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Karise Eden Returns to Nundah, Her Former Home, for a Special Performance

Karise Eden, the inaugural winner of “The Voice Australia” in 2012, is set to make a triumphant return to Nundah, her former home, as she gears up for a special performance at the Royal Hotel Nundah.

On Saturday, 28 Oct 2023, the Royal Hotel will be abuzz with excitement as it unveils its new live music room, and the local community is eagerly awaiting Karise’s performance.

A Special Gig for Karise Eden

This homecoming gig holds immense significance for Karise, who has spent the past year touring the East Coast relentlessly. For the artist, who has seamlessly transitioned from reality show fame to a successful recording and touring career, it is a heartwarming experience to be back where it all began.

Karise’s connection to the Royal Hotel goes beyond her upcoming performance. She has a history with the venue, having once worked behind the bar.

Nowadays, she can be spotted there as a regular patron, often dining with her husband and two adorable children. Her roots in the community run deep, after moving to Brisbane in 2016. No doubt, she’s excited to be part of the pub’s new live music room launch.

A Remarkable Journey in Music

Karise’s career has seen her excel in various music genres, from blues to soul, rock to power pop, and country to Americana. She has been compared to the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, thanks to her distinctive voice and emotive performances.

Her 2022 indie release, “Into The Black,” features an AIR No. 1 single, and her solo performances are an eclectic blend of original songs and reimagined classics. With a musical journey that continues to evolve, she remains a compelling force in the Australian music scene.

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Karise Eden’s Journey from Fame to Self-discovery

While Karise has enjoyed remarkable success in her music career, she has also faced her share of personal challenges. After her success on “The Voice,” the 31-year-old artist, known for her powerful and soulful voice, has achieved multiple ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records, and even secured top positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.

However, there was one aspect of her life where she felt a void – her education. Karise dropped out of school at just 13 and entered foster care. Despite her success as an artist, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy because she lacked a formal education. The industry’s pressures and expectations exacerbated her insecurity, with some people in the business world treating her unfairly due to her perceived lack of education.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Karise found herself without a source of income, prompting her to reevaluate her life’s direction. In her pursuit of personal growth and self-rediscovery, she decided it was time to complete her high school education. The artist took a significant step by enrolling in the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) course at a Queensland TAFE, aiming for graduation in Easter 2024.

Karise’s determination has seen her excel in her studies, proving that it’s never too late to return to education. She is juggling her studies with a bustling career, public speaking, running a business, and raising children. Her story echoes the common experience of many adults who have faced obstacles in their education, highlighting the importance of flexible adult learning opportunities.

Her motivation extends beyond personal growth. She’s eager to set an example for her children and break the cycle of abuse through perseverance and determination.

Published 21-Oct-2023

60-Bed Mental Health Facility Proposed for Nundah

Did you know that a new 60-bed mental health hospital has been proposed for Nundah, aiming to address the growing demand for dedicated mental health facilities in Brisbane.

Read: Indoor Sport and Recreation, Medical Centre, and Child Care Centre at Nellie Street in Nundah Proposed

The proposed development, a joint venture between healthcare providers Aurora and Medibank known as IMH, would be located at 20 Nellie Street on a 10,590 square metre site.

The mental health facility is planned as the centrepiece of a larger health and wellness hub spanning five buildings. In addition to the mental health building, the hub would include space for further health services, food and drink, offices, and indoor sports.

Artist’s impression of mixed-use building (Photo credit: Z Architects)

Designed by Z Architects, the complex is envisioned between two and five storeys tall, with 214 parking spaces to accommodate patients and staff.

Mental Health — Photo credit: Z Architects

According to planning documents, the hospital would operate 24/7, with peak activity from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily for admissions, appointments, visiting hours, and deliveries. Patient care would be overseen by psychiatrists, with voluntary admissions and personalised treatment plans.

Developers note that patients accessing mental health services are often outwardly functioning members of the community, seeking support, therapy and education. They emphasise that private facilities like the proposed hospital provide essential specialised care within the broader health system.

The Nundah site already has approval for a material change of use, granted in 2020. The defined land uses for the existing application include an Indoor Sport and Recreation Office, Shop, and Child Care Centre.

The amended application has removed the Child Care Centre in place of a Food and Drink Outlet, and has added the Hospital and the Health Care Services land uses.

Construction is said to be largely complete on the approved buildings and layout, meaning the proposed shift to mental health services would not require significant additional changes to the site.

Backers hope the project can complement nearby Belmont Hospital and expand access to quality mental health treatment in the region. If approved, the facility would be one of Australia’s few private psychiatric hospitals, catering to demand for more dedicated mental health infrastructure and expertise.

Read: Banyo Clinic Doctor Honoured as GP Supervisor of the Year

Published 11-October-2023

Northgate Manufacturer Chair Solutions Gets a Seat at the MiQ Table

Photo Credit: Queensland Government / statements.qld.gov.au

Northgate manufacturer Chair Solutions is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities, thanks to a sizeable Made in Queensland (MiQ) grant.

Chair Solutions was among the first Round 5 recipients of the MiQ grant that saw 33 applications formally receiving an offer of funding. The funds will allow Chair Solutions to acquire new equipment and cut production time.

Chair Solutions produces seating used in offices, hospitals, waiting rooms, and schools. The acquisition of new production equipment will allow the company to bid for large-scale projects, reduce production costs and decrease production time by up to 40% as well as increase their workforce to 38 from the current 26, adding 12 new full-time staff over the next five years.

“Made in Queensland gives manufacturers, just like Chair Solutions, the practical and financial support they need to grow their business and create more jobs,” Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said.

“This is a local manufacturer who is embracing Industry 4.0 and growing the business to become even more competitive nationally and internationally.”

Member for Nudgee, Leanne Linard, congratulated Chairs Solutions and stressed that that grant will be a game-changer for the company, “helping them expand their workforce and boost their services.”

“This new equipment and training for staff will enable us to pursue larger contracts and continue our strong growth record,” Chair Solutions Managing Director, Carl Davies said.

“We’ve had strong growth in hospitals recently, providing almost 25,000 chairs to the Sunshine Coast Hospital, Lady Cilento Hospital and the Gold Coast University Hospital.

“Our core business is offices but we also provide chairs to stadiums and recently provided soft seating and removable seating to the Cowboys Stadium.

“The Made in Queensland grant will enable us to scale our business and grow our capacity so that we can be successful with large-scale contracts.”

The MiQ grants program has created and supported more than 5,900 jobs and generated more than $110 million in private sector investment since 2017. Over the next five years, an additional 9,500 jobs will be created and supported whilst $190 million will be generated in private sector investment.

The MiQ program is part of the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan.

Round 6 is slated to open in October 2023.

Published 26-September-2023

Growing Precincts Together: Banyo Precinct

Have you heard about the Growing Precincts Together Program? This Council initiative aims to provide hands-on support to shopping precincts, such as the Banyo precinct, to help businesses attract more visitors.

Each year, local businesses in key shopping centres get help promoting and activating their precincts, making their place an attractive destination for shoppers.

Among other objectives, the Growing Precincts Together program aims to help build a sense of community within the precinct as well as increase opportunities for local businesses to connect and collaborate. The program will also help businesses in the area develop a common language about their precinct, including the identity of the location and what is on offer.

The program will also support local businesses, increase the number of events, activities and promotions in their area as well as help attract new visitors and encourage visitors to stay longer and return for more shopping opportunities.

The program involves:

business/vacancy assessments
a survey to gather feedback and ideas about the precinct
a precinct launch event
precinct connection opportunities
hands-on support from Council to Promote, Support, Refresh and Activate the precinct
regular e-newsletter updates to businesses.

Businesses, workers and customers were invited to participate in a survey last September, to help Council collect feedback about the precinct and the things that they value most about the location.

Later, there will be an opportunity to hear from Council’s Economic Growth and Activation Team about the Council’s analysis of the precinct and the survey feedback via a launch event for the program.

BCC will then work with the Banyo retail precinct to implement initiatives falling under the Promote, Support, Refresh, and Activate. The strategy will include an opportunity to take advantage of a range of free one-on-one business support programs aimed at helping businesses attract new visitors to the precinct.

Similar initiatives were also launched for Rosalie Village and Racecourse Road. For more about the program or feedback about the Banyo retail precinct, please feel free to email the Council’s Economic Growth and Activation team or contact the Council’s business hotline at 133 BNE (133 263).

Published 5-October-2023

Banyo Clinic Doctor Honoured as GP Supervisor of the Year

Dr Craig Morris of Banyo Clinic has been named GP Supervisor of the Year for Queensland by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Awards.

Read: Mental Health Hospital to Replace Planned Childcare and Office in Last-Minute Change to Nundah Development

This prestigious honour recognises Dr Morris’ outstanding work training and guiding the next generation of general practitioners.

Having practised medicine for over three decades, Dr Morris has provided care to patients since 1993. His special interests include chronic disease management, caring for patients with special needs, general medicine, and minor procedures.

Banyo Clinic — Dr Morris (Photo credit: banyoclinic.com.au)

Dr Morris takes a holistic approach to caring for his patients, coordinating support from various providers to best serve their health needs.

After graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Morris gained extensive medical experience across Queensland and Western Australia. He worked in Mackay and flew with the Royal Flying Doctor Service before settling at the long-standing Banyo Clinic.

As Queensland’s GP Supervisor of the Year, Dr Morris joins other top GPs honoured across Australia by the RACGP Awards, including Dr Kuinileti Chang Wai from Beenleigh who was named GP of the year.

To see the full list of winners this year, visit racgp.org.au.

About the RACGP

Since its founding in 1958, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has grown to become the leading representative body for general practitioners in Australia.

With over 41,000 members, the RACGP represents the interests of the vast majority of GPs across the country. Significantly, more than 9,500 RACGP members serve rural and remote communities, helping to ensure access to primary care even in isolated parts of Australia.

Read: How Project SEARCH Helped Young Man from Nundah Gain Valuable Work Experience

After over 60 years, the RACGP continues to support GPs at all stages of their careers and advocate for the role of quality general practice in the wider health system.

Published 21-September-2023

Beloved Nundah Mechanic Peter Scott Retires & Closes Pete’s Garage After 41 Years

Photo Credit: Pete's Garage/Facebook

Peter Scott, a beloved mechanic from Nundah, has announced his retirement and the closure of his iconic garage, Pete’s Garage, after serving the community for over four decades. The bittersweet decision comes as Mr Scott eagerly anticipates the arrival of his first grandchild and reflects on a successful career that has left an indelible mark on the community.

Mr Scott first opened the doors of Pete’s Garage back in 1982 when he was a young mechanic of 25. He started with a humble workshop at a service station in Wavell Heights. As his reputation for quality work grew, he eventually took over the petrol sales at the station. In 1995, he relocated the business to its current location in Nundah, where it has thrived ever since.

Originally from England, Mr Scott moved to Brisbane at the age of 17 and completed his mechanic apprenticeship at the Grange Caltex. Throughout his career, he has built a legacy of exceptional service and craftsmanship.

Just months away from his 67th birthday, Mr Scott is preparing to retire on 29 Sept 2023 with mixed emotions. His pride in his work is evident as he reminisces about customers who have been loyal to him for the entire 40 years, even extending to their children’s and grandchildren’s cars.

Pete’s Garage has earned a sterling reputation for customer satisfaction throughout Nundah and the surrounding areas. The team recently took to Facebook to announce the closure.

Looking ahead to retirement, Mr Scott is excited about the new chapter that awaits him. He will become a grandfather for the first time as his daughter Elle, who works at the garage’s reception, is expecting her first child.

Additionally, since he is an avid snorkeller, Mr Scott has plans to explore Australia, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory topping his list of destinations. He expressed his enthusiasm for snorkelling in the beautiful Australian waters.

Published 20-Sept-2023

Food, Art, and Entertainment Galore as the Nundah Festival Returns

Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival

It’s that time of year again! The Nundah Festival is back as Sandgate Road transforms into a vibrant hub of food, live music, entertainment, stalls, bands, rides and so much more.

The festival will take place on Sandgate Road, Nundah, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Entry to this event is absolutely free, thanks to the generous support of the Brisbane City Council.

Food, Art, and Entertainment Galore as the Nundah Festival Returns — Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival

A beloved tradition in the community, the Nundah Festival has drawn people from all corners of Brisbane where families, friends and neighbours come together to celebrate the spirit and diversity of Nundah.

Food Galore

If you’re a food enthusiast, you are definitely in for a treat. If you fancy some street food or delectable desserts, or maybe you’re in the mood for international cuisine, expect to find these culinary delights that will surely satisfy every palate.

Shop Till You Drop

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wide range of stalls available, find one-of-a-kind treasures and support local artisans at the festival. Browse through a great selection of handmade crafts, jewellery, fashion and much more.

Meanwhile, a lineup of talented local artists and bands will grace the festival stage to provide the perfect backdrop for a day of epic shopping, great food, and entertainment.

Thrilling Rides and Games

Don’t forget to bring along the young ones for some adrenaline rush and add an extra dose of excitement to their day. Kids will have a blast enjoying the rides, games and fun activities specially curated for them.

Nundah Village Art Show

If you’re an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Nundah Village Art Show. To be held at the Mitsubishi Showroom on 1308 Sandgate Rd, this event is a celebration of creativity.

Kicking off the art extravaganza is the Art Show Soiree. The exhibit is scheduled for Saturday, 9 September, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. And with a nominal charge of $15 per person, get to witness awe-inspiring artistry as talented showcase their unique creations.

Attendees will also have the chance to witness the announcement of the Norris Motor Group Prize at 6.30 p.m.

Then the artistic festivities continue the following day Sunday, 10 September from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. coinciding with the Nundah Festival Day.

Published 6-September-2023

Prefabricated Concrete Pools by Pinkenba Manufacturer Making Waves Globally

Photo Credit: Plungie Australia / Instagram

Pinkenba-based Plungie is making international waves with its revolutionary approach to prefabricated concrete pools. Fresh from its US expansion via a new manufacturing facility in Texas, Plungie is now gearing up to dive into Canada and Europe.

According to Chief Executive Cameron Levick, Plungie’s footprint now spans from Pinkenba in Brisbane to Kilmore in Victoria, with a strategic presence in Alvarado, Texas, to cater to the thriving US market. Notably, a developer in Washington State has already ordered 200 pools for a lakeside villa project, with their construction team finding the process straightforward. This contrasts with the potential frustration of dealing with 200 traditional on-site concrete or fibreglass pools.

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A post shared by Plungie Australia (@plungie.australia)

He added that there were also inquiries from Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Poland, signalling an impending entry into the European market next year. Canada is also on the list, potentially by the end of this year or early next year.

For Mr Levick, concrete pools have always been synonymous with premium quality compared to fibreglass or vinyl alternatives. This is why in 2018, the visionary founders of Plungie launched a line of prefabricated concrete pools that can be immediately transported to the site, installed and ready for a swim in no time at all, complete with all the lighting and specialised coating.

What it means to builders is gaining full control and cost management as it eliminates the need to rely on third-party contractors for pool installation or construction. Architects also love how simple it is to include Plungie pools in designs using digital tools. Plungie pools are very customizable, with six different colours, sizes, and installation choices. They also provide raw coping tiles for maximum creative freedom.

Plungie’s success in international exports got a boost through the support of Trade Investment Queensland. Mr Levick said that TIQ’s connections with so many industries have proven to be very valuable for a company like theirs that is looking to expand to other markets.

Published 1-September-2023

Father’s Day Idea: Visit the Brisbane Motor Museum in Banyo

Father’s Day marks one of the last few days to view “The Cars We Grew Up With,” an exhibition at the Brisbane Motor Museum in Banyo that showcases vehicles many GenX parents and older will remember from their own childhoods.

Read: Historic Royal Hotel in Nundah Receives Major Makeover, Opens New Entertainment Venue

A toe-tapping musical celebration also awaits families who will come visit on September 3. The day kicks off with cars and coffee, featuring breakfast fare and quality coffee in the museum’s motoring-themed cafe, located on the corner of Tufnell and Nudgee Road.

Visitors can also enjoy live music from The Swingalicious Big Band, who will be playing favourite tunes from the 1930s-50s in the Museum Foyer. The 17-piece jazz ensemble provides the perfect soundtrack as attendees browse the museum’s impressive collection of vintage and classic vehicles from bygone eras.

Photo credit: Brisbane Motor Museum/Facebook

So round up your dad, grandpa, or that special father figure in your life and take a drive down memory lane this Sunday, 3 September 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. With live jazz, coffee, and access to Brisbane’s newest automotive museum, it will be a Fathers’ Day to remember.

Visit Brisbane Motor Museum’s website to learn more about the event.

About the Brisbane Motor Museum

Classic car enthusiasts now have a new destination to indulge their passion. The Brisbane Motor Museum opened its doors in June 2023, providing a showcase for vintage and historic automobiles.

Housed in a spacious facility, the museum boasts rotating exhibits that will change every three to four months. Plans are already underway for future exhibitions, including a showcase of artworks related to automobiles. The museum will also pay tribute to historic accomplishments of Australian car clubs.

In addition to the museum space, the facility includes a club room for car club gatherings, a library of automotive books and manuals, and a cafe. Food, coffee, and soft drinks will be available for visitors.

Read: Banyo Selected for ‘Growing Precincts Together’ Initiative

The Brisbane Motor Museum is located at 959 Nudgee Road, Banyo and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Under-cover parking is available for visitors driving their modern day cars to the museum.

Published 31-August-2023

Historic Royal Hotel in Nundah Receives Major Makeover, Opens New Entertainment Venue

Photo Credit: RoyalHotelNundah/Facebook

After an extensive $1.1-million renovation, the historic Royal Hotel in Nundah has reopened, revealing a transformation that blends heritage with modernisation and introducing a brand-new, state-of-the-art entertainment venue on the upper floor, aptly named the Royal Quarters.

Originally established in 1888, the Royal Hotel has long been a beloved fixture in the Northside community, catering to generations of beer enthusiasts. The venue has now gone full circle, reclaiming its original name as part of the refurbishment process.

The centrepiece of the revitalisation is the Royal Quarters, a spacious entertainment area on the upper floor with a capacity to host up to 200 patrons.

The versatile space promises a diverse lineup of entertainment options throughout the week, including live music performances, comedy nights, piano bar sessions, and even bingo on Sundays.

This multi-purpose area aims to provide a platform for local talent while offering residents and visitors an inviting space to unwind and enjoy.

The new Royal Quarters also offers unique booth seating for 40 guests. The booth space is ideal for smaller gatherings, with booths offering some privacy within the larger confines of the iconic Quarters.

Several other function rooms and areas, offering both cocktail-style and seating arrangements, are available for up to 250 guests.

FUNCTION ROOMS

In addition to the Royal Quarters, the hotel’s ground floor has also received a comprehensive makeover. The bistro and terrace area have been revamped to create a family-friendly dining space, accommodating up to 120 diners.

VIEW THE MENU

The new menu, which blends classic pub fare with seasonal dishes, boasts a variety of tantalizing options, ranging from Moreton Bay bug rolls and pan-seared barramundi to a delectable baked brie cheesecake.

The renovation project paid careful attention to preserving the Royal Hotel’s historical façade, which has been a staple of the Nundah streetscape for over a century. Architectural firm Mel Porter Design masterfully merged traditional elements with contemporary design, breathing new life into the beloved establishment.

new bistro — Photo Credit: RoyalHotelNundah/Facebook

new gaming room — Photo Credit: RoyalHotelNundah/Facebook

BOOK A TABLE

The Royal Hotel’s refurbishment is part of Australian Venue Co’s larger initiative to rejuvenate iconic establishments across Brisbane and Queensland. Craig Ellison, Chief Operating Officer of Australian Venue Co, emphasized the company’s commitment to honouring the pub’s heritage while creating a modern space that the community can take pride in.

Follow updates of shows and events at Royal Quarters via their Facebook page and for everything else about Royal Hotel, visit their official site to see what’s on at the bistro, bar and gaming areas.

Published 25-Aug-2023