the gap Archives - Page 5 of 13

High School Sporting Achievers Shine in The Gap and Other Suburbs

The Gap State High School (SHS) is a fertile ground for exceptional sporting talent, with students achieving remarkable success across various disciplines. From gymnastics to athletics and volleyball, these young athletes are making their mark on national and international stages.

Kaley Croot: A Multifaceted Athletic Prodigy

Year 8 student Kaley Croot boasts an impressive array of athletic accomplishments. A consistent school athletics age champion from 2018 to 2023 and the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year, Croot has excelled in various track and field events. She has claimed first place in the 100m, 200m, and long jump while representing Met North in her age group. Croot secured second place in the 100m and 200m finals at the Queensland School Sport Track and Field State Championships last season.

She has also represented The Gap at the Little Athletics State Championships and Queensland at the National Track & Field Championships, showcasing her speed and agility. Croot’s sporting prowess extends beyond athletics. She has also demonstrated outstanding touch football skills, earning a spot on the Met Northside team that competed at the state championships.

Eli Pullen: Gymnastics Star on the Rise

Year 12 student Eli Pullen is a force to be reckoned with in artistic gymnastics. As a Junior International gymnast, Pullen secured first place at the regionals earlier this year, amassing four gold, one silver, and one bronze medal on individual apparatuses for the Boys Grammar Club.

His achievements extend to the international arena, where he contributed to Australia’s fourth-place finish at the Austrian Future Cup and a triumphant first place at the Olympic Hopes Cup as part of the Junior Australian team.

Harvey Schutte, Nicoleta Kioupelis, and Caitlin Clarke: Volleyball Virtuosos

The Gap SHS also fosters a thriving volleyball programme, with three students participating. Year 12 student Harvey Schutte, a Queensland Academy of Sport Volleyball scholarship holder, has ascended to the Queensland beach team and the Australian Junior Indoor team, which recently toured Thailand. Schutte aspires to play for the Australian Senior Men’s indoor team and pursue volleyball opportunities overseas.

Year 8 talent Nicoleta Kioupelis, emerging from the QAS emerging talent programme, has made the Queensland beach volleyball and indoor state teams. Kioupelis acknowledges The Gap SHS’s instrumental role in nurturing her volleyball journey.

Caitlin Clarke, a Queensland beach representative and Australian Junior Indoor team member who represented Australia at the 15th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship in June, also credits The Gap SHS’s support for her success. She values the school’s volleyball community and aspires to compete for Australia at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics in Beach Volleyball.

The achievements of these remarkable students are evidence of Gap State High School’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence. As they continue to pursue their athletic passions, they inspire their peers and testify to the school’s dedication to providing a supportive environment for young athletes to flourish.

Published Date 19-July-2024

Whooping Cough at The Gap State High School

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A case of whooping cough has been confirmed at The Gap State High School, prompting health officials to issue a community-wide alert. The Metro North Public Health Unit notified parents of the infection on Friday, July 19, 2024, raising concerns about the potential spread of this highly contagious bacterial illness in The Gap area.

The infected individual is believed to have attended the school while unknowingly infectious, potentially exposing other students and staff. This development is particularly alarming for The Gap community, as it comes amidst a significant surge in respiratory illnesses across Queensland.

Dr. Megan Young from Metro North Public Health emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The illness is troublesome and distressing at any age but can be very serious in young infants.” She added that while vaccination provides good protection for young children, this protection can diminish over time.

The Gap residents should be aware that this local case is part of a broader trend. Queensland has seen a dramatic increase in whooping cough cases, with 4,951 cases recorded in the first half of 2024 — nearly five times the total for the entire previous year.

Queensland Health is urging anyone at The Gap State High School experiencing a persistent cough to see their doctor, even if they have been previously vaccinated against pertussis. Those diagnosed with whooping cough are advised to stay home for 21 days after symptom onset or until they have completed at least five full days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Adding to the community’s concerns is a statewide shortage of the most commonly used medication to treat whooping cough. While alternative generic medicines are available, the Therapeutic Goods Administration reports that this shortage is unlikely to be resolved within the year.

The Gap residents are reminded of the importance of up-to-date vaccinations. Pertussis vaccines are included in routine childhood immunisations and are available free of charge as part of the childhood and adolescent immunisation schedules, as well as for pregnant women.

As the community remains vigilant, parents and residents are encouraged to stay informed about any updates from school and health authorities.

Published 24-July-2024

The Gap Stalwart Joshua Pope Heads to Ireland for Under-17 Cricket Selections

Joshua Pope, a teenage cricket stalwart from The Gap, is set to compete in the upcoming Under-17 Provincial Championships in Belfast, Ireland. The young all-rounder, currently playing for Valley District Cricket Club, has been selected by Cricket Ireland for their Provincial Carnival—a selection competition—starting July 8.

Read: Honeybee Haven: Sweet Start to Community Building in The Quarry

Shane Warne connection and legacy

Pope’s journey is particularly noteworthy due to his connection with the late Shane Warne. Growing up in Blackrock, Melbourne, just two blocks away from the cricket legend, Pope, 14, developed a passion for spin bowling inspired by Warne’s iconic style. This influence has shaped Pope into a left-arm wrist spinner known for his aggressive shot-making.

Pope’s trip to Belfast carries additional significance as he will represent the Shane Warne Legacy. The organisation plans to conduct health checks for stadium spectators during the event, commemorating Warne’s game in Belfast 23 years ago.

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This initiative aims to raise awareness about heart health, reflecting the legacy Warne’s family has created following his untimely passing.

Joshua Pope prepares for the selection

Before the championships, Pope plans to hone his skills by playing for Ampthill and Cople cricket clubs in the Bedfordshire County Cricket League. This competition has been a starting ground for several English cricket stars.

Nathan Hauritz, Pope’s mentor at Valley District Cricket Club and former Test spinner, expresses confidence in Pope’s skills and mental preparedness for the challenge ahead.

Read: Upper Kedron Residents and Minister Exasperated by Delays in Ellendale Bridge Opening

Pope’s eligibility to play for Ireland stems from his father’s Irish heritage. The young cricketer initiated this opportunity himself, inquiring about the possibility of representing Ireland. This chance arose after Pope narrowly missed the age cut-off for Queensland’s Taverners Under-17s representative competition.

Published 22-June-2024

Honeybee Haven: Sweet Start to Community Building in The Quarry

Frasers Property Australia’s $500 million master-planned community, The Quarry, in Keperra is creating a buzz with its first inhabitants – not homeowners, but honeybees. With The Quarry Bee Project, approximately 240,000 European bees have taken up residence in the development, marking an innovative approach to community building and environmental stewardship.

Read: The Quarry in Keperra Unveils ClubQ: A $5 Million Oasis for Residents

The Quarry Bee Project takes flight

The Keperra Quarry Bee Project, managed by urban beekeeping group Bee One Third, has installed eight European beehives at The Quarry. Jack Stone, Director of Bee One Third, explains, “These industrious bees are integral to the local ecosystem and venture up to 5 km from their hives at The Quarry, pollinating gardens, parks, forests, and supporting the blossoming Keperra community.”

The bees are expected to produce between 200-300 kg of honey annually, creating a unique local blend that reflects the area’s biodiversity. This initiative serves multiple purposes:

Supporting local pollination
Producing distinctively local honey
Contributing to ecological health
Enhancing community engagement
Aiding in environmental monitoring

Community engagement and education

The Quarry - School Holiday Program 1 — Photo Credit: Supplied

The Quarry is leveraging the bee project for community outreach. Recent school holiday programs have featured the bees, offering families educational activities such as beeswax candle crafting and watercolour painting. The honey produced is being donated to local schools for fundraising and to the nearby Keperra Sanctuary Aged Care facility.

The Quarry - School Holiday Program 2 — Photo Credit: Supplied

Scott Ullman, General Manager Queensland Development at Frasers Property Australia, reports strong interest in The Quarry since its launch in Winter 2023. The first release of 29 lots has sold out, with subsequent releases also selling rapidly. When complete, The Quarry will feature approximately 500 residences and extensive amenities for residents.

Looking ahead

As the Keperra Quarry winds down its 60-year granite mining operation, the new development is set to transform the area. Located just 9.5 kilometres northwest of Brisbane’s CBD, The Quarry aims to become a vibrant community that balances modern living with environmental consciousness.

Read: Urban Transformation: A New Chapter for Keperra Quarry

The introduction of beehives as The Quarry’s first residents symbolises the development’s commitment to sustainability and community integration. As human residents prepare to move in, they can look forward to being part of a unique ecosystem where urban living and nature coexist harmoniously.

Published 22-June-2024

Platypus Exchange Program Enriches Conservation Efforts at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre

Photo Credit: Trevor McKinnon/Unsplash

A significant exchange involving one of Australia’s most iconic creatures, the platypus, has taken place between two states, which aims to bolster the platypus population whilst simultaneously advancing public education efforts regarding this unique species. Amidst this exchange, the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre in The Gap in Brisbane will also play a pivotal role, as it becomes the new home to two platypuses, further enriching Australia’s conservation efforts.

At the heart of this exchange, orchestrated by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA, is a 10-year-old platypus named Wally.

Wally, from the David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast, is now embarking on a journey to the Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, where he will play a crucial role in the platypus national species conservation program.

This program marks a remarkable synergy between the two departments, with historical ties to where Dr. David Fleay successfully bred platypus in 1943.

Wally’s Contribution to Platypus Conservation

Wally’s relocation to Healesville Sanctuary represents a milestone in platypus conservation. As part of this program, he is set to share his genetic heritage to diversify the gene pool, which is essential for maintaining a healthy platypus population.

The program not only allows Wally to engage in natural mating behaviour but also contributes significantly to ongoing species research, a legacy of the esteemed Dr Fleay.

On the 13th of December 2023, Wally embarked on a journey from the Gold Coast to Victoria, safely enclosed in a purpose-built crate designed to maintain his body temperature below 20 degrees. Having settled into his new habitat, Wally is now introduced to a female platypus, marking a crucial step in the conservation effort.

Expanding Opportunities for Breeding

In this collaborative endeavour of the Platypus Exchange Program, male platypus Tarrabi and female platypus Waddirrang arrived in Queensland on the 16th of December 2023. This exchange not only creates more breeding opportunities but also offers a unique chance to study the behaviours and breeding strategies of multiple individuals.

With their arrival in Queensland, Waddirrang has found her new home at the David Fleay Wildlife Park on the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Tarrabi has taken up residence at the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre at The Gap in Brisbane.

These locations not only provide excellent living conditions for the platypuses but also serve as inspirational hubs for future generations of wildlife enthusiasts, continuing the legacy of platypus conservation in Australia.

Published 22-Jan-2024

Empowering the Future: The Gap Netball Club Launches Pioneering Program

The Gap Netball Club, in collaboration with the QLD Suns Men’s & Mixed Netball, has launched its ‘Boys in Netball’ Pilot, a first-of-its-kind mentoring program designed to boost boys’ participation in netball and establish sustainable pathways within the sport.

Fueling their aspirations, the club secured a grant from Woolworths, enabling the launch of this “All Play Inclusion Program” slated for 2024. This initiative introduces a pioneering mentoring program designed to boost boys’ participation in netball and establish sustainable pathways within the sport.

The Boys in Netball initiative operates on the principle of “You can’t be what you can’t see,” striving not only to encourage boys to embrace netball but also to establish connections with elite-level players.

Beyond this groundbreaking program, the club is committed to advancing the skills of coaches, umpires, and players. Substantial investments in additional sessions, activities, and training sessions are earmarked for the coming year.

Boys aged 7-12 registering for the 2024 season will enjoy exclusive benefits, including half-price registration fees, a complimentary uniform (singlet, shorts, and socks), a ticket to a Netball Queensland School Holiday Boys Clinic in 2024, and a Queensland Suns Mentor/Buddy.

The mentorship program also promises a meet-and-greet, monthly Zoom catch-ups, attendance at a QLD Suns team training, and an experience at a Nationals game at Nissan Arena in April 2024.

Hilder Rd State School in The Gap serves as the training ground during the week, with game days unfolding at Downey Park Netball Association in Windsor on Saturdays.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 season, online registrations will open on 8 Jan 2024. Prospective members can explore the club’s offerings at a Club Open Day on Saturday, 20 Jan 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Follow The Gap Netball Club on Facebook for more updates.

Published 26-Dec-2023

Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre in The Gap: Turtles Need a Long-term Commitment for Care

The Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre in The Gap is home to a unique resident, a freshwater turtle of extraordinary proportions, dubbed by wildlife officers as the largest turtle they have ever encountered.

However, amidst this notable resident at the Centre lies a deeper issue that concerns not only The Gap but Queensland at large—a growing trend of well-meaning individuals acquiring pet turtles without fully comprehending the commitment these reptiles entail and then giving them up when they realise they can no longer care for them as pets.

A Popular Yet Misunderstood Choice

Freshwater turtles have long been a beloved choice among Queenslanders when it comes to keeping pets. Their captivating appearance, especially as hatchlings, often leads people to believe they can thrive in the confines of a fish tank. However, this assumption proves misguided, as these creatures require meticulous care and attention throughout their long lives.

Warren Christensen, the Manager of Southern Wildlife Operations, emphasised that owning a turtle is not a fleeting commitment, akin to a seasonal Christmas ornament.

He explained that freshwater turtles can live for an impressive 40 to 50 years. Thus, they require not only a spacious habitat with water for swimming but also access to land for exercise, and when kept indoors, a large fish tank coupled with ultraviolet light.

Health Matters

Aside from the space and environmental requirements, the health of pet turtles is paramount. Mr. Christensen warned that neglecting their need for clean water can result in various health issues, including soft, cracked, or peeling shells.

Regrettably, many turtles surrendered to authorities, like those from The Gap, often exhibit signs of neglect and poor health due to improper care. Mr Christensen further explained the grim reality that many surrendered turtles cannot be rehomed, given the stringent requirements for their care.

One recent incident involved a 20-year-old turtle, relinquished by an owner who could no longer care for it. Astonishingly, this turtle had been living indoors with the freedom to roam and an unregulated diet, conditions far from ideal for its well-being. Fortunately, the turtle is now thriving at the Walkabout Creek Discovery in The Gap.

Addressing the Issue of Permits

One glaring issue that compounds the problem is the lack of necessary permits for turtle ownership. Many individuals who surrender these creatures have procured them without the proper documentation.

This, Mr Christensen stressed, contributes to the illegal trade of native wildlife—a grave concern in Queensland and Australia as a whole.

The illegal trade of native animals poses a significant threat to Australia’s unique wildlife, as it often involves the unlawful removal of creatures from their natural habitats. Both sellers and buyers who partake in this trade risk facing fines or even court prosecution.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is unwavering in its commitment to combating this issue, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance towards the illegal wildlife trade.

An Appeal for Responsible Pet Ownership

As the holiday season approaches, and people consider welcoming a pet into their homes, Mr Christensen issues a heartfelt plea. He encourages potential pet owners to thoroughly educate themselves on the specific care requirements of native animals, including turtles.

Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of obtaining the necessary permits to ensure that these animals are acquired legally and ethically.

Published 18-Dec-2023

The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give Koalas in The Gap

Photo Credit: Unsplash

This festive season, residents of The Gap in Brisbane have a unique opportunity to give a truly meaningful gift — helping to conserve and protect the local koala population.

As Brisbane prepares for an unusually hot summer, the spotlight shifts to the koalas of The Gap, a suburb where the intersection of urban life and natural habitats brings unique challenges for these native animals.

Koalas are currently in their breeding season, a time fraught with challenges. This period is especially demanding for mother koalas with young, who face dangers such as road accidents, often leading to orphaned joeys. The need for vigilance and care in areas like The Gap is vital during this time.

Threats to Koalas

Disease Threats: Koalas contend with diseases like chlamydia and koala retrovirus, which significantly impact their health and survival. These diseases compromise their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other health issues and environmental stressors.

Food and Water Scarcity: The current hot and dry conditions are affecting the nutritional value of gum tree leaves, koalas’ primary food source. This situation is forcing koalas to venture further in search of additional water sources, increasing their encounters with urban dangers.

Road Hazards: The Gap’s koalas often face dangers from increased traffic. Awareness and caution from drivers can play a crucial role in reducing the number of accidents involving koalas, especially during the night and early morning hours.

Dog Attacks: Domestic dogs present a significant risk to koalas. In areas like The Gap, where backyards and natural habitats intersect, dog owners need to be responsible and ensure their pets do not pose a threat to these vulnerable creatures. Keeping pets confined or restrained at night, providing wildlife avoidance training, and considering koala-friendly fencing are crucial to protecting koalas.

Backyard Encounters: Koalas may occasionally find themselves in suburban backyards. Residents should understand how to coexist with these animals, taking care to avoid direct interaction and instead contacting wildlife rescue services if a koala appears in distress or danger. Residents can further help by planting koala food trees and making fences koala-friendly, allowing these animals to move safely in and out of properties. Installing a pool cover and securing swimming pools are also important, as koalas are at risk of drowning in backyard pools.

Learn More About Threats to Koalas

Assisting Koalas in Distress

Providing Water: Residents can aid koalas by placing shallow bowls of clean water near gum trees. This small act can be a lifesaver for koalas, especially during hot days.

Rescue and Care: In case of encountering a sick or injured koala, the best course of action is to contact local koala rescue groups. Direct handling should be avoided to prevent additional stress on the animal.

Community Involvement and Awareness

Educating the public about the challenges faced by koalas and ways to mitigate these risks is critical. Residents of The Gap and surrounding areas can participate in local conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and supporting koala hospitals and wildlife groups.

The survival of koalas in The Gap and across Brisbane depends on a collective effort from the community, government agencies, and conservationists. Understanding these animals’ challenges and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is essential in ensuring their continued presence in our natural landscapes.

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Published 15-Dec-2023

Grassroots Grants Give The Gap Little Athletics a Head Start

The Coles Little Athletics Community Fund has announced its latest round of grants, benefiting forty grassroots Little Athletics centres across Australia, including The Gap State High School’s Little Athletics Centre.

The Gap centre has been awarded more than $2,600 to purchase a defibrillator to ensure the safety of its aspiring athletes and parent volunteers.

Coles Little Athletics Community Fund Support

Coles Group, in partnership with its Little Athletics Community Fund, continues to invest in the development and safety of young athletes across the nation. This year’s grants, totalling over $150,000, will enable Little Athletics centres to procure essential equipment, including hurdles, mats, shot puts, laptops, and defibrillators.

The Coles Little Athletics Community Fund, established in 2018, has now contributed more than $2.4 million to support 469 Little Athletics clubs and centres.

The Gap State High School’s Grant

The Gap State High School’s Little Athletics Centre is one of the proud recipients of this grant. The centre, founded in 1977 as one of the first Little Athletics Centres in Queensland, recognises the importance of the health and safety of all participants.

The Gap Little Athletics — Photo Credit: Supplied

According to Centre Manager Craig Preston, they identified a significant safety gap when they realised that the nearest defibrillator was located in a neighbouring shopping centre. Hence, the Coles grant of $2,666.50 will be used to invest in an on-site defibrillator, ensuring that safety remains paramount for all local athletes.

“When we identified that the nearest defibrillator to our centre was located in the neighbouring shopping centre we knew we needed to use the Coles grant to invest in having one on site. Safety is paramount to us here at The Gap and a defibrillator should be a compulsory safety item for clubs where people are gathering for physical activity.”

Former Little Athlete and Coles ambassador, Jaryd Clifford, highlighted the significance of having the right equipment for young athletes. He emphasised how grant programs like the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund relieve the burden on volunteers, allowing them to focus on helping athletes succeed rather than spending their time and energy on fundraising for essential equipment.

The Coles Little Athletics Banana A-Peel

The announcement of these grant recipients coincides with the launch of the Coles Little Athletics Banana A-Peel campaign, beginning on National Banana Day, Wednesday, 18 October. Coles, in collaboration with Aussie banana growers, will donate 10 cents for every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold during the campaign, up to a maximum of $150,000. These funds will be directed towards the next round of grants to help even more clubs and centres purchase new equipment.

Coles Little Athletics Australia CEO, Myles Foreman, praised the positive impact of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund over the past five years, making volunteering easier for parents and providing young athletes with appropriate and safe equipment for all ages and abilities. He encouraged Coles customers to support the fund by purchasing bananas during this year’s Little Athletics Banana A-Peel.

In addition to the substantial grants, Coles has also donated over 3.9 million bananas to help fuel young athletes since 2017. This combined effort ensures that little athletes in The Gap and across the nation are equipped for success and safety as they pursue their athletic dreams.

Published 24-Oct-2023

Brisbane’s Cafe Tara: Building Community Over Breakfast for 18 Years

From its humble beginnings as a small breakfast cafe nearly two decades ago, Cafe Tara has transformed into more than just a place to grab a coffee in the neighborhood. The cafe has emerged as a thriving community hub that brings locals together and sparks positive change through their sustainability efforts.

Read: The Gap Households Embrace Green Waste Recycling with Record Orders of Green Bins

Led by husband-and-wife owners Pramesh and Asha Ram, Cafe Tara prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients and reducing waste. The cafe uses recycled milk cartons for takeaway trays, in an aim to reduce cup waste.

They support community groups, including ‘Boomerang Bags The Gap & Surrounds,’ which makes fabric bags to reduce the reliance on single-use plastic bags.

They also host monthly Scrabble games, which is open to all. The cosy interior and corner booth seating make it easy to settle in for hours of conversation with friends or family.

As for food, the cafe serves hearty breakfast options like eggs, pancakes, and toast along with sandwiches, burgers, and fresh salads for lunch. Vegetarians delight in the many meatless choices.

The cafe, which has been a local staple since 2005, has been like a second home to many residents, who count on the friendly service and community feel almost as much as the stellar brewed coffee and baked goods.

In celebrating 18 years this year, they show no signs of slowing down. Locals have depended on this neighbourhood staple since the beginning. The Rams credit their success to adapting with the neighbourhood whilst staying true to their original vision of sustainability and building connections.

Read: Expect New Footpaths, Pedestrian Bridges, Road Resurfacing, and Other Enhancements at The Gap Ward This Year

Their thoughtful ethos and authentic care for customers old and new are what make this cafe a cherished mainstay after nearly two decades in The Gap.

You can find Cafe Tara in The Gap Village Shopping Centre at 988 Waterworks Rd. Check out their Facebook page for updates.

Published 21-August-2023