A GROUP of local people will show there is a place for spray cans and graffiti when they reveal a massive street art mural during the Bracken Ridge Backyard Bonanza on Sunday.
Last year 757 tagging offences were recorded in Bald Hills and Bracken Ridge including tags at the pedestrian underpass, linking Bald Hills Railway Station with Stanley Day Park, under Gympie Road.
This tagging hotspot has been rejuvenated by Jabiru Community College, Jugglers Art Space and Brisbane City Council

THE biggest Bracken Ridge Backyard Bonanza is planned for this Sunday, May 26 in McPherson Park from 10.30am-2.30pm.
The event will see entertainment across two stages as well as workshops, Lions miniature stream trains, amusement rides, stalls, demonstrations and give-aways.
Cr Amanda Cooper (Bracken Ridge ward) said the annual event was definitely one to mark on the calendar.

IT took just 5,164 steps for Shorncliffe resident Brendan Smith to became one of only 18 competitors to complete the 2013 Great Wall Marathon earlier this month.
Mr Smith said it was not a typical endurance marathon, it was an endurance challenge.

SERVICE clubs across north Brisbane are trying to boost their membership during Join the Club month in May and one group in particular needs new members.
For more than 55 years Sandgate Apex has been a key contributor in the community, however if they do not boost their membership they will have to hand in their charter.
Apex District Governor Sandie Collins said the Sandgate Club only had seven members at the moment and was looking for more young people to join because they want to keep going.

BRISBANE City Council has started works to improve the cycle and pedestrian pathways to Carseldine railway station and the surrounding Fitzgibbon area.
Cr Amanda Cooper (Bracken Ridge ward) said the Lilly Pilly pedestrian and cyclist pathway would involve constructing a 200 metre long, three metre wide shared pathway from Lilly Pilly Crescent to Odense Street, with a link to Caribou Crescent.
Cr Cooper said the $400,000 project was about recognising the benefits active transport had on health, congestion reduction and the environment.

EARLY works have started on the $199 million Robinson Road open level crossing project, ensuring the upgrade remains on track to remove the rail crossing by late 2014.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson met on site with Member for Nudgee Jason Woodforth last Wednesday.
The Lord Mayor said the beginning of early works included building removals, service relocations and site preparations.
Major construction is scheduled to start in the coming months.
Cr Quirk said,

THE announcement of the first race meeting at Deagon in more than 70 years coincides with a $60,000 track upgrade for the thoroughbred training facility.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the local community had been a driving force behind the race day, to be held on Sunday, September 15, the first public meeting at Deagon since 1941.

A PEACEFUL walk and candle lighting ceremony in Sandgate and a tree planting ceremony in Bald Hills are being held to raise community awareness during domestic and family violence prevention month.
The tree planting ceremony will be held today (May 8) at 10am at the Keith Murray Bikeway at the back of Kyeema Court and Gladdon Street north of Bracken Ridge Road, Bald Hills.
A Peaceful Walk and Candle Lighting Ceremony will be held at 10am on Thursday, May 16 through the Sandgate commercial area, followed by a ceremony including guest speakers and personal stories from people who have experienced domestic and family violence.
SANDBAG (Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group), Queensland Police Service and Brisbane City Council are supporting a new State Government campaign

MANY vibrant, exciting and flavoursome cultures will be celebrated at Zillmere Festival held at a new venue this year on Saturday, June 1.
The event has moved to Zillmere State School on Murphy Road and organisers are inviting stallholders, volunteers and performers to register their interest by this Friday, May 10.
The aim of the Zillmere Festival – one place, many cultures – is to celebrate the rich cultural background of the Zillmere and surrounding community in a free family event.
Attendees can expect a broad range of unique experiences weaving through the school grounds, with a highlight performance in the swimming pool by internationally-renowned Leweton Women

THE local community has rallied to offer support and donations to Kimberley and Kayla Fry after a fire destroyed their Bracken Ridge home and the deaths of their father and stepmother on Friday.
Kayla received significant burns to her face, chest, arms and airway and remains in hospital. Her sister Kim was treated for a broken foot and burns to her arms and legs, and Kim