The ibis sculpture was one of six initially installed around Brisbane by artist Ryan Forster (Sethius Art) as part of the “Brisbane Bin Chicken Trail.” Forster’s bin chicken art aims to celebrate the iconic Australian native bird that is often found rummaging through trash.
According to Forster, the beloved statues unfortunately seem to be targets of theft despite being so popular with the local community.
Photo credit: sethius.art
“I made metal bin chickens and installed them around Brisbane as public art. But unfortunately they kept getting stolen. People loved them and they went viral all the time so I knew I needed a way to make them more permanent,” said Forster.
“I came up with the Bin Chicken Trail where businesses, homeowners and communities would buy a ‘Binny’ and I would attach it securely on their premises. It helps to bring eyes to their business and feet in their door. But moreover it’s a bit of fun, gives people a laugh and supports wildlife conservation charities.”
Photo credit: sethius.art
After a previous sculpture was taken from the Milton bus station, Forster responded by boldly putting one on the roof of a brewery. That brewery statue remains in place.
The divisive yet quintessentially Australian white ibis, also known as the bin chicken because of their scavenging activities, has even become a surprising contender to represent the city as the official mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The missing ibis had become a landmark in the area. Many hope it will be returned. With Brisbane’s bin chickens beloved by many, Forster and the community are determined to spread the bin chicken art and joy around the city.
A boutique developer plans to capitalise on Milton’s rapid growth of young residents and businesses with their latest project, the 144-apartment Ruby Ruby.
To be located behind Milton Station on Crombie Street, the 21-storey Ruby Ruby from Kokoda Property offers convenience and vibrancy. Residents can easily commute via train or immerse themselves in the area’s craft breweries and hip cafes like the XXXX Brewery, Milton Common.
Kokoda crafted Ruby Ruby’s design with Milton’s crowd of young professionals and families in mind. The striking wellness rooftop, featuring a pool, gym and yoga studio, caters to an active demographic.
Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects
Families are also expected to be interested in the location, with several reputable schools within walking distance and the CBD just three train stops away. Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, it also abounds with greenspace, bike paths and sports facilities nearby.
Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects
Kokoda Property Founder and Managing Director, Mark Stevens said that he is excited for Ruby Ruby to play a leading role in such a robust Brisbane property market.
“Brisbane is rapidly transforming into a new world city; its culture, business centre, technology, and lifestyle is evolving with over $40 billion of infrastructure investment planned, so naturally there is a shift occurring with demand now skewed towards sophistication and luxury residential design.
Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects
“Ruby Ruby is packed with an incredible range of extensive amenities that offer buyers an elevated luxury apartment living experience in Brisbane,” said Mr Stevens.
Future residents with families will appreciate the proximity to some of Brisbane’s most reputable schools, including Milton State School just around the corner and Hubbard’s School and Brisbane Grammar School located less than 600 metres away. For university students, Queensland University of Technology can be reached in under 10 minutes by car or public transport.
Photo credit: Cottee Parker Architects
Ruby Ruby crystallises Kokoda’s development strategy – identify up-and-coming areas like Milton and create living spaces tailored to both the location and changing lifestyles. After success in nearby Newstead with the successful Chester & Ella and The Ambrose projects, Kokoda again flexes their market expertise.
With construction on the project beginning 2024 and a targeted completion date of late 2025, Kokoda is positioning themselves in one of Brisbane’s most connected and up-and-coming neighbourhoods.
A former manager of a prominent petrol station in Milton has been sentenced to a six-year jail term for his involvement in a complex web of fraud and money laundering.
In a recent legal verdict that has sent shockwaves through the Brisbane community, Carlos Adelino Henrique Ferreira, 59, who was also a president of a local athletics club, faced Brisbane District Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of committing fraud as an employee and one count of money laundering.
Crown prosecutor Victoria Adams revealed that Mr Ferreira had exploited his position as the manager of a BP petrol station in Milton over eight years, from July 2015 to November 2019, to siphon more than $400,000 from his employer.
The Devious Scheme
Mr Ferreira’s fraudulent activities were carried out by undermining the established cash management systems of the petrol station. There were two safes on the premises, with the first requiring staff to use unique codes to access it.
The second safe, used for exchanging larger notes, was intended for regular audits. However, Mr Ferreira instructed his staff to forgo these checks, instead depositing money into the less secure second safe.
At the end of his shifts, he would then transfer these funds into accounts under his control, accumulating the substantial sum over four years. Mr Ferreira went to great lengths to conceal his deception by creating inaccurate daily reports to give the illusion that all financial transactions were in order.
Furthermore, Mr Ferreira engaged in a cunning cigarette-related fraud, recording transactions as low as 10 cents on the till when customers purchased cigarettes, pocketing the cash payments and sometimes retaining packets of cigarettes for himself. This deceptive practice cost the business over $10,000 across more than 560 transactions.
Laundering Through Community Involvement
Mr Ferreira utilised his position as the volunteer president of the Brisbane Athletics Club to launder the ill-gotten funds. The court heard that he diverted $10,000 from the club’s account.
Mr Ferreira’s barrister, Matthew Hynes, explained that he orchestrated this scheme by channeling the money through the athletics club’s accounts, his personal account, and another accessible account.
His crimes came to light, resulting in his termination from the BP Milton station in November 2019. He faced legal repercussions for his actions, receiving fines in August 2023 for falsely claiming to be a qualified physiotherapist and treating patients while unqualified.
Judicial Sentencing and Final Reflections
Judge Jennifer Rosengren, presiding over the case, sentenced Mr Ferreira to six years in jail, highlighting the gravity of his offenses and his deliberate intent to take “a lot of money” from his employer.
She emphasised that his actions were a clear violation of the trust placed in him by both his employer and the athletics club. Furthermore, his history of dishonesty and attempts to obtain a Portuguese passport while on bail raised doubts about his prospects for rehabilitation.
Ferreira will become eligible for parole in September 2025.
Bringing a flavourful bite of the States to Queensland, Benny’s offers hungry locals over 20 varieties of juicy burgers, with vegetarian, vegan and loaded options available.
Originating in Adelaide in 2013, Benny’s has rapidly grown over the last decade with now 10 locations, and is considered one of the leading American burger chains in Australia.
Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook
The brand considers itself a pioneer in bringing authentic American burgers to South Australia and beyond. After achieving success in Adelaide and Melbourne locations, Benny’s set its sights on bringing its signature flavourful food to Brisbane.
Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook
Situated in the previous home of Cribb St Social at 1/19-23 Cribb St, the new burger restaurant in Milton aims to satisfy cravings for a true blue American burger experience.
The chain’s signature Iron Lotus burger (Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook)
Patrons can indulge in menu stars like the Iron Lotus – featuring a beef patty, chicken patty, pulled pork, bacon, double cheese, hash brown and BBQ sauce. Or opt for lighter fare with veggie or vegan patties. All burgers and sandwiches are loaded with Benny’s special sauce.
Photo credit: Benny’s American Burger/Facebook
In addition to burgers, the restaurant offers chicken wings fried up just right and served with a range of dipping sauces. Milkshake lovers can choose from Biscoff, Nutella or Oreo loaded varieties whipped up thick and creamy. With flavours this bold, Benny’s is sure to become a go-to for Brisbane residents with a craving for American comfort food.
The Milton location celebrated its grand opening on November 20 by giving away up to 300 free burgers to early visitors. Moving forward, the restaurant will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Based on the success of other Benny’s locations, Milton’s outpost is surely destined to become a local favourite.
Join the festive fun at the corner of Cribb Street and Little Cribb Street and get ready to kick off your holiday season in style at the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets!
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, this event has something for everyone. Happening Saturday, 15 Nov 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., this market will have artisan stalls, delectable gourmet eats, a North Pole Pop-Up Bar, live music, and even a visit from Santa himself.
Wander through over 150 artisan sellers and sample SEQ’s best gourmet eats from K&D Gourmet Pizza, Brazzo Boys, Teppanyaki Noodles, Carlos Tacos, Oh Tiramisu, Roll It Ice Cream Co, and more! Stuff your Santa sack with handmade gifts from bespoke makers like The Food Impostor, Bubble Luna, Sicc Wiccs, and Cocktail Candy.
Be-claus it’s the most wine-derful time for a beer, don’t forget to stop by the iconic North Pole Pop-Up Bar to raise a glass and mistle-toast to the silly season! Sip on icy cold brews from Stone & Wood, and extra festive Christmas spirits from Milton Rum Distillery.
But wait, there’s myrrh! Rock the night away with live music by Yellow Bird Trio and Trace, roving Chrissy characters, magical stilt walkers, kids’ activities and entertainment, and of course, SANTA!
It’s the perfect way to mix, mingle, and make merry as you celebrate the most wine-derful time of the year!
🎉🎉 WIN A $200 BAR TAB TO SPEND! 🎉🎉
We’re offering you a chance to WIN a $200 bar tab to spend the night of Milton Christmas Twilight Markets! Cheers to that! 🥂
John Lin’s Shayher Group, known for their significant contributions to the Brisbane skyline, has proposed a colossal undertaking at the Milton Green site, which includes four towers overlooking the Brisbane River. This development (DA A006291436) has triggered over 100 objections and formal public submissions.
A Transformational Masterplan
Shayher Group’s Milton Green project, often described as a “landmark design,” is set to redefine the western approach to Milton and the Brisbane CBD. This S300 million-plus venture encompasses a riverfront public plaza, an indoor sports facility, a range of shops, modern housing units, and retirement living spaces. The proposed towers, with heights ranging from 30 to 37 storeys, have drawn attention for their sheer scale and architectural ambition
One of the central aspects of the proposal is its commitment to opening up 5000 sqm of the site for public green space, providing the community with a much-needed recreational area. Notably, this property houses the historic Milton House, dating back to 1853. Shayher Group recently restored this heritage-listed homestead, which was built by the pioneering chemist and cotton grower, Ambrose Eldridge. The house is among the ten oldest in Brisbane and holds significant historical value.
Shayher Group had initially requested a maximum building height of 40 storeys, but in response to Council planners’ concerns, they reduced it to 36 storeys. The Council acknowledged a previous approval dating back to 2012, which permitted a maximum of 20 storeys, valid until 2026. The Council is now seeking additional information from Shayher Group regarding the potential impact of these towers on skyline views and the outlook towards Milton House.
Photo Credit: DA A006291436
Community Concerns
The proposal has sparked concerns from the local community, with over 100 formal submissions expressing reservations about the project.
“Many residents question the purpose of our city planning codes if non-compliance is no longer a reason for refusal. It is incredibly undemocratic for individual assessment officers to be able to decide what is and is not in the public interest. Residents of this area are fed up with having their amenity ruined, having already experienced rapid and unsustainable development that consistently fails to meet our city’s planning requirements,” Milton local Derek Moore wrote in his submission.
“I feel that 30,32 and 37 storeys are too high. The number of stories should be reduced to 20 storeys at the most. I would prefer rows of Terrace Houses built, in the English style with a central road running through the middle of them with parks and playgrounds for the children,” Jane Millar wrote. “I am worried that if the Council allow these massive towers that in 50 years Milton will be like Manhattan in New York.”
“The purpose of this submission is not to object to redevelopment of the site for the proposed uses in principle, but rather to raise design concerns in relation to the excessive scale of built form, including key non-compliances with assessment benchmarks and uncertainty about the proposed variations. The development being considered will change the character significantly, which will reset the character of this area for future application, creating an issue in perpetuity,” resident Alexander Brock Knight wrote.
Local federal Greens MP, Stephen Bates, has rallied against the project, spearheading a letter-writing campaign and community initiative in response to the masterplan. Bates expressed concerns about the absence of provisions for affordable housing and the inclusion of short-term accommodation. He stressed the need for genuinely affordable housing amidst a housing crisis and called for inclusive zoning in all new developments to address this issue.
“This proposal fails to include any provision for affordable housing, but does include at least 4 storeys of short-term accommodation. We do not need any more AirBNBs and riverfront luxury apartments. We are in a housing crisis, we need more genuinely affordable housing, which is why the Greens are calling for 20% inclusionary zoning for all new developments to ensure supply of public and community housing,” he said.
Moreover, Bates raised issues related to increased traffic congestion and inadequate street parking, particularly in the vicinity of Coronation Drive, where the development is planned. He cited discrepancies in the developer’s assessment of traffic impact, given the substantial number of car parks to be provided.
Photo Credit: Milton Green/Instagram
A Developing Debate
As the debate surrounding the Shayher Group’s Milton Green project continues to evolve, the local community, developers, and political figures must navigate the delicate balance between progress and preserving the heritage and liveability of the cherished suburb of Milton.
The proposed project has the potential to reshape the city’s skyline and provide valuable amenities but also brings forth concerns about the impact on the community and the environment. The ongoing dialogue will determine the path this ambitious development will take in the heart of Milton.
The Milton-based non-profit Styling Station Australia has been selected as one of 31 finalists for the prestigious 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award.
Styling Station was founded by women driven to divert new clothing from landfills. Their core mission is to provide brands an avenue to repurpose surplus inventory, which they then use to deliver personalised styling services to vulnerable women. This rejuvenates hope and dignity through fashion.
“We are bidding farewell to the era of fast fashion, as we are committed to diverting new fashion from ending up as environmental waste,” they stated.
Photo credit: Styling Station Australia/Google Maps
“This is why we are resolute in offering fashion brands a simple yet effective avenue to repurpose surplus inventory, while weaving threads of positive change within their communities.”
Photo credit: Be Browan/Google Maps
In the last year alone, Styling Station diverted over 25,000 clothing items, 10,000 sqm of soft plastic, and 2 tonnes of paper and cardboard from landfills.
Beyond their boutique styling sessions, they also assist charities supporting homeless women, asylum seekers, refugees, and domestic violence survivors.
WasteSMART People’s Choice
Photo credit: wastesmartawards.com.au
The People’s Choice award recognises individuals, community groups and businesses that go above and beyond in their sustainability efforts, with a $350 prize.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasised that Brisbane is already recognised as Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city, but he wants to ensure it becomes even more sustainable for future generations through initiatives like the WasteSMART Awards.
“Some of the finalists include charity and not-for-profit groups who work incredibly hard to divert all types of waste from landfill, including food, clothes and textiles, and unusable medical waste,” he said.
“There are also innovative businesses nominated this year who are utilising worm farms, establishing their own produce gardens, and creating dedicated in-house sustainability teams.
On November 16, a ceremony will take place at Brisbane City Hall, where the winners of the 12 WasteSMART Award categories will be announced. The total prize pool for the awards exceeds $4,000.
Ten weeks after their Women’s World Cup exit at Lang Park, Matildas stars Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso were back in the spotlight as finalists for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin in Paris. This marks the first time two Australians have ever made the coveted shortlist.
Australian captain Sam Kerr finished second in voting for the prestigious award, coming up just short behind Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí. Kerr is the only player to have been nominated for each of the five Ballon d’Or Feminin awards since its inception in 2018, having now finished third twice and runner-up once.
The Chelsea forward led the Blues to a third successive FA Women’s Super League (WSL) title in 2022-23, scoring 12 goals in 21 league appearances. She also netted a memorable goal for the Matildas in their World Cup semi-final defeat to England, despite missing much of the tournament through injury.
Kerr has continued her superstar form for Chelsea, who currently sit second in the WSL table after four games. Kerr has a goal and an assist in just three games this season.
Fellow Matilda Hayley Raso was also among the 30 players nominated for the Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid winger finished 17th in the final voting
Raso has made a solid start to the season, scoring once as Real Madrid chase the Spanish title.
Bonmatí, Messi win 2023 Ballon d’Or
World Cup Golden Ball winner Bonmati claimed the top prize after a trophy-laden year for club and country. Her Ballon d’Or triumph means that Spanish players have won the last three awards, with Alexia Putellas winning the last two.
A prominent redevelopment project is on the horizon for the Kings Row office precinct in Milton, with four new buildings planned for 50 McDougall Street in a transformation that is also expected to preserve the historic Milton House.
The mixed-use development is designed by Urbis. The nature of the land uses for these buildings has not been specified in the application (DA A006291436). However, the proposal suggests that potential uses may encompass commercial office space, community facilities, and residential dwellings, including short-term accommodation and multiple dwellings.
Photo Credit: DA 006291436
The project will be divided into two precincts and implemented across two stages of development.
The first stage, the Milton House Precinct, is set to include the preservation of Milton House and the creation of Heritage Square, along with the construction of Building 1 and its associated basement parking.
The second stage, known as the Village Green Precinct, will feature the development of the Village Green and Buildings 1, 2, and 3. It covers a diverse range of uses across the site, including multiple dwellings, community activities, educational establishments, food and drink outlets, function facilities, healthcare services, indoor sports and recreation, offices, shops, shopping centres, short-term accommodation, veterinary services, retirement facilities, residential care facilities, rooming accommodations, and bars.
Photo Credit: DA 006291436
Key features of the proposed development include four towers, varying in height from 30 to 37 storeys, a Village Green spanning 1,500 square metres, a Heritage Square covering 2,000 square metres, and laneways with outdoor dining facilities spanning 1,500 square metres.
The project aligns with the high-density residential and mixed-use zoning of the area and is considered compatible with the neighbourhood’s growth requirements.
Photo Credit: DA 006291436
“The proposed variation request aims to secure the key development parameters, including building height, site cover, and boundary setbacks, to enable the delivery of four towers within a public plaza setting,” Urbis cited. “The towers are intended to accommodate a range of uses, including multiple dwellings, serviced apartments, short-term accommodation, vertical retirement living, and office tenancies.”
The DA is currently under public notification from 12 Sept to 26 Oct 2023. As of press time, only one submission has been lodged, opposing the project because the proposed green space is in a major traffic area.
When the Beatles played their very first live gig at The Jacaranda in Liverpool in 1960 after changing their name from The Silver Beatles, before playing live virtually everyday for four years clocking up 1,400 concerts in Liverpool and around the world, who would have known that one of the awesome foursome would still be playing live 63 years later?
Sir Paul McCartney’s Got Back World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 and you can expect he’s going to bring a mixture of his solo numbers and some of the most memorable work of The Beatles.
Did you know that Let it Be was written by Sir Paul around a dream he had about his mum, Mary, who died when he was 14 from cancer?
“When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be “
Hey Jude
Sir Paul wrote “Hey Jude” in his head whilst driving his Aston Martin to see John Lennon in the English Countryside. He was concerned for John’s son, Julian, as John now had a new girlfriend, Yoko Ono, replacing his mother, Cynthia. The song started off as “Hey Jules, Don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better”.
Can’t Buy Me Love
“Can’t Buy Me Love” was written on a piano in a huge suite in the George V Hotel near the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The Beatles were in the middle of a marathon concert series in Paris, performing two, sometimes three, live gigs a day for 18 days straight.
A Grand Piano had been brought to their hotel suite and Sir Paul would tinkle the ivories as his way to wind down. A new song was never far away and he says “Money can’t buy you a happy family or friends you can trust.”
Love Me Do
“Love Me Do” was written by Paul and John when they were skipping school. It was written about Sir Paul’s girlfriend at the time, Iris Caldwell.
At the time The Beatles were playing cover songs in their gigs, mostly blues by artists like Little Richard and Ray Charles but “Love Me Do” was their first attempt to include an original song in a set list whilst playing shows in Hamburg, Germany.
It became The Beatles first single when it was released in 1963 by Parlaphone Records. It only reached #17 in the UK Charts, though it went to #1 in the US Charts in 1964 when released by a very small label called Tollie. Apparently, Capitol Records, Parlaphone’s US counterpart, refused to release it as they projected it would be a flop.
When young Paul McCartney was 11 years old, he auditioned for the Liverpool Cathedral Choir and was turned down. However, in a glimpse to why he became so great, he auditioned for another choir at St Barnabas Church, Mossley Hill, and got in.
Sir Paul’s real first name is James, named after his dad. To avoid confusion, he was known by his middle name, Paul.
Paul was offered lessons on the piano at home but said he would rather learn by ear and he did. By sheer coincidence, the piano in their home was bought from a shop owned by the parents of the man that went on to manage the Beatles, Brian Epstein.
Paul’s dad, James, played the trumpet and piano in a big band in the 1920s. For his 13th birthday, his dad gave him a trumpet; but as time went on, Paul didn’t like the fact he couldn’t sing whilst playing the trumpet so he started playing the guitar.
When he was 15, he attended a church fete in Liverpool where a band called The Quarrymen was playing, a band that included John Lennon. A few months later, Paul was invited to join The Quarrymen as lead guitarist for a gig at the New Clubmoor Hall in Norris Green, Liverpool.
Nerves and inexperience led him to make a mess of his solo in a song called “Guitar Boogie”, resulting in a young fella called George Harrison taking over as lead guitarist.
Even whilst he was with The Beatles, Paul was working on a solo career. In 1966, he wrote the soundtrack to a movie called The Family Way, which starred Hayley Mills.
His songwriting was prolific, with a singularly commercial appeal. He wrote 33 #1 US Hits.
Sir Paul McCartney performing Get Back at the Suncorp Stadium in 2017 Photo Credit: Youtube/strangedaysindeed9
Sir Paul last performed at Suncorp Stadium in December 2017, as part of his One On One world tour. That concert was completely sold out, with 40,000 fans braving the rainy weather to see the Beatles legend perform.
The 2017 Suncorp show had it all: An early The Quarrymen song with John Lennon, In Spite of All the Danger; Beatles classics like Helter Skelter and All My Loving; Wings favourites like Jet and Live and Let Die; and even newer tracks like My Valentine and FourFiveSeconds.
His set list brought nostalgia to the crowd, as he delighted Brisbane fans with a wide range of tracks from his career, including Beatles megahits Can’t Buy Me Love and Let It Be.
During the three-hour set, he was seen sometimes playing the Hofner bass that he famously played throughout his run with the Beatles and also using the acoustic guitar that he used to play Yesterday on The Ed Sullivan Show.
McCartney tweaked his set lists from night to night, consistently including fan favourites such as Hey Jude to end his main performance and The End for his encore. All-time classics shared the stage with newcomers, his latest hits intersecting with his storied past.
While there was no verbal statement, I think it speaks volumes that immediately after the encore started, Sir Paul and the band ran about the stage, each carrying gigantic flags: Australian, Aboriginal and the Rainbow taking pride of place with the British.
Beyond the music, a wordless but resonant display spoke volumes about the heart of this ageless musician. For the Brisbane crowd, it was a stirring final image.
‘Got Back’ to Brisbane in 2023
Presented by Frontier Touring, Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘Got Back’ World Tour hits Brisbane on November 1 at the Suncorp Stadium, marking his third visit to Brisbane. After his first show with Wings in Brisbane in 1975, fans had to wait 42 years (!) for him to come back for his 2017 show.
Frankly anybody who made it to his concert in 2017 would have been perfectly entitled to think that was his swansong, but at the ripe old age of 81, this extraordinary man will once more light up Suncorp Stadium.
Bringing his unbelievable stamina to the fore once again, Sir Paul’s ‘Got Back’ set list opens with Can’t Buy Me Love, a catchy song that will segue into one hit after another, as Sir Paul performs pieces from Wings such as Nineteen Hundred Eighty-five, and Let ‘Em In; many of the usual fan favourites from the Beatles playbook including Blackbird, Let It Be,Live and Let Die, and Hey Jude; and even a song from The Quarrymen days.
Yesterday doesn’t seem to be part of the ‘Got Back’ set list at all, although it figured as one of the encore songs in 2017.
To support him on this tour, Sir Paul has brought his usual band, composed of Paul ‘Wix’ Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray on bass / guitar, Rusty Anderson on guitar, and Abe Laboriel Jr on drums.
