Welcome to the Sandgate Guide – your trusted source for all things local in Sandgate and surrounding suburbs of the 4017. Since 2012, we’ve provided valuable information, stories, and connections to our vibrant community. As the premier local community magazine and website, we take pride in being the go-to resource for local people, their families, and businesses alike.
At the Sandgate Guide, our mission is simple: to serve as a bridge between local businesses and the community they serve. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, we’re here to connect you to the local area by sharing local people’s stories, promoting local businesses and keeping you informed and engaged with everything happening in our beautiful corner of Brisbane.
Just like you – we’re local!
What sets us apart from the rest? We’re not just a magazine and website – we’re a local institution deeply rooted in the fabric of our community. Run by locals, for locals, we understand the unique needs and interests of our readers and advertisers. When you partner with Sandgate Guide, you’re not just advertising – you’re becoming part of a rich tapestry of local businesses and community members.
Our commitment to excellence shines through in everything we do. From our monthly features to our comprehensive trade directory and dining guide, we provide a wealth of information tailored to the interests of our readers. Our team of talented writers brings you local stories and insights straight from the heart of Sandgate and surrounding suburbs.
But don’t just take our word for it – our satisfied advertisers speak for themselves. By advertising in the Sandgate Guide, businesses see a tangible increase in inquiries and engagement, thanks to our targeted reach and loyal readership. When you advertise with us, you’re not just reaching customers – you’re forging meaningful connections that drive results.
Who do we reach?
The Sandgate Guide covers a targeted geographic area, including Sandgate, Brighton, Shorncliffe, Deagon, Bracken Ridge, and Boondall. No matter where you are in these northern suburbs of Brisbane, you can count on us to keep you informed and connected. Our readers are both men (35%) and women (65%) aged over 30 years old who live locally and are looking to support local businesses.
We’re connected to the community
But our commitment to the community extends beyond the pages of our magazine and website. We’re proud to sponsor and attend local festivals and events.
Each year you will find us at:
These festivals support the rich mosaic of culture and diversity that makes our area so special and we enjoy meeting our local readers at our stalls. We are also members of the Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce and deeply invested in the economic success and prosperity of our community.
Advertise with us
Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact us today on (07) 3518 0828 to learn more about advertising opportunities with the Sandgate Guide. Let us send you our Media Kit and help you connect with your target audience and grow your business in the heart of Sandgate and surrounding suburbs.
Thank you for choosing Sandgate Guide – where community comes first.
Our Team
Alyssa Mackay
Alyssa Mackay is a freelance writer and Honours graduate from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in journalism, film and television. Her background includes being a theme park attraction presenter and more than 10 years working in local government in human resources and industrial relations. After leaving full-time work to focus on being a parent, Alyssa has continued in her writing career, winning the Thunderbolt Prize Emerging Authors Award and being shortlisted in various national short story competitions. Since 2021, she has been a writer for the Guides, where she enjoys delving into the unique stories of individuals within the community.
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Brooke Jacobson
Brooke Jacobson has an Arts degree in English and Communication Studies from the University of New England, in NSW. She spent 18 years working in newspapers in a range of areas including country NSW, the United Kingdom, and here in Brisbane. Brooke has been a reporter, sub-editor, and section editor, and she now runs a boutique freelance writing and editing business of her own.
She has lived in Brisbane for close to 16 years and is the proud mum of two boys. Brooke is passionate about her local area and believes Brisbane is the best place in Australia to live.
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Janine Mergler
Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the BDM of The Guides magazines covering Caboolture, North Lakes, Redcliffe, Sandgate and Chermside.
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Joanne Crane
Joanne is the Editor of Families Magazine – Brisbane and a top notch researcher and writer for the Guides websites. Joanne loves speaking directly to people of all ages through the medium of writing, sharing tips and knowledge for families and kids to help everyone get the most out of life. Her focus is on the development of resilience, confidence and independence in children, and on helping families engage and create lasting memories. Self-esteem, self-respect and self-worth are vital skills that Joanne believes children need to learn early to help them grow as adults.
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Julia Lewis
Julia is a proud Moreton Bay local with a deep affection for its coastlines and vibrant community. Julia initially delved into the world of academia before pivoting her focus to her beloved food blog, “Recipes on Paper”. Now, as a passionate freelance journalist, she channels her creativity into capturing the essence of her community. Julia’s love for the area is evident in her vivid storytelling, which brings to life the rich history and vibrant community of Redcliffe. Julia thrives on connecting with people and weaving their stories into narratives. When not savouring local flavours or documenting her culinary adventures, Julia can be found exploring hidden gems in the Redcliffe Peninsula or penning tales that illuminate the spirit of her beloved coastal haven.
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Katy More
Katy More is a retired, award-winning executive specializing in Human Resources, Media, Mental Health, and Business. As an entrepreneur, wife, mother, and author, Katy expertly balances her diverse roles. She is a skilled interviewer, writer, consultant, and speaker who fosters growth, collaboration, and success.
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Kelly Walker
Kelly Walker is a Brisbane based freelance writer with extensive writing experience across a diverse range of industries. With a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Kelly began her career in Canada working for 15 years in both agencies and head offices developing brand identities, marketing materials, corporate communication pieces, digital content, and packaging copy. Kelly has been successful at creating concise, user-friendly copy, while maintaining consistent and engaging messaging both online and off. Since transitioning to the freelance world, Kelly has written numerous feel-good community articles, SEO driven blog posts and website copy, and was entrusted as the ghost writer for a book project in 2023. In her free time she loves paddle boarding and walking her dogs along the waterfront in Sandgate.
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Kristy Yaldwyn
Kristy is a seasoned marketing professional with over 26 years of experience creating advertising & marketing strategies. Having worked across multiple newspapers, trade, lifestyle, and many other glossy publications in Sydney & Brisbane.
With a diplomas in Business Management, Advertising & Marketing she lives and breathes this industry & is always ready to create a customised advertising / marketing plan to suit any business.
Over the last 24 she has also raised 2 grown up children, and is ready for the empty nester stage, and watch her children flourish in adulthood.
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Marnie Birch
Marnie Birch is a graduate of Environmental Science and Allied Health, and has a lifetime of collaborative experience in multi-disciplinary health-based NGOs, as well as volunteering for community organizations. Hailing from a family of writers, Marnie has specialist knowledge in art and community advocacy. Her current focus is local history, community events and environmental awareness. In her rare moments of spare time, Marnie enjoys Art, Yoga and teaching creative writing to seniors.
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Natalie Turner
Natalie started her career in the media as a radio announcer for Triple M and B105 before crossing over to the not for profit space, including Cancer Council Queensland. She excels in marketing and communications roles and loves to find events and activities to share with our readers. As mum of two spirited young children, Nat’s number one passion is enjoying new experiences with her family. This takes her out and about exploring and reporting back for readers. Natalie has a Bachelor of Communication from Griffith University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Business from University of Queensland.
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Nick Allford
Nick was born and bred in the UK but now calls Moreton Bay home. For over 20 years he has created content for some of the world’s largest companies such as Disney, News Corp and Foxtel. His passion for storytelling means he can’t get enough of podcasts. So he spends most of his time scouting the airwaves to unearth the best podcasts that may have slipped under your radar.
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Panayiota
Panayiota’s career began in the printing industry after completing her BS in Fine Arts (USA). For 16 years, she worked her way up from typesetting to design, then publishing with local newspapers and publishers plus, in-house marketing/communications and event management. She also moved back to Australia.
As a visual artist, she’s exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions around Australia and internationally. As an actor, freelance writer and emerging filmmaker, she’s produced two short films since 2021. As a writer, she’s been a theatre critic and enjoys writing community based stories for The Guides.
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Patricia Higgins
Patricia Higgins has extensive experience in writing, from being published across many media platforms right down to the day-to-day of meeting individual client demands. Since a young age, Patricia has been passionate about telling stories. It was an interest that would inevitably translate into her first (creatively-based) love for feature writing. Her innate curiosity and commitment to the craft enable her to uncover compelling tales that resonate with and successfully reach her target audience. Patricia has a degree in Journalism and Political Science and has worked in branding, marketing, and digital SEO content creation for many years. This writer and marketing professional, who lives on the beautiful Moreton Bay Peninsula, is wholly invested in sharing regional issues, events, and human interest stories. She values the spirit of collaboration and intends to use her writing to give back to the community.
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Pattie Tancred
Pattie Tancred studied history at UQ and loved reading and writing about it ever since. Having lived in several countries where history is hard to avoid (Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Jordan), she appreciates the beauty and significance of the past and the importance of keeping it alive.
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Piper Zuino
Piper is a freelance journalist with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism and Public Relations from the Queensland University of Technology. She works as a Marketing and Communication professional with a focus on educational brand development and fostering organisational voice. With a passion for writing, Piper enjoys the creativity that freelance journalism provides alongside corporate work.
She has written for the Guides since 2022 and is passionate about community journalism. Piper believes in the power of local storytelling to foster community and belonging, reflecting a keen interest in current events, human interest and community dynamics. She has a passion and flair for storytelling and is an avid reader.
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Rachael Tickner
Rachael Tickner is a journalist, originally born in the UK, but grew up in Australia and spent her university gap year in her hometown of England. Graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Rachael is also a published author, Flutterby Baby Book, which supports women and their families with pregnancy loss.
Rachael has worked as a Journalist, PR Consultant, and Editor for over 20 years. She has founded blogs, and has worked with an array of clients across various sectors, such as: Healthcare, IT, Education, and Retail.
Rachael has featured in media publications, such as: Mammamia, My Weekly Preview, Polka Dot Bride, The Bride’s Tree, and The Daily Mail Australia. In May of 2024, Rachael was named a finalist for the Women Changing the World Awards in London. Hosted by the Duchess of York.
One of Rachael’s passions is supporting people on the spectrum, and she is a big advocate for mental health and women supporting women, to achieve their hopes and dreams in life. She is a proud mum to two beautiful boys and also is a volunteer with her son’s school.
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Sally Eberhardtv
Connection, integrity and being of service to others are Sally Eberhardt’s highest values – and she lives these every day. As a writer, author, photographer, business coach and business owner with experience across a vast number of industries, Sally has particular expertise in communications and marketing. She is comfortable talking with people from all walks and life and relishes the diversity of the human experience.
Nature, travel, art and pink gin make Sally happy but nothing makes her happier than shining a light on others so the world can see how wonderful they are.
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Sheree Hoddinett
Sheree Hoddinett has been writing for community papers and magazines across the City of Moreton Bay area since 2009. Being able to share someone else’s story is a big part of why she became a journalist in the first place. Her biggest passion lies in feature writing, but the diverse nature of the written word has also allowed her to spread her wings and share her writing skills through other avenues including blogging and even tackling some editing as well.
When not tapping away at her keyboard (it does happen!), she is usually spending time with her family out and about, building Lego or puzzles, checking out a good show or even a book. She is always on the lookout for her next story adventure.
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Tara Tyrrell
Tara Tyrrell has over 25 years of writing and editing experience and excels at creating engaging content across various platforms. With a deep passion for community engagement, Tara is dedicated to highlighting the unique stories and events that define the local area. Her work focuses on celebrating local events and places of interest, supporting small businesses, and fostering a sense of community pride. She aims to inspire residents to connect with and contribute to their vibrant neighbourhood.
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