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.

Active Collision Technology on Trial at Busy Aspley Intersection

Robinson Road West on intersection with Gympie Road in Aspley is currently testing the Hold the Red technology as part of efforts to reduce collisions caused by motorists running red lights.

The Ministry for Transport and Main Roads selected the Aspley intersection after it was identified as a potentially dangerous intersection. It is one of the busiest intersections in Queensland, with more than 68,000 vehicles passing through the intersection every day. In the past five years, there were 24 crashes and 11 serious injuries due to crashes at the intersection.

The technology uses radar to see if vehicles are about to run a red light. When this happens, the opposing traffic lights are forced to stay on red to prevent a possible collision.



Preventing Collisions

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey revealed that the technology is already being used in Florida where it has been instrumental in the significant decline of collisions at intersections.

Mr Bailey said that around 11 percent of critical road casualties in the state happened at intersections with traffic lights.

“During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3,000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland,” said Mr Bailey.

“Red light running is a complex problem. There is no single reason why drivers do it but what we do know is that resulting accidents are likely to be T-bone crashes, which have a higher potential of causing death or serious injury.

“Hold the Red lowers the risk of a crash at sites where it is installed while still allowing for offenders to be penalised.

“This will keep other drivers safe, while still acting as a deterrence to offenders.”

Queensland’s peak monitoring body RACQ lauded the introduction of the Hold the Red technology at crash prone intersections.

RACQ’s Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding believes that the system could help prevent T-bone crashes.

“We look forward to the results of the trial and are always interested in new technologies that can reduce crashes,” Mr Spalding said.

Carseldine Markets: Fresh Produce, Live Music, and Lots of Delight to Grab Interest

The Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets brings together a few of life’s simple pleasures: listening to music, eating, and appreciating art. Every Saturday, locals from Carseldine and neighbouring suburbs like Aspley, Fitzgibbon, and  Bridgeman Downs get to unwind at the market located at the old Queensland University of Technology.

Carseldine Markets, which opens 6:00 a.m. and closes at noon, is a five-minute ride from the Aspley Hypermarket. It houses more than 180 stalls for products of every kind. There is a stall for deli lines; Artisan baked breads and pastries, and traditional foods as well as fresh local seafood. There are stalls dedicated for arts and crafts, where visitors could find handmade accessories, soy candles, and wooden toys.

Carseldine’s addition to the list of the best Queensland’s markets does not come as a surprise. Aside from livening up the locals’ weekends, it supports local farmers. One of the most frequented stalls is The Organic Stall, where visitors can delight in farm fresh organics. The owner drives down to the Byron farms every week to hand select his produce.

“There are some delicious food stalls serving great food. Then after breakfast walk through all different types of stalls ranging from fresh foods to flowers, nick nacks, doggie stuff,” suggests Louise, a Brisbane local.

The market offers interesting things to do for people of all ages. Children could have fun in the rides. Dogs will enjoy their day out with the doggy treats available at the market stalls. Free yoga classes are available from time to time, for visitors who want to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For more information, visit the Carseldine Markets website and Facebook page.



Aspley Village Precinct Project Soon to Commence this Year

The Aspley Village Precinct Project of the Brisbane City Council is all set for a 2019 launch after the project team’s presentation of their improved proposal.

In September 2018, the Council introduced this $5.9-million streetscape improvement project which aims to refurbish and revitalise the shopping district at Gympie Road in Aspley.  Its main objective is to boost local economic growth within the neighbourhood.

The project is part of  Brisbane’s Future Blueprint, which aims to create a city of neighbourhoods with vibrant, connected, and safe centres for both locals and visitors.

Initial Proposal

Aspley Village Precinct Project Draft
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Aspley Village Precinct Project Draft
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The initial improvements planned by the Council’s project team for the Aspley Village Precinct Project include:

  • Upgraded signalised pedestrian crossing on Gympie Road to secure safety in the area. This is still subject for final approval from the Queensland Government.
  • Upgraded footpaths for improved accessibility, maintenance, and visual amenity.
  • Realignment of existing pedestrian crossings and placing of additional cautionary tactile pavings on kerb ramps for improved safety.
  • Additional planting of trees and groundcover plants  for improved visual and physical amenities.
  • Additional street furnitures and public artworks for people to use and enjoy.

Community Consultation

The community consultation period was completed in September 2018. All the feedback and ideas given by the concerned members of the community were collected through an online survey and three community consultation sessions.

At present, the council is still developing its updated proposal as a response to the feedback given by the community. The new and improved proposal is expected to be released soon.

Aspley Gympie Road
Satellite View of Aspley Village Precinct Project. Photo credit: Google Maps

What’s Next

Onsite construction will follow after the presentation of the project team’s improvement proposal. With both time and weather permitting, it will be ideal for construction to begin early of 2019 and  be completed by the end of the year.

To ensure minimal disturbances occurring during the construction phase of the Aspley Precinct Project, the Council will conduct a consultation meeting amongst the businesses located in the shopping centre. By doing so, the Council also safeguards the shops’ access during their business hours.

Aspley Median House Price Jumps to $600,000

The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Aspley median house price hitting $600,000, up 2% from the last 12 months. The figure is an impressive 26.3% increase over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 33 homes sold in the suburb.

 

 

Aspley Shopping Precinct to Get a $5.9 Million Upgrade

As part of the Village Precinct Projects, Brisbane City Council has invested $5.9 million for the revitalisation of the Aspley shopping precinct along Gympie Road.

BCC has already released the draft opportunities plan for the shopping precinct and is now seeking feedback from the community.

Aspley Village Precinct Project

The multi-million streetscape improvement project aims to enhance the strip of shops on Gympie Road, from Robinson Road West and Albany Creek Road, to Windrest Avenue and Gayford Street, Aspley.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Upgrades to the precinct will include the following:

  • a signalised pedestrian crossing upgrade on Gympie Road, subject to final approval from the Queensland Government
  • footpath upgrades to improve accessibility, maintenance, and visual amenity
  • improving pedestrian crossing safety by realigning existing pedestrian crossings and adding cautionary tactile paving to existing kerb ramps where possible
  • tree planting to improve visual and physical amenity
  • groundcover plantings to new and existing garden beds to improve visual amenity
  • street furniture and unique seating to improve physical amenity and accessibility
  • public artwork to enrich local identity and express local culture.​


Community Consultation

Council will be working with the local community in improving the draft plans for the upgrades.

In fact, a community survey is currently available online where you can provide your feedback for the project. Council would like to hear your views on the Aspley neighbourhood centre as well as what it is about the local area that makes it important to you.

The feedback gathered from the community will significantly help in the creation of the improvement proposal.

Locals can send their feedback online until Friday, 28 September 2018.

Complete this short survey to provide your feedback.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Next Steps

After the community consultation, BCC will prepare an improvement proposal and will have it on display in the Aspley shopping precinct in early 2019.

Once the proposal is approved, construction will begin in early 2019 and be completed by late 2019. Council will consult with each business in the shopping centre to make sure that minimal disruption occurs during construction. Furthermore, the Council will maintain access to every shop in the shopping centre during business hours.

The local community will then be invited to attend an event that will celebrate the completion of the project.

To learn more about the Aspley shopping precinct upgrade, visit the official Aspley Village Precinct Project page or contact the project team on 3403 8888.

 

 

Kerbside Collection Coming to Aspley: Get Your Recycling Game On

Brisbane City Council’s Kerbside Collection is coming to Aspley on Monday, 10 September 2018. It’s about time to get rid of those big unwanted items at last. Have you considered recycling too?

Currently, Queensland’s recycling rate of 44% is one of the lowest in Australia. With this, it is probably a good idea to help improve Queensland’s recycling rate by recycling at home.

Brisbane City Council has been actively campaigning about recycling and reducing waste. In fact, the Council has provided several ways for households to get into recycling.

Brisbane Bin and Recycling App

Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / PxHere

The Council’s free bin and recycling app makes it easy for residents to be updated with bin collection days. The app also shares helpful tips to recycle more effectively.

Download the bin and recycling app for free here:

Tip Shops

Photo credit: Brisbane City Counci/Facebook

Before placing your items out for the kerbside collection, it pays to give it another look. If you think some of the items can still be used by others, you can donate them to the Council’s tip shop instead.

Brisbane City Council’s  Northside Tip Shop is located at 27A Prosperity Place, Geebung which is 5.1 km away from Aspley. The tip shop accepts  quality, reusable household items such as:

  • household furnishings
  • collectables
  • books
  • toys
  • sporting equipment

Take note that  Tip shop donations from vehicles under 4.5 tonnes Combined Gross Vehicle Mass (CGVM) do not attract a disposal fee. Also, make sure that the items are clean and working, otherwise, it might be refused by the onsite staff.



Garage Sale Trail 2018

Photo credit: Garage Sale Trail/Facebook

BCC is sponsoring the Garage Sale Trail which will be held on 20 and 21 October 2018. This event links garage sales across Australia and supports reuse, fundraising, and fostering local connections.

The event is a great chance to declutter your home, shop the trail for treasure, and help Brisbane keep more good stuff out of the landfill.

Anyone can host a sale including household, op shops, schools, community groups and creators with something to sell.

Visit the Garage Sale Trail website to learn more.

Recycling Guide for Households

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

As part of the BCC’s campaign for recycling and reducing waste, they have also prepared a complete guide on how to recycle on your own at home.

Check out the Council’s Recycling Guide for Households page or download a copy of Brisbane’s Best Recycling Guide for Households.