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St Joseph’s Bardon Wins STEM Competition With AI Project to Help the Elderly

When students at St Joseph’s Bardon began brainstorming ways to use technology for good, they had no idea their ideas would lead them all the way to a national stage. But that’s exactly what happened when their project, The Family Press, won first place in the primary category of the Brisbane Catholic Education STEM MAD competition — the largest yet, with more than 120 teams from over 50 schools.

Turning a Personal Story Into a Winning Idea

The Family Press team’s idea was born from a deeply personal experience. One team member had watched their great-grandfather struggle with loneliness in aged care, and it sparked a question: Could technology help older Australians feel more connected to their families?

Their answer was a personalised, AI-powered news-sharing system designed to deliver family updates, photos, and messages directly to elderly users, helping them stay part of everyday life even when separated by distance.

Judges praised the project for its blend of innovation and empathy, and it was this combination that secured St Joseph’s Bardon the top spot. The win also means the team will represent both their school and Brisbane Catholic Education at the national STEM MAD finals in November 2025. It’s a major milestone for the students and their teachers.

Technology With Heart

Another St Joseph’s Bardon team, Hug to Heart, also impressed at the competition with their own compassion-driven project. They designed an interactive teddy bear that can send hugs remotely, offering comfort and emotional support to children undergoing long hospital treatments for leukaemia. While this team didn’t take the top prize, their work was recognised for its creativity and potential to make a difference in young patients’ lives.

STEM Education Officer Claire Byrne said projects like these show what happens when students are encouraged to think beyond the classroom. By focusing on real-world challenges and designing with empathy, they learn not just how to build technology — but how to build solutions that matter.

A School Looking Ahead

The excitement of this win comes as St Joseph’s Bardon looks to the future. The school is inviting new families to join its inclusive community, with places available from Prep to Year 6 for 2026. Families of all faith backgrounds are welcome to explore enrolment through the school website or by calling 07 3369 3020.

Published 15-Oct-2025

Queensland’s Assault Crisis Reaches Bardon As Locals Call For Action

Bardon is seeing a rise in assault cases as Queensland records its highest levels of violent crime in decades, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Statewide Figures Confirm Alarming Increase

ABS data for 2024 shows almost 10,000 Queenslanders were victims of sexual assault, an 11 per cent rise from the year before. Assault cases also rose by more than 3,000, marking a second straight year of increase.

Queensland recorded 61,644 assaults, second only to New South Wales. More than half occurred in homes, highlighting concerns about domestic and family violence. In Bardon, police data mirrors this trend, showing more reported assaults in both domestic and public settings.

Community Concern Grows

Authorities report growing concern about safety in Bardon as assault cases rise. Support groups call for more education on consent and domestic violence, noting most victims are women and children.

*Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service*

While break-ins and car thefts have slightly decreased across Queensland, violent crimes continue to rise. The state also reported 27 female victims of domestic violence-related homicide in 2024, the highest figure in a decade.

Government Response And Policing Efforts

Queensland’s government has acknowledged the figures show too many people are being harmed, despite the rate of increase slowing slightly compared with previous years. Officials said new measures, including expanded police powers and ankle monitoring for high-risk domestic violence offenders, are aimed at addressing repeat and violent offences.

*Photo Credit: Canva / For Illustration Purpose Only*

Premier David Crisafulli has tied his leadership to lowering victim numbers and pledged to align crime victim rates with population growth. Local authorities in Brisbane’s western suburbs have also been encouraged to focus resources on prevention and rapid response initiatives.

Bardon Community Looks For Solutions

Bardon residents are taking action through neighbourhood watch programs and awareness drives in schools and community centres. Support groups stress early reporting, counselling, and trauma-informed policing.

The state continues to face rising violent crime despite fewer property offences. For Bardon, tackling assault and domestic violence has become a local priority.

Published 3-October-2025

More Than Meets the Eye: Uncovering the Hidden Stories of Rosalie

Photo Credit: BCC

Locals can now uncover the secret history hidden in plain sight along the footpaths of Rosalie, where a community heritage trail reveals a dramatic past of devastating floods, legendary rock concerts, and grand estates that rose from a swamp.

The self-guided “Reminisce in Rosalie” heritage trail invites residents on a journey through the suburb’s surprisingly colourful history. The walk, which covers about 2.1 kilometres and takes less than an hour, is marked by a series of street plaques. These markers guide explorers on a loop that starts and finishes in the heart of Rosalie Village, making it a perfect outing before grabbing a local coffee. The trail encourages a new appreciation for the familiar buildings and parks we see every day.

From Swamp to Suburban Life

It’s hard to imagine now, but parts of the neighbourhood were once marshland known as Red Jacket Swamp. Today, this area is the lush Gregory Park, named for Queensland’s first Surveyor General, Sir Augustus Charles Gregory. A plaque at the corner of Baroona Road and Nash Street also serves as a powerful reminder of Rosalie’s resilience, recalling the major floods that have shaped the community, including the destructive events of 1893, 1974, and most recently, 2011.

The trail also shows how daily life has transformed. A quaint, heritage-listed tram shelter on Nash Street is the last physical reminder of an era when trams rattled through the suburb. Before that, horse-drawn omnibuses were the main way to get around, run by two local businesses. These small details, revealed on the walk, paint a vivid picture of a community constantly evolving.

Echoes on Every Corner

Many of Rosalie’s most charming buildings hold stories of their own. The grand timber hall above the optometrist on Nash Street began its life as the Rosalie School of Arts and Commemoration Hall, built as a memorial to those lost in World War I. Over the years, it transformed into the Beverly Theatre, was taken over by the RSL, and has since housed a gym and a shoe outlet.

Nearby, the Rosalie C&K Kindergarten still operates from the same decorative Arts and Crafts building constructed in 1928, making it one of Brisbane’s earliest kindies. Similarly, the stately main building of the Milton State School dates from 1938 and, like the tram shelter, was an employment-stimulus project during the Great Depression. The trail also passes magnificent structures like the Sacred Heart Church, the Marist Brothers Monastery, and a beautiful convent built for the Sisters of Mercy, all of which have served the community for over a century.

Unexpected Local Legends

Perhaps the most surprising secret uncovered on the walk is the former site of the Milton Tennis Centre. Now being redeveloped as Frew Park, this spot was once a world-famous venue where tennis greats competed. Even more surprising, it’s where The Rolling Stones played a live concert for cheering crowds in 1973.

The trail also leads walkers past “Lucerne,” the oldest surviving private residence in the area. Built back in 1862, its high brick fence hides a home that was once a boarding school for young ladies and later the residence of a Queensland parliamentarian. While the properties on the walk are privately owned and must be viewed from the street, their stories add a rich new layer to the neighbourhood’s character, proving that every street in Rosalie has a tale to tell.

Published Date 25-September-2025

Adelaide Street Tunnel to Ease Congestion: What It Could Mean for Bardon Commuters

The Adelaide Street bus tunnel is set to open on 29 September 2025, marking a new chapter in Brisbane’s public transport network. For Bardon residents, the project may help improve reliability on their citybound trips by easing congestion in the CBD.

Read: Bardon’s Route 375 Split As Part Of Brisbane’s Biggest Bus Overhaul

The 213-metre tunnel runs beneath Adelaide Street, linking North Quay with King George Square busway station. It forms part of the Brisbane Metro project and is designed to reduce pressure on one of the city’s busiest stretches by redirecting bus and metro services underground.

Reducing the Bottleneck

At peak hours, Adelaide Street is often gridlocked, with buses caught in slow-moving traffic. The tunnel is expected to ease this bottleneck by removing hundreds of buses from the surface each day. More than 1,200 services are planned to travel through the tunnel daily, reducing congestion and improving connections across the CBD.

This represents a major change in how buses move through the city centre. By separating buses and metro vehicles from general traffic, the new route is designed to deliver more reliable travel times across multiple corridors.

Suburbs That Stand to Gain

The direct beneficiaries are suburbs whose bus routes connect into the Inner Northern and South East busways. Passengers from the south and east will see smoother run-throughs into the CBD as Metro 1 and Metro 2 feeder services take advantage of the new link.

Western suburbs such as Bardon may also see indirect benefits. By diverting large numbers of buses away from surface streets, the tunnel is expected to reduce congestion in the CBD for all services. Buses from Bardon arriving at the edge of the city may therefore face fewer delays and more consistent journey times.

What It Means for Bardon

Bardon, nestled in the foothills of Mt Coot-tha, is known for its leafy streets and village feel, but commuting into the city can be a challenge. Many residents rely on bus services that travel via Milton Road or Given Terrace before heading into the CBD.

While Bardon buses will not travel through the Adelaide Street tunnel itself, they connect to a CBD network expected to become more efficient. Less surface congestion in the city may help reduce the slowdowns Bardon services face when entering the CBD.

Looking Ahead

Bardon still depends on surface roads to reach the inner city, and any bottlenecks before Milton or Paddington cannot be addressed by the tunnel alone. Even so, the project is seen as a key investment in strengthening Brisbane’s transport network at a time of continued population growth.

Read: The Streets of Bardon: How Time Reshaped Local Thoroughfares

For Bardon locals, the Adelaide Street tunnel shows how major projects in the heart of the CBD can deliver wider benefits, potentially making commutes more reliable for surrounding suburbs too.

Published 25-September-2025

Architect Shaun Lockyer’s Bardon Residence to be Sold After 22 Years

A modest post-war house in Bardon that has been reimagined over two decades into one of Brisbane’s most recognised private residences is now set to change hands in the community where it has long been a local conversation piece.

The property, known as The Lighthouse, was purchased in 2003 by architect Shaun Lockyer and his wife Julie. What began as a small home on Rosewood Street grew through 11 stages of careful renovation, expanding almost seven-fold. The Lockyers raised their two children there, shaping the house around family life while steadily refining its design.

From post-war home to architectural landmark

The couple bought the house from Brisbane doctor James Scott, who survived 43 days lost in the Himalayas in 1991. From its humble beginnings, the building evolved into a residence that reflects Lockyer’s design philosophy: abundant natural light, integration with outdoor space, and a focus on everyday comfort.

Across four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the property has been shaped to balance function with atmosphere. The living and dining areas flow onto a deck, and landscaping has been as integral to the project as the architecture itself. For Lockyer, who has designed some of Australia’s most high-profile homes, the Bardon project became both a family base and a long-running experiment in design.

12 Rosewood Street, Bardon — Photo Credit: Ray White Bulimba

A family story intertwined with architecture

Lockyer has described the decision to move as an emotional one. For him and his wife, leaving the home means parting with more than a design achievement; it means stepping away from a place filled with family memories. The project was never a single commission but a 22-year journey shaped by the rhythms of raising children and refining space as the household’s needs changed.

Auction set for October

The home will be offered through Ray White Bulimba, with principal Matt Lancashire leading the campaign. The auction is scheduled for 18 October. Lancashire has said the property is significant not only because of its architectural pedigree but also because it represents the personal residence of one of Brisbane’s leading architects.

As the Bardon chapter closes, the Lockyers are preparing for a move to Teneriffe. Their next home will again reflect Lockyer’s preference for natural materials such as timber, stone and concrete.

For the Bardon community, the sale marks the end of a long association between the architect and a house that has become part of the suburb’s identity.

Published 16-Sept-2025

The House He Never Called Home: Joshua Jeays and the Bardon House

In the heart of Bardon stands the heritage-listed Bardon House. Built in 1864, this structure tells the story of its creator, Joshua Jeays, a man whose influence shaped early Brisbane.

Read: Bardon House, The Villa That Inspired The Name Of A Suburb

Joshua Jeays, born in Leicestershire in 1812, arrived in Moreton Bay from England with his wife Sarah and children in 1853. A skilled carpenter and builder by trade, Jeays quickly established himself as a prominent architect in the burgeoning colony.

His portfolio included notable early Brisbane buildings such as the Old Government House and homes for prominent residents like John Petrie and the Cribb family.

Old Government House, George Street, ca 1867 (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

In 1864, Jeays constructed Bardon House, using stone quarried from his own quarry at Woogaroo. The name “Bardon” was a nod to his roots, derived from Bardon Hill, the highest landmark in Leicestershire County, close to Joshua and Sarah’s respective hometowns of Loughborough and Beeby.

Joshua Jeays — *Bardon House ca 1930* (Photo credit: State Library of Queensland)

Tragically, Sarah Jeays passed away in July 1864, the same year Bardon House was completed. Despite being one of the first landowners in the district, Joshua never resided in the house he built. By 1865, he was leasing it as a ‘Stone-Built Suburban VILLA RESIDENCE’. The following year, his daughter and son-in-law Charles Lilley (later Sir Charles and Governor of Queensland) briefly occupied the house until 1867.

A Man of Many Hats

Beyond his architectural achievements, Jeays was deeply involved in local politics. In 1859, he became an alderman of the Brisbane Municipal Council. His political career peaked in 1864 when he served as Mayor of Brisbane for a year.

Joshua Jeays continued to live in North Quay until his death on 11 March 1881, at the age of 69. While he may never have called Bardon House home, the structure stands as a lasting tribute to his craftsmanship and vision for Brisbane.

Read: The Evolution of Bardon House

Today, Bardon House remains a cherished piece of Brisbane’s architectural heritage and is now a part of the St Joseph’s primary school complex.

Published 4-September-2024

Green Waste Bin Deliveries Begin in Bardon as Rollout Starts

Photo Credit: BCC

Bardon households are receiving new green waste recycling bins as part of Brisbane’s citywide rollout to expand kerbside garden waste collection.

Background and Rollout Schedule

BCC has commenced a citywide program to deliver green waste recycling bins to all eligible single-unit dwellings, with Bardon among the suburbs in the first delivery stage. The initiative, running from August to December 2025, aims to supply up to 160,000 additional bins across the city.

Bardon deliveries are scheduled between 4 August and 15 August 2025, alongside suburbs including Wakerley, Chandler, Mackenzie, Manly West, Rochedale, Auchenflower, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Manly and Lota.

Purpose and Expected Impact

The program seeks to divert between 65,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green waste from landfill annually, turning garden waste into compost and mulch. This is expected to save ratepayers between $2 million and $3 million in the first year and up to $32 million over five years by reducing costs associated with the State’s waste levy. Garden waste currently accounts for nearly a quarter of household general waste in Brisbane.

Eligibility and Service Details

All eligible standalone houses, including rental properties, will receive a 240-litre bin with a bright green lid unless they opt out. Households already using a green bin will continue their current service without additional charges. Apartment complexes and some townhouses are not automatically included but may request a bin at no extra cost. Collection occurs fortnightly, alternating with yellow-lid recycling bins.

Brisbane green bin rollout — Photo Credit: BCC

Costs and Funding

From 1 July 2025, the Waste Utility Charge was replaced with a Universal Waste Charge of $512.96 annually, representing an increase of $49.62 on the previous base cost. This covers all waste services and the state waste levy. The rollout has been supported by the State’s Grow FOGO fund, which provides BCC with a one-time grant per participating household.

Opt-Out Provisions

Residents who do not require a green waste bin, such as those with minimal garden space or established composting systems, can opt out by submitting a request to BCC by 1 December 2025. This does not reduce the waste charge, as it covers all collection services.

Next Steps

Deliveries in Bardon and other Week 1 suburbs will continue until mid-August, with the citywide rollout expected to be completed by December 2025. Collection services for new bins will begin in the fortnight following delivery.

Published 10-Aug-2025

How Rosalie Creek Shaped Brisbane and Disappeared

Rosalie Creek isn’t on modern maps. For some locals, it’s not even a thought. But beneath the busy streets of Rosalie, Milton and Auchenflower, and the green expanse of Gregory Park, lies the story of a creek that once flowed freely through the heart of this community—a story buried, but not forgotten.

The Creek That Carved a Community

Once, Rosalie Creek—referred to by various names such as Western Creek and Cribb’s Creek—flowed from the hills of Bardon, through the areas we now know as Rosalie and Milton, and into the Brisbane River. It transported rainwater from a catchment area spanning four kilometers, shaping gullies and creating swamps along its path.

Rosalie Creek flowing through Bardon — *Photo Credit: OnceWasACreek.Org*

In the mid-19th century, the creek was essential to the landscape. Farmers depended on it. Children may have played along its banks. But as the city grew, its value as a natural waterway diminished.

Clearing land for grazing and crops gave way to houses and roads. The water, once seen as a lifeline, became a nuisance. It was polluted and re-engineered into drains and culverts, making way for progress.

Today, Gregory Park still carries a trace of the creek’s identity. Beneath its shady trees and grassy fields lies the ghost of what was once known as Red Jacket Swamp. But how many park visitors know they are walking on the remnants of Rosalie Creek?

*Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Red Jacket Swamp along Rosalie Creek — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Rosalie Creek Remnant — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Red Jacket Swamp in Rosalie Creek — *Photo Credit: Red Jack Swamp – Paddington Then & Now*

A Forgotten Network

Rosalie Creek connected with a network of creeks along Brisbane’s Crescent Reach, including Langsville Creek, Toowong Creek, and Boundary Creek. These waterways defined the city’s natural contours. Roads like Birdwood Terrace and Given Terrace followed the ridges of the Rosalie Creek catchment, a reminder that the land once dictated the shape of human settlement, not the other way around.

Maps of the old creek system reveal how deeply water shaped the area. What is now the bustling Milton Road corridor was once part of the creek’s path. In the wet season, floods likely turned these lowlands into a maze of swamps and lagoons. Over time, as development surged, those waterways were drained and paved over, leaving behind only their names and a few pockets of green.

Milton Sewer, part of Rosalie Creek — *Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Thus, Rosalie Creek has been diverted underground and enclosed within drains. The creek’s course through included:

Ellena Street: The creek would have flowed to Ellena Street near the Welsh Lady cake shop.
Carpark: The creek likely flowed through the carpark located behind Rosalie Village.
Blue Room Cinebar: The creek would have moved beneath the Blue Room Cinebar towards the intersection of Baroona Road and Bayswater Street.

Can the Creek Return?

Though Rosalie Creek is hidden beneath layers of concrete and soil, its story isn’t over. Some Brisbane residents and environmental advocates have begun to imagine what could be. Restoration projects in nearby areas, like Bardon’s Frog Creek in Bowman Park, have proven that old waterways can be brought back to life. There, a concrete drain was transformed into a natural creek, teeming with frogs and native plants.

Bowman Park Habitat Group — *Photo Credit: Bowman Park Frog Habitat Group/Facebook*

Could Rosalie Creek follow the same path? Restoring even a small section of the creek could bring back biodiversity, improve water quality, and provide a peaceful retreat for the community. But restoration isn’t easy. It requires resources, time, and, most importantly, a shared commitment from both residents and city leaders. For now, the idea remains a dream—a hopeful vision for a greener future.

For those walking through Gregory Park, or driving past the Western Creek Bridge on Milton Road, the Rosalie Creek is there, hidden in plain sight. Its waters may no longer flow as they once did, but its story continues, waiting to be rediscovered.

Published 8-January-2025. Updated 8-August-2025

Freak Hill Climbing: The Golden Age of Motorsport Spectacle in Bardon

In the heart of the quiet suburb of Bardon, Saturdays once echoed with the roar of motorcycles and the cheers of thousands. From the 1930s to the late 1950s, a death-defying spectacle known as ‘freak hill climbing’ turned the steep slopes of Purtell Park into a battleground of grit, power, and local legend.

It’s unclear how freak hill climbing started in Bardon but the motorsport was already popular in Melbourne in the early 1900s for both motorcycles and cars.

In the 1930s, various clubs like the Bardon Hill Climb, the Kedron Motor Club or the Indian Motorcycle Club would host the healthy but challenging competitions among bikers in Brisbane as a fundraiser for causes they supported. But beyond the cause, young daredevils were motivated to join the competition to tackle the steepest and roughest spots on the hills like a badge of honour.

According to Speedway and Road Race History, the races attracted thousands of spectators as riders try to climb or crash onto the 45-degree hill. So steep were the slopes that the motorcycles would sometimes have to be lowered down with ropes.

World War II temporarily halted the competitions but the “thrills on freak hills” were still well-document in the mid-50s.

Updated 25-May-2025/2-July-2025

More Than a Menu: How Luna Pizza in Bardon is Building Community

A charming gourmet pizza bar in an old Bardon shop has become a popular local gathering spot by offering a delicious range of pizzas in a rustic laneway setting where the whole family, including pet dogs, is welcome.

A Local Dining Experience

Luna Pizza has cultivated a cozy and inviting atmosphere, transforming a simple shop into a community favourite. Diners can enjoy their meals in a rustic laneway to the side of the establishment, which is decorated with tea light candles for a warm ambiance.

The decision to allow dogs in this outdoor seating area has made it a particularly popular choice for local pet owners seeking a relaxed meal out. The restaurant is also considered a good place for families with children.

From Classic to Gourmet

The menu provides a wide selection of food to suit various tastes. Beyond its popular thin-crust pizzas, the pizzeria serves a variety of chicken wings with flavours like buffalo, teriyaki, and smokey bourbon. Garlic bread and fresh salads are also available as starters or sides.

The pizza offerings include timeless choices such as Margherita and Hawaiian, alongside a more impressive range of gourmet options. These feature creative topping combinations like the Pesto Pollo, which has a napoli base with mozzarella, chicken and pesto aioli, and the Cheeseburger pizza, which uses a ketchup and mustard base with beef and pickles.

Planning Your Visit

For customer convenience, Luna Pizza provides a range of services including dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and curbside pickup. The pizzeria operates on a Bring Your Own (BYO) basis for drinks, allowing patrons to bring their favourite beverages to accompany their meal.

While BYO is encouraged, a small selection of soft drinks and water is available for purchase. To avoid disappointment during busy periods, making a reservation is recommended. The establishment accepts both credit and debit cards for payment.

Published Date 07-July-2025