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.
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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
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.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
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).”
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.
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Ashley Lawrence
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.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Naomi Grace
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.
Photo Credit: Ruby Wallau
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.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
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.
Photo Credit: Direct Media/StockSnap
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.
Photo Credit: Total Hearing and Health
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.
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.
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.
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.
Emotional, lyrical, and expressive — there’s nothing quite like the blues and Shelter Morningside will be showcasing the best Brisbane’s musicians in this genre in its inaugural Mini Blues Fest.
If you enjoy listening to deep and moving songs incorporated with instrumentation, you shouldn’t miss Shelter Morningside’s inaugural Mini Blues Fest. Happening on Sunday, 22 Aug 2021, from 12:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m, this entertaining event will cover eight hours of music.
On this day, the parking area at Shelter Morningside will be transformed into a fantastic venue where Brad Palmer, Taylor Made, Dishpan Hands, Slow Cooker, and Ellie Jane Band will perform.
There will be a carpark bar and a wide range of meals and drinks, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the music with heaps of food and refreshments. A corner for kids and dogs to play will also be set up for this weekend’s family event.
The Mini Blues Fest was mounted to support local musicians amidst the challenging lockdowns. Tickets cost $10 only (excluding the booking fee) but the kids may get in for free.
Photo Credit:ShelterMorningside/Google Maps
Shelter Morningside opened in early 2021 as an amazing and spacious venue for enjoying live music, great food, and 16 taps of Aussie Craft Beers. Follow their Facebook page for updates on opening hours, schedules of performances, and other events.
Well-known barista and cafe owner Dragan Sestic and his family have been excited to bring Balkan cuisine to Morningside through Kasina, a cafe by day and restaurant by night. But only a day after the restaurant opened, the Sestics had to close again because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Kasina, which has space to seat about 65 people, faces a whole new challenge as an impact of the pandemic. They can only accept a limited number of guests at the moment due to Covid-19 restrictions. To keep the business afloat, they quickly pivoted to takeaway.
The Sestics, who are veterans in the hospitality business being the owners of Brisbane’s popular artisan coffee roastery Dramanti, were hesitant to try takeaways at first. But despite the fact that the restaurant isn’t familiar to locals, they received an enormous interest in takeaway and delivery. Now, they are overwhelmed with the positive response they have been receiving from the community.
Photo credit: Kasina/Facebook
“Our amazing supporters have expressed a strong desire for takeout / pickup, so we have heeded their request! We will also provide delivery services to all surrounding suburbs. So…let us try once more to open this kitchen,” Kasina shared in a Facebook post.
“Just tried for the first time and the food was amazing, delivery service friendly. Will be going plenty of times for sure. Highly recommend!” said one customer.
Housed in the former location of Nobunaga Japanese restaurant along Wynnum Road, Kasina specialises in Balkan food, particularly dishes from Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia. Some of the food on offer include cevapi –grilled Serbian sausages served with lepinja bread (Serbian flatbread), kajmak (cheese-like cream), and onion; sarma or stuffed cabbage leaves with beef and rice; and cured meats and cheese. As for drinks, guests can expect Turkish coffee alongside their signature blend.
Photo credit: Kasina/Facebook
If not for the restrictions, Kasina would have offered acoustic Balkan music on Saturday nights as guests feast on Balkan-inspired dishes. They also planned to offer a range of wines and beers, including rajika, a fruit brandy made from the distillation of fermented fruit that is popular in the Balkans.
Photo credit: Kasina/Facebook
But for now, they put more focus on takeaway. Kasina does not want to compromise the quality of their food, so they had to reduce the menu offering to items that they believe are suitable for delivery. They are open for online pickup or delivery from Wednesday to Sunday. Those who are planning to visit Kasina are encouraged to book online. For further information about booking and pickup/delivery service, visit Kasina’s website or follow them on Facebook.
More than two years after Morningside State School’s heritage building was destroyed by fire, the school’s community proudly welcomes a $6.5-million, three-storey learning centre in its place.Â
The entire community helped with the design and masterplan of the new centre, which houses six classrooms, a music room, practice room and green space.Â
Education Minister Grace Grace led the official opening of the new building, along with Di Farmer, Member for Bulimba, who congratulated students, staff, and parents on their resilience.
In October 2018, fire gutted a six-classroom, heritage-listed building at Morningside State School. Apart from the classrooms, the music room, books, and resources were all destroyed.
“While the fire was a tragedy for the whole community, it proved that the Morningside State School spirit was well and truly alive. The wonderful staff, parents and P&C members did whatever was needed to get the school back up and running.
Ms Grace also thanked Balmoral State High School for immediately offering to accommodate the students and staff whilst the damage was cleared. Whilst Morningside State School was designing the new centre, temporary classrooms for the children were installed.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this school community,” said Ms Grace, who thanked everyone at the school, P&C and the Education Department for their hard work in making this building come to life.
Morningside State School Principal Sheryl Kennedy said the new building is loved by everyone.
“We have a beautiful new statement building that means children are learning in modern facilities and have extra space for play time,” she said.
“The open green space in the middle of the school is a wonderful gathering space for our children and the community and will be fully utilised in years to come. And the inclusion of lift and pathway in the Green Space has ensured there is now disability access across the school,” Ms Kennedy said.
The new learning centre was completed in November 2020 with the help of builder Kane Constructions. The works were completed earlier than expected and generated a total of 10 local jobs throughout construction.
