Monty’s Back! Tingalpa State School Gears Up for a Colourful Fun Run

Tingalpa State School is gearing up for one of the most colourful events on the calendar—the Australian Fundraising’s Monty the MONSTAR Fun Run, making a triumphant return on 13 June 2025.


Read: Artforce Brisbane’s ‘Cosmic Girl’ Brightens Tingalpa Streets


Bursting with energy, colour, and community spirit, this much-loved annual fundraiser promises a fun-filled afternoon where students, staff, and families can run, laugh, and get absolutely covered in colour—all for a fantastic cause. This year’s event will begin at 1:50 p.m. on the school oval, and the entire school community is encouraged to get involved.

Tingalpa State School
Photo credit: Australian Fundraising/Facebook

Following the incredible success of 2024, when an impressive $28,571 was raised, the goal for 2025 is even more ambitious: to double that amount and direct the funds toward much-needed playground upgrades.

Playground Update 

Tingalpa State School
Tingalpa State School P&C/Facebook

According to the school’s P&C, demolition of the junior playground officially began on Friday, 16 May, and is now well underway. Students have been watching the transformation with great excitement as their future play space begins to take shape before their eyes.

Because of the generosity and enthusiasm of Tingalpa State School families, the community has already raised an incredible $5,313.00 in just the first week of fundraising.

Whether participants are running for fun, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting the event behind the scenes, the Monty the Monstar Fun Run hosted by Australian Fundraising is a celebration of community spirit, healthy activity, and positive change.


Read: Expanded Pre-Prep Program Helps Kids Get Ready for School in Manly


More details will be shared soon in the coming days on how to continue fundraising on Tingalpa State School P&C’s Events Page on Facebook. In the meantime, families are encouraged to save the date, spread the word, and prepare for a spectacularly colourful day.

Published 20-May-2025

Next Wave: Chandler Trio Poised for Olympic Futures

A trio of swimmers representing Chandler Swimming Club have earned spots at Swimming Australia’s Next Wave Invitational Camp in Canberra, part of their progression toward potential Olympic pathways.



Resurrecting a Proven Pathway

Swimming Australia has reinstated a major talent identification and development initiative, known as the Next Wave Invitational Competition Camp, as part of its long-term preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The program echoes the early 2000s Trans-Tasman Series and aims to bridge the gap between club-level competition and national team benchmarks.

Held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from 6 to 12 July, the camp will involve 64 athletes born between 2008 and 2012 who were selected following their performances at the 2025 Australian Age Championships.

Athletes already named in the Australian Junior Team were excluded, allowing the focus to shift to a broader pool of emerging talent not yet exposed to international-level racing environments.

Chandler Athletes Recognised

Three swimmers from Chandler Swimming Club—Ava Gaske, Lincoln Wearing, and Isaac Wearing—have been selected for Swimming Australia’s 2025 Next Wave Invitational Competition Camp, to be held in Canberra from 6 to 12 July. All three are coached by Tsuyoshi Kimura and earned their invitations based on their performances at the 2025 Australian Age Championships.

Ava Gaske continues to gain national and international experience. In 2023, she was one of 16 Queensland athletes selected to represent Australia at the Japan Olympic Cup, where she swam the 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle events, placing sixth in the 800m 15–18 years category.

In 2024, she was selected to the Australian Junior Dolphins team for that year’s Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Canberra. This selection did not affect her 2025 eligibility for the Next Wave Camp, which excludes only those named to the current Australian Junior Team.

At the 2024 Australian Age Championships, Gaske claimed four gold medals. She followed this up at the 2025 Australian Age Championships, earning four silver medals and one top-eight placing across multiple events:

  • 2nd in 800m Freestyle
  • 2nd in 400m Individual Medley
  • 2nd in 200m Butterfly
  • 2nd in 400m Freestyle
  • 8th in 200m Freestyle
Chandler swimming talent
Photo Credit: Swimming Queensland/Facebook

Lincoln Wearing, 15, delivered one of the most dominant performances at the 2025 Australian Age Championships. He collected six gold medals and one silver, including:

  • 1st in 800m Freestyle (set a new Australian and Australian Allcomers record)
  • 1st in 200m Backstroke
  • 1st in 400m Freestyle
  • 1st in 200m Freestyle
  • 1st in 1500m Freestyle
  • 4th in 200m Butterfly
  • 2nd in 4x50m Freestyle Relay

He also gained recognition at the 2024 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Championships, breaking Grant Hackett’s 28-year-old Queensland 15 Years Age Record in the 1500m freestyle with a time of 15:28.90.

Isaac Wearing, Lincoln’s twin, also delivered strong results at the 2025 Australian Age Championships:

  • 2nd in 200m Freestyle
  • 2nd in 400m Freestyle
  • 2nd in 1500m Freestyle
  • 3rd in 800m Freestyle
  • 7th in 400m Individual Medley
  • 7th in 200m Butterfly
  • 12th in 100m Freestyle

In 2024, he finished second behind Lincoln in the 1500m freestyle at the Queensland Championships, completing a podium finish for Chandler in that event.

Together, Gaske and the Wearing twins contributed to Chandler’s overall campaign at the 2025 Australian Age Championships, where the club’s 19 swimmers reached 27 finals, collected 15 medals, and secured 16th place on the national point score.

Looking to Brisbane 2032

The Next Wave camp aims to prepare athletes for the demands of international racing through repeat competition, team immersion, and exposure to elite training environments. Participants will compete as either ‘Kangaroos’ or ‘Emus’, gaining racing experience under simulated pressure across multiple events.

Former Australian head coach Leigh Nugent described the program as a crucial missing step in recent years. The camp is designed to condition athletes to race under fatigue, develop consistency, and fast-track learning across consecutive events.



While coaches for the camp are yet to be formally announced, the selection of athletes like Gaske and the Wearing twins signals the potential strength of future Dolphins teams on the path to Brisbane 2032.

Published 6-May-2025

Community Walk Raises Over $7,000 for Childhood Cancer in Lota

A community walk held in Lota successfully raised more than $7,000 for Richie’s Rainbow Foundation, bringing together locals to support children with cancer.



Community Walk Returns to Lota

The annual Richie’s Rainbow Walk took place at Lota Park on 18 May 2025, marking its fourth year of community participation and the third birthday of Richie’s Rainbow as a registered charity. The event saw a strong turnout from families, friends, and volunteers, all walking in support of the foundation’s work with children diagnosed with cancer.

Richie’s Rainbow walk in Lota
Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook

Check-in began at 9:00 a.m. The walk started at 10:30 a.m. Participants had the option of completing a 10k or 5k route along the Lota, Manly, and Wynnum foreshore.

Richie’s Rainbow: A Legacy of Support

Richie’s Rainbow Foundation was established to raise awareness about childhood cancer. The foundation’s particular focus is on rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood sarcoma. Each year in Australia, around 800 children aged 0–14 are diagnosed with cancer. About 100 do not survive. The foundation also supports research into improving survival rates and treatment options for these conditions.

Gold shirts for childhood cancer
Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook

The organisation works closely with the Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Australian and New Zealand Sarcoma Association to fund research and provide support services. Past initiatives include the iPad scheme and family respite programs.

Activities and Participation

The 2025 walk featured live music, food stalls, face painting, a family fun zone, and raffles. Participants were encouraged to wear gold. Gold symbolises childhood cancer awareness. Many brought pets and dressed in themed outfits. Registration was $25 per walker.

Funds raised will help continue research efforts and provide practical assistance to families affected by childhood cancer.

Bayside walk supports cancer research
Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook

Volunteer Effort Behind the Scenes

Organisers credited much of the event’s success to its volunteers. They arrived early and stayed late to ensure the event ran smoothly. The foundation regularly invites members of the public to support its mission through fundraising, volunteering, or event participation.

Richie's Rainbow
Photo Credit: Richie’s Rainbow/Facebook

Continued Commitment to Childhood Cancer Awareness



Now in its fourth year, Richie’s Rainbow Walk continues to grow in reach and community support. The foundation plans to maintain its annual event schedule and expand its impact through ongoing research funding and family support programs.

Published 20-May-2025

Warm Response in Manly for Paul Dobbyn’s Launch of ‘War Spoils’

A century after the Battle of Aubers Ridge, the Manly-Lota RSL Hall became the backdrop for a story that connected one family’s past with today. The venue was filled with quiet reflection and warm conversation as community members gathered to hear Paul Dobbyn talk about the book that started with a painting and ended with a powerful family revelation.



The launch of War Spoils opened a conversation about memory, war, and the lasting imprint of both on one Toowoomba family. The event took place on 9 May, a date chosen with care. It marks the day Mr Dobbyn’s grandfather survived serious wounds at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915. It’s also the date his uncle was killed in 1944 while flying with the Pathfinder Force during World War II.

Paul Dobbyn
Photo Credit: Supplied

An Afternoon of Reflection in Manly

The program began with a tribute to the men and women who served, setting the tone for what was more than just a book launch. Local poet John-Francis Thomas read “Australian Soil,” a piece written to honour Australians buried far from home. As the words settled over the room, Mr Dobbyn shared why that poem in particular struck such a chord for him.

War Spoils launch in Manly
Photo Credit: Supplied

He then spoke about how a forgotten painting from his childhood, found in an old shoebox, sparked the journey that became “War Spoils.” Piece by piece, he traced the stories behind it, diving into letters, photographs, and official war records. The result is a book that ties together the lives of his grandfather, father, and uncle in the shadow of two world wars.

Stories That Belong to All of Us

Those gathered at the hall listened as Mr Dobbyn read his poem “War Spoils” accompanied by a visual presentation handled by his granddaughter Abby van Rooyen. Afterward, he took a moment to thank the people who helped him bring the project to life: friends, family, and members of the Manly-Lota RSL community, including hall convenor Peter Stacey and Sub-Branch president Harry, Pregnell whose support helped make the launch possible.

There was space, too, for questions from the audience. Some wanted to know more about the research. Others were simply moved and wanted to say so.

As the afternoon closed, guests shared a cup of tea and conversation. Mr Dobbyn signed books, pausing to speak with neighbours and friends who had come to support him. A portion of proceeds from each book ($5) is being donated to the Manly-Lota RSL Welfare Group to assist local veterans.

What’s Next

Mr Dobbyn is considering a weekend launch for those who couldn’t make it to the weekday event. He’ll also be interviewed on BayFM in the coming weeks to talk more about the book and what it’s meant to reconnect with his family’s past in such a meaningful way.



Published 15-May-2025

Preserving the Past: The Story of Tingalpa Pioneers’ Chapel and Cemetery

In the heart of Tingalpa lies a modest yet deeply meaningful landmark — the Tingalpa Pioneers Chapel and Cemetery. With its timber chapel, heritage-listed graves, and quiet garden setting, the site stands as one of Queensland’s most evocative reminders of early settler life and enduring community spirit.


Read: War Stories Unearthed in Shoebox Inspire Brisbane Author


The story of the chapel begins in 1868, when a small group of pioneering settlers built a church to serve their spiritual needs in what was then a remote and sparsely populated area. 

Funding for the original structure was raised not only locally but also overseas, most notably by parishioners of St Mary’s Church in Bisham, a village west of London. In a remarkable show of transcontinental solidarity, some of these same supporters would later migrate to Queensland and help establish the community at Tingalpa.

Photo credit: Tingalpa Pioneers’ Chapel and Cemetery/Facebook

For nearly two decades, the timber church served as a hub for worship and local gatherings, until a devastating storm — believed to have been a cyclone — swept through the region in 1885, destroying the building. 

Rather than abandon their place of faith, the local community salvaged what they could from the wreckage and constructed a smaller chapel from the ruins. Though humbler in form, this second building took on even greater symbolic value — a testament to resilience and shared purpose.

Photo credit: Tingalpa Pioneers’ Chapel and Cemetery/Facebook

Over the years, the chapel and surrounding burial ground gained nicknames that spoke to their place in the community’s heart: “God’s Acre” and the “bush cathedral.” Both names captured the site’s peaceful atmosphere and its central role in the spiritual and social life of the area’s early settlers.

Photo credit: Tingalpa Pioneers’ Chapel and Cemetery/Facebook

By the early 21st century, however, the site had fallen into disrepair. Recognising its historical significance, a group of locals came together in 2002 to form the Friends of Tingalpa Cemetery Heritage Group Inc. What began as a grassroots restoration project has since grown into a well-established organisation with over 150 active members, all committed to preserving the site’s past and securing its future.

Thanks to their efforts, the chapel has been lovingly restored and the cemetery carefully maintained. With more than 300 known burials, including early pioneers, war veterans, and local families, the grounds offer a rich and tangible connection to the region’s early European history.

Today, the Tingalpa Pioneers Chapel and Cemetery is far more than a historical footnote. It remains a living part of the community — a venue for weddings, funerals, christenings, naming ceremonies, and cultural events. Its peaceful surroundings, Gothic architecture, and sense of reverence make it a cherished place for reflection and celebration alike.

Just a few weeks ago, the chapel grounds gained a meaningful new addition — a set of four hand-carved totems, created by members of the Bayside Woodturners & Woodcrafters Club. These striking pieces represent four key elements of the site’s identity:

  • Faith and the Anglican tradition
  • First Nations connections to land and water
  • The unknown graves and untold stories
  • The unity and dedication of the Friends Group and wider community

The totems were officially handed over at a gathering attended by Vice-President Donna Turner, Committee Member Neil Thyer, and local councillors Alex Givney and Lisa Atwood.

“It was a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Donna Turner.

“I want to sincerely thank the team at Woodies for their generous support and contribution to this meaningful project, which will complement our Reflection Garden — especially in honour of our Unknown Graves.”


Read: Fort Lytton Exhibition Examines Boundaries Through Art


For those who visit, the chapel and cemetery offer more than a history lesson. They offer a glimpse into the values that shaped Tingalpa: cooperation, remembrance, and quiet strength. In preserving the site, the community ensures that the stories etched into its weathered gravestones — and carried in its timber walls — will not be forgotten.

Published 7-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Benalla St, Manly

Benalla Street in Manly stands as more than just another suburban thoroughfare – it serves as a lasting tribute to Australia’s maritime military history and the brave souls who served during the Great War. This street of remembrance carries the legacy of HMAT A24 Benalla, one of His Majesty’s Australian Transport ships that played a crucial role in ferrying Australian Imperial Forces to overseas battlefields.



With 70% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 16 years and 4 months, Benalla Street demonstrates strong community attachment and stability. This commitment to the area is reflected in the fact that 52% of residents have called Benalla Street home for more than a decade. The street’s property transaction history reveals the remarkable transformation of Manly’s real estate landscape, with 38 Benalla Street selling for $49,800 in January 1981 – a testament to the area’s evolution over the decades.

Remembrance: HMAT A24 Benalla

Benalla Street honours the memory of HMAT A24 Benalla, a vital component of Australia’s Great War naval transport fleet. This 11,118-tonne vessel, capable of cruising at 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour), was owned by the prestigious P&O Steam Navigation Company in London and leased by the Commonwealth government until 6 August 1917.

The HMAT fleet represented a crucial lifeline for Australian forces, with ships like the Benalla specifically leased to transport various Australian Imperial Force formations to their overseas destinations. When not engaged in military duties, these vessels carried commodity exports to Britain and France, supporting the war effort on multiple fronts. The fleet comprised both British ships and captured German vessels, symbolising the comprehensive nature of the Allied naval effort.

By naming this street after HMAT A24 Benalla, Manly ensures that the sacrifice and service of those who sailed aboard these transport ships – and the strategic importance of Australia’s maritime contribution to the Great War – remains forever etched in the community’s memory.

Benalla St, Manly Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 42 (1 townhouse, 23 houses, 18 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 70%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 16 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 52%

Benalla St, Manly – As It Looked in 1936

Benalla St, Manly in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BENALLA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
38 Benalla Street, Manly$49,800Jan 1981
2 Benalla Street, Manly$45,000Mar 1985
8 Benalla Street, Manly$110,000Jan 1989

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,300,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $660,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $640,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2025 was $1,875,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Manly in 2021 was $1,013,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4-BEDROOM HOUSE IN MANLY SINCE 2021: $862,000



If you know Benalla St, Manly well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Cars and Comfort Collide at This Gumdale Property

In the leafy suburb of Gumdale hides one of the most extraordinary private properties in the country, a sprawling luxury estate designed not just for living, but for celebrating a lifelong love of cars.



A Private Retreat Built Around Speed and Style

Steve Cooper, a property entrepreneur with a long-standing passion for motoring, has transformed his acreage home into a personal sanctuary that reflects his devotion to classic and high-performance cars. Nestled on 4.47 acres, the residence includes five interconnected pavilions linked by glass walkways and surrounded by lush rainforest and landscaped botanical gardens.

The property is centred around a climate-controlled, 375-square-metre car showroom that doubles as a workshop. Inside, Cooper houses about 15 vehicles, each with a unique story. His collection includes an upgraded 1974 Porsche 911 styled after the ’70s International Race of Champions series, a roaring Aston Martin V8, a 1966 Ford Mustang, and a Porsche GT3 built for the track.

Cooper’s view is that cars are functional art. He believes they’re not just for display—they’re meant to be driven. That philosophy is shared with his son, who helps him maintain and upgrade the collection in their well-equipped garage space, complete with hoists and machining tools.

Inside the Pavilions: Modern Comfort Meets Natural Beauty

The home is split into five sleek, contemporary pods that each serve a distinct function. Four en suite bedrooms are spread across three pavilions, offering both privacy and flexibility for daily life or hosting guests. A glass gallery walkway provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery, blending indoors with outdoors in a seamless way.

Throughout the home, the materials speak to thoughtful design and global influence. Reclaimed timber and imported stone are paired with high ceilings and full-height glazing to bring in light and the peaceful natural surroundings. From every room, the landscape is visible, providing a constant connection to the outdoors.

The estate also includes a cinema room, gourmet kitchen with a commercial-grade cool room, and multiple lounge and entertainment areas, perfect for both relaxed family time and larger gatherings.

Life Beyond the Garage

While the car collection is a major feature, the property offers much more. Outside, there’s a freshwater swimming pond suitable for snorkelling, a half basketball court that doubles as a volleyball or pickleball court, a garden gazebo for outdoor dining, and walking paths through the over 2,000 established plants and trees.

Additional structures include two oversized sheds and a second dwelling with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Together, the estate functions as both a personal retreat and a multi-use lifestyle space, adaptable for family life, hobbies, and hosting.



For Cooper, the journey began with restoring an old Holden Torana in his youth. That project sparked a passion that never left. Today, his life in Gumdale revolves around the balance between nature, design, and the thrill of a well-tuned engine.

Published 7-May-2025

Manly to Host Trio of Major Finn Regattas

Manly has been selected to stage three significant international Finn class sailing events in 2026, with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron named as the host venue.



Major Regattas Scheduled for Brisbane’s Manly

Three consecutive Finn class championships will take place in Manly, Brisbane in February 2026, with entry now open for international competitors. The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the Australian Finn Nationals, the Finn Gold Cup, and the Finn World Masters across a three-week program.

Background and Significance

The 2026 series will see the Finn Gold Cup return to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the first time since it was last held there in 1976, marking a 50-year milestone. It will also be only the third instance in which both the Gold Cup and World Masters are hosted at the same venue, following events in La Rochelle in 1996 and Weymouth in 2000.

Hosting rights were secured through a formal proposal by the International Finn Association of Australia and RQYS. The bid outlined Brisbane’s strong local fleet, previous hosting experience, and established infrastructure as reasons for selection.

Event Structure and Expectations

The event schedule will begin with the Australian Finn Nationals on 7 February. It will be followed by the Finn Gold Cup and conclude with the World Masters on 27 February. Organisers expect a fleet of 140 to 150 boats across the three events.

Racing will occur on Waterloo Bay. Depending on conditions, there’s an option to shift the Finn Gold Cup outside Green Island. The events are expected to draw participation from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, with up to seven shipping containers already booked for boats from overseas.

RQYS and Manly as Host Venue

RQYS in Manly is considered one of Australia’s top sailing clubs, recently completing new facility upgrades. The site includes four launching ramps, five rigging lawns, marina access, and support vessels. Previous regattas at the club, including the 2023 Ronstan International Finn Australian Championships, received positive feedback for race management.

Manly offers proximity to Brisbane Airport, accommodation at Manly Marina Cove Motel, and low-cost camping options on-site. Tourist access to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Bay Islands is also a draw for visiting competitors and supporters.

Finn championships Manly
Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron/Facebook

Growth of the Australian Fleet

The Australian Finn class has grown substantially in recent years, aided by national committee efforts and event initiatives. In 2023, twelve Australian boats competed internationally, including three from RQYS. Queensland currently leads the country with 34 Finn-class boats based in Manly.

Future Opportunities

The events will take place during the European winter and are expected to attract long-term stays from international sailors. The hosting aligns with Brisbane’s broader positioning as a sports event destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, presenting potential for increased sponsorship and visibility.



All relevant entry information, notices of race, and updates are available via the RQYS website and the International Finn Association portal.

Published 6-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Beltana Street, Lota

Beltana Street in Lota captures the essence of a close-knit bayside community with deep historical connections to Australia’s military heritage. This peaceful residential street offers a glimpse into both Brisbane’s suburban development and its commemoration of those who served.



With 85% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 12 years and 4 months, the street demonstrates strong community roots. While one-third of residents have called Beltana Street home for more than a decade, the street has seen a healthy balance of established families and newcomers bringing fresh energy to this historic area. The street’s property transactions reflect Brisbane’s dramatic real estate evolution, with 19 Beltana Street selling for just $19,000 in September 1987 – a stark contrast to recent sales exceeding $1 million. This transformation highlights Lota’s emergence as a sought-after bayside suburb combining accessibility with coastal charm.

Remembrance: HMAT A72 Beltana

Beltana Street proudly stands as one of Brisbane’s Streets of Remembrance, commemorating HMAT A72 Beltana, a critical transport vessel in Australia’s World War I effort. This 11,120-tonne ship, owned by the P&O Steam Navigation Company in London, served as one of His Majesty’s Australian Transports (HMAT), leased by the Commonwealth until September 14, 1917. With an average cruise speed of 14 knots (26 kilometres per hour), the Beltana was part of the vital fleet responsible for transporting Australian Imperial Force troops to overseas deployments. When not carrying troops, these vessels transported essential commodities to Britain and France, supporting both the war effort and civilian populations. The naming of this street preserves the memory of the ship’s service and the thousands of Australian servicemen who journeyed aboard her to distant battlefields, many never to return.

Beltana St, Lota Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 31 (29 houses, 2 others)
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 33%

Beltana St, Lota – As It Looked In 1936

Beltana St, Lota in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON BELTANA ST, LOTA

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
30 Beltana Street, Lota$1,130,000Mar 2025
32 Beltana Street, Lota$970,000Oct 2024
21 Beltana Street, Lota$1,325,000Oct 2024
23 Beltana Street, Lota$1,100,000Sep 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BELTANA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property AddressSale PriceSale Date
28 Beltana Street, Lota$575,000Aug 2007
9 Beltana Street, Lota$395,000Oct 2004
19 Beltana Street, Lota$19,000Sep 1987

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Lota in 2025 was $973,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Lota in 2021 was $560,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN LOTA SINCE 2021: $413,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Lota in 2025 was $1,284,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Lota in 2021 was $791,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN LOTA SINCE 2021: $493,000



If you know Beltana St, Lota well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Fort Lytton Exhibition Examines Boundaries Through Art

Eight contemporary artists are presenting an exhibition at Fort Lytton, transforming the historic military site into a space for exploring modern borderlands.



Historic Fort Hosts Contemporary Reflections

Fort Lytton National Park will host “A Narrow Strip Along a Steep Edge,” featuring a curated exhibition with works by eight contemporary artists. Running from 10 to 18 May 2025, the project invites public engagement with artworks staged across the fort’s 19th-century military architecture.

Originally built in 1881 to defend Brisbane against naval attacks, Fort Lytton never saw combat. Its defensive features—including a moat, submarine mines, and artillery—remain as relics of a conflict that never came. The site has since become a symbol of past military preparedness, obsolete boundaries, and shifting meanings of protection and exclusion.

Boundaries, Liminal Spaces, and Unused Defences

Curated by Holly Eddington, the exhibition reflects on Fort Lytton’s dual identity as both a protective stronghold and a place of exclusion. Artists were invited to engage with the site’s layered histories—spaces once designed for defence now serve as a platform for interpreting transitions, unresolved tensions, and the dissolution of inherited borders.

The participating artists are Angel, Charlie Robert, Dean Ansell, Jessica Dorizac, Max Athans, Miguel Aquilizan, Yanru Pan, and Ziyi Wei. Their installations and activations occupy the casemates and surrounding structures, exploring the fort as a site of presence and absence.

The event is framed by a concept drawn from writer Gloria E Anzaldúa, whose idea of a “narrow strip along a steep edge” reflects the exhibition’s interest in the psychological and physical weight of borders.

Public Engagement and Program Details

The public exhibition is open daily from 11 to 18 May, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with free entry. The opening night on 10 May includes a sunset launch from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring an artwork activation by Dean Ansell at 5:00 p.m. and ambient music by Gos Brady, Yage.0k, and Banque.

Registration is required for the opening event. The site is not easily accessed via public transport, but parking is available onsite.

Featured artworks include Polymerization IV by Max Athans and The Return of Spontaneous Circulation by Ziyi Wei.

Looking Ahead



While Fort Lytton no longer serves a defensive function, the exhibition reactivates its historical layers through contemporary perspectives. As artists reframe the site’s original purpose, the space is opened to new interpretations that examine how boundaries persist and dissolve over time.

Published 30-Apr-2025