Fitzgibbon Community Newsletter

No. 18  (November 2026)

Welcome to our monthly community newsletter! It aims to help foster a sense of belonging and connection by sharing local-interest items and celebrating the people and places that make Fitzgibbon special. Disclaimer: The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the management of Fitzgibbon Community Centre.

This month in your newsletter:

Boots and Beats: Dancing to Fitness and Friendship

Claire Harris has been dancing since she was four—ballet, ballroom, jazz, salsa, Zumba, pretty much whatever was going. Though she also plays sport, Claire feels there’s something special about dancing: everyone in the room is doing the same thing. “Even in a room of strangers, you feel like you’ve got friends.”

When Claire moved to Gatton for her final year of uni in 2018, she figured she’d give country-style dancing a try. The first dance Claire learned was set to Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl Shake It For Me”. That night, she went home, listed all the dances they’d done, and tried to practise them because she’d enjoyed it so much.

Claire likes that line dancing can be as easy or challenging as you want, it fits any music style (not just country), and it requires no partner, making it very accessible. “And I really love teaching it because of the variability and versatility.”

Line dancing’s popularity has really picked up in the past two years, fuelled by the rising popularity of country music, the idyllic country lifestyle and viral dance trends on social media. “I think people just want a reason to come together and catch up with a friend in a way other than going out to have a coffee—actually sharing new experiences together”, says Claire.

Knowing how to dance is one thing; teaching it is another. Claire spent four years learning before teaching, and in five years of teaching she’s learned much more. She’s passionate about spreading line dancing as widely as possible. In 2022, along with friend Kate Strong, Claire co-founded Hoedowns For Country Towns, a charity bootscooting roadtrip around Australia. While this was always destined to be a one-year venture, the year highlighted how powerfully line dancing unites people, and Footloose Fun was born off the back of this trip.

By day, Claire freelances as an agricultural journalist. Each week, she teaches line dancing on three nights and at many additional private functions and community events. Students range from age seven to ninety-two in age. The beginner-friendly class at Fitzgibbon Community Centre started in July 2025. Typically, 20 to 35 people attend. The class usually dances six dances across 90 minutes.

No need to consult a doctor before starting. Though line dancing is low-impact, some routines move quite quickly, making for a solid workout, but less-fit individuals can opt for slower dances or modify the moves. Turns can be a bit tricky if someone has vertigo or balance issues, but substitutions are available. And like anything, it gets easier the more you do it.

For absolute beginners feeling nervous or uncoordinated, Claire explains things in different ways. She always tells people which leg to put their weight on so they at least start correctly. Claire tries to make things less overwhelming, saying “Smile and wave if you’re facing the wrong way, or just somehow get around there.” No one minds if anyone makes a mistake. Claire’s teacher once told her, “Never kick anyone off the dance floor. Everyone has a right to be there.”

“If it feels a bit tricky in week one, that’s completely normal. People say it takes four to six lessons for it all to start to sink in. As long as you’re having fun, that’s the main thing.”

Like any specialisation, line dancing has its own technical language—e.g. lock steps, grapevines, heel digs, hooks, mambo steps, shuffle, pivots, points, rocks, lindy hops … the list goes on.

While Claire has never choreographed a dance, many others have, including some members of her classes. Anyone can upload a line dance to a website called CopperKnob, which currently has 185,000 dances uploaded. Claire plays a range of music genres to offer something for everyone. She takes music requests and even dance requests if someone wants to learn a particular dance.

Then there’s the social side. “Everyone likes a sense of community, but it’s much easier to make friends when you share an interest”, says Claire. The class has plenty of humour, smiles and laughter.

A recent class began with Claire welcoming a visitor and inviting him to spin the wheel to pick the first dance—Keith Urban’s “Straight Line”. They practised the steps, then added the music, and that’s when the fun really kicked in. The second dance was the Nutbush, “the most Australian dance ever.” Other dances included “Homerun”, “3,2,1” and “Wild Wild West Boogie”.

Towards the end of the class, Cyrus (a visiting Canadian), Georgia and Taylor demonstrated Cadillac Ranch, a popular dance in Canada.

The final dance was a contra-style dance, with two rows facing each other, stepping forward then backward.

Fitzgibbon class member Janet from Bracken Ridge used to line dance back in 1977. Looking for something close to home, she joined Claire’s class when it began. “Years ago, line dancing was very country and very rigid. Now it’s more flowing, and you can do anything and dance to any song. We used to keep our hands in our pockets, except for the occasional clap. Now we can do more arm work if we want to.” Some even throw in a few lasso moves. “It’s fun, and learning the steps is very good for my brain”, Janet commented. “I would definitely suggest anyone just give it a go. People are very friendly and welcoming.”

Although many attend by themselves, one entire family has attended the class for about a year—David, Leigh and their daughters Taylor (who introduced them to line dancing) and Georgia. The girls’ boyfriends Hayden and Cyrus also come along for the fun. David says, “I really love it, and it’s great for coordination, balance and memory. If you’ve had a bad day at work or home, you just come out and enjoy it. It’s my time for a little while. I don’t like the gym. It just gets too boring. But this is physical and mental exercise. I’ve never really been coordinated, especially when it comes to trying to do things nice and flowy and looking good. But I can go kick, kick, stomp, stomp. I like doing things in a group, and I really like sharing my hobbies.”

“It’s good to hang out with everyone,” remarked Georgia. Leigh commented that “Claire is an amazing instructor. She has a very good ability to break everything down. So you learn it really well.”

Despite the name “boot scooting”, boots aren’t mandatory. Still, half a dozen people donned their finest boots.

Two women wearing Halloween outfits have been attending Claire’s classes in Fitzgibbon and Murrumba Downs for about nine weeks. People can also attend line dance social events. Ashleigh says, “Once you’ve got your basic steps down, you can start to play with it. Thanks to what we’ve learned here, we can get up and dance with people who’ve been dancing for years. Six weeks in, and we could dance to five songs with little extra practice. That was the best feeling.”

Amberlee remarked that “Claire is so patient. We’ve seen her at events with kids. She’s spectacular.” Ashleigh added, “Right up to helping those who may not have as much mobility as younger people. With my knee issues, I often can’t bounce, and I can’t put too much weight on it. But Claire says, “Let’s try this instead.””

Hong Kong sisters Kelly (68) and Thea (67) relocated to Fitzgibbon about five months ago. They’d already done some line dancing since retiring, and they agree that Claire is a fantastic instructor.

If you too would like to try line dancing, just turn up at the Community Centre for the 5.30–7.00 p.m. class on Thursdays. The cost is $15 (cash or card), and bulk class passes are available. New people come along every week. No booking/registration is needed.

From Bird-Shy to Wildlife Carer

Lani Gibb

When I was a child, we had a sulphur-crested cockatoo and a galah as pets. They would walk along the back of the couch, squawking and flapping their wings, and I think my fear of birds developed from there. Whenever birds came close, I’d run the other way.

In 2002, I began working with the RSPCA in Adelaide, where I rescued wildlife. I was still terrified of any bird larger than a cockatiel, but luckily I never had to rescue anything big. I then worked as a vet receptionist and dog trainer in the vet industry. Any injured wildlife was brought to the vet, given a basic check-over and, unless it had significant injuries, sent to a wildlife carer. Because I was obsessed with learning about dog behaviour, I never took much interest in wildlife at that stage.

In 2018 I made a big move with one dog and two cats in a caravan to Beerwah, where a friend lived and had worked for Australia Zoo. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the vibrant wildlife coexisting in many areas of Queensland. I’ve seen turtles at Redcliffe, wallabies in Maleny, platypuses in Caboolture and, of course, water dragons and ibises everywhere. I was gifted a yearly pass to Australia Zoo, where my first visit was exciting and emotional, given the legacy of Steve Irwin and his family and their love for the animals. I spent a week volunteering there and gained fascinating behind-the-scenes insights. It was the first time I encountered one of my now-favourite birds, the bush stone-curlew.

Last year I became a volunteer with Wildlife Rescue Queensland. Volunteers not only care for injured wildlife but also answer phone calls 24/7 and serve as ambulance drivers, transporters, rescuers and specific rescue teams for koalas, kangaroos and reptiles. I helped rescue many possums, lizards, the occasional bird and even a bandicoot (likely attacked by a cat) that was trapped down a very deep hole. At the end of the year, Wildlife Rescue Queensland refocused solely on the Moreton Bay region, so although I no longer do rescues, I still help transport animals to Australia Zoo’s wildlife hospital.

Last year I also fell in love with black cockatoos, and I sensed that my fear of birds had disappeared. I visited Maleny Bird World and had many parrots and macaws perched on my arm and head to test the theory, and I was right! Since then, I’ve twice visited Feathered Friends at Bargo in New South Wales—a free flight bird sanctuary doing amazing work with black cockatoos and many other species. That has also made me more aware of the devastating impact of land clearing on our wildlife and how many species are struggling to survive.

Having wildlife so close in Fitzgibbon Bushland was definitely an incentive to move into our beautiful suburb. I’ve since taken up photography and birdwatching, although I’m not great at bird spotting. Recently, though, I did spot two wallabies in the bushland, which was exciting.

My hope is that more Australians will get involved in helping our beautiful wildlife. Everyone can help—through rescue, rehabilitation, advocacy, fundraising or administration.

Here are some key points to helping wildlife:

Stop if you hit or run over wildlife: Call the RSPCA or local wildlife rescue organisation. Wildlife might have babies that can be rescued, and if the animal is alive, it can be handled humanely. Drive with more wildlife awareness at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is more active. Having a towel, pillowcase and a box folded down in your car can be a lifesaver when rescuing an animal. Always call a rescue group first for advice, as snakes, bats and large animals (e.g. koalas) should be handled only by trained wildlife rescuers.

Baby birds: Do not pick up unless they are injured, sick or in immediate danger or have fallen from a nest and have no feathers. A nestling (few or no feathers; cannot hop) can be placed back in a nest, or you can make a substitute nest. Fledglings (feathered baby birds) are found on the ground as they learn to fly, and their parents are usually nearby and still caring for them.

Bats: If a bat is caught on wire, you can’t simply cut it out. First you must brace the wire with another piece of wire, then you can cut the bat free. Carefully wet its wings to unhook it from barbed wire. Bats have claws that lock onto branches, so to free one you have to lift it up, which unlocks the mechanism. The most crucial thing to remember about bats is never to touch them with your bare hands, since a rare few carry the lyssavirus, which can be fatal to humans.

Don’t feed wildlife. Giving them human food, mince or birdseed can cause nutritional imbalances, disease, behavioural alterations and dependency on humans. Feeding mince to magpies can weaken their bones, as it lacks calcium. (https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/wild-animals/living-with-wildlife/what-are-the-animal-welfare-issues-associated-with-feeding-wildlife). Instead, leave out clean water bowls and plant native flowering and fruiting plants.

Educate your kids, teaching them to respect and protect wildlife.

Halloween: Fake spider nets, fishing line, string, rope, cotton wool, balloons, tree netting and tinsel can become deadly traps for birds, bats and other wildlife.

For more great suggestions about ways to help wildlife, see here:

• https://biodiversitycouncil.org.au/news/fromfrogsaunastobutterflypuddles8waystoturnyourhomesintoawildliferefuge

Improving Connectivity: New Shared-Use Path

You might have walked past the bicycle locker next to Carseldine Station and wondered about the concrete path being built alongside the railway tracks. This is a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Once it opens, it will run alongside the tracks and along each side of the overpass. The path on the northern side of the bridge will continue to the intersection of Carselgrove Avenue and Beams Road, and the one on the southern side will continue to the intersection of Golden Place and Beams Road. From there, it will follow the former footpath, linking up to the new underpass beneath the bridge over the creek and coming out near Holy Spirit College. The aim is to enhance connectivity to the station. A walkway will also span the second bridge currently under construction.

In a typical day, around 100 people work on the Beams Road overpass construction site. Because the land had been undisturbed for so long, the crew thought they might dig up something of interest, but no significant discoveries have emerged. Before construction began, the crew had to conduct ground sampling to determine the soil type. Then came a cultural heritage process. The crew know that if they strike an object while digging, work must halt until it is identified. In this area, many old utility services were not accurately mapped, so you never know what you’ll find. To tackle this, the crew first does what’s called potholing with a big truck, probing the ground to locate the utility services. While this process can be a bit frustrating for stakeholders, it’s an essential step.

Scott, community liaison officer for the Beams Road project, says the construction crew are aiming for “practical completion” of the overpass around the end of November—weather permitting. For example, asphalting can’t proceed in the rain. The biggest change will involve relocating eastbound traffic onto the new bridge, leaving the existing (“old”) bridge for westbound traffic only.

Use the slider on the image below to compare before (2024, left) and after (2026, right).

The crew will stay on site to do landscaping and to paint the bridge retaining walls in three shades of green, alternating down the panels so they’re not just bare concrete. The crew will also tidy up the middle medians. The opening of the second bridge won’t be marked by a ceremony. Instead, a simple traffic switch will open the extra two lanes. Such switches usually happen between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. to minimise disruptions.

Every few months, Golden Downs has invited construction team members to share updates, recognising the project’s significant impact on its residents. At first, residents were concerned about a major construction site appearing on their doorstep, as they have been the main users of Golden Place for thirty years. But representatives from the construction company respectfully explained what they are doing and why, and residents have been very understanding. One of the women recalls how, when she was a little girl, her dad had to stop his car at the crossing and beep the horn so that the gatekeeper would raise the gates. A couple of the residents are retired engineers, so they love hearing about the project and have enjoyed some site visits.

The crew anticipated that working so close to Fitzgibbon residents might present significant risks, but they’ve been fortunate, as the only complaints have been quite reasonable—for example, a truck entering and exiting the site at 2 a.m. when working night shifts. Only three houses (all on Hibiscus Circuit) had to be resumed. This was mainly because they would have been too close to the new property boundary when the project is completed. 

Overall, the project has progressed very smoothly. No time has been lost due to injuries. This is remarkable, considering how many people interact with machinery and work next to it on quite a confined job site. In the past three years, the sole incident occurred when the crew struck the railway line’s overhead wires one day.

Some construction crew members have actively contributed to our community by building a chicken coop at the Community Garden.

For information about this and related projects, check out the following sites:

• https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/transport-and-parking/transport-projects/beams-road-upgrade-2025#current
• https://www.georgiou.com.au/highlights/georgiou-to-deliver-beams-road-stage-1b-upgrade-for-brisbane-city-council/
• https://www.mainconstructionsgroup.com.au/component/phocagallery/category/216-beamsroad1905?Itemid=197

Beams Road Underpass: Co-designed Community Mural ‘Playful Transformation’

As part of the Beams Road upgrade between Carselgrove Avenue and Handford Road, a new pedestrian underpass has been constructed to provide a seamless active travel journey along the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway. It also provides improved safety for the local schools and kindergarten in the Fitzgibbon area.

As part of the works, Council and a local artist team engaged with local schools to develop a co-designed community mural, ‘Playful Transformation’.

The team that developed the design for the mural involved lead artist Simon Degroot, together with two emerging artists, Ally Cassidy and Shiarna Wilson. They worked together to facilitate creative community workshops with the local schools and kindergarten and translate the resulting material and curatorial framework into a community mural. The students and children contributed ideas, stories and artwork that helped shape the final design, ensuring the mural reflects the character and creativity of the local community.

The vibrant artwork has recently been completed within the underpass and, following final cleaning and finishing works, the underpass is expected to open to the community in the coming weeks.

Playful Transformation is a lasting reminder of the community’s contribution to the Beams Road upgrade and will provide a welcoming and colourful experience for people walking, riding and traveling through the area for years to come.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

We’re keeping Brisbane moving by making it easier and safer for people to get where they need to go.

This new underpass connects directly to the Cabbage Tree Creek Bikeway, giving walkers and cyclists a safer way to get around the busy Beams Road corridor.

These upgrades are all part of tackling congestion and improving connections across our suburbs, so residents get home sooner and safer.

Councillor Sandy Landers

It’s fantastic to see local kids putting their own creative stamp on this new underpass, helping turn it into something the whole community can enjoy.

Students have worked alongside artists Simon Degroot, Ally Cassidy and Shiarna Wilson to bring their colourful ideas to life.

This mural adds a splash of colour and local personality to the underpass, making it a more welcoming place for everyone walking and riding through.

Art Installation by Local Artist Lisa Ann Caruana

First Nations artist Lisa Ann Caruana from Fitzgibbon recently notched up another achievement, being chosen to create an art installation for the Social and Affordable Housing development under construction at 41–49 Plaza Place in Carseldine. This development, the largest of its kind in Queensland, will deliver 62 social housing units and 90 affordable housing units. Completion is slated for mid-2027. (Read more at https://www.sgch.com.au/…/new-community-housing-for…/)

Lisa’s artwork, titled Canopy of Belonging, will feature sculptures and will “bring the knowledge and culture of this place into the heart of the community”, conveying a strong sense of connection and belonging.

In early October, Lisa was invited to speak at the topping-out ceremony (see https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1dv7eHrYMy/?). She remarked that “I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be part of this journey. Being able to share my culture, storytelling and connection to Country through my art, while contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on community, means so much to me. Thank you for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity and for helping bring my vision to life.”

Festival Atmosphere at Community Day

The Community Day event at Hidden World on 26 September (hosted by our federal and state representatives Emma Comer and Bisma Asif) was probably the biggest and best so far. Under blue skies, hundreds of kids and adults browsed the stalls or tried their hand at different activities.

True Blue Reptiles was once again the most popular attraction, with some pythons putting on a great “performance” alongside their human handler. Another crowd-pleaser was the free face painting, which drew a long line of eager kids patiently waiting their turn.

Other attractions included the Slime and Squishy Bar, Free Kids Craft Zone, colouring activities, ball games, a jumping castle, a messy-play area, and a fairy creating giant bubbles. A popular newcomer was a wonderful collection of traditional wooden games and puzzles. Just Wood Fun (0478 785 642) provided this good, old-fashioned fun for all ages.

Stands from groups such as Unity Early Learning, Goodstart Early Learning and Soccajoeys Aspley added to the vibrant atmosphere. Not to mention the stalls brimming with goods for sale, such as toys and handmade hair ties.

The multi-coloured marquees and chairs gave the day a festive air. Visitors could relax under the yellow picnic umbrellas with a drink or snack.

Hungry and thirsty visitors could choose from a tempting array of options—from coffee, soft drinks or freshly squeezed lemonade to fairy floss, poffertjes, ice cream, fish and chips, German sausages, and Mexican or Japanese dishes.

If you haven’t experienced one of these regular events yet, be sure to catch the next one. It’s a fun day when our community comes together.

Hall Happenings: Fitzgibbon Market

On Saturday 10 October, the Community Centre came alive with the fourth Fitzgibbon Market. Familiar stallholders joined new ones, with the welcome addition of a sausage sizzle and more food stalls. New features included the Name Our Turkey competition (vote on Facebook or at the Community Centre) and some turkey-themed activities for kids, like decorating our turkey “mound”. Once again, our local politicians generously donated hampers for the raffle, alongside donations from Beyond the Brew and some stallholders and local residents. The raffle proceeds support the Community Centre’s work. A huge thank you to all the stallholders and volunteers who made this day possible.

The next market is on 5 December—just in time to pick up some Christmas gifts.

Blast from the Past (and Looking Ahead)

Fitzgibbon newcomers might not know that just south of the new overpass used to be the sprawling Kelly’s Wrecking business from 1983. Packed with hundreds of junk cars (with their valuable parts), it was repeatedly broken into and vandalised. Ten years ago, nine cars were burned in a case of suspected arson.

Plans are underway to reconfigure this 3.56-hectare site into seven residential buildings with 516 units, further changing the face of Fitzgibbon.

Message from Sandy Landers, Bracken Ridge Ward Councillor

As we move into the final stretch of 2026, I want to take a moment to wish all our Year 12 students the very best as they head into their final exams. This is the culmination of so many years of hard work and dedication. I hope you are able to enjoy a well-earned break before embarking on your next exciting adventure.

With Christmas just around the corner, save the date for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, coming to Riverstage on Saturday 5 December. Planning is underway for what is always a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family and friends, supporting the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust. For tickets and further information, head to brisbane.qld.gov.au and search Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols.

Locally, the Bracken Ridge Baptist Church invites everyone to join them for their annual Christmas Carols Spectacular on the oval at Norris Road State School on Sunday 13 December. From 4 pm the oval will come alive with food trucks and music, with the main Carols show starting at 7 pm. Bring your picnic rugs and camping chairs for a wonderful night of celebrating the season together.

As storm season continues, I also encourage all residents to sign up to Brisbane’s free Severe Weather Alert service, providing advance warning for severe weather events to help protect your family and property. Sign up at bswa.brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Stay connected via Facebook.com/Cr.Sandy.Landers or Instagram@crsandylanders.

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.

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