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Former Aspley High Student Sprinter Back on Track for the Commonwealth Games

Alex Hartmann, a former student of Aspley State High School, is ready to take on his personal goal of beating the national record for the 200m sprint at the Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth Games is certainly important for the Rio Olympian as he aims to beat Peter Norman’s 1968 record of 20.06 seconds on the 200m sprint. Hartmann’s hard work on training has paid off as he set a remarkable 20.57 seconds run into a -2.1m headwind claiming his fourth consecutive title on the 200m event. He said that had the wind turned around to be in his favour, it would have resulted in something incredible.

Credit: Facebook/Alex Hartmann

Hartmann’s fourth 200m Australian title is only one title behind Peter Norman’s national record in the event. His latest win in the trials motivated him to give his best run in the coming Commonwealth Games.

Post Rio Olympic Struggles

Hartmann’s Olympic Qualifier at the Nationals in Sydney 2016 Photo credit: http://www.alexhartmann.com.au

Hartmann admittedly said that he had a bit of a mental struggle after his disappointing run in the Rio Olympics last 2016. He said that his inability to meet his expectations crushed him a bit. Luckily, with the help of his supportive team, he was able to re-focus and get over his personal struggles despite taking 12 months of recovery.

Hartmann is definitely in great shape now and is in the right direction to fulfil his goal of making it to the top of the national records in the 200m event. His coach, Travis Venema, believes that with the way he trains, he has the potential to do it, but only time will tell.

Humble Beginnings

“Sprinting always has and always will be my passion.”

Hartmann’s passion for sprinting dates back to when he won his first race in preschool. Throughout his school age, Hartmann was always on the lookout for competitions but was often beaten by kids who had more training from private schools.

Hartmann’s Coach Travis Venema Photo credit: http://www.alexhartmann.com.au

Things started to change when he met Travis Venema in 2009. Hartmann was 16 years old when he started training with Venema and after a few months, he was able to outrun the kids who used to defeat him in the previous years.

In his final year as a junior, with only three years of training, Hartmann was able to compete at the national level. On his first run in the Australian Junior National Championships, he placed fourth in the 100m sprint and third in the 200m event. His winnings qualified him to be part of the Australian 4x100m relay team that was competing for the IAAF World Junior Championships.

Hartmann’s winning streak in the 200m events started in 2015. He bagged his first title in Brisbane when he clocked 20.67 seconds on the Commonwealth Games last 29 March 2015.

By 2016, his second winning in the Commonwealth Games’ 200m sprint that has a record of 20.46 seconds earned him a spot in the at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Despite the unfavourable results of his Olympic run, he managed to defend his title in the 200m event in 2017 and this year, he earned his fourth title with his best run to date.

Hartmann is positive that with the help of all the things he and his coach have been working on, the best is yet to come for the hardworking sprinter.

Event Schedules

Aside from the 200m event, Hartmann is also competing in the Men’s 4 x 100m Relay. Watch as Hartmann try to beat the Australian record for the 200m event in the Commonwealth Games on the following schedules.

Men’s 200m	Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Heat 1 – 1:05 p.m. Heat 2 – 1:12 p.m. Heat 3 – 1:19 p.m. Heat 4 – 1:26 p.m. Heat 5 – 1:33 p.m. Heat 6 – 1:40 p.m. Heat 7 – 1:47 p.m. Heat 8 – 1:54 p.m. Heat 9 – 2:01 p.m. Heat 10 – 2:08 p.m. Wednesday, 11 April 2018 Semifinal 1 – 8:50 p.m. Semifinal 2 – 8:58 p.m. Semifinal 3 – 9:06 p.m. Thursday, 12 April 2018 Final – 9:56 p.m.
Men’s 4 x 100m Relay	Friday, 13 April 2018
Heat 1 – 11:05 a.m. Heat 2 – 11:14 a.m. Heat 3 – 11:23 a.m. Saturday, 14 April 2018 Final – 2:40 p.m.

All athletics events will be held at the Carrara Stadium Track in Gold Coast. Plan your route to the venue with the help of the official Journey Planner from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Upcoming Events in Aspley

Aspley has some awesome events in the coming week. Check the list below to see what Avegates Experiences and Cold Rock has in store for you.

Avegates Experiences

Avegates is Multicap’s social experience network and assisted holiday specialist whose passion is for every individual’s right to connect, build their abilities, and realise their dreams.

The Avegates initiative enables people with disabilities to be part of an exciting social network where individuals can choose adventurous experiences such as holidays, social clubs, special events and sport.

Avegates has whipped up several inclusive events for people of all backgrounds and abilities in the following days.

Ticket includes transport from Aspley. Booking is essential.

Venue: Multicap Aspley Hub 487 Ellison Road Aspley, QLD 4034 Australia

Saturday, 17 March 2018

(5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Earth and Sea Nundah (Brisbane North)

Join in on a great night with your friends and enjoy a Mullumbimby Madness Pizza and pasta.

Buy Tickets $11.53

Sunday, 18 March 2018

(9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Markets w’ City cat (Brisbane North)

The event starts at Davis park markets West end, followed by a cruise on the city cat. Meals already included.

Buy Tickets $42.85

Saturday 24 March 2018

(5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Geebung RSL Karaoke (Brisbane North)

Sing your heart out for a night of Karaoke and fun with friends.

Buy Tickets $11.53

Sunday, 25 March 2018

(5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Taigum Garden Chinese Restaurant (Brisbane North)

Feast on a Chinese dinner and spend time with your friends.

Buy Tickets $11.53

Sunday 25 March 2018

Celebrate Neighbour Day at Cold Rock Aspley with a Free Waffle

Cold Rock Ice Creamery started out in the suburb of Aspley in Queensland in 1996 and for the upcoming Neighbour Day, they are celebrating in Australia’s first Cold Rock store.

Both the #NeighbourDay and world #WaffleDay fall on 25 March and to celebrate, Cold Rock Aspley will be giving away free waffle with the purchase of another waffle.

Take note that this waffle promo is not valid with any other offer and the free waffle is of equivalent or lesser value.

Home Sew Bids Goodbye as James and Erica Embrace Retirement

Photo Credit: Home Sew Website

Since 1988, Home Sew in Aspley Hypermarket has been home to people passionate about sewing. Owners James and Erica Enraght-Moony were known not only among adults but children too as they made sure that the skill and enjoyment of sewing is passed on to the youths through their sewing classes for children for the past 30 years.

In what could only be best described as a bittersweet moment, Home Sew had closed its doors early this March as both James and Erica felt that the time has now come for them to both retire.

The couple had been in the sewing machine industry since 1974. Counting more than 40 years of hard work, the couple now looks forward to leisure travelling, studying new things, and most especially of all, spending more time with their 13 grandchildren.

In media interviews, James mentioned that technology and e-commerce had affected their store and made the sewing machine industry dormant for the past years. Nevertheless, he remains proud about the collectible treasures that Home Sew has kept through the years. To date, the store is still home to old sewing machines as nearly as 100 years old and the couple are willing to sell them to interested collectors.

James described his retirement as a roller coaster ride, particularly the part where he needed to say goodbye to his wonderful staff and loyal customers who had been friends through all the years.

His staff were equally sentimental but happy at the same time.

Sharyn Fridolf-Merrin, one of Home Sew’s long time staff said Home Sew had served, helped, and educated people along the way. She bid goodbye to the store by participating in its final dismantling operation. She also expressed her support to both James and Erica.

“I’d like to wish both James and Erica a happy retirement, one that has been well earned, it has been a pleasure to work with and learn from you both over the years! Best wishes for the future!”

‘Be Uplifted’ Receives Community Grant Worth $10k from Westpac

Photo Credit: Be Uplifted

Last February, officials from Westpac Aspley personally awarded “Be Uplifted” with a community grant amounting to $10,000. Inspirational stories were shared over morning tea and delightful cakes during the awards ceremony.

Be Uplifted described the moment as a “wonderful honour” and was more than grateful to host the officials at their headquarters at Zillmere. Present at the awards ceremony were two branch managers, one financial manager, and Westpac’s very own regional manager.

“Be Uplifted Inc is so grateful for the generosity of the Westpac Foundation and knows those breast cancer recipients who will benefit from this grant will also appreciate the generosity,” the charity said in a statement.

Since 1999, Westpac Foundation has granted more than $35 million to more than 500 not-for-profit organisations addressing social issues within the community. As much as $10,000 community grants are being awarded to selected community organisations at the grassroots level, particularly those who seek to provide fellow Australians support in education, training, employment, and other needs.

In 2017, Be Uplifted was among the institutions who were listed as a recipient of the grant. The charity was chosen because of its mission to improve the lives of local men, women, and their families who are experiencing difficulty and consequences of breast cancer.

Volunteers at the Be Uplifted headquarters shared with Westpac Aspley officials how they support breast cancer patients and their family through different events and fund raising activities.

The Aspley Op Shop is a good example of an establishment that provides a sustainable source of good quality second-hand clothing and household items at affordable prices. Proceeds from sales at the shop are all donated to patients and their families. It is located at Robinson Rd, at the corner of Wilmah St, just near the Aspley Village Shopping Centre.

Council Chooses My Little Coffee Shop in Aspley for its Reusable Cup Campaign

My Little Coffee Shop on Robinson Road West, Aspley, has been chosen by the Brisbane City Council to participate in its Reusable Cup Campaign which was launched in November. The cafe is one of four coffee shops that have been chosen on the northside.

Reusable Cup Campaign involves providing 100 Brisbane cafes with 20 high-quality reusable “KeepCup” coffee cups. These cups will be awarded to loyal customers who regularly buy coffee in single-use cups. These customers are also given a loyalty card which will be stamped each time they use their reusable cups for them to be entitled to a free coffee on their tenth visit.

As one of the participating cafes in the initiative, My Little Coffee Shop has also been included in the list of Responsible Cafes. Responsible Cafes is a movement that aims for cafes to eliminate disposable coffee cups by providing discounts to customers who responsibly bring their takeaway cups with them when buying their drinks. There are more than three billion takeaway cups and lids that are being wasted and most remained unrecycled in Australia. Responsible Cafes aims to change that.

My Little Coffee Shop is conveniently located just a stone’s away from Aspley Hypermarket. It is frequented by locals because of its homey ambience and relaxing vibe. Patrons can choose from indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area is surrounded by white picket fences, decorated with plants, and planted with green grass. The spacious indoor set up, on the other hand, has a white and black theme. Guests have the option to enjoy their coffee while sitting on sofa lounges aside from the usual tables and chairs.

Kids and their fur babies are also welcome at My Little Coffee Shop. There is a kids’ area with some toys to keep the children occupied. Dogs, meanwhile, should remain on leash and should remain outdoors where they are given a communal drinking bowl.

Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets Returns in January

After a short break for Christmas and New Year, the Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets, located at 532 Beams Rd is back every Saturday beginning on the 13th of January. This country-style market, which is situated in a transformed old Qut Carseldine Campus just five minutes away from Aspley Hypermarket, is once again ready to welcome its patrons, as well as new stallholders and event performers every Saturdays.

At the heart of the Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets are local produce from makers, growers, farmers, painters, cooks, chefs, designers, bakers, fishmongers, butchers, baristas and juicers around Queensland.

The market offers something for everyone, including kids and fur babies. Traditional and gourmet food are made on site. Some previous stall owners have been Bagel Boys, Goat Pie Guy, Popcorn Man, and Nom Nom. Food offerings vary from French crepes and German pastries, Vietnamese and Filipino cuisines among others. Children can play on the jumping castle and be entertained with face painting. Dogs can choose from delicious treats and there are even amusing clothes for them available in specialty stalls.

Artistic skills and creative hobbies are also being demonstrated right before people’s eyes at the Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets. There are beautifully crafted herb boxes, amazing flower arrangements, hand-made jewellery, recycled furniture, and other vintage art and crafts.

For those interested to be stallholders, the application form and terms and conditions can be found here.

Those who want to showcase their talents as performers are encouraged to apply. All family-friendly acts are welcome at the market. The Carseldine Farmers & Artisan Markets is always looking for talented buskers and performers, from all ages and with all kind of styles. The application form can be found here.

Jesse Cait and Wacey Coats
Credit: Carseldine Markets Facebook

Aspley Hypermarket Presents Christmas Activities for the Whole Family

December has been made even more exciting with different Christmas activities that are being held at Aspley Hypermarket. Read on and know how to best enjoy the last days leading up to Christmas Day.

Find Santa

Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / Geralt / Pixabay

This free activity kicked off at the beginning of the month and is ongoing until the 24th of December. Basically, participants will try to find the hidden Santas around the complex. In order to participate, one needs to download the Aspley Hypermarket Rewards App from the Google Play and complete the Secret Santa trail by following the stickers on the floor across the hypermarket. An awesome Christmas bag of goodies awaits the person who will be able to find Santa in eight secret locations.

Free Christmas Craft Workshops

The workshops are comprised of two different sessions involving two different natures of activities. Both, however, are designed to teach kids the essence of practicality for the Christmas season.

The first workshop is the Christmas Card Making which runs from the 12th to the 16th of December. This session lasts from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

The second workshop is the Christmas Stocking making which runs from the 12th to the 18th of December, from 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m. as well.

Both workshops are being held in Centre Court next to the Santa Set.

Gold Coin Gift Wrapping

Credit: Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / Jill/ Pixabay

Donate a gold coin as you have your gifts wrapped at the Centre Court, between Coles and Kmart and opposite Beans Cafe, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Proceeds will go to St Faith’s Anglican Church to help it with its charity and community initiatives.

Photos with Santa

Santa Set
Credit: Aspley Hypermarket Facebook

Have your photos taken with Santa until the 24th of December at the new Santa Set located at the Central Studios. Santa will be available for snaps from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during Mondays to Saturdays and from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during Sundays. For price list of the different packages, click here.

Aspley Hypermarket is at 59 Albany Creek Road, Aspley, Queensland

Check Out Christmas Lights Display in Aspley while Dining Out

Avegates, Multicap’s social experience network services for people with disabilities, is hosting “Dining Out – Christmas Lights and Breakup BBQ Brisbane North” on the 17th of December at Multicap Aspley. Tickets are available for $32.19.

The event is one of Avegates’ many initiatives aimed at enabling people with disabilities to be part of a social group where they can experience holidays, become members of clubs, and participate in merry-making during special events. Essentially, through the event and other similar activities, they can live more meaningful lives and active lifestyles.

“Our passion is for every individual’s right to connect and realise the possibilities available to them and this drives us to always believe that there is a way. We create opportunity. We are champions of possibility. We inspire partnerships of support. Our door is always open.”

Multicap has been providing assistance and empowerment to people with disability since its establishment in 1962. It was founded by six families who believed in the “multiple capabilities” of their children, hence the name “Multicap.” In a span of 50 years, the organisation has now become a community of more than 700 people, all receiving tailored assistance depending on their needs and goals.

Multicap has also been providing services across northern suburbs of Brisbane, from the river up to the border of Moreton Bay Regional Council. All centres are focused on leisure and learning activities that can teach their patients to establish friendship, gain independence, and undergo continual learning. One of its centres that are regularly hosting day program activities is located in Aspley.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the “Dining Out – Christmas Lights and Breakup BBQ Brisbane North” event, ultimately to mingle with people who are under the care of Multicap. To purchase tickets, please click here.

Christmas lights have also been switched across several streets in Aspley, hence Avegates’ dining out event is both a joyous and purposeful occasion which family members can partake of.

The following Aspley locations have already switched on their amazing Christmas lights display:

54 Kildonan Street

115 Horn Road

24 Muneera Crescent

Multicap Aspley 487is located at Ellison Road.

Charity Drives Kick Off In Aspley Just in Time For Christmas

Several institutions in Aspley have started their charity drives just 41 days before Christmas. Residents are being encouraged to share their blessings with those in need. After all, Christmas is the season for caring and sharing.

Foodbank 2017 in Aspley Hypermarket

Foodbank 2017
Credit: Aspley Hypermarket

Foodbank has placed a donation cage outside Coles in Aspley Hypermarket for customers to donate food products. The cage has been in the establishment since 2nd of October and will remain at the location until the 31st of December. Sealed, canned, and dried food products are advised to prevent spoilage. Some suggestions are pasta and pasta sauce, canned beans, rice, sugar, bread spreads, cereal, baby food, and toiletries. All donations are to be distributed to charity and welfare organisations across the country.

More information about the Foodbank 2017 in Aspley Hypermarket can be found here.

Share the Dignity this Christmas

Credit: Share the Dignity YouTube
This year, the designated collection point for the “It’s In A Bag” campaign is at Avenues Early Learning Centre, Aspley at 24a Riordan Street. Donations will be accepted and collected from the 18th of November until the 2nd of December. Residents are advised to remember these dates as everyone will not be able to donate past these schedule.

As always, people are asked to donate products that could make daily life easier for girls battling homelessness and poverty, as well as those adult women at risk and experiencing domestic violence. The products can range from sanitary and maternity pads, tampons, and personal hygiene products like deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste.

Share the Dignity, the institution behind this drive, wants everyone to remember these important points when making the donations:

First of all, choose a handbag in good condition that you no longer use.
Then, fill it with items that would make a woman feel special.
Pop in a thoughtful note or Christmas card and show her someone cares.
Show her that she matters because everyone deserves to feel that way.

To know more about “It’s In A Bag” campaign, click here.

Shop at Aspley Be Uplifted’s OP Shop

Aspley Be Uplifted OP Shop
Credit: Be Uplifted Inc Breast Cancer Facebook

Families can have their Christmas shopping spree at Aspley Be Uplifted Inc’s Op Shop. The shop offers a range of brand name quality clothing for all members of the family, including toddlers and babies. They also have nursery items, secondhand books, and household items. As for gifts, the shop has charming handmade craft creations – quilts, knitwear, candles – made by volunteers.

All sales accumulated from the Aspley Be Uplifted Inc’s Op Shop go out to local breast cancer patients. The money is used for their needs, including support to their families who are enduring the challenge of caring for their suffering loved ones.

The Aspley Be Uplifted Inc Op Shop is open every Wednesday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. It is located at 5/611 Robinson Rd Aspley, behind the Chinese Restaurant.

For more information about shopping at Aspley Be Uplifte’s OP Shop, visit their site.

Aspley Hypermarket Encourages North Brisbane Customers to Join Fight Against Hunger

With Christmas fast approaching, Aspley Hypermarket is hoping to raise 40 tonnes of food for Foodbank.

In partnership with Foodbank and All Purpose Transport, Aspley Hypermarket is giving its customers an easy way to give to people in need.

Since Monday 2 October 2017, the supermarket has been encouraging customers to donate non-perishable food products to the non-profit group. Anyone who wishes to donate can buy extra non-perishable grocery items and drop them in the cage located between Coles and Aldi.

The drive will run until Sunday 31 December 2017.

Ideal items for donation can include sealed items such as canned food, pasta, rice, sugar, cereal and spreads. Donors are also encouraged to give baby food as well as personal care products.

All Purpose Transport will pick up the donations and send them over to Foodbank. Foodbank will then channel the items to various charities that are working to feed the hungry.

The Foodbank drive is a campaign by Retail First, which owns Aspley Hypermarket as well as 19 other shopping centres in Queensland.

Foodbank Fighting Hunger

Foodbank acts like a pantry supplying charities and community groups working to feed the hungry. The non-profit organisation is addressing a hunger crisis affecting some two million people in Australia. Each year, around 400,000 people go hungry in Queensland, half of them are children.

An integral part of the organisation’s work is to collect surplus food and groceries from farmers, food manufacturers and retailers. This helps save food from going to waste, while at the same time, providing food for those in need.

Last year alone, Foodbank provided around 20 million meals. The group works with more than 2,500 charities and 1,500 schools, which distribute prepared meals, emergency parcels and food hampers to people who need them.

Learn more about Foodbank’s work.