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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.

Gumdale Estate — *Photo Credit: Dwell/Sotheby’s International Realty*

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

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

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

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

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

SOME RECENT SALES ON BELTANA ST, LOTA

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

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BELTANA ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
28 Beltana Street, Lota	$575,000	Aug 2007
9 Beltana Street, Lota	$395,000	Oct 2004
19 Beltana Street, Lota	$19,000	Sep 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

Photo Credit: Humanitix

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

Community Survey to Shape Theatre in Manly

Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum

Mercury Theatre Wynnum is calling on the Manly community to help shape the future of local theatre, inviting public feedback through a newly launched survey.

A Legacy Staged in the Bayside

Mercury Theatre Wynnum Incorporated, a volunteer-led community theatre and registered charity, has been a fixture in the bayside communities of Wynnum and Manly since 1949.

Founded by Winifred Davson MBE, Mercury Theatre Wynnum was established to enrich the Waterloo Bay area through the performing arts, providing a cultural platform in a district once distant from Brisbane city opportunities.

The first production, Milestones by Arnold Bennett-Edward Knoblock, was staged on 7 July 1949 at the Star Theatre in Wynnum Central. Although the Star Theatre was later destroyed by fire in 1959, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continued to thrive, finding a new performance home at the heritage-listed Manly-Lota RSL Memorial Hall.

*Caption: Scotland Road (2024)*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

The Stage Is Yours, Manly

Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s mission remains focused on providing an inclusive space for amateur performers. It also creates productions that inspire audiences. The organisation, entirely powered by volunteers, produces live theatre shows, events, and workshops throughout the year, aiming to foster local talent and community spirit.

The latest initiative invites Manly residents to complete a short online survey. The theatre seeks community views on the types of shows locals want to see, what would encourage greater attendance, and any additional ideas to help shape future productions.

Mercury Theatre Wynnum public voice — *Caption: Ladies of Spirit*
*Photo Credit: Mercury Theatre Wynnum*

Hearing the Bayside’s Backstage Voices

Mercury Theatre Wynnum acknowledges that not every resident may be familiar with the group’s longstanding presence. By engaging directly with the public, the organisation aims to strengthen community ties and ensure that future productions reflect the interests and desires of the wider bayside community.

The survey, which only takes around two minutes to complete, forms part of broader efforts to maintain Mercury Theatre Wynnum’s relevance and accessibility in a changing entertainment landscape.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Keeping the Curtain Rising

With over 75 years of history behind it, Mercury Theatre Wynnum continues to look ahead, seeking direct input from the Manly community to guide its future direction. The theatre remains committed to being a central part of bayside cultural life, offering opportunities for both seasoned performers and newcomers to contribute to its next chapter.

Published 30-Apr-2025

Manly West Man Faces Serious Drug Charges After Newstead Bust

Photo Credit: Australian Federal Police

A Manly West man is facing multiple serious drug charges after police uncovered a significant cache of illegal substances during a dramatic arrest in Newstead earlier this week.

The 50-year-old man appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday following his arrest, which was captured on video showing officers swarming and restraining him in a carpark while he was pushing a trolley.

According to police, the arrest was the culmination of an investigation by Taskforce Venator, a joint operation between federal and state police agencies targeting drug trafficking in Queensland.

During searches of a commercial property in Newstead, officers allegedly discovered approximately 20 kg of illegal drugs, including 15.9 kg of methamphetamine, 2.4 kg of cocaine, and 1.5 kg of heroin. The search also reportedly uncovered 200 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, fireworks, a small quantity of anabolic steroids, and drug packaging materials.

The Manly West resident has been charged with four counts of possessing dangerous drugs and single counts of drug trafficking, possessing items connected to criminal activity, possessing explosives, and contravening an order related to digital device information.

Australian Federal Police Detective Inspector Tim Puchala said the operation was crucial for public safety.

“The AFP is focused on preventing drugs entering the Australian community and causing widespread harm,” Inspector Puchala said. “Even in small amounts, drugs cause immense harm to users, their loved ones, and the community around them, through the impact on the health care system and associated crime.”

Queensland Police Service Detective Acting Superintendent Tim Leadbetter stated that Taskforce Venator had caused significant disruption to organised criminal syndicates and investigations would continue.

“The QPS works closely with the AFP and law enforcement partners in relentlessly pursuing criminal groups involved in serious and organised crime with the goal of eliminating the threat in Queensland,” Superintendent Leadbetter said.

Published 28-April-2025

Housing Supply Stalls in Wakerley, Other Suburbs, as Empty Nesters Stay Put

Residents in Wakerley are pushing back against new housing developments at a time when thousands of Queenslanders are struggling to find a home. Despite the state’s growing housing shortage, some of Queensland’s most sought-after suburbs are barely adding any new dwellings, creating a bottleneck that experts say is worsening the crisis.

New figures released in April 2025 show that Wakerley is among 65 suburbs across Queensland where housing stock increased by less than 1% over two years. MCG Quantity Surveyors found that these suburbs each recorded fewer than 5,000 new building approvals during that period, indicating a significant slowdown in supply.

Areas like Wakerley, with strong infrastructure and community appeal, are under pressure but still resist new developments.

Communities Holding the Line

For instance, a proposal to build 44 affordable townhouses by the Archdiocese of Brisbane faced intense opposition from residents. Over 3,400 people signed a petition arguing that the development would change the character of the neighbourhood and attract lower-income groups.

Although the proposal was eventually approved, the widespread resistance highlights a trend seen in many Queensland suburbs where locals are reluctant to embrace higher-density living, even when it would address broader housing needs.

Across Queensland, particularly in Brisbane’s middle and inner suburbs, similar battles are playing out. Suburbs like Carindale, Mansfield, and Boondall show little movement in their housing stocks, despite being equipped with schools, transport links and community facilities suited to growing populations.

Analysts point out that this refusal to build upward or outward is one of the factors making it harder for first-home buyers and renters to find affordable options.

Brisbane's east — *Photo Credit: Supplied/Aerial Views*

The Downsizing Challenge

Adding to the supply strain is the reluctance of empty nesters to move out of their larger homes. Research reveals that just 19% of Queenslanders who have seen their children leave home have downsized to smaller properties, while 68% continue to live in houses larger than they now need. Emotional attachments, financial penalties linked to pensions, and a lack of appealing downsized housing options are major reasons for staying put.

Industry groups warn that if even a portion of these homeowners downsized, it could free up tens of thousands of homes across the country, including over 22,000 in Queensland alone. However, many seniors find the idea overwhelming, given the effort involved in moving and the shortage of smaller, affordable dwellings that meet their needs within familiar communities.

Housing Affordability at Risk

Experts such as Mike Mortlock from MCG Quantity Surveyors and Natalie Rayment from YIMBY Queensland argue that both resistance to new housing and the downsizing dilemma are major barriers to solving the crisis. They stress that unless there is a shift in attitudes, both toward new developments and toward mobility within the housing market, prices will continue to climb, and more families will struggle to secure suitable housing.

The conversation around development, particularly in established suburbs like Wakerley, is increasingly focused on balancing the preservation of community character with the urgent need for more housing. Without a broader acceptance of change, many fear that Queensland will continue to mirror the affordability struggles already seen in Australia’s largest cities.

Published 28-April-2025

New Fitness Cartel Gym Gets Green Light for Tingalpa

Photo Credit: DA A006220147

A development application for a state-of-the-art Fitness Cartel gym has gained approval, paving the way for a significant recreation facility rebuild on Wynnum Road in Tingalpa.

Project Overview

The proposal involves the complete redevelopment of the property located at 1604 Wynnum Road. The existing structures on the site, including a gym, a swim school, and a dwelling, are set for demolition to accommodate the new gym. The new facility will operate under the management of Fitness Cartel.

Building and Site Design

Designed by architecture firm KALER, the planned building will be two storeys tall and over 10 metres in height. It will offer a substantial 1655 square metres of gross floor area, encompassing five distinct activity rooms and featuring a rooftop deck.

The design covers 24 per cent of the site area and incorporates landscaped boundaries. Additionally, the development includes provisions for 87 car parking spaces to service the facility.

Gym Facilities

Inside, the Fitness Cartel gym is planned to offer members a range of dedicated spaces. These include a group fitness studio for classes, separate changing rooms and amenities for men and women, a specialised Pilates studio, and areas designated as a cardio deck and comfort zone for various workout types.

Published Date 17-April-2025

War Stories Unearthed in Shoebox Inspire Brisbane Author

At Manly RSL this May, a Brisbane writer will share the hidden story of his grandfather’s role in a forgotten WWI scene — one that hung on his wall all his life.

Manly Book Launch to Share Lost Family War Stories Unearthed in a Shoebox

A family war story buried for decades is set to be shared at the Manly-Lota RSL, where Brisbane writer Paul Dobbyn will launch a book that traces his grandfather’s forgotten role in one of World War I’s most haunting moments.

The event will take place on Friday, 9 May, at the Manly-Lota RSL Sub Branch Hall. The date is meaningful to Dobbyn’s family. It marks the anniversary of both his grandfather’s survival at the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915 and his uncle’s death during a 1944 Royal Air Force mission in France.

A Personal Discovery Leads to Public Sharing

Wynnum journalist and poet Paul Dobbyn found the heart of War Spoils in a leather-bound journal left by his grandfather, Captain Henry Dobbyn, a World War I veteran of the Indian Royal Munster Fusiliers. Discovered after his father’s death in 1991, the journal detailed frontline injuries, including wounds at the Somme, and the hardship of raising five children alone in Toowoomba.

A childhood memory of a painting gained new meaning when Dobbyn realised his grandfather was among the soldiers shown receiving a battlefield blessing in The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois. Though the image hung in family homes, the connection had never been spoken of. It is a quiet discovery that became the book’s emotional centre.

Wartime Sacrifices Across Generations

The book follows Henry Dobbyn’s sons, Denis, who served in Papua New Guinea, and Robert, a Pathfinder pilot killed in 1944, with their stories rebuilt from family records and a blog that retraced Robert’s final flight.

War Spoils blends family history with poetry, drawing on Dobbyn’s public readings from the 1990s, enriched by archival images and wartime music.

Local Reflections for Anzac Day

With a foreword by RSL President Major General Greg Melick and praise from historian Dr Greg Poulgrain, the book is recognised as a moving tribute across three generations.

For Dobbyn, sharing these stories in Manly and Wynnum is about honouring those who served and highlighting the personal side of Australia’s wartime history.

Published 16-April-2025

Wynnum Manly Juniors Picked for City Team in Under-17 State Clash

Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Seagulls/Facebook

Manly’s footy pride steps up to the state stage, with five Wynnum Manly Seagulls named in the Under-17 City squad for the City vs. Country clash. Selected for their standout junior form, they’ll represent Brisbane’s southeast on April 16 at Totally Workwear Stadium.

A Big Day for Local Footy

The Under-17 City vs. Country matches are part of Queensland Rugby League’s development program, featuring top young talent from across the state. Boys and girls take part in a four-day camp with training and high-performance education ahead of the games.

*Photo Credit: Wynnum Manly Seagulls/Facebook*

The Manly-based Seagulls club has made its presence known this year with five boys chosen for the City team. Representing Wynnum Manly are:

Lachlan Hooker
Franck Iraguha
Ezekiel Jones
Koby McGarrity
Dean Tauaa

All five have stood out through their junior competitions, showing strong skills, teamwork, and leadership on the field. Their selection is not just a personal achievement, but a moment of pride for their families, schools, and the wider Bayside community.

Recognition for the Club

Wynnum Manly Seagulls’ strong junior program continues to produce top talent, with this year’s City selections showcasing players who’ve risen through the club’s youth system, backed by dedicated coaches and staff.

Coaches Shayne Boyd, Will Pei, and Steve Crawford will lead the boys’ camp, with past support from Manly club staff helping build a strong culture of growth and community in rep rugby league.

Looking Ahead to Game Day

The City vs. Country match is more than just a curtain-raiser for bigger competitions, it’s a crucial step in the representative pathway. Many past players have gone on to wear the Maroons jersey or sign with NRL clubs after taking part in this level of play.

For the five Wynnum Manly players, this is a milestone worth celebrating. It recognises years of training, dedication, and passion. It also offers a chance to grow, learn, and play alongside other top-tier juniors from around the state.

Kickoff for the boys’ match is at 1:00pm, following the girls’ match at 11:30am. Both games will be held at Totally Workwear Stadium in Brisbane.

A Community Moment

This selection is not only a personal win for the boys and their families, but a reminder of how strong grassroots footy remains in Manly. The support from the club and local community plays a big part in shaping these young players. With continued encouragement, these five may soon be household names in the sport.

Congratulations to Lachlan, Franck, Ezekiel, Koby, and Dean — your community is proud, and all of Manly is behind you.

Published 9-April-2025