Murrarie Archives - Page 2 of 2

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.”

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.

Drones to Catch Hoons to be Deployed Following Gateway Bridge Incident in Murrarie

Traffic cops have long witnessed hooning on the Gateway Bridge. This dangerous escapade on the bridge linking Murrarie and Eagle Farm will soon be contained with the help of a fleet of hi-tech, airborne surveillance drones.

In its bid to reinforce and strengthen its crackdown on hooning activities, the Queensland Police Services (QPS) has invested in covert drones to catch more offenders on the road. Officers are currently under training to learn how to become drone pilots as the agency increases its crime-fighting tools.

In Gold Coast, drones have been a successful part of Operation Tango Vinyl, which has led to the arrest of 99 individuals who were charged for dangerous driving. More than 20 vehicles were also seized whilst 400 people were issued infringement notices.

Highlights

Queensland Police Services is preparing to launch a fleet of drones to tackle hooning across the region.
Officers have been undergoing training to become drone pilots.
Drones have been effective in Gold Coast, where the QPS conducted Operation Tango Vinyl, which led to the arrest of 99 offenders.

Meanwhile, a QPS spokesperson said that video of the hooning incident in Gateway Bridge led to the arrest of motorists who were also charged for not wearing a seatbelt and for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The cops are also investigating a lead into another vehicle that dangerously drove on the bridge. Its hooning video has gone viral on social media.

@hootr7
##infamous ##skids ##brisbane ##gateway ##FTP
♬ original sound – rarehoot

“These changes will provide police with enhanced flexibility when dealing with gatherings of hoons,” Police Minister Mark Ryan following the announcement of the QPS’ investment in these drones.

“For example, if dozens of cars were hooning in a particular location, police would be able to use these new hi-tech cameras to capture images of all the vehicles. The high-resolution images would allow police to identify each vehicle, and then proceed to take action against the registered owner unless the owner could demonstrate they weren’t driving at the time.

“The expanded laws would apply to a greater range of traffic offences caught on camera. An offender would no longer be able to avoid prosecution by simply masking their identities and denying they had been behind the wheel.

“There’s no apology for targeting these reckless drivers.”

Kerry Foods Murarrie to More Open Jobs for New Food & Technology Centre

More job opportunities will soon open up at global food brand Kerry Foods as it plans to create a new food and technology centre at its Murarrie facility.

The Irish company is expected to hire some 55 new workers, who will join the current 190 employees at the east Brisbane site. Kerry Foods is also moving its Australia and New Zealand headquarters from Sydney to Brisbane in a bid to ramp up its presence in this region. However, the Sydney facility will still be retained as a research and development hub.

Kerry Australia and New Zealand General Manager Christine Giuliano said that the new food and technology centre will be in line with the company’s goals to innovate and create more value for the benefit of their millions of consumers.

The Murrarie team is expected to work with the company’s expansive R & D networks around the world and provide local suppliers access to global industries to “ultimately deliver exciting products that resonate with the local market.”

Along with generating new products, the Murrarie facility will also help cut down the time it takes to bring the products to the customers in Australia, where the grocery sector is the largest manufacturing sector with a $50 billion annual turnover.

Ms Guiliano also said that they will create an employment program for Queensland graduates in partnership with universities.

“We are committed to investing in local talent and developing the next generation of Australian food scientists. Considering Queensland’s alignment with Kerry’s growth strategies, we are looking forward to supporting a strong, sustainable and critical food and beverage manufacturing sector in the region,” the general manager’s statement read.

Kerry Foods increased its investment in Queensland because of the state government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund.

Rising Murrarie Star Eager to Compete in the Paralympics

Patrick O’Brien, a Murrarie swimmer with autism, is well on the way towards a bright future competing in the Paralympics.

Patrick, a 17-year-old with autism and an intellectual disability, swims with Carina Leagues CJ’s Swim Club. He has already won numerous medals throughout his career, competing in the multiclass events from State to National level.

With the aid of his support worker under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, he trains six days a week and enters swimming competitions fortnightly. His journey first began five years ago after attending ‘Learn to Swim’ lessons for the Special Olympics at the age of 12.

“We always wanted him to learn how to swim; he has always loved the water but couldn’t swim,” says Kate Jansons, his mother. “We saw Learn to Swim in Redlands so after a couple of lessons they got him competing. Now he’s on his Paralympics pathway.”

Only three years later and Patrick O’Brien had made it to Nationals, winning three gold medals and one silver medal. During the 2019 World Paralympics trials in Brisbane, he entered the Top 10, and will swim at the Paralympics Trials coming up in Adelaide around June.

Outside of the pool, Patrick receives regular help from his support worker. Much of his hobbies relate to fitness and sporting activities such as athletics and cross-country. “The NDIS has been great at getting him to therapies and into his things, like being able to compete and to keep him safe,” says his mum.

For those interested in learning more about the NDIS, visit their website. Follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest on the services they can provide, as well as any other relevant events, dates, and exciting updates.

This Murrarie Brewery is Giving ‘Pawternity’ Leave to Employees

Pet parenting is no longer a fad. It’s a lifestyle embraced by those who consider pets as family and recently opened BrewDog in Murrarie is recognising the importance of pets as it extends Pawternity Leave benefits to its employees.

The Scottish brewery and pub chain, which opened its first site in Australia in Murrarie in late November 2019, has been implementing its Puppy Parental Leave since 2017. BrewDog Murrarie workers may also avail of the same benefit and get an extra week of paid leave if they adopt or have a new puppy at home.

New furry family members need some time to settle in its new home and BrewDog sees the value of having pet parents around for a puppy’s first few days in a new place.

“We know that welcoming a four-legged arrival to the family is a big commitment,” BrewDog’s pawternity leave policy stated. “Gaining trust, housetraining and working out routines take time so we have decided to make things easy by offering Puppy Leave.”

When the pups are well-adjusted, employees may also bring their furry kids to the brewery.

Per reports, RSPCA Queensland praised BrewDog for this initiative. However, the brewery is not the first company in Australia to offer the perk to its staff. Australia’s largest online pet store, Pet Circle, also has a similar pawternity leave in place.

Pet parental leave is increasingly becoming part of the Australian work culture. Although, some companies might not provide paid provisions. Instead, working hours and leave accommodations may be negotiated with staff superiors but this still ensures the worker a job when they come back from raising and training their furry family members.

Scotland’s BrewDog Opens First Aussie Home in Murrarie

BrewDog, Scotland’s multinational brewery and pub chain, has huge plans of making a splash in the country as it officially opens its first Aussie home in Murrarie on Thursday, the 21st of Nov 2019.

The site at 77 Metroplex Avenue boasts a $30 million state-of-the-art brewery, beer cellar, and a tap bar and restaurant named DogTap with its 28 taps and arcade gaming space. It also has eight fermentation vessels coupled with a 25HL brewing system.

With all these settings in place, BrewDog Murrarie is expected to churn 500,000 litres in its inaugural year. But with so much potential for expansion, there are plans to eventually use this massive facility for brewing beer supplies for Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

The first brewery outside of the U.K. and the U.S., BrewDog Murrarie is also featured with a barrel-ageing facility that will allow its Australian workers “to develop an Australian-exclusive set of wood-aged wonders.” In due time, local beer lovers will be able to enjoy exclusive Queensland-aged Aussie-flavoured hops.

For now, BrewDog Murrarie will be crafting and serving its core products:

Dead Pony Club
Jet Black Heart
Punk IPA
Lost Lager
Zombie Cake
Quench Cake
Indie
Clockwork Tangerine

DogTap will also be serving heaps of locally-made brews, whilst a line-up of Aussie wines, spirits and soft drinks will be on the drink list as well.

Drinks at tap bar and restaurant are best paired with classic beer grubs like burgers, corn-on-a-cob, fries, buffalo wings and hotdogs.

However, BrewDog Murrarie will also serve Brisbane-only favourites like barramundi fritters and Korean-style chicken wings. In addition, the tap bar and restaurant will feature wholesome delights like superfood salads and avocado bowls for customers to enjoy an energizing brunch.

BrewDog Murrarie is a liquor licensed facility and will trade from 12:00 noon to midnight.