Expert: Frank Denison - 8/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Frank
We are moving from Sydney to Brisbane with our 3 boys, all under 14.  We will be renting for a while but would like to live near the water.  I have been looking at Bulimba, Redlands Bay, Raby Bay or Wynnum.  We are used to travelling and would be happy with anything up to 45 minutes from City.  Where should we be looking?  Do you know of any good Catholic Colleges/Primary Schools?  Obviously a safe area is of paramount importance.  Your guidance would be appreciated.
Jodi

ANSWER: Hi Jodi,
       Redlands Bay, Raby Bay and Wynnum are all close to the water, but there are not surf beaches like Surfers Paradise. Redlands Bay and Raby Bay are newer suburbs, and can be quite expensive. Wynnum is an older suburb, and is close to the train

Builimba is close to the Brisbane river, but not the bay. Bulimba has a very good restaurant strip in Oxford street. The city cat, train are options for public transport. Bulimba is less than 10km from the city,(4km in a straight line) so houses can be expensive. Wynnum and Bulimba would be 45 mins or less from the CBD, but parts of Redland Bay and Raby bay may take you out of the 45 mins. You mention "a safe area is of paramount importance", and Bulimba, Redlands Bay, Raby Bay, Wynnum have a good reputation.

Iona College, Marist College and Villanova are all good catholic schools, and on the same side of town as the suburbs you mention. Padua College is also a good school, but on the north side.

St. Joseph's College, (Gregory Terrace) is one of the famous Catholic schools, and is less than 1km from the CBD. It has an excellent reputation.

Contact me again if you require any more infornation.

Regards,
Frank

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Frank
Still on my mission to find the right suburb for our family.  What do you think of Carina and Camp Hill?  My eldest wants to attend a co-ed catholic college.  What's your knowledge on Clairvaux MacKillop or Seton College in Mt Gravatt?  Your advice would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Jodi,
      Carina and Camp Hill are suburbs on the east side of Brisbane. Both are less than 10 km from the city. They are both older suburbs, but have a good reputation. I would have no hesitation in recommending those suburbs. You have a big shooping centre (Carindale) about 3km away.

I have never heard any bad reports about Clairvaux MacKillop college, but I do not know anyone who has children who have attended that school. Clairvaux MacKillop is in the news at times for its sporting achievements. One of our famous olympic athletes attended there, but I can not remember who it was. I can not give you an opinion of Seton College. It must be a smaller college, as I have never heard of it.

As usual, if you need help with anything, I am happy to help.

Regards,
Frank