Children at a Childcare and Education Centre in Aspley Baked to Raise Funds for Firefighters and Victims of Bushfires

Children at a childcare and education centre in Aspley raised funds from their baked goodies for the firefighters and families affected by the devastating bushfires.

Children and educators at Guardian Early Learning Group’s learning centres across Australia have launched various efforts to show support to the firefighters, as well as  help those who have been affected by the recent fires in NSW and Queensland.

The children at Guardian Childcare & Education Aspley baked cupcakes and other goodies and delivered them to the foyer every afternoon for families to buy as after school snacks. These yummy treats helped the centre raise $170 which will then be donated to the Queensland Rural Fire Service. The centre is also collecting donations for the families affected by the bushfires. 

Children at a Childcare and Education Centre in Aspley Baked to Raise Funds for Firefighters and Victims of Bushfires
Photo credit: Guardian Childcare and Education /  guardian.edu.au

Children at Guardian Childcare & Education Coorparoo have likewise decided to show their appreciation to the heroic efforts of local firefighters, this time through letters.

“Staying indoors led to a conversation about how bad the fires were and what this meant for the community. The children were concerned for the firefighters and wanted to thank them for keeping us safe,” said Early Childhood Teacher, Lucy.

“After considering everyone’s suggestions, and weighing up the benefits and potential complications associated with each one, we decided that the firefighters would appreciate letters and pictures instead.”

Children at a Childcare and Education Centre in Aspley Baked to Raise Funds for Firefighters and Victims of Bushfires
Photo credit: Guardian Childcare and Education /  guardian.edu.au

The community at Guardian Early Learning Bruce, on the other hand, had a dressup day and bake sale to raise funds for NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), Queensland Rural Fire Service, and Red Cross. 

The children dressed up as their favourite heroes, and many of the children and educators came as doctors, police officers, builders, and nurses. The centre also raised over $100 through the sale of homemade goodies.

Children at a Childcare and Education Centre in Aspley Baked to Raise Funds for Firefighters and Victims of Bushfires
Photo credit: Guardian Childcare and Education /  guardian.edu.au

The Kinder One children from Guardian Pascoe Vale Early Learning Centre & Kindergarten likewise put together a bake sale and an appeal to raise funds to help those affected by the bushfires.

“We had wonderful feedback from families and Educators excited to support the cause,” Assistant Manager, Jess said.

“They contributed their thoughts and ideas for the appeal, eagerly purchased cupcakes from the bake sale, and discussed with the children what they were raising money for.”



Newly Opened Nissan Showroom in Aspley Ready to Feature Next-Gen Cars

Japanese automotive brand Nissan opened a new showroom in Aspley, just 700 metres away from its temporary retail outlet along Gympie Road.

Sitting adjacent to AP Eagers’ other franchises, like Holden and Suzuki, Aspley Nissan features dual new-car customer delivery bays, touchscreens to allow customers to compare models and view feature demonstrations, Nissan Radio, as well as interactive digital signage displays. 

The new Nissan showroom, located at 1454 Gympie Rd, boasts a state-of-the-art service workshop which is also now open for all their customers’ servicing needs. The comfortable lounge offers free WiFi, a hospitality bar, workstations, charge points and spacious seating options.

Photo Credit: Aspley Nissan/Facebook

They stock the latest range in Nissan models from the tough Navara, the next-gen and family-friendly Qashqai and the super sporty 370z. Eventually, customers may even purchase the new all-electric Nissan Leaf from the Aspley outlet. 

Photo credit: nissan.com.au

Leaf, the second electric car in Australia with a $50,000 price point, will be sold at 90 Nissan dealerships across the country and Aspley Nissan will be one of its authorized dealers and service centres. With its 40-kWh battery, the new generation Nissan Leaf has an indicative driving range of 270-km.

Photo Credit: Aspley Nissan/Facebook

Queensland Firebirds star Gretel Tippett graced the official grand re-opening of Aspley Nissan, where attendees were treated with BBQ and drinks and signed merchandise. Nissan signed Tippett as the brand’s official ambassador in June 2019, as part of its netball ambassador program in Australia. 

Further information about the newly open dealership and service centre can be found at Aspley Nissan’s website



New Repair Cafe Sandgate Set to be a Hive to Share Tinkering Skills, Fix Broken Items and Reduce Waste

The concept is quite simple: if you have a broken household item, bring it to Repair Café in Sandgate and skilled volunteers will help you fix it. Even if you don’t have anything that needs fixing, you can still head over to the café to assist with repairs or learn new skills. That’s on top of the cup of coffee or tea you can enjoy with other members of the community. In this ongoing process, the community lessens the waste going to landfill, whilst forging strong community ties. 

In February 2020, a Repair Cafe in Sandgate will start offering a special kind service and is going to be a hive for skilled men and women to share their knowledge and skills in fixing broken household items.

Repair Cafe Sandgate is the first to be established in Brisbane through the efforts of Dan Martens. He opened a Facebook event to tap people who might be interested in opening the cafe, where they can enjoy coffee and food whilst repairing things for free. 



Setting Up Repair Cafe in Sandgate

In October, Martes and a group of skilled fixers had a test run through an event held at the Sandgate Community Centre at 153 Rainbow Street. Some 30 participants gathered together to tinker items like electronics, toys, gardening tools, jewellery, crockery, clothing, ceramics and bicycles.

Another meet-up is currently in the works and tentatively set for the end of November. As this initiative is expected to be a regular activity, the initial participants believe that the community needed an actual Repair Cafe. 

Photo Credit: Repair Cafe Sandgate/Facebook

Martes’ efforts received support from the Sandbag Inc, a community-based organisation, and Illuma Electrical, a small business repair service in Sandgate. The group has also submitted a grant application in the hopes of receiving the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund to get their project off the ground.



Repair Cafe’s Objectives

Founded in Amsterdam by Martine Postma in the 18th of Oct 2019, Repair Cafe is a non-profit that has three goals:

a. To bring back repairing into local society
b. To maintain repair expertise and spread this knowledge
c. To promote social cohesion in the local community

Repair Café is not a service shop per se, especially since it will have limited storage space and the work is voluntary. Rather, Repair Cafe is a meeting place for locals who enjoy mending broken things. The initiative is also a way to reduce landfill waste, which has become a global problem. 

If you’re adept at fixing broken items or would like to improve on the skill, you may volunteer to be one of the fixers. The membership is open to anyone.

Gympie Road at Aspley: Named Second Worst Road in Brisbane in 2019

Gympie Road at Chermside and Aspley have taken the top two spots in Brisbane’s Crash Hotspots list, according to the 2019 AAMI Crash Index.

The analysis is based on data from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 of the more than 340,000 motor accident insurance claims across Australia by customers of AAMI, GIO, Suncorp Insurance, Shannons, APIA, Bingle, CIL Insurance, Vero, Terri Scheer, and Essentials by AAI. 

Gympie Road has been identified as the worst road in Brisbane with its sections in Chermside and Aspley occupying first and second spot; same as last year’s ranking. Rounding out the top five are Logan Road, Mount Gravatt; Mains Road, Sunnybank and Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains. 

“These hot spots are generally busy major arterial roads, that intersect with local streets. When you combine this with heavy traffic and frequent stopping, it is a perfect recipe for vehicle collisions,” AAMI Head of Motor Claims Anna Cartwright said.

The top crash locations for each capital city are:

  • Melbourne – Plenty Road, Bundoora
  • Sydney – Hume Highway, Liverpool 
  • Brisbane – Gympie Road, Chermside
  • Perth – Albany Highway, Cannington
  • Canberra – Monaro Highway, Hume
  • Adelaide – North Terrace, Adelaide
  • Hobart – Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay

AAMI Behavioural Economist Phil Slade added that a crash is likely to occur when the driver is less than 10 kilometres from home or familiar route because we tend to slip into autopilot,” as opposed to driving in an unfamiliar location where we tend to pay more attention on the road.

“Driver distractions such as mobile phones and digital devices are big issues, because they take away from your ability to react. It’s best to always expect the unexpected, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front and be patient especially if traffic is congested,” Mr Slade said.

Frustration, impatience and road rage contribute to vehicle collisions, so drivers should be patient and present while driving, Mr Slade concludes. 



Aspley East State School Bags 2019 People’s Choice Litter Prevention Award

Did you know that Aspley East State School has bagged the People’s Choice Litter Prevention Award at the 2019 Cleaner Suburbs Awards?

The 2019 Cleaner Suburbs Awards, held at Brisbane City Hall on 17 October and hosted by the Lord Mayor, honoured individuals and groups for contributions to the promotion of environmental protection and a cleaner and greener Brisbane.

Aspley East State School was recognised for their initiative called “Behaviour Change Program,” which aimed to help minimise the city’s litter problem through activities like Clean Up Days, assembly speeches, class discussions and brainstorming, along with the creation of a “Cool Clean up Crew,” composed of Year-6 students. 

By encouraging students to share what they’ve learned from the program with their families, Aspley East State School helped create a positive cultural change within the school community.

Photo credit: Aspley East State School / aspleyeastss.eq.edu.au

Brisbane’s Cleaner Suburbs Awards recognise organisations and individuals for their contribution to the environment and for helping create a clean and green city. Brisbane City Council works in partnership with CitySmart to deliver the annual awards.

Individuals, community groups, P&C, multicultural groups and associations, businesses, workplaces, universities, and schools are eligible to enter the Cleaner Suburbs Awards. 

Except for the Outstanding Clean Green Award — recognition of long-term litter prevention and waste management project — this year’s awards considered activities  that were carried out in Brisbane between 1 January 2018 – 30 June 2019.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council /  brisbane.qld.gov.au

There have been 186 nominations for seven categories and 11 Cleaner Suburbs Awards that were given this year: 

  • Councillors’ Clean Green Choice Award
  • Litter Prevention Awards – Individual 5-17yrs, Individual 18+ yrs, and two (2) Groups 
  • Waste Innovation Award
  • Brisbane’s Clean Green Award
  • People’s Choice Litter Prevention Award
  • Clean Schools Awards – Primary School and Secondary School
  • Outstanding Clean Green Award.


Proposed IGA Supermarket on Zillmere Road in Aspley Gets Green Light

A development application involving an internal fitout to facilitate the establishment of an IGA Supermarket within Aspley Homemaker Centre has been approved.

The proposed site for the Supermarket is located at 815 Zillmere Road, Aspley and comprises one large allotment, approximately 6.22 hectares in total area with primary point of entry and exit from Zillmere Road.

The site is currently improved by Aspley Homemaker City which is composed of large-scale retail outlets such as furniture stores, bedding, educational supplies, outdoor living, and barbecue, as well as cafes, fitness centre, fast food outlet,

Proposed IGA Supermarket site
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The proposed development will involve the internal shop fitout within the existing building only, thus will not change the Gross Floor Area or the design and appearance of the building. There are also no changes to be made to the existing car parking and access arrangements on the site.

IGA Supermarket on Zillmere Road
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Entry view 
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

IGA Supermarket on Zillmere Road
Zillmere Road view 
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
IGA Supermarket on Zillmere Road
Loading dock view 
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“A review of Council’s PDOnline indicates that the current centre on-site and associated tenancies were approved prior to 2004. The application material that is available on PDOnline indicates that the relevant development approval is for Centre Activities within a Centre,” the URBIS assessment report said.

“As such it is determined that the proposed Building Work for the purposes of an internal shop fitout (IGA), does not constitute a material change of use of the premises. Furthermore, the Building Work is considered to be consistent with the relevant development approval.”



815 Zillmere Road, Aspley

Expressions of Interest for New Catholic Secondary School on Beams Road, Fitzgibbon Now Being Accepted

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for a new co-educational Catholic Secondary School being proposed for Beams Road in Fitzgibbon, planned to open in 2022.

Brisbane Catholic Education seeks to develop a Catholic High School, on the corner of 441 Beams Road and Carselgrove Avenue, catering to Grade 7-12 students. The 5.76-hectare land was the former site of the Big Easy Golf and Leisure Centre.

BCE is a community of parish and dioscesan Catholic schools operating 141 schools across the Archdiocese. The institution recently opened two Prep schools in Bli Bli and Coomera.

Between 2020 and 2025, Brisbane Catholic Education plans to open six new schools:

  • Primary school in Redbank Plains , to open with Prep – Year 3 in 2020
  • Three secondary schools: Plainland and Yarrabilba – to open in 2021, Fitzgibbon – to open in 2022 
  • Two Prep schools: Flagstone – to open in 2024; Narangba – to open in 2025.

The future high school in Fitzgibbon will feature two-storey classrooms, specialty classrooms, administration, PE/Hall with car park, Learning Centre, Music and Performance, cafe,  tennis court, sports field, campus piazza, and staff parking.

 co-educational Catholic Secondary School being proposed for Beams Road in Fitzgibbon
Photo credit: Amanda Cooper – Councilor  for Bracken Ridge Ward / amandacooper.com.au

Councilor Amanda Cooper, however, expressed concerns about the proposed development. The applicant, she said, is seeking Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID), which means Council will not be able to assess the plans and will remove the process of letting residents voice their concerns regarding the proposal.

“While I recognise the need, and support the provision for additional educational facilities, I hold serious concerns about the lack of community consultation this development will receive,” Councilor Amanda Cooper said.

“Fast tracking a development of this nature should not occur without adequately addressing the existing issues that are already impacting residents, specifically the Beams Road open level-crossing and the significant lack of commuter parking at Carseldine Train Station. 

“In seeking a MID for this site, it ultimately and unnecessarily removes the ability for Council to review, assess and provide guidance on the impacts that will be experienced by the community. Most importantly, it also removes the right for residents who will be at the forefront of any impact, the ability to express their concerns,” she said.

Parents wanting to express their interest in the new proposed Catholic Secondary School in Fitzgibbon may click on this link to access the form.



Carseldine Hosts Inaugural Barktoberfest

You’ve got to love community markets in Brisbane since they’re usually pet-friendly, but a Carseldine market will take things to the next level by dedicating the entire market space to everything pets. Dubbed the Barktoberfest, this pet-lover’s dream market will open in Carseldine on Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019.

Hosted by Carseldine Markets with the help of the Animal Welfare League, Barktoberfest will feature over 150 stalls for your furry best friend (and for you, too!). Expect your pup to be zooming for heaps of gourmet pet food available at the market whilst you “ooh” and “aww” at the adorable pet fashion merchandise. 

Photo Credit: Carseldine Markets/Facebook


Bring home a keepsake of this memorable event by having your puppy portrait done at one of the stalls. Since Barktoberfest will open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., competitions, entertainment, workshops on pet care, and other arts and crafts activities will be happening around the clock. 

If you’re not a pet owner yet or you’re looking to add to your brood, drop by the Adoption Zone to meet your potential fur family and go home with a new loyal companion! 

Barktoberfest requires no entrance free so bring the whole family, including your four-legged pal, of course, to experience this fun time. 



Have Your Say on the Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan

As part of the planning process, Brisbane City Council is inviting the community to have their say and participate in the nomination of the Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan Community Planning Team.

The Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan will become part of the Brisbane City Plan 2014, once it is completed by early 2022. The neighbourhood  plan will help guide the future development planning, as well as coordinate the land use and future infrastructure project for the area over a 10-year period and beyond. 

  • confirm future development potential within existing residential and rural areas
  • provide services and facilities to meet the needs of existing and future community
  • protect and enhance the environment and biodiversity in the Albany Creek and Cabbage Tree Creek catchments
  • consider future infrastructure and services such as stormwater drainage, sewer and other utilities.

Public input is vital to the planning process and by working with the local community, Council will be able to: 

To participate in the consultation process, residents may nominate a member for the Community Planning Team by 29 September 2019. A CPT member — who may be a resident, works, runs a business, or owns a property in the area — participates in a series of workshops to guide the neighbourhood plan.

Also, until Monday 21 October, residents may have their say by completing an online survey or by using the interactive map and dropping a pin and placing a comment on the location which they think should stay the same or might be suitable for future growth or change. 

Alternatively, a hardcopy survey form can be requested by sending an email to the project team, contacting Council, or writing to:

Neighbourhood Planning Brisbane (Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan)
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001

The next phase will be for the Council to seek community input on draft strategy, by mid-2020. By late 2020 to early 2021, the neighbourhood plan, which will include proposals for changes to zones and overlays, will be released for community feedback and reviewed by the Queensland Government.  



Aspley Homemaker City to Host Free Spring Carnival

One of Brisbane’s biggest homemaker centres is hosting a Spring Carnival to welcome the new season! Bring the whole family to Aspley Homemaker City on Saturday, the 21st of Sept 2019, to enjoy this free event.

The Spring Carnival at the store’s site on Zillmere Road will open from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will feature exciting rides and attractions like: 

  • Mega Dodgem Cars
  • Super Slide
  • Cup & Saucer 
  • Caveman Capers Inflatable Obstacle Course
  • Whirlwind 

The first 150 guests to arrive will receive ice cream for free, as well as gift bags from participating retailers. There are at least 30 stores inside Aspley Homemaker City. 

Photo Credit: Aspley Homemaker City/Facebook


Whilst you’re already there, you may also shop for home items during the mid-season sale. A few new items for spring season have also arrived at some of the stores so this might be a good time to update your bedding and other decorations. Get the chance to win one of eight $100 gift cards to be given away when you make a purchase. 

Aspley Homemaker City is open from Monday to Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Trading hours are extended from Thursday to Sunday.