In 1864 an area now covered by Algester, Sunnybank, Sunnybank Hills, Runcorn, Kuraby, Eight Mile Plains and parts of Coopers Plains, Algester and Stretton was proclaimed a 5382ha agricultural reserve.
The idea was that settlers would take up blocks and a small farmer class would spring up like in England, but authorities did not understand that, unlike Europe, farms had to be larger to survive.
Our southside Brisbane suburb of Algester took its name from Algester Rd, a corruption of Alcester Rd, Mosely, Birmingham, England. Developer F.S. Brecknell migrated in 1915 and named it in 1920 after his home village.
In 1968 Leighton Properties planned a suburban estate with the proposed name of 'Ridgewood Heights'. Whilst the estate's main access route retains that name, the Queensland Place Names Board substituted 'Algester' in 1972. The suburb was given an all-brick covenant, and houses were typically four-bedroom, low-set, with a rumpus room and double garage. Other styles included colonial, Cape Cod, Mexican and Spanish. Mature palm trees were planted along road medians and power lines installed underground, a fact even residents are unaware of through the lack of seeing them!
Whilst the estate's main access route retains that name, Algester Road and Dalmeny Street were connected as non-sealed roads and the only thoroughfare into the suburb. Dalmeny Street ended at the first house to be built in the suburb known as Lot 22.
The identity of the Aboriginal clan that occupied the area is unclear.
Brisbane City Council library services note that some believe it was the Chepara clan of the Eight Mile Plains area, others the Yerongpan of Oxley Creek or the Yagarabal who ranged from Brisbane to the Logan River and west to Moggill Creek.Today Algester is largely urbanised. It is part of the Oxley Creek catchment, one of the major Brisbane River tributaries.
Click here for some Old Maps of Algester and Surrounds.
Our Suburb has excellent facilities including:
Schools
- Calamvale Community College
- Calamvale Special School
- St.Stephens Primary School
- Algester State School
- Wisdom College
- Various Child Care Facilites
Bus Transport direct to Brisbane every 15 Minutes.
Shopping
- Calamvale Market Place - Woolworths, Chemist, Optometrist, Zarraffas, Bakery, Eateries and Other Speciality Stores
- Drakes Parkinson - Cafe, Chemist, BWS, Newsagent and Many Eateries
- Central Park Shopping Centre. IGA, Post Office, Laundromat, Vet, Florist, Various Cafes and Eateries.
- Silkwood St Shops - Asian Supermarket, Convenience Store, Cafe, Butcher and Other Stores.
Take Away and Dine in Food
Too many to mention..
Specialist Local Services
- Dentists
- Lawyers
- Optometrists
- Pathology
- Chemists
- Local Council Office