Hailing from the Western Suburbs District Cricket Club, Grace Harris is one of cricket’s most electrifying talents. The Ipswich-born all-rounder continues to redefine women’s cricket with her explosive batting and crafty off-spin bowling, earning her a place among the sport’s elite.
Western Suburbs’ proudest export, Harris exemplifies the pathway for aspiring cricketers in Queensland. At 31, her return to the Australian squad for the T20 series underscores her ability to continually evolve as a player and overcome challenges.
Harris’s recent dominance over bowling attacks has left cricket statisticians scrambling to update the record books. Her unbeaten 136 at North Sydney Oval, marked by an unforgettable bat-breaking incident, remains the highest individual score in Women’s Big Bash League history. This innings perfectly captures her fearless and powerful approach to cricket.
Another remarkable feat is her 42-ball century in 2018, the fastest in WBBL history. Such performances have earned her prestigious accolades, including the WBBL Player of the Tournament award in 2021. These records are a testament to Harris’s unmatched ability to change games with her bat.
More than just numbers
Beyond the statistics lies a cricketer who brings infectious energy to every match. Harris’s right-arm off-spin provides crucial variety to any bowling attack, while her versatility with the bat allows her to adapt to any position in the order.
Cricket runs deep in the Harris family, with sister Laura also representing Brisbane Heat. Together, they showcase the strength of Queensland’s cricket pathway, from Western Suburbs to the international arena.
The Oxley Bowls Club will host the upcoming Australia Day Family Fun Day, bringing the community together for a day of fun, recognition, and celebration.
The event, organised by the Brisbane Oxley-Sherwood Lions Club, will take place on Sunday, 26 January 2025, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 24 Englefield Road.
The Australia Day Family Fun Day at Oxley Bowls Club will offer a mix of traditional and multicultural elements to reflect the area’s diversity.
Australian Citizenship Ceremony: Up to forty people will officially become Australian citizens.
Local Heroes Awards: Volunteers who have helped build community resilience will be honoured.
Traditional Aussie Games: Classic Australian games will entertain both children and adults, creating an exciting, interactive environment.
Welcome to Country: Local Indigenous members will perform this ceremony.
Multicultural and Australian Food: Food vans will have a range of locally produced Australian favourites as well as multicultural cuisine.
Live Music and Entertainment: Local performers will set the tone for a cheerful atmosphere throughout the day.
Fireworks Display: The day will end with an amazing fireworks display, thus giving an exciting conclusion to the festivities.
Photo Credit: Oxley Bowls Club/Facebook
Family-Friendly Activities
With plenty of activities for all ages, the Family Fun Day promises to be an excellent outing for families. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic mats to relax on the serene grounds of the Oxley Bowls Club while enjoying the food, music, and games. There will also be raffle tickets available, offering exciting prizes and adding to the fun while supporting community initiatives.
Photo Credit: Oxley Bowls Club/Facebook
Community Anticipation
Locals are already looking forward to the event, seeing it as a chance to connect with others and celebrate Australia Day in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The diverse range of activities ensures there’s something for everyone, making it an unmissable day for the Oxley community.
Walking through Graceville, a local resident noticed vacant lots blocked off by wooden stumps and yellow booms, overgrown with grass, and wondered aloud: “What’s the story here?” The unusual sight sparked curiosity, leading others to ponder the history behind these empty spaces.
Discussions revealed a deeply rooted connection between Queensland’s devastating floods and a buyback program to transform flood-prone areas into green spaces.
Understanding the Buyback Program
Locals shared observations of similar sites in Graceville and other Brisbane suburbs on a popular online forum. One post noted how several properties had been demolished and cordoned off, leaving only driveways leading to nowhere. Many speculated these vacant lots were linked to the 2011 floods that wreaked havoc on the suburb. Others confirmed the connection, explaining that these properties were part of Queensland’s voluntary flood buyback scheme.
Queensland’s Resilient Homes Fund, introduced after the 2022 floods, is the latest iteration of the buyback scheme. Under this, eligible homeowners in flood-affected areas can sell their properties to Queensland. The process involves property valuations, legal and conveyancing support, and eventual demolition of structures on the land.
Residents familiar with the program explained how the buybacks helped homeowners move away from flood-prone areas by purchasing their properties, often leaving the land vacant to serve as a buffer against future floods. Some shared personal stories of neighbours who had opted into the program, citing it as a difficult but necessary step to ensure long-term safety and flood resilience.
Why the Buybacks Were Necessary
Graceville, like many other Brisbane suburbs, has a history of severe flooding, including the catastrophic events of 2011 and 2022. Floodwaters devastated homes, forcing many families to rebuild, relocate, or seek assistance through programs like the buyback initiative.
The buyback scheme addresses flood risk by acquiring high-risk properties, demolishing structures, and rezoning the land for non-habitable uses such as green spaces. This protects the environment and ensures that flood-prone areas are no longer developed, reducing risks for future residents and minimising the financial impact of repeated flood disasters.
The program also ensures that purchased properties are rezoned as non-habitable, safeguarding them against future development. Local councils oversee land rehabilitation efforts, often laying turf, planting trees, and adding features like picnic tables and playgrounds where possible.
Vacant lots, such as those in Graceville, often remain overgrown while awaiting rehabilitation or repurposing. In many cases, they are being converted into parklands or community spaces, providing both flood mitigation and new recreational opportunities for locals.
Across Brisbane, 285 properties spanning over 20 hectares have been acquired and are being converted into parks and open spaces. Some locations, such as Fauna Parade Park and Strickland Terrace Park, have already been expanded, while others remain in planning stages.
For homeowners still living in flood-affected properties, the Resilient Homes Fund provides options to improve safety and resilience. These include retrofitting homes with flood-resistant materials, raising homes to higher elevations, or participating in the voluntary buyback program. To learn more, interested residents can visit the Queensland Government’s Resilient Homes Fund website or call the 13 QGOV hotline (13 74 68) for assistance.
Ash Barty, the celebrated tennis champion from Brisbane, is set to make a triumphant return to Pat Rafter Arena in Tennyson for the Brisbane International presented by Evie this December.
The three-time Grand Slam winner and former world No.1 will be prominent at the tournament, supporting various initiatives and engaging with the next generation of tennis enthusiasts.
Barty, who established the Ash Barty Foundation earlier this year to support young Australians through sport and education, will participate in a charity showcase on the tournament’s opening day. She will be joined by tennis legend Pat Rafter and other WTA and ATP players for the event, which takes place on Sunday, 29 December, at 9.30 am. This showcase will also serve as the official launch of the Brisbane International Family Fun Day.
In addition to her involvement in the charity match, Barty will act as the Brisbane International Ballkids Ambassador. The ballkids will proudly display the Ash Barty Foundation logo on their tournament uniforms, and Barty will personally present them with their hats before the tournament commences.
Barty expressed her enthusiasm for connecting with young tennis fans and raising awareness for her foundation. She acknowledged her fortunate journey and emphasised the foundation’s aim to provide opportunities for all children to pursue their passions regardless of their background. She anticipates the charity match with Rafter and the chance to interact with young fans at the event.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson welcomed Barty’s involvement and highlighted her significant contributions to Australian and international sport.
He praised her role as Ballkids Ambassador and the partnership with the Ash Barty Foundation for Family Fun Day. Pearson believes seeing Barty and Rafter on the court together will be a memorable experience for all sports fans.
Adult tickets for the Brisbane International are available from $30, with family passes (two adults and two children) starting at $60.
Molonga Terrace in Graceville stands as a testament to Brisbane’s enduring suburban character, with its rich history dating back to at least 1936. Historical aerial photography from that year reveals a well-established street, though notably shorter than its current extension beyond Long Street West.
The street’s strong community ties are evident in its impressive 85% owner-occupier rate, with residents staying an average of 12 years – and remarkably, 31% having called Molonga Terrace home for over a decade. This deep-rooted connection to place is particularly striking when considering the street’s property journey through time, exemplified by 51 Molonga Terrace’s modest $23,000 sale in May 1973, a figure that provides a fascinating glimpse into Brisbane’s real estate evolution.
Molonga Tce, Graceville Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 31%
Molonga Tce, Graceville – As It Looked in 1936
Molonga Tce, Graceville in 1936
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON MOLONGA TCE FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
51 Molonga Tce, Graceville
$23,000
May 1973
43 Molonga Tce, Graceville
$370,000
Jul 1991
63 Molonga Tce, Graceville
$461,500
Dec 1993
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2024 was $1,154,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2020 was $750,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN GRACEVILLE SINCE 2020 : $404,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2024 was $1,425,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2020 was $1,050,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN GRACEVILLE SINCE 2020 : $375,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2024 was $2,153,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Graceville in 2020 was $1,410,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN GRACEVILLE SINCE 2020 : $743,000
The State Dog Squad Training and Development Centre in Oxley has proudly graduated eight new police dogs, strengthening Queensland’s law enforcement capabilities. These canines are now ready to support frontline officers across the state.
In a significant enhancement to Queensland’s law enforcement capabilities, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has proudly introduced eight newly trained police dogs. These canine officers have completed a rigorous 12-week training program.
The comprehensive training regimen at the Oxley facility is designed to prepare dogs for general-purpose duties, including tracking suspects, searching for evidence, and ensuring public safety. Upon completion, the dogs were ceremoniously fitted with official collars, symbolising their readiness to serve alongside their human counterparts.
The newly graduated dogs have been deployed to regions including Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Logan, and Ipswich, where they will assist with tasks such as tracking suspects, evidence searches, and public safety operations.
This event marked Queensland’s first stand-alone police dog graduation, underscoring the crucial role of the centre in preparing elite canine units. Equipped with modern amenities, the centre ensures both dogs and their handlers are trained to the highest standards.
The public has warmly welcomed the new canine recruits, with the QPS sharing updates and photos on social media to promote transparency and foster community support.
With the largest canine unit in Australia (111 dogs currently in service and 23 in training), the QPS demonstrates a steadfast commitment to utilising canine officers to support law enforcement efforts statewide.
Rising Australian tennis star Max Purcell has voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension after revealing he unknowingly received a vitamin infusion above the permitted limit—ruling him out of the Australian Open in Tennyson.
The two-time doubles grand slam champion, who clinched the 2024 US Open title with Jordan Thompson, approached the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after discovering medical records showing an IV infusion exceeded the 100ml limit set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
“This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is WADA safe,” Purcell wrote in an Instagram statement, explaining he had specifically instructed the medical clinic about his professional athlete status and the requirement to stay below the limit.
Max Purcell misses out on the Brisbane International
Effective 12 December, the provisional suspension excludes Purcell from competing in major tournaments like the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. The 26-year-old, who reached a career-high singles ranking of No.40 and has accumulated more than $7.35m in prize money, faces a potential two-year ban.
Brisbane International tournament director Cam Pearson expressed surprise at the development, stating on Tuesday, “I’ve only seen the reports. I understand Max has entered a voluntary suspension period. It’s under investigation so it’s inappropriate to comment any more.”
Tennis Australia acknowledged the situation in a statement, emphasising that the breach relates to the use of a “prohibited method” rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
Wider context of tennis doping cases
Purcell’s case emerges amid ongoing controversies involving world-class players Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Sinner, who tested positive for clostebol, successfully argued contamination through contact with his physiotherapist’s medication, though WADA has since appealed the “no fault” decision. Swiatek served a one-month ban after traces of trimetazidine (TMZ) were found in her system, attributed to contaminated melatonin medication.
The varying treatments of these cases have prompted discussion within the tennis community about consistency in anti-doping enforcement. While Purcell’s voluntary disclosure may work in his favour, the final decision on his suspension length remains with the ITIA.
During his provisional suspension, Purcell is barred from playing, coaching, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by ITIA members, including major governing bodies and grand slam organisations.
A rare piece of Queensland’s wartime history has come on the market with the listing of “Digger’s Rest”, one of only six brick cottages built in Graceville for soldiers returning from the First World War.
Constructed in 1919 on Strong Avenue, the home stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers and the efforts to provide housing for them upon their return.
Originally part of the Magee Estate, the War Service Homes Commission (WSHC) built the cottage as part of a program to assist veterans. The WSHC was established after the war to address the housing needs of returning soldiers, many of whom had been injured or were struggling to re-establish themselves in civilian life.
The Brisbane Heritage Register underscores the rarity of this dwelling, noting that while many WSHC houses were constructed in Queensland, only six were built from brick. All six are located in Graceville and represent some of the earliest WSHC homes completed in the state.
The first resident of “Digger’s Rest” was Private Richard James Jones, a veteran of the 16th Battalion who served in Gallipoli. A plaque honouring Private Jones is displayed at the cottage. Despite the good intentions of the WSHC program, it faced challenges. The Heritage Register reveals that the initial goal of building 1500 homes a year in Queensland fell significantly short. By November 1920, only 464 had been built, leading to complaints about the pace and cost of construction.
Interestingly, veterans did not purchase three of the six Graceville cottages until after the Second World War, highlighting the long-term impact of these homes on the community. “Digger’s Rest” reverted to the WSHC in 1926 before being sold 1952 to Emmett J.O. Dwyer, a Graceville local who served in the Royal Australian Navy during WWII.
Having changed hands several times since then, “Digger’s Rest” has been meticulously renovated by its current owners, who purchased the property in 2019.
The three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage seamlessly blends its historical character with modern amenities. Period features such as the bullnose verandah, high ceilings, and casement windows have been preserved. At the same time, the interior boasts contemporary living spaces, including a modern kitchen and an alfresco dining area.
The property, situated on a 450 square metre block, is being marketed by Place Woolloongabba agents Ben Smith and Melanie Swindells, with offers closing on 14 January.
Graceville Riverside Parkland is set for a $1.4-million upgrade investment to revitalise the existing infrastructure and improve community space near Brisbane’s CBD.
The Thriving Suburbs Program supports projects that enhance liveability and community connection in urban areas, including parks, sporting facilities, and cultural hubs. The program aims to assist local councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations with community infrastructure projects in Greater Capital City Statistical Areas across Australia.
The program, funded over three years from 2024-25 to 2026-27, offers grants between $500,000 and $15 million for capital works projects. These projects must either construct new community infrastructure or expand or upgrade existing infrastructure for wider community benefit. The program is open and competitive, with funding awarded on merit. Applications closed on 2 September 2024 (revised from the original closing date of 26 August 2024).
The Graceville project includes developing open green space, a nature-play area for children, new picnic facilities, and stabilising the riverbank and local fauna habitats. The area where Oxley Creek meets the Brisbane River will also be widened.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announced the funding during a visit to the parkland, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving urban areas through infrastructure investment.
Other projects in greater Brisbane are also receiving funding through the program. Samford Parklands will receive over $2.2 million for a new Village Green, including a large lawn, BBQ and picnic areas, play equipment, and landscaped gardens. Kippa-Ring’s Talobilla Park Softball Clubhouse will be upgraded with a $2.4 million investment. Additional funding includes over $3.6 million for a health and wellness centre in Toogoolawah, $500,000 for upgrades at The Family Place in Woodridge, and over $1.3 million for walking trails at Mount Glen Rock in Esk.
Federal Member for Moreton Graham Perrett welcomed the funding, noting the importance of improving urban areas. He said the Graceville Riverside Parkland project would now proceed, creating a valuable community asset.
Funding outcomes under the program have been fully announced, with Queensland communities sharing over $11.7 million for six approved projects. Other state allocations include South Australia (approximately $34 million for nine projects), Western Australia (just over $79 million for 13 projects), New South Wales (just over $61 million for 15 projects), Victoria (over $129 million for 26 projects), and Tasmania (just over $2 million for one project). Further information on the program’s application and assessment process is available in the Program Guidelines.
Leybourne Street in Chelmer exemplifies the evolution of Brisbane’s riverside suburbs. Historical records from 1936 show only scattered properties along largely vacant lots, as evidenced in aerial photographs from that era.
Today, it stands as a tightly-knit community with 85% owner-occupancy and residents staying an average of nearly 12 years. The street’s transformation is reflected in its property values – a notable example being 156 Leybourne Street, which sold for $57,000 in July 1978, a stark contrast to current market values in this sought-after pocket of Chelmer.
Leybourne St, Chelmer Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 128 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years, 11 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 35%
Leybourne St, Chelmer – As It Looked in 1936
Leybourne St, Chelmer in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON LEYBOURNE ST, CHELMER
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
182 Leybourne, Chelmer
$3,260,000
Sep 2024
133 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,300,000
Sep 2024
166 Leybourne, Chelmer
$2,812,000
Aug 2024
89 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,550,000
Jul 2024
52 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,410,000
Jun 2024
1 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,000,000
Jun 2024
12 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,074,000
Apr 2024
135 Leybourne, Chelmer
$1,172,000
Jan 2024
180 Leybourne, Chelmer
$3,160,000
Jan 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON LEYBOURNE ST FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
156 Leybourne, Chelmer
$57,000
Jul 1978
109 Leybourne, Chelmer
$31,500
Jan 1980
07 Leybourne, Chelmer
$31,000
Feb 1981
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $1,398,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $775,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $623,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $1,750,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $1,275,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $475,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2024 was $2,520,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Chelmer in 2020 was $1,593,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN CHELMER SINCE 2020 : $927,000
