Fierce Bidding War Drives Red Hill Townhouse $300K Above Previous Sales

A modest two-bedroom townhouse in Red Hill has become the centre of an intense bidding battle, ultimately selling for $1.255 million in what local agents are calling a remarkable demonstration of buyer demand in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.



Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

The Arthur Terrace property drew an impressive crowd of 70 onlookers and 14 registered bidders to its weekend auction, highlighting the continued strength of Brisbane’s townhouse market. The sale comes as Brisbane unit prices have risen significantly, jumping from $450,000 in 2021 to $688,000 recently, with the national median for units and townhouses now sitting at $695,440.

Ray White Paddington’s Judi O’Dea, who handled the sale, said the level of interest was extraordinary. Pre-auction offers had already exceeded $1 million, well above the $940,000 achieved by the last townhouse sale in the same complex.

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

The auction opened at $800,000, but excitement peaked quickly when the second bid jumped dramatically to $1.1 million – immediately surpassing the $1.075 million reserve and leaving only two serious contenders in the race.

What followed was a spirited contest between an interstate buyer calling in from Sydney and a local purchaser from Chelmer. Over approximately 20 bids, the price climbed steadily until the Chelmer buyer secured the keys at $1.255 million.

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

The successful purchaser, a woman planning to occupy the property herself, has big plans for her new home. She’s considering installing a pool in the courtyard and other upgrades to make the most of the inner-city lifestyle the townhouse offers.

For the vendors, the sale represents a life-changing opportunity. The couple, who had been renting after moving out of the townhouse due to their growing family’s space needs, will use the proceeds to purchase a larger family home with a significantly increased budget.

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

The remarkable sale price – more than $300,000 above recent comparable sales – reflects broader trends in Brisbane’s property market. Red Hill has experienced strong capital growth, with some data showing annual growth rates of nearly 17%, making it one of Brisbane’s most sought-after inner suburbs.

O’Dea noted that first-home buyers are particularly drawn to townhouse living, appreciating the balance between affordability and lifestyle that these properties offer compared to standalone houses in the same area.

Photo Credit: Ray White Paddington

The Arthur Terrace complex is increasingly attracting owner-occupiers rather than investors, with many new residents choosing to renovate and upgrade their properties to create their ideal inner-city homes.



The strong result demonstrates the continued appeal of Red Hill’s lifestyle offering, with its proximity to the city centre and established amenities continuing to drive buyer demand even in a challenging economic environment.

Published 1-September-2025

Broncos Legend Renouf Penalised After Red Hill Drink Driving Incident

Steve Renouf, a prominent figure in Brisbane rugby league, has faced consequences after being caught drink driving in our local Red Hill neighbourhood earlier this month.



Former Brisbane Broncos centre, 55, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop in Red Hill on the evening of 1 July.

According to court proceedings, Renouf was returning home from socialising at a Paddington licensed venue when police conducted a random breath test at approximately 11pm. Officers immediately detected signs of intoxication, with Renouf appearing unsteady and having difficulty speaking clearly.

The situation became complicated when Renouf attempted to leave the scene after providing an initial positive breath test result. Police placed him in custody and transported him to the watch house, where further testing revealed a blood alcohol reading of 0.197 per cent – nearly four times the legal limit.

Defence lawyer Angelo Venardos explained to the court that his client had been experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode at the time, related to his Type 1 diabetes condition. Venardos noted that police recognised Renouf’s medical situation and provided appropriate assistance, including glucose supplies whilst he was in custody.

The former footballer, known by his playing nickname “The Pearl,” enjoyed a stellar career with the Broncos. He finished his career with a club record 142 tries in 183 games and was a four-time premiership winner in 1992, 1993, 1997 and 1998, according to the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: National Rugby League

Magistrate proceedings included character references from several prominent figures, including NRL coach Wayne Bennett. Venardos emphasised Renouf’s integrity and community standing, describing him as someone who had undertaken serious reflection about his actions.

The court heard that Renouf had no prior traffic offences and had voluntarily completed a traffic offending programme following the incident. Magistrate imposed a $1,200 fine and an 11-month driving disqualification, though no conviction was recorded.

Following his court appearance, Renouf acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility for his actions. He recognised his role model status within the community and apologised to anyone who may have been disappointed by his behaviour.

The incident has had professional consequences, with Queensland Health confirming that Renouf has resigned from his position on the North West Hospital and Health Service Board.



Renouf expressed gratitude to police for their professional handling of his medical situation during the arrest and emphasised that such behaviour would not occur again.

Published 16-July-2025

Billboard in Red Hill Finally Moved After Five-Year Legal Battle

A towering billboard in Red Hill that sparked a five-year legal battle between a Brisbane homeowner and Brisbane City has finally been relocated, marking the end of a long-running dispute.


Read: Red Hill Resident Wins Case Against Billboard Installation Next to His House


The four-storey LED billboard, first installed in 2020 on Musgrave Road in Red Hill, had loomed just metres from a worker’s cottage owned by lawyer Richard Leahy. The structure, operated by signage company GSM, had partially blocked the home’s panoramic city views and prompted a legal saga that escalated all the way to the High Court of Australia.

Billboard in Red Hill
Photo credit: Google Street View

Mr Leahy challenged the council’s decision to approve the billboard without consulting neighbouring property owners, arguing it breached procedural fairness. In 2022, the Brisbane Supreme Court agreed, finding that the council had failed to properly consider the visual impact on surrounding homes. The court ordered the approval be overturned.

Billboard in Red Hill
Photo credit: Google Street View

Despite the ruling, the billboard remained in place while the council launched further appeals — all of which were eventually dismissed. In a final attempt, the council sought to escalate the matter to the High Court but later withdrew its application.

The impasse was only resolved when the council approved a new development application to reposition the billboard roughly 25 metres down the road, outside the popular Black Rabbit Espresso coffee cart. The move took place late last week, with cranes removing the massive 5.3m by 11.3m structure.


Read: Appeals Court Rules in Favour of Removing Behemoth Billboard in Red Hill


The cost of the legal battle remains undisclosed, though council was ordered to pay the majority of Mr Leahy’s legal fees, which included the services of senior barristers. The total bill to ratepayers is likely to have reached tens of thousands of dollars.

While the relocated sign still sits within close range of homes and businesses, the move has officially brought one of Brisbane’s most unusual planning disputes to a close.

Published 2-July-2025

Ezra Mam Back as Broncos Need to Bounce Back from Being Latrelled

OK, so let’s address the elephant in the room. It’s Origin time, and 12 months ago, Madge Maguire pulled off an unexpected turnaround for the Blues with a series decider at Suncorp. Madge is 1 from 1 in Origin and has made way for Laurie Daly, maintaining the perfect record.



Now the Broncos season has got a bit rocky of late. Madge is under pressure. The new discipline which had the Broncos off to the races until a few weeks ago has given way to giving up good leads and, frankly, not looking as consistently dangerous in attack.

The game stats against the Rabbits look great on the surface. The Broncos, having 9 line breaks and 29 tackle breaks, but most of that was the first half where they dominated.

The crime last week was letting the Rabbits back into the game and not scoring in the second half. Getting Latrelled was an uncontrollable.

Is this a temporary blip or a virus slowly spreading at Red Hill?

The Dragons will be a good litmus test for whether the Broncos are genuine contenders this year. Losing their nailbiter to the Warriors last week suggests that they are competitive. Warriors are now 2nd on the ladder though the Dragons in 13th spot makes this a must win for the Broncos.

Ezra Mam returns to the Broncos side, a forced early recall to replace Ben Hunt, who’s hamstring injury rules him out at a crucial time for the Broncos. The former Ambrose Treacy College student has been slaughtered on social media for his off-the-field troubles but the Suncorp faithful will forgive everything if he can deliver on Sunday afternoon.

Xavier Willison will start. His tackle breaks are becoming valuable. Now, he just needs to learn how to offload like Kitione Kautoga of the Eels (what an offload to Inongi against the Dolphins for Dylan Brown’s try last week!).

Toby Couchman is replaced by Jack de Belin in the Dragons starting side. Blake Lawrie comes into the Interchange.

The game at Suncorp on Sunday, 18 May, kicks off at 2:00 p.m. If you can’t get there Kayo and Foxtel will broadcast the game live.



From the Tarmac to the Try Line: Michael Godfrey’s Second Act Begins with Broncos

Michael Godfrey knew structure. For 20 years, it shaped every part of his life—early mornings, logistics briefs, team movements. In the Royal Australian Air Force, predictability was power. But standing just off the field at Brisbane Broncos headquarters in Red Hill, a place more familiar with tries than timetables, Michael was ready to trade military command for community connection.



He didn’t plan to end up here. After finishing his service, Michael started looking for work. Something steady. Something meaningful. That’s when a job ad led him to the Brisbane Broncos website—and eventually, to the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute (BBSBI), tucked inside the club’s Red Hill base.

The program, delivered through a partnership with TAFE Queensland, promised something different: a chance to study sport and leadership, not from the stands, but right in the centre of the action.

It wasn’t an easy switch. In the military, leadership meant giving orders and seeing them followed without question. In civilian life—and especially in sport—it meant listening, persuading, learning to inspire. Michael admits that adjusting his approach has taken work. But he also sees the power in it. Through the BBSBI’s Diploma of Sport and Diploma of Leadership and Management, he’s picked up more than theory. He’s gaining insight into how to lead with empathy, how to build up a team that doesn’t answer to rank, and how to foster trust in people who are there because they want to be, not because they have to be.

In class, Michael found himself the oldest student, something that made him hesitate at first. But he didn’t stay hesitant for long. The room was full of people with different stories, from school-leavers to mid-career changers, and soon enough, Michael became a quiet mentor. 

He shared what he’d learned over decades: how to stay focused, how to work through challenges, and how to lead without needing to shout. The teachers—Graham Leeson, Grant Dwyer, and Expo Mejia—also brought real-world experience that grounded everything they taught.

Red Hill has become more than a study spot for Michael. It’s become a launchpad. The hands-on experience he’s received at the BBSBI led him into real-world work with the NRL’s Mini League program, helping young kids and their parents shake off nerves before taking the field at Suncorp Stadium on Broncos game days. He’s been using those same leadership tools to grow two community rugby organisations: the Philippines National Rugby League (Australia chapter), where he serves as president, and the Asia Rugby League Development, a non-profit aiming to expand the sport across the region.

Michael Godfrey Brisbane Lions
Photo Credit: TAFE

Where once he moved troops and supplies, now he moves people forward, giving young players and volunteers the tools to succeed in sport and in life. And just like in defence, he knows success isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet progress of helping someone else stand a little taller.

His goal is simple: to build something that lasts. A career in sport, yes—but more than that, a role where he can develop people, support communities, and keep rugby league growing in places where it hasn’t always had a strong voice.



And in Red Hill, surrounded by the rhythms of the game and the people who love it, Michael Godfrey is just getting started.

Published 25-April-2025

Recovery and Community Focus at Vikasati Bathhouse in Red Hill

Vikasati Bathhouse in Red Hill has established itself as a holistic destination for physical recovery and mental rejuvenation, offering extensive bathhouse and wellness services.



Background and Context

Located at 147 Musgrave Road, Red Hill, Vikasati Bathhouse offers a structured environment for individuals seeking recovery, relaxation, and community support. Known as the flagship site for Vikasati, the facility was designed to meet the growing demand for holistic wellness options in Brisbane’s inner suburbs.

Vikasati bathhouse
Photo Credit: Vikasati/Facebook

Facilities and Services Overview

Vikasati Bathhouse provides a 90-minute session giving access to one of Australia’s largest Finnish saunas, ice baths at 5 degrees, a cold magnesium pool at 14 degrees, and a hot magnesium pool at 37 degrees. Complimentary towels and lockers are included in each session. Prices for a session start from $46.

Beyond the bathhouse, the Red Hill location offers additional services including small group personal training, professional remedial massages, InBody scans to assess body composition, and access to a full-spectrum infrared sauna.

Building a Health-Conscious Community

Vikasati Bathhouse is positioned not only as a place for physical rejuvenation but also as a community hub for like-minded individuals prioritising their overall wellbeing. It aims to help members balance mental and physical health while promoting connection through shared wellness goals.

Visitors are encouraged to use the facilities as part of a broader effort to achieve optimal health, with a focus on relieving stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting recovery from physical exertion.

Vikasati
Photo Credit: Vikasati/Facebook

Health Benefits Highlighted

The ice baths are promoted for reducing inflammation and muscle soreness, while the magnesium pools assist in promoting circulation and alleviating stress. The traditional Finnish sauna offers benefits such as improved circulation and stress reduction. All contribute to Vikasati’s commitment to a holistic approach to health.

Looking Ahead



Vikasati Bathhouse continues to strengthen its position within Red Hill as a wellness destination integrating physical, mental, and social wellbeing. With growing interest in recovery-focused practices, the centre is expected to attract an even broader audience seeking long-term health improvements.

Published 23-Apr-2025

Bach Hair in Red Hill Turns Salon Waste into Resources

Bach Hair, a hair salon in Red Hill run by owners Peter and Lee Hanmer, is strongly committed to the local environment. It recycles nearly all materials, including cutting hair into special booms to clean up ocean oil spills through a partnership with Sustainable Salons.


Co-owners Peter and Lee Hanmer established their first Brisbane salon back in 1983. Peter Hanmer explained that about 15 years ago, he recognised the need for businesses to consider their impact on the planet. This led Bach Hair to partner with Sustainable Salons, an organisation within the hairdressing industry designed to help salons operate more sustainably.

Hanmer noted that this partnership makes it very easy for his team of 15 staff to practise sustainability daily. He believes that wanting to be sustainable and having an easy way to do it has been crucial to their success. To support the program, clients pay a small “green fee” added to their service cost, which funds consultancy, training, and Sustainable Salons’ regular collection of materials.

Recycling Efforts

Bach Hair
Photo Credit: Bach Hair/ Facebook

Through the partnership, Bach Hair recycles almost all its waste. Hanmer detailed that materials, including metals like aluminium foil, plastics, paper, cardboard, cut hair, and even used chemicals are sent to Sustainable Salons. These materials are then either repurposed or managed carefully to reduce environmental harm.

Bach Hair
Photo Credit: Bach Hair/ Facebook

For instance, the large amounts of used aluminium foil collected each week earn the salon credits towards buying back cleaned, repurposed foil. Sustainable Salons sells collected plastics to be made into durable items like park benches, breaks down chemicals into water suitable for construction sites, and repurposes cut hair into sausage-like ‘booms’ used to soak up oil spills in the ocean.

Energy and Water Savings

Bach Hair’s commitment extends to resource management within the salon. Peter and Lee Hanmer installed 15 watts of solar panels on the salon roof. This system allows the Red Hill business to operate almost off-grid during winter and covers most of its energy needs, including air-conditioning, in summer.

Hanmer also mentioned a recent improvement where newly installed tap heads have successfully cut the salon’s water usage in half, showing their continuous effort to find better, more efficient ways to operate.

Community Connection

The positive impact reaches beyond the environment. Sustainable Salons uses its profits to support food relief charities OzHarvest and Kiwi Harvest, helping people in need within the wider community. Having been part of the Brisbane business scene since 1983, Bach Hair has seen the city evolve.

Hanmer expressed his fondness for Brisbane, stating it has grown from a ‘big country town’ into a fashionable, modern city suitable for running an effective business like theirs. Source 2 also highlights the salon’s focus on providing a luxury experience, drawing on decades of wisdom and a diverse team ready to help clients achieve their hair goals.



Promoting Green Business

Peter Hanmer strongly believes that businesses should be open about their sustainability efforts. He advises other businesses not to be quiet about going green, suggesting that telling people about these efforts can increase business because customers are interested.

He feels that being a modern, effective business involves communicating these positive actions and believes promoting their sustainable practices has attracted customers to Bach Hair in Red Hill.

Published Date 14-April-2025

Construction of Tesla Red Hill Showroom and Service Centre Now Underway

After almost three years of planning, construction of the Tesla vehicle showroom and service centre in Red Hill is now underway, marking a significant expansion that mirrors the growing Brisbane market. 


Read: Plans To Refurbish Former Egg Board Site In Red Hill For New Showroom Unveiled


The facility is located at 25 Musgrave Road, on the former site of the Sunny Queen Eggs distribution centre. Tesla initially lodged its plans in 2022, receiving approval from local officials in 2023. However, it was only in 2025 that nearby residents were formally notified via letterbox drops regarding upcoming construction works, some of which may take place outside standard hours.

Site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online)

The development plans include the demolition of internal structures to make way for a modernised facility. The site will house a 370 sqm showroom, a 1,356 sqm office space, and a new contemporary exterior. The approved project aims to revitalise the existing building for an interim period before any major site redevelopment occurs in the future.

Tesla in Fortitude Valley (Photo credit: Shazia Salman/Google Maps)

The location holds historical significance, having served as the headquarters for the Queensland Egg Board since the 1960s. It functioned as a key distribution centre for major grocery stores across South East Queensland. 

Photo credit: sunnyqueen.com.au

Sunny Queen relocated to a new facility in Carole Park in 2017 after the site was put up for sale in 2016. More recently, the building was used as an office space, with software developer Halfbrick Studios among its tenants.


Read: Proposed Revamp to Bring Fresh Look to Latrobe Terrace Cafe


Tesla’s arrival in Red Hill reflects the growing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable transport solutions in Brisbane. The showroom and service centre will provide residents with greater accessibility to Tesla’s range of electric vehicles and after-sales support.

Published 25-March-2025. Updated 30-March-2025.

Red Hill Mum Transforms $75K Facebook Find into Dream Home

A woman from Red Hill has taken an unconventional path to homeownership, purchasing an abandoned church for $75,000 after discovering it on Facebook Marketplace.



church restoration
Photo Credit: Fanny Barlow/TikTok

A Unique Property Search Pays Off

For nearly a decade, Tiffany Barlow had been searching for a church to restore, drawn to preserving unique and historical structures. Her passion for salvaging led her to a Facebook listing in early January, advertising a church in Banana Shire, located in Queensland’s Capricorn region.

The building had been sitting untouched on a vacant block for over 20 years. When the elderly owners decided to sell, their nephew listed it online, drawing more than 1,000 inquiries within days. After making contact with the seller, Ms Barlow drove five hours to inspect the property. Within three weeks, the sale was finalised, securing both the land and the structure.

Restoring a Forgotten Church

The church’s origins remain unclear, with no official records available through the local council. While the interior shows signs of past use, such as carpet cut around an altar space, little else is known about its history.

Despite some speculation, the new owner describes the church as a peaceful space, with no unsettling atmosphere. Plans are already underway for restoration, with salvaged materials and unique finds from film sets among the items being incorporated. The church doors, originally from Thor: Ragnarok, are a standout feature.

Red Hill church
Photo Credit: Fanny Barlow/TikTok

A Move from City to Country

Although still based in Brisbane, Ms Barlow intends to relocate to the property before 2032. Owning this church marks a significant milestone as her first home, offering a long-term sense of security. The move is also a step towards leaving behind the pressures of city life in favour of a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Her approach reflects the broader challenges millennials face in entering the housing market, with unconventional purchases becoming a necessity for many. Without access to traditional pathways like guarantors, alternative solutions are often required.

Future Plans



For now, the focus remains on salvaging and repurposing materials, with the goal of turning the abandoned building into a functional and meaningful home.

Published 15-Mar-2025