property shows a growing number of older homeowners in Brisbane’s inner and middle-ring suburbs are passing on fully owned homes to their children. Data combining property values with Census figures suggests a wave of inheritance is already underway, with Bardon among the suburbs where adult children are likely to receive significant financial boosts from family homes.
Long-held homes driving large inheritances
The surge in potential inheritance value is largely tied to decades of rising house prices. Many Bardon homes were purchased years ago and are now mortgage-free, with values climbing well into the millions. When these properties are transferred or sold, the proceeds are often split between children, creating substantial financial gains for the next generation.
Research cited in the modelling assumes a small share of Australians aged over 80 will pass on property assets each year. Even under that assumption, the combined value of homes changing hands is significant, with inner suburbs like Bardon expected to see inheritance figures comfortably above half a million dollars per beneficiary.
This shift reflects a broader national pattern. Separate analysis from Deloitte indicates Australians are set to inherit trillions of dollars by 2050, much of it tied to residential property. Queensland alone is expected to receive a sizeable share of that transfer over the coming years.
While inheritance is providing a financial boost for some families, it is also raising concerns about access to housing for others. Industry analysis suggests that inherited wealth is increasingly shaping who can enter the property market, especially in established suburbs like Bardon.
Property strategists report that beneficiaries often use inherited funds as deposits or purchase homes outright, giving them an advantage over buyers relying on wages alone. In some cases, those who inherit wealth go on to invest in additional properties, which can further increase their financial position over time.
This pattern is contributing to a widening gap between households that receive family support and those that do not. As property values continue to rise, the difference in buying power between these groups is becoming more pronounced.
Photo Credit: Tom Murphy/YouTube
Family support becoming more common
Financial advisers and property professionals say family assistance is now a common part of buying a home. Some parents are gifting money early, while others use their own homes as security to help their children secure loans.
There is also evidence that many Australians are planning ahead for this shift. Surveys suggest a large share of households expect to pass on wealth to their children, often in the form of property or savings. At the same time, experts note that not all inheritances are guaranteed, and outcomes can vary depending on family circumstances.
With strong demand and high property values already defining the area, the impact of inheritance-driven buying could further shape Bardon’s housing landscape, reinforcing its position as one of Brisbane’s more sought-after suburbs.
Tucked away near the slopes of Mount Coot-tha, the Gordon Road Detention Basin in Bardon is easy to overlook. It sits quietly within the suburb, easily missed by passing traffic. But Queensland law classifies it as something worth paying attention to: a referable dam.
That’s not a term most people know off the top of their head, but it carries real weight. Under Queensland legislation, a dam is classified as referable if a failure impact assessment demonstrates there would be two or more people at risk downstream if the dam were to fail. Every referable dam is required to have an Emergency Action Plan that outlines how to manage the dam during an emergency, including inundation maps of potential downstream impact.
Brisbane City owns three referable dams: Forest Lake Dam in Forest Lake, the Gordon Road Detention Basin in Bardon, and Gubberley Creek Basin in Kenmore. Of those three, the Gordon Road basin sits squarely in one of Brisbane’s most densely settled inner-west communities, with parts of Bardon and the broader Ithaca Creek corridor, which includes Rosalie, lying downstream.
Gordon Road Detention Basin Catchment (Photo credit: dlgwv.qld.gov.au)
All dams in the Brisbane local government area are ungated, meaning water is not controlled through the operation of gates. They are designed to spill when water levels get too high, and in some circumstances a dam spill may result in downstream flooding, localised road closures, and in extreme situations, an uncontrolled release of water.
That last scenario is precisely what an Emergency Action Plan is designed to manage. In a dam-related emergency, everyone has a responsibility for their own safety. That is not bureaucratic boilerplate. It is a genuine reminder that emergency plans only work when the community they are designed to protect is actually aware of them.
A Suburb With a Long Memory for Flood Water
Ithaca Creek (Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-3.0/Robertwhyteus/Wikimedia Commons)
For Bardon and Rosalie residents, flood awareness is hardly a new concept. Ithaca Creek, which runs through the heart of the area, has a long history of inundation. Historical records show the Ithaca Creek area was considered swampy and flood-prone, and was frequently inundated throughout the twentieth century. More recently, the creek has continued to make its presence felt. During Cyclone Alfred in March 2025, Ithaca Creek at Bardon flooded and cut off roads, with locals noting they have become accustomed to flooding at the creek over recent years.
Flooding in the area is also set to become a more prominent issue on paper, not just in practice. Brisbane’s flood study of the Ithaca and Enoggera Creek catchments, incorporating climate change modelling, has resulted in more than 10,000 properties being added to flood overlay maps, with many of those in Bardon, Red Hill and surrounding suburbs.
Against that backdrop, questions remain about how well-informed downstream residents are about the dam upstream. Queensland law requires dam owners to inform people in the Population at Risk so they can be prepared and know what to do in a dam-related emergency.
A nearby situation in 2025 showed just how quickly a detention basin scenario can escalate. In March of that year, an emergency alert was issued for the Gubberley Creek Detention Basin in Kenmore, also a Brisbane City-owned referable dam, with residents advised to prepare to leave as a possible failure was flagged. The alert was later cancelled, but it served as a live reminder that these structures are not merely theoretical risk items on a planning document.
Does Your Property Fall Into the Downstream Hazard Zone?
Public notification and general information are sent based on an established protocol within the Gordon Rd EAP that covers:
Residents will receive letters about the dam and can sign up for free Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts (via Council or the free Weatherzone app).
FloodWise Property Reports (free online) show property-specific flood risk, including if within a Referable Dam Area.
Automated Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts will be sent to subscribers, if dam warning triggers are reached.
In extreme events, the below emergency alert will be issued to nearby residents.
Properties on Gordon Rd and on portions of Outlook Crescent, Vista St, Simpsons Rd, and Barnett Rd are within the Emergency Messaging polygon.
Emergency Messaging Polygon Image Credit: Page 47 of Gordon Rd EAP
For residents wanting to check whether their property falls within a downstream hazard zone for the Gordon Road basin can check the Flood Awareness Map here. More information about the Gordon Rd Emergency Action Plan can be accessed here.
Residents along Lorward Avenue in Bardon are set to see flood relief, with a major stormwater drainage upgrade now underway and due for completion by June 2026. The project aims to reduce the risk of localised flooding in a street that sits within the catchment of Ithaca Creek, a waterway that floods on a regular basis.
The works involve installing new stormwater pipes and pits to increase the capacity of the underground drainage network. The upgraded system is designed to carry additional stormwater flows to Ithaca Creek, improving the overall performance of the network during significant rainfall events.
To keep surface disruption to a minimum, Brisbane said micro-tunnelling techniques are being used, a method that minimises surface disruption while enabling new infrastructure to be put in place.
37 Lorward Avenue, Bardon (Photo credit: Google Street View)
One key aspect of the works involves securing access to a property at 37A Lorward Avenue, which sits close to a critical section of the new stormwater pipe. An easement has also been obtained across land through the Karalee Country Club, an arrangement that, according to Cr Seal Chong Wah, proceeded without opposition from the club’s owners.
Cr Wah, who spoke in support of the project in chambers late last year, described the upgrade as delivering “much needed new drainage infrastructure” for the area. The project is expected to provide a 10-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) immunity from stormwater flooding, a technical benchmark that measures how often a flood of a given size is likely to occur. There are also hopes the works will reduce sewage overflows during storm events, something Cr Wah noted had been “quite disturbing to this community.”
“We have the largest amount of development on any flood plain in Australia, and the consequences of that in a climate crisis world will be challenging – probably devastating. It is critical that this council invests in flood and climate resilience,” she wrote.
Residents with questions about the Lorward Avenue works can contact Brisbane on 07 3403 8888.
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.
More than 200 offences were recorded in Bardon over the past year, with theft and break-ins making up nearly three-quarters of all reported crime, according to Queensland Police data. It’s a sharp reminder for residents that property crime remains the suburb’s biggest challenge.
Queensland Police Service figures show 208 offences were recorded in Bardon between March 3, 2025 and March 2, 2026. Of those, 78 were classified as “other theft” excluding unlawful entry, while 37 were unlawful entry offences. Together, those two categories alone account for more than half of all reported incidents in the suburb.
Police data also recorded 22 incidents of property damage and 15 cases of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Assault cases were comparatively low, with nine incidents across the 12-month period. The figures point to a pattern that is heavily centred on opportunistic property offending rather than violence.
Photo Credit: QPS Online Crime Map
Bardon – 208 Offences (3 Mar 2025 – 2 Mar 2026)
Category
Count
% of 208
Other Theft (excl. Unlawful Entry)
78
37.5%
Unlawful Entry
37
17.8%
Other Property Damage
22
10.6%
Traffic & Related Offences
15
7.2%
Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle
15
7.2%
Assault
9
4.3%
Trespassing & Vagrancy
8
3.8%
Good Order Offences
7
3.4%
Drug Offences
5
2.4%
Fraud
5
2.4%
Miscellaneous Offences
3
1.4%
Handling Stolen Goods
2
1.0%
Weapons Act Offences
1
0.5%
Other Offences Against the Person
1
0.5%
Operation Targets Inner-West Theft
The local data comes as police continue a district-wide crackdown on property crime under Operation Xray Steeler, which has been active in the South Brisbane District since October 2025.
As of early March 2026, Queensland Police reported that 1,391 people had been charged with more than 4,072 offences under the operation. Authorities have said the focus has been on repeat property offenders and youth involved in vehicle theft and break-ins across the inner-west.
Earlier police updates identified suburbs including Bardon, Ashgrove and Auchenflower as part of investigations into a string of alleged property and motor vehicle thefts involving teenagers. Police statements at the time said officers were responding to community concerns about stolen cars and unlawful entry offences.
Evening Peak and November Spike
Crime mapping data shows incidents in Bardon are more likely to occur later in the day, with reports peaking around 10 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday recorded the highest number of offences across the week, while November saw a noticeable spike compared with other months.
Photo Credit: QPS Online Crime Map
Queensland Police have repeatedly advised residents in affected areas to secure vehicles, remove keys from sight and lock homes, noting that many offences involve easy access to unsecured property.
While police statistics for the wider Brisbane West region indicate some categories such as assault and drug offences have declined in recent reporting periods, theft-related offences remain persistent. Queensland Statistician’s Office has also identified “other theft” as a significant contributor to overall offending trends across the state in recent years.
The figures reinforce concerns that property crime remains an ongoing issue rather than an isolated spike. Although violent crime remains low in Bardon, the volume of theft-related incidents suggests a continued need for vigilance.
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Allianz Stadium) – A-League – Men – Round 18 • Sydney FC 1 | Brisbane Roar FC 0
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Spencer Park) – A-League – Women – Round 18 • Brisbane Roar FC 0 | Adelaide United FC 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (St Georges Park – St George Willawong FC – Field 1) – FQPL1 – Men – Round 1 • St George Willawong 1 | Broadbeach United 5
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Bulimba Memorial Park – Southside Eagles FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1 • Southside Eagles 0 | UQFC 0
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Walton Bridge Reserve – The Gap FC – Field 1) – Kappa Pro Series – Women – Regional Round 1 • The Gap FC 0 | Logan Lightning 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1 • Olympic FC 2 | Lions FC 1
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Meakin Park – Field 1) – NPL – Men – Round 1 • Brisbane Roar B 1 | Brisbane City 3
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Heath Park – Eastern Suburbs FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3 • Eastern Suburbs 4 | Brisbane City 2
Sat, February 21, 2026 (Goodwin Park – Olympic FC – Field 1) – NPL – Women – Round 3 • Olympic FC 0 | Lions FC 0
Fri, February 20, 2026 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) – NBL – Men – Round 22 • Brisbane Bullets 77 | Sydney Kings 117
Sat, February 21, 2026 (The Gabba) – One Day Cup 2025-26 – Men – Match 6 • Queensland Bulls 260 | South Australia Men 135
Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Wep Harris Oval) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14 • University of Queensland Mens 1st Grade 6-251 | Valley Mens 1st Grade 8-262
Sun, February 22, 2026 (Kerry Emery Oval – One Day) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Women 1st Grade – Round 21 • Sunshine Coast Womens 1st Grade 111 | Valley Womens 1st Grade 9-235
Sat, February 14, 2026 & Sat, February 21, 2026 (2 Day – Trevor Hohns Field) – Queensland Premier Cricket – Men 1st Grade – Round 14 • Sandgate-Redcliffe Mens 1st Grade 6-322 | Western Suburbs Mens 1st Grade 3-324
Bardon residents don’t need to venture far to experience some of Brisbane’s most creative public art. Just down the hill in neighbouring Paddington, a vibrant collection of sculptures, murals and mosaics transforms the familiar shopping strip into an unexpected outdoor gallery. It’s the kind of cultural offering that makes living on the leafy fringes of the inner west even more appealing – world-class art within walking distance, or a quick bus ride away.
At Bizzell’s Garage, artist collective The Brightsiders have created a mural that honours Paddington’s transport heritage. The artwork depicts the bustling tram scene that defined the suburb during the 1900s, when trams were the lifeblood of the community. The mural serves as a reminder of Paddington’s transport history and the trams that once connected Bardon residents to the city below – the very line that helped shape both suburbs into the residential communities they are today.
Scott Harrower’s Highland Rest
Photo credit: scottharrowerdesign.com
Further along the terrace, you’ll discover Scott Harrower’s “Highland Rest”, a stunning mosaic-tiled bench that offers both respite and visual delight. Harrower’s mosaic work creates a permanent installation that functions as both art and amenity. The intricate patterns reward close inspection, making it an ideal spot to pause during your shopping expedition or weekend wander.
The Kooka! Trail: Paddington’s Signature Sculpture Walk
Photo credit: Facebook/Debra Hood Art
The highlight of Paddington’s public art offering is undoubtedly the Kooka! Trail, featuring 16 vibrant kookaburra sculptures scattered along Latrobe Terrace and Given Terrace. Launched in 2022 through Brisbane ‘s Paddington Terraces Precinct Grant Project, these sculptural seats are far more interesting than your average street furniture.
Each sculpture was made from waste materials before being reimagined by local artists into functional seating that celebrates the laughing kookaburra. Brisbane design collective Derlot created the base forms, while individual artists added their distinctive interpretations.
Debra Hood decorated her kookaburra with delicate dotted patterns inspired by Brisbane’s springtime blooms. Zoe Porter’s “Latrobe Kookaburra” features the vivid pinks, yellows and greens of galahs, cockatoos and lorikeets, weaving native bird species into traditional kookaburra markings. Torres Strait Islander artist Tori-Jay Mordey created “Care and At Night”, a thoughtful reflection on the struggles native wildlife face in urban settings.
One particularly moving sculpture represents five cultural groups – Irish, Hungarian, Croatian, Polish and Italian – commemorating the Catholic immigrant families who made Paddington home between the 1940s and 1970s. Other contributing artists include Rick Hayward, Stephen Mok, Hailey Atkins and Spectator Jonze, each bringing their unique artistic voice to the project.
Making the Journey
For Bardon residents, accessing Paddington’s art trail couldn’t be easier. You can walk down Latrobe Terrace from the Bardon end towards Given Terrace and Suncorp Stadium, turning the journey into a leisurely afternoon outing. Multiple bus routes service the area if you prefer to save your energy for the return uphill journey.
Between artworks, you’ll pass the cafés and boutique shops that make Paddington such a popular destination for Bardon locals. The entire art trail experience is free, making it an ideal outing for families, a creative date idea, or simply a fresh way to experience a familiar neighbourhood.
Living in Bardon means having access to nature reserves, quiet streets and community spirit. But it also means being minutes away from cultural experiences like Paddington’s public art trail – proof that the best galleries don’t always have walls, and the best exhibitions are sometimes just a short walk from home.
In Rosalie, a modest timber hall on Nash Street has always been more than it appears: built as a place to gather and remember, it was designed with shops tucked beneath the main hall, quietly funding community life while generations met, mourned, danced, learned and watched movies upstairs — a layered landmark that mirrors Rosalie’s own hustle and heart.
Walk past the former RSL Hall at the corner of Nash and Elizabeth streets, and it’s easy to miss the ingenuity built into its structure. The main hall sits above street level, while two shopfronts below — numbers 16 and 18 Nash Street — were deliberately included to generate income.
Rent from these businesses helped service the mortgage and keep the building operating, a practical solution by residents determined to sustain their own cultural hub.
This blending of idealism and realism was typical of Queensland’s Schools of Arts, which emerged across the state as towns and suburbs matured. According to the heritage overview, these institutions were often the first centres for adult education, debate and performance, at a time when books were costly and public libraries rare.
The hall’s location was not accidental. A parkland site near Milton State School was initially offered, but the committee opted for the Nash Street corner block instead. An 1895 map labelled the park area “Red Jacket Swamp”, making higher ground more appealing for a permanent civic building.
Although the hall’s street address now places it in Paddington, Rosalie has long been recognised as a locality within the suburb, identified by residents well before modern council and postal boundaries were formalised. Historic maps and local records show Rosalie as a distinct pocket, with its own village centre clustered around Nash Street, Gregory Park and nearby schools.
Rosalie itself was developing rapidly by the early twentieth century. Nestled within Paddington, the locality grew alongside Brisbane’s tram network and expanding suburbs, evolving from semi-rural fringes into a close-knit residential pocket. Local history records note that Rosalie’s name likely derives from a Darling Downs grazing station owned by John F. McDougall, an early landholder in the area
The Rosalie School of Arts Commemoration Hall was named for the community it served, not a postcode. While later administrative changes absorbed Rosalie into Paddington for official purposes, the name has endured in local use — a reminder that neighbourhood identity often outlasts lines drawn on maps.
Education, remembrance and community life
When the hall opened in 1928 as the Rosalie School of Arts Commemoration Hall, it carried a dual purpose. It was both a centre for learning and social life, and a war memorial — reflecting the profound impact of World War One on Australian communities.
Across the country, thousands of memorials were built as families mourned servicepeople buried overseas. In Rosalie, remembrance was woven into daily life: lectures, concerts, meetings and library visits took place under a roof dedicated to those who had served.
The hall quickly became a hive of activity. A kindergarten operated there in the late 1920s and early 1930s, public meetings filled the calendar, and the space hosted dances, exhibitions and celebrations that helped define Rosalie’s social rhythm.
From memorial hall to veterans’ home
By 1934, the building had become the birthplace of the local Returned Sailors’, Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia sub-branch, later known as the Returned & Services League (RSL). The organisation would go on to shape the building’s future, reflecting Rosalie’s strong ties to returned servicepeople.
In 1946, ownership of the hall was formally transferred to the RSL under state legislation. The library collection moved to council facilities, and the building’s role shifted more squarely toward veterans’ affairs, while still remaining open to broader community use.
Lights, camera, Rosalie
One of the hall’s most unexpected chapters came during and after World War II, when it transformed into the 300-seat Beverley Theatre. On multiple nights each week, locals gathered to watch films without travelling into the city.
The Beverley Theatre joined a now-lost network of suburban cinemas that once animated Paddington and surrounding areas, turning community halls into shared entertainment spaces and reinforcing their role as social anchors.
While movies played and meetings unfolded upstairs, the shops beneath the hall continued their steady service. Over the decades, they housed a dressmaker, bootmaker, bicycle shop and a maternal and child welfare clinic — providing everyday services while financially underpinning the building itself.
Today, those commercial spaces remain active, just as the hall above continues to evolve.
Alterations over time — new windows, changed awnings, enclosed stairways — reflect the hall’s ongoing adaptation. The interior has been renovated, and the main hall now operates as a fitness centre, while the RSL continues to lease it for meetings and commemorative events.
As Brisbane grapples with questions of density, development and heritage, Rosalie’s hall stands as a reminder that community buildings endure not because they stay the same, but because they adapt. Built on practical foundations and collective effort, it remains a living part of Rosalie’s story — layered, resilient and still in use.
Health clinicians are warning older residents in Bardon to avoid climbing ladders at home, after a local fall and hospital data showing increasing admissions linked to ladder and roof injuries.
A 70-year-old Bardon resident fell more than three metres in November 2025 while cleaning second-storey windows at his home when an extension ladder gave way.
He called Triple Zero (000) and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he underwent tests in the emergency department and later returned home with bruising and soreness.
Hospital Admissions Rising At RBWH
The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital reports ladder and roof fall presentations have been rising year-on-year since 2022.
Between July 2023 and July 2025, the hospital admitted 189 patients for ladder and roof falls, with more than one-third aged 65 and older.
Hospital figures show 34 admissions in the 2023 calendar year and 64 admissions in the first half of 2025 alone.
Across Australia in 2023–24, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare figures show more than 6,000 falls on and from ladders resulted in hospitalisations.
Longer-term national hospital data has also shown ladder fall hospitalisations increased over the decade from July 2002 to June 2012, with a larger increase evident among people aged over 60.
Injuries Can Escalate Quickly For Older People
Clinicians report ladder and roof falls can be life-altering for older people and may lead to rapid medical deterioration, loss of independence, or death.
Injuries linked to ladder falls can include rib fractures, punctured lungs, and internal organ damage such as spleen and liver injuries. Some falls are linked to ladder safety issues, while others follow medical episodes including heart attack, stroke or dizzy spells.
Queensland research tracking patients after ladder falls found many experienced longer-lasting impacts, including sleeping problems, anxiety, depression and pain for at least six months after the incident.
The study followed 134 Queensland patients who presented to emergency departments after ladder falls, with many injuries occurring during home maintenance tasks.
Safety Steps And Alternatives
Safety advice includes using a ladder that meets Australian safety standards, placing it on a stable surface, wearing suitable clothing and footwear, and ensuring another person is present to supervise and assist.
For people aged over 60, clinicians advise having someone younger complete ladder tasks where possible, including jobs such as gutter clearing and tree trimming.
With ladder fall admissions rising at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and national hospitalisation figures remaining high, clinicians continue to emphasise prevention, particularly for older residents in Bardon undertaking home maintenance.
In golf, the course stays the same, but the way you play it changes. Distance, terrain and timing all call for different choices as the round unfolds. That idea sits neatly behind The Evelyn, a new retirement community taking shape beside the McLeod Country Golf Club in Mt Ommaney, at a time when many Australians are quietly rethinking what home should look like later in life.
Across the country, that rethink is already underway. National research shows that 26 per cent of people over 55 have already moved into housing better suited to how they live today, while another 29 per cent are actively considering it. Data also shows that one in five Australians over 65 requires help with property maintenance.
When the Family Home Stops Fitting
Against this backdrop, downsizing has steadily become something closer to recalibration. Ease of living, reduced upkeep and flexibility now rank ahead of financial pressure as reasons older Australians consider a move.
Like changing clubs mid-round, it is less about starting again and more about adjusting approach. People are not necessarily seeking smaller lives, but homes that allow them to stay active and connected, without the physical and mental load that can come with maintaining a large family property.
Evelyn and a Different Way of Living
Set within a golf course environment, The Evelyn reflects that shift in practical ways.
Residents live independently in private apartments and townhouses, while maintenance across homes and shared spaces is handled within the village. An on-site Village Manager and a 24-hour response system provide support when needed, without intruding on daily routines.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Shared facilities are designed to be used naturally rather than formally programmed. Residents can join activities, socialise casually or simply keep their own rhythm. Like a clubhouse, the spaces are there to support connection without obligation.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The development comprises 126 residences, including apartments and townhouses, delivered in stages.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Designed by Marchese Partners | Life 3A, the community includes landscaped outdoor areas, a pool, gym, library, wine room and billiards room, all set within the grounds of the golf course.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
Shared facilities and communal areas are designed to be used naturally rather than programmed heavily. They offer a place to gather, linger or pass through, depending on the day. Connection is available, not compulsory.
The Role of Golf Beyond the Game
Golf’s presence here is not incidental. Golf courses, by their nature, act as large, stable green buffers within suburban environments. They offer visual openness, reduced noise and opportunities for restoration that are increasingly recognised as important for mental health.
While not everyone plays, research increasingly points to golf environments as supportive of healthy ageing in broader ways. Studies examining golf participation among older adults have found that the activity often delivers moderate-intensity physical movement, particularly walking, alongside cardiovascular and musculoskeletal benefits. Even when played at a lower intensity, golf has been shown to produce short-term improvements in cardiovascular profiles among older participants.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
What matters just as much is the social and environmental context. Golf courses function as ready-made walking networks and social landscapes. People walk the fairways, meet others at the clubhouse, or simply move through open green space as part of daily routines. The Evelyn’s location within the McLeod Country Golf Club places residents adjacent to that ecosystem, whether they play the game or not.
The benefits of this setting extend beyond activity alone. A growing body of research, including Australian longitudinal studies, has linked exposure to green space with better mental health outcomes. More recent research focusing on mid-to-older adults has strengthened the evidence, showing associations between access to public green space and improved mental wellbeing over time.
The Evelyn’s proximity to the McLeod Country Golf Club taps into that reality, embedding the community within an active, established setting rather than isolating it from the surrounding suburb.
That everyday rhythm matters as people get older. Familiar places, regular movement and casual interaction are often what sustain wellbeing over time.
Infographic from Meaningful Aging Australia
McLeod Country Golf Club President Diane Lally said the partnership was about more than development. “The Evelyn represents more than a new retirement community — it represents the long-term sustainability of the McLeod Country Golf Club. This partnership allows us to strengthen our future, maintain a premier course, and continue to serve our members and the wider community.”
Housing That Supports How People Live
Research into retirement living models suggests that where and how people live can influence how active and socially engaged they remain. Communities designed around accessibility and shared space tend to support regular movement and interaction, while reducing some of the practical pressures of home ownership.
By reducing barriers to physical activity and providing access to fitness and recreational facilities, retirement communities help residents remain approximately 15 per cent more frequently active than those living independently in the community. Residents are also 20 per cent less likely to be hospitalised after entry.
Mt Ommaney itself offers a balance many retirees value. Established parklands, river views and shopping centres sit alongside strong transport links to the Brisbane CBD. For long-term locals, staying close to familiar places often matters as much as changing how they live.
The Evelyn allows for that continuity. It offers an option to remain within the same neighbourhood while adapting housing to better suit changing needs. It is a shift in position rather than a change of course.
Who Is Behind The Evelyn?
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The Evelyn is owned and operated by Aura Holdings, a Brisbane-based retirement living company founded by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor. The company’s approach is informed by professional experience and personal perspective, with both founders having parents living in communities they operate.
“The Evelyn will set the benchmark for retirement living in Brisbane, delivering modern apartments, strong community connections, and a premier golf club setting, unlike anything else in the Centenary suburbs,” Aura Holdings Chief Executive Officer Sean Graham said.
“We are pleased to see … the community’s confidence in both the project and Aura’s commitment to the ongoing partnership with the McLeod Country Golf Club,” he added.
Playing the Long Game
Not everyone will choose this path, and many Australians will continue to age in place. What is changing is the range of options available and the way people think about them.
Photo Credit: Aura Holdings
The Evelyn reflects a broader shift in mindset. Life does not narrow as priorities change. It simply calls for a different approach. And sometimes, staying in the game means recognising when it is time to change clubs, not courses.
The Evelyn has emerged within that moment, amidst a gradual shift rather than a rush. People are not abandoning the course, they are choosing a different club to use.
Published 2-January-2026.
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