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Carseldine Markets Gears Up for 8th Annual Barktoberfest

Photo Credit: Carseldine Barktoberfest 2024

Dog lovers and their furry companions are in for a treat as the 8th Annual Barktoberfest prepares to take over Carseldine Markets.

This free-entry event will occur on Saturday, 12 October, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It promises a day brimming with canine-centric activities, competitions, and a vibrant market atmosphere.

Paw-some Competitions and Activities

This year’s Barktoberfest is set to be a standout, with the highly-anticipated Pawparazzi Competition offering five categories for pups to strike their best poses. The Strike, a Paws Fashion Parade, will see stylish dogs strutting their stuff, while the brand-new Pawesome Performer Competition will showcase talented canines and their tricks.

The Animal Welfare League Queensland will also be on hand, providing a Puppy Hydration Station and engaging activities to keep tails wagging and pups refreshed throughout the day.

A Market for Everyone

Beyond the dog-themed festivities, Barktoberfest will showcase a diverse range of vendors. Visitors can explore unique handmade treats, artisan crafts, and farm-fresh produce from over 150 stalls. Specialty businesses catering to canine needs will also be present, alongside dog behaviour and obedience trainers like One With The Dog.

Entry and parking are free, making the event accessible to all. Follow the Barktoberfest 2024 Facebook Event for the latest updates on competitions and giveaways. Register for free tickets and the chance to win a Barktoberfest Hamper.

Carseldine Markets, North Brisbane’s leading farmers and artisan market, welcomes over 5,000 visitors every Saturday morning. Goodwill Projects, the driving force behind this event, is renowned for curating exceptional markets, events, and venue experiences across Queensland.

Published Date 09-September-2024

Aspley Special School Finds a Friend in the Force

Photo Credit: MyPolice Brisbane North

For Sergeant Jodie Murray, her 29-year career in the Queensland Police Service culminated in a truly rewarding role: the Adopt a Cop (AAC) for Aspley Special School.

As a dedicated volunteer, Sergeant Murray has fostered positive relationships between the police and the school community, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of students and staff.

The AAC programme pairs police officers with schools and other community organisations to promote understanding and trust. Sargent Murray’s commitment to her role is evident in her dedication to teaching students that police are there to protect and assist them. Her furry companion, Charlie, has become integral to the school community, endearing himself to students and staff alike.

Sargent Murray’s involvement in the school extends beyond classroom visits. She has accompanied students on excursions to the Mounted Police Unit and Railway Squad, participated in school events like Sports Day and the Year 12 Formal, and celebrated cultural milestones such as Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week. Her presence has provided security and comfort for the students, who have formed strong bonds with Sargent Murray and Charlie.

Aspley Special School Principal Mrs Kathleen McDonald praised Sargent Murray’s exceptional dedication to the role. She noted the heartwarming connections that students and staff have formed with the AAC and Charlie and emphasised their positive impact on the school community. The students’ interactions with Charlie, a calm and friendly canine companion, have created a soothing and welcoming atmosphere during school assemblies.

Sargent Murray’s experience as the AAC has reinforced the valuable lessons that can be learned from dogs. Charlie’s gentle nature and unwavering loyalty have taught her and others important life lessons.

Through her work at Aspley Special School, Sargent Murray has not only served her community but has also left a lasting legacy of friendship, trust, and understanding

Published Date 04-September-2024

Brisbane Alert: Carseldine and Bracken Ridge Among Top Swooping Hotspots

Brisbane residents, particularly those in Carseldine and Bracken Ridge, are being urged to stay vigilant as the city enters the peak of its annual swooping bird season.

Read: Bruce Highway Safety Crisis: New Data Reveals Alarming Crash Rates

These two suburbs were among those with the highest reported swooping incidents year to date, according to Brisbane City Council. As spring unfolds across the Queensland capital, September typically marks the most active period for magpies.

Last year, this month alone accounted for 165 reported incidents to Council, representing nearly 43% of all cases throughout 2023. Since the start of the 2024 swooping season in July, 68 incidents have already been logged, signalling another active year.

The breeding season, which begins in July and can extend into January, sees native birds becoming more territorial and protective of their nests. This natural behaviour, while disruptive to daily life, is a crucial part of the local ecosystem.

In response to the seasonal threat, Council has ramped up its efforts to keep residents safe. More than 120 new warning signs have been deployed across 36 suburbs, marking potential swooping hotspots. These signs, introduced in 2021, feature eye-catching colours and designs aimed at grabbing attention and reducing incidents.

Cr Adrian Schrinner emphasised the seriousness with which the council approaches this annual challenge.

“We take every bird swooping incident seriously and act appropriately to protect the community,” Schrinner stated. He encourages residents to report any swooping occurrences promptly, allowing council officers to erect signage and monitor bird activity.

“Our signs are quickly rolled out if we’re alerted to swooping incidents and they have proven incredibly effective with fewer incidents reported to Council since they were introduced,” Cr Schrinner explained.

He also stressed the importance of coexistence with native wildlife, noting, “Native wildlife contributes to the incredible lifestyle we have here in Brisbane, and we have to coexist with these birds during swooping season while keeping the community safe.”

To help residents navigate this tricky time, the Council has issued a list of precautions:

Avoid known nesting areas during breeding season.
If swooped, leave the area quickly but calmly – don’t run.
Wear protective gear: hats, umbrellas for head protection, and glasses for eye safety.
Don’t interfere with birds or their nests, as this may intensify swooping behaviour.
Maintain eye contact with the bird while walking away.
Refrain from harassing or provoking birds.
Never touch young birds.
Cyclists should dismount and walk away if swooped.

Read: Shorncliffe: A Coastal Haven of Sun, Surf and Savoury Delights

As Brisbane’s residents, especially those in Carseldine and Bracken Ridge, prepare for the peak of the swooping season, the message is clear: stay alert, be prepared, and remember that this too shall pass.

With proper precautions and community cooperation, Brisbane can safely share their beautiful city with its feathered inhabitants, ensuring that spring remains a time of renewal rather than fear.

Published 5-September-2024

Hornets vs Sharks: Aspley Face Redland-Victoria Point with Historic Three-Peat on the Horizon

The Aspley Hornets are two wins away from a historic three-peat as they prepare for a high-stakes preliminary final against the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks this Saturday at the Zupps Aspley Oval.

Read: Brisbane Metro Expansion: New Stations Planned for Carseldine and Beyond

A season of dominance

Despite a recent setback in the qualifying final against Morningside, the Hornets enter this match as the top-ranked team from the regular season. Their impressive record has positioned them 12 points clear of the third-placed Sharks on the home-and-away ladder.

The club’s dominant performances extend to their youth program. Three Aspley youth teams have recently clinched premiership trophies—a testament to the club’s strength across all levels.

Now, the Hornets faithful eagerly await the senior team’s chance to bring home the most cherished prize of all.

Hornets vs Sharks

The Sharks have had a strong season, finishing third with a solid performance in their games leading up to the preliminary final. Their resilience and tactical gameplay make them a formidable opponent, adding an extra layer of challenge for the Hornets.

The Hornets have reason to be confident heading into this crucial match. They boast a perfect 2-0 record against the Sharks this season, demonstrating their ability to outperform their upcoming opponents.

On 13 April, Aspley secured a hard-fought 15.4 (94) to 12.16 (88) victory at home. A month later on 18 May, the Hornets dominated the Sharks with a 13.11 (89) to 9.15 (69) win away at Totally Workwear Park.

More notably, the Hornets defeated the Sharks in last year’s grand final to secure their second consecutive premiership trophy. Now, as they aim for another, they must face their familiar rivals once again on the path to glory.

Read: NE-YO’s Champagne & Roses Tour Hits Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall

A victory in this preliminary final will book an Aspley-Morningside rematch in the grand final—an opportunity for Aspley to not only avenge their recent loss but also to pursue their third consecutive premiership title, setting a new standard in the league’s recent history.

Published 04-September-2024

Brisbane Metro Expansion: New Stations Planned for Carseldine and Beyond

Carseldine is set to become an essential stop in the Brisbane Metro expansion, with plans for a new station to be built in time for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Expansion Plans Announced

The Brisbane Metro rapid bus service is gearing up for a significant expansion to extend its reach to the outer suburbs, including Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood, and the Brisbane Airport. This expansion includes the construction of 22 new stations to improve public transport connectivity across Brisbane and neighbouring communities.

The proposal aims to develop a high-frequency, high-capacity public transport network crucial for managing the anticipated increase in public transport usage during the 2032 Olympics and beyond. It is expected to alleviate congestion and support the growing population, with an estimated 1.55 million more people predicted to move to Brisbane by 2041.

Community and Infrastructure Development

The expansion plan focuses on enhancing the Metro service to better connect key destinations such as the Brisbane Airport and DFO and extending lines to the north, south, and east of Brisbane. This initiative aims to ensure that more suburbs are linked to the public transport network, which will reduce the number of cars on the road, decrease congestion, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Transport modelling has highlighted the northern corridor, including Chermside and Carseldine, as a priority area for new Metro stations to support both short—and medium-term transport needs, especially in the lead-up to the Olympics.

In addition to the new stations, plans include establishing a new Metro depot in the northern suburbs to support the extended services. This infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to enhance Brisbane’s public transport network, which features fully-electric, high-capacity buses designed to integrate seamlessly with existing busways.

Challenges and Next Steps

While the expansion plans are ambitious, several challenges remain. The exact cost of the project has yet to be determined, and further discussions regarding funding are ongoing. Additionally, the project must navigate existing agreements, such as the Airtrain exclusivity agreement, which currently restricts public transport links to Brisbane Airport until 2036.

Despite these challenges, all parties involved strongly commit to pushing the project forward. Following changes in priorities and cost assessments, funds have already been redirected from other projects to support the expansion.

The expansion of the Brisbane Metro will begin with the opening of its first stage on October 21, linking Eight Mile Plains and the University of Queensland. The extension to Carseldine and other suburbs will follow, subject to the outcomes of the detailed business case and funding availability.

The 22 new stations planned for the Brisbane Metro expansion:

Eight Mile Plains
Rochedale
Springwood
Upper Mount Gravatt
Griffith University
Holland Park West
Greenslopes
PA Hospital
Boggo Road
UQ Lakes
Buranda
Stones Corner
Coorparoo Square
Camp Hill
Carindale
Chandler
Capalaba
Langlands Park
Carina
Kedron Brook
Kedron North
Chermside

Additionally, there are future Metro extensions indicated to:

Carseldine
Doomben
Brisbane Airport
DFO
Clayfield
Hendra
Ascot
Eagle Junction
Windsor
Woolloongabba

Published 30-Aug-2024

When Doctors Were Far and Few: Healthcare History in Sandgate

In the days before the advent of the triple zero emergency hotline, residents of Sandgate and its surrounding districts faced the same threats to life and limb as we do today: disease, accidents, and violence.

The stark difference lies in the odds of survival. Advancements in medical treatment and access to specialised care have significantly reduced the likelihood of succumbing to such perils.

This is not to imply that our forebears were devoid of medical attention. Sandgate was fortunate to have several resident doctors. However, these physicians were often overburdened and stretched thin. In 1884, 70-year-old Dr. Henry Girdlestone was summoned to an accident scene in present-day Woodford, a journey that would have taken nearly a day on horseback. Similarly, Dr. Guildford Davidson regularly attended to patients on the Redcliffe Peninsula, necessitating hours of travel.

The Challenges of Early Medical Practice in Sandgate

This constant demand taxed doctors and left other patients without immediate care. A mother who rushed her snake-bitten daughter from the North Pine River to Sandgate in 1894 was fortunate to find Dr. Paul available to treat the child.

General practice in those times truly encompassed a wide range of medical needs. Doctors required diverse skills and experience, from surgical procedures like Dr. Girdlestone successfully reattaching a child’s severed toes to diagnosing and treating cases of food poisoning caused by improperly preserved meat or tinned fish.

More complex cases were referred to the nearest hospital in Herston. Patients from outlying areas like Sandgate endured long and arduous journeys by horse-drawn carriage, dray, or, if lucky, by train. Consider the plight of Mr Roberts, who was struck by a horse-drawn bus in Rainbow Street in 1890 and transported to Brisbane Hospital by the local constable—a journey that would have been far from comfortable.

Without a doctor or for dental issues, one could turn to the chemist. Mr Henry Field, “Chemist, Druggist, and Surgeon Dentist,” opened a shop in Sandgate in 1891, offering dispensing services and “teeth carefully extracted.”

So, the next time you find yourself waiting at a hospital or dental clinic, spare a thought for the resilient individuals who came before us, particularly Mr. Field’s dental patients. His advertisement made no mention of anaesthesia.

Published Date 30-August-2024

NE-YO’s Champagne & Roses Tour Hits Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall

Photo Credit: NEYO/ Facebook

The Brisbane Entertainment Centre is about to become a haven of soulful melodies and unforgettable vibes as the sensational, three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, NE-YO, graces the stage with his electrifying Champagne & Roses Tour.

A Night of R&B Royalty

Doors will swing open at 8:00 p.m. on 2 October 2024, setting the stage for a night of unforgettable music. NE-YO, celebrated for his chart-topping hits like “So Sick,” “Sexy Love,” and “Miss Independent,” promises an electrifying performance showcasing his signature blend of soulful vocals and captivating stage presence. Adding to the excitement, special guest Lloyd will join the bill, ensuring a night of R&B excellence.

Exclusive VIP Experiences

A range of VIP packages are available for those seeking an extra special evening. The Ultimate Meet & Greet Experience grants fans early entry, a coveted photo opportunity with NE-YO, exclusive merchandise, and a commemorative tour laminate. Other packages provide options for early access or prime seating in the lower bowl.

From Camden to Global Stardom

NE-YO’s journey to musical stardom is a testament to his dedication and talent. Born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Camden, Arkansas, he inherited a passion for music from his parents. His early songwriting talent blossomed, and by the time he was five, he had penned his first song.

After relocating to Las Vegas with his mother, NE-YO honed his skills at the Las Vegas Academy and performed with the R&B group Envy. While the group eventually disbanded, NE-YO’s songwriting prowess caught the industry’s attention. His breakthrough came in 2004 when he wrote Mario’s smash hit “Let Me Love You.”

A Legacy of Hits

NE-YO’s success as a songwriter paved the way for a remarkable solo career. His debut album “In My Own Words,” featuring the unforgettable “So Sick,” solidified his position as an R&B force to be reckoned with. Subsequent albums like “Because of You” and “Year of the Gentleman” further showcased his artistry, and he has amassed over 23 billion streams globally.

buy ticket

Beyond his solo achievements, NE-YO’s songwriting contributions to artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna have solidified his legacy as a hitmaker. With album titles like “R.E.D” (Realising Every Dream), NE-YO’s passion for fulfilling aspirations shines through, inspiring fans worldwide.

Tickets for NE-YO’s Champagne & Roses Tour are available through Ticketek, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early. This all-ages event promises a night of exceptional music and memories. Parking is available on-site for $18, and early arrival is recommended.

Boondall is gearing up for a night of R&B magic. Get ready to experience the extraordinary talent of NE-YO as he graces the Brisbane Entertainment Centre stage.

Published Date 29-August-2024

56 New Townhouses to Redefine Taigum Living

Photo Credit: DA A006484714

Substantial housing development is in the pipeline for Taigum, with plans lodged for 56 new townhouses at 321 Rogan Road. The ambitious project, designed by Linear 56 Design, aims to construct three two-storey buildings, offering a mix of detached and attached four-bedroom dwellings.

The proposal outlines a low-medium density development, ensuring each townhouse benefits from private outdoor space in a 35sqm courtyard. In addition, residents will have access to generous communal areas, including a swimming pool, sun lounge, pavilion, and lawn. The development will also feature ample parking, with 154 car spaces and dedicated bicycle parking for residents and visitors.

JFP Urban Consultants, the project’s planners, emphasise the development’s efficient use of existing urban land and infrastructure and compliance with all relevant planning regulations. The proposed buildings will occupy 13,540 sqm of the 28,534 sqm site, ensuring a significant portion of the open space remains.

Access to the development will be via a new private road off Rogan Road, and extensive landscaping, including deep planting and creating a drainage reserve, is planned. The project will be developed in two stages, with the first incorporating the communal open space amenities.

This development represents a considerable addition to Taigum’s housing stock, catering to the growing demand for family-friendly accommodation in the area. The focus on providing private and communal outdoor areas, convenient locations, and ample parking will likely make this development highly attractive to prospective buyers.

The development application is currently under review, and if approved, construction is expected to commence shortly.

Published Date 27-August-2024

Aspley Mum Wins $100 Million After Leaving Winning Ticket in Glovebox

A lucky mum from Aspley absentmindedly left her Division 1 ticket in her car’s glovebox, then remembered to check on it after her morning run a couple of days later, and made a life-changing, $100-million discovery!

The massive prize, drawn on Thursday night, 22 August 2024, had eluded officials as the ticket was unregistered, preventing them from identifying the winner.

The search for the lucky individual became increasingly urgent as the jackpot was the only division one winning entry in the draw. The winning numbers, drawn at 9:00 p.m., were 16, 24, 11, 4, 10, 18, 23

A Life-Changing Discovery

The winner, who purchased the ticket at a local Westfield, remained unaware of her newfound wealth until Friday morning. After returning from her morning run, she finally checked the ticket that had been sitting in her car’s glovebox.

“I was shopping the other day, and it’s coming up to my birthday, so I thought ‘why not?’ and purchased a Powerball ticket.

“The funny thing is too, I almost lost it. I had to pull over on the way home from the shops because I thought I had left it there.

“After that, I put it in my glovebox, and I completely forgot about it until this morning.

“I’m scared to breathe in case this isn’t real. We’re in complete shock.”

The woman promptly contacted officials to confirm her win, becoming the third-biggest lottery winner in Australian history.

While the identity of the Aspley mum remains private, the impact on the local area is already being felt, with businesses and residents buzzing with the news.

The Uncertainty of the Unregistered Ticket

Spokeswoman Anna Hobdell noted the anticipation surrounding the draw, especially since the jackpot is the biggest prize any Australian lottery game has offered in nearly three months. Ms Hobdell also highlighted the importance of registering tickets to ensure winners can be notified immediately after a draw.

The unregistered winner’s ticket added to the suspense, as officials were unable to contact the winner directly. This situation has prompted officials to encourage all players to register their tickets in the future to avoid any delay in receiving life-changing news.

Luckiest Store in Australia

The ticket was sold at Nextra Chermside Newsagency at Westfield Chermside. Shannon Hickey, who owns the Nextra Chermside Newsagency, expressed his amazement at having another major division one prize claimed through his store, describing the situation as “crazy.”

“It’s so exciting! We’ve had so many division one wins over the years. We counted up the other day and realised we’d sold division one winning tickets worth more than $64 million. Now we’ve sold over $164 million!” Mr Hickey said.

“Funnily enough, about a decade ago, we sold a $40 million Oz Lotto prize and at the time, that was the third biggest win in Australia. Now, this $100 million Powerball prize is the third-biggest win in Australia and the biggest in Queensland.

“It’s just fantastic and means we are the luckiest store in Australia!

“Congratulations to our winners. We wish them all the very best with their prize.”

Published 23-Aug-2024

Bruce Highway Safety Crisis: New Data Reveals Alarming Crash Rates

New data from RACQ has exposed the Bruce Highway’s alarming safety record, with Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rates three to five times higher than comparable major highways in NSW and Victoria.

Read: Gympie Arterial Road & Webster Road In Aspley Ranks Sixth Among Ten Most Dangerous Intersections In Queensland

The findings have prompted a coalition of leading Queensland organisations to demand urgent action.

According to RACQ, around 1,398 kilometres of the Bruce Highway, which passes through the Gympie Arterial Road (M3) in Carseldine and M1 in Bald Hills remains single-lane and undivided.

This leads to an average ‘per kilometre travelled’ FSI crash rate three times higher than rural sections of the Pacific Highway and five times higher than rural sections of the Hume Highway.

crash rates — Crash rates (Photo credit: RACQ)

RACQ Managing Director and CEO David Carter emphasised the highway’s substandard condition compared to interstate counterparts.

“The Bruce Highway is the backbone of this State, it’s supposed to be a national highway but when you compare it to the Pacific or Hume, it’s substandard,” Mr Carter said.

“Those interstate highways have rightfully been upgraded to three, four and five stars out of five for infrastructure safety, yet around half of the Bruce is still a poor two-star rating. In 2024, there is no way Queensland should have any two-star sections on the Bruce Highway.

The coalition is advocating for comprehensive upgrades, including widening, more overtaking lanes, and progressive duplication to dual carriageway standards. They believe there’s a need for a 10-year funding commitment from the State and Federal Governments to continue upgrading the Bruce Highway.

Alison Smith, CEO of Local Government Association of Queensland, highlighted the emotional and economic toll of crashes on local communities, stressing the critical need for improved road safety across Queensland.

“As the level of government closest to their communities, councils see the huge emotional toll that crash deaths and injuries create, even before you come to the economic cost,” Ms Smith said.

“Ensuring more funding flows to improve road safety across our decentralised state is critical to Queensland councils because it is critical to improving the liveability of their local communities.

“This includes crucial funding to improve local and state roads and support jobs throughout regional, rural and remote Queensland under key programs like the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDs), as well as major transportation links like the Bruce Highway, which serves as a vitally important economic and social artery for so many local communities.”

Read: Beams Road Upgrade in Carseldine Prioritised in SEQ Level Crossing Program 2024

The “Fix the Bruce” campaign continues to gain traction, underlining the urgent need for significant infrastructure improvements to Queensland’s vital transport artery.

Published 13-August-2024