Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 19 of 35

Kickstart the Festive Season as Rivermakers Presents Christmas at HQ

Photo credit: Rivermakers Brisbane / Instagram

Get ready for a holly, jolly Christmas this December at the Rivermakers Heritage Quarter as the lifestyle hub lights up with festive cheer, beer and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.

On 3 December 2022, the Rivermakers HQ will be brimming with Christmas magic and loads of fun and entertainment for the whole family, and of course, overflowing beer. Makers and creators Revel Brewing, and Low n Slow will be joining the family fun plus pop-up bars from Margarita Margarita and Hohly Water for the parents.

Bavay Distillery will likewise pour in some Christmas cheer with festive cocktails, distillery tours, a live mural painting and gift packs for purchase from their very own “ginmas tree”.

Meanwhile, Christmas carols will fill the air to keep the festive spirit going as eventgoers browse through all the gift items on offer at the Christmas Market stalls onsite.

Photo credit: Rivermakers Brisbane / Instagram

And Santa Claus will be dropping by too to join in the fun from 2 pm to 4 pm, so be ready to get a free photo with him.

Those who want to try pottery making can participate in a two-hour Pottery Wheel Workshop at the site, hosted by Mas & Miek. This fun and relaxed workshop welcomes all levels, and is perfect for those who have never tried the pottery wheel and would like to give it a go.

Pottery Wheel Workshop at Rivermakers — Photo credit: Momence / momence.com

You can try your hand at the wheel after a brief demonstration by one of the organiser’s experienced throwing teachers. If you make something you like, they will fire and glaze it for you ready to collect a few weeks later; there is a limit of one piece per person.

The studio will then glaze your work in your colour of choice and fire your bowl for you, ready for you to collect a few weeks later. The price to book a spot is $110 – all-inclusive of clay, materials, glaze & firing.

They do not offer cash refunds on any classes, courses or workshops in the studio, so participants are advised to choose carefully.

book here

Save the date! Christmas at HQ happens on 3 December 2022 from 2 pm until late at 82 Colmslie Rd, Murarrie.

82 Colmslie Rd, Murarrie QLD 4172, Australia

Morningside Local Wins Jack Cranstoun Scholarship

Photo credit: Facebook / Shannon Fentiman MP

Amanda Martin of Morningside and four other young Queenslanders have been honoured to receive the 2022 Jack Cranstoun Scholarship for their passion and skills in mediation and dispute resolution.

During a ceremony held at the Brisbane Supreme and District Court, the five awardees received scholarships worth $3,500 each. Amanda was named among the scholarship recipients under the First Nation’s People’s category.

As a young student, Amanda struggled with public speaking. Whenever she was given an opportunity to face her fears, however, she gladly accepted the challenge. She has participated in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Moot Court competition where despite her misgivings about public speaking, she placed second.

Amanda is described as a proud Gadigal woman who is driven and passionate about community service and embodies the spirit of giving back through her extensive volunteer commitments

Morningside Local Wins Jack Cranstoun Scholarship — The Jack Cranstoun scholarship recipients for 2022.
Photo credit: Facebook / Shannon Fentiman MP

The winners were congratulated by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman who said that the judges were so impressed with the calibre of applicants, they awarded an extra scholarship in the CALD category.

“Since its establishment in 2015, the Jack Cranstoun scholarships have attracted exceptional young candidates with diverse backgrounds from across our State and our 2022 winners are no exception,” Minister Fentiman said.

“This year, in addition to regional and general scholarships, two new categories were introduced for First Nations Peoples and for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

The rest of the 2022 scholarship recipients include Letticia Gooroovadoo (regional category), Nana Makatema (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse category), Nadia Saeed (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse category), and Gemma Sampson (general category).

“I applaud Amanda, Nana, Nadia, Letticia and Gemma for their achievements to date and wish them every success with their mediation training.”

The Jack Cranstoun memorial scholarship is an initiative funded by the Queensland Government in honour of the memory of Jack Cranston, a talented young mediator within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General who sadly lost his life in 2014.

“Mr Cranstoun’s colleagues recognised that offering opportunities to young people in his name would be a fitting tribute for someone who was a gifted problem solver in his own right,” Minister Fentiman said.

“They are no doubt proud of the talent the program has attracted.”

Applicants for the scholarship undergo assessment for merit and interview by a panel regarding relevant criteria as well as their passion for mediation. The lucky recipients will receive mediation and dispute resolution skills enhancement training conducted by experienced mediators from Queensland’s Dispute Resolution Branch. They would have the opportunity to be assessed for National Mediator Accreditation.

“Mediators provide an invaluable service to the community, helping people resolve their differences without the need to go to court,” Minister Fentiman said.

“With a high rate of success, mediators save time, legal fees and court costs for the people involved – and the community at large – and help to free up the court system.”

More information about mediation training and the Dispute Resolution Branch can be found here.

Priestley’s Gourmet Delights: From Humble Beginnings To A Global Footprint

From its humble beginnings distributing cakes in Morningside in 1995, Priestley’s Gourmet Delights has now grown into one of Australia’s leading suppliers of sweet and savoury treats, picking up an ecoBiz Star along the way, all whilst upholding their advocacy for environmental sustainability.

Read: New Multimillion-Dollar Cowch Dream Factory Up and Running in Morningside

For over two decades now, this family-owned business has been an over-achiever, known for supplying cafes with a range of delicious treats, including cheesecakes, slices, muffins, loaves, lamingtons, pavlovas, quiches, and gourmet cakes.

Priestley's Gourmet Delights — Photo credit: Priestley’s Gourmet Delights/Facebook

All the products are manufactured in their purpose-built plants in Morningside, and more recently, in Tauranga and Blenheim in New Zealand. Everything for the international and domestic markets is supplied frozen for optimum quality control.

Some of their creations include Choc Berry Tart, a tangy blueberry and creamy baked cheesecake; Mississippi Mud Cake, their version of mud cake; and the Choc and Raspberry Lamingtons.

Beyond creating high-quality and show-stopping treats, they support local businesses by sourcing their ingredients, packaging, and equipment from fellow Australian manufacturers.

Around a decade ago, the business started its journey to sustainability by reducing its carbon emissions by 38 percent and water usage by 31 percent.

Despite increasing the number of cakes they bake, they have also managed to reduce their energy consumption by 6.4 percent since 2016, attributing it all to their effective implementation of energy-saving initiatives.

The business is all about sustainability and has set production initiatives, such as recycling bins introduced in the factory and reducing water consumption, with that in mind. They have also installed solar lighting in their bin area, as well as installed motion sensors in the toilets and locker rooms.

In recognition of their resource efficiency improvements, the Queensland government has given them an ecoBiz star rating, which is being given to businesses with excellent practice measures in places, verified by experts.

Their core value is to consistently improve, not just for their customers, but also for their staff and the planet. Some of their goals include eliminating plastics from packaging by 2022, and using recyclable packaging by 2025.

The Christophersen and Jones families will celebrate 27 years in the business in December 2022.

Read: Morningside Businesses Team Up To Feed Hungry Families

To learn more about Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.

4 Tips for Mitigating Flooding Disasters for Morningside Residents

Since the start of the wet season, Queenslanders have been told to be prepared for flooding as La Niña 2022 is expected to make it harder to predict the intensity of rainfall, especially in areas near the river like Morningside.

Showers, thunderstorms, and rain bombs will cause flooding that will change quickly and likely not provide enough time to warn the locals but here are five tips to mitigate flooding disasters for Morningside residents.

1. Fix your home or property, especially outdoors.

Home and business owners must survey their lawns and outdoor area and then cut down overhanging branches to prevent these from falling and damaging properties. Check and clean the gutters and then get on with fixing broken roof tiles and other minor damages around your house or building.

Come up with an evacuation plan in case of major flooding and consider moving valued possessions from the lower level of your house to the upper floors.

2. Collect your free sandbags.

For the first time ever, Brisbane City Council is giving away 150,000 free sandbags for residents. Morningside homeowners may collect these at either the Balmoral Depot on Redfern Street or the Lota Depot on Herbert Street.

Morningside flooding — Photo Credit: CrKaraCook/Facebook

Staff and volunteers from the State Emergency Service (SES) will train locals on how to use these sandbags.

Per Council, “Sandbags can be used to reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. Sandbags will not stop flood water entirely but can reduce the amount of water entering your premises.”

3. Don’t forget to pack an emergency bag.

Be sure to pack an emergency bag that has all your essentials in case the family needs to move out. Get Ready Queensland has a comprehensive list of items that should be in the bag, including toiletries, drinking water, and batteries.

4. Sign up for the new Flood Information app.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is urging all residents to sign up for the new Flood Information service so they can be better prepared during a major weather event.

“During the February flood event, this service distributed about 2.7 million email and SMS alerts to residents who had signed up to receive them,” the mayor said. “These alerts are based on the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice. We need more Brisbane residents signed up for this service.”

Residents who sign up for the alert system before 1 December 2022 may have a chance to win prizes, including an all-expense paid holiday to Tangalooma Island Resort in Moreton Island. Learn more about this incentive.

Remember, hope for the best but prepare for the worst!

Cannon Hill Anglican College Students Stitch up Breast Care Cushions to Support Breast Cancer Patients

Photo credit: Facebook / Zonta Brisbane East

Cannon Hill Anglican College students, in collaboration with Zonta Club of Brisbane East, stitched up a storm to provide breast care cushions to help Mater hospital breast cancer patients recover after surgery.

In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month, more than 50 students became part of the college’s social justice committee and worked alongside Zonta Club of Brisbane East’s Ros Kinder, to sew the cushions and provide comfort to women in the post-operative phase of breast surgery.

The Zonta Club of Brisbane East’s secretary said the college was the only school to participate in service projects with the club, with cushions made for patients at two Mater hospitals in South Brisbane, and Mater Private Hospital Redland.

Zonta Club of Brisbane East Ros Kinder, student Bella Cooper and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Clinical Nurse Consultant Ashleigh Mondolo | Photo Credit: supplied

“Our partnership stemmed from one of our members having students at the college and has continued for the past two years,” Mrs Kinder said.

One of those who participated was 17-year-old Bella Cooper whose own grandmother also battled breast cancer which Bella said made this project “extra special” for her.

“While I was not yet born when she was first diagnosed, I have seen how strong she has become,” Bella said.

“I enjoy making the breast cushions as it allows me to contribute my skills, time and energy to a great cause, and provide support to people who need it.”

Mater Private Hospital Brisbane Clinical Nurse Consultant Ashleigh Mondolo said surgical scars were often tender in the post-operative phase of breast cancer treatment and swelling in the armpit was common.

Cannon Hill Anglican College Students Stitch up Breast Care Cushions to Support Breast Cancer Patients — Photo credit: Facebook / Zonta Brisbane East

Ms Mondolo described the breast care cushions as a gentle addition to recovery. She added that the cushions were a turning point for many breast cancer patients, helping them to feel more positive following mastectomies and protecting surgical incision areas during the healing process.

“My patients absolutely love them,” she said.

Mrs Kinder, of Manly West, said male and female students had been participating in the project for the past 12 months. Their efforts have, so far, contributed to the 5,500 cushions donated annually by Zonta Clubs to hospitals across Queensland.

Cannon Hill Anglican College social justice coordinator Marion Rutter said she was proud of the students who gave up their own time to help others in need.

“Many of the students and staff at the school have been impacted by breast cancer with friends and family diagnosed,” Ms Rutter said.

“The students who help make the cushions show compassion for others and work as a team which is really important.”

Expansion Plans For Morningside Central Include ‘Flood-immune’ Car Park

Did you know that the expansion plans for Morningside Central Shopping Centre, will feature not just a new medical centre but also an innovative, suspended, ‘flood-immune’ car park?

Read: Circonomy: World’s Biggest Garage Sale Launches New Store in Morningside

A development application has been lodged for the expansion of Morningside Central, which covers a new tenancy fronting Wynnum Road over two storeys, a new medical centre, and the refurbishment of the existing shopping centre. Said refurbishment will include internalisation of the existing open mall area and facade upgrades.

Proposed site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The shopping centre, located at 25 Junction Rd, Morningside is known for being flood-prone and a flood impact assessment report revealed that the site is identified as susceptible to creek/waterway flooding.

Based on the report, during significant storm events and when the drainage system is at capacity, the overland flow would travel through the car park on Morningside Central.

A key component of the planned development of the shopping centre is a new, suspended car park at ground level with upper level car park above it that planners say would be ‘flood-immune.’.

Morningside Central — Perspective image – Wynnum Road (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

The suspended, ground-level car park, which will be located above the 1% AEP flood level, aims to improve the safety of customers and their vehicles. Morningside Central has previouslt held two meetings with Brisbane City Council, one in 2019 and another one in 2021, to discuss the flooding solution for their planned ‘suspended structure.’

According to Storm Water Consulting, the suspended car park structure will also increase the number of car park slots on-site and improve the functionality of the car park.

“The suspended carpark would eliminate the majority of the current ground level carparking which is subject to high hazard flood water. Three ramps up to a suspended carpark platform are proposed,” planners stated.

Locals could also expect a bigger Woolworths, which is getting a space boost which will increase its footprint from 2,666 sqm to 3,314 sqm.

“The proposed extensions and refurbishments will deliver a contemporary upgrade to the existing Shopping Centre and offer a high level of architectural quality and distinction improving the amenity of the centre and streetscape,” planning documents read.

Read: Locals Seek Installation Of Backflow Devices In Norman Park

To learn more about the plans for this development, look for reference A006093144 at the Brisbane City Council development page.

Queenslanders Move to Save Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock in Morningside

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Attempts to stop plans to remove the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock, a World War II facility in Morningside, have been gathering steam as more people say they want the site added to the Heritage Register.

Nikki Archer, an activist based in Gold Coast, and architectural historian Marianne Taylor are working with a group to help save and protect the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock from future redevelopments.

It comes as Lendlease filed a DA A006123190 on 10th October 2022 to carry out operational works to fill the dry docks and prepare the site for the River Gateway Neighbourhood Plan, which includes no provisions to save the retain and protect the facility.

Bulimba East Development Pty Limited currently owns the land where the dry dock exists and has given its consent to the developers.

Absence of Heritage Protection Explained

Ms Archer believes that the government is aware of the site’s cultural and historical significance to Australia but was not proactive in preserving its heritage. Ms Taylor, on the other hand immediately filed a request to Brisbane City Council to add the dry dock to the Queensland Heritage Register.

“How is this not already on a heritage register? Great question! It seems it used to be on the BCC Heritage Overlay but has since been removed. It is not on the Queensland or any National Registers and as it is now privately owned, there should be no reason it couldn’t be,” Ms Taylor outlined on her Facebook Page, The House Detective, where she also encouraged locals to file their objection to the development application.

“I don’t normally get involved in these 11th hour protests, but this is too big and too important to ignore!”

Ms Taylor and Ms Archer’s campaign has the support of the Friends of the Heritage Movement.

Peter Lawler, a member of the group, believes that there were never any attempts to save the site because no one thought of the property’s potential redevelopment until now. The locals believe that the dry dock could be turned into an educational site for both residents and tourists, especially among the students, who should learn more about the history of Brisbane and its contribution to the world.

Despite the objection, Lendlease said it will be working with stakeholders on the options for the dry dock.

History of the Cairncross Naval Graving Dry Dock

The Cairncross dockyard is one of the country’s largest graving docks and was built in late 1942 after the bombing of the Darwin dockyard during World War II. It was built at a remarkable speed with more than 1,000 workers employed and working 24/7 to complete the facility.

The dockyard was ready for the first ships by June 1944. Until May 1946, 128 ships from Australia and the Allied Forces were serviced at the dockyard, which was capable of receiving vessels “800 feet long, with an 80 foot beam and a draught of 32 feet,” including aircraft carriers, merchant ships, tankers, destroyers, and submarine tenders.

Cairncross Dockyard — Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The government closed the dockyard in 1987 but was re-opened by a private consortium in 1995. It has been private property since then. In 2016, the Forgacs Group sold the 14-hectare property for potential housing redevelopment and rezoning.

Engineering Australia considers the dockyard as an Australian engineering heritage.

Morningside Shooting Possible Case of Mistaken Identity, Leaves Residents Unhurt but Shaken

The Queensland Police Service is investigating a shooting incident in a Morningside townhouse that has left residents unhurt but shaken. Authorities believe the incident may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Residents of a townhouse on Richmond Rd woke up to find the glass balustrade of their balcony shattered by bullet holes and immediately reported the incident. Initial investigations stated that the residents didn’t hear anything but one witness said a stranger was by their area at 10 p.m.

Another resident, whose place was hit, did not have any idea why their townhouse was targeted. He just moved to the property in August and has not heard of similar incidents in the area.

One other neighbour also revealed that the townhouse had some unsavoury individuals as occupants a few months ago but they have moved out of the building.

“Scary as that’s just around the corner from me, little too close to come for my liking. I saw the police tape it all off there when I drove past heading to the vets this morning and knew something serious happened… but a shooting, wow,” a neighbour said.

“Yep happened around 7am on Richmond Road, no one has been reported to be hurt. Not sure what it’s related to but seeing as these guys are practically my neighbors it’s really unnerving.”

“God, are we America now? What is it with firearms these days?!”

The QPS is looking for more information about the Morningside shooting, especially from someone with CCTV/dashcam footage. Reports may be filed online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1800333000.

Murarrie is Getting an Olympic-Ready International Cycle Park

Plans have been set in motion to deliver a new $16.1-million international cycle park in Murarrie, ahead of the Olympics.

The Murarrie Recreation Reserve International Cycle Park will comprise a world-class cycling track, a 500-metre speed skating track, and a multi-purpose clubhouse where locals may learn to ride a bike, improve on their BMX skills, enjoy picnics and barbecues, and play with their dogs at an off-leash dog park.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the budget for the new cycling facility has been secured for 2022-2023.

“In just over a decade’s time, Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic destiny will arrive with the Games to be held right here in our home city,” Lord Mayor said. “The investments we make today in sports infrastructure will pay dividends during the Games because local athletes will have world-class facilities, like this cycling track, to learn and train on at home.”

International Cycle Park — Photo Credit: BCC

In mid-2019, Council sought feedback for the development of the Murarrie Recreation Reserve, which was followed by technical investigations and key discussions with sporting groups.

After these discussions, Council finalised the plan for the new facility that will include the following construction for Stage 1:

Replace the local cycling track with criterium tracks designed to Union Cycliste Internationale standards, incorporating a new 500 metre rollerblading/speed skating track
Remediation works
New multi-purpose clubhouse catering for events
New safety fencing
car park upgrade
New walkways, ramps and tree planting

Future plans for the cycle park will include the following, subject to funding:

Learn-to-ride facility
Pump/BMX track
Picnic shelters and barbecues
Track lighting
Intersection upgrade
Dog off-leash area
Beginner mountain bike skills course

Council intends to establish Murrarie Recreation Reserve as a “metropolitan and international-level criterium track, wheeled sport and recreation park” with a range of opportunities for sports and recreation. It will be a safe, and well-designed green space that will be a destination for many locals and visitors.

Construction work for Stage 1 is scheduled to start in late 2022.

Murarrie Yard Sale: Brisbane’s Old Wooden-Hull Ferries For Sale

The last of Brisbane’s wooden-hull ferries, which had been berthed at Murarrie for years whilst awaiting permanent decommissioning, are now up for sale.

Read: $200-M Rivergate Superyacht Facility, Marina, And Shipyard Expansion In Murarrie Approved

In 2020, eight wooden ferries were pulled from river duty due to safety concerns, after issues were raised regarding their deteriorating condition. Expressions of Interest have been accepted from interested parties for the these vessels which can be viewed at The Yard in Hemmant.

Auction house Manheim is taking charge of the sale of the eight Monohull ferries in behalf of Brisbane City Council.

The removal of the wooden monohull ferries from service was announced by Council in 2020, after inspection revealed a few concerns such as rotten wood.

“The risk assessment reports found the structural integrity of all wooden-hulled vessels was compromised, with some having extensive deterioration and no longer considered safe,” Cr Adrian Schrinner said.

Brisbane's ferries: CityHopper — CityHopper ferry Otter, launched in 1989 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

No More Wooden Hulls

Although the original pledge by Council covered the restoration of the wooden-hull ferries, Brisbane $350-million flood damage bill has changed the course of things significantly.

The ongoing sale of the eight decommissioned wooden ferries means there will be no more ferries of that type for river use.

Only one ferry from the original cross-river fleet has been restored. This is the single steel-hulled ferry Kalparrin. Kalparrin is already back on river service, after clearing its safety inspection. It is currently plying the Bulimba-Teneriffe cross-river route.

Brisbane’s Ferries

Brisbane’s CityHoppers were introduced back in 1987, with the first unit built by renowned shipbuilding company Norman R Wright & Sons. These are powered by 134 kW (180 hp) Scania engines, have a maximum speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph), and are operated by a crew of one.

Some of the CityFerries, which were launched in the ‘80s, were built by Norman Park Boat Builders and had a capacity of 47 passengers.

Brisbane's ferries — A CityFerry ferry boat at Eagle Street Pier (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Nick-D/Wikimedia Commons)

When Transdev ceased operations in November 2020, the next contract was awarded to RiverCity Ferries, who replaced the wooden vessels with five KittyCat units leased from Sydney.

Three monohull ferries are set to re-enter service and will rejoin the five new KittyCats in the ferry fleet following restoration. This comes after Council pledged $4 million to restore the ferries and return them to the river.

“These ferries are part of modern Brisbane’s history and we want to see them continue to play a role in our city’s future,” Cr Schrinner said in an announcement.