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The Gap Coles, Top Queensland Store, to Recognise School Waste Warriors

Did you know that The Gap Coles is one of the top five Coles stores in Queensland with diligent and persevering young waste warriors, along with Aspley Hypermarket, Toowong, Fairfield and Greenslopes? As a leading outlet, The Gap Coles will reward a school in the suburb with young eco-activists in celebration of Coles’ 10-year partnership with REDcycle.

During this decade-long campaign, Coles shoppers across the country, especially in The Gap, have helped collect more than 1.6 billion pieces of plastic wastes. From this collection, 565 million pieces were from last financial year.

In recognition of these efforts, 80 primary schools all over Australia will receive a buddy bench made from 98% recycled plastic as a reward for their innovative and proactive ways to protect the environment. The schools’ initiatives were showcased in Coles’ Sustainability4Schools competition, which ranged from making their own REDcycle bins in the classroom to building sustainable kitchen gardens and planting trees.

“As part of Coles’ “Together to Zero” strategy, we want to work with organisations like REDcycle and local schools to reduce waste and drive generational sustainability,” Kirsty Davis, Coles General Manager Sustainability and Property Services said.

“School kids across Australia have inspired us with their innovative and proactive ways to protect the environment and we want to reward and recognize their efforts by providing them with a bench made from recycled plastic.”

The buddy benches also support Coles new national sustainability awareness campaign that sets out Coles Group’s “Together to Zero” ambitions towards zero waste, zero emissions and zero hunger and encourages all Australians to work “Better Together” to help ensure Australia is a better place for future generations.

Where to Find UK’s Best-Selling Silent Pool Gin in The Gap

Silent Pool Gin, which launched in 2014 at the Albury Estate in Surrey Hills U.K., has launched in Australia and will be available in The Gap. These handcrafted artisan spirits are made with 24 natural botanicals, multi-layered and bursting with complex flavours.

Using a unique and innovative four-stage distillation process under strict quality control, Silent Pool Gin’s core botanicals consist of juniper, coriander and cardamom, which are steeped and macerated in alcohol for maximum flavour extraction, drawing a deep and rich flavour profile that lingers on the palate.

After the distillation, the bespoke Gin Tea infusion process follows. More delicate floral ingredients, such as chamomile, rose and elderflower, are added and steeped separately in high proof spirits in a giant teabag. Twenty-four hours later, the teabag is strained and separated from the unwanted plant materials and then added to the still. This additional mixture lends a combination of bright floral notes and mid-palate complexity.

To draw out the brighter top notes of citrus and the Macedonian juniper, the distillation undergoes a basket infusion and is then completed and refined using a rectifying column that balances the aroma and taste of the final product.

Founded by Ian McCulloch and James Shelbourne, Silent Pool Gin was inspired by an atmospheric location shrouded in myth and folklore. Legend has it that in the early 1200s, a Woodcutter’s daughter was discovered floating in the Silent Pool, alongside the crest of Prince John – the future King of England. If you look closely at the pattern on your Silent Pool Gin bottle, you will spot the Woodcutter’s Daughter, Prince John and a crown representing his royal crest.

In creating the gin, McCulloch and Shelbourne wanted to perfectly encapsulate the romantic essence of Silent Pool and experimented with different flavour combinations over the years.

The result is an award-winning gin that is beautifully complex and refreshingly distinctive. Silent Pool Gin is best served as a G&T over ice, with premium Indian tonic water and a garnish of orange peel.

“We are excited about the potential for Silent Pool within the Australian market, with consumers already looking to add new and interesting brands to their repertoire, we are confident that we can provide a unique offering when people choose to trade up,” Adam Dobson, Global Sales Director of Silent Pool Gin, said.

In The Gap, Silent Pool Gin will be available at Dan Murphy’s on 21 Glenquarie Place and BWS Gap Market at Shop 2/974 on Waterworks Road.

“Our exclusive off-trade launch with Dan Murphy’s and BWS will allow shoppers to get their hands on the brand wherever they live in the country which will give us a fast start in the market, coupled with having a brilliant distribution partner in Proof Drinks Australia who will be driving on-trade distribution and delivering engaging liquid initiatives for consumers.”

Purchase in-store or order online for deliveries at BWS Gap Market or Dan Murphy’s.

Variety Dash for Kids Launches in The Gap

Variety’s Children Charity recently had a launch party in The Gap for a new activity that will surely excite many families. Held at the Ashgrove Golf Club, the launch saw a successful turnout of supporters who have been eager to learn about the new event.

The simple launch party last 21 July 2021 featured supporters from Little Gnome Mobile, Variety Bash Car 666 – Girls of Gotham, Aussie Rock, Tonka 2008 Bash Car and Changing One Kids Life at a Time. Families also spoke and shared how much their lives have been enriched by participating in Variety events.

Soon, Variety families will have more to talk about when they join the inaugural Variety Dash for Kids. The new event will be an opportunity for the children to create unforgettable experiences in the Australian outback with their family and friends.

Variety Dash for Kids combines elements of the legendary Variety Bash and Variety 4WD Adventure. Set for 8 to 13 November 2021, the event will kick off in Gladstone — with stops at Blackwater, Alpha, Carnarvon Gorge, and the Rockybar Station — and end in Hervey Bay.

Much like the popular Variety Bash, which has been running for more than three decades, the Variety Dash for Kids is open to all vehicles and models, especially off-road camper trailers.

“Whether you’ve got a combi, an off-road camper trailer, or family car (and as long as you’re happy to take the vehicle on dirt and the roads less travelled), we’d love to have you on board! “

“Radio communications, mechanical assistance, on-event medics and a scout to check the tracks are all there to ensure that you’re safe.”

Registration for Variety Dash for Kids is now open. Visit the official site to learn more about how you can join or donate to the event.

Hillbrook Anglican School Announces New Principal

Photo credit: hillbrook.qld.edu.au

The Hillbrook Anglican School announced the appointment of Maria Woods as the school’s new principal, starting January 2022.

Read: Uncle Nurdon Serico: A Pride Of The Indigenous Community

Ms Woods served as the principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar School for almost a decade before accepting Hillbrook’s invitation to be their new head starting next year. Prior to this, she worked as a Deputy Principal at Cannon Hill Anglican College.

“A strong culture that values learning and places student wellbeing and growth at the heart of its mission, aligns with my professional and personal beliefs about quality education. I am delighted to accept the opportunity to join Hillbrook and work in partnership with all members of a committed and collaborative community,” Ms Woods said.

The appointment of the new principal comes after current principal Geoff Newton, the school’s head for 24 years, announced his intention to retire at the end of 2021.

Mr Newton (Photo credit: www.hillbrook.qld.edu.au)

Mr Rob Seljak, Chair of School Board, said the process of appointing a principal involved selecting from a large number of highly qualified candidates and considering their alignment to Hillbrook’s beliefs.

“Following her nearly thirty years’ as an educator, Maria brings a broad range of leadership experiences. Maria believes in compassion, integrity, kindness and optimism, and embodies these dispositions in her leadership approach,” Mr Seljak said about Ms Woods.

Mr Seljak believes Ms Woods will successfully lead the school into the future. He also acknowledged Mr Newton’s incredible contribution to staff, students, and families at Hillbrook as a principal for 14 years and as a deputy principal for 10 years.

Uncle Nurdon Serico: A Pride Of The Indigenous Community

Photo credit: carinity.org.au

In celebration of the culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians, the Carinity Hilltop aged care community at Kelvin Grove recognises the achievements of Uncle Nurdon Serico from The Gap.

Read: 4 Interesting Facts About Aboriginal History In Keperra

Before becoming a resident of the aged care community, Uncle Nurdon was a proud Gubbi Gubbi-Kabi Kabi man who lived in Bardon and The Gap.

Family Life & Achievements

Born on 21 May 1933 as Nurdon Horace Serico, Uncle Nurdon is the second child of Maurice and Evelyn Reen. His father Maurice was a member of the Fungallu people of the Taroom district whilst his mother Evelyn Reen was a member of the Gubbi Gubbi people.

In 1939, the Sericos moved to Bardon where Uncle Nurdon and his sister became the first aboriginal children to study at the Ashgrove State School. He was into all sorts of sports -from athletics and dancing to cricket and football.

During his time at the State Industrial High School in Edward Street, Uncle Nurdon won the 100 yard State Secondary School title and set the new record for 200 yards.

Uncle Nurdon’s wife Pat with sons Michael and Maurice (Photo credit: The Gap Historical Society)

He married a Goondiwindi local named Pat Thrower in 1959 and had three children together – Maurice, Michael and Melinda who all attended primary and secondary state schools in The Gap.

In 2014 and after 58 years of marriage, Nurdon’s wife Pat passed away. His eldest Maurice, like his dad, became keenly involved in Aboriginal affairs. He was the Chair of Balaangala Community Group.

Career in Radiography

Did you know that he became the first Aboriginal person in Australia to become a fully qualified radiographer? Uncle Nurdon had a long career in radiography, which he completed at the Queensland University in 1954.

He was appointed as a Senior Radiographer for the hospital and in 1970, became the Technical Officer who was responsible for the establishment of all units throughout the state. After 49 years of serving for the Royal Brisbane Hospital, he retired in 1999 and in his honour, an x-ray facility in the Orthopaedic Department was named after him.

A Champion of the Indigenous People

Uncle Nurdon as a recipient of Lord Mayor’s 2018 Australia Day Cultural Arts Award; IN PHOTO: Maurice and Melinda Serico, Former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, Uncle Nurdon Serico, Lady Mayoress Anne Quirk, and Cr. Steven Toomey (Photo credit: The Gap Historical Society)

Uncle Nurdon is a Life Member of the Aboriginal Health Service in Brisbane. He also became part of designing aspects of the National Museum Canberra, as a member of the Advisory Council on Aboriginal Life.

He became part of the committee of both the Ashgrove and The Gap Historical Societies and became the Vice President and later on, president of The Gap Historical Society.

He is a patron of the Balaangala Community Group, whose goal is to bring together indigenous and nonindigenous Australians through sharing creative practices. As a patron of the said community, Uncle Nurdon spent time sharing about the culture, like teaching about possum skin cloak making and providing insights on resourcefulness and sustainability.

Learn more about Uncle Nurdon Serico in his interview with the State Library of Queensland:

Property Market Experts Recommend Buying a Unit in Keperra

Amidst Brisbane’s sizzling property market, experts said that investors should consider buying a unit in Keperra, where locals are more likely to list their property within the next five years.

In Brisbane, Keperra landed on the sixth spot of suburbs where homeowners will likely unload their units, alongside Banyo, Mackenzie/Burbank, Northgate, Goodna/Springfield, Rochedale, Redcliffe/Scarborough, Redland Bay, Bulimba and Carina/Carindale.

With house hunters growing competitive in the hot market where supply is tighter, a survey commissioned by Westpac revealed that listings will increase in Australia by 39 percent as sellers are “driven by confidence in getting a good return on their home.”

“While the report found houses are most in demand, units and apartments still remain a popular option – particularly among younger buyers who are more likely to seek the convenience and access to local cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as downsizers who might be seeking a coastal lifestyle,” Westpac’s Managing Director of Mortgages Anthony Hughes said.

Buyer agency Metropole director Brett Warren also recommended investing in a property in Keperra now, when the rates are still affordable but the suburb is still charging for growth in the coming years.

Mr Warren nixes investing in hotspots as he believes these areas will quickly become the “not-spots.” He said a low-key suburb like Keperra is one of 15 noteworthy suburbs with strong potential for growth in the coming years and should be on the buyer’s demand watch.

A budget of $650,000 is more than enough for investors to own a nice home in a cosy, homely and neighbourly community within 10 kilometres of the central business district which has all the amenities.

The Gap Retiree Becomes $50,000 Richer in an Instant

A retiree from The Gap wasn’t expecting anything during her visit to newsXpress on Waterworks Road but she instantly became $50,000 richer.

The woman is now enjoying the boost in her retirement fund after officials from The Lott confirmed that the money is now in her bank account.

The retiree said she went to newsXpress to purchase a $4 Cool Bananas Bingo ticket and was “just scratching away, as I usually do.” She could not believe her lucky stars when she saw $50,000 from her scratched ticket.

The winner has not yet decided on what she’ll do with her newly acquired wealth so, for now, she will let it sit in the bank.

“[It’s] for a rainy day and to enjoy throughout my retirement,” she said.

According to The Lott, Instant Scratch-Its has had 177 winners in 2020, collectively winning $16 million in top prizes. However, players of the easy game have won more than 32.3 million across the prize tiers.

The Instant Scratch-Its is unlike any other game because the players do not have to wait for a draw. There are seven million Instant Scratch-Its distributed across the country every year with tickets priced for $1 to $20.

The Lott stated that the odds of winning any prize on Instant Scratch-Its ticket are generally 1-in-4. Prizes less than $1,500 can be claimed at any authorised retail outlet.

A Pizza Night You Won’t Regret for Kerry Rooney’s Son

Planning next week’s meals for your family? How about Pizza Night Wednesday? You won’t likely say no to this very important cause which will run in The Gap, as well as 20 other pizza outlets.

On Wednesday, 30 June 2021, Domino’s in The Gap will donate $1 for every pizza sold to raise funds for Remi, a 10-year-old boy from Newmarket who recently lost his father, Kerry Rooney. The initiative was cooked up by Lachlan Muirhead, the assistant manager at Domino’s Newmarket, who enlisted the other outlets to commit to the donations.

Remi lost his father on 16 June 2021 following an ambush attack at Kerry’s home in Newmarket. His attacker was his ex-wife, Bonita Vivien Coue, who has been charged with the murder and has made her appearance at the Brisbane Magistrates Court. The ex-couple has been estranged since their split in 2013.

According to police reports, Kerry was attacked as he was about to enter his unit, where his ex-wife had been waiting outside. He came home after his son’s soccer training.

Some of the neighbours tried to intervene as Kerry yelled for help but Bonita managed to slit his throat. The police said that Bonita had been stalking Kerry for two weeks before this incident.

Remi’s soccer group said that Kerry’s world was his son. The Newmarket Soccer Football Club has also established a fundraiser for the boy for the game on 26 June 2021.

Aside from The Gap and Newmarket, funds are expected to also pour from the Domino’s outlets in these locations:

Arana Hills
Aspley
Ferny Grove
Fortitude Valley
Gaythorne
Greenslopes

Hamilton
Holland Park
Kelvin Grove
New Farm
Paddington
Queen St.

Samford
Sandgate
Spring Hill
St. Lucia
Taringa
Toowong
West End

However, for those willing to shell out more than the cost of a pizza dinner, friends of Kerry have set up a donation drive via GoFund Me as well. As of press time, the fundraiser has received more than $50,000 from generous members of the Brisbane community.

“Remi is just 10 years of age and needless to say has much ahead of him to recover and flourish. Your help will support this endeavour and be an important tribute to the memory of Kerry,” John Hoffman, Kerry’s lifelong friend who initiated the GoFundMe page, wrote.

For domestic violence helplines, here are the numbers to call:

Emergency/Police: 000
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
Womensline: 1800 811 811
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service: 1800 608 122
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24hr helpline: 1800 RESPECT

Payne Road State School in The Gap Celebrates 50 Years

Payne Road State School in The Gap is celebrating its 50th year anniversary with a twist! Amidst the unexpected pandemic lockdowns and downturns which have triggered numerous event cancellations, the school community decided to move its half-a-century celebration by a full year.

Though the foundation of Payne Road State School was in 1970, its students, teachers and staff, as well as the parents, are holding the school fair on 20 June 2021 with heaps of rides and attractions for the kids, and live entertainment for the adults.

The students will be able to have fun at the giant slide, jumping castles, laser-tag, teacup ride, rock climbing wall, pony rides, animal farm, and selfie booth. Food and beverage trucks have been invited as well, including a top-quality bar for the adults.

“This fair isn’t just for the school; it’s for the entire community to get out and enjoy all the classic fair favourites that will be on offer,” said Lotus Phoenix, the event’s organiser. “There will also be 20 market stalls featuring arts and crafts from around the community, including resin and beading jewellery, upcycled and fair trade clothing, handmade ceramics, pamper products, bags, a large selection of plants, and more.”

The school fair will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. whilst the beer garden will be open until sundown.

Payne Road State School was originally called The Gap South State School and opened on 26 Jan 1970 with 82 pupils for Year 1 to Year 7. Principal Clive Cook petitioned to change the school’s name for its location, which was derived from Henry Howard Payne, an early pioneer of The Gap.

During its inaugural year in November, Mr Clive and the school community held a grand opening celebration with Queensland dignitaries as guests, including the Honoubrable Max Hodges, MLA, then the Minister for Works and Housing. One of the highlights of the celebration was a coordinated Tinikling dance where the girls skillfully maneuvered their steps between large bamboo poles.

Between 1970 to 1977, additional facilities were added to the school, such as the tennis court the play areas, and more building blocks to accommodate the increasing number of students.

The Gap State High School Cuts Maths & Science Classes

Despite the school administration’s best efforts, one of the largest high schools in Brisbane, The Gap State High School, had to cut its maths and sciences classes due to a shortage of teachers.

Parents of the students of the school on Waterworks Road were informed in late May 2021 that their children could attend before or after school tutorials in place of actual classes in maths and sciences as they’ve been experiencing an overwhelming number of teachers with “unforeseen medical and health conditions.”

In 2021 alone, at least six science teachers took charge of the classes at The Gap State High School, which has been an unusual turnover.

Principal Anne McLauchlan also informed the parents that they are “struggling to recruit suitable staff,” a problem that of late has not been unique to the school.

According to Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson, there has been a shortage of maths, science and specialised STEM teachers across the regional schools, especially for educational institutions with a large student body such as The Gap SHS.

Ms Richardson also explained that whilst school officials carefully carry out the planning, teaching and assessments every term, the schools will still need to be resourced appropriately. Sontract teachers are another challenge altogether, however, especially if they have to go on leaves because of a medical issue.

To help address the shortage, the State Government has launched paid internship program called Turn to Teaching. The program is open to professionals who want to change careers and consider getting their teaching qualifications. The program hopes to bring in 300 people, who could become permanently employed as teachers.