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Tritium Opens New EV Charger Testing Facility in Murrarie

Did you know that a new Tritium facility for EV charger testing in Murrarie has one of the world’s largest and highest-powered electromagnetic compatibility testing chambers?

In November 2021, Tritium officially opened its Murrarie testing facility. This new Tritium facility is welcome news to the local job market and supports the growing global demand for renewable energy and has generated local jobs.

In 2020, Tritium became the first company in the world to implement Plug and Charge (ISO 15118) which enables EVs and charging equipment to communicate, authenticate, and transact seamlessly via the charging cable.

At the Murrarie facility, the custom-designed testing chamber features a five-metre turntable with high-power connections, providing Tritium with the ability to test a full high-powered charging system, consisting of the charger itself and an accompanying power cabinet.

The testing site has been designed to deliver up to 720 kW of regenerative power from its integrated system with fully integrated AC and DC power feeds.

This means Tritium can test devices that demand very high power levels, in accordance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification requirements.

CEO Jane Hunter joined Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles during the official opening of the facility. Mr Miles acknowledged that Tritium has been changing the face of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry and this latest development will allow the company to test and deploy more chargers faster than anyone in the market.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Member for Bulimba Di Farmer said that Tritium has long been Queensland’s success story and the Murrarie facility is primed to contribute to the state’s economic recovery, as well as boost Queensland’s position in the global EV tech industry.

“The place that can conquer this technology first will be the place the world turns to as the industry grows; that’s why we’re so proud to see companies like this leading the pack,” Ms Farmer said.

“On behalf of the Palaszczuk government, I’d like to congratulate Tritium. They’re now making waves globally; just last month Tritium was named ChargePoint Manufacturer of the Year at a UK awards event.”

Additional Charging Stations

Meanwhile, an additional 18 EV charging stations will be added across Queensland’s Super Highway, comprising Phase 3 of the project. Tritium’s leading edge 75kW chargers will be powering up these sites which are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

“Not only were we the first state in Australia to develop an EV strategy, but we revolutionised electric vehicle travel through delivering the Queensland Electric Super Highway,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.

“We expect the growth in the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure will help accelerate investment in additional renewable energy projects.

“Every time a motorist makes the choice to fill their tank with energy generated in Queensland, it allows for the continued growth of renewables in our state.”

Grill’d: Delicious Plant-Based Burgers Available Soon in Cannon Hill

Photo credit: Grill’d/Facebook

Who knew that eating burgers can be this healthy and delicious? Early next year, Grill’d will be opening at Cannon Hill Kmart Plaza, offering beef, chicken, and lamb burgers and their ‘Impossible Burgers,’ a range of delicious, plant-based burgers that are sure to become the talk of the town.

Read: Revel Brewing Co Now Open in Morningside

Grill’d prides itself in producing guilt-free, healthy burgers that are 100% natural and are made with zero artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. They are also proudly Australian-first and use the freshest ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Burgers Galore

There will be several burger ranges to choose from, from beef and chicken to lamb, healthy fried chicken (RSPCA-approved 100% chicken breast), and wagyu. Pair them with their chips and dips, that are equally as natural as the burgers, or for a leaner and lighter meal, go for their salads.

In their ‘Impossible Burgers’ range, all the patties are plant-based. The Impossible Simply Grill’d, for instance, is plant-based pattie paired with cos lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion and a smearing of relish and herbed mayo.

Or if you want to indulge minus the guilt, it’s worth noting that the range also comes with a vegan cheeseburger, a combination of plant-based pattie, vegan cheese, dill pickles, Spanish onion, Dijon mustard, fire-roasted tomato sauce and vegan mayo.

Established in 2004 by Simon Crowe in Melbourne, Grill’d has now grown to over 136 restaurants across the country. Cannon Hill will be the 22nd Grill’d location in Brisbane, where the brand also has locations in Carindale, Camp Hill, and Bulimba.

The new store, which will be located at Shop C2 of Cannon Hill Kmart Plaza, will allow for both an indoor and outdoor dining precinct for customers. It is located in the space that was once home to the recently closed Sushi Train.

The new Grill’d location in Cannon Hill is scheduled to open on 24 February 2022. To stay updated about the opening, visit Grill’d’s website or follow them on Facebook.

Revel Brewing Co Now Open in Morningside

Nearly 18 months since they announced their expansion plans, Revel Brewing Co’s newest brewery and eatery, their second after their hugely successful Bulimba launch, is now open at the Rivermakers precinct in Morningside.

Located at the century-old former site of the Commonwealth Acetate of Lime Factory, the brewery-cum-eatery is next door to Low ‘n Slow Meat Co and Bavay Distillery.

Though it’s in a heritage building, much of Revel Brewing Co Morningside, officially known as Revel Rivermakers Restaurant, is in keeping with the original Bulimba outlet, with plenty of communal seating outdoors and steel tables decked with planter boxes indoors. The old building’s brick and timber, however, have remained untouched, lending more character and a cosy atmosphere to the restaurant.

*Photo Credit: Jayden Cluff/Google Maps*

History of the Rivermakers Precinct

The Rivermakers precinct has several buildings built from 1917 to 1920 across 30 hectares of land, including the Commonwealth Acetate of Lime factory, designed by chemist and brewer Auguste deBavay.

During the First World War, the Australian Commonwealth Arsenal established its own defence factories to ensure the supplies of manufactured goods and armaments. The Morningside site, specifically designed for fermenting and brewing, focused on acetate of lime for the production of cordite used by the military. Auguste deBavay donated his patent process for acetone through fermenting and distilling molasses to the Commonwealth of Australia after the war.

The Morningside site then became the base of the Royal Australian Navy during the Second World War and the Commonwealth Acetate of Lime factory was repurposed as a hostel for immigrants in the 1950s. This has contributed to the growth and diversity of the culture in Brisbane.

By the 1960s, Hans Continental Smallgoods moved his business into the precinct until 2008. The site was undisturbed for many years until 2020, when Revel opened its brewery.

Revel Brewing Co — *Photo Credit: Jayden Cluff/Google Maps*

Setting up During the Pandemic

Meanwhile, Owners Jay Neven and Matthew Flexman said that it has been quite a challenging year leading up to the Morningside venue’s opening due to COVID restrictions but they could not pass up the chance to be part of the urban renewal of this precinct.

Charmed by the site’s historical facets, the Revel team knew that expanding to this location was the best decision.

Though the restaurant opened in early November 2021, the brewing crew has been hard at work at the bigger Rivermarker site, producing more beer than the Bulimba outlet in the last 12 months.

Whilst the first store is known for its perfect pairing of pizza and beer, the Morningside site will be offering more family-friendly dishes from chef Dan Cart, such as the polenta fries, plant-based burgers, cauliflower wings, classic chicken schnitzel, and pan-fried wild barramundi. There’s even a tasty kids’ menu featuring cheese toasties and chicken nuggets.

*Photo Credit: Revel Rivermakers Restaurant*

For the complete menu, bookings, and opening hours, check Revel’s official site. Regular updates are available on the Revel Brewing Co Bulimba Facebook page.

“Awesome new venue from the Revel Brewing team located in Bulimba. I went for dinner on the opening night & had a great evening. Good varied menu & huge selection of beers on tap with their core range & rotating specials.”
Jacqui

“The buffalo wings are absolutely on point. I’ve been all over Brisbane looking for the best wings and i think I have a new favourite. Beers are always good from Revel, but the Vianna Lager on tap is the standout for me atm.”
Aaron

“This is a fantastic venue, I never even knew this building existed and they’ve done a great job of repurposing it. We had the plant based burger and nachos which were both very good, the beers were excellent and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Are they finding their feet slightly? Maybe. But credit where credit’s due this is a fair feat to pull off in a sizeable venue compared to their original location in Bulimba. And it was FULL today so clearly they’re doing a lot right even in the early days. We’ll absolutely go back. And when a few other places open up around it this will be a great little precinct! Credit to Revel for leading the way and setting the standard.”
Stephen

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

Did you know that 80 per cent of the delicious sweet treats served at Cowch, a popular dessert cocktail bar with four outlets in Queensland, come from its Morningside Dream Factory?

The multimillion-dollar production facility became fully operational in late October 2021, churning out over 20,000 desserts every week, much to the delight of its customers in South Bank, Chermside, Broadbeach, and Garden City.

According to Cowch culinary director Rhian Shellshear, the Morningside factory is mostly made up of women with head pastry chef Nicole Bashinsky leading the pack. Mr Shellshear said that they had specific hiring criteria for the Dream Factory because women have a “good eye for detail and consistency.”

Mr Shellshear is a Michelin Star pastry chef who has worked in the U.S., Sweden, and at the Messina gelato store. Ms Bashinsky, on the other hand, trained at various Sydney restaurants under Matt Moran, one of Australia’s most popular chefs.

During the launch party, guests got dibs on a five-course dessert tasting extravaganza featuring churros, crepes, pancakes, waffles, cakes and gelato. The products are now available at all Cowch outlets.

The Morningside factory is not open to the public but it’s where all the sweet magic happens. Cowch planned on setting up the factory in Morningside so desserts prepared in-store have reduced amounts of sugar.

@cowchofficial So. Many. Pancakes. 🤯 #pancakes #production #kitchen #handmade #create #cooking #pancakes ♬ Classic – MKTO

@cowchofficial Omg pour it in my mouth 🤤 #caramel #condensedmilk #caramelisedcondensedmilk #gelato #production #kitchen #churn #icecream #icecreamlover ♬ Shivers – Ed Sheeran

The site will also become its research and development area for new dessert concepts and products. It will also be used as a training ground for its teams and franchisees as Cowch heads for an expansion. Owner Arif Memis wants the Morningside Dream Factory to be the epicentre of the Cowch footprint.

For updates about the dessert bar and its Dream Factory, follow their socials on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

New Medical Centre With Office Blocks Approved For Cannon Hill

Photo credit: Z Architects/Brisbane City Council

Cannon Hill will soon have a new medical centre with a pharmacy and four levels of office blocks after a developer’s amended plans have been given the green light by Council.

Read: Tight Stocks, High Demand Drive Morningside Property Market Growth

The applicant, Love Sunshine Pty Ltd, has been granted approval for their revised proposal (A005625101) which was submitted in April 2021. Located at 1882 Creek Rd, the project will also provide 122 car parking spaces on two basement levels.

Subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

As with the original proposal, there are four existing dwellings on the subject site which will be demolished to facilitate the development.

The initial plan included an indoor sport and recreation area on Level 1. However, it has been abolished and replaced with a 939-sqm medical centre under the new proposal.

Changes to the previously approved application will also feature an additional storey and an increase in gross floor area, which according to Town Planning Alliance’s assessment report, was contained within the approved setbacks and site cover.

Based on the planning documents, the changes will not increase the visual bulk of the approved development and the additional storey is accommodated within the approved building height, with only small changes to the rooftop layout. It will repurpose the rooftop for use as an outdoor play area for the proposed childcare centre.

The applicant has also received an approval to increase their parking provision to accommodate for the increase in floor space.

“These changes will provide for no additional impacts on adjoining residential amenities. The proposal is identified as being consistent with the Planning Scheme’s intent for the District Centre Zone and neighbourhood plan,” Town Planning Alliance noted.

Tight Stocks, High Demand Drive Morningside Property Market Growth

Low-interest rates, incredibly tight stocks, and an active buyers’ market with a huge demand characterise the Morningside property market, driving a 12% increase in property values within the 12-month period ending September 2021.

Highlights

The Morningside property market has scaled upward by 12.42 per cent between October 2020 to September 2021, driving the median house price to $905,000.
Morningside’s unit market has also increased by 6.43 per cent as property developments for apartments and semi-detached or townhouses rise.
The last few years saw Morningside catching up to its neighbours, Bulimba and Balmoral, in terms of dwelling options.

Housing Market

From October 2020 to September 2021, Morningside’s growth scaled upward by 12.42 per cent, putting the median house price at nearly a million with $905,000, per figures from Property Market Updates. In such a competitive market, Morningside properties were quick to disappear from the listings, spending an average of just 36 days on market. During this period, 190 houses were sold to new owners.

Industry experts said that the suburb’s gentrification over the years, as it catches up to its neighbours Bulimba and Balmoral, has been behind the demand in Morningside and the market is showing no signs of cooling off just yet.

Many homes are ripe for upgrades and renovations at a lower price range than other blue-chip suburbs in Brisbane’s east, making Morningside more attainable and attractive to first home buyers, professionals, and families.

Over at David Street, a breathtaking Queenslander with recent upgrades to the kitchen landed the highest sale price for this period at $2,012,000. The house standing on a 475-square metre lot is perfectly situated around local transports, lifestyle and leisure amenities, and schools like Morningside State School and St Oliver Plunkett School.

Unit Market

The number of units, semi-detached houses, townhouses, or duplexes have increased in Morningside in recent years, owing to the many developments in the area. Over 60 per cent of the residents are renters or unit dwellers who work in the warehouses and logistic companies servicing the Port of Brisbane and the airport.

Whilst some unit markets in Brisbane have had minimal increases in the 12-month period ending September 2021, Morningside has experienced a growth of 6.43 per cent. There were 349 properties sold during this period with an average market listing of 53 days. The median unit price is currently at $530,000, still very affordable compared to other properties in nearby locales.

About Morningside

Transition is not new to Morningside, which started out as an agricultural land before its industrial development after the war. Today, its industrialised areas are still significant to the suburb but there are now plenty of new builds and residential choices, especially along Wynnum Road. This precinct has also boomed into a shopping hub with a lot of trendy cafes and retail stores for the residents to enjoy.

The area is divided by a train track where Queenslander houses in large blocks are higher-priced on one side, whilst modern million-dollar homes with wonderful views of the city are on the other side.

Despite the changes, Morningside still has that village feel as residents enjoy and converge in many facilities that are within their reach. This suburb boasts of an active community garden, the Beelarong Community Farm, which is managed by volunteers. It’s a fantastic way for the locals to build connections, strong friendships, and community ties.

“So far so good! Lived in the area since 2008 and haven’t looked back. A great number of cafes and plenty to do for the kids. We have multiple markets run throughout that year and multiple parks for the kids to roam. And if you get bored you can watch an AFL game on the weekend.”
Camtelfer

“You can’t find a better price to be 6km from the city, surrounded by suburbs that are far more expensive. Close to everything. Still needs a few upgrades, but all in all, couldn’t be happier. Great cafe’s/restaurants popping up. You won’t find better value for money if you want to be close to the city/action.”
Jamessh58

“We moved from Kangaroo Point to Morningside when we started a family. My partner wasn’t too sure about the move but 18 months later, we are still here and very happy with the move. We like the fact it is close to public transport (trains and buses), close to shops, Dr surgery and Hawthorne Park. It’s only 5km from the city too. It’s a quiet area but you do get planes flying over (you get used to that).”
Amanda Ridge

Morningside Businesses Team Up To Feed Hungry Families

Queensland’s largest hunger-relief charity Foodbank, whose distribution centre is based in Morningside has partnered with the Australian Consumer Choice (ACC) to deliver much-need protein to hungry families during the global pandemic.

Read: Morningside State School Gets New Building After Devastating Fire

ACC, a longstanding, family-owned cattle and beef company known for providing high-quality meat products to domestic and export markets, serves as the national donor to Foodbank.

They ensure no products go unnecessarily to waste, providing donations of surplus, mislabelled or underweight products so those experiencing food insecurity can have access to protein. Since the start of 2020, ACC had donated more than 30,000 kilograms of meat products, providing the equivalent of almost 56,000 meals.

“Our Brisbane food processing facility at Cannon Hill is literally just up the road from Foodbank Queensland’s Morningside distribution centre,” said ACC Chief Executive Officer Anthony Lee in a media release.

Foodbank’s QLD centre at Morningside (Photo supplied)

Foodbank Australia General Manager, National Supply Chain, Michael Davidson, said meat was not a product that traditionally came to Foodbank in significant or regular volume, yet it was an important source of protein for families, regardless of their financial situation.

“Our partnership with ACC has the added advantage of proximity, which means it’s just a 4-minute drive from Foodbank QLD to pick up their donations,” said Mr Davidson.

Mr Davidson said this is a great example of like-minded organisations in Brisbane’s southeast working together for a good cause to provide much-needed food relief supplies, including protein for the Foodbank network and the local charities to distribute.

Foodbank Hunger Drive

Every September, Foodbank observes the Foodbank Hunger Drive month, which raises awareness of the 1 in 5 Queenslanders who face hunger each year and often don’t know where their next meal is coming from. This month also marks the second anniversary of ACC’s national support for Foodbank Australia. To learn more about this initiative, visit Foodbank’s Hunger Drive website.

Morningside Hearing Specialist Says Masks May Be Making it Harder for Sufferers of ‘Silent Epidemic’

Photo Credit: Pixnio

What can the hearing impaired do when masking mandates or social distancing rules are in place and it becomes challenging to communicate with other people because they can no longer lip-read? Innovative solutions, the creative use of technology, and audiology professionals such as those from Total Hearing and Health Morningside can make life under the ‘new normal’ easier for the hearing impaired.

As Australia battles the long shadow of Covid-19 in the midst of a global pandemic, mask mandates, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders highlight the challenges that beset people suffering from hearing loss, the ‘silent epidemic’ that currently affects millions in the country.

Now, more than ever, visual cues have become important. Mask companies and creative entrepreneurs have innovated to come up with clever solutions like mask pins and transparent panels on masks to facilitate lip-reading.

Technology has become the great equaliser. Speech-to-text phone apps are widely used for communication among the hearing impaired to maintain protection and enable them to have proper conversations. “Make sure you hold the phone close to the speaker and ask them to articulate clearly,” a Morningside specialist suggested.

Notepad apps on smartphones can also come in handy. In a pinch, good ol’ fashioned pen and paper is always useful.

‘Silent Epidemic’

According to the Australian Department of Health, 3.6 million Australians suffer from some form of hearing loss and 1.3 million live with hearing conditions.

Despite having to deal with this ‘silent epidemic,’ many people successfully deal with hearing loss, from tinnitus to being completely deaf, and have gone on to live productive and meaningful lives.

John Howard started using hearing devices at age 19 and even had a series of operations to correct and restore his sense of hearing. He went on to become one of Australia’s longest-serving Prime Ministers.

John Howard
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Cindy Lu Fitzpatrick is deaf but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming a bemedalled swimmer who has met and made friends with other hearing-impaired athletes while representing Australia in international competitions.

Being a presenter and journalist, Osher Gunsberg is a familiar face on television and radio. Whilst in his teens, he suffered permanent damage to his ear and in the years since then, felt his hearing decline. This hasn’t stopped him from building a successful career, with the help of his hearing aid.

Medical specialists agree that hearing loss prevention should be an integral aspect of maintaining good health and quality of life, as “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” One of the first steps to better hearing health is to undergo an annual hearing test, especially for those above 50 years old.

Tinnitus, a common problem among 15 to 20 per cent of ageing Australians, can be managed with mindfulness therapies, guided by specialists.

Many hearing issues can be detected and managed with regular check-up, interventions, and monitoring. Actually, 85 percent of hearing loss issues will not require hearing aids or implants.

For most people, the gradual deterioration of their hearing capabilities won’t be obvious until they experience difficulties in conversing with others. The realization could be depressing and difficult to reconcile, especially if their symptoms become more noticeable to close friends and family.

According to Health Direct, hearing loss could become permanent when left undetected. As such, it would be best to get an assessment as early as possible.

Total Hearing and Health

At Total Hearing and Health Morningside, the medical staff understands that addressing hearing loss issues requires patience, experience, and support.

It is part of a network of small, independent, family-focused companies that provide hearing tests and assessments, tinnitus management, and ear cleaning. They conduct a minimum of three appointments per patient to ensure the utmost precision in a patient’s treatment plan.

Ongoing support is also provided to patients for life, especially for those who will need hearing aids. The company provides a helpful selection of hearing aids that suit every need or budget.

For Spring 2021, the centre is offering a “Buy 1 hearing aid and Get 40% off the second” deal for devices with new technology. The offer covers four to five years of warranty for rechargeable devices with Bluetooth iOS or Android functions.

Because Total Hearing and Health is an independent provider, clients could save $1,000 or more on the services, which includes free hearing tests.

To learn more about hearing health risks, check with Know Your Noise, an initiative funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, or book an appointment with Total Hearing and Health’s Morningside centre. Enquiries can be made at 1300 415 718. Home service appointments are also available.

Book an Appointment

Cowch To Open New Dessert Factory In Morningside

Photo credit: Cowch/Facebook

Cowch, known as one of the most innovative bars in Brisbane for bringing together creative cocktails and desserts, will soon open a dessert factory in Morningside.

Read: Low n Slow Meat Co to Open New Morningside Butcher Shop

They will make more than 80 percent of their desserts onsite, from their gelatos and brownies to their mixes and syrups. The facility will not be open to the public directly. The desserts will be supplied to their outlets throughout Brisbane and Gold Coast.

The company has invested $2.54 million to buy and fit out a commercial production kitchen at the new Cowch headquarters, with a vision of growing its franchise. Founded by Arif Memis and his wife Havva, Cowch first opened in South Bank in 2014 as “Queensland’s first dessert cocktail bar,” and after just five years, has expanded by launching their franchise business. Now they have locations in Chermside and Garden City and another one at Broad Beach.

The dessert bar is best known not just for its heavenly treats and cocktails but also for its “mocktails,” or drinks garnished with sweets such as fairy floss, lollipop, sprinkles, and sherbet.

Cowch in Broadbeach (Photo credit: Cowch/Facebook)

A team of Australian pastry chefs will manage the new Cowch headquarters in Brisbane, including Nicole Bashinsky, head pastry chef at Eagle Street Pier’s Aria for over 13 years and Rhian Shellshear, executive pastry chef at Buffalo Club, Quay, Adriano Zumbos and various Michelin starred restaurants in Sweden.

Cowch wants to take the dessert experience to the next level by launching three more million-dollar venues in Australia. The new headquarters in Morningside will open on 18 October 2021.

Michael Hill Jewellers to Move Headquarters to Cannon Hill

Specialty retailer Michael Hill Jewellers is planning to move its headquarters to a new purpose-built site in Cannon Hill, which will house its main offices, production and manufacturing departments, and distribution facility.

The company has signed a 10-year lease for a 3,520 square metre space acquired by the Ironside Group in August 2021. The jewellery company’s staff of 250 are currently at a smaller headquarters in Murrarrie, which has been the home of Michael Hill Jewellers for nearly two decades.

According to Daniel Bracken, the jeweller’s chief executive, the new site is anticipated to entice more talents to join their creative, marketing, and merchandising departments. The move also presents an opportunity for the company to work with a sought-after architectural firm and developer that will incorporate Michael Hill’s desire for a collaborative working environment.

Ironside Group bought the property from Anthony Johns Group for $36 million. In 2013, Anthony Johns Group developed the commercial spaces next door on 38 Southgate Avenue, Cannon Hill.

The development application has not yet been lodged with Brisbane City Council but construction has been projected to finish by mid-2022 with the staff moving into the premises later that year.

Michael Hill Jewellers is an international brand with over 300 stores across the globe. Founded by Mr Hill and his wife, Christine, the company started in New Zealand in 1979 and opened 10 stores in Australia by the 1980s. With most of their sales coming from Australia, The Hills made Brisbane their headquarters.