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.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council
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.
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.”
Aether Brewing‘s “Hop, Skip & Jump” garnered back-to-back awards as “Champion Strong Beer” and “Best Queensland Beer of Show” at the recently concluded Royal Queensland Food & Wine Show (RQFWS) held at the Brisbane Showgrounds on the 3rd of March, 2021.
According to RQFWS Beer Advisory Group member and judge Steve Henderson, “IPA is a style of beer with many components that need to come together to create a balanced drinking experience,” which makes creating a particularly masterful and award-winning IPA a difficult task.
“…the Aether team is laser focused on improving their product with each batch they brew,” Mr. Henderson adds. “I look forward to seeing Aether Brewing’s beers distributed nationally as the whole of Australia needs to see how good Queensland craft beer is.”
Earning a grand total of 18.0 points in the Strong Beer category, Hop, Skip & Jump beat out 22 other submissions to win a Gold award — one of the 39 given out amongst 485 different entries.
The Aether Brewing brewery can be found at 340 Melton Rd, Northgate. They’re open from 3:00PM to 7:00PM on Friday and 12:00PM to 7:00PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. For more details, visit their website.
If you’ve been to the revitalised Kingsford Smith Drive riverside in Hamilton, you might have seen a number of brightly coloured public artwork around the area. These are the art beacons created by Nundah artist Kenji Uranishi, who was commissioned by the Council to beautify one of Brisbane’s most significant routes.
Who Is Kenji Uranishi?
Mr Uranishi was born in Japan and trained as an artist using stoneware clay as a medium at the Nara College of Fine Arts. He moved to Australia in 2004 and expanded his practice to porcelain.
The artist eventually established himself in the Australian art world by holding a series of workshops and exhibits in universities and galleries, not just in Brisbane but also in Sydney, Cairns, Canberra, Adelaide, Victoria, England, Sweden, New York and Japan.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Kenji Uranishi
“In some ways, moving to Australia represented a fresh phase in my
life that provided me with the energy to explore new materials, without
cultural expectations,” Mr Uranishi said.
He has other public artworks on display at the Ipswich Courthouse and at 400 George Street.
In mid-2017, the Council tapped Uranishi to prepare his concept designs for the beacons, alongside another artist, for public consultation.
Mr Uranishi dubbed his creation as the “Magnificent Flying Machines,” which consists of 10 sculptured beacons that also double as a lightning path for Kingsford Smith Drive at night. Two of these beacons have been installed at Cameron Rocks Reserve in April 2019, whilst the rest will be located at Bretts Wharf and the Riverwalk.
These beacons were inspired by Hamilton aviators Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, the first pilot to fly trans-Pacific from Australia to the United States, and Maude “Lores” Bonney, the first female Australian aviator to fly solo from Australia to England.
Featured with an aerodynamic design, the intertwining curves of the beacons represent the pioneering spirit of these aviators, which also resembles the wings of an orchard swallowtail butterfly, the most common butterfly species in Brisbane.
“The art beacons are designed to maximise public access to the river and create way-finding markers to encourage exploration and make it easier for visitors to move around the local area,” the Council press release stated.
Lendlease manufactured the beacons made of 3mm aluminium. Mr Uranishi hand-decorated every piece with 300 white polyethylene discs and added white LED lights at the base.
Changes are coming to the Nundah Activity Centre, which “… remains closed until further notice, excepting essential services delivering food,” due to the coronavirus public health emergency. In an earlier announcement, Aurous, the centre’s main lessee, also revealed that it will be cutting back some of its free services and vacating the building by the end of June due to a shortage of funds.
Aurous’ Chief Executive Officer Rachael Cook posted a notice on Facebook to inform the public of this operational update.
6 April 2020 Aurous Ltd continues to closely monitor the developments regarding the COVID-19 virus and as per…
Earlier in February, she also confirmed that the non-profit will shift its operations in Nundah to “only a small core” of its Community Visitor Scheme (CVS) program.
“If these programs continue, there is a risk of Aurous being placed into receivership and it is unlawful to operate if the business is insolvent,” Ms Cook wrote.
“Over the last 4 months, the staff and volunteers have worked together to review our services and ways of working and I have been in discussions with our grant providers and worked closely with the Board to consider all options. The choices came down to closing the business or identifying what, if any, activity had potential to be revised and continue.”
Here’s what you need to know about the changes at the Nundah Activity Centre:
1. Queensland Meals on Wheels
Queensland Meals on Wheels has found new providers to continue to serve all of its clients, including those in Chermside and Geebung These providers are local and will serve fresh meals compared to reheating frozen food. This was confirmed by Jen Ulichny, the Chairperson of the Aurous Board of Directors.
” Meals on Wheels clients will continue to receive their meals and will soon be fully transferred to their new supplier,” Ms Ulichny assured the public.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
2. Queensland Men’s Shed
Queensland Men’s Shed has opted to leave the centre, along with all of the equipment donated to the service provider.
“We have been working with Men’s Shed Association Qld for possible solutions. There are several other Men’s Shed locations in our surrounding communities, and we are investigating all options,” Ms Ulichny said.
3. Faith City Worship Centre
The church group is also looking for a new location or organisation that may help continue its services at the centre. Faith City Worship Centre provides weekly meals, laundry and shower servicers to the needy under its Compassion for Community program.
4. Demolition of the Nundah Activity Centre
Councillor Adam Allan dispelled speculations that the centre will be demolished and replaced with a high rise. Brisbane City Council owns the property.
“The land is zoned as Sport and Recreation and it will stay that way. The focus of the facility is to support community activities,” Mr Allan said.
Photo Credit: Councillor Adam Allan/Facebook
5. Community groups support
The Council has not asked community groups to leave the centre. Mr Allan assured large or small groups will receive support from the Council. This transition will give everyone a chance to review what should be changed or addressed to sustain the activities.
“As we wind back and transition programs over the coming months, we will continue to provide you with regular updates and as many options as possible,” said Ms Cook.
“When reviewing member activities in particular, we did consider if there were other community suppliers that offered the same or similar services, and if you would receive specialised or a better offering if you transferred elsewhere.”
Other organisations will also benefit from donations once the Nundah operations wind down. “We are pleased to announce we will also donate supplies to Qld Centre for Digital Inclusion (QCDI) and to the local Men’s Shed who are now successfully incorporated. Both organisations are in contact with BCC to identify location opportunities once the COVID-19 closures are past.”
Finally, Ms Ulichny also assured its members that services will not be interrupted during the transition, despite the current limited operations. Those opting to make changes to their membership may do so before the 30th of June for the fees refund.
For questions and clarifications, phone 1800 AUROUS (1800 287 687) or email Jen.Ulichny@aurous.org.au
A full-service childcare centre with an on-site general practitioner and a chef is holding its Open Day in Nundah on Saturday, the 4th of Jan 2020. Habitat Early Learning at 79 Bage Street is giving parents and their kids the chance to experience the difference of this facility, which promises to go beyond childminding.
The Open Day will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Aside from a tour of the centre and a chance to ask the staff questions about their services, parents and children may also join the yoga session at 10:30 a.m. and receive food samples from the in-house kitchen.
Photo Credit: Habitat Early Learning Nundah/Facebook
The Nundah site, with its beautifully designed amenities, is the second for Habitat Early Learning. The inaugural facility was established in Ferny Grove in 2009.
The centre provides various educational programs to support a child’s learning and development, such as:
As mentioned, the centre has its own kitchen, where a chef serves freshly prepared food for the children and its staff in the al fresco dining area. Parents may also order packaged meals if they do not have time to cook at home.
Come March, the facility will have a GP and a nurse to tend to sick children and give parents peace of mind.
Murray and Toni Thornton had the vision to build an early childhood facility that will enhance the learning experience of children between three to five years old. After listening to feedback from parents and staff, the Thortons developed a full-service model for Habitat Early Learning
In 2016, National Quality Standards recognised Habitat Early Learning for its building design. A similar design has been carried over to its Nundah site, which has five classrooms for its Emergent Curriculum and three for its Montessori and Kindergarten programs.
Habitat Early Learning in Nundah will welcome 40 kids as it begins its classes on Monday, the 6th of Jan 2020.
The luring fragrance of cinnamon will be filling the Christmas air in Nundah as American bakery chain Cinnabon announces the grand opening date of its very first Australian store at Toombul Shopping Centre.
Cinnabon in Nundah will officially begin rolling out fresh batches of its popular cinnamon rolls every 30 minutes on Saturday, the 14th of Dec. 2019. News of the opening date was confirmed in Cinnabon Australia’s Facebook page.
“Life is about to get sweeter Brisbane Cinnabon lovers. We can confirm we’re rolling into Toombul Shopping Centre at Nundah on December 14.”
The first Cinnabon Australia layout will be a kiosk, based on the 3D rendering shared on the Facebook page. It will take over the site vacated by Donut King.
Photo Credit: Cinnabon Australia/Facebook
Bansai Group, which brought U.S. burger brand Carl’s Jr. to these shores, is behind Cinnabon Australia. The company also confirmed its plans to roll out a second store in Mt Gravatt by January and two more outlets to be located in Chermside and Mt Ommaney.
Over the next five years, Bansai Group foresees at least 50 Cinnabon outlets across the country. Cinnabon has over 1,500 other outlets globally since launching nearly 35 years ago.
Cinnabon customers trooping to the store at the Toombul Shopping Centre can expect to order its perennial favourites:
Classic Makara Cinnamon Roll, which has the finest Makara cinnamon from Sumatra and signature frosting
Chocobon, its chocolate-filled roll
Caramel Pecanbon, a twist on the classic with caramel frosting and pecan toppings
Cinnabon also serves classic coffee, warm or iced drinks, as well as blended beverages.
Raring to cultivate a green thumb, decorate with plants or grow a nice garden in your home? For a good variety of indoor plants that could thrive in Queensland’s unique climate, the best place to find lush greens if you live in Nundah or the nearby suburbs is at The Plant Lounge on Station Street.
Operated and owned by Rhiannon Campbell, the woman behind Brisbane’s plant subscription Botanic Box, The Plant Lounge is more than just an extension of her online store. Here, you can check the plants up close and in detail before making a purchase or you can also talk to the owner and her staff to learn valuable tips on how to grow beautiful, leafy plants in your house.
As a plant lover’s paradise, The Plant Lounge also offers a range of pots or containers to mix and match in your home decoration. You can find heaps of botanical wares to feed your green hobby in this store as well.
Ms Campbell regularly hosts workshops for budding and seasoned plant lovers who might want to branch out into making a terrarium or learning pottery for personalised pots.
For the rest of October, here are the classes scheduled at The Plant Lounge:
WHAT
WHEN
Terrarium Workshop
Thursday, 24 Oct
Botanical Watercolour Workshop
Friday, 25 Oct
How to be a Plant Parent
Thursday, 31 Oct
*All workshops begin at 6:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: The Plant Lounge/Facebook
The store is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Trading hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday), 11:00 a.m. to 7:0O p.m. (Thursday and Friday), and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Sunday).
“AMAZING selection of indoor plants, accessories and homewares! I wanted to take the entire store home. Rhiannon is so helpful and friendly which makes for and even better shopping experience. I already can’t wait to come back – those prices are insanely good! Can’t believe how beautiful and well taken care of all the plants are.”
Brisbane cyclers, would you like to up your biking game and gain something more meaningful aside from its health benefits? Join the “Ride for Refugees” event at the Albert Bishop Park Criterium Circuit in Nundah to help raise money for a worthy cause.
Whether you go as a team or ride as an individual, the goal of Ride for Refugees is the same: to raise money for the millions of people displaced and forced to leave their homes due to conflict or war and persecution. These are the orphans, the homeless, and the human trafficking victims who have lost their rights.
You can make a difference in their lives by sparing your time for this event. The money raised for Ride for Refugees will go to charity programs like:
Happening at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 31st of Aug 2019, Ride for Refugees is divided into four courses: 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km. Each course corresponds to a pledge but you may also consider giving more to help boost the fundraising efforts.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
The course starts at the Criterium Circuit for one lap to spread riders out and then exit to the left and follow the Jim Soorley Bikeway north-east. Riders cross Nudgee Road to continue on the shared path. Further along a left turn will take riders onto the Boondall Wetlands Cycleway to a turn-around point at the Boondall Wetlands Park approximately 12.5km away. The course can be completed once or a number of times to equal 25km, 50km, 75km or 100km.”
~ Ride for Refugees
Photo Credit: Ride for Refugees Australia/Facebook
Ride for Refugees is a non-competitive cycling event and it is open to families and their children. So, if you want your kids involved, you can also sign them up to race on Saturday. There will be a Kids RIDE Track, which is 1.2km long.
If you won’t be able to ride, you can sponsor a cyclist or a team. For more details on how to join either as a biker or a sponsor, check the official website and watch this video below.
Nundah residents, it’s time to round up old furniture and other items for disposal for scheduled kerbside collection on Monday, the 19th of August 2019. Also, get ready for scavenge hunters who may come by your neighbourhood to claim items you no longer need for their own use.
In Brisbane, there is no law against the practice of scavenging during kerbside collection. In fact, the Council encourages residents to salvage and recycle other people’s stuff as much as possible as it will help limit landfill buildup.
Now that it’s clear that scavenge hunting is not illegal, here are a few tips to remember when you spot scavenge hunters in your street:
1. If you’re tossing out items you have no more use for, then let strangers look into your stuff. If they take home your old furniture think of how much this would be better for the environment.
2. Technically, the moment you discard goods by the curb, it becomes the property of the Council and no longer yours. Thus, anyone is free to help themselves to it until the kerbside collectors come around.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
3. To prevent scavenge hunters from making a mess of your pile before the collectors arrive, place them by the kerbside an hour before pick-up time. Some come by at midnight or at dawn when you’re asleep and you could wake up in the morning with your old computer monitors or TV smashed to bits.
4. If you’ve got completely unusable toasters, TV and other appliances, make sure to cut off the cords before placing them on your pile. This way, if the scavengers are only looking for cables and copper, they won’t have to destroy everything else. They can just easily take what they need and go.
5. It might help to also label which items are still working well. Tape a sign that says, “Still Works But Not Worth Selling” and you’d be surprised how easy it would be to encourage more responsible scavenge hunting.
A spokesperson from the Council, however, has a piece of important advice for scavenge hunters: “Ensure that leftover items are stacked tidily and not creating any obstructions to the footpath or roadway.”
