Darcy Way, Lawnton, QLD 4501

We have lived in this street since March 2004. One week after we moved here I noticed all the houses looked similar, and realised we were in the middle of a housing commision street! The real estate people didn't tell us, and as we didn't know this side of the city (Brisbane) we had no clue. Our house is not a housing commission house...so we were quite disappointed. Then 3 different sets of people told me: "Oh you live THERE....that is the WORST street!" Then proceeded to tell me about domestics, drug dealers, yobbos etc etc.

This made me feel very bad and worried. Anyway it's now 2008 and apart from 2 domestics at the beginning and the occasional police car coming through ...like once every six months, it has been a quiet street and actually very liveable.
The street looks like any other, with footpaths neatly mowed, gardens kept well, some better than others, lots of trees and clear blue skies.

During the holidays and after school the neighbourhood kids often kick a soccer ball around, playing cricket in the little partial cul-de-sac in front of our house, which I think is really nice, seeing so many kids these days are always inside playing computer games, watching telly or on the internet.
{UPDATE 2013: We still live here and many of the young children have grown up and the street is now very quiet without virtually any problems.}

The people here are not rich or on the social ladder, in fact they are more just below the middle, yet they are friendly and quiet. People generally keep their cars and gardens nice and tidy...the street is clean and free from rubbish.

We are young early sixties, and still have our youngest teenage daughter at home.
At first we would not leave her home by herself because I did not feel comfortable with that, but nothing has ever happened, and my fears were unfounded.
( 2013 UPDATE: now late sixties :-) and daughter married.)

There are several dogs next door on each side of our house, but I never even know they are there...no barking ever...maybe they can't? One neighbour's dogs bark occasionally, but the people are quickly on top of it. Yesterday I videoed a special little visitor to our yard...Tricia the koala. She was climbing up our Gum Tree, and that was really nice. We have a resident Magpie, who flies down to say hello each time we eat outside on our patio.

This area is gazetted for resale as tenants move out of the Government houses. So eventually the area will become freehold, which may or may not improve the standard. Everyone needs somewhere to live and we all strive towards doing the best we can.

There are a number of parks just off our street, with playground equipment for the children, and huge PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) with soccer, netball, rugby, Aussie rules fields.
Cycle paths wind their way all throughout this area and a great way to see all the parks and gardens, new housing etc....
The area has plenty of schools. The state primary school is on Todd's road just near the end of Darcy Way. There is a child care centre opposite and a scout/girl guide den in Nightingale Street next to the park at the end of Darcy Way. There are also special schools for children with disabilities. The railway station is 900 metres away and an easy 10 mins walk or 1 minute drive.A easy train ride of about 30-35 minutes to the Brisbane CBD. The local tavern is a good economical place to eat...especially for pensioners...nice atmosphere and good food.

There are 2 churches on Frances Road...The Baptist and Assemblies of God. The local Catholic church is on Sparkes Road, about 2-3 kms nearby.
A large modern, lawn bowls club (Pine Rivers Bowls Club) is situated 1 km from our house. You can get good meals there and watch the bowlers or of course, play.
The aquatic centre is 1 km east on Cnr Lawnton Pocket Rd and features 25 and 50 mtr pools as well as a safety fenced area for little one to splash and play - there are toadstools with water cascading from them, as well as fountains that shoot up from the pools...lots of fun for mums and kids. The enclosed area also features playground equipment for littlies.
You can also sit under the sails and get a cappuchino from the kiosk...or cook up a barbie.
During the holiday periods, they put a huge plastic inflatable 'castle' in the main pool for kids to conquer and climb all over which is lots of fun.

There are several smaller shopping centres nearby, and a larger Westfield shopping centre in Strathpine about 3-5 minutes drive.
There are many restaurants along the main road and also a 5 theatre Cinema, Ten pin bowling, etc etc. Plenty of coffee shops, like Gloria Jeans, The Coffee club, etc. Pizza Hut,MacDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks, Thai, Chinese, Italian and Indian,