Fran Ross and The Green Team

The Green Team started in 2011 at meetings with the Fitzgibbon Chase developers. People used to complain that the builders made a mess, unwrapping packages of building material and letting the plastic and polystyrene fly off everywhere. Food littered the gutters, and the wind would just blow stuff around. So someone said “Let’s just pick it up.” Then they decided to form the Green Team on 12 March 2011. It had two aims: (1) to protect and enhance the local environment and raise environmental awareness in the community and (2) to work towards creating an inclusive community garden based on the principles of sustainable gardening. An executive committee was elected in October 2011.

Kevin van Katwijk, executive director of a social enterprise group called Near North Housing Service (now Enhanced Care Inc.), stepped up to become the group’s auspicer. The Green Team signed a formal memorandum of understanding with him at the end of 2011. Kevin was well-off and generously used his money to benefit many.

After unsuccessful efforts to secure funding support from the Energex Sustainability and Environmental Fund to create the garden’s structural foundations, the Urban Land Development Authority (ULDA) announced that it would give 4,000 square metres for the Green Hub, including a community garden. This was land the gardeners are allowed to use, but with restrictions (e.g. the depth of digging allowed) because of underground utilities.

The Team set about educating themselves. They held fortnightly meetings to workshop their priorities and gather information about community gardens, and they attended some regional workshops. The ULDA engaged a landscape architect experienced with community gardens, and he was involved in designing the structure.

Most of the foundation construction happened while Fran Ross was overseas on holidays, so she missed out on the construction of the community garden. Sherryl James took progress photos. Check out the gallery of photos of the garden being built at https://www.fitzgibboncommunitycentre.org/gallery/. (While you’re there, take a look at the other galleries!) A greenhouse and shed were built, and the first tree planted was a laurel tree.

Green Team members were concerned about finches in the western part of Carselgrove Avenue bridge during development of Fitzgibbon Chase, as they seemed very stressed. So the Team lobbied the developers to protect them. After storms, the Team secured damaged trees with ropes and picked up rubbish and debris. A frog colony was spotted on the first roundabout, so the Team talked to the developers to protect the frogs’ habitat. It liaised with waterways and vegetation authorities to learn how to identify noxious weeds in the canal and billabong (the canal that flows under the bridge on Roghan Road). The Green Team and Neighbourhood Watch joined forces to help on Clean Up Australia Day. There was significant overlap between the membership of the two organisations.

The first laminated sign placed on the notice board at the community garden entrance was an Acknowledgement of Country, featuring images of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

The gardeners cultivated rosellas and then held a rosella jam-making workshop at Fran’s place and sold the jam. Back then, the community garden boasted over fifty members.

A Bunnings liaison person used to work with Fran at the garden for a couple of hours every fortnight. The Green Team sold plants and more, and it used to have potting days.

Towards the end of the first year of the garden’s operation, Kevin van Katwijk organised a community fair. That was the start of the scarecrows. Fran made the structure, and the Team collected a lot of clothes. Local kids were invited to dress the scarecrows, and they had a blast putting makeup on them. Much later, Fran received a late-night call from somebody who lived across from the community garden, reporting that people with torches were in the garden. Fran urged the caller to ring the police. Apparently there was a water leak, and Urban Utilities had to enter the garden to reach the water main. The police later told Fran that the responding officer had hopped over the fence and come face to face with a white face with big red lips, terrifying her.

The Green Team used to have fun holding sausage sizzles outside of Carseldine Woolies.

Alberto and Fede at a sausage sizzle

One of the gardeners had a handy son who was an electrician, and he built a sandpit. It folded out so that parents or kids could sit there.

The community garden received significant support from local businesses that donated raffle prizes. St. George Bank also contributed some funds. One day, a man came to teach the gardeners about organic fertilisers.

Fran lobbied the Chase developers for an outdoor gym. The first was the one at Flinders Park, and then they started putting them all over Fitzgibbon.

The Green Team wanted to create signs showcasing details about the native plants in the remnant bushland and, where possible, information about their original use by First Nations people. For years, Fran lobbied for Council involvement. The Council expressed a desire to help, but there were all sorts of reasons that couldn’t happen. Fran was unaware that Lisa Caruana had also been talking to the Council about a similar project. The community liaison officer shared Lisa’s contact details with Fran, and the two met and discovered a significant overlap in their goals. They talked to the Bracken Ridge Councillor, and the Council finally came on board. The Green Team gave the money it had saved for the plant signs as a consultancy fee to the Indigenous people who contributed information and supported this project.

Fran wrote the Green Team’s governance strategy. She left that document and all other records for the people who subsequently took over the community garden.

With another group taking over, the few remaining members of the Green Team were still committed to its environmental focus. Those members were all elderly people with various ailments, so once Brisbane City Council created the Bushland Trail, the Green Team disbanded.

Fran is one of the volunteers who helped make Fitzgibbon what it is today. She made a invaluable contribution in the early days of Fitzgibbon Chase. Fran has now largely stepped back from community involvement due to health issues. Time for others to step up!

Solar Savings

In November, the Fitzgibbon Community Centre scored a big win. Solar panels and batteries were installed, thanks to a generous grant from the Queensland-based Community Benefit Fund.

We now have an energy generation capacity of about 110–130kWh of electricity per day and can store 28kWh in our batteries. This combination means we are not sending energy back into the grid at the same time as everyone else. So we can use our daily energy captured into the night when there is no sunshine to generate our own electricity.

In 2025, the Centre’s electricity usage was 86kWh per day, primarily from the air-conditioners. So far in 2026, the solar panels have produced about 128kWh per day, and our import has declined by about 55%. Our app tells us we have reduced our emissions by nearly 6 tonnes of CO₂, which is equivalent to nearly five tonnes of coal we haven’t burnt.

We will continue down an energy-efficient path as we move forward. We will do this by purchasing energy-efficient appliances when the need arises (we’ve just purchased a new fridge for the kitchen) and by monitoring our electricity consumption when the halls are not in use, such as turning off appliances at the power point when the appliances are not being used. And of course, all this means that the Community Centre is also saving on its electricity bills!

The Foundry

On 7 February, Foundry Market hosted a market for recycled goods (clothing, shoes, bags, books and more) at the Fitzgibbon Community Centre. This was the group’s second time working together as a community. They’re passionate about circular fashion because they want to cut down on textile waste. The clothes on sale featured a vibrant mix for men, women and kids.

“Foundry Market — a celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community!
Breathe new life into your preloved pieces and share your passion for handmade creations in a space that truly values connection. Whether you’re a circular fashion enthusiast or a local maker, small business owner, you’ll find encouragement, inspiration, and like-minded souls ready to support your journey.”

“It’s called Foundry for a reason — this is where you’re seen, found, and discovered by the people already looking for what you do.”

Foundry Market wants to encourage people to realise that there’s already more than enough clothing available out there to dress six generations. It wants to keep fashion moving while supporting people running small businesses. The aim is to encourage creators, crafters and anyone who’s into upcycling clothes. Organiser Graciela Munez (or Gray, as she’s known) used to live in Fitzgibbon. She believes that everyone has their own unique style and doesn’t need to always follow trends to fit in.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, the group supports efforts to prevent domestic violence. MP Shannon Fentiman, the Shadow Minister for Women, has been very supportive, but Gray (who has personally experienced and witnessed domestic violence) noted that the police force has recently scaled back its support for such initiatives.

In the future, Foundry Market plans to take part in the markets that are now held regularly at the Fitzgibbon Community Centre. The next one is on 21 March (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)—a perfect opportunity to upcycle your wardrobe or pick up some outfits!

Community Lunch

The Free Community Lunch at The Salvation Army North Brisbane Church is a relaxed and welcoming space for people of all ages to gather each week. Held every Thursday from 12 pm to 1 pm, it’s a great opportunity to share a meal, build friendships and connect with others in our local community. Whether you’re new or have been part of the community for years, everyone is warmly invited. We look forward to seeing you at Cnr Handford and Roghan Rds Taigum, 4018.

Everyday Justice

The Salvation Army at North Brisbane (located at Cnr Handford and Roghan Rds, Taigum, 4018) has partnered with Everyday Justice, a national community legal service, to provide a free monthly legal clinic.

Our Free Legal Clinic is available from 6 pm to 9 pm on the first Wednesday of each month, offering members of our community the opportunity to receive helpful legal information and guidance in a supportive environment. Whether you have questions about everyday legal matters or simply need some direction, this clinic is here to provide accessible and confidential assistance. Everyone is welcome, and appointments can be made through our website www.salvationarmy.org.au/nbc/need-help. Walk-ins are also welcome (please arrive before 8 pm). To see a list of the type of assistance that Everyday Justice can provide, visit www.everydayjustice.com.au.

Mainly Music

Mainly Music is a fun and engaging weekly playgroup for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Held on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am, sessions include music, movement and play in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity for little ones to learn and grow while parents and caregivers connect with others in the community.

The cost is $5 per family, per week. We’d love for you to join us on Wednesday mornings at The Salvation Army North Brisbane Church (Cnr Handford and Roghan Rds, Taigum, 4018).

Message from Emma Comer, Federal Member for Petrie

I’m pleased to announce that the 2025–26 Volunteer Grants in Petrie are open!

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to help local community organisations reduce barriers to volunteering and encourage more people to get involved.

Volunteer Grants help cover practical costs like equipment, training and resources, so organisations can focus on what they do best: supporting people.

If you’re part of a non-for-profit organisation with at least 40% volunteers, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with my office and find out more, or click the link below to fill out the form.

Link: https://emmacomer.com.au/volunteer-grants/

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will open through my office, and we’ll be working with a local Community Committee to make sure funding is distributed fairly and reflects the diversity of our community. EOIs close 1 April 2026. Please contact my office to request an EOI form.

Our volunteers give so much of their time and care. This is about giving something back to them.

Message from Bisma Asif, MP for Sandgate

Thank you to everyone who has completed the Sandgate Community Survey over the past few months. With Parliament back for 2026, I’m ready to continue advocating for the things that matter to you—access to housing, taking pressure off household budgets, and better healthcare.

Fitzgibbon, if there is an issue you’d like me to raise in Parliament, contact my office at sandgate@parliament.qld.gov.au or sign up to my newsletter to stay updated.

I’ll also be hosting my annual Grant Information Night in the coming months for P&Cs, community groups and sporting clubs. Representatives from several grant programs will be attending to explain how to make the most of available funding opportunities.

If you are part of a local community group, this will be a valuable opportunity to learn what support may be available for you.

To register your attendance, please contact my office at sandgate@parliament.qld.gov.au. You can also stay updated on upcoming events via my social media:

Facebook: Bisma Asif MP

Instagram: @Sandgatebisma

Message from Sandy Landers, Bracken Ridge Ward Councillor

March is always an exciting time in our community, with the school year well underway and students settling into new routines. It has been wonderful to attend recent school leadership induction ceremonies and see so many young people stepping up to take on important roles within their schools. Their confidence, enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive contribution are truly encouraging and reflect the strong future of our local community.

That spirit continues with planning well underway for School’s Out on the Green, returning on Thursday 2 April. This signature youth event showcases the incredible talent of local young people, giving them the opportunity to perform, share their creativity and connect with others in a fun, inclusive environment. Led by young people, for young people, the event promises to be another fantastic celebration of youth in our area.

It was disappointing to postpone our recent outdoor movie night due to weather conditions. We know many families were looking forward to the event, and we are currently working to secure a new date, which will be announced as soon as possible.

Brisbane is preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with early planning focused on creating lasting benefits for communities across the city. We want to hear your ideas on what this legacy should look like. Visit Council’s website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au before Sunday 15 and search for Making our Mark.

Applications are open for Council’s Native Wildlife Carers Grant, which supports individuals and groups caring for injured, sick or orphaned native animals. If you or your organisation is involved in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, I encourage you to explore this funding opportunity.

Finally, a reminder that Clean Up Australia Day is this Sunday, starting from 8.00am at Hidden World Playground and Bill Brown Reserve. You can register online or simply come along on the day. Everyone is welcome to help keep our neighbourhood clean and green.

Blast from the Past

The twelfth person to buy land in the area that would later become Fitzgibbon was Joseph Walsh Lee, who was born in Lancashire around 1829 and lived until 1904. He arrived in Moreton Bay on 7 March 1863—one hundred and sixty-three years ago—with his wife and two daughters. After spending a few years working in Beenleigh, Lee purchased land at Zillman’s Waterholes (what we now call Zillmere) in the late 1860s, and he went on to become a respected and influential leader in that community.

On 1 July 1867, this well-off landowner bought the seventy-three-acre Portion 5 in the Parish of Nundah for one pound an acre, which was the going price at that time. This land was located south of Beams Road, stretching all the way to Zillmere Road. Kanakas harvested the sugar cane grown on Lee’s property. When the railway line was built in the late 1880s, it cut through this property, though by that time Lee had already sold much of it.

Joseph Walsh Lee

Courtesy of Chermside and Districts Historical Society

Based on Butterflies and Bandicoots: On Becoming Fitzgibbon (2025).

We Want to Hear from You!

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