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Pip Theatre: The Tie That Binds Four Amazing Women Together

Deidre Grace has always been passionate about everything she does. As a businesswoman, she and her husband ran People in Plastic, an industrial wholesaler in Brisbane with a national reach. As an actor and theatre producer, she gave her all to her craft and couldn’t help but notice the lack of affordable and accessible performance venues to stage her own work. This need became the seed that led her to put up Milton’s Pip Theatre, a production company and venue for like-minded arts organisations to hire.

With a single-minded purpose, Deidre went to work putting together her dream team, starting with Michelle Apps, Co-Founder and Company Director of Pip Theatre. Michelle has superb qualifications in IT, finance and governance and was on the lookout for a project that fulfilled a worthy social purpose, one that would use her skills and have a lasting impact on the community.

On the creative side, Amelia Slatter, a graduate of Bachelor of Creative Industries Drama at QUT, takes care of the venue’s programming and development as a premier entertainment hub by tapping into and creating opportunities for local creatives to get their chance to shine in the spotlight at PIP theatre.

Jenna Todd, the Marketing Director with a business degree from QUT, communicates and promotes the vision and values of the theatre, especially on online media.

Before Pip Theatre

Whilst Pip Theatre opened in 2022, it was anchored with the establishment of the Dome Dance Bar in the 1990s. Multiple shows were done at this venue in a unique skylit dome, which paved the way for its transformation into the Toucan Bar.

The Toucan Bar was a brightly-coloured Toucan-themed dance venue that attracted a crowd of dancers week after week. More than a decade later, however, the site was reborn as Maggie Black’s Jazz Bar in 2007. Here, lively and captivating jazz music brought a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

Pip Theatre — *Photo Credit: PipTheatre Time Capsule*

By 2011, the jazz bar had become the Brazilian Touch, another Toucan-themed site that served Brazilian dishes. However, the once exciting site was redeveloped as the Milton Dome offices in 2012, closing the chapter on this precinct as an entertainment site until Pip Theatre revived it.

Upcoming Shows

After “Bombshells” in January 2023 and “Moon With a View” in late 2022, Pip Theatre’s lineup of shows for the rest of 2023 includes powerful, compelling and rousing stories.

“Grand Horizons” is a comedic play delving into how a family grapples over the divorce of a 50-year marriage. Bess Wohl wrote the story.

“Beginning” looks hard at making connections, online dating, and dealing with life’s baggage. First shown in London and then at the West End, this play by David Eldridge makes its Australian debut at the Pip Theatre.

“The Penelopiad” is an adaptation by Margaret Atwood based on the story of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus.

CHECK UPCOMING SHOWS

Pip Theatre is also open for co-production with external directors and producers or venue hire for one-off shows. Phone (07) 3275 4900 for enquiries or check out their Instagram page for more information.

Published 11-April-2023

Retail and Commercial Tower on Lang Pde in Auchenflower Receives Preliminary Approval

Photo credit: Google Maps

Plans for a new 10- to 12-storey tower on Lang Pde in Auchenflower have been given preliminary approval.

The developer is proposing to establish a tower of up to 12 storeys that will offer a mix of health, retail and commercial uses to support the nearby Wesley Hospital health precinct.

The development is to be located at 81-83 Lang Parade in Auchenflower with a total area of 1,098 sqm. No architectural visualizations of the proposed development are available yet.

Two pre-1911 houses currently occupy the site which the developer proposes to be relocated to 108 Monmouth Street and 74 Thynne Road in Morningside.

The building will comprise two levels of basement car parking, six levels of commercial office and two levels of short-term accommodation or residential care facility.

In its Economic Impact Assessment report, Urban Economics stated that the “inclusion of the subject site within the mixed-use zone will contribute to the role of the Wesley Hospital as a health precinct for the Capital City REC and the actualisation of a true centre for the Auchenflower resident, worker, health professional and patient communities.”

Furthermore, the proposed development would “consolidate the Wesley Hospital and health precinct on the southern side of the rail corridor, providing enhanced accessibility and colocation synergies for staff and patients of the Wesley and medical businesses of the precinct.”

A development application lodged by LPMD QLD Pty Ltd seeking Material Change of Use preliminary approval was approved by the council last 3 April 2023. Being preliminary in nature, the approved application may still change subject to further investigations into the suitable mixture of uses within the proposed building.

In its decision, Council stated, among other things, that the proposal is consistent with the location-specific provisions in the relevant neighbourhood plan, provides a range of knowledge and medical-based employment opportunities and capitalises on its strong economic ties to Milton and St Lucia, and it includes a mixture of health, residential, retail and commercial uses.

Urban Economics said that between 2021 and 2041, the healthcare and social assistance sector is projected to generate demand for up to 18,000 sqm of medical services floorspace within Auchenflower.

Also, more than 10,000 sqm of additional medical/consulting space and 8,000 sqm of commercial space would be required to accommodate the projected employment growth.

81 Lang Pde, Auchenflower

Published 5-April-2023

Milton: The Perfect Suburb for Downsizers Trading Big Backyards for City Living

Photo credit: Google Maps

Post-covid, more and more downsizers are looking to trade in their big backyards for city living without compromising on lifestyle. And Milton is one fine example of a suburb that’s ticking all those boxes.

Experts agree that the past two to three years have changed the residential real estate landscape, and developers need to be constantly on their toes and keep abreast with the ever-changing trend.

When COVID hit, people started moving away from the fast-paced city life to pursue a quieter country town or coastal lifestyle. Post-pandemic, however, a shift in this trend happened, with more and more people now moving back to the city to downsize their homes and upscale their lifestyle.

Downsizers are actively seeking out areas that have a strong sense of community and yet are within walking distance of shops, cafes, and restaurants, which riverside suburb Milton has plenty of.

Milton offers the convenience of an inner-city lifestyle with plenty of amenities and a buzzing community vibe. Moreover, it’s teeming with shady trees, old Queenslander houses and open parks.

For investors, the market fundamentals on offer in Milton are compelling. Given its relative affordability compared to other states and combining that with the population and employment growth, you’ve got a recipe for success.

The low vacancy rate in the city, currently under 0.7%, could mean suburbs like Milton will continue to enjoy rising housing demand.

With local migration currently pointing the way, developers like Goldfields are taking advantage of the opportunity by tapping into the previously undersupplied market of Milton. The Group’s latest residential project at 33 Manning is an 18-storey, 131-apartment building that lures prospective buyers with its mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and penthouses with stunning river and city views.

Apartments in the city are currently providing the most value for owner-occupiers and an opportunity for investors. With more and more people choosing to live in the city and supply still at low levels, demand for apartment living will continue to rise and could stay that way for quite a while.

Published 4-April-2023

Coming Soon! New Servo and Starbucks Drive-Thru on Milton Road

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Did you know that there could soon be a new Ampol servo with Starbucks drive-thru on Milton Road?

A new development proposal seeks to establish a modern service station development with a double drive-thru on a 2,815 sqm site located at 581 Milton Road, Toowong. The site currently comprises an existing service station development, ancillary mechanical workshop component and trailer hire.

Development Proposal for Starbucks and Service Station on Milton Road Lodged — Service station view | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Proposed by Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd and designed by TFA Project Group, the plans include the removal of the existing building and associated structures to facilitate the new development.

The proposed development will involve a new 135 sqm service station building, fuel canopy over four new refuelling dispensers and two 90kL double-walled fibreglass underground tanks.

“The new UPSS will be designed and installed in accordance with AS 4897, the Australian Standards for the design, installation, and operation of underground petroleum storage systems. These standards will ensure greater environmental controls – such as double walled tanks, double walled pressure pipework, automatic tank gauging, and electronic leak monitoring. Further, the tanks will be maintained to satisfy the requirements of AS1940-2004 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.” – TFA Project Group

Included in the proposal is a 78sqm food and drink outlet with a drive-thru which will support a coffee drive-thru offer (Starbucks).

There will be 11 car parking spaces including a car park space for persons with disabilities and a space for air/water, plus a loading bay and service yard.

The proposed development will provide access to and from the site via two left-in and left-out ingress/egress crossovers to the existing service station via Milton Road.

Published 30-March-2023

Revisiting The Life of Thomas Mathewson and His Former Home In Auchenflower

Thomas Mathewson’s historic home in Auchenflower has been given a new lease of life after current owners decided to restore the Queenslander rather than tearing it down, as a way of paying respect to the late photographer.

Read: Beloved Paediatrician from The Wesley Hospital Retires After 50 Years

Who Was Thomas Mathewson?

Thomas Mathewson was a well-known photographer who earned the title “Father of Photography in Queensland,” for starting the business in 1864, less than two decades after photography first arrived in Brisbane.

He was born in Helensburgh, Scotland and arrived in Australia in 1852 when he was only 11 years old. When both of his parents passed away, young Thomas was brought up by the Cribb and Foote families, who were among the wealthy families in Ipswich at the time.

They were known for owning Cribb & Foote, a department store in Ipswich, which operated in the area for around 128 years. In 1971, Walter Reid & Co bought Crib & Foote and changed the store to Reids.

Mr Mathewson got his knowledge in photography from amateur photographer Rev Beazley during his teenage years.

As a photographer, he was known for travelling with his photographic equipment. He also set up his studios at various locations, including Ipswich, Toowoomba, Dalby, Rockhampton, and Bowen.

Photo credit: State Library of Queensland

Mathewson’s Former Home

The historic Queenslander, also known as “Monterey” is located at 18 Aldridge St, Auchenflower. Built in 1912, the house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It has the characteristics of a typical Queenslander, with high ceilings, timber floors, and a front verandah with stunning views of the city.

The property was recently developed by Mii and Co, owned by Michelle Cao. The property has been subdivided, with the other half of the block to be the location of Ms Cao’s five apartment units, called The Rise.

Read: Striking Milton Residential Tower Looks Like a Paperbark Tree

Despite the extensive renovations needed for the house, Ms Cao decided to restore “Monterey” to its former glory in honour of its historic roots.

Published 30-March-2023

Sporting Wheelies Brings Back CEO Wheelie Challenge

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, which has a new headquarters in Milton, is bringing back its CEO Wheelie Challenge, raising much-needed funds to help improve the lives of people with a disability.

Read: Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse to Open in Milton

Through the Sporting Wheelies’ CEO Wheelie Challenge, leading CEOs and Executives get to experience spending a day on a wheelchair.

This challenge, which also encourages community leaders and Principals to participate, was designed to shine a light on everyday challenges faced by someone living with a disability.

Those who want to register their interest for 2023 can do so, by visiting Sporting Wheelies’ website. The organisation will hold the CEO Wheelie Challenge on 16 June, to be followed by a Thank You evening on Wednesday, 5 July 2023.

About Sporting Wheelies

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association is a widely recognised organisation in the field of sport and healthy activity for people with a disability. It’s acknowledged by national bodies such as Sport Australia and Paralympics Australia.

Their mission is to engage, empower and develop people with a disability to live a more healthy, active and fulfilled life of their choosing.

Milton HQ

Artist’s impression of The Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse (Photo credit: sportingwheelies.org.au)

The organisation is currently building its new headquarters in Milton, to be called The Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse.

Located at 2 Kilroe St in Milton, the new centre is dubbed as Australia’s first Para Sports Clubhouse.

The new sports precinct will be purpose-built for the organisation’s future Paralympians and people living with a disability, serving as an inclusive sports hub supporting para-athletes on the road to Brisbane 2032 and inspiring people with a disability to get active and participate in the community.

Para Sports Clubhouse will feature industry-leading facilities, world-class rehabilitation and support services, bringing together disability experts, allied health specialists, Para Sports coaches, and the world’s best academics to improve the lives of people with a disability through co-design and innovation.

Read: Compassionate Care Volunteers Needed For Vulnerable Patients at The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower

The new centre received support from the State Government which donated $200,000 for its air conditioning. Tradies, suppliers and people in the community who would like to help build the clubhouse are encouraged to do so.

Published 30-March-2023

Westpac Milton Joins Other Branch Closures Across Various States

Westpac Milton has closed effective 24 March 2023, as part of a controversial move by the bank that reported a profit of nearly $5.7 billion in 2022, to close 20 more of its regional and suburban branches across four states.

This development comes amidst a widespread plea from the public for banks to halt closures until after a Senate enquiry has completed an assessment of the impact that the closures will have on affected communities.

The announcement came earlier in the year, barely a week after the Senate enquiry was announced and on the heels of the closure of over 80 branches since September 2022.

“Now my banking options are to go into the city, Ashgrove or Indooroopilly, or utilise the Milton PO which will act as an agent,” a Milton customer said, expressing her frustration over the move.

“Whilst it is obviously the banking model of today, I feel for pensioners and others who do not drive and now have to travel further to do their banking at a formal branch,” she adds.

Westpac Milton — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Streetview*

Strong Reaction to Westpac Move

Westpac’s decision to implement widespread closures has been met with strong criticism, particularly in light of Westpac’s 2022 profit of nearly $5.7 billion, up 4% from the 2021 figure. The bank cut 2,667 jobs in 2022 and also cut costs by 19 per cent in the process.

“It is simply outrageous that Westpac can continually kill off jobs and close branches and nothing is being done to stop them,” Julia Angrisan, Finance Sector Union national secretary, said.

A spokesperson for Westpac has made assurances that the majority of those affected by the job cuts will be given a new role within the Westpac Group. Those that don’t will have adequate “…financial and tailored career transition support available to help them secure employment elsewhere in the local community.”

The move comes as Westpac shifts its focus to its digital services segment, where the bank has more than five million active customers with what the bank perceives to be “changing expectations.”

“… we’re investing in digital services so our customers can bank with us anywhere, at any time,” a Westpac spokesperson said. In recent years, the bank has noted that customer use of branches has changed and declined, leading to its decision to close their branches in selected areas.

“In these instances, we continue to support our customers by expanding access via Bank@Post, telephone, mobile and virtual banking,” Westpac said.

Bank Closures Affect the Community

Vulnerable segments of the community, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or the indigenous community, are among those adversely affected by bank closures, a regional banking taskforce has found.

Local economies also face a decline as people travel to other areas to do their banking, potentially deciding to spend their money there as well, to purchase goods and services.

‘A Vital Service’

Senator Matt Canavan, chair of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport had previously called upon banks to show good faith and halt any planned closures until the Senate can complete its assessment of how the move would affect the various towns and local communities.

“Banks provide a vital service. When a bank leaves town with no way to access banking services, they leave that community behind,” Senator Canavan said in a statement made in February 2023.

The Commonwealth Bank has paused its planned shutdowns for the duration of the Senate enquiry. Westpac, along with other banks like ANZ and NAB, have not followed suit.

Submissions to the Senate enquiry are welcome until the end of March 2023. A Committee Report is expected by the end of the year.

Published 28-March-2023

Beloved Paediatrician from The Wesley Hospital Retires After 50 Years

Dr Bruce Lewis, beloved paediatrician, has cared for children at The Wesley Hospital for the last 50 years. Now it’s time to hang up his stethoscope for a much-deserved retirement.

The good doctor has been with The Wesley Hospital for 35 years but he started his career in Sydney in the 1970s after loving his paediatric work at the Blacktown Hospital. His distinguished career took him worldwide, including New Zealand and the United States where he completed his paediatric training.

Before the birth of his second child, Dr Lewis returned to his hometown of Brisbane and set his sights on creating the Wesley Maternity Services and Special Care Unit. Since opening in January 1988, the world-class unit has welcomed tens of thousands of Brisbane babies into the world.

“The unit has been designed with the utmost care for mothers and babies in mind, we have our Special Care Unit right next to the birth suites for babies born before term or those who need extra care,” Dr Lewis said.

“I am very proud of the service we have built, so much so we are seeing mothers who themselves were born here coming back to have their own babies.

“It’s been wonderful to watch the unit grow over 35 years and a joy and privilege to welcome babies into the world and see them grow over the years.”

Dr Lewis said one of his fondest memories of the Wesley Maternity unit was seeing both his son and grandson born there.

Mother, Nikki Rathbone welcomed triplets Tom, Isla and Louie on 13 July 2015 at just 32 weeks old, the babies stayed in the Special Care Unit under the watchful eye of Dr Lewis for seven weeks.

“The triplets are turning eight years old and absolutely thriving, I credit their good health to Dr Lewis who took such amazing care of them,” Nikki said.

Clinical Nurse Manager of The Wesley Hospital Paediatrics Ward Sonia Broadby said that Dr Lewis was like family and will be missed.

“He is an exceptional man who develops an instant rapport with children, you can see it in his face when he is interacting with a child, I believe this is what makes him an exceptional doctor,” Sonia said.

“We are very sad to see him go but we are so proud of the legacy he has left for our younger paediatricians to follow in.”

Published 25 March 2023

Kokoda Secures Second Site on Crombie Street, Milton

Photo credit: Google Maps

Apartment developer Kokoda Property has acquired a prime 1,640 sqm block of land on Crombie Street for $11 million, its second site in Milton.

Following the completion of its $150-million development on McDougall Street called The Ambrose, Kokoda plans to develop the property at 12-16 Crombie Street in Milton into a 22-level residential tower.

The $160-million project will be designed by Cottee Parker, the same team behind The Ambrose, which will contain 160 apartment units with a rooftop pool, private dining room and health and wellness space and a gym.

Crombie Street will be in addition to the $2.5 billion worth of projects already in the pipeline across Queensland and Victoria including 1,600 apartments already under development. Kokoda Property Founder and Managing Director Mark Stevens said that all indicators are pointing towards a robust market and Brisbane is already primed for growth and rapidly transforming into a new world city.

Its culture, business centre, technology, and lifestyle, he said, 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.”

Kokoda will launch the Crombie Street project later this March through an expression of interest campaign.

“Kokoda’s heritage lies in high-end luxury so this narrative carries through our brand into all our projects,” Stevens added.

“High-end developments with a design-led approach are contributing towards this transformation so we are proud to be actively developing in what is one of the most exciting times in Brisbane’s modern history.”

The Ambrose was launched in early 2021 and has since been over 98 per cent sold. Meanwhile, that same year, Kokoda sold a penthouse in its Chester and Ella project in Newstead for a new price record of $2.8 million.

Published 19-March-2023

Overhauled Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Bigger and Better Than Ever

Photo Credit: Peach Cafe/Facebook

After losing nearly everything after the flooding in Brisbane in 2022, Peach Cafe in Auchenflower has undergone and completed an overhaul that has made the charming neighbourhood favourite bigger and better than before.

The Instagrammable cafe, serving the most beautifully plated dishes and pastries, has more seats in its weather-proof and covered back area, where at least 60 to 80 guests can enjoy their brunch. The Scandinavian-inspired seats provide such a clean and cosy look, matched with picnic tables with cute peach-coloured umbrellas for more communal dining outdoors.

Peach Cafe owner Nick Riccardo said that the overhaul was in the plan, prior to the destructive flood, to align the site’s aesthetics with its attractive and appealing food.

However, Scarlett Spurr, who heads the kitchen, had to overhaul the menu as well to keep with the trends and also create a balance between flavour and comfort that sticks with their customer’s diet preferences. However, favourites like avocado on sourdough or eggs on toast remain on the menu.

Along with the changes, Peach Cafe also introduced a QR code ordering system that streamlines the menu with actual photos to make ordering a lot more convenient for their customers.

Peach Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday. Follow their Instagram page for more updates.

“Fantastic cafe which was busy but still provided fast friendly service and excellent food. Great presentation. And I don’t mind busy as it means the food is fresh. I can’t wait to go back!”
Alison Blythe

“My daughter just had her 15th birthday brunch at Peach Café. I have nothing but good things to say about the food, the atmosphere, the service which was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. I would like to thank everyone but especially Emily for personally attending to us. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re all fantastic.”
Nasrin Amin

“Really lovely Cafe, very pretty and clean. The food was delicious, I had the Auchenflower passionfruit granola, it was so good! The coffee was great. The staff were friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be back soon. Vegetarian options: Great selection of vegetarian options – Kid-friendliness: Children’s play area – Parking: Parked on the street close to the cafe”
Raelene Pasfield

Published 19 March 2023