Clayfield is among many suburbs grappling with significant mortgage debt as a stark wealth divide emerges across the state. While luxury property buyers are splashing cash on prestige homes, many middle-income families are financially strained.
New data from Digital Finance Analysts (DFA) reveals that Queensland homeowners owe an average of $297,851, significantly lower than New South Wales and Victoria. However, this average masks a concerning trend: many Queenslanders, particularly those in popular inner-city and suburban areas, carry substantial mortgage burdens.
Affluent Suburbs, Significant Debt
Photo Credit: Pexels
Affluent suburbs like Ascot, with an average mortgage of $1.38 million, top the list. But the financial pressure extends beyond elite areas. Once-affordable suburbs such as Albany Creek, Kuraby, Miami, and Robina, where property prices have surged in recent years, are among the top 50 suburbs with the highest debt levels.
Clayfield’s Debt Burden
Clayfield residents, in particular, face a significant financial burden, with an average mortgage of $778,710. This trend is evident in many other popular Brisbane suburbs, including Indooroopilly, where the average mortgage exceeds $796,000.
Cash Buyers Drive Luxury Market
Photo Credit: Pexels
While many Queenslanders struggle with mortgage repayments, high-net-worth buyers pay cash for luxury homes in prestigious areas like Teneriffe, Hamilton, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise. These buyers, often established business owners, downsizers, or older homeowners, can secure properties without financing, driving up prices in these exclusive markets.
Financial Pressure Mounts
Martin North, CEO of DFA, warns that many households are under significant financial pressure, spending over 40% of their disposable income on housing costs. Younger families, particularly first-time buyers, are among the most vulnerable, but the strain also affects more affluent groups.
Real estate agents report that buyers who purchased in the last 12-18 months are particularly hard-hit. Rising interest rates, inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated the financial burden, forcing many to sell their properties sooner.
As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, the future remains uncertain for many Queensland homeowners. While the luxury property market thrives, many face a growing financial burden and a diminishing sense of security.
A Year 6 student from St Rita’s College Clayfield, Eva M, has created an artwork that reflects the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity, earning her a place in the Nagle Education Alliance of Australia’s (NEAA) 2024 Nagle Prize Competition.
Eva’s entry for the NEAA competition illustrates the values and traditions upheld by St Rita’s College and is inspired by the life of Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters and a figure respected for her dedication to education and community care. Her artwork features a central light symbolising the role of Nano Nagle as the “Lady of the Lantern,” representing warmth, care, and guidance for those in need. The piece also includes open hands to reflect values of hospitality and inclusivity, qualities that her school community strives to model.
To further enhance her message, Eva incorporated traditional First Nations symbols as a tribute to Indigenous Australian culture, emphasising her respect for Australia’s original custodians. This symbolic addition aligns with St Rita’s College’s dedication to reconciliation, making her artwork both culturally relevant and meaningful within the context of Australian heritage.
Eva’s use of imagery highlights the importance of unity and community in fostering a welcoming environment, showing how diverse people and cultures are connected through hospitality. This reflects St Rita’s College’s mission to promote empathy, kindness, and service among its students. The College expressed great pride in Eva’s talent and the dedication she poured into her submission, which they believe truly represents the heart of their school community.
Photo Credit: St Rita’s College/Facebook
The NEAA’s Role and Standards
The NEAA, founded in 2013 by a smaller group of Presentation schools, encourages schools across Australia to honour the legacy of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Charism. By offering the Nagle Prize, the NEAA recognises student achievements that reflect the educational and community-focused values Nano Nagle championed in her work. The NEAA is also committed to maintaining Child Safe standards, with strict protocols to ensure all activities support the dignity, safety, and respect of every student involved.
Eva’s artwork proudly represents St Rita’s College, and the community eagerly awaits the competition results, inspired by the young artist’s dedication to the values of inclusivity, reconciliation, and service.
Clayfield is set to transform into a prehistoric wonderland as DinoFest, the highly anticipated children’s dinosaur festival, makes its grand return to Kalinga Park.
The festival promises an unforgettable journey back 66 million years. It invites families to immerse themselves in a world of life-sized dinosaur replicas and engaging activities.
Highlights of the Prehistoric Adventure
DinoFest offers an array of experiences designed to spark curiosity and ignite young imaginations.
Dinosaur Encounter: A thrilling 45-minute interactive experience that transports children into a world where they can meet ‘live’ dinosaurs in a lush, natural setting.
Dinosaur Trail: An exciting expedition where kids will come face-to-face with awe-inspiring, life-size replicas of prehistoric giants, including the mighty T. rex.
Hands-On Learning: From discovering how fossils are formed to getting up close with genuine and replica dinosaur fossils, DinoFest provides a wealth of educational opportunities for budding paleontologists.
Dinosaur Petting: A truly unique experience where young children can safely interact with gentle baby dinosaurs.
Creative Corner: Kids can unleash their creativity with themed arts and crafts and cool dinosaur tattoos, ensuring lasting memories of their day.
DinoFest has garnered a devoted following in previous years, with families praising its ability to enthral and educate. Past attendees have expressed their delight at the well-organised event and the sheer joy on their children’s faces as they interacted with the dinosaurs.
With its dynamic mix of entertainment and learning, DinoFest is shaping up to be an unmissable event for any dinosaur-loving child in Brisbane.
A Clayfield woman purchased an apartment for $910,000, just hours after discovering it was available, amidst a highly competitive auction that attracted twelve registered bidders.
The auction took place on Saturday, 7 September, at 1/42 Roseby Avenue, where the three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit was being offered for the first time in four decades. With a starting bid of $800,000, interest was high among the bidders.
Ashley Robinson from Ray White Metro North noted that 10 active participants pushed the price well above the $860,000 reserve by making incremental increases initially of $10,000 and later $5,000.
The property eventually sold for $910,000, $50,000 more than the reserve price. The sellers were satisfied with the outcome, expressing a mix of joy for the new owner and sadness at parting with their family home.
The decisive buyer was unaware of the auction until the morning of the event.
“The lady was enjoying her morning coffee when she stumbled upon the listing online and decided on the spot that she had to act,” said Mr Robinson. She swiftly arranged for her husband to inspect the property while she registered to bid, ultimately securing the apartment.
The new owner has expressed intentions to retain the apartment for personal or family use, though future plans remain undecided.
The auction also drew attention from the original Italian developer of the building, who was curious to see how his constructions had fared over the years. Mr. Robinson shared, “He was pleased to see the enduring quality of the apartments.”
Unit 1 at 42 Roseby Avenue spans 1,758 square meters and includes two parking spaces. Recent statistics indicate that median property prices in Clayfield have reached $2,084,068 for houses and $580,000 for units, marking the apartment’s sale as a significant investment in the current market.
Parents of students at St Rita’s College in Clayfield are calling for police involvement following a “smash or pass” rating scandal involving their children’s photos.
The controversy, which also implicates St Joseph’s Nudgee College students, has raised serious concerns about privacy and online behaviour among teenagers.
According to reports, a Year 8 St Rita’s student shared individual photos of her entire class with a Nudgee College boy. Subsequently, a video featuring these images was allegedly created and uploaded to TikTok.
One St Rita’s parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We have asked the school to refer this matter to the police.” The parent expressed scepticism about claims that the material had not been widely shared on social media, citing the likelihood of redistribution among teenagers.
St Rita’s College has reportedly suspended the student who initially shared the images for one day. The school’s deputy principal, Catherine Allen, informed parents that efforts were being made to remove the shared information.
Nudgee College principal Scott Thomson has denied allegations that their students used social media to rate the attractiveness of St Rita’s students. In a letter to parents, Thomson stated, “Based on our investigations, there is no evidence to support the allegations in the story.” He acknowledged that a Nudgee student had shared St Rita’s student identification photos with a small group of peers but maintained that the school was unaware of any public sharing on social media.
A student from St Joseph’s Nudgee College was also involved in the drama. Photo Credit: Wikipedia / Kgbo
The incident has sparked broader discussions about the prevalence of “smash or pass” rating games in Brisbane schools. A parent from another local school, All Hallows, commented on the widespread nature of these activities, describing them as “incredibly damaging to kids” with potentially “horrific” fallout.
A 97-year-old woman in Clayfield has sold her $2.3 million home, where she has lived since she was three years old. The sale, after 94 years, marks a significant moment in the local real estate market.
The much-loved home at 64-66 Kalinga Street, Clayfield, Queensland, sold for $2.35 million at an auction on 20 July 2024. This purchase combined forces to portray the high demand for homes in this area, contributing to a 60.3 per cent national clearance rate over that weekend.
Photo Credit: realestate.com.au
Photo Credit: realestate.com.au
This iconic Queenslander home boasts a sprawling 810sqm block—this family home has been around for almost a century. It had original features, including its VJ wall panels, sage green roof and patterned wallpaper, which also drew more than 100 onlookers and fierce competition from six bidders among the 17 who registered.
The two bedroom house, known for its timber structure, handsome verandah, and elevated position, backs onto Kalinga Park with all the picturesque views and direct access to green spaces that entails.
Photo Credit: realestate.com.au
The property, which Ray White Ascot listing agent Vanessa Harte described as “cute as a button,” sold to a family who will renovate and live in it. The sale is important to her, Harte added, as the seller’s family is helping her downsize.
The vendor has seen some big changes in the Brisbane real estate market over all the decades. According to data from Macquarie University, in 1973, a typical Brisbane house cost $17,500. The sale of this house signifies both an increase in property value and the owner’s strong attachment to her home and community.
A two-bedroom Clayfield unit at 1/78 Wagner Road sold for $660,000, attracting an unprecedented 24 registered bidders and exceeding the area’s median price for similar properties by a significant margin.
The 132-square-meter ground floor apartment, built in 1970, showcases the enduring appeal of Clayfield’s older housing stock. Known for spacious layouts and features like separate laundry rooms, these properties are increasingly sought-after in a market favouring quality and location.
Drew Davies of Place Ascot, who handled the sale with colleague Guy Horsley, noted the exceptional interest in the property. “It was the most registered bidders we’ve seen for a single auction in recent times,” Davies remarked, underscoring Clayfield’s current market heat.
The sale price represents a substantial increase from the $44,000 the previous owner paid 44 years ago, reflecting Clayfield’s long-term growth potential. More recently, the suburb has seen a 19% jump in median prices for two-bedroom units over the past year, reaching $545,000.
Clayfield’s proximity to Brisbane CBD — just 10 kilometres away — continues to be a major draw. The suburb is attracting a diverse range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to downsizers and investors, all vying for a piece of this desirable northside locale.
The strong result aligns with a broader trend in Clayfield and surrounding areas. “We’ve seen a huge surge in interest for apartments over the last year, especially for those in small blocks with low body corps in premium locations,” Davies explained, highlighting Clayfield’s particular appeal in this regard.
Three Clayfield schools have emerged as strong contenders in the latest rankings of Queensland’s top 150 high schools, according to an independent analysis by Better Education.
The 2023 rankings, based on Year 9 English and Maths results, reveal significant improvements for schools outside of Brisbane, with several making impressive strides.
Clayfield College on Gregory St is among the 19 new entries in the 2023 rankings, showcasing the growing academic strength of institutions outside the metropolitan area. The school placed alongside St Rita’s College on Enderley Rd, ranked at #28, and Aviation High School on Widdop St, ranked at #123.
Clayfield College is an independent, co-educational, Uniting Church Day, and boarding school. Established in 1931, it caters to students from preschool to Year 12. The college is known for its focus on academic excellence, pastoral care, and a wide range of co-curricular activities.
St Rita’s College is an independent, Roman Catholic, single-sex secondary school for girls. Founded in 1926 by the Presentation Sisters, it serves students from Years 7 to 12. The college emphasises academic achievement, faith formation, and social justice, offering a well-rounded education that prepares young women for leadership roles.
Aviation High School is a state secondary school that specializes in aviation-related studies. Established in 2010, it caters to students in Years 7 to 12 who are interested in pursuing careers in the aviation industry. The school offers a unique curriculum that combines academic subjects with practical training in aviation, aerospace engineering, and aeronautical science.
While the top four positions remain unchanged, with esteemed institutions such as the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Technology and Brisbane Grammar School leading the pack, several schools have made notable climbs.
Somerville House and St Peters Lutheran College, both in Brisbane, each jumped four spots, securing fifth and sixth place, respectively. AB Paterson College on the Gold Coast also made a significant leap, rising nine places to break into the top 15.
Rank
School
Locality
Sector
State Overall Score
2022 Rank
1
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology
Toowong
Government
100
1
2
Brisbane Grammar School
Brisbane
Non-Government
100
2
3
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Brisbane
Non-Government
100
3
4
Brisbane State High School
South Brisbane
Government
100
4
5
Somerville House
South Brisbane
Non-Government
100
9
6
St Peters Lutheran College
Indooroopilly
Non-Government
100
10
7
Somerset College
Mudgeeraba
Non-Government
100
5
8
Ormiston College
Ormiston
Non-Government
100
6
9
St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace
Brisbane
Non-Government
99
11
10
Cannon Hill Anglican College
Cannon Hill
Non-Government
99
13
11
Whitsunday Anglican School
Beaconsfield
Non-Government
99
7
12
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)
East Brisbane
Non-Government
99
15
13
AB Paterson College
Arundel
Non-Government
99
22
14
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School
Corinda
Non-Government
99
8
15
All Hallows School
Brisbane
Non-Government
99
16
16
Emmanuel College
Carrara
Non-Government
99
24
17
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Ascot
Non-Government
99
14
18
Ipswich Grammar School
Ipswich
Non-Government
99
12
19
Redeemer Lutheran College
Rochedale
Non-Government
99
21
20
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Buderim
Non-Government
99
19
21
All Saints Anglican School
Merrimac
Non-Government
99
17
22
Hillbrook Anglican School
Enoggera
Non-Government
99
27
23
Mansfield State High School
Mansfield
Government
99
29
24
Citipointe Christian College
Carindale
Non-Government
98
34
25
Brisbane Boys’ College
Toowong
Non-Government
98
18
26
Sheldon College
Sheldon
Non-Government
98
23
27
John Paul College
Daisy Hill
Non-Government
98
31
28
Indooroopilly State High School
Indooroopilly
Government
98
35
29
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Forest Glen
Non-Government
98
45
30
Mt St Michael’s College
Ashgrove
Non-Government
98
25
31
St Rita’s College
Clayfield
Non-Government
98
28
32
Northside Christian College
Everton Park
Non-Government
98
20
33
Immanuel Lutheran College
Buderim
Non-Government
98
69
34
Annandale Christian College
Annandale
Non-Government
98
74
35
Loreto College
Coorparoo
Non-Government
98
39
36
Stuartholme School
Toowong
Non-Government
98
44
37
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
East Ipswich
Non-Government
98
33
38
Padua College
Kedron
Non-Government
98
New Entry
39
St Andrew’s Anglican College
Peregian Springs
Non-Government
98
47
40
Moreton Bay College
Manly West
Non-Government
97
52
41
Marist College Ashgrove
Ashgrove
Non-Government
97
32
42
Kelvin Grove State College
Kelvin Grove
Government
97
48
43
Trinity Anglican School
White Rock
Non-Government
97
40
44
Brisbane South Secondary College
Dutton Park
Government
97
New Entry
45
St John’s Anglican College
Forest Lake
Non-Government
97
57
46
Mount Alvernia College
Kedron
Non-Government
97
41
47
Cavendish Road State High School
Holland Park
Government
97
46
48
Moreton Bay Boys College
Manly West
Non-Government
97
62
49
Townsville Grammar School
North Ward
Non-Government
97
26
50
Villanova College
Coorparoo
Non-Government
97
60
The rankings reveal that public schools are holding their own against some of the state’s most prestigious private institutions. Five public schools, including Mansfield State High and Indooroopilly State High, have secured positions within the top 50.
Regional schools have also demonstrated remarkable improvement. Annandale Christian College in Townsville, St Luke’s Anglican School in Bundaberg, and Tamborine Mountain State High School in the Scenic Rim have all made significant jumps in the rankings.
Other notable advancements include Immanuel Lutheran College on the Sunshine Coast, Springfield Anglican College in Ipswich, and St Andrew’s Lutheran College on the Gold Coast, all of which have climbed considerably in the rankings.
The 2023 list highlights the dynamic nature of Queensland’s educational landscape, with schools across the state striving for excellence. The inclusion of new entries and the impressive progress of numerous institutions signal a promising future for education in the region.
A 33-year-old Clayfield man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a Bonney Avenue residence in Clayfield and stealing a black Mercedes Benz C250 Coupe in the early hours of May 6th.
According to Queensland Police Sergeant Jodie Murray, the man is accused of entering the home through an unlocked side door around midnight and taking cash, keys to the Mercedes, and other property from inside.
He then allegedly stole the luxury vehicle, with Queensland registration plates 511 ZZT, from the driveway before fleeing the scene.
Just over an hour later at 1:15 am, police reported locating the stolen Mercedes being driven suspiciously on Balmain Street in the nearby suburb of Wooloowin after members of the public reported the vehicle.
The 33-year-old Clayfield man was arrested and has been charged with entering a dwelling to commit an indictable offence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and obstructing police.
He is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 7th.
The abrupt announcement of the closure of My Mistress Cafe in Clayfield surprised loyal patrons. Speculation swirled among the community after its owners, Natalie Vostok and Rhiannon Redmond, shuttered the popular cafe’s doors without notice.
On Thursday, 22, Feb 2024, an air of uncertainty loomed as customers arrived at the cafe only to find the establishment inaccessible.
Well-loved for its delectable fare, My Mistress Cafe boasts a substantial social media following. However, there were no indications that the site had closed, prompting concern and confusion among its dedicated clientele.
Despite the sombre atmosphere surrounding My Mistress café, a glimmer of hope emerged on Friday, 23 Feb 2024, with the appearance of a mysterious message in the café’s window.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Alongside the customary “Sorry, we are closed” notice, a new message written in bold red ink captured the attention of passersby.
“The door has not closed. In fact, it has now opened to new possibilities,” the cryptic message declared, hinting at a potential shift in the café’s future direction.
Despite repeated attempts, the owners have remained elusive, leaving patrons and observers eager for further insight into the unfolding narrative of the café’s next chapters.
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