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The Gap Keeps 40-Year Santa Sleigh Tradition Flourishing

Santa Claus is coming to The Gap! The jolly old man from the North Pole is, once again, spreading cheer and goodwill around neighbourhoods this Christmas and locals may catch him on his sleigh at designated scheduled stops.

Beginning Saturday, the 7th of Dec 2019, until Friday, the 13th of Dec 2019, residents of The Gap should listen out when Christmas music fills the air from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will be the cue that Santa Claus is in town and he’ll be parking his Santa Sleigh in a designated area for 20 minutes.

Here’s your chance to bring your children to meet Santa Claus face-to-face. Expectedly, Father Christmas will not be visiting empty-handed. He’ll have some handouts for everyone!

Santa Claus is cruising by the following streets in The Gap on these said nights:

WHEN	WHERE
Saturday 7 Dec	Rivercity Church, Settlement Road (by request)
Sunday 8 Dec	Creekside at Riaweena St East
Monday 9 Dec	Payne Road service road at Kays Road roundabout
Tuesday 10 Dec	Paltarra Street
Wednesday 11 Dec	Wittonga Park, Hilder Road
Thursday 12 Dec	Donegal Street (Cnr Harward St)
Friday 13 Dec	St Peter Chanel School

*Photo Credit: Rotary Ashgrove The Gap/Facebook*

Let the Santa Sleigh elves know if you’re having a street party so that they can swing by and have your guests mingle with jolly old St. Nick!

Santa Sleigh has been running for 40 years and it’s organised by Rotary Ashgrove/The Gap. It’s a laudable effort that brings the community together, as locals and businesses pour their time and resources for free to help Santa complete his annual visits.

Incidentally, Santa needs more helpers to ensure that this tradition continues to be a success. So if you want to experience the spirit of Christmas by spreading goodwill, you can volunteer to become part of Santa Sleigh (and get some exercise as a bonus!).

Contact the Rotary for details.

Ferny Grove State School and Officers Walk for “Daniel”

Ferny Grove State School students and Adopt-a-Cop Senior Constable Wanda Beckett participated in the annual “Walk For Daniel.”

For 10 years now, Ferny Grove State School has been taking part in the annual march in honour of Daniel Morcombe. Daniel was a 13-year-old boy whose life tragically ended after he was abducted on 7 December 2003 whilst on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family.

His parents Bruce and Denise established the Daniel Morcombe Foundation as their way of thanking the community for their support. Today, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is one of the most well-known not-for-profit organisations advocating child safety in Australia.

Every year on the last Friday in October, thousands of people gather and walk donning their red shirts to symbolise child safety awareness — Daniel was wearing a red T-shirt when he went missing.

Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson 2019
Video Credit: Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc / YouTube

*Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au*

“After a walk around the school in a sea of red, student councillors shared messages of child safety and Detective Sergeant Frank Jefferies of the Ferny Grove CPIU spoke to the students to reinforce the three R’s of safety – Recognise, React and Report,” Senior Constable Ricky Blanckensee said.

“This event is so important in supporting the spread of child safety messages in the community, with positive safety conversations as well as honouring the memory of Daniel Morcombe.”

Also present in the event was Inner West Road Policing Unit (RPU), Ferny Grove Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU), and Officer in Charge of Ferny Grove Police Station Senior Sergeant Jeannie Murray

Why It’s Best to Shop for Kids’ Christmas Gifts at Enoggera’s K and K Creative Toys

Shopping must be high up on your to-do list in the next few weeks with the holidays fast approaching. But if you’re pressed for time and you need Christmas gifts for kids, you’ll likely find it all in one sweep at the K and K Creative Toys in Enoggera.

K and K Creative Toys is the preferred place for parents looking to buy toys, books and games for their kids. Their inventory boasts items you won’t easily find anywhere else, including toys you’ve played as a child.

This wonderful store, which has been trading since 1964 and is currently under the proprietorship of Lorraine Hayes, specialises in interesting and unique educational toys that allow children to learn whilst having fun.

*Photo Credit: K and K Creative Toys/Facebook*

“Young Australians’ early knowledge of the concepts and actions which are the cornerstones of education and learning, is largely based on experience,” Ms Hayes said.

“Whether that’s through playing with their toes in the crib, tugging on mum’s hair, unpacking the kitchen cupboard, trying to ‘taste’ the garden soil, or their habit of constantly asking ‘why?’– Clearly, play is one of education’s best tools,” she added.

In time for the holidays, K and K Creative Toys has released its Christmas Catalogue in-store and online for your Christmas gift shopping.

Shopping at their website during this season affords customers with free shipping for orders over $125. However, there’s a good reason to also visit their brick-and-mortar store at 196 Wardell Street as K and K Creative Toys has its free gift-wrapping services.

K and K Creative Toys opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The store doesn’t have operations on Sunday. If you have any questions or you’re looking for a special item, you may also email Ms Hayes at toys@kandkcreativetoys.com.au.

Pillars of The Gap Art Installation Redesigned and Relocated in Waterworks Road

Have you seen the Pillars of The Gap art installation by the corner of Waterworks Road and Jevons Street? This artwork, designed by local artist Catriona Holland, is the first thing that visitors to Brisbane’s outer suburbs see. It is a landmark to recognise the contributions made by noteworthy members of the community.

The redesigned Pillars of The Gap replaces the old art installation on the Walton Bridge Reserve.

In 2010, Councillor Geraldine Knapp, now retired, sought to put up a memorial for significant locals who have shaped the fabric of The Gap. These first pillars, which were also designed by Ms Holland, were thinner in comparison to the new structure.

First design of Pillars of The Gap from 2010
Photo Credit: Catriona Holland/Facebook

Ms Holland of Access Arts Eight Mile Plains is also credited for her other public artworks at Oriel Park in Ascot, South Bank Parklands and Samford Cemetery.

Councillor Steven Toomey re-commissioned Ms Holland for this project in 2018 to deliver seven colourful and thicker concrete pillars reflecting different themes to define The Gap and its community. The pillars have been relocated to complement The Gap Memorial Place.

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“The tradition has continued of acknowledging pillars of the community who have significantly contributed to the fabric of the community by installation of commemorative plaque on the pillars,” Mr Toomey said.

Mr Toomey also said that The Gap locals may continue to nominate key persons deserving of a spot in one of these these pillars by phoning his office at 3407 1900.

The Gap Kerbside Collection: Other Options For Getting Rid of Your Stuff

On Monday, the 7th of Oct 2019, the Council will once again proceed with its regular kerbside collection in The Gap. Whilst this is a good time to do your spring cleaning, especially with the holidays coming up, it might be better to find other options for getting rid of your stuff if you’ve still got heaps of reusables.

Kerbside collection is a great initiative, but did you know that the acceptable items you put out for disposal will be dumped in the landfills? To be clear, these acceptable items 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)
wood products less than 1.5 metres

So, instead of piling these items on kerbside collection day, here are other suggestions for disposal, provided these are still useful.

Bath, Laundry Tubs and Bedding

Got old towels, bedding, sheets, tubs, crates and bowls you no longer use? Give them away at a local animal shelter of your choice rather than putting these out for kerbside collection.

Shelter animals, especially puppies and kittens, will still have a lot of use for these to keep them comfortable and warm inside really cold and hard cages. Shelter workers may also reuse your tubs and bowls for feeding the animals or cleaning the premises.

Furniture, Appliances and White Goods

Old but still working or repairable fridges, stoves, toasters and other furniture, appliances and white goods can be donated to a local charity if you’ve got no family members or friends who might want it.

The Council recommends a few non-profit organisations that accept old household items and you may also bring your second-hand stuff to Council-recommended tip shops in Acacia Ridge or Geebung.

Some organisations have specific needs (e.g. children’s items for a children’s charity, sporting equipment for a disability charity) so be sure to do your diligent research before bringing pre-loved items to their establishment.

For your convenience, these organisations may also arrange for a pick up so you won’t need to transport your things.

*RecyPhoto Credit: Andy Arthur/Flickrcling*

Wood Scraps

Wood scraps and pieces of lumber can be turned into planters, toys and other useful home items. If you’re not a crafty builder then consider donating your wood scraps to a local arts and crafts maker or better yet, commission an artist to turn your trash into a lovely decorative piece, which you may use at your home or give as a gift to your friends.

Electronic Wastes

Keyboards or mouse you hardly touch anymore or dusty joysticks from an old computer gaming equipment may be dropped off at recycling facilities. Find out more details about this at the Department of the Environment and Energy website.

Australian Defence Force Takes Delivery of the First of the New Fleet of Boxer Armoured Vehicles

The first of the 211 new Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force has been handed over during a ceremony held at Enoggera (Gallipoli) Barracks in Enoggera on 24 September 2019.

The new fleet of Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be acquired under the $5-billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability program and will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia.

Whilst formally accepting the new CRV, Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said that the new armoured vehicles will provide world-class capability for the Australian Army with their high levels of protection, firepower, and mobility.

“These new vehicles are part of the Liberal National Government’s $200 billion investment in our defence capability to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said.

“They will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world.”

*Minister for Defence Industry the Honourable Melissa Price, and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO, DSC, MVO*
*Photo credit: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/minister.defence.gov.au*

“This project presents an exciting opportunity for Australian industry to play a vital role in delivering leading-edge capability and technology to Australia’s Army,” Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Price said.

“Our Government’s investment decisions in defence capability are complemented by a comprehensive defence industry policy agenda to support a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry, which will support jobs and investment across the country.”

*A Rheinmetall Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle on display during Land Forces 2018 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia.*
*Photo credit: Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence/minister.defence.gov.au*

The LAND 400 program aims to provide the Australian Army with a fleet of modern armoured fighting vehicles that will remain a potent weapon system over the next 30 years. The new vehicles will be equipped with modern and highly capable sensors and communications suites.

The 211 Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles Drive Modules and 223 Mission Modules will be acquired under the LAND 400 Phase 2 to replace the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) fleet.

The first 25 vehicles are to be manufactured in Germany whilst the remaining vehicles will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence facility in Redbank.

DA Lodged for 95-Place Childcare Centre in The Gap

Pammay Street frontage (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A corner lot located in a low-density residential zone in The Gap will be transformed into a 95-place childcare centre, should a development proposal from Nadi Lane Projects 1 Pty Ltd be approved.

The proposed centre, at 1019-1023 Waterworks Road, is a two-storey building measuring 745 square metres, which includes a staff room, office, pantry, kitchen, reception area, two outdoor play areas and baby play area, as well as undercroft car park for 19 spaces.

Site location (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Vehicle access to the site will be from Pammay Road, a minor road to avoid introducing additional access points to Waterworks Road.

The site is located amongst other community facilities and nearby centres, notably The Gap High School (within 25 metres) and The Gap Village Shopping Centre (within 200 metres).

Lower level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

A report prepared by Aspect Town Planning on behalf of the applicant states that the proposed childcare centre is identified as being consistent with the overall outcomes of the low-density residential zone. The proposed development has been designed to be respectful of the surrounding built form, being no more than 2 storey’s and 9.5m in height, according to the report.

Upper level floor plan (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

Corner of Waterworks Road and Pammay Street (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

“Market research and feedback has indicated the need for an additional childcare centre within The Gap area, although to be appropriately sized and located,” the application said.

The majority of existing long daycare places (179 of 275 total places) within The Gap are positioned along Payne Road which is south of the subject. Two other centres, with both 48 places, service the Waterworks Road at present.

Two dwelling houses on the subject site will have to be demolished to accommodate the development. If approved, the childcare centre will take in children ages 0-5 years and will operate from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

For more information about the development application, see Full DA – A005271157.

Keperra Kerbside Collection: 4 Important Things To Remember to Avoid Illegal Dumping Fines

Another round of kerbside collection will be underway in Keperra on Monday, the 16th of Sept 2019. As practiced, residents are encouraged to place their items by the kerb before 6:00 a.m. during collection day.

Workers from the Waste and Resource Recovery Services will be driving by to pick up the items but not just everything will be collected. So, here are four important things to remember to avoid incurring illegal dumping fines.

1. Keep it tidy.

Keperra residents are expected to pile their kerbside collection items in a tidy manner. It should be off footpaths and roadways so as not to disrupt the flow of traffic. The items must also be secured in case the weather is bad on collection day. You won’t want your items scattered on the ground because of strong winds.

2. Keep it at two cubic metres.

The Council will not pick up kerbside collection items that are piled in a box that’s more than two cubic metres. This is roughly the size equal to a small box trailer load. If you have long or tall items, ensure that these are not longer than one metre. Otherwise, you might need to bring larger items yourself to recycling centres or tip shops in Brisbane.

3. Keep it safe.

Your kerbside collection pile must not contain sharp or dangerous objects. It must also not be too heavy for two people to pick up the box. If you are putting away furniture or appliances like cupboards, fridges or eskies, you need to take off the doors and covers. This ensures that no curious animals or kids would be trapped inside the container.

4. Keep unacceptable items off your pile.

The Council will not accept these items below for kerbside collection. If you need to get rid of these, you need to make other arrangements:

bricks and concrete
commercial builders waste
car parts and tyres, including car batteries
dirt and stones
garden waste (e.g. trees, grass, potted plants)
gas bottles
general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
glass and mirrors
hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos)
household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin
Liquids

Items that are not picked up must be removed off the kerb as soon as possible. The penalty for illegal dumping is $133.45 per unit.

Residents can download the Brisbane bin and recycling app to receive notifications and learn general information on how to dispose of unwanted items properly.

Enjoy Father’s Day Breakfast or Lunch at the Walkabout Creek this September

Celebrating Father’s Day on the 1st of September at the Walkabout Creek in The Gap can be pretty special and remarkable. Your dad will love nothing more than to have a relaxing meal with the whole family amidst the lush surrounds of the D’Aguilar National Park.

Apart from enjoying the food with family members, however, a Father’s Day celebration at the Walkabout Creek can be filled with heaps of outdoor activities focused on dad. You can go cycling, swimming, paddling and exploring, or simply play games on the grounds before or after you have your meals.

*Photo Credit: Queensland National Park*

Father’s Day Breakfast

Start your day with dad at this year’s Father’s Day preparations at the Walkabout Creek at 8:00 a.m. for the first breakfast session, while a second breakfast session will follow at 10:00 a.m.

Both schedules will feature the following breakfast menu:

Bacon Rashers	Pork chipolatas
Scrambled eggs (V, GF)	Mini golden hash browns (V)
Frittata (GF, V)	Roasted tomatoes with garlic and rosemary (V, GF)
Honey Yoghurt with berry compote and muesli (V)	Pancakes with maple syrup
Danish pastries and croissants (V)	Sweet mini muffins (V)
Fresh fruit platters (V, GF, DF)	A selection of bread with assorted condiments (GF options available)

All breakfast meals are served with a selection of teas, freshly brewed coffee and premium juice.

After having breakfast, take dad strolling near the beautiful Enoggera Reservoir or the bush to burn those calories. Or, if everyone’s up for it, you can spend the rest of the morning swimming and cooling off at the designated areas.

Father’s Day Lunch

Lunch, on the other hand, will be ready by 12:00 noon so you can head to the park earlier to bike or other fun outdoor activities to stretch those muscles and joints. When you’re famished, you can have a satisfying lunch with dad at the Walkabout Creek.

This year’s Father’s Day lunch special includes the following dishes:

Beef Burger with a side of fries	Chicken Caesar burger with a side of fries
Seafood Basket with lemon and tartare sauce	Grilled chicken salad with avocado, radish and black sesame dressing
Pan-fried Barramundi fillet with garden salad and fresh lemon wedges	Pesto, fetta and cherry tomato frittata w garden salad

Guests may also choose from a selection of assorted sandwiches and Turkish dishes. Just ask for the menu from the waitstaff.

Booking is required for Father’s Day breakfast or lunch at the Walkabout Creek. Phone 07 3300 2558 for more information.

The Gap to Spring Hill 380 Bus Route Ranked Worst in Brisbane

Did you know that the 380 bus route between The Gap and Spring Hill has had the highest number of blow outs and delays in the last financial year? As a result, commuters have ranked this bus service as the worst route in Brisbane and there’s a strong clamor for its improvements.

On average, the 380 bus route is 12 minutes behind its 35-minute schedule. While its delay is only second to the 100 bus service on Forest Lake, which runs 13 minutes behind schedule, the 380 bus route has had 34 percent of blow outs compared to 24 percent for the 100 bus route.

According to Public Transport Chair Krista Adams, these delays will be solved with the planned construction and improvement of the Brisbane Metro. The $944 million infrastructure project is expected to begin construction in 2019 with a targeted 2023 completion date.

Despite this massive road project, bus routes will still struggle if the service itself will not be improved and reformed.

“The patronage is really struggling on Brisbane’s buses because it’s taking too long for people to be able to get where they need to go,” Jared Cassidy from the Labor said. “But also as important is reliability — not just in terms of turning up on time, but also in terms of getting you to the end destination on time.”

Rebecca Michael of RACQ identified some of the problems plaguing Brisbane’s bus services, such as multiple transfers and inefficient timetabling and relayed complaints from the public towards any efforts made to fix these problems.