Key Facts:
- Student Zainabu Abdulganiu won competition to name construction crane 'Eternal Stable' at Brisbane's Bernborough Ascot retirement development
- The naming competition was part of the Property Council of Australia's Girls in Property initiative, aimed at introducing female students to property sector careers
- Construction of the development's third building, Magnolia House, is underway with the crane to be installed in November
- The Girls in Property programme has reached over 600 students from 25 schools nationally in its seven-year history
- Bernborough Ascot is Queensland's first vertical retirement village on a racetrack, with Magnolia House set to open for residents in late 2027
Macgregor State High School student Zainabu Abdulganiu has left her mark on one of Brisbane's most distinctive retirement developments, winning the competition to 'name the crane' arriving soon on site at Bernborough Ascot. The winning name will take pride of place as work begins on the community's third building, Magnolia House.
Zainabu Abdulganiu submitted the winning name Eternal Stable as part of a competition run through the Property Council of Australia's Girls in Property initiative, which introduces female high school students to career opportunities across the property and construction sectors.
"I chose the name Eternal Stable because it represents strength, balance and community, qualities that endure over time. It also connects to the history of the place and the idea of building something strong and lasting for the future," said Miss Abdulganiu.
Construction of Magnolia House is officially underway with builder Balmain and Co. While the crane will be installed in November, it now has an identity that reflects the site's heritage, its future and the values of the project.
"The name Eternal Stable stood out due to its connection to place, horses and the racetrack. It represents enduring strength and the idea of creating a lasting home." said Samantha Collins, Senior Development Manager at Keyton.
The Girls in Property program gives students all around Australia hands-on experience through workshops, site tours and mentorship from industry professionals.
The initiative aims to open students' eyes to the many career paths within the property industry and challenge traditional ideas about who works in it.
"Programs like this are fun but also play a crucial role opening doors in the property sector for women and girls who have traditionally been underrepresented," said Jess Caire, QLD Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia.
Now in its seventh year, the national program has reached more than 600 students from 25 schools, providing real-world insight into a sector that employs over 1.4 million Australians and helps shape the cities of the future. In Queensland, four schools in Brisbane and another eight in Townsville are taking part in 2025.
For the development team delivering Magnolia House, the naming competition was a chance to bring this learning to life on a real-world project.
"Being part of an all-women development team, we're always looking for ways to help students see themselves in this industry," said Mrs Collins.
"This was a fun and meaningful way for students to contribute and walk away knowing they were part of something bigger."
While cranes are a familiar sight on construction sites, naming them has become a creative way for development teams to build a stronger connection with the local community.
"What's more memorable than being able to name a crane that will sit on the skyline while we build Magnolia House," said Mrs Collins.
"It's a simple gesture that creates a deeper sense of engagement for students, residents and our Keyton team."
Bernborough Ascot is Queensland's first vertical retirement village located on a racetrack. Adjacent to Brisbane Racing Club's beloved Doomben racecourse, it offers a unique blend of premium apartment living, open green space and a vibrant community lifestyle designed exclusively for retirees.
Magnolia House, the third stage of the village, will include a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, three exclusive penthouses and a rooftop dining and alfresco space offering uninterrupted views across the racetrack.
"The views to the north are unlike anything else in the retirement market," said Mrs Collins. "You just don't get that kind of outlook anywhere else in Brisbane, or even across Australia, in retirement living."
