Registrations for Walkabout Creek’s 2019 Wedding Showcase are now open. This Saturday, 16th of February, industry experts will be on-hand to help attendees plan their perfect wedding.
Grab this once-in-lifetime chance to meet photographers, stylists, and other experts such as Beautiful Weddings and Events, Invitation Designs by Eliza, Event Letters, Bella Brides – Hair & Makeup, G+M Event Group, When Freddie Met Lily, Cake My Day By Jo, Leaann Baylis, Natasha Lewis – Celebrant, and In The Booth.
Photo Credit: Walkabout Creek / walkaboutcreek.com.au
Couples will be given chance to take a look at what goes on behind-the-scenes at Walkabout Creek’s stunning wedding reception rooms and ceremony areas.
Photo Credit: Walkabout Creek / walkaboutcreek.com.au
Take the opportunity to stroll and discover the serene beauty of the grounds overlooking the Enoggera Reservoir. Complimentary beverages are available on arrival and you can also sample a range of great tasting canapes.
Also, inspection of Lakeside Lawn are available on request. This multi-purpose outdoor space is ideal for open-air events, up to 400 guests, such as corporate functions, private celebrations, and weddings.
About Walkabout Creek
Photo Credit: Walkabout Creek / walkaboutcreek.com.au
Originally opened in 1988 as a wildlife Expo and tea house, The Walkabout Creek facility expanded with function rooms added in the mid-90s. Today, Cuisine on Cue, one of the popular caterers in Brisbane, manages and operates Walkabout Creek Cafe, and the Walkabout Creek Weddings, Conference and Functions centre.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the experts. Register now for free.
The Wedding Showcase happens 16 February from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Walkabout Creek, Mt Nebo Road.
After his impressive home run that helped the
Queensland Dolphins win the 2019 Gold Coast Summer Classic Junior League final,
Ferny Grove High School student Emile Nel will be joining the Dolphins in Florida,
USA, for the Disney International Salute to Baseball.
Queensland Dolphins raising the 2019 JL trophy at the Gold Coast Summer Classic. (Photo credit: Gold Coast Baseball Association Inc/Facebook)
The 13-year-old student and Junior League
Baseball player will join the Dolphins in July 2019 for the US tour where they
will play six games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida. Before
heading back to Australia, the team will play another four games.
The US tour brings Emile closer to his aspiration of playing US College Baseball and potentially playing in the Major League.
Home Run
Emile was instrumental in the 11/8 victory of
the Dolphins against the New Zealand Super City Spartans in the recently
concluded GC Summer Classic held at Sir Bruce Small Park in Surfers Paradise.
The GC Summer Classic is an international and
open invitation junior baseball tournament hosted by the Gold Coast Baseball
Association. Matches are held at various venues across the Gold Coast. Teams in
the Little League, Junior League and Senior League divisions hail from Brisbane,
Sydney, New Zealand and the Gold Coast.
The Dolphins won the Junior League final despite an early 6-run inning by the Spartans.
Emile scored a home run during the first round
of the six-match series. Overall, he made ten runs during the series, giving
him a batting average of .750.
The high school student is part of the Windsor
Royals Baseball Club and plays for the Junior League Bandits.
Preparing for a race or simply looking for a challenging ride around Brisbane? Check out this popular The Gap to Mount Glorious bike ride.
This 31.7-kilometre bike trail is one of Brisbane City Council’s recommended training rides and includes 1,167-metre climb. Traversing mainly through the Mount Nebo Road, this bike ride includes picturesque views, several long and challenging climbs, and sweeping descents.
The Gap to Mount Glorious Bike Ride
One of the most common routes for The Gap to Mount Glorious bike ride is outbound from The Gap via Mount Nebo Road.
Photo credit: Cycling Brisbane bike route/Google Maps
Following Cycling Brisbane’s bike route, riders can start from the Waterworks Road, turn right to the Hilder Road, then take a left at the Alutha Road. The end of this road leads to the beginning of the long stretch through the Mount Nebo Road.
Alternatively, riders may continue to the end of Waterworks Road which is already connected to the Mount Nebo Road. This path passes by the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre which also offers plenty of activities for families to enjoy.
Also part of the D’Aguilar National Park, Mount Nebo Road involves a scenic drive winding through eucalypt forest. The road runs through the park past Mount Nebo township leading to Mount Glorious.
The path passes by several lookouts along the way. These include the McAfee’s Lookout, Jolly’s Lookout, and the Westridge Outlook.
Mount Glorious
Mount Glorious Road through D’Aguilar National Park. Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
Continuing with the long bike ride, the end of Mount Nebo Road connects to the Park View Road which is also connected to the Mount Glorious Road. From here, it will take less than a kilometre before you reach your destination.
You’ll know that you’ve already reached your destination once you see the Maiala park. This park is also a great and peaceful place to visit. Interestingly, the Maiala was the first national park declared on the D’Aguilar Range.
You can choose to explore the park or you can celebrate finishing the journey by grabbing a bite to eat at the nearby Mount Glorious Café. The cafe, formerly Maiala Rainforest Teahouse and Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and great coffee along with a good selection of teas and house-made cakes.
Riders coming from Samford Valley or those who want an even more challenging route can ride up to Mount Glorious via Samford and Mount Glorious Road.
Friendly reminder: Make sure to bring lots of water to keep you hydrated during the entire trip. Also, as much as possible, ride with a fellow cyclist. It’s always better (and safer) to have a long bike ride with a family or a friend to keep you company.
Following its much-awaited opening just in time for summer, locals are now urging the Council to increase parking at Ferny Grove Aqua Park.
Ferny Grove Aqua Park is North-West’s first free and fully accessible aquatic playground. Located at Keperra Picnic Grounds, the new $1.5million aqua park has been a hit to the locals. It features new facilities that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
The newly opened aqua park includes tipping buckets, water cannons, stream jets, water table, and level splash pad. Family time can also be more enjoyable as picnic facilities and electric barbecues are also available.
Ferny Grove Aqua Park has been attracting a lot of visitors, so much that its parking space has been found to be woefully inadequate. In fact, Pamela Rose-Holt, a resident from Upper Kedron has launched an online petition asking for the construction of additional parking with special attention to additional disability parking.
The petition emphasizes that Ferny Grove Aqua Park does not have sufficient parking. Currently, the aqua park has 21 car spaces, two mini-bus parks, and one disability parking bay.
As stated in the petition, “this issue was raised with Council by many in the local area during planning with no modifications to the original plan. Besides accessibility safety issues are of great concern.”
Mrs Rose-Holt’s petition also cited that people are parking along Upper Kedron Road. They then walk or cross the road to gain access. “This puts patrons at risk of motor vehicle collisions and injury.”
With the active promotion of the aqua park plus the increase in temperature, Ferny Grove Aqua Park will certainly be more popular amongst families. Because of this, the current parking condition might still get worse in the facility.
Local residents seem to agree with Mrs Rose-Holt’s concern as the petition has now gathered more than 240 signatures. The online petition will be closing on Saturday, 19 January 2019.
“We would like to thank BCC for this wonderful facility and with better parking see more people safely access the Aqua Park,” Mrs Rose-Holt’s petition says.
After considering submissions from local residents, Brisbane City Council has revised The Gap Neighbourhood Plan and submitted it to the Queensland Government for final review.
The council has been working on the neighbourhood plan since 2016 to include it in Brisbane City Plan 2014. The draft plan was released to the public and the community was asked for comments from July to September 2018.
Among the important outcomes of the local consultation is the community’s desire to maintain The Gap’s traditional suburban, low-density character. Residents also wanted to make sure that the environment and green space, including large trees, will get ample protection.
The redevelopment of The Gap Village shopping centre also came up during the consultation period. Locals wanted to see The Gap Village become a place for locals to meet, shop, dine and work. Better connections with adjacent parks and residential areas were also suggested.
Residents also requested that there be a limited area for diverse housing of up to three storeys high near The Gap Village. This should allow residents to continue to live in The Gap as their needs change in the future. It is no longer proposed to rezone the area for up to five-storey buildings.
The consultation also called for clear mapping of ecological values to be protected and the types of housing suitable for areas zoned for residential use. This is to provide better guidance on what development may be permitted on those sites.
The Gap Neighbourhood Plan covers the suburb of The Gap as well as small portions of Keperra, Upper Kedron and Mt Coot-tha (See Figure 1).
Credit: Brisbane City Council
The state government will make a second review of the neighbourhood plan. After this, the amendment will be brought back to the council for approval to be adopted into the City Plan.
The demolition of the old Enoggera Bowls Club has been completed, marking the first big milestone of the $12-million redevelopment project.
Despite a few challenges encountered, such as uncovering the several layers of concrete slab and asbestos across the site, demolition of the old facilities have been completed in November. Aside from soil remediation works, stormwater drainage digging and pouring of the tilt panels have commenced as well.
The sod turning ceremony was held this December with Club President – Terry Holmes, Lifetime Member – Jackie Doyle, Club members – Peter Glancy and Brian Cosford, Niclin Group Managing Director – Nick Cave, Hon Tim Mander, and Hon Mark Furner in attendance.
Enoggera Bowls November 2018
Video Credit: niclin group / YouTube
The site, located at 68 – 72 Pickering Street in Enoggera, is being redeveloped for multi-use precinct including two covered bowling greens, sporting facilities, retail tenancies, and a new clubhouse. Expected to open in 2019, the project will cost about $12 million.
Photo Credit: Niclin Group / niclingroup.com.au
Over the course of 10 months, Niclin Groupwill build a large commercial building at the front block which will be split into four retail tenancies that will be occupied by Beaumont Tiles, Rocksports, and X Golf. There will be a two-level bowls club at the rear of the site with Cafe 63 occupying the lower floor and My First Gym located on the second floor. Sports Build, on the other hand, will construct the world-class lawn bowls courts.
Photo Credit: Niclin Group / niclingroup.com.au
Enoggera Bowls Club Inc (the Club) had its first clubhouse constructed in 1940. The Club consisted of the Men’s and Ladies’ club, until 1966 — the year that saw its own Edna Horton winning the Queensland Singles Championship and the clubs merged and run as an inclusive organisation.
Photo Credit: Niclin Group / niclingroup.com.au
Two additional greens were constructed in 1970, bringing the Club’s total to four greens — the first club in Queensland to have as many. To cater to the growing needs of the community, the Club has expanded its services apart from social events and competitions, to hosting other events like Futsal and beach volleyball.
Just in time for the school holidays, the Ferny Grove Aqua Park has opened for the public to enjoy and cool down this summer.
The Ferny Grove Aqua Park is North-West’s first free and fully accessible aquatic playground. The new $1.5million aqua park, located at Keperra Picnic Grounds, corner of Upper Kedron Road and Samford Road, boasts several features that people of all ages and abilities will enjoy like the tipping buckets, water cannons, stream jets, water table, and level splash pad. Families can get the most of their day-out with picnic facilities and electric barbecues available at the aqua park as well.
Video Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook
Aqua park features:
a level splash pad area which provides access for all
elevated water play elements including discharge bucket, small tipping buckets, spray tunnel, water cannons, and overhead spray feature
an interactive water table that provides wheelchair access as well as toddler play
picnic facilities with electric BBQ
accessible pathways to provide access from car park to water play, picnic facilities and amenities building.
There are currently 22 Council pools across the city that has drawn close to 1.6 million visitors last summer season alone. The Ferny Grove Aqua Park is part of the $23 million investment of the Council to deliver upgrades at aquatic centres across Brisbane such as Langlands Pool, set to open mid next year, and Musgrave Park to commence in 2019.
Whilst you are out in the sun, there are other places to have fun before or after your visit to the Ferny Grove Aqua Park such as:
A group of locals will be hiking at the Enoggera Reservoir in The Gap to raise awareness and raise funds for the homeless.
Photo credit: Leonie Clark/Facebook
The event hosted by Leonie Clark aims to support the initiative being done by Orange Sky Australia. On her Event page on Facebook, Leoni shared how she wanted to help homeless people sleeping rough. Through this event, other individuals wishing to do something can find ways to help.
The hike will follow the 5-km Araucaria Track. Meeting place will be at the start of the track, past the Walkabout Creek Centre, down by the water. The track is a relatively easy hike, suitable for all ages. There will be limited parking, so it is advisable to come early. For those who choose to take the bus, route 385 stops nearby.
Hikers will meet at 6:30 a.m. for a 7:00 a.m. start.
The hike should be a great way to help those experiencing homelessness while enjoying the beauty of nature. Participants should bring a hat, sunscreen, water and togs and towel for those who want to swim after the hike. Those who wish to join the hike should also sign a waiver form: http://bit.ly/HikeForTheHomelessForm.
Orange Sky is a volunteer platform providing simple aid to the homeless. By providing free mobile laundry and warm showers to homeless individuals, the organisation hopes to restore dignity to people in such a tough situation.
As part of their efforts to make the community safer, the Inner West Crime Prevention Office is currently seeking residents and businesses who would like to join The Gap Neighbourhood Watch (NHW).
NHW is a community run program that is assisted by the Queensland Police Service. It is a great way to share information and to promote a safe and secure community.
Neighbourhood Watch has been running for 30 years and continues to keep the neighbourhood safe and informed. However, as the community continues to grow, NHW needs more members who will support the group initiative.
Being part of this initiative does not need to take up too much time. In fact, several roles are available for those who want to join the group.
Help promote The Gap’s safety and security. Call Ferny Grove and The Gap Crime Prevention Unit in 3872 1542 for further information or to register your interest.
Photo credit: Neighbourhood Watch The Gap QLD/Facebook
The Gap Neighbourhood Watch adopts NHW Queensland’s mission to encourage the entire neighbourhood to work together to strengthen and connect local communities for a safe and secure Queensland.
The organisation provides a vital link between the police and the community to reduce crime and enhance community safety. In fact, the police rely heavily on NHWQ Groups for information especially when it comes to concerns about local crime.
For those who want to become a The Gap Neighbourhood Watch volunteer, you may check their guide which talks about getting involved as part of a traditional ‘formal’ group. You may also access the policing guide for further information once you have registered your interest in becoming a volunteer.
Close to 100 camouflage CCTV cameras have been deployed by the Brisbane City Council in its bid to combat illegal dumping in bushland areas.
The surveillance cameras were installed in about 150 illegal dumping locations across Brisbane, according to Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. Last year, 36 offenders were caught illegally dumping their rubbish. The addition of covert CCTV cameras in around 40 illegal dumping hotspots aims to curb this behavior and keep Brisbane clean and green.
“Illegal dumpers target areas where they think they won’t get caught, such as bushland or isolated streets in the city’s outer suburbs,” Cr Quirk said.
“Not only is this dirty habit a blight on Brisbane’s beautiful landscape, but it can also harm animals and plants by leaching toxic contaminants.”
“One of the reasons Brisbane is a great place to live work and relax is because it is a clean city and our bushlands and public spaces are free from rubbish.
“A small number of people are continuing to rubbish our city and we want the community to help us play a part in putting a stop to these dirty culprits,” Cr Quirk said.
Photo credit: orderinchaos/Wikimedia Commons
Resource Recovery Centres
The Council has four resource recovery centres with waste and recycling facilities located at Nudgee, Chandler, Ferny Grove and Willawong. Free recycling is offered for recycling for vehicles under 4.5 tonnes Combined Gross Vehicle Mass (CGVM).
Residents can use waste vouchers or fees for the disposal of general and green waste (such as branches, palm fronds, weeds, tree and shrub prunings, loose bark and grass clippings). The centres were formerly known as transfer stations or tips. With the upgrade, recycling has been made easier and faster by:
reducing queues
increasing access to facilities
removing recycling costs
reducing processing times
“Not only can residents help keep Brisbane a liveable and sustainable city for future generations by correctly disposing of their rubbish, but they can also help report illegal dumping so it can be investigated,” Cr Quirk said.
It costs ratepayers around $500,000 each year to clean up Brisbane of illegally dumped trash. Aside from costing ratepayers, dumpers caught in the act can also face fines upwards of $2,600.
Photo credit: Michelangelo-36/Wikimedia Commons
Reporting Illegal Dumping
Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping which damages Brisbane’s natural areas including the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay. However, individuals witnessing this illegal act are advised not to:
approach the vehicle or individuals who are illegally dumping
let the illegal dumpers know you are there
touch the illegally dumped material
As at 1 July 2018, the value of a penalty unit is equal to $130.55. The fine amount must be rounded down to the nearest dollar after the calculation.
On-the-spot fines are issued to individuals for the following amounts of dumped waste:
less than 200 litres – 2 penalty units
between 200 litres and 2500 litres – 16 penalty units
over 2500 litres – 20 penalty units.
On-the-spot fines are issued to corporations for the following amounts of dumped waste:
less than 200 litres – 10 penalty units
between 200 litres and 2500 litres – 50 penalty units
over 2500 litres – 75 penalty units.
For more serious offences, Council will consider prosecution with maximum penalties in the order of 400 to 1000 penalty units. Council will consider this option for dumping:
by repeat offenders
hazardous waste (such as asbestos, medical waste or sharps)
by commercial and small business operators.
To report illegal dumping, contact Council on 3403 8888. For more information residents can download the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app, call Council on 3403 8888 or visit this website.
