Spanish Flavours Anchor Father’s Day in Graceville

Graceville is about to serve something special this Father’s Day, as the neighbourhood’s own Botellón readies its tables for a celebration that blends Spanish flavours with community spirit. 



Families are being invited to honour dads with a menu that does more than fill plates—it creates an experience shaped by bold cooking, good wine and the comfort of gathering in a familiar local spot.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Botellón is woven into the fabric of Graceville’s dining scene. Tucked along leafy Honour Avenue, the tapas bar draws inspiration from the laneways of Madrid and the plazas of Barcelona, yet it has become very much a part of its Brisbane suburb. 

Owned by Maddison Walker and steered in the kitchen by Head Chef Matt Woodhouse, the restaurant has built a loyal following with its relaxed atmosphere, earthy design and a menu that adapts traditional Spanish methods to fresh Australian produce. 

For many locals, it is the place where birthdays, reunions and long Sunday lunches unfold.

Specials That Speak of Celebration

For Father’s Day, the kitchen team has crafted one-day-only dishes designed to be shared at the table. Baked oysters are paired with paprika butter and hazelnut migas, beef tartare comes with guindillas, horseradish and crème fraîche, and a rib eye steak weighing in at 650 grams is served with simple condiments. 

Photo Credit: Bottelon/Facebook
Photo Credit: Bottelon/Facebook

These dishes join the restaurant’s well-known tapas and paellas, such as smoky chorizo y pollo or seafood mariscos, giving families both the comfort of favourites and the intrigue of something new.

Drinks will also play a role, with Spanish reds, cocktails and local beers adding to the festive setting.

Community at the Centre

Botellón has leaned on its social media channels to tell locals that Father’s Day here is about more than just a meal. 

Dining together is the gift: the time spent across a table, the stories swapped over paella, and the joy of treating Dad to flavours that might feel like a trip to Spain without leaving Graceville.


Published 4-Sept-2025

Residents Say Oxley & Inala Car Parks Among Brisbane’s Most Stressful

Oxley & Inala car parks have been branded among Brisbane’s most chaotic, with locals describing the Aldi and Chemist Warehouse complex at Oxley and Inala Plaza as stressful, cramped and notorious for clashes between drivers.



Chaos at Aldi Oxley

Community discussions describe Oxley and Inala as among the hardest car parks to navigate in Brisbane. At Oxley, the Aldi and Chemist Warehouse complex on Blunder Road is criticised for being chaotic even during quiet times, with some comparing it to a Mad Max scene. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Locals say the layout is too small and poorly designed, leading to narrow lanes, congestion and aggressive driving. Some also noted the lack of shaded areas and limited room to manoeuvre, making it stressful for families and pet owners. While Aldi staff and products were praised, many agreed the car park lessens the overall shopping experience.

Inala Plaza Frustrations

Inala Plaza is widely regarded as one of Brisbane’s most stressful car parks, with residents describing constant aggression and clashes over spaces. Some shoppers said they avoid parking altogether, choosing instead to drop off family members. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The car park is often packed at all hours, with weekends, especially Saturday mornings and Sunday late mornings, considered the worst. Locals also joked it feels like “hunting season,” while frequent dents and accidents have reinforced its poor reputation.

Residents Adapt To The Conditions

For many locals, Oxley and Inala symbolise parking stress in Brisbane’s south-west. Some avoid peak times, while others park elsewhere or carefully plan visits. A few admitted they regretted going at all, calling the experience exhausting and unpredictable. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Yet the centres remain popular for convenience and value, ensuring the car parks stay busy despite ongoing criticism.

Community Perspective

These community discussions underline how strongly locals feel about everyday access to shopping centres. While shops at both Oxley and Inala remain popular, the parking situation has created an ongoing point of frustration and even humour for residents. 



For many, these car parks are not just places to leave their vehicles but challenging experiences that shape how they view the entire shopping trip.

Published 28-August-2025

Roma Roma Brings Sustainable, Locally-Sourced Italian Food to Sherwood

Putting creative control on the menu, a new Italian eatery in Sherwood called Roma Roma is inviting locals to design their own meals as part of a fresh dining concept rooted in sustainability and community connection.



Roma Roma, which began serving customers last month, is the project of former Mantra Hotels head chef Anand Jasnai and ex-Accor Pullman executive Gerlane Jasani. The pair are moving beyond the traditional restaurant model to create a place where the connection between the diner, the food, and local producers is central to the experience. They aim to serve food that is not only delicious but also honest and thoughtfully made.

A Philosophy of Freshness

Roma Roma
Photo Credit: ROMA ROMA/ Facebook

The core idea of the place is a commitment to doing things the “real way.” This starts with their ingredients. The restaurant partners with local suppliers and growers who share their values of providing clean, ethical, and flavourful produce. This approach means no shortcuts are taken in the kitchen, ensuring that every dish is built on a foundation of quality.

This philosophy extends to how the restaurant operates. The team is focused on reducing their environmental impact through practical steps like portion-smart menus to minimise food waste and the use of compostable packaging for takeaway orders. Their belief is that every part of the dining experience, from sourcing to serving, should be handled with care for the community and the environment.

Your Pasta, Your Way

Roma Roma
Photo Credit: ROMA ROMA/ Facebook

This community-first approach is most visible in their unique menu, which allows diners to become the chef. The “build-your-own” pasta bowl lets customers choose their preferred fresh pasta, sauce, protein, and cheese, putting them in complete control of their meal. Options range from classic spaghetti and rich, slow-cooked ragu to zoodles and pan-smoked chorizo.

For those who prefer to leave it to the professionals, the restaurant also offers a menu of signature dishes. These include comforting classics like a traditional carbonara with crispy bacon and a rich egg yolk, and an indulgent creamy truffle gnocchi topped with crunchy garlic crumbs. The menu also caters widely to different dietary needs, with ample vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available to ensure everyone in the neighbourhood has a place at the table.



A Spot for Every Occasion

Roma Roma
Photo Credit: ROMA ROMA/ Facebook

With its funky and playful atmosphere, the restaurant is designed to be a versatile local hub. It serves as a perfect spot for a date night, offering restaurant-quality comfort in a relaxed setting. It also provides a convenient takeaway option for those nights when you crave a nourishing, chef-made meal without leaving the house. From golden arancini balls to house-made tiramisu cups, the menu is crafted to feel like a treat, whether you’re dining in or curling up on the couch.

Published Date 30-August-2025

Police Seize Weapons at Corinda And Oxley Stations in Ongoing Crackdown

Police have seized multiple dangerous weapons from local train stations as part of intensified scanning operations across Brisbane’s suburbs, with incidents occurring at both Corinda and Oxley stations in recent weeks.



On 24 August, Sherwood police officers conducting weapons detection operations at Corinda train station allegedly discovered an axe and shears in the possession of a 42-year-old local man. The individual has been charged with two counts of possessing a knife in a public place and will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 15 September.

Just days earlier, on 20 August, police conducting similar operations at Oxley train station detected an axe being carried by a 42-year-old Oxley resident. That individual was issued an adult caution for possessing a knife in a public place.

The seizures were part of Operation Marshall, the state-wide police initiative utilising Jack’s Law – legislation named in honour of Queensland teenager Jack Beasley who was stabbed and killed on the Gold Coast in 2019.

The law allows police to use hand-held metal detectors to identify and seize weapons from people in all public places, and became permanent across Queensland on 18 July this year.

Since the legislation’s expansion in July, Brisbane police have conducted more than 4,900 weapons scans, resulting in over 70 people being charged with nearly 140 offences. During this period, 28 weapons including axes, knives, knuckledusters and other dangerous items have been located and confiscated.

The weapons detection operations have been conducted across various locations including Safe Night Precincts, shopping centres, licensed venues, sporting facilities, public transport hubs and public areas extending to the Bay Islands.

In a separate incident on 22 August, Fortitude Valley police seized a flick knife during proactive patrols in the Fortitude Valley Safe Night Precinct. A 24-year-old Toowong man was charged with unlawful possession of weapons and will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 9 September.

Police also conducted scanning operations on Russell Island over a two-week period, checking 65 people across public transport hubs and public spaces. Officers reported no edged weapons were discovered during the Bay Island deployment.

Jack’s Law was introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in 2019, initially as a trial program on the Gold Coast before being expanded statewide. The original trial conducted between May 2021 and November 2022 resulted in 241 weapons being taken off the streets.

Brisbane police have indicated they will continue conducting proactive patrols and weapons detection operations to identify and remove dangerous items from public areas whilst educating the community about the risks of unlawfully carrying edged weapons.

The scanning operations use handheld metal detectors and typically take only a minute or two to complete, requiring no physical contact between police and members of the public.



Anyone with information for police can contact Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Reference numbers: QP2501501016, QP2501491168, QP2501476283

Published 27-August-2025

Graceville Parents Asked to Keep Sick Children Home During Outbreak

Graceville State School parents have been called on to help curb a wave of illness sweeping through their children’s school, with staff urging families to keep unwell students at home for rest and recovery before sending them back to school.



The warning comes as schools across Queensland report a rise in influenza, gastroenteritis, and COVID-19 cases during Term 3. According to education officials, this seasonal increase in sickness is common at this time of year, but the impact is being felt strongly in Graceville where absences have already disrupted classrooms.

Staff at Graceville State School said families should not send children to school if they are displaying symptoms. They reminded parents that illnesses spread more easily in colder months, and that confirmed cases of notifiable diseases such as influenza should be reported to the school community.

Protocols and exclusion rules

Under Queensland Health guidelines, students who are unwell must remain home until fully recovered. Children with chickenpox must stay away until blisters have dried and at least five days after symptoms appear. Those with diarrhoea or vomiting need to be symptom-free for at least 24 hours, extended to 48 hours in confirmed norovirus cases. Conditions including tuberculosis and typhoid require medical clearance before a student can return to class.

Not all health concerns result in absences. Students with head lice, glandular fever, or cold sores are permitted to attend school once treatment has started and hygiene measures are maintained. These rules are designed to reduce the speed at which infections spread in classrooms where close contact is common.

Health officials’ response

The Queensland Education Department confirmed that illnesses are being reported in schools across the state. A spokesperson said that while the current pattern is consistent with previous years, staff and student wellbeing remains the department’s top priority. Schools are following strict health protocols, with children who become ill during the school day sent home immediately.

Local principals have been advised to consult their nearest Public Health Unit if outbreaks are suspected or if families raise concerns about specific conditions. The department said monitoring will continue, with daily updates from schools used to track attendance and illness levels.

Broader community impact

Recent health data shows that the state has already recorded more than 200 hospital admissions for flu in a single week and dozens of flu-related deaths this year. Vaccination rates among children remain below average despite free access, and health experts continue to encourage families to consider flu shots as a preventative step.



Graceville’s warning reflects the broader challenges faced by schools during winter. Officials said community cooperation—particularly keeping children at home when they are unwell—remains the most effective way to protect classmates, staff, and vulnerable family members.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Bigger and Stronger: Bunnings Warehouse in Oxley to Reopen After Years of Waiting

The Bunnings warehouse in Oxley is preparing to reopen in September, three years after the store was destroyed in the devastating 2022 floods. The new $60 million facility has been purpose-built with flood-resilient design features to better withstand future disasters and reduce the risk of long-term closures.


Read: Bunnings Plans To Rebuild Oxley Store With Flood-resilient Features


The original Oxley warehouse was left unrepairable following the 2022 deluge, which caused widespread damage across south-east Queensland. 

Extensive black mould and structural issues forced the demolition of the site, which had already suffered significant damage in the 2011 floods. Since then, customers have relied on a nearby Rocklea outlet that was brought back online after its own flood clean-up.

The new Oxley store has been designed to prevent a repeat of the past. It sits 4.5 metres higher than the previous building and includes flood-protection measures such as reinforced flood doors at the main entrance and nursery. Power supplies, travelators and lifts have all been raised well above expected flood levels, ensuring the store can reopen more quickly once waters recede.

Bunnings Rocklea (Photo credit: Yamin Shah/Google Maps)

Spanning two storeys, the rebuilt warehouse will also be larger, offering an additional 4250sqm of floor space to accommodate a wider range of products and services. Staff from Rocklea, which has served as a temporary base for the past three years, are expected to transfer to the upgraded Oxley site once operations begin.

Photo credit: Ruth Dennien/Facebook

The Rocklea store is scheduled to close at the end of August, ahead of Oxley’s reopening. The building itself has a history of repeated flooding and will not be used as a retail outlet again. Instead, it is set to be leased to logistics and industrial tenants, with strong demand anticipated due to the site’s proximity to the Ipswich and Pacific motorways.


Read: Oxley and Sherwood Lead the Way as Brisbane Reclaims Flood Zones for Public Use


For local residents, the return of Bunnings Warehouse to Oxley marks the end of a long wait. The project delivers not just a larger warehouse, but one designed to cope with Queensland’s unpredictable weather, providing reassurance that future flooding is less likely to disrupt service for extended periods.

Published 22-August-2025

Corinda Students Compete in Darling Downs Mountain Biking Event

Corinda State High School students took part in their first mountain biking competition in Toowoomba, joining the Darling Downs Schools event hosted by Rocky Trail Academy.



Corinda Enters Darling Downs Competition

For the first time, Corinda State High School participated in the Darling Downs Schools Competition held in Toowoomba on Friday, 8 August 2025. The event was hosted by Rocky Trail Academy at Jubilee Mountain Bike Park, Mount Lofty.

Corinda State High School
Photo Credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook

Competition Format and Tracks

The race involved three timed stages, with riders completing up to five runs per track. The fastest time on each stage counted toward individual results. Bonus points were awarded for top-four finishes. The points accumulated contributed to the Champion School title. Tracks were designed to test endurance, speed, and technical ability across junior, intermediate, and senior divisions.

Corinda’s Performance

Corinda was represented by six students who competed across the three tracks. In the Junior division, a Year 8 student, Ethan, secured fourth place overall, marking a strong debut for the school.

mountain biking
Photo Credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook

Support and Organisation

The school’s participation was supported by staff and parents, with roles including marshalling and course assistance during the day. The event also involved multiple schools from the region, with a focus on fostering participation and school spirit.

Event Operations

The Darling Downs Schools Competition ran from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The entire event included rider briefings, race rotations, and podium presentations, concluding the day. Food and coffee vendors were onsite. There were also volunteers engaged in safety and support roles. Weather conditions were partly cloudy during the event. The temperatures were ranging between 10–15°C.

Outlook



The event formed part of Rocky Trail Academy’s 2025 series. The event aims to engage students in outdoor recreation while developing cycling skills. Corinda’s first appearance highlighted new opportunities for its riders in future school competitions.

Published 18-Aug-2025

Historic Graceville Homes Sells for $1.8M after Stunning Renovation

A historic home at Graceville has sold for a mighty $1.8 million after undergoing a stunning renovation.



Built in 1919 within the Magee Estate on Strong Avenue at Graceville, the home was constructed by the War Service Homes Commission and one of just six brick cottages built for servicemen returning from World War I.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Ray White Sherwood agent Doug May said the home, at 27 Strong Avenue, was known as ‘Digger’s Rest’ and has a plaque at the front of the cottage in honour of the war hero who once lived there.

Mr May said: “The property sold for a record price for a property of this kind within the Magee Estate”.

“Originally commissioned for Private Richard James Jones of the 16th Battalion, the home stands today as a living tribute to Queensland’s wartime legacy and architectural heritage.”

Photo Credit: Supplied

Mr May has now sold three properties on Strong Ave in just four weeks including 19 Strong Avenue for $1.375 million, and 172 Strong Avenue for $1.31 million.

He said the three-bedroom two-bathroom home was “steeped in history” and reimagined for contemporary living.

“Built in 1919 by renowned builder Sir Walter Taylor, this residence is one of only six original War Service Homes ever constructed in Queensland,” Mr May said.

Photo Credit: Supplied

‘Digger’s Rest’ is more than a home, it is a preserved piece of Queensland’s post-war heritage, lovingly renovated for 21st-century living, Mr May said.

New owners Angela and Malcolm Nutt (pictured above) said the history and traditional look of the property was a drawcard.
“This house reminded me personally of a Melbourne-style home, which is where I lived in my earlier years,” Mrs Nutt said.

“I loved that it was low to the ground in a flat area and completely renovated, a garden to enjoy and grow for us and our grandchildren.”

The couple are relocating from their 1891 Queenslander in nearby Corinda which they described as a “very special family home”.

Photo Credit: Supplied

Once they settle into their new Graceville home, the couple will plant two rosemary bushes either side of their front gate to acknowledge the property’s ANZAC connection.

“My late father was in the Navy and service life was a big part of my history,” Mrs Nutt said.

“After we relocated my father from Canberra in his final years we always attended Graceville Memorial on ANZAC Day, so we liked that connection.

“We have been searching on and off for our next special home.

“This is our ‘right size’ home to enjoy for many years to come.”



Mrs Nutt said she loved her new veranda and back courtyard, as well as the lounge area.

“This home just feels right for us and is everything we need.”

Published 7-Aug-2025

New Police Dogs Graduate in Oxley, Strengthening Frontline Support

A new generation of police dogs has officially joined the Queensland Police Service following a graduation ceremony held at the Dog Squad facility in Oxley.


Read: Oxley Police Academy to Receive Significant Upgrade


The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 12-week training program for 23 canine recruits and their handlers—eight general purpose dogs and 15 detection dogs trained in sniffing out drugs, firearms, and explosives, as well as tracking offenders. The graduating teams are set to be deployed across Queensland, including Brisbane, Townsville, and Bundaberg.

The event also honoured the legacy of former service dogs, with 47 memorial stones laid in remembrance of those that served in major investigations and high-risk incidents.

police dogs
Photo credit: QPS

Officer in Charge of the Dog Squad, Acting Senior Sergeant Ash Purvey, said the day was about celebrating both achievement and legacy.

“Today we celebrate the future of canine policing in Queensland, while also recognising the dogs who paved the way with their service,” he said. “Each of the stones represents our partners and protectors—who have become part of our family.”

police dogs
Photo credit: QPS

Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie described the graduation as a significant milestone for the Service and a strong reflection of ongoing efforts to support frontline safety.

Superintendent David French from Operations Support Command praised the graduating teams and highlighted the need for continued support and resources for specialist policing roles.

“These teams represent our commitment to innovative, adaptable and effective frontline policing,” Superintendent French said.

“By continuing to invest in our Dog Squad, we are equipping our officers, both human and canine, with the tools to meet the complex demands of modern policing.”

The Queensland Police Dog Squad, established in 1972, has significantly expanded over the decades and now includes 71 general purpose dogs and 20 specialist detection teams.


Read: Oxley to Host Community Foundation Skills Training in 2025


The graduation comes amid wider efforts to strengthen frontline policing across the state, with new equipment and technology being rolled out to support officers and improve community safety.

Published 11-July-2025

Sherwood Guides Receive Facility Upgrade Grant

A local community group in Sherwood has secured funding to improve its facility as part of a broader $14 million grant rollout.



State Support for Community Projects

The State has awarded more than $14 million in funding to almost 600 not-for-profit organisations through the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Among the recipients is Guides Queensland Sherwood, which will receive $23,500 to construct storage space and repaint its facility.

Background on the Grant Program

The Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), now in its 123rd round, offers grants of up to $35,000. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the program has distributed more than $1.25 billion in funding to grassroots organisations across Queensland. The latest round attracted over 1,100 applications.

The GCBF provides financial support for projects that promote community wellbeing, including sport, volunteer initiatives, accessibility improvements, and local events. All funding is directed to eligible community-based organisations.

Role of Girl Guides Queensland

Guides Queensland Sherwood is a local unit of Girl Guides Queensland, which is the largest youth organisation for girls and women in the state. The organisation includes approximately 3,000 youth members and 1,000 adult volunteers and delivers a non-formal educational program aimed at skill development and leadership. Programs are led by trained volunteers and are tailored to individual member goals.

Funding Focus Only

The official announcement did not mention whether alternative projects in Sherwood were considered or if selection criteria changed in this round. The grant was one of nearly 600 awarded, based on applications submitted to Round 123.

Queensland community grants
Photo Credit: Girl Guides Queensland/Facebook

Community and Program Context

While the announcement did not provide direct public feedback, Guides Queensland is an established organisation with an ongoing presence in local communities. The grant to the Sherwood unit supports facility works in line with the group’s operational activities.

Future Funding Opportunities



Applications for the next GCBF round — a $100,000 “Super Round” — close on 18 July 2025. Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply through the Department of Justice website.

Published 10-July-2025