A dilapidated prewar cottage in Kedron has sold for $975,000 despite needing extensive reconstruction, highlighting the intense competition for character properties in Brisbane’s inner north.
Set on a 437 sqm block on Oliver Street, the two-bedroom cottage is one of only two original homes left on the street — a rarity in an area increasingly dominated by modern rebuilds. The property required major structural work, with a failing roof, ageing foundations and a likely full lift ahead. Its character-protection zoning meant demolition was off the table, narrowing interest to buyers prepared to take on a substantial renovation.
Bidding opened at $700,000 and progressed in careful $5000 increments as three committed bidders edged forward. Eventually, a builder secured the winning bid, recognising the long-term potential despite the labour-intensive restoration required.
McGrath Aspley agent Tony Aspinall later explained that the home remained close to its original condition and carried significant charm beneath its visible deterioration. Its position near one of Kedron’s most desirable pockets reinforced its appeal and helped drive the near-million-dollar result.
The sale reflects a broader trend: renovators and builders continue to chase character homes even when they require total rejuvenation, with buyers prioritising land value and future potential over immediate liveability.
Read: A Kedron household has been forced to invest in security cameras after becoming the target of repeated vandalism that left them feeling unsafe in their own home. The family’s ordeal began on 31 October when they discovered their vehicle had been damaged whilst out viewing Halloween decorations in the neighbourhood. What initially seemed like an isolated incident soon became a pattern of deliberate attacks that would continue for nearly two weeks. CCTV footage installed by the concerned residents captured a woman approaching their property on multiple occasions, damaging tyres on vehicles parked in their driveway. The surveillance system, which cost the family more than $200 to purchase and install, proved crucial in identifying the alleged offender. “Just feels like we’re being watched,” one resident told The Courier-Mail. The attacks escalated over the fortnight, with the vandal returning to the property several times. On one occasion, multiple tyres across two different vehicles were punctured in a single night. The woman was captured on camera returning days later, and then again in the early hours of the morning. The ongoing damage has taken both a financial and emotional toll on the household. With replacement tyres costing approximately $120 each, and multiple tyres damaged across their vehicles, the family eventually stopped replacing them whilst waiting for police intervention. Queensland Police have now charged a 31-year-old Zillmere woman with three counts of wilful damage. She also faces one count each of possessing utensils or pipes and possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with a drug offence. The accused is scheduled to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 November. The incident has left the Kedron residents shaken, highlighting concerns about property security in the suburban street. The family’s decision to install comprehensive CCTV coverage ultimately provided the evidence needed for police to take action. Published 13-November-2025 With average life expectancy now stretching into the mid-80s, many Australians are realising that the family home—once a symbol of success—can quietly become a source of work and worry. Nearly three-quarters of over-75s still live in houses larger than they need, while about 30 per cent are considering a move that fits their lifestyle today rather than the one they built decades ago. Those themes will be be at the heart of Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025, where locals can hear about Somerset Indooroopilly—a new village that allows locals to downsize in the area they know and love. Set beside the Indooroopilly Golf Club, Somerset is a series of light-filled apartments around shared gardens, terraces and a café rather than cul-de-sacs and fences. The aim is to make life simpler without making it smaller. Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Woollam Constructions, the whole complex is shaped around the concept of rightsizing: a lifestyle that trades maintenance for meaning, routine for connection, and isolation for ease. The shift speaks to a broader cultural change. Retirement communities are no longer seen as endpoints but as extensions of an active life. Research shows residents in such settings are physically healthier, more socially engaged and report higher overall happiness than those ageing alone. It’s less about giving things up than gaining back time—the chance to travel, volunteer or just enjoy an unhurried morning coffee. Research shows that residents of well-designed retirement villages are more active, more socially engaged and less likely to need hospital care than peers who continue living alone. People living in retirement communities can experience a reduction in patterns of hospitalisations, have the potential to reduced need for GP visits, and can stay healthy living independently. Increasingly, people are choosing communities that give them freedom and flexibility, not just a smaller footprint. In practice, that means more time spent walking, reading, travelling—or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends—without the endless to-do list that comes with a large property. At Somerset, that philosophy is built into everyday life, capturing that balance through thoughtful design. Apartments open onto gardens and shared terraces; the café hums with conversation; and facilities like the pool, gym, and library encourage activity without pressure. Each home includes a 24-hour monitored EEVI system for peace of mind, while a Village Manager and Wellness Advisor ensure help is close by but never intrusive. “Knowing the place is managed, looked after and secure—that’s a big factor,” one resident said. “It’s lovely knowing you’re in a safe area, surrounded by good people.” The community is pet-friendly, the gardens maintained, and the atmosphere quietly sociable. “Moving here gave me freedom,” said another resident. “I can just close the door and go.” For many, that’s the essence of rightsizing—choosing a space that fits this stage of life as comfortably as the last one did. “When you make the choice sooner rather than later, you give yourself the gift of freedom and the chance to enjoy more of what matters,” Aura Director Mark Taylor said at a recent Somerset event. And for anyone curious, participating in Coffee & Conversations on 12 November 2025 offers the simplest introduction: a walk through the gardens, a cup of coffee, and a conversation about how less maintenance can make room for more living. Aura Holdings is a Proud Promotional Partner of Brisbane Suburbs Online News Published 6-November-2025 A teenager has been charged with 15 offences after allegedly fleeing from police on what appeared to be an e-bike but was legally classified as an unregistered electric motorcycle capable of reaching 75 km/h. The incident occurred on 24 October in the carpark of Mercer Park in Kedron, where the boy allegedly took off after police attempted to intercept him. According to Queensland Police Service, he then rode through the public space at speeds of up to 50 km/h before heading towards the Kedron Brook Bikeway. Plain clothes officers conducting proactive patrols in the area arrested the teen shortly afterwards. Police seized the vehicle after discovering it could reach speeds of 75 km/h and had a power output of 2040 watts, placing it well outside the legal parameters for an e-bike. Further investigation allegedly linked the boy to several dangerous driving complaints previously reported by members of the public. The teenager was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for offences including three counts each of driving without a licence, driving an uninsured vehicle and operating an unregistered vehicle. He also faces two counts of failing to wear a motorbike helmet and single counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful driving of a motorbike on public land, driving without due care and attention, and an evasion offence in company. The arrest forms part of Operation Xray Stamp, which Stafford Police launched in August following complaints from locals about dangerous riding along the Kedron Brook Bikeway. The operation, initially planned as a short-term initiative, has now been extended until Christmas. Acting Senior Sergeant Adam Hewton said police are working to address community concerns about the illegal use of high-powered devices on the popular bikeway, which is used by families with young children and elderly residents. He emphasised that many parents don’t realise the serious consequences associated with these vehicles, drawing a comparison to allowing an unlicenced teenager to drive an unregistered car. Police officers regularly respond to accidents involving these devices, some resulting in significant injuries or death, according to Acting Senior Sergeant Hewton. He stressed that the enforcement action aims to prevent serious injuries and fatalities rather than stop young people from having fun. The operation includes ongoing engagement and education activities at local high schools alongside the patrol and enforcement measures. Published 30-October-2025 Brisbane audiences are in for a treat this November as When the Wind Blew, a brand-new Australian musical, premieres at Stafford’s Stagehouse Theatre. The production tells a moving story set in the Australian bush, blending themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery, all brought to life by a 22-piece live orchestra and a cast of more than 45 performers. Read: ‘Mamma Mia!’ Musical Production Unites Schools in Kedron The musical is the creation of 19-year-old composer and conductor Eli Ball, who is already recognised as one of Australia’s youngest musical innovators. Working alongside award-winning Brisbane playwright Paula Mary-Camilleri, Ball has co-crafted a production that blends original orchestration with heartfelt storytelling. The collaboration between mother and son brings a unique warmth to the stage, reflecting both personal and universal experiences. When the Wind Blew follows Hazel, a young sugar glider paralysed by the fear of her first glide. When a violent storm separates her from the safety of her tree and her family, Hazel must find the bravery to navigate the unknown and return home. The story, set against the backdrop of the Australian bush, explores themes of resilience, change, and the challenges of growing up, while remaining suitable for audiences of all ages. The production is ambitious in scale. A 22-piece live orchestra accompanies more than 45 performers, including adults and children from Brisbane’s thriving arts community. This combination of youthful energy and professional expertise promises an immersive and unforgettable theatre experience, showcasing the depth of talent available locally. Produced by Shine Performing Arts Academy, the musical highlights the creativity emerging from Brisbane artists and demonstrates the city’s commitment to nurturing original Australian works. The team behind the production has emphasised the importance of collaboration, with music, storytelling, and performance seamlessly intertwined to create a truly Australian theatrical experience. Performances are scheduled for 6, 7, and 8 November at Stagehouse Theatre, Stafford (57 Hayward Street). Tickets are available through TryBooking, and the show offers a family-friendly experience that will appeal to children and adults alike. Read: From Carrots To Chords: Padua College Showcases Music And Gardening At Open Day As Brisbane audiences prepare to welcome Hazel’s story to the stage, When the Wind Blew stands as a testament to local creativity, community spirit, and the power of theatre to inspire courage in the face of uncertainty. For tickets and information, visit trybooking.com. Published 27-October-2025 Kedron State High School students have traded textbooks for bullet trains, scaling the Great Wall of China and practising calligraphy in historic Nanjing as part of the 2025 China Study Tour — a cultural and educational journey aimed at strengthening their language skills, historical knowledge and global awareness. The study tour brought together students from Kedron State High School and several other Queensland schools on a multi-city educational journey through Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai. The group arrived in Beijing after a 13-hour flight and immediately immersed themselves in China’s history with a climb on the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall and a visit to the bustling Qianmen shopping precinct. They also explored the Temple of Heaven and the China Science and Technology Museum before travelling by high-speed train to Nanjing. In Nanjing, students attended a lecture at Nanjing Normal University focused on the “Chinaisation” of global brands like McDonald’s, exploring how Western companies adapt to local preferences and cultural expectations. Their stay included traditional activities such as lion dancing, Tai Chi and Chinese calligraphy. They toured historical landmarks including the Zhonghua Gate Fortress and the Nanjing City Wall Museum, sampled local dishes like duck pancakes, and saw pandas at Hongshan Forest Zoo. The trip aligns with Kedron SHS’s broader focus on international learning and cultural exchange. The school regularly organises study tours and educational visits to expand students’ worldviews and strengthen their language skills. During this program, students also visited a local high school in Nanjing, participating in collaborative classroom activities with Chinese students. A Mid-Autumn Festival community celebration — where local media interviewed some participants — offered further immersion into cultural traditions and daily life. In August, the Chinese Consulate-General in Brisbane hosted Kedron students and encouraged them to deepen their Chinese language learning and serve as “ambassadors of friendship” between Australia and China. The trip complemented broader education initiatives in Queensland that support student exchanges and language programs designed to enhance cultural understanding. The tour concluded in Shanghai, where students explored the city’s markets before spending a day at Shanghai Disneyland. The experience, which included walking more than 23,000 steps in one day, was a memorable end to a journey that combined classroom learning with real-world experiences. By the end of the trip, students had deepened their exposure to Mandarin, Chinese history and culture — experiences that extended their education beyond the classroom and helped them develop a broader global perspective. Police have charged a 14-year-old Kedron boy after he allegedly fled from officers while riding an unregistered and unlicensed electric motorbike through members of the public and their pets along the Kedron Brook Bikeway. The incident, which happened on 29 August, occurred during Operation X-ray Stamp, a continuing safety campaign targeting the illegal and dangerous use of e-bikes and electric motorbikes along the popular bikeway and throughout Brisbane’s northside. Officers allege the teenager attempted to evade police when they tried to intercept him and later drove carelessly through a shared community space. An off-duty officer arrested him soon after. The boy was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act for one count each of driving a motor vehicle without a licence, using an unregistered and uninsured vehicle, obstructing police, and driving without reasonable consideration for others. The arrest is part of a wider effort by North Brisbane police to tackle unsafe riding of e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices along the Kedron Brook Bikeway and in nearby inner-city areas. During the school holidays, officers from Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley have also been running Operation Fantale, focusing on similar offences involving e-scooters and e-bikes in public spaces. Across both operations, 15 people have been charged with 26 offences, including the detection of dangerous drugs, drug utensils and a knife. Police have also extended Operation X-ray Stamp to include both visible and covert patrols, as well as education sessions at schools and with parents, aimed at preventing risky behaviour before it leads to injury. North Brisbane District Superintendent Simon Tayler said too many riders—particularly teenagers—were putting themselves and others at risk by using unregistered or illegally modified e-bikes and scooters. “It shouldn’t take someone getting seriously injured or dying for riders, or parents of children riding these devices, to start taking safety warnings seriously,” Superintendent Tayler said. “If you are buying a device for your personal use or for your child, you have an obligation to ensure it complies with the law. Ignorance is not an excuse, especially when the safety of others is at risk.” He said officers would continue to combine education with strong enforcement, including fines, bike seizures and court action where warnings are ignored. “These public spaces are for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “Recklessly endangering the safety of others or yourself by riding unregistered or illegally modified devices is unacceptable.” Residents in Kedron and nearby suburbs can expect to keep seeing local police patrolling the Kedron Brook Bikeway and other shared paths as the operation continues. Published 7-Oct-2025 Once defined by workshops and traffic-clogged roads, Stafford is emerging as a key site of urban transformation in Brisbane, with plans to reshape the suburb into a thriving, connected community built around Kedron Brook. A comprehensive redevelopment proposal led by Open Architecture Studio aims to turn Stafford’s overlooked industrial areas into a vibrant mixed-use precinct, blending homes, shops, green spaces, and community hubs. The plan proposes medium- and high-density housing, new dining and retail spaces, and social infrastructure designed to serve a growing population. The suburb’s transformation centres on “turning Stafford to face the creek,” making Kedron Brook a focal point with new boardwalks, cafes, and public spaces overlooking the water. The proposal covers a stretch of land about 1.3 kilometres long along the brook, bordered by Shand Street and Gamelin Crescent, incorporating key community assets such as Stafford City Shopping Centre, Bunnings Warehouse, Hoyts Cinemas, and local sports fields. Plans include a Central Park-style green space, swimming lagoons, and a waterside amphitheatre. Developers cite urban renewal examples like Fish Lane, West Village, and Barangaroo in Sydney as inspiration for how Stafford could evolve. The redevelopment aligns closely with the ongoing Kedron Brook Vision and Master Plan, a city-led initiative that seeks public input to shape the future of the brook’s “middle catchment” and surrounding suburbs, including Stafford. The master plan focuses on improving access, enhancing green corridors, and integrating natural spaces with urban growth — goals that overlap with the priorities outlined in the Stafford proposal. Residents have shown cautious optimism about the changes. Some see the redevelopment as a chance to improve housing diversity and create new public spaces. In contrast, others stress the need for investment in schools, transport, and infrastructure to support a larger population. City planners and developers agree that collaboration between landowners, Council, and the community will be essential for the plan to succeed. Although the project is still in its early stages, developers believe the suburb already has the “building blocks” needed for transformation: strong public transport links, concentrated land ownership, and underutilised land along the brook. If key stakeholders support rezoning, initial developments could begin to emerge within the next decade, with full transformation potentially unfolding over more than 20 years. Urban planners say Stafford is one of several middle-ring suburbs poised to attract significant investment in the coming decades, but they note that not all landowners may be ready to participate. While redevelopment could increase land values, it might also bring higher costs for owners who do not plan to change their property use immediately. The proposed project aims to redevelop Stafford’s underused spaces into a connected precinct combining public areas, housing, and commercial activity. If realised, the project could significantly reshape Brisbane’s northern suburbs and influence future approaches to suburban growth. Published 17-Oct-2025 Lutwyche business leader Karuna Mazzocchi of Coronis Group has been named a finalist in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, recognising her contribution to Brisbane’s growing business community. Coronis Group, headquartered in Lutwyche, is represented in the 2025 Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards through its Chief Executive Officer, Karuna Mazzocchi. She is a finalist for Business Person of the Year Award, which acknowledges outstanding leadership and impact across the city’s business landscape. Mazzocchi’s recognition places Lutwyche on Brisbane’s business map, highlighting the suburb’s contribution to the broader economic growth of the city. After joining Coronis Group more than two decades ago, Mazzocchi became CEO in 2023. Under her leadership, the company now operates 23 offices, manages more than 10,000 properties, and maintains over 36 national partnerships. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving expansion across multiple sectors, including finance and conveyancing, with the company achieving consistent growth. This achievement follows her being named the Most Influential Woman in Property at the 2024 REA Excellence Awards. Now in its 20th year, the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Business Awards celebrate the city’s innovators, visionaries and entrepreneurs. The program acknowledges individuals and organisations shaping Brisbane’s economic future through creativity and enterprise. The awards are organised by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency and aim to showcase local businesses across 11 categories, including innovation, sustainability, and investment. Winners of the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards will be announced during the official gala event at Brisbane City Hall on Thursday, 6 November 2025. For Mazzocchi and the Lutwyche-based Coronis Group, the nomination represents both recognition of past success and motivation to continue contributing to Brisbane’s business development leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Published 8-Oct-2025 Kedron recorded 848 offences between 16 October 2024 and 16 October 2025, according to the Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map. The figures indicate a suburb where most incidents involved property, theft, and vehicle-related offences rather than violent crime. The QPS heatmap shows strong concentrations of offences along Gympie Road and Kedron Brook Road, extending through residential areas near Leckie Road and Kitchener Road. These locations correspond to the suburb’s busiest transport and commercial corridors, which naturally attract higher activity levels throughout the day. The most common offences were other theft (excluding unlawful entry), unlawful entry, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. These accounted for nearly half of all incidents over the 12-month period. Other recurring offences included property damage, fraud, drug offences, and traffic and related offences. Time-of-day data shows the 2 pm to 10 pm window recorded the highest number of offences (330), followed by 10 pm to 6 am (295) and 6 am to 2 pm (223). This pattern reflects an evening-heavy crime profile, where most reports occur in the later part of the day. By day of the week, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday were the busiest for reported incidents, while Tuesday and Wednesday saw noticeably fewer. The trend aligns with suburban traffic and nightlife activity across Brisbane’s northside. The date-range chart indicates the highest monthly totals were recorded in January (78), March (81), and August 2025 (90). The quietest months were October 2024 (40 offences), March 2025 (62), and July 2025 (66), showing clear mid-year and early-spring dips in reported incidents. Most incidents recorded were opportunistic thefts, property offences, or vehicle-related matters typical of busy mixed-use suburbs. Overall, the data presents Kedron as a moderate-crime but active suburb, where offence patterns correlate closely with traffic density, shopping areas, and commuting routes. The statistics suggest that practical vigilance — such as securing vehicles and valuables — remains the simplest way to prevent most incidents. Published Oct-2025Kedron Family Installs Cameras After Repeated Tyre-Slashing Vandalism
Rightsizing, Not Downsizing: Finding More Life in Just the Right Space at Somerset Indooroopilly
Police Extend Crackdown on Unregistered E-Bikes Along Kedron Brook Bikeway
Stafford Stagehouse Theatre to Premiere Heartwarming Musical ‘When the Wind Blew’
Kedron Students Take Learning Beyond the Classroom in China Study Tour
A Cultural Classroom Across Three Cities
Building Bridges Through Language and Culture
A Memorable Finish in Shanghai
Published 17-Oct-2025Kedron Teen Stopped After Dangerous E-Bike Ride as Police Extend Crackdown
Stafford’s Next Chapter: A Suburban Shift Along Kedron Brook
A New Vision for Brisbane’s North
Community Input and Future Planning
Long-Term Transformation with Local Impact
Coronis Group CEO Represents Lutwyche at 2025 Business Awards
Recognition for Lutwyche Leadership
Coronis Group’s Growth and Milestone
Business Awards Mark 20 Years
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Gala
A Year of Crime in Kedron: Property and Theft Offences Dominate
