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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

Nudgee Recreation Reserve Transformation Gains Momentum as Football QLD Confirms Lease

As the Nudgee Recreation Reserve Improvement Project approaches its final stages, a remarkable display of community empowerment is taking centre stage following the confirmation that Football Queensland will lease the site.

Utilising state-of-the-art sports amenities and community spaces, the unique collaboration between Brisbane City Council and Football Queensland is seen as an exceptional avenue for grassroots engagement.

Initiated by BCC in late April 2022, the Nudgee Recreation Reserve Improvement Project spans an impressive 12.5 hectares. This initiative represented a collaborative effort to repurpose a former landfill into a thriving recreational hub.

“Football Queensland are looking forward to working with our community clubs and schools, creating more places for the local community to play football and deliver more programs to improve the football experience for participants of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, ” Cr Adam Allan said in an announcement made with LM Adrian Schrinner and Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci.

The comprehensive scope of the transformation of the Nudgee Recreation Reserve includes:

shared use sporting fields that will cater to multiple sports including touch football, cricket and soccer
sports field lighting to improve night-time visibility and safety for park users
a new 223-space car park and pathway connections to Nudgee Train Station and Railway Street for easy access
a new clubhouse with change rooms, canteen, storage, meeting rooms and public toilets.
a dog off leash area
BMX track
playground, picnic settings with shelters and barbeque facility
walking/running/cycling path

Targetting completion by December 2023, the project’s timeline remains contingent on weather conditions and on-site progress.

“A huge thank you to the community for your patience while works have been undertaken during the course of the upgrade project. I look forward to keeping the community updated as the works progress towards completion,” Cr Adams said, adding that the steadfast support of the community has been a driving force throughout the transformation of the Nudgee Recreation Reserve.

Published 14-Aug-2023

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

Did you know that there will soon be a new, 60-bed private mental health hospital in Nundah, after plans for a mixed-use development were changed at the last minute?

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

The 8,523 sqm site at 20 Nellie Street in Nundah has now been earmarked for a five-storey building. The original plans included 5,000 sqm of office space and a 954 sqm childcare centre that have now been removed from amended plans submitted to Council.

If approved, the mental health hospital will serve as a sister facility to Belmont Private Hospital, operating in Carina Heights.

Original render (Photo credit: Z Architects)

The proposed hospital is expected to facilitate treatment for low-acute, voluntary in- and out-patients, with high prevalence disorders such as anxiety, depression and addiction.

Existing approval (Photo credit: Z Architects)

“The proposed 60 bed hospital and associated consulting suites forms part of a joint venture between Aurora Healthcare and Medibank, known as IMH, to deliver an innovative integrated private mental health facility that will provide additional health care offerings to aid in meeting the increasing demand for voluntary mental health services across Brisbane,” planners at Urbis stated on behalf of the applicant.

Mental Health Hospital — Amended plans (Photo credit: Z Architects)

“The proposed development has had consideration of the previously approved scheme under construction, and seeks to provide a revitalised outcome for the site based on tenant interest and surrounding operations,” planners added.

As part of the original approved plans by Z Architects, existing industrial sheds were to be refurbished and woven into the development, which also included building two new buildings.

The original Development Approval for a child care centre, indoor sport and recreation facility, office space, and retail shop was granted by the Council on 23 April 2020. The approved design included 185 parking spaces located at ground level and in a single basement level.

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

The developers noted that the proposed changes to the approved uses will not impact the already constructed built form on site, including the approved car parking, access, and servicing.

Published 4-August-2023

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

Anthony, a young man from Nundah, has struggled to find work in the past due to a vision impairment; now he has hope, thanks to a recently completed an internship at Wesley Hospital called Project SEARCH.

Read: Nundah Teen Kate Kindleysides Gets Top Prize at Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns

Twenty-three-year-old Anthony is friendly, bright and bubbly. He has faced challenges finding work before. Past opportunities fell through, leaving Anthony discouraged.

After hearing about Project SEARCH, he felt hopeful that the program could provide him with the workplace skills and confidence needed to finally enter the workforce.

“I had different opportunities in the past but they have all seemed to fall through, I heard about Project SEARCH and I thought this would give me the skills and confidence I need to enter the workforce,” Anthony said.

Project SEARCH partners with local businesses to offer internships to young adults with disabilities. The goal is to develop critical workplace skills and secure pathways to secure competitive, stable, and rewarding employment.

“Project SEARCH graduates benefit from being linked with other service providers that can assist them to retain employment at the completion of the program, such as Disability Employment Services providers.”
UnitingCare

“For the first part of the internship we did classroom learning, where we studied workplace health and safety policies, hospital procedures and how to identify risks and hazards,” Anthony said.

Annelise Oosthuizen, manager of the Day Treatment Unit at Wesley Hospital, has high praise for Anthony’s work as an intern. She expressed that Anthony had become a valued member of her team and that his departure was bittersweet.

“He has been a wonderful addition to our team, we have loved having him here so much, he has learned so quickly and he is always so happy and helpful,” Annelise said.

“The impact he has had on our patients is invaluable, some people can be in here for hours and he brightens their day, we will miss him terribly.”

Anthony has a wide range of interests and skills that he hopes will lead to a customer service role, his dream job. His passion for helping people and interacting with the public would make him a natural fit for customer-facing work.

In addition to his enthusiasm for assisting customers, Anthony is a talented musician and singer. He lends his voice to the Voices of Birralee Choir. He is also trained in Braille reading and he has a love for personal training and fitness.

For Anthony, the Wesley Hospital internship through Project SEARCH has been a game-changer. He has thrived in the hospital environment and made excellent progress in developing practical job skills.

Based on his own positive experience, Anthony enthusiastically recommends Project SEARCH to others seeking internships. He describes the program as a “wonderful opportunity” that he would urge others to pursue.

Read: New ‘Real World Kids’ Book Series Launches First Story on Thomas from Australia

Visit www.unitingcareqld.com.au to learn more about Project SEARCH.

Published 21-July-2023

Toombul Shopping Centre Demolition Approved, Mirvac Commits to Future Retail in Redevelopment Plan

The flood-ravaged Toombul Shopping Centre has been given the green light for demolition, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for the shopping centre in Brisbane’s north.

The demolition process is expected to be a meticulous one, as the derelict structure will be taken down piece by piece rather than through a single blow. The decision comes after the site was left uninhabitable due to extensive flooding in February 2022, leaving lower levels submerged in water, causing severe damage and mould growth.

Mirvac’s development application to demolish all structures on the site was submitted in April 2023, and the Council’s approval on 19th July 2023 now paves the way for the commencement of demolition later this year. The company has not yet disclosed the exact start and completion dates for the demolition.

“We expect demolition to commence later in the year once the considerations noted above have been resolved. We will advise the community when we have a start date. The demolition program is estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete depending on progress and weather conditions,” the company said in a statement.

Before the demolition begins, Mirvac must address several considerations, including the relocation of existing telecommunications towers and coordination with service providers like AirTrain to ensure the safety and efficiency of the demolition work near their infrastructure.

The task presents various complexities and environmental concerns due to the proximity of the creek corridor and residential areas. Mirvac assures the community that they will implement extensive measures to mitigate potential noise, dust, vibration, and traffic impacts.

Toombul’s community will be kept informed throughout the process, with a commitment from Mirvac to minimize impacts on residents and maintain access to nearby roads, bikeways, footpaths, the Kedron Brook bikeway, and the Toombul bus interchange.

What North Brisbane Locals Want

In January 2023, the company had previously sought input from thousands of locals about their preferences for the site’s redevelopment.

“We’re pleased to let you know we received almost 10,000 pieces of incredible feedback that have been carefully considered and will help inform our continued planning for the future of Toombul, along with planning outcomes and commercial considerations,” Mirvac stated.

The company has taken note of three important points from the community:

Shoppers are missing convenient local retail and services.
They want to see retail return to the site as a priority.
The community expects the site to have improved resilience to local flooding.

Respondents also indicated a desire for retail spaces, public green areas, and essential services, such as healthcare. Mirvac has confirmed that these elements will be included in the redesign, along with improved flood mitigation measures.

Mirvac’s vision for the site includes a focus on retail in any future plans. However, specific details, such as the inclusion of a supermarket, theatre, or major retailer, have not been ironed out. Concept plans and a master plan are expected to be made available for community review by the end of 2023.

As the demolition planning progresses, Mirvac pledges to keep the community informed with ongoing updates and provides an option for residents to receive direct email updates about the future demolition program by registering online.

The redevelopment of Toombul Shopping Centre holds the promise of revitalizing the area and providing much-needed retail amenities for the local community. With cautious and diligent planning, Mirvac aims to turn the flood-ravaged site into a vibrant and thriving hub once again.

Follow updates about the redevelopment via the Toombul Renewal official site.

Published 20-July-2023