Residents of Zillmere and Sandgate will have the opportunity to explore their local Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) during upcoming open days, offering a range of free activities and the chance to win gym memberships.
The events are scheduled for Saturday, 6 July 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at both PCYC Zillmere and PCYC Sandgate locations.
Community Engagement
PCYC Queensland aims to strengthen community ties through these open days. The events are designed to welcome both long-time members and newcomers, providing a glimpse into the clubs’ contributions to local neighbourhoods.
“This is a perfect opportunity to see what PCYC is all about and how we contribute to the community with your help,” said a PCYC spokesperson.
Photo Credit: PCYCSandgate and Zillmere
Activities and Attractions
Both locations will feature a variety of family-friendly activities:
– Free trial classes – Sausage sizzle – Face painting – Jumping castle – Meet and greet with PCYC staff
Zillmere-specific offerings:
Sandgate-specific offerings:
– Chance to win a 12-month gym and fitness membership – Fitness challenges – Interactive sports and games – Soft play area – Key ring making – Photo opportunities with a police car
– Gymnastics, trampoline, and freeG (ninja/parkour) classes – Little n active program for children under 5
Photo Credit: PCYCSandgate and Zillmere
Photo Credit: PCYCSandgate and Zillmere
How to Participate
Interested community members can RSVP through the respective Facebook event pages. Attendees are encouraged to invite friends and family to join the festivities.
For more information, visitors can check the PCYC Queensland website or contact the clubs directly:
The PCYC open days promise to be an engaging start to the school holiday weekend, fostering community spirit and showcasing the clubs’ commitment to youth development and local engagement.
The club will hold a Sign On Barbecue on Friday, February 2 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Bill Brown Sports Reserve in Fitzgibbon across from the Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre.
In addition to registration, the club will also host free “Come & Try” sessions for boys and girls turning seven years old this year. These sessions aim to introduce netball to new, young players.
Photo credit: Sandgate Hawks Netball Club Inc/Facebook
Those interested in joining the Sandgate Hawks Netball Club for the 2024 season are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Registrations close on February 4, so be sure to visit the club’s website and register before the deadline to secure your spot for the upcoming netball season.
Photo credit: Sandgate Hawks Netball Club Inc/Facebook
The club is excited to get everyone signed up and ready for new netball competitions this year.
About the Sandgate Hawks Netball Club
Photo credit: SGH Netball
Since first taking the court in 1985, the club has been a stalwart community organisation providing players on Brisbane’s Northside with a welcoming place to play the sport they love.
Run as a not-for-profit, the club fields teams for players of all ages and abilities with the goal of promoting participation and healthy competition in a supportive environment.
Over nearly 40 years, generations of aspiring netballers have honed their talents with the Sandgate Hawks – building skills, friendships and memories along the way. As the new season approaches, the club remains committed to being the top choice for aspiring players seeking fun, sociable netball action.
On a bright Christmas Day in 1887, the Sandgate Baptist Church opened, becoming the second Baptist church to open in the charming seaside community. But the story of this historic place of worship is more than just its elegant facade; it’s a tale of faith, growth, and resilience.
Queensland had its first taste of Baptist presence in 1851, and by 1855, they were firmly established in Brisbane. Reverend B. G. Wilson’s arrival in 1859 led to the construction of a church on Wharf Street in Brisbane, becoming the epicentre from which the Baptist faith radiated outward.
First Baptist Church in Brisbane (Wharf Street) Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
By 1868, open-air Baptist services were already drawing congregants to the shores of Sandgate, setting the stage for the church’s eventual arrival.
Sandgate itself was emerging as a coastal gem. James Charles Burnett surveyed the area in 1852, and land sales began in 1853. Distinguished figures, including early Governors of Queensland, sought solace in Sandgate, and guesthouses and rental homes became readily available.
The population grew, hotels and shops sprouted, and by the 1860s, Sandgate had evolved into a seaside haven, offering respite from the oppressive Brisbane summer heat.
Holiday Makers in Sandgate Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A Gathering Place for All
By 1882, the Sandgate railway line connected the town to Brisbane, making it an even more appealing place to live and visit. With the population swelling to 1,598 by 1886, the old chapel on Loudon Street could no longer accommodate the growing congregation.
A generous gift of land from church member George Phillips near the seafront led to the construction of the magnificent church designed by renowned Brisbane architect Richard Gailey.
Mr Gailey, a skilled architect hailing from Ireland, left an indelible mark on Brisbane’s architectural landscape. A devout Baptist himself, he offered his services to design several churches, including the Sandgate Baptist Church.
The Sandgate Baptist Church was constructed with seating for 350 individuals. It wasn’t just a place of worship; it became a meeting point for various organizations, even the Freemasons.
The construction was entrusted to local builder William Street, with the towering spires handled by steeplejack Mr. Collins. Originally crowned with shingled roofs and illuminated by kerosene lamps, the church swiftly became a symbol of Sandgate’s vitality, attracting not only the local community but also visitors and holidaymakers alike.
Photo Credit: BCC
The first Masonic Lodge in Sandgate called it home from 1894 until they acquired their lodge in 1920.
Changing with the Tides of Time
Over the years, it underwent several renovations in 1928, 1945, and 1986. Its roof transitioned from shingles to iron sheeting to coloured metal sheeting, and its illumination shifted from kerosene lamps to gas, and then electricity. However, despite these changes, the church’s essence remained unaltered, preserving its historic charm.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
In later years, a modern metal garage was added to the rear, accompanied by a single-story brick hall from the 1960s. However, these additions have since made way for a purpose-built kindergarten building, reflecting the changing needs of the community.
As the years went by, the Sandgate Baptist Church continued to serve its congregation faithfully. In 2010, it found a new purpose as a childcare centre, adapting once again to meet the evolving needs of the community it had long nurtured.
In May 2012, the Sandgate Baptist congregation merged with the Geebung Baptist congregation, marking the end of an era for this historic church. Together, they established a new place of worship, the Connect Baptist Church at Deagon, carrying forward the Baptist tradition to a new chapter.
Susan Kiefel didn’t think higher education was for her when, at age 15, she left Sandgate District State High School after Year 10. She changed her mind later on, completed college and pursued law studies, and going on to later become the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia. She retires in November 2023.
In her own words, Susan Kiefel said she didn’t particularly enjoy high school and found little encouragement to pursue higher education, especially as a young girl; so she left school after Year 10.
She ventured into the workforce, learning typing and administrative skills at Kangaroo Point Technical College. She became a secretary for a group of barristers at a Brisbane legal practice.
It was during her time as a secretary that she discovered her passion for the legal profession. The camaraderie and dedication of the barristers she worked for inspired her.
Despite the challenges, Ms Kiefel’s determination led her to finish college. She then studied law part-time, a process that took eight years. Her perseverance paid off as she received support from experienced barristers like Sir Gerard Brennan, who became a Chief Justice of the High Court. Her tenacity led her to a successful career in law.
Overcoming Gender Bias in the Legal Profession
Entering the legal field as a woman in 1975 was no easy feat. Ms Kiefel was one of only three women at the Queensland bar that year, and she faced gender-based bias. Some clients even withdrew briefs upon realising she was a woman, and certain law firms had policies against briefing women. However, her dedication and support from senior barristers helped her establish herself.
She went on to achieve remarkable milestones, becoming the first female Queen’s Counsel in Queensland in 1987 and the second female member of the Queensland Supreme Court in 1991. Ms Kiefel’s journey then took her to the Federal Court in 1994, and in 2007, she was appointed to the High Court, where she later became Chief Justice in 2017.
Photo Credit: National Library of Australia
A Voice Against Sexual Harassment
Chief Justice Susan Kiefel made significant contributions to the legal profession during her tenure. In June 2020, an independent investigation upheld sexual harassment complaints against a retired High Court judge, Dyson Heydon.
Whilst not discussing the particulars of the case, Ms Kiefel emphasized that the High Court’s approach shed light on the issue of sexual harassment and led to the development of effective mechanisms to address such concerns, extending to bullying in workplaces.
Promoting Joint Judgments and Encouraging Female Barristers
Throughout her career, the chief justice advocated for joint judgments, believing they provide clarity and certainty in the law. As she steps down from her role, Ms Kiefel expressed a desire to see more female barristers appear before the High Court. Whilst recognising that women have made significant strides, she highlighted the need for women in leadership positions across the legal profession.
Ms Kiefel’s story is an inspiration to many, illustrating that with determination and hard work, anyone can succeed, regardless of their background. Her legacy will continue to pave the way for future generations of women in the legal field, encouraging them to aim high and persevere, just as she did.
The revised Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan is almost ready, and will be adopted in March 2023. Here are some changes coming to Sandgate and neighbouring suburbs once the amended plan becomes official.
The Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan includes the suburbs of Sandgate, Deagon, Shorncliffe and Brighton.
The plan received support from the Queensland Government with no changes required, after a huge majority of the LNP Council voted for the plan in November 2022. There were only seven from Greens, Labor, and independent councillors who voted against the revised plan.
Sandgate
Lagoon St, Sandgate (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Sandgate, one of the oldest bayside villages in Brisbane, will undergo major changes as part of the new neighbourhood plan, as it would allow a maximum building height of five storeys for the Lagoon Street sub-precinct.
The draft amendment package also seeks to maintain and enhance the Sandgate centre as the primary centre for the area, providing a balance of commercial and residential development close to public transport.
Deagon
Deagon railway station (Photo credit: R V/Google Maps)
Separated from Sandgate from a series of lagoons, Deagon is a residential suburb which has been selected as one of the focus of the neighbourhood plan.
Council has removed plans to rezone the area around Deagon railway station to low-medium residential (units and townhouses) after some residents raised their concerns regarding the plan.
The draft amendment package retains the Low-density residential zoning and Character residential zoning around the Deagon railway station.
Connaught St, located north of Deagon sports grounds will be retained to low impact industry zoning to support local employment and business opportunities in the area.
Shorncliffe
Photo credit: Google Street View
Shorncliffe, which was once part of Sandgate, became a separate suburb in Brisbane in 1975.
Shorncliffe has been identified as one of the study areas having potential growth. The draft proposes character residential zoning in Shorncliffe to better protect traditional building character in the suburb.
The bayside suburb is home to many character homes or those built in 1946 or earlier. Many homes in Shorncliffe even have a history that dates back to the early 1900s.
Brighton
Photo credit: Mark Stewart/Google Maps
Brighton, an established area of low-density housing, was not included in the neighbourhood planning process. All current planning outcomes for Brighton are retained in the draft amendment package.
The draft Sandgate District Neighbourhood Plan became a subject of discussion in the last three years, after the initial plan suggested up to six storeys for Sandgate’s main street, Brighton Rd. The draft plan was eventually revised after residents voiced their opposition. No major policy changes have been proposed to the suburb, based on the updated draft.
Heads up, people on the northside! Kerbside Collection is coming to Brighton, Deagon, Sandgate, Taigum, Shorncliffe, Boondall, Zillmere, Virginia, and Geebung this October.
For periodic reminders so you won’t forget your schedule, download Council’s free Brisbane Bin and Recycling app and keep push notifications enabled.
Residents are advised to place all acceptable materials for collection on the kerbside the weekend before the collection starts. These items should be on the kerbside in front of your home by 6 am at the start of the collection period.
Some of the acceptable items for collection include bath and laundry tubs, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpet and rugs, electronic waste* (e.g. televisions and computers), furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves), small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters), and wood products less than 1.5 metres.
You may also consider donating your still-usable items to organisations that can recycle or find other uses for them including GIVIT, Charitable Recycling Australia and BCC’s Treasure Troves.
GIVIT
This not-for-profit organisation serves as a link between the communities in urgent need of essential items and those who have and are willing to donate. GIVIT was established in 2019 by Juliette Wright. Their platform allows charities to make potential donors aware of what are the exact items currently needed by the individuals that they support.
Charitable Recycling Australia proudly supports circular economy transition through charitable reuse and recycling. With the help of member enterprises who provide their decades of expertise in the collecting and sale of donated goods, the organisation has been extending the life of about 285 million products each year and pioneering the concept of circularity even before it was officially named.
Council currently operates two second-hand shops which sell donated items for Brisbane residents. The items come from BCC’s resource recovery centres.
Brisbane City Council’s Treasure Troves are open from 8 am to 4 pm every weekend (excluding Easter Sunday, as well as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when these days fall on a weekend).
Bluenose Betty has pretty much kept the vintage vibe of the old billiard saloon it now occupies with an impressive interior decor that marries sophistication and comfort.
Inside, patrons will be greeted by a well-lit and spacious dining area with alfresco seating next to the central garden. And the bar is just as classy with its deep red counter plus a wine bottle-filled bookcase.
The menu is quite extensive, so everyone has plenty to choose from. Their tasty bites such as Baked Pretzel, Charred Breads, Beer Battered Fries, Popcorn Chicken, Spiced Tempura Zucchini Fritters and Salt and Pepper Squid Strips are guaranteed to help you work up an appetite
If you’re ready for something more filling then you can try their Big Chicken Schnitty, Rump Steak, Mediterranean Salad, Warm Roasted Field Mushroom or Haloumi Salad.
Burger fans won’t be disappointed as well with options including Classic Wagyu Cheese Burger(wagyu beef with American red cheddar, tomato, rocket, dill pickles, black hops pale ale burger sauce), BBQ Pork Burger (hickory smoked bbq pulled pork with creamy house slaw), and Crispy Chicken Burger (crispy chicken breast schnitzel and bacon with camembert, mixed leaves, tomato, lemon and tarragon aioli).
Or how about a Vegan Burger(plant-based mince patty with vegan cheese, tomato, rocket, dill pickles, vegan aioli)orHalloumi and Mushroom Burger (grilled halloumi with roasted field mushroom, tomato, mixed leaves, roasted garlic aioli).
Photo credit: Bluenose_Betty / Instagram
Then there are flatbread pizza options: Margherita(fresh cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, Napoli base),Vego(artichoke, capsicum, kalamata olives, mushroom, onion, mozzarella, fresh basil, Napoli base, balsamic glaze), BBQ Chicken(grilled chicken, bacon, cherry tomato, red onion, pineapple, mozzarella, creamy aioli, and bbq base), Garlic Prawn and Salami (garlic prawns, mild salami, red onion, rocket, mozzarella, Napoli base).
Following the release of the amended Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan draft, residents have united to oppose the proposed construction of five-storey buildings in the bayside village.
If approved, Sandgate residents fear that the tall buildings in a mostly single and double-storey landscape would alter the area completely. Members of the Protect Sandgate’s Character community group have come up with a mock-up scale of the 5-storey buildings against the existing surround.
“These images do not illustrate building design (that’s entirely up to the developers), but instead illustrate the SCALE of the buildings that are allowed for in the draft plan, by showing the space in which buildings could be built,” Neil McCrossin said.
“These images make much clearer to us the building heights in the draft plan for the Lagoon St sub-precinct. Is this good for the historical suburb of Sandgate?”
Photo Credit: Neil McCrossin/Facebook
In a petition on Brisbane City Council’s official site, the residents stated their reasons for rejecting the Sandgate Neighbourhood Plan draft:
To protect the appearance of one of the entry points (Rainbow Street) for residents and visitors to the Historic Sandgate shopping village.
To protect our unique Historic Bayside Village identity and lifestyle of over 100 years of history.
To protect our heritage and character of commercial and residential buildings which are integral to the community village feel of low-level buildings and architecture with 360-degree views, no matter where you stand.
To protect our fragile environment, wildlife, lagoons, wetlands, parklands and waterfront from pollution and overpopulating such a small area.
To protect Residents and visitors alike from overshadowing, while preserving the exceptional views, right to privacy, unobstructed sunlight and natural sea breezes.
To prevent major problems with traffic congestion, parking, public transport, pollution, flooding issues, overfull schools. The safety of residents and children must come first with the problems this would raise in an already built-up Historical village.
Protect Sandgate Character members said that they are not against changes and have mostly agreed that the medical hub included in the plan would benefit the community. However, the group said that they want the changes to “incorporate the history of the area, and enhance the lives of people of Sandgate” by giving value to the suburb’s natural environment and open green spaces.
The plan’s draft is under review with Council and the Queensland Government after submissions for community feedback have been closed on 21 June. Should the plan go ahead, Council expects to adopt the changes by late 2021 or early 2022.
Preparations are nearly set for one of the largest community events in North Brisbane, where there’s something for every visitor. It’s all systems go for the Einbunpin Festival to be held at the lagoon and parkland on Brighton Road in Sandgate.
Happening on Sunday, 25 July 2021, the Einbunpin Festival pools the artistic talents of the locals and the vibrancy of the Sandgate community. As with previous events, hundreds of stalls will be lined up at the park, whilst entertaining performances, games and activities will be underway from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The annual event, mounted for the last 28 years with the support of the Sandgate & Bracken Ridge Action Group and the Brisbane City Council, is a wonderful opportunity for discovering good food, treasures and great finds from local artisans and musical talents. It’s also an exciting chance to catch up with the residents.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Eibunpin is based on magical winter creatures that live in the lagoon and come out during winter’s first dark moon and then disappear after August’s first full moon. A German missionary named Christopher Eipper found out about their existence in 1840 among the Aborigines of the Turrbal tribe living around the Sandgate lagoon, where there was an abundance of tuberous roots for food. He claimed that he heard the tribes refer to something in the lagoon as a Bun Yun Pin or Yin Pin Bun.
“Ein in EinBunPin is German and so today we have a word that is part aboriginal and part German that we now broadly interpret as the lagoon where one gathers roots,” local Jeff Cheyne revealed and described the Bunpins as naughty and mischievous creatures that dress up in flower petals and leaves, flying from tree to tree.
Meanwhile, the festival program and the stallholder or food vendor showcase have not yet been revealed but you can follow the updates on the official site or the Facebook page.
A petition to name a new playground after beloved Brisbane clowns, Peebo and Dagwood, has raked in over 2,000 signatures. The site is at the end of Fifth Avenue on the Sandgate Foreshore.
Initiated by Councillor Jared Cassidy, the petition explained why the brothers deserved to have their name on the Sandgate playground as they “spent 20 years bringing joy to the lives of countless Brisbane residents,” even as they struggled with their own health issues.
“This naming would help Peebo and Dagwood’s motto ‘live life, love life and laugh’ live on forever,” Mr Cassidy wrote.
The petition closed just days after the first year anniversary of Peebo’s passing.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Peebo, whose real name was Peter Bissel, passed away on 4 March 2020 at the age of 46 after battling cystic fibrosis since birth. His twin brother David (Dagwood) announced the sad news on Facebook.
David is also battling this debilitating illness, which is a common but life-threatening disease and has no cure. After his twin’s death, David set up a GoFundMe page for his memorial. He also shared Peter’s dying wish.
“One of Peebo’s last wishes before he passed away, was for a Peebo & Dagwood bronze statue to be erected down at the foreshore at Sandgate so that people of all ages can come and visit and be inspired to Live Life, Love Life & Laugh – a lasting legacy for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Mr Cassidy said that his petition received “a huge show of support” from the community. “[This] only reflects the giant impact these two have had.”
Sign-up for the petition was closed on 11 March 2021 and is now awaiting Council’s response.
