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Magical Storytime in the Park: Join First 5 Forever at Frew Park, Milton!

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

Join the First 5 Forever program and experience the enchanting Children’s Storytime in the Park event at Frew Park, Milton.

This special event offers parents and young children a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of storytime while surrounded by the stunning park scenery.

The event, which will be held at the Pop-up Library in Frew Park, Milton, is an interactive session that includes stories and songs for young children. It is ideal for children from birth to five years and their parents or carers.

The session will take place at the playground, allowing children to enjoy the stories and songs while also playing in the park.

About Frew Park (former Milton Tennis Centre site)

Located between Frew Street and Milton Road, Milton, the former Milton Tennis Centre and Milton Bowl site was transformed into a 3.5-hectare inner-city parkland in 2014. The parkland was named after Robert Dickson Allen Frew, the father of Queensland Tennis, and includes several amenities that cater to visitors’ needs.

The Wendy Turnbull Green is a top attraction in the park, featuring a spacious playing green and pretty white picnic and BBQ pavilions. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

Public art, Roy Emerson Tennis Centre | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

The Roy Emerson Tennis Centre is another must-see at Frew Park, named after one of Brisbane’s tennis greats. Complete with six tennis courts, a rebound court, and amenities, this centre also boasts seating and a food and beverage outlet to cater to park visitors.

Arena playground and public art | Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

There is also the Arena play space which features an exciting blend of architecture and play, inspired by the former tennis court grandstand. It has a large climbing wall, various angled surfaces, seating ledges, and multiple slides, among other attractions. It is a great place for children to have fun while parents relax nearby.

The Children’s Storytime in the Park happens on Friday 5th May 2023 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am. This event is completely FREE and doesn’t require any bookings. Simply head over to Frew Park, located at 315 Milton Road, Milton, and enjoy the wonderful experience of storytelling in a stunning park setting.

Published 17-April-2023

The Floods Ended Milton Community Garden But Baroona Farm Has Become a Strong Alternative

The Milton Community Garden was a beloved fixture of the local community, providing a space for residents to come together and grow organic food whilst learning about sustainable gardening practices. However, in the wake of the disastrous floods of 2022, the garden was forced to close its doors.

Read: Unleash Your Potential With Hubbard’s School: A Unique Learning Experience for Success

The floods destroyed the garden’s infrastructure, including the brilliant wicking beds that were created by the community. The once-thriving urban farm was left in ruins, with the lights from the epic food tunnel no longer twinkling bright through the night.

In 2011, a passionate and committed group of local residents took the lead in setting up the Compost Hub and Community Garden, driven by their deep concern for the environment and their goal to foster a sense of community between Milton and Rosalie residents.

The Community Gardens & Compost Hub (Photo credit: Milton Community Garden/Facebook)

The Compost Hub and Community Garden was a thriving urban farm, which converted tonnes of local waste into rich compost that was then fed back into local gardens. The community was able to grow their own organic produce and share it with their neighbours, establishing strong bonds and creating a sense of camaraderie.

The garden after the 2022 floods (Photo credit: Milton Community Garden/Facebook)

The closure of the garden was a devastating blow to the community, who had invested so much time, effort, and love into making it a thriving hub of activity.

However, the community has not lost its passion for sustainable living and community engagement. They have endorsed Baroona Farm as a worthy alternative, where locals can continue to come together to grow food and build community whilst learning about sustainable gardening practices.

Milton Community Garden — Baroona Farm volunteers (Photo credit: Baroona Farm/Facebook)

Baroona Farm offers opportunities for community engagement and sustainable living, including learning about organic farming, composting, and beekeeping. It also provides a way for the community to help those who have limited or no access to fresh produce.

Read: Australian Unity Gets Approval For New $100M Retirement And Aged Care Village in Auchenflower

Baroona Farm is located in the grounds of St Francis College at 25 Baroona Rd, Milton. You can follow them on Facebook to learn more about their initiative.

Published 17-April-2023

This Milton Institution Has Been Around Since 1952 and Offers an Interesting Alternative for Yr 11 and 12 Students

Photo credit: Hubbard’s School / hubbards.qld.edu.au

Did you know that there is a school in Milton that offers an excellent alternative to traditional education, accommodating those who wish to improve their Year 12 results, meet prerequisites, or complete their Year 11 and 12 studies in an alternative setting?

Situated on Lang Parade in Milton, Hubbard’s School presents a unique opportunity for students seeking an unconventional approach to their Year 11 and 12 studies through an accelerated and personalised program. As an independent co-educational institution, the school is committed to delivering a high-quality education that equips students for success at the tertiary level.

At Hubbard’s School, each course or subject is condensed into a single calendar year, instead of the standard two-year period.

In keeping with their non-traditional approach, Hubbard’s School promotes a balanced lifestyle and personal freedom, with a laid-back dress code and no mandatory extracurricular activities. Only attendance at lessons is required.

The school maintains a rigorous academic program that attracts students from diverse backgrounds.

About Hubbard’s School

In 1952, two distinguished academics, Godfrey Hubbard and Dr Robert Squire, founded Hubbard’s School. Their initial goal was to support students in preparing for Senior External Examinations.

In 2001, the school obtained Non-State School status in and expanded its offerings. Today, aside from its academic program, the school includes a Tutoring Program and a range of other courses.

Since its inception, the school has expanded its facilities to include well-equipped classrooms, a cosy lunchroom, and a verandah for students to enjoy.

The school also hires laboratory facilities for science classes when necessary, providing a cost-effective laboratory experience for its students. The building is equipped with a Medi-tek stairlift at the front stairs, and all classrooms are situated on a single level at the top of the stairs.

Typically, families that send their children to Hubbard’s School do so because of its distinctive and customised learning approach that equips students who have non-traditional learning styles or specific needs and preferences with the skills they need to succeed at the tertiary level.

To enter Hubbard’s School, students go through a Senior Preparatory Year program. This serves as the main pathway for entry as the program is designed to help students catch up and accelerate their academic progress, preparing them for the compressed senior school subjects offered by the school.

The program covers foundation skills in English, Mathematics (General and Methods), Science (Life and Physical Sciences), and a Career Education Program (1 QCE point), which are typically taught in Years 10 and 11.

Hubbard’s School offers Year 11 and 12 subjects, with students having the option to select from any five (or six) Senior School subjects. Students may also have the opportunity to choose University subjects (such as those offered through the Enhanced Studies Program at UQ) in their final year.

In contrast to mainstream schools, students at Hubbard’s School complete these subjects within the year, allowing them to focus on alternative subjects towards their ATAR in the following year.

Upon completion of five general subjects (or four general subjects and one vocational subject), students will qualify to receive an ATAR and QCE.

One-on-one tutoring services for students in Years 6 – 12 because the school believes consistent tutoring help students achieve better academic outcomes, particularly in exam preparation and assignment organisation.

Personal Wellness Consulting and Coaching Services are available for students who want to improve their personal well-being. Life Coaching is also available to provide individuals with the guidance and confidence needed to achieve their goals successfully.

Visit their website here to learn more about Hubbard’s School.

Published 15-April-2023

Australian Unity Gets Approval For New $100M Retirement And Aged Care Village in Auchenflower

Australian Unity is now moving forward with the construction of a $100 million retirement and aged care village project in Auchenflower after getting a green light for the project.

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

Prior to Australian Unity’s acquisition of the site in 2021, previous owners received an approval to build a vertical retirement village and residential aged care precinct on the site, located at 9-17 Harriett Street, Auchenflower.

However, Australian Unity has appointed the award-winning Fender Katsalidis to redesign the building to make it more community-focused.

Artist’s impression for the Auchenflower retirement village (Photo credit: Fender Katsalidis)

This redesign aims to meet the increasing demand for aged care facilities in Queensland, providing high-quality accommodation and services that cater to the needs of the ageing population.

Features

Jessica Lee, the Principal of Fender Katsalidis, has stated that the retirement and aged care village project in Auchenflower showcases the firm’s dedication to human-centric design that enhances the overall well-being of the residents.

The project’s design is tailored to fit into the local neighborhood, offering a variety of high-quality accommodation options that promote well-being, a sense of belonging, and a strong community spirit.

The retirement village will include 87 independent living apartments and 108 residential aged care units. The latest plans show that there will be one less independent living apartment and two fewer residential aged care units than initially proposed.

Australian Unity’s retirement village in Auchenflower will occupy a 6897 sqm site and consist of three buildings with heights of three, seven, and ten storeys.

The communal space will expand to almost double its original size, increasing from 570 sqm to 1139 sqm.

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

Along with residential aged care units and independent living apartments, the village will also include a cafe, a hairdresser, a consultation room for medical practitioners, and a rehabilitation gym, ensuring that the residents have access to essential services and facilities.

The Holy Spirit Catholic Church on the subject site will be retained.

Published 14-April-2023

Patio: Range Brewing Owners to Open Al Fresco Bar in Rosalie

Photo credit: Range Brewing / rangebrewing.com/

Coming on the heels of relaunching Range Brewing‘s kitchen as Jacopo’s Pizza, the owners have announced their plans to open a new Al Fresco bar, Patio, in Brisbane’s Rosalie neighbourhood.

The new bar, called Patio by Range, will be located on the corner of Baroona Road and Bayswater Street on the former site of Moga Izakaya and Sushi.

Patio will have an Australiana-themed exterior featuring a landscaped courtyard overlooking Rosalie Village and a patio area large enough to seat around 70 plus a relaxing interior that can cater to 30 customers

The new venue is set to have 10 taps that will be specifically dedicated to pouring a variety of rotating beers, in addition to two taps reserved for Range’s own branded wines that were produced in partnership with LATTA Vino. Moreover, the bar will present an array of classic and signature cocktails, a range of new-age lo-fi drinks and classic crowd favourites.

Foodies should get ready with Patio’s offerings which include Jacopo’s Pizza’s full menu which is already a fan favourite plus some mouth-watering options, including a succulent chicken parmigiana. They might also add a special sandwich menu to cater to lunchtime diners.

Having recently relaunched their kitchen as Jacopo’s Pizza, they are confident that with that venture’s success, Patio by Range will be equally well-received.

Patio is expected to open at 146 Baroona Road, Rosalie in late May. With its relaxed vibe, classic pub-style aesthetic, and range of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, it is sure to become a popular spot for locals and visitors to the area.

Published 12-April-2023

The Latest from Milton State School: Updates and Insights

Milton State School takes pride in its strong bonds with the community, and the school regularly hosts a variety of events to strengthen these connections. Here are some of the recent activities that have taken place at the school in early 2023.

Read: Corgi Garden: Cutest Theme Cafe Opens in Milton

Launch of Active School Travel Program

Milton State School launched its 2023 Active School Travel Program. To kick off the program, they hosted an Active Travel Disco, celebrating students who walk, cycle, skate, scooter, park-and-stride, or carpool to school.

The program encourages students to choose active modes of transportation, and each Wednesday, they collect data on the percentage of students actively travelling to school. The classes with the highest percentage in different areas are rewarded with a sports kit or board games.

By promoting active travel, the school hopes to reduce traffic around the school area and promote a healthier lifestyle for the students.

Containers for Change

This March 2023, the school organised a successful Containers for Change drive. The event attracted an impressive number of participants, resulting in the collection of more than 2,500 recyclable containers in just under an hour. Michael Berkman, MP for Maiwar, was also present to show his support for the cause.

State Swimming Championships

Photo credit: Milton State School/Facebook

At the Queensland Swimming Championships, which took place on 26 March 2023, four students from the school, Rosie, Isla, Alex, and Riley, represented Metropolitan North in the competition against the top school sport athletes in Queensland.

Rosie competed in the 50m Butterfly, Isla in the 50m Backstroke, Alex in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle, and Riley in the 50m & 100m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke. Additionally, all of the students participated in relay teams during the event.

Camp at Currimundi

Year 5 students embarked on an exciting camping trip to Currimundi. The itinerary was jam-packed with a range of thrilling activities, including rafting, team challenges, circus skills, archery, catapult building, rock climbing, and caving. For many of the kids, the caving experience proved to be a standout favourite.

Wildlife Rangers

Year 2 students received a visit from the Wildlife Rangers, which proved to be an engaging and informative experience for the students. The children were thrilled to meet some adorable animals and learned about their unique life cycles and identifying features that help to classify them into distinct animal groups.

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

Published 12-April-2023

Pip Theatre: The Tie That Binds Four Amazing Women Together

Photo Credit: PipTheatre

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