Indian Restaurant Sankalp Opens New Location In Aspley

There’s a new place to get a taste of India in Brisbane. Those hungry for dishes such as dosa and idli can head to Sankalp, a world-famous Indian restaurant that recently opened in Aspley.


Read: Wallflower Expands, Opens New Shop in Deagon


Here, diners can order authentic South Indian dishes including dosas or thin crepes that come with non-vegetarian flavours; idli or rice pancakes; and uthappa, a thicker version of dosa usually served with toppings. 

The restaurant is the brainchild of Sunil Thakkar and Kandarp Makadia, who opened the city’s first Sankalp restaurant in Annerley in 2017. The two Sankalp restaurants in Brisbane are among the 150 Sankalp locations worldwide.

Sankalp’s famous dish ‘idli’/Photo credit: https://www.sankalp.com.au/

The restaurant, which occupies the space previously occupied by Fasta Pasta on Gympie Rd, looks very similar to its first location in Annerley. The 125-seat venue’s simple interiors, dominated by hues of red and touches of wood, keep the customers’ focus on the food. 

Sankalp Aspley (Photo credit: John Smith/Google Maps)

They are proud to use traditional recipes for their curry bases, which are all made with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients. They use tandoor, a special type of oven made of clay when cooking their naan. Naan is a bread made from maida, an Indian white flour that is similar to pastry flour. 

Aside from their flavourful dosas, Sankalp’s paneer methi garlic, a curry made with 28 spices is a crowd favourite in their original location. 

Sankalp offers takeaway and delivery services in addition to dine-in. For more information about Sankalp Aspley including trading hours and contactless delivery, visit their website or follow them on social media.

Sankalp Aspley

Phone: +61 484 757 905

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sankalpaspley 

Instagram: @sankalpbrisbane

Kerbside Collection Returns to Geebung and Others After Hiatus

Mark your calendars! Kerbside collection is returning to Brisbane one year after the service went on hiatus, and Aspley and Geebung are among the suburbs due to receive the service in October and November.



After a yearlong hiatus, kerbside collection is finally returning to Brisbane in a slew of suburbs — two of which includes Aspley and Geebung. The service was brought back early after the Brisbane City Council was able to save $6 million across 2020-2021. Geebung residents can expect to see the service return to the suburb starting the 18th of October 2021, whereas Aspley residents will receive the service on the 22nd of October 2021.

Kerbside collection has been a regular Council service created to help people get rid of large household items that would be difficult to dispose of otherwise. All one has to do is leave the belongings they no longer want on the kerbside at 6:00 a.m. 

Acceptable items include bath and laundry tubs, bicycles and sporting equipment, carpets and rugs, furniture, household appliances, and wood products smaller than 1.5 metres among many other things. Conversely, bricks, car parts, garden waste, glass and mirrors, hazardous waste, and liquids will not be collected.

Photo credit: CC BY-SA/avlxyz/Flickr

Labor councillors worked to have the popular service return as it was a basic and essential service that many Brisbane residents relied on. However, Lord Mayor Schrinner had commented that he had no regrets putting the service on hold.

The service was paused in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to save $13 million over two years, however it is returning ahead of schedule, starting with the suburbs that were affected by its sudden hiatus.

Of the $6 million saved as a result of Kerbside Collection’s temporary cancellation, half was given to community groups, charities and sporting clubs to recover from the pandemic and prosper. Business fee waivers were also given to small businesses that were negatively affected by the virus.

Kerbside collection is scheduled to return to the following suburbs at the following dates: 

  • Brighton, Deagon, Sandgate and Talgum: September 13, 2021
  • Shorncliffe: October 4, 2021
  • Boondall, Zillmere and Virginia: October 11, 2021
  • Geebung: October 18, 2021
  • Aspley: November 22, 2021

For more information, read about the service here.

Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants Boost Aspley, North Brisbane Recovery

The economic climate has drastically changed due to the pandemic but businesses in North Brisbane, including Aspley, have gotten a much-needed boost from the Queensland Government through the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants. 

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman met with nearly 100 Aspley business owners at the Geebung Bowls Club on Wednesday, 19 Aug 2020, to discuss the help extended to small businesses. 

So far,15,000 struggling companies were given over $885,000 in grants, including the management of the bowls club. Almost $200 million in grants have been set aside. 

Photo Credit: Supplied


Geebung Bowls Chairman Richard Mason said that since the greens have been closed and unused for months during the lockdown, the club had to seek a $10,000 Small Business COVID-19 Adaption grant. The money helped pay for maintenance, electricity and water supply. 

Mr Mason, however, said that he’s glad people are slowly returning to the club amidst the relaxation of restrictions.

“We are returning to pre-COVID trade levels and appreciate the support of some very loyal locals and government financial assistance,” the chairman said. “I would also like to thank Minister Fentiman and our Local Member Bart Mellish for their continued support and commitment to our club.”

Photo Credit: Geelong Bowls/Facebook

Aside from the grants to businesses, a Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs program has been set up to help the unemployed. North Brisbane residents may avail of the following support: 

  • Free online TAFE courses
  • Free apprenticeships and traineeships for under 21s
  • Payroll tax relief
  • Energy rebates for households and small and medium sized businesses
  • 25% procurement target for small and medium sized businesses – $4 billion of support each year. 

“We know businesses across the state including here in the North Brisbane region have been doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Fentiman said in a statement. “Because of the great job we’ve done on the health response to COVID-19, we can now focus on our economic plan for recovery.”

For enquiries about the grants, the job recovery program and other benefits, phone 1300 654 687 or visit Business Queensland.



Aspley State High School Upgrade To Bring 47 New Jobs

Two brand-new buildings will soon rise in Aspley State High School, delivering a new multi-purpose sports hall and a music centre. The project, costing $16 million, is also expected to bring in 47 new jobs for the locals.

On Thursday, 9 July 2020, Aspley MP Bart Mellish and Education Minister Grace Grace gamely turned the sod on the construction site. 

Ms Grace said that Broad Construction has been given the contract to build the new centres and the company will provide jobs that will help with the state’s economic recovery, amid this coronavirus crisis. 

“This has ensured a pipeline of work has continued to flow throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Education Minister said.  

Photo Credit: Grace Grace/Facebook


Mr Mellish, on the other hand, said that the music centre was overdue for a replacement after 35 years. The sports facility, on the other hand, will deliver opportunities for the students. 

“The $12 million sports hall will feature two sports courts, two general learning areas, a gym, canteen, staff office, storage rooms and a kinesiology lab. It’s part of our $235 million Renewing Our Schools Program, one of 26 state schools benefitting from this funding,” Mr Mellish said. “Meanwhile, the $3.8 million music centre will include visual arts, music, drama and dance classrooms as well as practice rooms and a staff office. I can’t wait to watch these projects come to life.”

Aspley State High School’s new sports and music centres are expected to be completed by March 2021. 



Aspley & Other Brisbane Suburbs Can Now Enjoy First Class Pet Sitting

Pet ownership entails a lot of responsibility as another living creature depends on you for love and care. What do you do when other responsibilities and commitments get in the way and threaten to take time away from your beloved pet? Times like these call for  First Class Pet Sitting, a Brisbane premium pet care sitting service. 

First Class Pet Sitting has helped many paw-rents since 2012. This quality and convenient service was established by Kylie, a former veterinary nurse, dog trainer, animal rescue volunteer and teacher. She works alongside a team of dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate staff. 



Among the services of First Class Pet Sitting are:

Doggy Day Care Adventure4 hours of outdoor exercise (park or beach)
Limited to four dogs per Pack Leader

First Class Pet Sitting will collect the pets from their home for a run, play, swim and fun time with their furry friends. They’ll go home happy and exhausted, ensuring a good night’s rest. The dogs will be transported in a comfortable van during their day out.
Pet Sitting
Duration varies, including overnight stay at your house.

Professional pet sitters can look after your furbabies in their pet-friendly home. Furparents can visit the house and meet the pet sitter before entrusting the animals to them. Pet sitters may also watch your dog in your own home if you have to leave for a day or require an overnight companion for your pooches. 
Dog Walking



Duration varies

Experienced dog walkers will walk dogs regardless of size or breed. The walkers are trained to apply various psychology-tested strategies to make dog walking a breeze.
First Class Pet Wedding Assistant
Average of 3 hours
(also applicable for funeral pet sitting)

Professional pet sitters can accompany your furbaby on your wedding day. The pets can also witness you and your betrothed exchange “I do’s” with the pet sitter ensuring that there will be no episodes to ruin the wedding.
Pet Taxi
Duration varies

Pet sitters can bring your dog to their grooming or veterinary appointments, whether you join the ride or not.


Photo Credit: First Class Pet Sitting/Facebook

“It is part of our pet sitter’s daily duties to send pictures of your pets via either mobile phone or email so you remain in the loop each day you’re away,” Kylie said in explaining what makes First Class Pet Sitting different from other services. “We follow your detailed instructions and treat your pets as if they were our own.”

Kylie also adapts a complimentary meet and greet between the pet sitter and the animal to establish familiarity and bond. 

First Class Pet Sitting covers South, East, West and North Brisbane, Inner City Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Redland, Logan, Toowoomba, Tweed Heads and Perth. For questions about the service, refer to their FAQs or phone the company at 1800 738 748 (1800 PET SIT) or 0420 264 216.

Aspley Homemaker City to Host Free Spring Carnival

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Aspley Homemaker City/Facebook


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

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

Come to the Fun Family Event at St Dympna’s Fair in Aspley

St Dympna’s Primary School’s annual family event is here again and families are invited to join in the fun, which will also help raise money for the programs of the school’s Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association.

Kicking off at 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, the 7th of Sept. 2019, on Robinsons Road,  the St Dympna’s Fair will feature a lineup of food and shopping stalls, carnival rides, sideshow games and attractions, raffle draws, and heaps of entertainment for every member of the family.

The event’s program schedule is as follows:  

11:00 a.m.Welcome
11:05 a.m.Mini Ballroom Dancers
11:15 a.m. St Dympna’s Talent Show Finals
11:45 a.m. First Golden Ticket Draw
12:00 p.m. Wild Encounters Reptile Show
1:00 p.m. Do Dance Academy Dancers
1:30 p.m.Dino Encounters
2:00 p.m. Nudgee College Rock Bands
2:45 p.m.Second Golden Ticket Draw
3:00 p.m.Nathan Kneen & the St Dympna’s School Choirs
3:45 p.m. ART UNION DRAW & Final Golden Ticket Draw
4.00 p.m.FAIR Closes


Whilst all the program is ongoing, Kids can look forward to race with their friends at the Dodgem Cars or challenge themselves at the Cavemen Capers inflatable obstacle course. Adventurous and fearsome children and parents alike can try the Bat Tower drop or Super Slide for a thrilling experience.

A spectacular Video Gaming Truck featured with five HD television, surround sound, and stadium seating will also be set up for 20 players at a time. Those who enjoy classic attractions, however, may ride the Merry-Go-Round or have uninterrupted fun at the Jumping Castle. 

Photo Credit: St Dympna’s Fair/Facebook
Photo Credit: St Dympna’s Fair/Facebook

The St Dympna’s Fair will also feature a cent auction, bookstalls, plant stalls and a second-hand corner shop for mums or dads looking to score a bargain. In between playing and shopping, families can fill-up and re-energise on food and drinks served by the fair’s volunteers, as well as these establishments: 



With so many things going on, you’ll need this map to know where every attraction goes:

Photo Credit: St Dympna’s Fair

To score tickets to this fair, complete the online form and wait for the distribution of the wristbands on Friday, the 6th of Sept. through your children. Or, you may collect your tickets on event day at the designated ticket stands. 

You May Be Going Blind and Not Know It; Here’s Where You Can Get Help in Aspley

Do you suspect that you could be developing glaucoma or some form of ocular disorder? Glaucoma usually does not present symptoms as it develops, but you can prevent the damage to your eyes with regular tests at the Brisbane Eye Clinic in Aspley.

Located at Suite 6 of the Aspley Homemaker Centre on Zillmere Road, Brisbane Eye Clinic makes use of advanced technology to detect, diagnose, and treat eye conditions. While glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and still has no known cure, it can be managed with early intervention from the clinic’s experts.



According to Glaucoma Australia, about 50 percent of Australians go about their lives undiagnosed for this condition. But once you hit 40, eye care must be part of your general health and wellness routine. Do you know that one in 200 Australians could develop glaucoma by age 40? 

Yet there is hope for people suffering from glaucoma using a minimally invasive breakthrough microscopic eye implant technology. This fixes the cloudy vision and prevents optic nerve damage while eliminating the need for frequent glaucoma eyedrops. 

This technology comes in different models like Cypass, Hydrus, iStent and Xen Stent. The latter was actually developed and invented by scientists at the Lion Eye Institute (LEI) in Perth. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane Eye Clinic/Facebook


To know about this new technology and for other concerns about your eye’s health, visit Brisbane Eye Clinic for a consultation. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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.

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.