Spring Hill Archives - Fortitude Valley News

Gina Rinehart Buys $8m Spring Hill Office for One Nation Headquarters

Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has added another Brisbane office building to her property portfolio, purchasing a three-storey Spring Hill property for approximately $8 million that is set to become One Nation’s new national headquarters.

The building at 160 Wharf Street was acquired through Hanrine Investments, a subsidiary of Hancock Prospecting. The planned relocation will bring the party’s headquarters from Brisbane Airport to the edge of the CBD, where Rinehart already owns two major commercial properties.

From Brisbane Airport To The City Fringe

One Nation is preparing to leave its existing headquarters at 2/6–12 Boronia Road, Brisbane Airport, after outgrowing the premises. The party is finalising leasing arrangements for the Spring Hill property, with the relocation expected once the office fit-out is completed. The new address offers a different setting from its airport base, placing the headquarters within walking distance of Brisbane’s central business district and public transport connections.

According to commercial property agency Colliers, the Wharf Street building is approximately 250 metres from Central Station and 50 metres from a Turbot Street bus stop. Spring Hill also has an established mix of commercial offices, hospitals, hotels, medical services and apartment buildings. Ms Pauline Hanson’s electoral office is already located at Waterfront Place in the CBD and is separate from the party’s planned national headquarters.

Gina Rinehart Spring Hill office — Photo Credit: Colliers

Behind The Wharf Street Frontage

The three-storey building provides 948 square metres of net lettable area, with two upper levels of office accommodation and a ground floor configured for office, showroom or retail use. Its uppermost floor opens onto a balcony overlooking Brisbane’s skyline, while a recently upgraded internal lift connects the different levels. The property also provides 10 secure onsite car parks, with potential for two additional spaces.

The building’s combination of office accommodation, ground-floor commercial space and onsite parking formed part of its marketing as an inner-city property suitable for different business uses. Although One Nation is preparing to occupy the premises, Hancock Prospecting has confirmed the party will not receive free or discounted rent. A company spokesperson said commercial leasing arrangements applied to outside tenants regardless of whether they were political organisations.

Brisbane Commercial Property — Photo Credit: Colliers

One Nation’s Barnaby Joyce also confirmed the party would pay commercial rates. Responsibility for the cost of fitting out the new offices has not been established, and no relocation date has been announced.

Another Addition To Rinehart’s Brisbane Holdings

The Wharf Street acquisition follows Rinehart’s earlier investments in Brisbane CBD office buildings, including the purchase of 175 Eagle Street for a reported $240 million in late 2023. Her commercial property holdings also include 70 Eagle Street, acquired for more than $100 million. The latest purchase adds a Spring Hill address to those CBD investments, with One Nation expected to take up its new premises once the outstanding leasing and fit-out arrangements are completed.

Published 6-October-2026

CCTV Expansion Complete Around Ann Street, Brunswick Street and Wickham Terrace

Five new CCTV cameras are now operating across Fortitude Valley and neighbouring Spring Hill following completion of a wider Brisbane safety-camera expansion.

The Queensland Government confirmed on 23 September that the $1 million project, delivered with Brisbane City Council, had been completed. Seventeen cameras were installed across six suburbs.

Two cameras in Fortitude Valley

Brisbane City Council identified the Fortitude Valley locations when the rollout was announced in December 2025. One camera was allocated to the intersection of Marshall Street and Ann Street, while the second was placed at Brunswick Street and Water Street.

The two locations sit on different sides of the Valley precinct. Ann Street is one of the suburb’s main north-south routes, while the Brunswick Street and Water Street intersection is within an area of mixed residential, commercial and entertainment uses.

The Water Street area has also continued to attract redevelopment. A current development application at 290 Water Street and adjoining properties proposes apartments, commercial space and restored heritage buildings, reflecting the changing mix of uses around the northern side of Fortitude Valley.

Three cameras across Spring Hill

Spring Hill received another three cameras under the same program. The locations create a second inner-city cluster along major Spring Hill roads rather than placing cameras throughout residential streets.

Two are concentrated along Wickham Terrace, while the Gregory Terrace and Bowen Bridge Road location sits close to a major route linking Spring Hill with Bowen Hills and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital precinct. Wickham Terrace and Leichhardt Street are among Spring Hill’s long-established streets, with both forming part of the suburb’s early development from the mid-19th century.

Cameras linked to 24-hour monitoring

Council described the new equipment when the rollout was announced as next-generation 5-in-1 safety cameras. The units include speakers that can be used to issue real-time warnings and feed into Council’s 24-hour Security Operations Centre.

At the time of the 2025 announcement, Council said the centre was monitoring more than 4,450 cameras citywide and that footage from its safety-camera network had helped identify more than 950 incidents during that year. Those figures relate to Brisbane’s broader network rather than the five new Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill cameras specifically.

Queensland Police said during the rollout that CCTV can act as a deterrent and can also provide evidence to help identify people involved in offences. The September completion announcement similarly describes the expansion as a tool to support police and Council responses.

Published 24-Sept-2026

Businesses Displaced as Centenary Pool Makes Way for Brisbane 2032 Aquatic Centre

Long-standing businesses at the Centenary Pool precinct are being forced to relocate as the Spring Hill site is transformed into the National Aquatic Centre for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority took possession of the site on 1 September 2026, after the pool closed to the public at the end of August. Site preparations are now underway at the Gregory Terrace precinct following the end of 67 years of continuous community use.

Long-term tenants face costly moves

Among the businesses affected is orthodontist Dr Nick Kotsomitis, whose practice has operated from the Centenary Pool complex for more than three decades.

Kotsomitis has said his current lease was expected to continue until 2035 and that he spent more than $500,000 fitting out the practice after entering the agreement in 2017. Relocating specialised orthodontic equipment and establishing another clinic could cost more than $1 million.

Allied health provider The Health Collab has also operated from the precinct, offering physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, massage and other services from its Spring Hill premises.

Affected tenants have faced uncertainty over how they will be compensated for relocation and re-establishment costs. Queensland parliamentary debate on Brisbane 2032 infrastructure laws has acknowledged that Games projects can displace tenants and community businesses, while maintaining that existing compensation rights under other laws are not removed.

Inner-city swimmers lose a 67-year fixture

Centenary Pool opened in 1959 and became Brisbane’s first Olympic-standard swimming pool. The heritage-listed complex, designed by architect James Birrell, has served generations of residents through lap swimming, squad training, diving, fitness programs and recreation.

Before closing, the complex included a 50-metre outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, a heated 25-metre outdoor pool and other recreational facilities.

Its closure also reduces the number of public swimming options available to residents in Brisbane’s inner north, increasing attention on nearby alternatives including Newmarket Olympic Pool. Local concerns have focused on swimmers who rely on public aquatic facilities for exercise, rehabilitation and regular training.

Bigger aquatic centre planned for 2032

The Centenary Pool site will form part of the new National Aquatic Centre, which is proposed to host swimming, Para swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming during the Brisbane Games.

Plans include three new covered pools, high-performance facilities and about 8,000 permanent spectator seats, expanding to as many as 25,000 during the Games through temporary seating.

Existing heritage elements are expected to be incorporated into the redevelopment, while the completed centre is intended to remain available for community and high-performance use after 2032.

Published 2-Sept-2026

First Look at Brisbane’s National Aquatic Centre for 2032 Games

Design concepts for the new National Aquatic Centre have been released, offering the first detailed look at the venue that will become the centrepiece of aquatic competition at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Brisbane CBD Set to Become a Massive Transport Hub for New Sports Venues

Leading national firms ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnership with Queensland-based Arkhefield, have been selected to design the facility at the heritage-listed Centenary Pool site in Spring Hill. Planned as a high-performance aquatic hub with year-round community access, the venue will combine new sporting infrastructure with the heritage-listed Centenary Pool.

Blending Heritage with Modern Design

Photo credit: Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority

The concept retains and incorporates the heritage-listed Centenary Pool while introducing facilities designed for elite competition and training. Plans include a main competition arena and a secondary arena, each featuring large pools for major events and high-performance programs, alongside new pools, a gym, office accommodation and dedicated high-performance spaces that complement the existing outdoor pools and amenities.

The architectural partnership draws on experience from some of Australia’s most recognisable sporting and civic projects. ARM Architecture is behind Perth’s RAC Arena and the redevelopment of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, while NH Architecture led the transformation of Melbourne Park. Brisbane practice Arkhefield has delivered projects including South Bank’s River Quay precinct and the Waterfront Brisbane redevelopment. Aquatic specialist Liquid Blu also forms part of the team, bringing experience from projects including Yeppoon Lagoon and Pavilion, Palm Beach Aquatic and Community Centre, and the Gympie Aquatic Recreation Centre.

ARM Architecture Director Andrew Hayne said the design was shaped by Queensland’s close relationship with water.

“Queenslanders have a real connection to the water. The rippling plinth and floating roof reflect the movement of water, but the design is ultimately about place and is shaped by Brisbane’s landscape, subtropical climate and natural environment,” Mr Hayne said.

NH Architecture Director Emily Kilvington said the venue balances contemporary design with respect for the site’s history.

“New state-of-the-art facilities shows real respect for the site’s history while positioning Queensland at the forefront of aquatic sport infrastructure,” Ms Kilvington said.

Built for Beyond 2032

While the National Aquatic Centre will host swimming and other aquatic events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has also been planned as a long-term venue for high-performance sport and year-round community use.

Swimming Australia Chief Executive Officer Rob Woodhouse described the appointment of the design team as an important milestone, saying the venue would deliver long-term benefits for aquatic sports and the wider community by supporting major events, high-performance training and year-round public access.

For Arkhefield Founding Director Andrew Gutteridge, the project also has a personal connection, having grown up swimming at Centenary Pool.

“Hosting the Olympics and Paralympics gives us the chance to build something truly extraordinary, a place where Queenslanders can swim, train and connect with each other for decades to come,” Mr Gutteridge said.

Next Steps

The Games Independent Infrastructure Construction Authority (GIICA) is continuing the procurement process, with four construction companies shortlisted to submit proposals. The field will be reduced to two before a final builder is selected in early 2027.

GIICA will take possession of the Centenary Pool site on 1 September, allowing early works to begin ahead of construction.

Read: George Street UniLodge Redevelopment Offers Blueprint For Brisbane’s 2032 Housing Challenge

Once complete, the National Aquatic Centre is expected to serve as the main venue for aquatic competition during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before transitioning into a world-class facility for high-performance training and year-round community use. By retaining the character of Centenary Pool while introducing contemporary facilities, the project aims to create a venue that will continue to benefit Queenslanders well beyond the Games.

Published 28-July-2026

Spring Hill’s Madison Tower Mill Hotel Sells for Reported $28.6 Million

Photo Credit: HTL Property

The Madison Tower Mill Hotel at 239 Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill has sold for a reported $28.6 million to Samdoo Corporation, the Kim family-owned group behind two Hotel Diana properties in Brisbane.

HTL Property handled the sale on behalf of Madison Hotel Group, with Andrew Jackson, Nic Simarro and Glenn Price managing the campaign.

More than 175 enquiries were received before nine formal offers were submitted. Interest came from local and interstate investors, offshore-backed groups and established pub operators.

Samdoo Corporation owns Hotel Diana properties in Woolloongabba and South Brisbane. The acquisition was supported by private family investment originating from South Korea.

Circular Madison Tower Mill Hotel on Wickham Terrace — *Photo Credit: HTL Property*

Circular Spring Hill Hotel Has 70 Rooms

Built in 1966, the nine-storey circular building operates as a 3.5-star hotel and contains 70 guest rooms with private balconies.

The accommodation has recently been refurbished. A hospitality venue on the ground floor includes a sports bar and 14 gaming machines.

The hotel occupies a 1,462 sqm freehold site beside Wickham Park, near the edge of the Brisbane CBD. It is also within walking distance of the Golden Triangle, Suncorp Stadium and Roma Street Parkland.

The site has mixed-use zoning, with the sale listing identifying potential for high-density redevelopment subject to approval. No redevelopment proposal or change of use was confirmed as part of the transaction.

Nine-storey hotel exterior in Spring Hill — *Photo Credit: HTL Property*

Madison Tower Mill Hotel Faces Old Windmill

The Madison Tower Mill Hotel stands opposite the Old Windmill, which was built in 1828 and is Brisbane’s oldest surviving building.

When the hotel opened, it included one of Brisbane’s early elevated or rooftop restaurants. Its circular design and rooftop level remain distinguishing features of the Wickham Terrace building.

The hotel later became associated with the 1971 Tower Mill protests during the South African Springboks rugby union tour.

The all-white Springboks team stayed at the hotel during the tour, prompting protests outside the property. The events ultimately led to a state of emergency being declared in Queensland.

Published 16-July-2026

Hotel Beneath Story Bridge Enters Market At $115 Million

Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves

A hotel beneath the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, near Fortitude Valley, has been listed for sale with price expectations of about $115 million.

A Riverfront Asset Comes Into Focus

Crystalbrook Vincent has been placed on the market through an expressions-of-interest campaign managed by Colliers, with submissions open until April 30.

The hotel sits within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, positioned beneath the Story Bridge and near Fortitude Valley. The location places it within a well-established riverfront area known for steady visitor movement and a mix of hospitality venues.

Brisbane hotel sale — *Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves*

Price Marks Shift Since Last Sale

The property is owned by the Ghassan Aboud Group through Crystalbrook Hotels and Resorts.

It was acquired in 2021 for about $70 million, with the current price guide of roughly $115 million indicating a notable change in value over five years. The listing is part of a broader move to recycle capital within the group’s portfolio.

Story Bridge hotel — *Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves*

What Defines The Property

Opened in 2019, the hotel includes 166 rooms and forms part of a purpose-built precinct along the Brisbane River.

Facilities include a rooftop pool, gym, bar and dining spaces. The interiors incorporate a large collection of works linked to Brisbane artist Vincent Fantauzzo, which remains a defining feature of the property’s design.

Market Conditions Behind The Timing

The timing of the listing aligns with broader conditions across Brisbane’s hotel sector, where demand has increased while new supply remains limited.

Industry figures indicate revenue per available room is around 70 per cent higher than 2019 levels, with average daily rates also rising. At the same time, only 372 hotel rooms are under construction through to 2027.

These factors have narrowed availability across inner-city areas, including precincts near Fortitude Valley.

Crystalbrook Vincent — *Photo Credit: Howard Smith Wharves*

Development Activity Nearby

The listing comes alongside continued planning activity within Howard Smith Wharves.

A proposed hotel development to the east of Crystalbrook Vincent remains included in documents lodged during the early months of 2026, indicating further potential change within the precinct.

Next Stage For The Listing

The campaign will test investor interest in a hotel asset positioned within a constrained market.

The outcome is expected to reflect broader conditions across Brisbane’s accommodation sector, where demand and limited supply continue to shape activity near Fortitude Valley.

Published 27-Mar-2026

Brisbane Girls Grammar Makes History with First Primary Students in 151 Years

In a historic moment for one of Queensland’s most prestigious educational institutions, Brisbane Girls Grammar School welcomed its first-ever primary school students through the gates of its Spring Hill campus on 28 January 2026, marking a transformative chapter in the school’s 151-year history.

Read: Brisbane Girls Grammar School to Open Junior School, Accept Years 5 and 6 Students in 2026

Years 5 and 6 students stepped into the purpose-built junior campus on Gregory Terrace, directly opposite the school’s iconic Main Building that has stood proudly in Spring Hill since 1884. The expansion represents the first time in the school’s history that it has educated students below secondary level.

“In 2026, BGGS will become Brisbane’s first secular, independent girls’ school to educate girls in Years 5 and 6,” Principal Jacinda Euler Welsh stated. “This modern iteration of the ‘experiment’ and ideals on which our School was founded represents a tangible commitment to the pursuit of gender equality, and a great optimism for our collective future.”

Photo credit: Brisbane Girls Grammar School

The new five-storey junior school building features specialist learning spaces for science, art and music, alongside a dedicated library, tuckshop and play areas. Designed with a ‘miniature’ concept that mirrors architectural elements from the school’s existing heritage buildings, the facility has been created as a “whole school within a singular building”—the ‘little sister’ of the senior campus.

Students will benefit from access to both their dedicated junior facilities and the broader main campus resources, including the library, theatre spaces, swimming pool and nearby green spaces. They will also utilise the school’s sporting campus at Rangakarra and outdoor education facility at Marrapatta.

The expansion comes as independent schools across Australia experience sustained enrolment growth. According to Independent Schools Australia, the sector has seen average annual increases of 2.6 per cent over the past decade, significantly outpacing Catholic systemic schools at 0.8 per cent and government schools at 0.9 per cent.

The move by Brisbane Girls Grammar reflects a broader strategic shift amongst elite private schools to secure students—and their families’ financial commitment—earlier in their educational journey. Research indicates that whilst public primary school enrolments have remained relatively stable, independent high school enrolments have surged, with one study finding a 70 per cent increase between 2012 and 2020.

Karen McArdle has been appointed as the school’s inaugural Head of Junior School, bringing extensive experience from her previous role as foundation Head of Junior School at Ipswich Girls Grammar School and her current position at St Catherine’s in Toorak, Melbourne. She commenced in January 2025 to oversee the establishment of the new campus.

The junior school operates under separate academic, co-curricular and pastoral care models specifically designed for primary-aged students, whilst maintaining the high academic standards the school is renowned for at secondary level.

About Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Photo credit: Brisbane Girls Grammar School/Google Maps

Founded in 1875 as a branch of Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar became independent in 1882. The move to its current Gregory Terrace site in 1884 established the school’s presence in Spring Hill, where it has remained for 142 years.

The school was established at a time when the idea of a girls’ school was considered a radical ‘experiment’, reflecting the pioneering spirit of early advocates for female education in Queensland.

Brisbane Girls Grammar offers enrolment places based on date order of application submission. The school is among Brisbane’s most expensive educational institutions.

Read: Brisbane Girls Grammar Student Honoured with Premier’s Anzac Prize

For families in Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and the surrounding CBD, the establishment of the junior campus provides another education option in the inner-city area, adding to the diverse educational landscape of the precinct.

The junior school development represents a significant investment in the historic Spring Hill site, continuing the school’s tradition of expanding and enhancing its facilities to meet the evolving needs of students whilst preserving its heritage and educational philosophy.

Published 29-January-2026

Community Fun Run Set To Move Through Spring Hill In 2026

Photo Credit: Run Army Australia/Facebook

Spring Hill will form part of the Brisbane course for the 2026 Run Army fun run, with the annual community fitness and fundraising event scheduled to move through the inner-city suburb.

Spring Hill On The 2026 Run Army Route

Run Army is a nationwide fitness initiative designed to promote physical activity, resilience, and mental wellbeing while raising funds for charities supporting first responders. In Brisbane, the event will be based at South Bank, with the mapped course extending into Spring Hill as part of its inner-city route.

The inclusion of Spring Hill places the suburb directly within the event footprint, rather than as a nearby or adjacent location.

*Photo Credit: Run Army Australia/Facebook*

Background Of The Event

Run Army is held annually across Australia and brings together community members alongside frontline service personnel. The event supports a range of first responder organisations, including the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Defence Force.

For participants running in support of Queensland Police, funds raised contribute to Queensland Police Legacy, a not-for-profit organisation established in 1971.

Supporting Police Families

Queensland Police Legacy provides financial and social support to families of serving or retired Queensland police officers affected by death or terminal illness. Assistance is available to families with dependent children, regardless of whether the loss occurred on or off duty.

Participation in Run Army directly contributes to the continuation of these support services.

Event Format And Schedule

The Brisbane Run Army event will take place on Sunday, 29 March 2026. Races will start from Grey Street at South Bank, with participants able to choose from 2.4km, 5km, and 10km run or walk distances, as well as a Chiefs Challenge combining longer distances. A virtual event option is also available.

Race village activities are scheduled to open from 7:00 a.m., with staggered start times from 6:45 a.m., subject to final operational approvals.

What Happens Next

Race pack collection will be held at several Brisbane locations in the days leading up to the event, including South Bank Piazza. With Spring Hill included on the official route, organisers expect local interest as the event again combines community participation, fitness, and fundraising.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Water Street Unit Fire Claims Life, Leaves Young Woman Critical

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A 47-year-old man has died and a young woman remains in a critical condition following a devastating fire that tore through a Water Street unit complex in Spring Hill during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 3am on 16 December after reports the unit was fully engulfed in flames. The blaze broke out on the top floor of the complex, sending thick black smoke billowing across the neighbourhood near the Brisbane CBD.

The 47-year-old West End man was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with serious burns but later succumbed to his injuries. A 19-year-old Spring Hill woman also transported to the same hospital with severe facial burns continues to fight for her life in critical condition.

A third victim, a 55-year-old Spring Hill man, was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with burns to his legs. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Residents in the area described a chaotic and frightening scene as the fire took hold. Shelley Starling, who lives nearby, told media she was woken by the sound of breaking glass and rushed outside to help.

The flames reached high into the night sky, whilst heart-wrenching screams pierced the darkness as people tried to escape the inferno. Ms Starling attempted to use a hose to fight the blaze through the back of the property, but the connection failed.

Another witness, Renee TenDyke, heard desperate shouts of “get out, get out” as residents banged on doors trying to alert others before firefighters arrived. She described seeing small explosions and flames bursting from the roof, with black smoke so intense she had to seal her windows and doors.

Zainal Ali, a resident who was sleeping inside the unit when the fire started, sprang into action after waking to the sound of smashing glass. He saw flames engulfing the hallway and windows exploding from the heat.

Mr Ali ran to a payphone to call emergency services. When he returned, neighbours had already begun helping the injured young woman, placing her in a shower to treat her burns.

Water Street remained closed between Roger Street and Boundary Street on Tuesday whilst investigators worked to determine the cause of the blaze. Four fire trucks and at least two ambulances attended the incident.

Queensland Police confirmed they are treating the fire as non-suspicious and believe there are no outstanding persons in relation to the matter.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or phone 131 444, quoting reference number QP2502300359. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Published 16-December-2025

4 Voices Global’s Drew Lochrie Honoured as Westfield Local Hero Finalist

Drew Lochrie has been named a 2025 Westfield Local Hero finalist for his volunteer work with 4 Voices Global in Spring Hill, a mobile service supporting women affected by domestic violence.

Read: Free Community Workshops in Spring Hill Aim to Boost Women’s Leadership and Job Readiness

Through his empathetic approach and lived experience, Lochrie helps women rebuild strength and independence, demonstrating the positive role men can play in supporting survivors.

Drew Lochrie and 4 Voices Global

Lochrie’s volunteer work focuses on assisting women affected by domestic violence through 4 Voices Global, a Spring Hill-based mobile service. The organisation provides outreach, guidance, and emotional support, helping women access support and rebuild their lives. Lochrie’s calm, empathetic manner fosters trust with clients, allowing them to feel safe and supported as they regain autonomy.

Through his role, Lochrie demonstrates that men can play an active and positive part in supporting women’s healing. Drawing on his own experiences, he connects with women in ways that are both understanding and empowering. The $5,000 grant he received as a Local Hero finalist will support the ongoing work of 4 Voices Global, enabling the organisation to continue its vital community services.

Pam Wilson, Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager, highlighted the impact of this year’s recipients, noting that their contributions are a reminder of the powerful influence of community involvement. The Westfield Local Heroes program not only recognises these efforts but also provides recognition and support to community-driven initiatives like 4 Voices Global.

Westfield Local Heroes

The Westfield Local Heroes initiative celebrates Australians and New Zealanders who make a meaningful difference in their communities. Now in its eighth year, the program has awarded more than $9.8 million in grants to nearly 1,000 community organisations since 2018.

This year’s Local Hero is Darren Playle from The Tukka Project, while the other finalist aside from Lochrie is Peter Grieve from The Cage Youth Foundation.

This year’s program saw record public participation, with 74,000 votes cast to determine the grant recipients. The initiative highlights the dedication of individuals whose work often goes unseen, providing them with recognition and practical support to continue their community projects.

Volunteers like Lochrie play a key role, offering practical assistance, emotional guidance, and connection to additional resources. For many women, the trust and stability provided by these volunteers mark a crucial step towards regaining independence.

Read: Spring Hill Welcomes Brisbane’s First Ricoh GR Space for Photographers and Art Lovers

The Local Heroes recognition underscores the importance of volunteers who work quietly but tirelessly to strengthen their communities. As the program prepares for its 2026 nominations, organisers hope to see even more individuals stepping forward to make a tangible difference in their local areas.

Published 17-October-2025