Aspley Archives - Page 6 of 9

Community Alert: Theft of Vehicle and Wheelchair from Retirement Village, Aspley

Residents of a retirement village on Albany Creek Road in Aspley were shocked to discover that intruders had unlawfully entered their premises, making off with a vehicle that also contained a crucial mobility aid.

On the evening of 20 February 2024, the perpetrators allegedly pilfered keys and a wallet before leaving with a significant haul: a 2023 white Renault Koleos vehicle, bearing Queensland registration plate 031IC7.

Adding to the distressing ordeal, the stolen vehicle had a wheelchair valued at approximately $3,500. The callous theft had not only deprived the residents of their means of transportation but also compromised the mobility and independence of an individual reliant on a wheelchair.

Theft Incident and Allegations

The incident, occurring under the veil of night, brought unwelcome disruption and anxiety to the peaceful retirement community of Aspley. The stolen properties represented material losses and profound impacts on the victims’ daily lives.

In the early hours of the following morning, the stolen Renault Koleos was spotted in troubling company – alongside another stolen vehicle, a white 2016 Hyundai Accent (registered as QLD: 792WXW). It appears that the stolen vehicles are linked to a brazen Enter with Intent offence at a service station in Murrumba Downs.

stolen vehicle aspley — Photo Credit: QPS

Appeal for Assistance

Faced with this breach of security and welfare, law enforcement authorities urgently appealed to the community for assistance. The public’s cooperation in locating the stolen vehicles and the missing wheelchairs has been instrumental in restoring the affected residents’ sense of safety and normalcy.

Call 131 444 or 1800 333 000 to report suspicious activities or have seen the stolen cars. When reporting to the police, provide these references QP2400301042, QP2400301126, QP2400301205.

The police also issued practical advice to mitigate the risk of future incidents:

If you have off-street parking, use it. If possible, park behind locked gates or in a locked garage. Parking on the street greatly increases the risk of theft.
Remove temptation – always lock doors and close windows when your vehicle is unattended.
If you must leave valuables in your motor vehicle keep them out of sight.
For maximum protection, an engine immobiliser that meets Australian Standard 4601:1999 provides the most effective deterrent to opportunistic vehicle theft. However, it offers no protection if a thief has easy access to your car keys.

Published 22-February-2024

Aspley Hornets Seek the Three-peat as Excitement Builds for 2024 QAFL Season

The reigning premier Aspley Hornets will seek to claim their third consecutive flag as the 2024 Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL) season takes off. Aspley will open their title defence campaign by hosting Broadbeach in the opening round on April 6.

Aspley Hornets early title rematch against the Sharks

After the opening round, the Hornets will then face the Redland-Victoria Point Sharks at home ground on April 13 in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final.

Other key dates on Aspley’s calendar include the trip to the Powenyenna Oval to take on the Magpies on April 27 for the ANZAC Round, an early mid-season bye to accommodate Queensland’s state game against Tasmania on June 22, and the away leg against Broadbeach on July 13 for Pride Round celebrating LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Hornets seeking further glory

The Hornets will be hunting back-to-back-to-back premierships in 2024 on the back of an outstanding title defence last year.

According to QAFL Competition Manager Mitchell Simpson, the league is shaping up for an even more competitive year thanks to high-profile recruitment like ex-Brisbane Lions Rhys Mathieson (Wilston Grange) and Daniel Rich (Noosa), as well as former AFL talents Nakia Cockatoo, Aaron Hall and Tom Hickey also entering the competition.

While the QAFL’s offseason arms race has improved the competition across the board, the steady Aspley Hornets remain well poised to contend again in 2024 after finding the right balance to break through for their repeat last season. Between seasoned veterans and exciting youth, Aspley’s chemistry and cohesion make them the team to beat yet again.

Published 16-February-2024

Fast Food Drive-Thru Coming to Aspley Commercial Redevelopment

Plans have been approved for the redevelopment of an existing commercial building in Aspley, which will incorporate a new fast food outlet with a drive-thru and outdoor dining area.

Read: Plans Lodged for Fire and Rescue Station in Deagon

The development application was lodged in late 2023 and the decision to approve the plans was handed down in January 2024. The proposal will reconfigure the current building layout to integrate a fast food restaurant and retail store at 1289 Gympie Road.

The building design by architecture firm V Architecture includes additional wood finish cladding and elements to promote a high-quality customer experience, according to the application.

Artist’s impression of the approved drive-thru (Photo credit: V Architecture)

Whilst some neighbouring locals raised concerns about potential increases in noise and pollution from a 24/7 fast food drive-thru, the application was ultimately given the green light.

The layout facilitates an improved drive-thru area, indoor dining space and 44 parking spots. Part of the existing building will be demolished to allow for the changes.

In total, there will be 117 sqm of retail space and 245 sqm for the fast food outlet. New signage, landscaping, and pedestrian access from Gympie Rd were also included in the plans.

Planners stated that “the development adopts a human scale with the pedestrian access accented by low level landscaping with an awning extended over the shop fronts”. It said the venue “will continue to deliver a layout that accommodates both a fast-food restaurant and a retail/shop establishment.”

Read: Deagon Market Square Undergoes $4-M Transformation Under New Ownership

The operating hours for the recently approved fast food outlet along Gympie Rd, Aspley are set at 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Construction is expected to begin soon.

Published 7-February-2024

Indigenous-Owned Yaala Sparkling in Aspley Secures Shark Tank Deal

Yaala Sparkling, an Indigenous-owned beverage company based in Aspley, recently clinched a $125,000 investment deal on the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”

The company crafts unique, healthy, and alcohol-free drinks infused with real native Australian ingredients, sourced from Indigenous wild harvesters and local farmers. Tara Croker, co-founder of Yaala Sparkling, aims to bridge the gap between ancient Indigenous knowledge, culture, land, and native plants by offering sparkling water infused with genuine native Australian botanicals.

Derived from the Wiradjuri language, “Yaala” translates to “the present moment.” Yaala Sparkling’s mission is to establish an Indigenous-owned presence in the native food industry and increase First Nations representation in the sector.

The native foods and botanicals industry is rapidly growing, estimated to be worth up to $50 million annually, yet less than 2 per cent of businesses in this sector are Indigenous-owned. The company is committed to working with First Nations suppliers throughout its supply chain, including wild harvesters, local farmers, and artists, as part of its dedication to preserving traditional knowledge and investing in Indigenous communities.

Dr. Catriona Wallace, the investor who backed Yaala Sparkling, expressed her enthusiasm for the business.

“My reason for investing in Yaala Sparkling is that the business and product fill a currently unmet need in the soft drink industry. Indigenous-inspired and Australian native plant-flavored sparkling water will be hugely successful, not only in Australia but internationally,” Ms Wallace said.

“The care, crafting, and quality of these drinks are second to none, and the entrepreneurs are exceptional. I have worked with many Indigenous-led businesses in the past, and I am so thrilled to be teaming up with Mel and Tara to bring this business to scale.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Catriona Wallace as an investor in Yaala,” Ms Croker said. “Her deep knowledge and experience will be valuable in taking our business to its next stage of growth.”

Founded in early 2023, Yaala Sparkling has already secured Australian liquor store Dan Murphy’s as a retailer. The company currently offers two flavours: Lemon Myrtle & Native Blossom and Davidson Plum & Waratah.

Lemon Myrtle is known for its superfood properties, while Davidson Plum boasts exceptional nutritional value with more lutein than avocado, more antioxidants than blueberries, and 100 times the Vitamin C of an orange.

“Yaala’s infused sparkling water is a healthy alternative to alcohol or soft drinks for any occasions as they are sugar-free and only use real native ingredients that are packed with benefits,” Ms Croker said.

The “Shark Tank” victory positions Yaala Sparkling to expand production at scale and grow nationwide, bringing native botanical-infused beverages to more Australian homes, parties, and events.

Published 13-Sept-2023

Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Set for QAFL Grand Final Showdown

An epic QAFL Grand Final between reigning premiers Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks will take place this Saturday at Coorparoo’s Giffin Park.

Aspley Hornets seeking back-to-back flags

Lions academy product Liam Dawson is one of the three Hornets named in the 2023 QAFL Team of the Year, together with Connor Stackelberg and Will Wolbers.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Aspley Hornets FC

The Aspley Hornets (15-2-1) claimed the minor premiership this season and have dominated the competition all year. They will be aiming for back-to-back finals after beating Broadbeach last season’s decider.

In the 2022 grand final, Aspley were underdogs against minor premiers and unbeaten Broadbeach, but came out on top in stunning fashion.

This time around, the Hornets will be favourites as minor premiers. Aspley co-captain Brandon Batchelor says reaching back-to-back grand finals is “a pretty surreal feeling” and the team is determined to get the job done on Saturday.

The Hornets had a week off after finishing top of the ladder. Batchelor said the team had used the time to prepare for the ultimate competition rather than rest.

“We’ve always been pretty tough on the boys in saying that it’s not a time to rest, it’s time to get us ready to play in a big game,” he stated.

Redland-Victoria Point Sharks hunting maiden flag

Matt Hamelmman made history as the thirteenth player in Queensland men’s football history to score more than a hundred goals in a season. *He was selected in the 2023 QAFL Team of the Year along with teammates Adrian Williams, Caleb Franks and Brock Aston.*
*Photo Credit: Facebook/*Redland-Victoria Point Sharks Football Club

Redland-Victoria Point Sharks (14-4) qualified for the QAFL Grand Final after defeating Wilston Grange in last weekend’s preliminary final.

Sharks co-captain Mitchell Stallard believes his side can cause an upset against the Hornets with a strong team performance. Redland-Victoria Point have not registered a win against Aspley in their three meetings this year. They also went out in last year’s preliminary final against the Hornets.

“Team footy is going to win it, and that’s probably why they’re the benchmark ,” Stallard said. “They all work together.”

Star forward Matt Hamelmman will be a key figure for the Sharks. Hamelmman booted 7 goals in the preliminary final win and has kicked 101 goals this season.

Don’t miss a minute of the QAFL Seniors Grand Final action between the Aspley Hornets and Redland-Victoria Point Sharks. Kick-off is at 2:30 p.m. at Giffin Park. Watch online for free via the official AFL Queensland YouTube channel or experience the atmosphere firsthand with tickets available at the gate.

Can the Hornets make it two in a row? Or will the Sharks stun them and claim their first flag? Tune in on Saturday to find out.

Published 13 September 2023

Steve’s Fish and Chips in Bald Hills Under New Ownership After Over a Decade

After over 11 years in the business, Steve Moss, the man and the name behind Steve’s Fish and Chips on Rothbury Street in Bald Hills, has officially hung up his apron and handed over ownership of the popular shop to new owners Devin and Ella.

Read: Oldest Bike Shop In Australia Hoffy Cycles Looking For New Owner

Known for its friendly service and fresh fish-and-chips cooked in front of customers, Steve’s Fish and Chips has developed a dedicated following under the Moss family’s decade of ownership.

According to locals, Mr Moss knew customers’ names and favourite orders simply by the sound of their voice when they walked in.

After buying the existing fish and chips shop 10 years ago, Mr Moss and his wife Debbie worked hard to transform it into the popular community spot it is today. With around 80 percent returning customers, Mr Moss came to know many regulars very well over the years.

Photo credit: Steve’s Fish and Chips/Facebook

Now, after over 11 years owning and operating Steve’s, Mr Moss is ready for a new chapter. He plans to take a few months off before starting a new job as a patient transport officer.

Read: Carseldine Fast Food Outlet Proposes Drive-Through and Renovations

“We would like to thank all our amazing, loyal customers over this time and introduce the new owners, Devin and Ella,” the shop wrote in a Facebook post announcing the 58-year-old owner’s decision.

Steve’s Fish and Chips reassured customers that the current staff will remain and Mr Moss will assist Devin and Ella with the transition over the next month.

“They are committed to maintaining the high quality standards that Steve has upheld,” the store assured its customers.

“We hope that you will all make Devin and Ella feel welcome, be patient while they learn the ropes, and support them in the future,” the post continued.

Published 7-August-2023

NRL Schoolboy Signings: Penrith Panthers Secure St. Joseph’s Nudgee College Sensation Prestyn Laine-Sietu

St. Joseph’s Nudgee College product Prestyn Laine-Sietu has emerged as one of Queensland’s most sought-after young rugby league stars. With NRL clubs jostling for talent that has shown its mettle at the ASSRL Nationals, Laine-Sietu stood out on the Penrith Panthers’ radar.

Prestyn Laine-Sietu: A Force to Be Reckoned With

An outstanding athlete, Prestyn Laine-Sietu dominated his age group in rugby union while representing Nudgee College. The versatile back-rower caught the eye of scouts during his time with the Queensland Reds U16 team. His exceptional performances in the Meninga Cup with Redcliffe further cemented his status as a rising star.

St. Joseph’s Nudgee College: Nurturing Exceptional Talent

NRL Schoolboy Signings: Penrith Panthers Secure St. Joseph's Nudgee College Sensation Prestyn Laine-Sietu — Photo Credit: Facebook/Coffs Harbour Snappers Rugby Union Football Club

St. Joseph’s Nudgee College boasts a long-standing reputation for producing top-tier talent. The College has produced 25 Wallabies and has the highest number of Premierships in the GPS Association. This success is a testament to the program’s meticulous preparation and quality coaching. Their home games during the GPS season attract around 10,000 community members and create an electric atmosphere – an excellent opportunity for fans to witness the development of future stars firsthand.

2023 Penrith Panthers Season

The Penrith Panthers began the year as back-to-back Premiership winners. Led by head coach Ivan Cleary and co-captains Nathan Clearly and Isaah Yeo, the Panthers currently sit top of the ladder and are bidding to become the first team in forty years to complete a three-peat.

With Laine-Sietu donning a Penrith jersey, the future looks bright for this burgeoning talent. His dedication, skill and versatility will make him a valuable asset to the club.

Published 14 July 2023

Success of ‘Hold the Red’ Trial Prompts Expansion to Enhance Road Safety in Queensland

Following successful trials conducted in four southeast Queensland intersections, including Aspley, local officials have announced the extension of the implementation of the Hold the Red trial.

Read: Active Collision Technology on Trial at Busy Aspley Intersection

Transport Minister Mark Bailey announced that 15 intersections have been selected for the expanded rollout and they were specifically chosen due to their ‘poor safety records’ concerning drivers running red lights.

Although the government has not disclosed the exact locations where the technology will be deployed, one intersection guaranteed to receive the system is the junction of Finucane and Windermere roads at Alexandra Hills.

Hold the Red — Photo credit: Maria Orlova/Pexels

This particular intersection has tragically witnessed several fatal crashes in the past, prompting officials to prioritise its inclusion in the expanded rollout.

This announcement coincided with the commencement of National Road Safety Week (14 to 21 May 2023), which aims to raise awareness about safe driving practices and prevent accidents on the roads.

“This National Road Safety Week, Queenslanders are being asked to ‘drive so that others survive,” Mr Bailey said.

“It’s an important message that reminds us that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

How it Works

The implementation of the Hold the Red (HTR) system involves integrating it into the Traffic Controller Cabinet at signalised intersections through the use of a virtual loop card.

Using radar technology, the system effectively monitors and tracks every vehicle approaching an intersection, providing coverage up to a distance of 150 metres from the stop line.

When the radar detects a potential red light violation during the all-red phase, the HTR system takes immediate action by extending the duration of the opposing red lights.

This proactive measure significantly reduces the likelihood of another vehicle entering the intersection simultaneously with the offending vehicle, thereby enhancing safety and preventing potential collisions.

According to a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland, the trial of the HTR system showcased remarkable potential in reducing crashes related to red light violations by 33.47 percent at intersections where it was implemented.

Furthermore, the evaluation revealed that the HTR system had minimal effects on traffic flow, causing only slight delays at intersections. On weekdays, the maximum delay observed was 10 seconds, while on weekends, it amounted to just 8.5 seconds.

Read: Volunteers Welcome at the North Brisbane Indigenous Community and Police Consultative Group

Since 2018, the government has conducted trials not only in Aspley but also in Calamvale, Ashmore, and Broadbeach Waters.

Published 17-May-2023

Public Warned Of Rental Scam Following Incident In Aspley

Police are reminding the public to be wary of properties advertised for rent through online sites or through social media and to be on the lookout for rental scams, citing an incident that happened in Aspley in early 2023.

Read: Planned Boondall Subdivision Divides Neighbours Over Flooding Fears Versus Housing Crisis

A rental property along Robinson Road West, Aspley was assumed to be vacant but when agents visited the site, they were surprised to find someone there.

S/Con Kim Richter said the person told Police that she had paid bond and rent to another person who had advertised the property as available for rent at an online buy/sell site. This person has since filed a complaint with the Police.

Rental Scam — Photo credit: PhotoMIX Company/Pexels

Police attended the address with the agent and gained entry to the residence. Some belongings found at the rental property, and its owner was immediately advised of the situation.

“With the shortage of rental accommodation, there is a criminal element who will take advantage of people looking for somewhere to live,” said S/Con Richter.

The Queensland Police Service gave some tips to avoid rental scams, such as dealing with licensed agents when looking to rent properties and asking for identification and proof such as rates notices when dealing with individuals.

Police suggest reporting any suspected scam by submitting a form to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Renting in Aspley

According to Realestate.com.au, the median rental price (April 2022-March 2023) in Aspley for a three-bedroom unit is $460 per week, slightly lower than the average Brisbane rental prices in 2022, which costs around $557 per week.

Read: New Zillmere Housing Project for First Nation Peoples Commences Construction Soon

Aspley may not be the cheapest Brisbane suburb to rent in, but it’s one of those with the highest demand, with around 280 houses leased in the past 12 months.

Published 4-April-2023

Former Aspley Local Justin Turner Climbs in Australian Chess Players Ranking

Justin Turner, a former Dux of Aspley East State School, has climbed the ranking of Australian chess players after gaining a chess rating of 1873 following two successful tournaments in Spain.

The son of Madeleine Turner of Aspley is now in the top 160 Australian chess players after he managed to tie in 6th place at an Alicante tournament for Under 2200, where he won in the final game against a player with a 2020 chess rating.

Prior to the tournament, Justin was ranked 26th among the entrants consisting of 89 players from 10 countries.

He then competed in the Under 2400 tournament in Valencia, where he finished 3rd place among 101 entrants, beating the 4th seed with only 15 moves. His competition was a 12-year-old prodigy, who had gained 800 points in a year to be currently rated at 2214.

The wins come after Justin had a successful season at the Valencian Chess League, where won against a player rated 2040 in the final round in May, where eight teams from 70 clubs in the Valencia Region competed in five divisions.

Justin worked as a former civil engineer before deciding to shift careers and re-train as a teacher of English as a second language. He flew to Valencia in Spain a few days before the pandemic lockdown in March 2020 and found a place to live off his savings for more than a year.

The move, however, accorded Justin a Spanish Government contract as an English language teaching assistant for the 2021 to 2022 school year, which was recently renewed for another full year until 2023.

“The primary school at which I worked last year, and again for another year from this October, has a special focus on chess,” Justin said. “I did not know that before being assigned to that school. There is a dedicated room for chess tables and about 80% of the children play regularly.”

Students who finished their tasks in the classrooms may choose to play chess. During the end-of-school-year activities, Justin played 12 games simultaneously in each class.

Justin Turner has pretty much established a routine in his life in Spain: three hours of chess study; three hours studying languages, Spanish and Italian; and five hours at school.

“Despite the frustrations, I find the successes that come with working with young people are more enjoyable than being bound in an office faced with computer-aided design for much of the working days.

“For example, in May one new student arrived from Ukraine. I played some chess with him. Teachers are struggling a bit, given that he speaks Ukrainian and a few words in English, but zero Spanish. Not ideal but at least he’s safe from bombs.

“I decided to let him win the second game. It’s amazing how hard it is to lose on purpose, given I spend 3 hours a day studying how to win. Winning is like a natural reflex.

“I let him take my Queen but it got a smile out of him when he checkmated me.”