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Party and Stay Comfy @ the Barefoot Cocktail Party in Nundah

Dress to the nines but leave your shoes at home. Stage 6 Health & Fitness moved to a bigger and a cozier home. To welcome the Nundah community as they christen their new digs in style, they’re holding a “Barefoot Cocktail Party” on Saturday, 16th of September. You can wear your fanciest party clothes, just make sure to come sans any footwear. The party will start at 5:30 p.m. until midnight.

The Comfort of Partying Barefooted

Wanting to emphasize that “fancy” and “homey” need not be mutually exclusive, Stage 6 invites Nundah to feel comfortable enough to go barefoot beyond their home and into their new “health and fitness home”. This opening soiree is all about being able to relax, kick off your shoes, and be laid back while partying your heart out.

Moving Up

Photo credit: Stage 6 Health & Fitness/Facebook

Stage 6 takes another leap to success as they “move up” to their new Nundah place. In 2014, Matt Rutley, owner and head trainer, and his wife, Amelia, built Stage 6 from the ground up. Literally. They built, painted, refurbished, repurposed, and recycled their first home through the help of the people around them.

The Rutleys established the fitness centre to provide a gym for people who don’t enjoy going to regular gyms. Stage 6 is like a playground of exploration and discovery of people’s real strength and fitness with a “homey” ambiance and without pressure.

In keeping with their desire to inspire community effort towards a common goal, Stage 6 is also known for the interesting “collaboration murals” that they have around the centre. For this location, they did not disappoint. A couple of months ago, they had a “Stage 6 Movin’ Up (the road) Working Bee” initiative that invited the community for the renovation, repainting, and re-designing of their new home. This showed that Stage 6 is more than just a fitness centre, but also a home that combines fitness and the creativity of the people behind it.

Tickets

Tickets cost $30 per head, inclusive of cocktails and drinks, food, and canapes. There’s no pre-purchasing of tickets online. Just purchase the tickets from Matt and Amelia at Stage 6. You can also RSVP on Wednesday, the 13th of September.

Visit the event page or Stage 6 website and Facebook page for updates.

Walk for Parkinson’s @ Nundah’s Albert Bishop Park

Join Parkinson’s QLD as they bring back “Walk in the Park” this year. Spend the weekend by taking the whole family to the Albert Bishop Park this Sunday, 10th of September, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It’s the perfect time to get moving and spend quality time with your family, while helping Parkinson’s QLD continue their important work.

Parkinson’s QLD is a non-profit organisation that works closely in identifying, developing, and promoting the best practices to support people living with Parkinson’s through their support groups across Queensland.

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic and progressive neurological condition that affects movements with an unknown cause. It involves a malfunction of the vital nerve cells in the brain, neurons, that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends message to the part of the brain that controls movements.

There are over 17,000 Queenslanders living with Parkinson’s. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options that include medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.

Walk, Run, Cycle, and Have Fun

Participants can simply just walk in the park; participate in the 2-kilometre, 5-kilometre, and 10-kilometre walk or run; or join the friendly cycling competition. The routes are located on paved footpaths and boardwalks that are prams and wheelchairs accessible. You can also walk your fur babies on the routes.

Proving that this is a family-friendly event, there will be entertainment throughout. The main stage will be filled with live entertainment and presentations of the sponsors and delegates. The Kids Zone will keep the kids busy with the jumping castle and face painting.

Food will not be problem on the event as a variety of food options will be available. Everyone should “re-charge” after the walk, run, and cycle, so there will be water stations throughout the park.

Registration

The online registration closes on Wednesday, 6th of September. Late entries or the “on the day” registrations will be accepted at the registration marquee. Come early to avoid the queues and other inconveniences.

Entry Fees (On the day)

$40 – Adult
$35 – Concession/Student/Senior
$25 – Children 5-15 years of age
FREE for children 5 years of age and under

All participants will receive a participation and dedication bib and a special gift. Don’t forget to bring your IDs, especially for those who registered online.

Transport & Parking

Using the “Walkers Way”, the nearest bus stop is the Widdop Street Bus Stop Number 39/45, a 9-minute walk to the park, while the nearest train station is the Toombul Station, a 15-minute walk to the park. Visit the Translink Journey Planner for detailed routes.

Car park spaces in the Albert Bishop Park are limited. However, street parking will be available. Carpooling, using public transport, or using Uber may be advisable to avoid inconveniences in finding a parking space.

Get moving for people with Parkinson’s. Visit the event page or Parkinson’s QLD website and Facebook for further details and updates.

Proposal for a Nundah Child Care Centre is Still Pending for Approval

Town Planning Alliance, a company that specializes in delivering the best planning and development advisory services, lodged a development application for Nundah Child Care Centre in the middle of this year. The development is located at 254 and 258 Buckland Road, Nundah.

The proposal is still awaiting confirmation after the Council required the development application to satisfy the Stormwater Code, including a request for an amended plan to show that the existing house roof water will drain to the drainage system.

Proposed Plans

Photo credit: D.A. No. A004647729, Brisbane City Council

Town Planning Alliance lodged the application in behalf of the Smithfield Property Group. It is a Brisbane-based firm that specialises in property development, funds management, and development management. They largely focus on niche projects involving suburban retail, residential, and child care projects in Brisbane.

The Nundah Child Care Centre is just one of Smithfield’s child care projects. Opus Architecture, a firm that services the public, commercial, health, leisure, and education sectors, designed the plans for the centre.

The plan proposes a facility with a maximum building height of two storeys in compliance with the Nundah District Neighbourhood Plan. The centre is designed to accommodate 83 children and is planned to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. only.

The proposal also shows that there will be four to five play areas (including the play deck) around the centre. Below the play deck, there will be an undercroft parking area with 17 car park spaces. Vehicle access will be provided from Buckland Road.

A sub-division has also been proposed to retain the existing dwelling, allowing 450 square metres for the lot and 1,164 square metres for the new centre. This will allow the project to keep the surrounding development and comply with the Low Density Residential Zone.

Development Details

New two storey building with height of 9.5 metres
559 square metre of GFA
845 square metre for play areas
Site coverage of 604 square metres
Undercroft car parking

The development application is still open for suggestions. You can lodge your submissions on the Brisbane City Council PD Online page for the development. Smithfield will place the Nundah Child Care Centre for sale upon completion.

Kerbside Collection Time in Nundah: Time to Take Out Those Large Household Items

The Brisbane City Council’s (BCC) Kerbside Collection is set to happen on Monday, 7th of August, in the Nundah neighbourhood. Everyone is advised to take out their old sofa, dining sets, and other pieces of furniture and appliances that are too big for the wheelie bin this weekend.

All items should be placed on the kerb by 6:00 a.m. at the start of the collection period. Be mindful of the items you will take out. The Council will not collect unacceptable items that are placed on the kerb.

Acceptable Items:

furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)
small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)
carpet and rugs
bath and laundry tubs
wood products less than 1.5 metres
bicycles and sporting equipment
electronic waste (e.g. televisions and computers)

Unacceptable Items:

garden waste (e.g. trees, grass, potted plants)
dirt and stones
bricks and concrete
commercial builders waste
car parts and tyres, including car batteries
general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
liquids
hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos)
gas bottles
glass and mirrors
household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin

Failure to remove unacceptable items within seven days will result into illegal dumping fines.

Tips and Guidelines

Apart from making sure that the items you will take out are acceptable, the items should be properly piled up. For items that must be placed in boxes, organise each box by putting labels and secure them properly for any weather condition. Keep the piles tidy to avoid blockage on the footpaths and roadways.

The piles should not be larger than two cubic metres or a small box trailer load. Also remember to remove the doors of the refrigerators and cupboards.

Be courteous to the collectors. The items should be easily and safely lifted by two people. Do not leave sharp objects on the pile.

Time for Scavenger Hunting

No room for mess like this
Photo credit: www.keng.id.au

One man’s trash could be another man’s treasure. There is no local law in Brisbane that will prevent people from scavenging off other people’s rubbish, so scavenger hunting is on this weekend.

For the scavengers looking for something to recycle and upcycle, always remember the words “courtesy” and “respect”. Other people’s pile should always be left tidy after rummaging through it. Your neighbours followed the council’s guideline of keeping their piles neat. It’s your obligation to keep it that way or to make it even neater than they were.

Keep your vehicles and ute ready this weekend. You never know what you will find on your neighbours’ kerbs.

Late for the Kerbside? No Problem.

BCC has another option on how to reduce waste to landfill. The Resource Recovery Centre is open for both recyclable and green or general waste. The centres are located at Nudgee, Willawong, Ferny Grove, and Chandler.

Vehicles that are under 4.5 tonnes Combined Gross Vehicle Mass (CGVM) can use the drive-through recycling area for free, whilst vehicles above 4.5 tonnes CGVM can still recycle, but with fees applied.

Donating usable household items is a great option. There are charities around Brisbane that will accept these items with open arms. You may have missed the Kerbside Collection, but you will not miss helping the people in need.

GIVIT is a national non-profit virtual organisation founded by CEO Juliette Wright. They support all agencies, services, and charities in Australia to store, sort out, and distribute the donations to specific individuals or communities who exactly need the items.

Photo credit: http://ajaneday.blogspot.com/

Kerbside Collection comes only once a year. This will be a busy weekend for the whole neighbourhood because it’s time to take those unwanted belongings out.

Visit the BCC’s official website to know more about waste management disposals.

Shop Unique Items @ the Etsy Community Market in Nundah’s Neighbour Ascot

Bris Style will be hosting the “Etsy Community Market powered by Square” at the Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot on Saturday, the 29th of July, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What is Etsy?

Fox & Willows
(Photo credit: Bris Style/Facebook)

Etsy is a global creative commerce platform that encourages small entrepreneurs to showcase their unique goods. It is an online shopping website with different registered sellers of various products — handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies.

There are boutiques, craft fairs, and flea markets that the Etsy Teams are organising to help the community find and shop items offline. Etsy Team is a community feature in Etsy that is based in a certain location, where sellers connect with other sellers.

Bris Style — Etsy Team in Brisbane

Two Little Nods
(Photo credit: Bris Style/Facebook)

Bris Style is a Brisbane-based Etsy Team formed in March 2008 when a small group of Brisbane-based sellers met for tea. The team has since grown to a group of over 350 members, sharing the same interests in handmade, vintage, and crafted goods.

Although Bris Style no longer requires their members to have an active Etsy store, they are still the official Brisbane Etsy Team. They work closely with Etsy events such as the Etsy Community Market in Ascot.

Meet the Bris Stylers here.

The Etsy Community Market

Baby Jones Design
(Photo credit: Bris Style/Facebook)

There will be over 100 sellers in the Etsy Community Market. Local makers, artists, designers, and curators will showcase their handmade goods, vintage stuff, and other interesting products.

Foodies will be delighted with the gourmet fare and various selections of beverages, available at the food precinct. Wines will also be served at the bar. Live music acts, craft workshops, and an artist demo by Ironlak are the highlights to watch out for.

The market is seen to be crowded as families from the surrounding suburbs will be there. Here are the tips before going to the Etsy Community Market.

Transport

The Eagle Farm Racecourse is at 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot. Contact Translink or visit the Translink’s Journey Planner for the timetable.

Parking

For people arriving by car, there are over 800 parking slots on the venue for free that are accessible via the Nudgee Road. Disabled parking bays are accessible via the McGill Avenue.

Entry

No pre-purchasing of tickets required, but the admission fees should be paid at the gate. The market operates on a private property that includes facilities like toilets and ATMs, so there will be an entry fee of $2 per person. However, children are free to enter the event.

Credit Cards are Accepted

Square
(Photo credit: Bris Style/Facebook)

All of the stalls in the Etsy Community Market will be equipped with Square Readers. Everyone can pay directly via debit/credit cards and mobile wallets for a convenient shopping experience.

Dress Code

Just like any other event, wear your comfy clothes. Tank tops, shorts, and thongs are allowed.

Further details can be viewed on the Facebook event page.

Nundah & Whole Brisbane are Invited to Host a Pyjama Day

Host a “Pyjama Day” party with family, friends, and colleagues and wear your best jammies and onesies all day. The “National Pyjama Day” is a project of The Pyjama Foundation to raise funds for children in foster care.

The official date for the National Pyjama Day is on the 21st of July, but anyone can hold a Pyjama Day at anytime throughout July and August.

The Pyjama Foundation

7/10 Depot Street, Banyo

Bronwyn Sheehan founded The Pyjama Foundation in 2004 to give children in foster care the opportunity to change directions in their lives. Ms. Sheehan realised that children in foster care may not be given the same opportunities as children who are not.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies cites that many young children and teens below 18 years old are pulled out from their original homes due to child abuse, trauma, and neglect. This often leads to poor health, inadequate attachments, and educational outcomes.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there are:

92% of children in care that are below average in reading level at age 7
75% of children in care that do not complete 12 years of school; and
35% of children in care that are entering the juvenile system.

With the children’s lack of literacy and their particular educational needs, The Pyjama Foundation aims to close the gap and connect the children in care with adult mentors to increase their learning and educational outcomes.

Love of Learning Program

“Pyjama Angels” are volunteers that are matched to every child in a foster care as the part of the Love of Learning Program. They will meet the same child every week for 1.5 hours. They will read books to the children, play educational games, and other activities involving literacy, numeracy, and mentoring.

One way of helping the children in foster care is hosting or attending the Pyjama Day. Visit the event page for further details.

Check out The Pyjama Foundation’s website to know other options on how to help and get involved.

Step Up/Step Down Facility in Nundah is Soon to be Completed

The new Step Up/Step Down facility in Nundah is scheduled for completion in August 2017 under Woollam Constructions. The facility will provide short-term residential mental health services.

Nundah Prevention and Recovery Care Facility

Construction of this facility started in January 2017. Queensland Health chose the lot on 15 Union Street as the location of the project. Earlier this month, the Palaszczuk Government released $3.3 million budget out of the total $5 million proposed amount for the construction.

The plan is to build a three-storey residential care facility with 10-bed built sections for people in need of mental health services. This is in conjunction with the Step Up Step/Down Service.

What is Step Up/Step Down?

The adult Step Up/Step Down project started in South East Queensland and has now expanded to North Brisbane. It was based on the “Victorian Health Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC)” service model that was designed to provide services for people who are facing serious mental conditions and people who are in an early stage of recovery from an acute illness.

Model of Care

Admission to the rehabilitation home is voluntary for people 18-64 years of age. The facility can provide the following services:

Step Up – short-term residential support that aims to prevent deterioration or relapse for people who have tendencies of going to an acute mental health in-patient unit; and

Step Down – short intensive treatment and support in a residential setting for people who have recovered from an acute mental in-patient admission.

To be eligible for placement in the facility, consumers must be currently receiving active treatment from the Metro North Mental Health. The length of stay will vary depending on the consumer’s needs that will range from days to weeks (14 days average and 28 days maximum).

The Prince Charles Hospital (Photo credit: www.sth.com.au)

Other facilities in Brisbane are also scheduled to be completed. The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and The Prince Charles Hospital will soon have facilities for mental health services.

Read: New Adolescent Extended Treatment Facility to be Constructed in Chermside’s Prince Charles Hospital

For further info and details on how Queensland Government promote mental health services, visit the Queensland Health page.

Gear Up for the RACQ Motorfest @ Ascot this Weekend

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) will bring back the RACQ Motorfest to Eagle Farm Racecourse, Ascot on Sunday, 9th of July, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Entry to the event only costs $2 per person and kids under three are free. All of the proceeds will go to the funds of RACQ LifeFlight Rescue, RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue, RACQ CQ Rescue, and Heart of Australia.

Motorfest 2017 Highlights

Car buffs will have a grand time with the vehicle display. With the vehicle registration already done, show records indicate that more than 500 vintage, unique, and collector vehicles will be showcased during the event.

The whole family will enjoy the free amusement rides, complimentary face painting sessions, the petting zoo, and the food stalls that will be bringing some of Brisbane’s best delicious concessionaires together in one place. Dreamworld and Australia Zoo will also be there to showcase their attractions.

This year, RACQ will run the “Snap Share Win Competition”. Attendees should snap a selfie at the Motorfest and share it on Instagram with a hashtag #RACQMotorFest. It will be drawn on Monday, 10th of July, at 2:00 p.m. Winners will get Aussie World Family Passes ($175).

View the details here.

Important Reminders Before the Event

Car buffs and families from the surrounding suburbs will be at the event. The Motorfest can be crowded just like last year, so here are some tips before going to the RACQ Motorfest 2017.

Transport

The Eagle Farm Racecourse is at 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot. Contact Translink or visit the Translink’s Journey Planner for the timetable.

Parking

The venue has over 800 free car park slots available, accessible via the Nudgee Road. Allocated disabled parking bays are available within the venue, which are accessible via the McGill Avenue.

Entry

Pre-purchasing of tickets are not required. Admission fees should be paid at the gate on the event proper.

Pets

Although this is a family event, pets are not allowed to enter the Motorfest, due to the high volume of participants. Only guide dogs are allowed in the venue.

Dress Code

There is no strict dress code. Tank tops and shorts are allowed. Thongs are also accepted, but shoes are better. Bring extra set of clothes for the kids (for you, too) for this day-long event.

Alcohols

Alcohols are not allowed inside the premises. The Brisbane Racing Club reserves the right to confiscate any alcohol brought to the event.

ATMs & Toilets

There are three ATM machines in the area. Toilets (including facilities for the differently abled), and nappy-change facilities are available throughout the event. Refer to the map below.

Lost Property

Any lost property can be reported or claimed at the Lost & Found at the Event’s Office in the Legends Bar.

First Aid

For emergency and minor injuries, St. John’s Ambulance First Aid will be located inside the front entry gate. MotorFest Volunteers will be there to assist in any type of emergency situations.

Source: RACQOfficial/Youtube

Gear up and have fun at the Motorfest this year! Updates will be posted on the RACQ website and on the Motorfest Facebook event page.

Nudgee Bikeway Bridge Replacement @ Banyo; Closures Required in Nundah

A 100-metre section of the Kedron Brook Bikeway, between Nudgee Road, Nundah and Nudgee Road, Nudgee Beach will be temporarily closed from the 14th to 21st of July, to give way to the replacement of the Nudgee Bikeway Bridge.

The Nudgee Bikeway Bridge is part of the Kedron Brook Bikeway. The bridge is already at the end of its useful life. The replacement project is essential because there are approximately 1,100 cyclists and 220 pedestrians crossing the bridge everyday via the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Brisbane City Council plans to replace the old bridge with a 3.5 metre-wide fibre composite bridge deck that will enhance the safety of both cyclists and pedestrian. The new bridge structure is seen to be more flexible to the salt water environment, suited to any environmental condition, and has low maintenance requirements.

Traffic controllers will be on site three days before and after the full closure of the bikeway to ensure the safety of all pedestrians and cyclists and to maintain their access through the work site. Proper signages will be installed at intervals along the Kedron Brook Bikeway.

Kedron Brook Bikeway

The Kedron Brook Bikeway is one of Brisbane’s busiest bikeways. Stretching for almost 20 kilometres from Mitchelton to Nundah, it connects to the Jim Soorley Bikeway on Nundah’s east. It is a valuable corridor for cycling, away from the traffic jams.

In the past few years, the bikeway has undergone major upgrades, including the recently completed “Kedron Brook Bikeway: Grinstead Park Shared Pathway Stage 2” project. The Grinstead Park stage provided the missing link in the off-road Kedron Brook Bikeway and ensured ease of access and connectivity to Grinstead Park, Kedron Brook’s existing bikeway, and the Stafford City Shopping Centre.

Check out the Brisbane City Council’s website for the details and construction updates of the Nudgee Bikeway Bridge Replacement Project and to view the current bikeway projects.

Frank the Cat Saved from Euthanasia; Rescue Group Sets Example for the Community

Nundah resident Annabella Verity, founder of I AM V Pet Rescue, took Frank, the Cat, from a pound in New South Wales and transferred him to Brisbane for recovery from infestation few months ago. Frank already found a home and is now getting better. Ms. Verity urges the public to take cats and other animals to the vet and not to the pound.

Lucky Frankie

(Photo credit: I AM V Pet Rescue/Facebook)

Frank is one lucky feline that was rescued from euthanasia after being dumped in a pound. When Ms. Verity found him, he had horrible eye and ear infections, fleas, cough, and was underweight.

He was taken to a vet immediately, though not much help was given at the time due to his condition. With a heavy heart, Ms. Verity just took him home. She and Ang, a kindhearted individual who functioned as Frank’s temporary foster parent, took turns in caring for the troubled cat.

After a few days, Frank was seen by another vet, Dr. Paul of Grange Vet, who treated him with antibiotics, ointments, ear drops, vaccinations, food, and bath. The antibiotics did not work on Frank’s eye, so he needed surgery to keep him from going blind.

Frank’s eye surgery went well and he can now open his green eyes. Ms. Verity has now placed Frank with a “forever parent.” The cat is now happy with his new mum Nikki, and has flourished under her care. He is getting better every day, but he still needs follow-up care to prevent the relapse of infection in his eyes. Frank’s Go Fund Me page is still open for donations for his medications and rehab.

I AM V Pet Rescue

Frank got his second chance at life through I AM V Pet Rescue. It is a privately-funded, Brisbane-based animal rescue group organised by Ms. Verity. Frank is not the only feline rescued from euthanasia.

I AM V Pet Rescue’s mission is to save all the animals in Australian pounds and reduce the rate of euthanasia. They are also raising awareness about animal welfare issues, while raising funds to support veterinary care and rehabilitation of the rescued animals.

The foundation is dedicated to finding at least temporary shelters for animals in the pound, just to rescue them from euthanasia.

Updates and details on how to help and adopt the rescued animals can be viewed on their Facebook page.

Save Animals from Euthanasia

According to the Brisbane City Council, there were more than 5,000 cats and dogs that had been euthanised in the past three years.

Euthanasia of feral cats and stray dogs is a part of the council’s pest management program. Pounds usually euthanise sick animals without even consulting professional advise during the same time frame they were not adopted. Unfortunately, most of these feral cats and stray dogs were once domestic pets that were abandoned by its owners.

“People need to understand that owning an animal isn’t a right, it’s a privilege and with that privilege comes certain responsibilities,” RSPCA Spokesman Michael Beatty said.

Euthanasia is unavoidable, but saving few animals from being abandoned is a great help.