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Homeowners Face Stalled Flood Repairs in Chelmer

A Chelmer couple has reported major financial loss and stalled repairs after paying more than $140,000 to Tilson & Sons Building and Construction for flood recovery works.

Homeowners Left Waiting in Chelmer

Tom and Monica Belcher of Chelmer said they spent $145,000, including $32,000 from the Resilient Homes Fund, to restore their flood-affected home and complete renovations. Despite engaging Tilson & Sons Building and Construction in late 2023, they claim progress halted after only partial works, leaving their home in an incomplete state.

They later terminated their contract and joined other clients alleging they were left out of pocket by the same builder.

Chelmer flood repairs — Photo Credit: Pexels

Background of Stalled Projects

The Belchers’ case stems from the 2022 floods, which damaged their downstairs living area. Their situation adds to complaints from multiple families, including one Burpengary East household whose extension project stalled for two years.

Builder Declan Tilson was contacted by media about the Chelmer case but did not provide a response. In other media interviews, he acknowledged delays on some projects, saying he aimed to complete the work and that not all outcomes had been negative.

Financial and Personal Strain

The Belchers said their financial loss has been compounded by ongoing stress. They cited early warning signs such as requests for advanced payments, delays to commencement, and trades not being properly managed.

Other families reported similar challenges. Burpengary East veteran Michelle Holmes invested $97,000 from her disability payout into an extension project worth $164,000, but after two years the work remains incomplete. She has since taken her case to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Another flood victim, Megan McStea, paid more than $92,000 under a fixed-price contract, only for the work to be abandoned after a single day on site.

Company and Regulatory History

Records show Tilson & Sons Building and Construction has been subject to regulatory action. In 2024, the company was fined $3,226 and received four demerit points for failing to comply with a rectification direction. In 2025, a further direction to rectify was issued, resulting in an additional $4,774 fine and eight demerit points.

Court records also confirm a default judgment against the company on 13 June 2025 in the Caboolture Magistrates Court, with Excavator Edge Pty Ltd awarded $9,174.11.

Creditor Watch currently lists Tilson & Sons as “impaired,” noting its trading position as vulnerable to non-payment and default.

Community Sentiment in Chelmer

Residents who have spoken out say they feel financially strained and unsupported. The Belchers expressed frustration at the state of their home and the lack of progress after investing substantial funds. Others said their experiences have caused health impacts, including stress and anxiety.

Ongoing Outcomes

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission confirmed Tilson & Sons holds a builder-low rise licence and has been issued with penalties and rectification directions. Affected homeowners continue to pursue outcomes through the tribunal process, with some facing long waits before hearings.

Published 16-Sep-2025

Hanno’s Country Butchery in Oxley Wins QLD Sausage King Honour

Oxley residents have a new reason to cheer with Hanno’s Country Butchery taking out the title of Queensland’s Sausage King. This recognition puts the suburb’s local superstore on the state stage for its traditional beef sausage.

The award was announced at the Australian Meat Industry Council’s State Awards Dinner on Saturday, 13 September 2025, where Darren “Hanno” Hannigan and his team secured the top prize.

Their winning sausage, crafted with beef sourced from Queensland producers and blended with herbs, spices and a few secret ingredients, will now go on to represent the state at the National Awards Dinner in March 2026.

Sausage King Hanno's Country Butchery — Photo Credit: Supplied

A Local Business with Strong Roots

Hannigan, who began as a 14-year-old apprentice and has now been in the trade for more than 37 years, operates three stores across South-West Brisbane and Logan. These include retail outlets at North McLean and Park Ridge Town Centre, along with the 436-square-metre superstore at Blunder Road Shopping Village in Oxley.

At the Oxley store, more than 150 square metres of space has been designed to showcase butchery as theatre. Customers can watch the team slice, carve, mince and prepare meat, all in clear view, creating what Hannigan describes as a transparent shopping experience.

Hanno's Country Butchery in Oxley — Photo Credit: Supplied

Keeping the Trade Alive

Hannigan has expressed concern about the decline in independent butcheries and the difficulty in attracting apprentices to the industry. Employing around 20 staff across his stores, he has emphasised the need for visible, practical skills training to ensure the future of the trade.

By placing the daily work of butchers front and centre in his Oxley store, he hopes to encourage more young people to consider butchery as a career.

The Oxley superstore has become more than a place to buy meat; it is also a space where residents can connect with the process and feel confident about what they are purchasing. Hannigan’s focus on locally sourced products has positioned his butchery as part of the broader community effort to support Queensland producers.

The Oxley superstore at Blunder Road Shopping Village is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Published 17-Sept-2025

Local Liam Paro Takes To The Ring as Pat Rafter Arena Hosts Bigtime Boxing For the First Time

Photo Credit: No Limit Boxing/YouTube

The Pat Rafter Arena hosts a huge Boxing event for the first time on Thursday night, presented by No Limit Boxing.

Local Liam Paro takes on the unbeaten Frenchman, David Papot, in a world-title eliminator for the IBF Welterweight World Title.

The Pat Rafter Arena is an interesting venue for boxing as the staggered seating lends itself very well for spectators to see the gladiators in the ring, as did Suncorp for the fantastic Pacquiao-Horn fight eight years ago. Maybe this could become a new second use for the venue.

Liam Paro has been based in Brisbane for nine years and at one stage was training with Jeff Horn. He’s accumulated a very impressive 26 wins, 1 loss record, including 16 wins by knockout. His only loss was a split decision, defending his IBF Super-Lightweight World Championship in Puerto Rico, before recently moving up in weight to Welterweight, after destroying Californian, Jonathan Navarro, the huge pool of blood under his stool showing the damage caused.

Frenchman, Papot enters the 12 round eliminator with a 30 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw record. This will only be his second fight, however, outside France, and the Pat Rafter atmosphere will be as parochial as it gets!

The winner will likely become the mandatory challenger for an IBF Welterweight bout.

The card also includes Caboolture’s Liam Wilson defending his WBO International Super Featherweight title against Jorge Santana of the Dominican Republic.

Wilson carries a record of 16 wins and 3 losses, including 8 wins by knockout, whilst Santana has a record of 14 wins and 1 loss, including 9 wins by knockout.

The undercard also includes:

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT	Paolo Aokuso vs Shukhrat Abdullaev
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT	Brock Jarvis vs Ken Aitken
SUPER WELTERWEIGHT	Jacob Ng vs Rikki Naito

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, and will also be covered live on Pay Per View on Main Event.

Published 15-Sept-2025

Emirates Serves up Support for Tennyson Kids with New Community Tennis Drive

Children in Tennyson swapped classrooms for tennis courts, as Emirates’ new Force for Good program delivered its first Schools Future Fit event at Pat Rafter Arena, giving 250 primary students from disadvantaged and multicultural backgrounds a chance to learn the game while building fitness and social connection.

A local start with a national reach

The Tennyson gathering on 4 September was one of 11 community initiatives funded by Emirates this year under its five-year, $2.25 million commitment to grassroots tennis in Australia.

The program, created in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, aims to reach around 3,000 children in 2025 across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Organisers expect more than 60 schools and clubs will take part, giving kids over 10,000 opportunities to play.

Community at the centre

The Schools Future Fit Program, delivered by Youth of Tomorrow, included tennis coaching, introductory Pop and Pickleball sessions and workshops on mental health. Students also took home tennis gear and mementos from the day. Organisers described the initiative as a way to break down barriers and provide children with both sport and wellbeing support in a fun environment.

Role models on court

Australian tennis player John Millman, an ambassador for the foundation, joined the event in Tennyson to run coaching sessions. He said the experience showed how tennis could bring people together and give young people a sense of belonging. Emirates staff and mascots were also present, adding to the community atmosphere.

Investment in Australia

Emirates regional manager Dean Cleaver said the airline wanted its relationship with Australia to extend beyond flights, pointing to its history of backing the Australian Open. The Force for Good program, he explained, was about giving children chances they might not otherwise have—building sporting skills while supporting mental and physical wellbeing.

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.

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

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.

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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.

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Published 4-Sept-2025

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

Photo Credit: ROMA ROMA/ Facebook

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.

Read: Paella Sunday Returns to Botellón in Graceville

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

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

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.

MENU

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.

Read: Siam Sunset in Graceville Serves Up Thai Favourites with New Services

A Spot for Every Occasion

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

Photo Credit: myPolice Centenary

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.

Read: Graceville Parents Asked to Keep Sick Children Home During Outbreak

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.

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

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.

Read: Historic Graceville Homes Sells for $1.8M after Stunning Renovation

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.

Read: New Police Dogs Graduate in Oxley, Strengthening Frontline Support

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

Photo Credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook

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.

Read: Historic Graceville Homes Sells for $1.8M after Stunning Renovation

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.

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.

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

Read: New Police Dogs Graduate in Oxley, Strengthening Frontline Support

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

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