Police Spend Under Eights Day at Bracken Ridge State School

The Gateway Crime Prevention team attended the Under Eights Day at Bracken Ridge State School last 27 June 2019.

The Gateway Crime Prevention team along with other emergency services and community based groups had the chance to discuss with the under eights a few things about the police and the role play in the community.

“QPS love having the opportunity to engage with our youngest members of the school communities to talk about how to identify a police officer, what roles police have in our community, and who to go to if they need help,” Sgt Jodie Murray said.

The young students also had a chance to dress up like a real police officer complete with police hats, police shirts, load bearing vests, and bullet proof vests; not to mention, the kids were at their best behavior during the entire event

“At the end of the morning after stickers were given out and fingerprints taken, police left the scene with lights and sirens blazing.”

Under Eights Day at Bracken Ridge State School
Under Eights Day at Bracken Ridge State School

About Bracken Ridge State School

Located on Binburra Street, Bracken Ridge State School is a coeducational independent public school catering to Prep Year up to Year 6 students.

The school’s population comprises mainly of students from its neighbouring areas like Taigum, Sandgate, Bald Hills, Brighton, Fitzgibbon, and those from the immediate Bracken Ridge catchment.

The Bracken Ridge State School also supports inclusion of students with disabilities through its Special Education Program which caters to approximately 32 Prep to Year 6 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Physical Impairment, Hearing Impairment, and Intellectual Impairment.

School facilities include: double classroom spaces, dedicated prep precinct, all-new  playground equipment, separate playground, swimming pool, soccer field, a sports hall, computer labs, and Outside School Hours Care.



Petition to Stop Development Proposal at Bridgeman Downs Gathers Support

Just days after the application was lodged, an online petition urging the Council to stop the proposed development at Bridgeman Downs was launched and hundreds have already signed supporting the cause.

“Many of us have chosen to live in Bridgeman Downs because of its surrounding bushland and green spaces. These priceless features of Bridgeman Downs are being compromised by the development application for a service station, two fast food outlets, a childcare centre, and 39 townhouses at 415 – 427 Beckett Road, Bridgeman Downs,” the online petition says. 

The petition further stated that the development will significantly reduce the already limited green space and bushland in the area, as well as cause an increase in traffic, noise levels, parked cars along the streets. Such a move will “bring potentially unwanted visitors” to the area and affect property values. 

“These issues aside, there is simply no need for additional fast food outlets, service stations and townhouses in our area. There are numerous service stations and fast food outlets within a 5km radius of our suburb at both Aspley and Albany Creek. 

“We accept that the proposed development area was marked for potential development but the commercial nature of this development is completely unnecessary.“

As of the seond week of July, more than a thousand individuals have already signed in support of the online petition.

The proposed development on Beckett Road, Bridgeman Downs

The proposal by Beckett Road Pty Ltd was lodged 27 June 2019. It involves the development of a Service Station, a Cafe, Food and Drink Outlets, Child Care Centre, Multiple Dwellings, and new roads over four stages; the two existing dwellings will be demolished as part of the proposed development. 

Petition Bridgeman Downs
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The site is located at 415 and 427 Beckett Road, Bridgeman Downs covering an area of 18,1606sqm with a frontage of about 144m to Beckett Road. 

Stage 1 involves the construction of a Fuel Shop with a Coffee Drive Thru and a Drive Thru Restaurant with 42 car parking spaces and a direct access from Beckett Road. 

Stage 2 involves the construction of a 100-place two-storey Child Care Centre and a single-storey Restaurant with 22 car parking spaces.

Whilst Stages 3 and 4 involve the development of a two-storey 39 semi-attached dwellings (10 dwellings in Stage 3 and 29 dwellings in Stage 4). The dwelling will be broken down into three types with 86 car parking spaces (78-resident and 8-visitor).



Gympie Road in Aspley Gets Noise Barriers Project Fund

The State Government has allocated $4-million funding for the Noise Barriers project along Gympie Road in Aspley, among other roads funding under the Aspley State Budget for 2019.

Bart Mellish MP- Member for Aspley announced in 11 June 2019, the 2019 Aspley State Budget allocation for roads project which included the funding for the Noise Barriers in Aspley, $15-million funding for Strathpine Road/ Gympie Arterial Road interchange; $5-million funding for the Beams Road Overpass Business case; and the state contribution of $25 million for the Linkfield Road project.

Regional Queensland is the big winner as far as the State Government’s infrastructure budget is concerned, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said referring to the release of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) 2019-20 to 2022-23.

“When our regions thrive, Queensland thrives, so this budget will ensure tens of thousands of jobs are created in the regions, supporting their population growth and economic development,” Minister Bailey said.

Job-creating projects

The State Government will continue its focus on job-creating infrastructure project investments, he said. Queensland government will spend a record $23 billion investment in roads and transport projects, supporting 21,500 jobs.

“More than $14.5 billion of this record QTRIP will be spent outside the Brisbane City, Ipswich City and Redland City local government areas.”

“Our investment will make the Bruce Highway safer and more flood-resilient between Brisbane and Cairns.

The Queensland Budget for Brisbane and Redlands region alone includes infrastructure spending of $3.9 billion, which is estimated to generate around 11,500 jobs.

Projects targeting congestion

Part of this year’s budget will be invested in congestion-busting projects such as the Ipswich Motorway upgrade and the continuing construction of the Sumners Road Interchange on the Centenary Highway. A total of  $16 million will be allocated for these projects under the State Budget  2019-20.

 “We’ll keep building a better M1 from Brisbane to the border – with major projects between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill and Varsity Lakes and Tugun ready to roll as soon as the current two M1 upgrades finish next year.

Eight Mile Plains to Daisy Hill staging | TMRQld / YouTube

“We have also committed funding to upgrade three M1 interchanges that serve growing North Gold Coast communities – Exits 41, 49 and 57.

Transport infrastructure

Among the rail and passenger infrastructure projects lined up, $160.8 million will be allocated by the State Government for the North Coast Line upgrade as well as the $250-million high-capacity underground interchange for the Inner Northern Busway to the Cross River Rail Project.

The government will also invest in bus stops and train stations to make stations more accessible and upgrade key commuter roads to create priority bus lanes. 

A total $21 million has been set aside to deliver 600 new car parking spaces at Greenbank bus park ‘n’ ride and $4.5 million to expand the Eight Mile Plains bus station park ‘n’ ride, adding 340 extra car spaces.  



U4K and Boondall Police Officers Bring Smiles to Students at Aspley Special School

On 12 June 2019, officers from Boondall Station visited students of Aspley Special School, to answer questions and provide gifts, courtesy of U4K.

Members of Crime Prevention Unit and the Road Policing Command were, as Sgt Jodie Murray puts it, “armed and ready to face the serious and prolonged questioning” from the students:

  • Introduce yourself by your name and the duties you do as a police officer;
  • How did you make a decision to become a police officer;
  • Explain the uniform and the gear you carry;
  • The role of the police officers in the community;
  • How police support young people in the community (cyber safety, personal safety, cyberbullying).
U4K_Boondall_Police_Officers
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au

“The students were then given some beautiful homemade clothing, bag and beanies made the lovely Uniforms 4 Kids (U4K) volunteer sewers from North Brisbane, Maria & Chris, who re-purpose old emergency service uniforms into clothing for kids in need” Sgt Jodie Murray said.

“The aim of U4K is to provide unique clothing to children who have a need no matter who or where they are.

“It is also an opportunity for law enforcement and emergency services organisations to build legitimacy and trust with communities and for retirees and other community members to support a charitable program, build social cohesion and expand their social networks,” Sgt Murray said.

Boondall_Police_Officers_U4K
Photo Credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au

Aspley Special School is a Year 7 to 12 school, located on Zillmere Rad in Aspley, that provides educational program to secondary aged students with a disability.

About U4K (Uniform 4 Kids)

Founded by Yvonne Pattinson OAM in 2017, Uniform 4 Kids is a community program that aims to repurpose donated law enforcement and emergency services organisations uniforms into beautiful clothing articles made for children in need.

Boondall_Police_Officers_U4K
Photo Credit: Uniforms 4 Kids 2019 / uniforms4kids.com.au

U4K is supported by donor partners who continually donate their old uniforms: Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Australia Zoo, and Western Australia Police.

The program has already provided over 5,000 items to other charities and domestic violence shelters as well as remote communities and donors’ approved recipients.



Pedal Your Way to the Ride Sports Warehouse Sale Near Aspley

Ride Sports, a premium bicycle distributor in Australia and New Zealand, will hold a warehouse sale this June at their 3,500-sqm property near Aspley. If you’re looking to start biking or considering an upgrade on your gear, then step on the opportunity to snag some great bargains.

Happening on Saturday, the 8th of June 2019, the Ride Sports Warehouse Sale will open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Shop 6 on 605 Zillmere Road. Take advantage and save money on discounted demo bikes, parts, accessories and prototypes as the store makes more room for new stocks next season.



Among the international and local brands on display are equipment and accessories from Kelly Bikes, Guerciotti, NS Bikes Co, Sunn Bikes, Barletta Bikes and Thok E-Bikes. Whether you need these for commercial deliveries, endurance biking, or recreational biking, the warehouse will have something for every biker.

Photo Credit: Ride Sports/Facebook
Photo Credit: Ride Sports/Facebook

The Ride Sports team will be on hand to help shoppers choose what they need. Composed of Storm Jury, Benn Marsh, Tony Blackshaw and CEO Rian Bell, they are also quite passionate about biking and gears set up so you’ll get help and advice from the experts.



On regular trading days, Ride Sports is open from Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Funding Up to June 2023 for Aspleycare Charity Secured

Community organisation Aspleycare has secured much needed funding for it to be able to keep delivering vital emergency relief services for the next three and a half years.

Through the help of Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth MP, Federal Government  funding amounting to $157,500 has been confirmed, enabling the organisation to provide emergency relief in the form of food vouchers and parcels, financial assistance, and medical prescriptions, through June 2023.

“Aspleycare President Tom Borger approached me at the end of last year, when the group’s application for funding fell through,” said Luke Howarth MP.

“Over the next few months, we worked together to find a new avenue of funding.

“The organisation is a huge part of the Aspley community, and the work they do stretches far beyond the suburb, reaching and helping people from all walks of life who are doing it tough.

“For many years now, I’ve been working hard to ensure locals have the infrastructure, resources and opportunities we need to prosper in this great country.

“I’m thrilled to have been able to help Aspleycare secure funding, so the hardworking members of this organisation can continue their vital work,” Mr Howarth said.

Aspleycare president Tom Borger described the securing of funding as a miracle which he said would mean the organisation will be able to deliver emergency relief to 32 suburbs instead of just 10.

Aspleycare is a ministry of Our Lady and St Dympna’s Parish in Aspley. The community organisation started in 1979 and is composed of volunteers coming from both the parish and the general community.



Backyard Bonanza 2019: Huge Family Event Returns to Bracken Ridge

One of the biggest family events in Brisbane is back at the McPherson Park in Bracken Ridge. This is a free event you shouldn’t pass up because it will be a treat for your kids and even your dogs!

Backyard Bonanza is happening on Sunday, the 26th of May 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be two main stages for this event where simultaneous activities for both kids and adults will take place.

The highlight of this year’s Backyard Bonanza will be the new locomotive train, Sunny, from Bracken Ridge Lion. There will also be lots of games and mascot entertainment for the kids, while professional bands will play the adults’ favourite music.

BYB/Facebook
BYB/Facebook
BYB/Facebook
BYB/Facebook

Heaps of shopping and foodie booths will also be present at the Backyard Bonanza. It won’t just be fun and games, however, because there will be an educational workshop where participants may learn how to plant bean sprouts, as well as make recycled pots for plants.  



Stick a while longer to watch the Pooch Parade at the Backyard Bonanza. Residents may register to showcase their lovely four-legged family members and make a gold donation to benefit the Animal Welfare League.



Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the Backyard Bonanza coming from Bracken Ridge, Aspley and other nearby suburbs.

Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre: All Year Round Swimming Facility in Fitzgibbon

The Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre in Fitzgibbon is a state-of-the-art facility offering swimming lessons, squad programs, and aqua aerobics, but most of all, a great place for families and friends to bond and enjoy.

Opened in 14 February 2016, the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre is located at 532 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon and features two heated 25-metre pools — an outdoor pool and an indoor programs pool — each with accessible ramp.

The facility was named after Emily Seebohm, who is an Olympic medalist and former world record holder. Emily Seebohm was the first Australian woman to finish the 100m backstroke in under the 1:00 mark. Seebohm is also a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her services to sport.

The facility also offers plenty of space for everyone to relax and have a chat in-between dips with its large, grassed leisure area and shaded seating area as well as barbecues and kiosk.

Apart from ramp access, other specialised equipment include: ceiling mounted patient hoist for people with disabilities; adjustable height adult change table for people with disabilities; submersible wheelchair; and accessible changing place room.

The venue hire is available for gatherings and events like birthday parties. Entry fee for adults,15 years and over, is $5.70 whilst children, two to 14 years old, is $4.10. Use of the facility is free for children under two years of age.



Council pools also honour the Queensland Government Companion Card which will allow free entry for anyone accompanying a person with a disability who requires attendant care support.

Check here for a full list of admission and membership fees.

Pool Safety With Kids

The Council endorses Keep Watch: a public education program of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia intended to prevent drowning incidents and deaths of children under five years of age.

Video Credit: RoyalLifeSavingAust / YouTube

Adults accompanying and supervising a toddler by the pool are encouraged to observe the following measures:

  • for zero-five year olds and non-swimmers, a parent or guardian be in the water at all times within arms’ reach of the child/non-swimmer
  • for six-10 year olds, they be actively supervised by a parent or guardian. Carers should be prepared to get wet and enter the water with this age group
  • for 11-14 year olds, parents or guardians should physically check on children on a regular basis.

Mandarin Beginner’s Class for Kids Happening at Aspley State School

The Lyrebird Language Centre is conducting a Mandarin Beginner’s Class for kids every Sunday morning at the Aspley State School.

It is never too early to start learning a second language. In fact, studies have shown numerous benefits of learning foreign language to young children. Some of the benefits include:

  • Boosts problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and listening skills
  • Improves the child’s memory and concentration
  • Gives the child the ability to multitask
  • Enhances creativity and mental flexibility

Apart from these benefits relating to a child’s cognitive development, children who are exposed early to other languages also learn to embody cultural sensitivity. This is primarily because language and culture are very much intertwined; and by learning a new language, it offers a child cultural understanding that will lead for him/her to display a more positive attitude towards the culture that is associated with that language. Hence, foreign language allows young children to open their minds and appreciate the world and its diversity even more.

Languages
Photo credit: www.pandatree.com

Lyrebird Language Centre

If you are interested in enrolling your child to a foreign language class, the Lyrebird Language Centre is opening a new Mandarin Beginner’s Class for Term 2 every Sunday morning at the Aspley State School.

Mandarin Beginner's Class for Kids
Photo credit: www.eventbrite.com.au

This class is ideal for kids who don’t speak Mandarin at home but would want to learn the language and overall an introduction to Chinese culture. The beginner’s class being offered by the Lyrebird Language Centre allows kids to have fun whilst learning through various games and songs. Aside from playing and singing, kids will also learn a few basic Chinese characters and the proper Chinese pronunciation called Pin Yin.

For 9 sessions, the goal of this Mandarin Beginner’s Class for kids is to cultivate their interest in learning Mandarin and also to build a proper foundation for their possible Mandarin study in the future.

Schedule

Date28 April 2019 – 30 June 2019
Time9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

To know more about the classes being offered by the Lyrebird Language Centre, click here.

Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Coming to Cabbage Tree Creek in Carseldine

The State Government will build a $1-million pedestrian and cycle bridge across Cabbage Tree Creek. The project aims to improve accessibility to the  Carseldine station, Aspley State High School, and the currently under construction Carseldine Urban Village sport and recreation precinct.

The bridge will divert pedestrians, mostly Aspley State High School students, away from nearby roads and provide a safe way for them to access transport and sporting activities

“While it is discouraged, we know that students and residents regularly use a water pipe to cross the creek, or they walk along the busy Dorville and Beams Roads,” Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said in his announcement.

.Photo Credit: Bart Mellish MP / bartmellish.com

“Soon though, they’ll be able to walk or cycle across a new footbridge, allowing them to move seamlessly between the school, the sports fields and Carseldine train station.

“The new bridge will also connect to existing cycling infrastructure around Cabbage Tree Creek.

“The proposal includes lighting, so we’ll have a better and safer integration of the school, the village precinct and the broader community, and we’ll see more people on their bikes, using public transport, and taking advantage of our green space, which is a real win for the community,” Mr Mellish said.



Aspley State High School Principal Jacquita Miller welcomed the announcement of a new bridge as it will “create an opportunity to supplement the school’s current sports facilities with the new Carseldine Urban Village sports precinct during major sporting carnivals.”

“It will also encourage students to take part in extra-curricular sporting activities outside of what the school offers, enhancing a healthy lifestyle and broadening their community connections,” Ms Miller said.

Construction of the project will commence later this year and is expected to be finished by early 2020. Funding will be provided through the State Government’s Growth Area and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund amounting to $900,000 as well as an additional $100,000 coming from Queensland’s Department of Education.