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Dexter Kruger, Born in Nundah, Now The Oldest Man in Australia

Dexter Kruger, born in Nundah, has officially become the oldest man in Australia in 2021 at 111 years old.

Born in Nundah on the 13th of January 1910, the 111-year-old Dexter Kruger has officially become the oldest living man in Australia. Over the course of his life, he lived with his siblings at Sheep Station Creek near Kilcoy. He sold cattle at the age of 16 before acquiring his own farmland in his twenties.

In 1942, he married Gladys Beanland and had one child together, Greg. Decades after his wife had passed, he moved into the Pinaroo Roma Nursing Home in Roma, Queensland where he remains to this day.

According to Dexter, his long life came about as a result of his dietary habits. He attributes his longevity to living close to nature, eating whatever he grew in the garden, the orchard, or the farm, and living a relatively simple life. He even gave credit to one curious delicacy, chicken brains, for helping him with live long and healthy.

Dexter’s son, Greg Kruger, commented that his simple lifestyle and balanced diet consisted of eating plenty of salt, sugar and fat, and that the period in which he lived and grew up in was a lot less stressful than what society has to offer in modern times. Dexter was content being around horses and cattle rather than chasing after a busy and active life in big cities, and he rarely smoked or drank and he’s never been overweight due to the active lifestyle he lives.

In fact, even Dexter’s cognitive functions seem to be sharper than many residents in his aged care community — even the ones up to 20 years his junior. According to Melanie Calvert, Manager at the Pinaroo Roma Nursing Home aged care facility, his memory is amazing, and that he was strong in the face of adversity which made him sharp and goal-oriented.

Because he drives himself to write books and achieve milestones, his wit never dulls. His passion for writing came about at the age of 86, after the death of his wife in the 1990s. Dexter writes books and poetry to this day at his nursing home, located at 50 Bowen St, Roma.

Brisbane Airport Unveils Plans for New $1 Billion Terminal

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has unveiled plans to build a new and massive airport terminal in North Brisbane, permanently closing the existing international terminal to merge all domestic and international travels into a single billion-dollar facility.

The new L-shaped terminal, to be set on a 250,000 square meter area, will be built parallel to the recently opened runway that will connect to the domestic terminal. The facility will have a sustainable green building with modern features, including retail options and self-service operations.

However, the new terminal’s design will still be finalised by the Brisbane Airport Development and Design Integrity Panel following community consultation. BAC aims to complete the terminal’s construction in 2032 but the timeline may be pushed forward once Brisbane has been made officially confirmed as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games, per Michael Jarvis, the head of planning at the BAC.

Mr Jarvis said that the Brisbane Airport Master Plan, approved by the Australian Government in March 2020, will open direct international routes, further connecting Brisbane to the world. He added that the project is something that airlines, especially Australia-based airlines, have been asking for.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport Corporation Master Plan

The master plan also includes a potential monorail loop that will connect to the buildings to make it easier for people to get around. This mass transit system will replace the buses that service the passengers and staff as it will not be enough if the airport reaches 50 million passengers a year.

Brisbane currently runs the third busiest airport in Australia with the second runway completed in July 2020. Its facilities are comparable to some of the busiest international airports, such as the Singapore Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.

Paul Coughlan, the head of infrastructure development said that the plans are in line with the country’s policies to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 and as air travel rebounds from the pandemic.

Suburban Business Hub Launched in Nundah

Did you know that Brisbane now has a Suburban Business Hub on Aspinall Street in Nundah? The new site aims to support small businesses and professionals who are looking for a well-supported co-working space and a place to enjoy networking opportunities.

“It’s providing services, networking opportunities and increased support to local Brisbane businesses, as they navigate the economic challenges caused by coronavirus,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Here are three things you can do at the Suburban Business Hub in Nundah, which became fully operational in May 2021:

1. Book a space for your meetings and other events.

If you’re planning to hold a meeting, a workshop, or an event, the business hub has several spaces for rent. The rooms are equipped with audio and video facilities, as well as Wi-Fi. The hub has a kitchenette for preparing snacks and drinks during the event. You will need to book the space at least 48 hours in advance, as well as provide the Council with the details of your business.

2. Take part or view the business showcase

The Suburban Business Hub will regularly conduct a business showcase highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of local entrepreneurs. Currently, the showcase is centered on the artist wall (for creatives) and window display (for products). Learn more about this opportunity.

3. Join events

Every businessperson needs to build or enhance their skills so there will be several events lined up at the hub for this purpose. Most of these are free events:

Networking in the Suburbs
Talk to a Business Liaison Officer
Talk to a Planner
Lord Mayor’s Business Excellence Workshop
Business In Excellence: In Conversation

Council has also set up a Business in Brisbane Group on Facebook for additional resources from reputable organisations.

“We encourage you to share your own ideas, ask questions and support each other but please ensure you follow the group rules when posting. Interested parties may also phone Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263) for enquiries.

This Nundah Gem Thrives as a Cafe and Small Bar

On Ryans Road in Nundah is a gem of a cafe and small bar that has been a local favourite for the last five years. Blockhouse is considered the cosiest hangout in town for early birds and a restful watering hole for night owls.

Serving delicious coffee in the morning to late lunch, and then wine or cocktails in the evening, Blockhouse has been thriving as both a cafe and a small bar amidst the challenges of the hospitality industry.

To keep locals coming back, the cafe has introduced a new brekky muffin with Toulouse sausage, country gravy, American cheddar and a fried egg, as well as new and filling pork belly crumplet with caramelised apple, poached egg and a touch of Japanese flavours.

From the very beginning, Blockhouse wasn’t planned as a usual bacon and eggs cafe because the breakfast or brunch offerings are carefully thought out to tease the tastebuds and satisfy anyone’s appetite.

Meanwhile, dinners (with cocktails or champagne!) have slowly returned as well at the small bar as the restrictions are easing off. New meals for dinner are also making their way in the menu, which diners can now enjoy alongside its trademark 90 minutes bottomless mimosas.

Blockhouse carries wine labels from Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Argentina, and Portugal. The drinks have been chosen or suggested to the guests to tie to the food’s flavours so well.

Follow their Facebook or Instagram for updates. It’s highly recommended to call +61 7 3172 6869 for table bookings.

“The Block House has been around for a while now and has stood the test of time and Covid. I have been there for breakfast , lunch and now dinner. I must say it didn’t disappoint. The food reminds me of the food that my mum used to make . What makes it special is that you can tell that the chef is proud of what he/she does and continues to provide high quality dishes with that extra bit of attention. Well done.”
John Burke

“Great place to dine for lunch on a quiet Tuesday. Delicious fusion food selection. The sauce on the duck dish was a little spicy but it is definitely a tingle on your palate to eat more. Chicken and waffle dish combination is very well put together. Although the chicken was deep fried, meat texture was tender and juicy. Recommended!”
Amy Lin

“Fantastic coffee and different, quirky menu. Staff are friendly. Food is delivered quickly and looks and tastes amazing! They used to have the most scrumptious triple cheese toasty on the menu…absolutely divine. Plus haloumi fries. Hopefully they might bring these back by popular demand.”
Nicole Watson

New Adults-Only Circus Launches at Archie Brothers in Toombul

Did you know that there’s a new adults-only circus event at the Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Toombul? The exciting attraction to titillate north Brisbane’s crowd will run after 8:00 p.m., exclusive only to fun-loving guests above 18 years old.

Launched on 9 May 2021, the spectacular adults-only circus, aptly called Showtime, will take place every second Saturday of the month until November 2021. Transforming the arcade are heaps of jugglers, showgirls, magicians, stilt walkers, unicyclists and other performers who will mystify guests with their street performances.

Entry to Showtime will cover three hours of all-inclusive games and choices of quirky food and drinks, including cocktails or milkshakes — depending on the guests’ preferences.

The move to deliver a limited adults-only circus night was driven by the pandemic lockdown. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq‘s venue manager Dan Carey said that the Toombul leisure-tainment site was hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 economic fallout and this new attraction should help the venue recover.

It comes as Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq’s parent company, Funlab, was absorbed by a new owner, TPG Capital, in March 2021 for $250 million. The company also invested in the launch of the new circus event with a big party attended by Queensland’s A-listers.

Meanwhile, bookings for the adults-only circus are encouraged online. Showtime will run on the following dates:

12 June 2021	11 September 2021
10 July 2021	9 October 2021
14 August 2021	13 November 2021

For updates about the circus, check Archie Brothers’ Facebook and Instagram.

CST Direct: No Compromises at this Northgate Beauty Hub

“Ageing is unavoidable – looking your age is not,” according to the registered aestheticians and beauty specialists at CST Direct in Northgate.

A franchise of Cosmetic Skin Therapies (CST), this outlet in Ridge St is independently owned and operated with professionally trained doctors, nurses and cosmetic injectors. The beauty hub specialises in injectable treatments that diminish facial wrinkles and fine lines, as well as restore one’s youthful looks.

The facility is equipped with the latest technology in cosmetic healthcare whilst the staff members are knowledgeable in the various services available, such as lip or derma fillers, total rejuvenation, fat-dissolving injections, or skin resurfacing peels. Treatments are done in a comfortable, very private and regularly cleaned rooms.

Potential clients visiting CST Direct for the first time may take advantage of the full-hour free consultation, allowing the doctor or nurse to analyse the best form of treatments, including treatment times, and ensuring that there are no comprises to making their clients feel more beautiful and confident.

“We believe in giving patients the ability to achieve the look they want.”

CST Direct’s clients are then referred to its sister brand, The Aesthetic Collective, which is also taking shop in the same clinic on Ridge St.

The Aesthetic Collective has skincare specialists who can provide regular maintenance treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, and peeling, which can stave off common skin problems like acne, dryness, and dullness.

Procedures at The Aesthetic Collective complement the injectible treatments to help clients have glowing, flawless skin.

To see the results of their service, visit CST Direct on Facebook and The Aesthetic Collective on Instagram.

Amidst this new normal, both CST Direct and The Aesthetic Collective have been following the directives of the government for the health and safety of its workers and clients. Hand sanitisers are on the site whilst clients will be asked to come wearing a mask and screened for COVID-19. Booking for a procedure is required and those who have an appointment can’t bring companions, including children.

Nudgee Recreation Reserve to Become a District Sports and Recreation Park

A development application has been submitted to turn the Nudgee Recreation Reserve into a sports and recreation park based on designs made by the City Projects Office of the Brisbane City Council.

For use among residents of Nudgee, Banyo and Virginia, the planned precinct will be upgraded to allow the community to play cricket, football and soccer. The park will also have a BMS track and paths for cycling or running whilst a corner will be set up as an outdoor gym. Lights will be installed to improve the park’s visibility, especially if there are games extending up to sundown.

A building with changing rooms, canteen, toilets and meeting rooms will also be constructed for community use. The sports and recreational park will be open for all ages and abilities as it will have a kids’ playground and a dog off-leash area.

But before the construction, the site will be decontaminated and undergo remediation as Nudgee Recreation Reserve was once a landfill.

According to Council, investigation and testing on the site were done in late June 2020 to check the compaction to mitigate potential risks. Until March 20201, stockpiling works were undertaken to prepare the ground.

Work is expected to start in 2021, once the development application has been approved (DA A005685740). The DA was lodged in mid-March 2021.

“While the Nudgee Recreation Reserve will remain open throughout these works, some areas will need to be fenced off temporarily for safety reasons while works take place,” Council stated. “Access through the Nudgee Recreation Reserve via Elliott Road to Railway Street will continue to be accessible at all times.”

Newstead Brewing Co to Open New Branch at Brisbane Airport

Renowned Brisbane brewery and restaurant Newstead Brewing Co has set their sights on opening a branch at Brisbane Domestic Airport in July 2021.

The new venue, which is estimated to open later in July 2021, can be distinguished from the other Newstead Brewing Co venues in Newstead and Milton by the audience it caters to.

It will be solely available to travellers who are about to depart from the airport. The branch was originally scheduled to open in the middle of 2020, however complications brought about by COVID-19 forced a delay.

The new airport venue will be able to accommodate approximately 100 people with furniture and decals that adhere to the brand’s signature industrial aesthetic. 12 different beers will be available via tap, however none of their liquor will be brewed on-site.

Customers can expect to see classic options from their menu like their smoky grilled beef burger with butter lettuce and tomato, their chicken parmigiana made with smoked mozzarella, as well as their share plates such as lamb rump with carrot puree, or their smoked short rib made with bourbon glaze and creamed corn.

Photo credit: Instagram/Newstead Brewing Co

The Newstead Brewing Co branch at Brisbane Domestic Airport can be found at Airport Dr, Brisbane Airport. For more information, visit their website. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on drinks, meals, deals, and other special announcements concerning the upcoming branch.

Nundah State School Receives $5,000 for New Students’ Kitchen

How can children learn to appreciate nourishing and delicious meals whilst avoiding obesity? It starts with teaching them how to cook good food. Lucky for the students at Nundah State School, they now have a brand new kitchen space where they can experience the joys of cooking.

With a pizza oven, a dehydrator and a range of kitchen essentials and equipment, the new student’s kitchen at Nundah State School will allow the kids to prepare meals using fresh ingredients. The school transformed a former dental clinic and a section of a grassy slope into the students’ Village Green and The Treehouse Tinkering Studio.

This project was made possible by a $5,000 donation from Coles Toombul and a three-year membership subscription to the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden cooking program.

“We are thrilled with the recent donation as it has allowed us to resource the space, and work with our classes and Coles to bring the curriculum to life,” Nundah State School Principal Deb Cox said. “Students are encouraged to explore the space and investigate different produce to grow, make and share in this outdoor learning area.”

Thomas Hunt of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation said that they are also happy to deliver this fruitful partnership with Coles Toombul and Nundah State School. Mr Hunt said that it always gives them pleasure to impart food education and to help kids understand where food comes from.

“It’s fantastic we’re able to support Nundah State School through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation and provide students with new skills in cooking and gardening,” Coles Toombul Store Manager Justin McLoughlin said. “Helping to sustainably feed all Australians so they can live healthier and happier lives is a fundamental part of why we do what we do at Coles, and it’s exciting to see that in action.”

Meanwhile, Coles Toombul recently unveiled its makeover with wider aisles, better layout and the addition of a coffee station and a special section for dog food.

Detector Dog Ulf Declared Top Dog By The Aussie Government

Ulf, a Brisbane Airport-based detector dog for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, has been given the 2020 Top Dog award for his outstanding performance in keeping the country’s agriculture safe.

Ulf, one of 42 biosecurity detector dogs working across Australia’s international airports, is a six-year-old yellow labrador who works hard to keep the country safe from products that could harbor disease, viruses, or even invasive species of bugs and flora.

According to his 2020 statistics, he boasts over 400 recorded detections, spotting over 80 different commodities such as fruits and meats that could have potentially been biosecurity risks.

Over the past year, Ulf has been hard at work at Brisbane airport, Brisbane mail facilities, and Port of Brisbane. Throughout his career, he’s managed to sniff out a series of strange discoveries such as the seeds of foreign plants hidden away inside a booklet, brown marmorated stink bugs living inside an imported forklift, and even cactus seeds.

Thanks to his efforts and reliability, Ulf has been declared “Top Dog of 2020” by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

Ulf posing for the camera as he receives his Top Dog award.
Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Biosecurity

Biosecurity detector dogs play an important role in keeping the country safe from contagious foreign diseases. David Littleproud, the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management has stated that any of the 13,500 risk items these dogs detected over the past year could have threatened Australia’s environment, agriculture, and community health.

In 2020 alone, detector dogs were able to screen 15,706,488 mail items nationally. “There are currently 42 biosecurity detector dogs working across our international airports, mail facilities and wharves to screen incoming passengers and goods for potential biosecurity risks, including those that carry exotic pests and diseases” says Mr Littleproud, who adds that dogs are both man’s best friend, and that detector dogs are therefore agriculture’s best friend.

Throughout his career, Ulf managed to detect 27 different cases of African swine fever, a contagious and viral disease that was fatal to pigs and boars. Thanks to his help, biosecurity was able to issue infringements, sparing swine across the country from a potential epidemic.

Given his expertise, Ulf has been described as “reliable” and an “allrounder”, and his adaptability and diligence earned him the title of Top Dog 2020.