Fran Ross and the Early Days of Fitzgibbon Chase Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch was launched in Fitzgibbon Chase in 2011 following a visit by a police liaison officer. Only a handful of houses existed there at the time, and this was the first Neighbourhood Watch in Australia to be established before the estate was built. Fran Ross (see Newsletter No. 8) became the first coordinator.

Neighbourhood Watch launch. Fran is in the foreground between the policemen.

At a Neighbourhood Watch event in Daintree Park, Fran orchestrated a siren symphony by the firies, police and ambos. Children were allowed to climb in the fire truck, and the ambos put bandages on the kids.

As the area’s sole Justice of the Peace at that time, Fran was closely connected to the police and essentially on call for them around the clock. If the police needed to share information with the community, they would tell Fran, who ensured everyone was in the loop.

Whenever there was anything that people needed to know, Neighbourhood Watch distributed leaflets to houses. There was a security blitz for people arriving home by train late at night, and Neighbourhood Watch passed out leaflets at the station. Members put up Neighbourhood Watch signs and arranged for speakers on security, as well as representatives from the fire station and police data analysts. For people from cultures where the police are feared, welcoming the police into the community was a major adjustment. Initially hesitant, these immigrants gradually realised this is the Australian way. Luckily, the head of the new police station at Carseldine had a smile that would light up three suburbs in a blackout.

Fitzgibbon Chase boasted a vibrant mix of ages, family structures, cultures and so on. At first, the largest non-Caucasian group was Chinese. Residents were fortunate in the early days, because everybody was new. They weren’t moving into a neighbourhood where they had to try to fit in. Before long, everybody knew everybody. For some, this was their first home, so they were keen to help build a community. So it was easy to establish Neighbourhood Watch and then the Green Team that kickstarted the community garden (see the next Newsletter).

Fitzgibbon Chase evolved into a close-knit community where residents looked out for each other. One day, Fran received a call. “My grandmother with dementia has gone missing. Can you help find her?” Neighbourhood Watch members drove around and finally tracked down the woman. People would ring Fran and say “I just realised I left my garage door open. Would you be able to go down and close it?” One family didn’t know what a baby shower was, but after they heard about this custom the husband asked Fran to host a shower for them.

In 2012 Neighbourhood Watch organised a festive picnic in the park with old-fashioned games such as egg-and-spoon races and other fun for kids. People from some cultures were a bit confused by the pig piñata.

One Christmas, the developers threw a Christmas party at the Community Centre. Neighbourhood Watch also arranged citizenship celebrations.

Getting ready for a citizenship party at the Community Garden

In 2013 the police showed Neighbourhood Watch members around Carseldine Police Station and asked the kids if they wanted to lock their parents in a cell.

Fran led Neighbourhood Watch for about three and a half years until health issues forced her to step down. Shane, who lived nearby, took over, but he has since moved away. After that, the group changed hands several times, and it has not been active for a number of years now.

Fitzgibbon Early Learning: Celebrating Care, Community and Culture

For local families with young children, the Fitzgibbon Early Learning childcare centre on Warrumbungle Parade provides a vital and highly valued service. Service Manager Belinda and Assistant Service Manager and Educational Leader Gabbie recently welcomed the newsletter editor for a guided tour of the centre. While the rooms where the children were engaged in learning and play were not included, the tour and interview offered valuable insights into the high standard of care and education provided at the centre.

Fitzgibbon Early Learning received its service approval on 27 March 2018. It is owned by John Crossley and Corinne Cleave, approved providers who are business partners and also operate five sister services across Brisbane and four in North Queensland. The Fitzgibbon service employs thirty-eight staff members, including a Quality Practice Manager, Workplace Health and Safety Officer, Service Support Manager and Operations Manager. Licensed to care for up to 110 children each day, the centre is organised into six learning environments: Nursery, Toddlers, Junior Kindy 1, Junior Kindy 2, Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten.

The tour commenced in the parent foyer, where families are welcomed by an Acknowledgment of Country, key information resources, and the centre’s certificates. Also residing in the foyer is Digit, the centre’s pet bearded dragon, known for his curiosity and interest in visitors.

Each morning, children apply sunscreen independently at the sunscreen station, supporting the development of self-help skills. In line with the centre’s service philosophy, a community pantry is available for families to give or take groceries as needed. There is also a parent station where families can enjoy coffee, tea and baked items such as biscuits or croissants prepared by the on-site chefs. The open kitchen allows families to see meals being prepared, and the centre’s open-door policy encourages families to visit and engage at any time.

A striking piece of Indigenous artwork by Fitzgibbon artist Lisa Caruana features prominently within the centre. The Reconciliation and NAIDOC display highlights the annual NAIDOC Week breakfast, where local councillors, police, community members, families and children come together to share bush tucker. NAIDOC dancers perform, and the children contribute to a collaborative artwork that reflects their learning and experiences throughout the week.

Gabby in front of the NAIDOC Week display

The centre also features a sustainability area, supported by families who contribute sustainable products. A wall displaying greetings in many different languages reflects the strong commitment to cultural diversity. Another display highlights the primary schools that graduating children will attend in 2026, with St Flannan’s and Taigum State School among the most common choices.

Each year, Fitzgibbon Early Learning reviews its service philosophy in collaboration with educators, families and children. Four guiding values—community, children, family and culture—reflect the educators’ shared passion and commitment. The centre prides itself on being strongly family-oriented and culturally inclusive. Staff and families come from diverse backgrounds, and the centre actively supports and celebrates these cultures. Children are involved in meaningful cultural experiences, including celebrations such as Diwali and New Zealand cultural events, ensuring a strong sense of belonging for all. Belinda emphasised that this approach is embedded into daily practice rather than being tokenistic.

Fitzgibbon Early Learning takes an individualised approach to learning, recognising that each child is at a unique developmental stage. Lead educators focus on supporting learning through diverse experiences, routines, transitions and teaching approaches tailored to each child’s needs.

The centre is highly inclusive of children with different abilities and is committed to identifying appropriate strategies, resources and professional development opportunities for educators. The owners actively support the provision of additional resources where required, and the centre works closely with Inclusion Support QLD. Strong partnerships are maintained with paediatricians, occupational therapists and speech therapists, who visit the centre to support children within their familiar learning environment. The service has extensive experience supporting children on the autism spectrum and those with global developmental delays. Families are actively involved throughout the process, enabling consistency between home and the early learning setting.

Staff-to-child ratios vary according to age group, ranging from one educator to four children in the Nursery and Toddlers rooms, to one educator to eleven children in the Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten rooms. In response to recent child protection legislation and regulations, the centre has reviewed and strengthened its safeguarding practices. At least two educators are always present in each room, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both children and staff. The owners place a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, supported by a dedicated wellbeing manager on site.

Child safety remains a top priority. The approved providers and operations manager invested significant time in reviewing and understanding updated child safety policies. In collaboration with an external organisation, a tailored child safety policy was developed specifically for Fitzgibbon Early Learning and its sister services, reinforcing the commitment to keeping children, families and educators safe.

The centre follows a flexible routine that responds to children’s individual cues and needs. When children appear overwhelmed, educators assess and adapt the environment accordingly. Some children may benefit from indoor-outdoor play to release energy, while others may prefer quiet spaces to regroup and feel secure. Consistency is further supported by having the same educators with each group throughout the year, fostering strong relationships and a sense of safety for the children.

Belinda, who has worked at Fitzgibbon Early Learning for three years, describes the Fitzgibbon community as truly special. Gabbie has been part of the team for the past year, and both leaders clearly demonstrate a deep passion for the service. The centre’s exceptionally low staff turnover reflects the positive workplace culture. For educators, the joy, laughter and meaningful connections shared with children each day make their work both fulfilling and rewarding.

News from Cr Landers

There’s plenty happening locally as we head into the new year, with a range of activities and events coming up for residents of all ages.

Families are invited to grab a picnic rug and enjoy a free outdoor movie night on Friday 13 February at Bill Brown Reserve, Fitzgibbon (next to the netball courts). Free face painting and children’s activities will be available from 5.00 pm, followed by the family favourite E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial screening at 7.00 pm. A variety of food trucks will be on site, with food and drinks available for purchase. In the event of wet weather, please follow my Facebook page for updates.

As part of our BrisAsia Festival 2026, Fitzgibbon is host to the BrisAsia Sk8 Zone on Saturday 14 February from 9 am–12 noon. Rising Asian-Australian skaters will be showcasing kickflips and tricks, connecting street culture with cultural pride.

I also invite you to join me for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March, starting from 8.00 am. This year we’ll be focusing on Hidden World Playground and Bill Brown Reserve, before coming together for a barbecue afterwards. You can register online at www.cleanup.org.au or simply turn up on the day if you’re able to help out.

There’s still time to enjoy $2 Summer Dips, with $2 entry per person available at all Brisbane City Council pools until 28 February—a great, affordable way to cool off and stay active.

Looking ahead, our signature youth event, School’s Out on the Green, returns on Thursday 2 April, and expressions of interest are now open to join the Working Committee. This is a great opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience and help deliver this much-loved local event. Expressions of interest can be submitted online at https://forms.gle/TCsS1jY8F4SPP6iY6

For updates and event information, follow me on Facebook or Instagram @crsandylanders.

Message from Emma Comer, Federal Member for Petrie

As we welcome the New Year, there’s good news for locals, with real cost-of-living relief and better access to health care.

From 1 January, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription for general patients has been capped at $25, the lowest price in more than 20 years. Pensioners and concession card-holders will continue to pay just $7.70, with this cost frozen until 2030. These changes will save Australians hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

There’s also a new way to access free health advice, with 1800MEDICARE now available 24/7. Locals can speak with a registered nurse for advice, referrals, or connection to free after-hours GP telehealth when needed.

On top of this, the new Medicare Mental Health Check In provides free, early mental health support online.

Every child deserves the best start in life, and every family deserves support to make it happen. That’s why Labor has guaranteed three days of subsidised child care for families that need it.

We’re helping parents balance work, family and the cost of living.

It’s a strong start to the year, putting health care back where it belongs, within reach for everyone.

Lantana

Wendy Pang

Photo taken in Fitzgibbon Bushlands in mid-September

Lantana. So pretty. So bad. It’s been in Australia since at least 1841. Gardeners loved the colourful, easy-care plants. Farmers thought they could use the thick hedges to keep cattle from wandering. 

But it spreads easily and is difficult to remove. In Queensland, there are strict Biosecurity rules about what to do and what not to do. (See https://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/62010/lantana.pdf). The cost to Australia is millions of dollars each year, because cattle are poisoned and the shrubs invade farming land. 

This lantana found in the Fitzgibbon Bushlands is creeping lantana (lantana montevidensis). 

I’ve just finished reading In Search of the Woman Who Sailed the World by Daniele Clode. Jeanne Barret disguised herself as manservant to the expedition’s naturalist, Philibert Commerson. He had persistent leg ulcers and was confined to the ship. Their ship was held up in Montevideo for months, and Jeanne was the one who collected most of the plants found. A large number of items had montevidensis as part of their botanical name. I wonder if Jeanne collected the first lantana to be scientifically described?

Blast from the Past

One hundred and sixty-nine years ago, the very first sale of “Crown land” in what would eventually become Fitzgibbon took place on 27 February. Originally under Aboriginal custodianship, this land had been seized by the colonial government in Queen Victoria’s name. The sale itself happened in Sydney, not locally.

The buyer was Dr. William John Ward, a surgeon who acquired over 350 acres in the Aspley area at the going rate of one pound per acre. He was the first of the thirteen original land-buyers in what is now Fitzgibbon, though at the time it was part of the Parish of Nundah. His holdings included two local properties (Portions 7 and 8) totalling 254 acres, with almost half of that area roughly corresponding to what we now call Fitzgibbon Chase. The rest lay west of the railway, which wasn’t built until nearly thirty years later.

Dr Ward had migrated from Surrey to Australia in the early 1850s, and he and his wife Mary lived in Shoalhaven before heading north to Brisbane just before March 1857. Like many speculators, the Wards didn’t actually live on the land they bought. From 1863 they resided in a brick cottage on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, and by 1865 they’d moved to Bald Hills and then three years later to Sandgate. They could never have imagined how their land here would transform over the years. (Based on Butterflies and Bandicoots: On Becoming Fitzgibbon, 2025: 10–11).

We Want to Hear from You!

If you wish to contribute information, an article or pictures to the newsletters or have ideas for an article, drop us a line through the Community Centre’s Facebook page or website.