Milton Archives - Page 17 of 20

Milton House, One of Brisbane’s Oldest Homes, Undergoes Restoration Work

The historic Milton House, one of Brisbane’s oldest homes, is undergoing restoration work as part of a projected $350-million investment to transform Kings Row Office Park on McDougall Street as a mixed-use precinct.

Shayher Group, which owns Kings Row Office Park, has been granted approval in September 2021 (DA A005719414) to carry out building work and reconfigurations that will see the site as a business centre with multiple unit dwellings, indoor sports facilities, restaurant, and community facilities.

The revamp begins with Milton House, which has now been wrapped in scaffolding since mid-February 2022.

The heritage-listed Milton House has largely been vacant but tenants of the neighbouring buildings occasionally use the property, which is next to the tennis court, as a meeting or workshop area. Its restoration will include improved interiors, kitchen, and new toilets for men and women.

Milton House was constructed between 1852 to 1853 as the home of Sydney chemist Ambrose Eldridge. It was one of the first significant residential landmarks in the early years of Brisbane’s growth as a city. A respected resident, Mr Eldrige was active in Brisbane’s political, civic, economic, and social scenes.

His family resided in Milton House until 1855. Pastoralist John Frederick McDougall bought the mansion a year later as Mr Eldridge moved to Ipswich, where he died in 1860.

Mr McDougall, on the other hand, expanded Milton House’s estate and opened leaseholds for the property. Some of its tenants were Arthur Manning, the Colonial Under-Secretary, Henry Walsh, MLC and speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and James Crombie.

By 1885, the estate was sold to Queensland Investment and Land Mortgage Co. Ltd and its lands were subdivided for residential development.

But the original Milton House stood the test of time and also housed The Commissioner of Police, David Thompson Seymour, noted Brisbane General Hospital physician Dr Hugh Bell, and grain merchant William Siemon.

The Siemon family donated the property to the Presbyterian Church in the 1950s and became a hostel for female students.

Eventually, the precinct was redeveloped as Kings Row Park, which Shayher Group group purchased for $98 million in 2016.

Milton, Other Flood-Affected Suburbs: How to Access Assistance and Grants

Photo Credit: Milton Community Garden, Brisbane QLD / Facebook s

As floodwaters subside, the devastation of the severe weather event that hit Southeast Queensland, including Milton, Rosalie and Auchenflower, has become more pronounced. What forms of assistance can residents in flood-affected suburbs get to help them recover from the effects of this disaster?

Among the most affected areas in Brisbane include Milton where low-lying streets and homes were inundated with floodwaters from the swollen Brisbane River. The floods affected Coronation Drive that heavily impacted traffic flow for days. Milton State School was submerged as well and remained closed for several days along with 1,000 plus other state schools.

Inundation at Milton State School | Photo Credit: Milton State School / Facebook

Nearby Rosalie was also not spared with floodwaters reaching chest high entering restaurants, destroying equipment and machines and leaving owners with the laborious task of cleaning up after the flood.

Auchenflower too took a beating from the torrential rains and flooding as helpless residents could only watch as their homes got inundated with floodwaters. And to make the situation more frustrating, water comes flowing back after they have already finished cleaning up.

The total damage caused by the floods is estimated to reach $1 billion as flood and storm damage insurance claims rose in the aftermath of the inundation with about 31,000 claims already being made.

Access to grants and support for flood-impacted residents

On 1 March, the State Government unveiled grants and support for flood-impacted areas including Emergency Hardship Assistance grants of up to $180 per person and $900 for a family of five or more. As assessments in other affected areas are still ongoing, these grants are open for people in the following LGAs only:

Ipswich LGA
Somerset LGA
Moreton Bay LGA
Lockyer Valley LGA
Gympie LGA
Dallarnil locality – North Burnett LGA

However, there are other grants available to eligible residents who are uninsured and have experienced certain losses or damage to their property including the Essential Household Contents Grant which provides up to 1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 for couples/families.

Photo Credit: Rosalie Village Community / Facebook

Also available are the Structural Assistance Grant – to go towards repairs to make the home secure and safe – and the Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant which is a two-part grant aimed at helping affected homeowners get reconnected with essential services including electricity, gas, water and sewerage.

The State Government is also rolling out a “rapid housing response” in flood-affected areas, including the establishment of a $600,000 Rapid Response Fund, to tackle housing challenges and homelessness brought about by the recent flooding.

“Record interstate migration, rising house prices, very low vacancy rates, COVID-19 and severe weather has created a perfect storm.

“Every Queenslander deserves a roof over their head, and I have been looking at all available options to assist people who might require short-term accommodation and longer-term housing,” Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said.

“We are doing this in a way that considers the individual and the diverse needs of households.

“This includes providing accommodation solutions with appropriate support for people with disability, and people experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence.”

Those needing housing help are encouraged to call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit the nearest Housing Service Centre.

Meanwhile, the Australian Government is also offering support through its Disaster Recovery Payment program which provides eligible families who have been significantly affected by the recent disaster with a lump sum payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 for each child younger than 16.

Families have until 3 September 2022 to make a claim. The LGAs included in the program include:

Brisbane
Bundaberg
Cherbourg
Fraser Coast
Gladstone
Gold Coast
Goondiwindi
Gympie
Ipswich
Lockyer Valley
Logan
Moreton Bay
Noosa
North Burnett
Redland
Scenic Rim
Somerset
South Burnett
Southern Downs
Sunshine Coast
Toowoomba
Western Downs

Score Unique Gifts at the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets

Prepare your Christmas shopping list and get ready to uncover unique items for gifting friends and family at the exciting Christmas Twilight Markets in Milton!

Set for Saturday 27 November, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., on Cribb Street, the Milton Christmas Twilight Markets will feature a superb premium pop-up “Brewdolph” bar with live music, foodie delights, and heaps of artisan pieces from creative and unique designers.

Get your mittens on award-winning chutneys and sauces from Stone & Lea; handworked timber homewares or ceramics from local artisans, locally designed fashions from Destii, Miles Away Company and more, freshly shucked oysters from Island Oyster Bar, or a fragrant Eritrean curry from West End icon and social enterprise Mu’ooz.

The Milton Christmas Twilight Markets highlights include:

Artisan Handmade Gifts
Countless Gourmet Eats and Drinks
Spectacular Christmas Cheer and Decorations
Amazing Live Entertainment
Snaps with Santa
Pop-Up Bar
Kids Activities and Entertainment

Don’t miss the fun! Please take note that a $2 entry fee will be collected and parking is also available for $2.

Milton Markets Celebrates Blooming Spring with Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition

Say goodbye to winter and stick a flower in your hair as Milton Markets celebrates the blooming springtime with an assembly of gourmet food, a pop-up bar, live entertainment, and bespoke shopping finds!

Over 150 vendors will be featured at Milton Markets’ Seasonal Flavours: Twilight Edition, which will be underway on Saturday, 11 Sept 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. After the cancellation of Christmas in July, this Twilights market will be springing back with more thrills and amusement for families.

Expect Cribb Street to overflow with hundreds of specialty stalls, makers, bakers, growers, and chefs to enjoy the start of warmer evenings and bring spring to life under the stars!

Taste the flavours of the world as stalls like German Sausage Shack, Hong Kong Dumpling House, Fire Up Woodfired Pizza and Hugh’s Korean Food will set up shop at the Twilights market. The pop-up bar is courtesy of Stone & Wood Brewery.

Meanwhile, Milton Markets’ regular Sunday trading returns to its regular hours from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Known as Inner West Brisbane’s premier lifestyle market featuring South East Queensland’s best producers and creatives, Milton Markets is the perfect weekend outing for families.

Follow Milton Markets Facebook page for regular updates on its activities.

Polonia in Milton Secures Loan & Donations to Keep Historic Landmark

The Polish Club, also known as Polonia, on Marie Street in Milton has managed to avert a crisis that would have put the 60-year-old site under the hammer. In less than four months, its new committee was able to secure a loan, raise some funds, and increase club memberships and activities that would help pay off its outstanding debts.

In July 2021, the new committee under President Waldemar Duda received an outpouring of support from the community, enabling Polonia to raise $90,000, which would help pay off a $150,000 loan from a private company.

Their financial troubles came to light early this year after a dispute with the former club president and treasurer, prompting the election of a new committee in April. Further probing by Mr Duda, the new treasurer Evelyn Jelliffee, and their lawyers revealed that the loan contract entered by the previous committee with the private company had a limited pay period. If the loan wasn’t paid off by September 2021, the club could lose its property.

The club officials also learned that they need an additional $50,000 for unpaid fees to the Brisbane City Council and the Australian Tax Office.

Highlights

The Polish Club, a.k.a Polonia, has found solutions to its financial problems.
After a change in committee heads through an election in April, the members learned that they needed to pay off $150,000 in private loans and $50,000 in Council and ATO fees.
They were able to raise money through donations, an increase in membership and activities, and another loan.

However, club membership was down to just 42 members when the new committee took over. Thus, Mr Duda issued an appeal to the Polish community and the rest of the public as the club was under “severe financial hardship.”

Following the appeal, fundraisers and club activities to boost funding were set up to save the club. Whilst the lockdowns have had some impact on these activities, Polonia’s new membership gradually grew. According to a video update from Outback Polaks, they are now at over 500+ members, the biggest in the club’s history.

Days before Polonia had to inform the private loan company that they would be able to pay off the debt, the new committee announced that they had secured a bank loan. However, the Polish Club is not yet in the clear because of their other financial obligations. Donations remain active via the Go Fund Me page.

Constructed in 1964, The Polish Club was the “centre of social life” for post-war Polish immigrants in Brisbane.

“Long before social media, where both young and old would gather to participate in Polish cultural events, enjoy the weekly dance/disco or just to indulge in the delicious Polish cuisine,” Pawel Krawczynski, the fundraiser organiser, wrote. “It would also be a place for people to come together to enjoy each other’s company when they felt homesick.”

Meanwhile, as lockdown restrictions are slowly easing in Brisbane, Polonia’s restaurant has resumed accepting in-person dining for a limited number of guests. Reservations are advised. Phone (07) 3369 2747 to book a table. Follow the club’s Facebook page for the menu and trading hours.

Variety Queensland in Milton Expands Program for 7 to 17-Year-Old Kids

Does your child love to sing? Are you looking for weekend activities for your active kids? Variety Queensland in Milton has recently expanded its choir program to include 7 to 17-year-old children of all abilities.

Talented singer/songwriter Luke Scott directs the children of Variety Kids Choir, where he also incorporates other communication tools like as Auslan and Key Word Signing to make the sessions more inclusive. They meet fortnightly Saturdays to practice songs, as well as develop the children’s confidence and social skills.

The program is open to disadvantaged children or kids living with a disability. They will be trained to perform a wide-ranging repertoire, including pop songs and children’s songs, at various functions that will be organised by Variety Queensland for the remainder of the year.

“We’re thrilled more kids will now be able to join our inclusive, all-abilities Variety Kids Choir,” said Variety Queensland CEO Steve Wakerley. “Singing has so many great benefits and allows kids to feel included, grow their social skills by making new friends, improve their self-confidence and have fun through creative expression.”

This is a free program that holds fortnightly Saturday rehearsals from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at PCYC Lang Park (Level 4, Karate Room), 40 Castlemaine St, Milton.

To learn more about this program, visit the official site or contact the Kids Support Team via kidssupport@varietyqld.org.au or (07) 3907 9300.

Milton Petrol Prices Among the Highest In Brisbane: Where To Go For Cheap Petrol

Photo credit: Google Street View

With average petrol prices in Brisbane hovering at 164.9 cpl as of 7 July, motorists should be on the lookout for fair prices at the pump. In Milton, petrol is 10 cpl higher than the Brisbane average. Here’s the low down on the high cost of petrol in Brisbane.

Read: Brisbane Stadium in Milton to Host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Most expensive fuel in Brisbane as of 7 July (Photo credit: racq.com.au)

Motorists will get a relatively fair deal versus the Brisbane average at Caltex Woolloongabba, along Logan Rd, where petrol is at 136 cpl as of 7 July. Shell Galloways Hill, where petrol is 157.9 cpl, is also a good option.

Cheapest fuel prices in Brisbane as of 7 July (Photo credit: racq.com.au)

To get daily updates on fair petrol prices, RACQ encourages motorists to download and use their Fair Fuel Finder app (on Android or iOS). Based on your location, the RACQ’s Fair Fuel Finder App automatically compares prices across multiple retailers in the immediate and surrounding areas. Once you’ve selected a retailer, the in-built “get directions” feature, which links to Google Maps, will take you straight there.

The Cost of Driving Your Car

In a recent media release, RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie discussed the increase in license and registration fee plus higher prices to pay for breaking the law on the road.

“Transport taxes and charges are already the third-highest cost for Queensland households so it’s disappointing to see more strain being put on families, especially with many people still overcoming the financial impact of COVID-19,” she said.

RACQ had reignited its calls for the State Government to freeze vehicle registration increases as the cost to motorists had risen by more than 13 percent over the last five years.

As the cost of fuel remains quite expensive in Brisbane, motorists are looking for ways to at least save money, including patronising service stations with the cheapest fuel prices.

Lockdown Blues? Order In from These Takeaway Options in the Inner City

Having lockdown blues and not in the mood for cooking in the kitchen? Why not treat yourself to a fancy and delicious meal from your favourite inner city restaurant or cafe?

Here are the establishments open for takeaways around Milton, Brisbane CBD, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley and Newstead. You’ll need to check their social pages for the individual opening hours, menu and other details. Just click on the links below:

Milton

Milton Common

Porkees

Brisbane City

Spring Hill

Farah Restaurant

South Bank

Coffee Head Co

Little Big House

Zeus Street Greek

Fortitude Valley

Cakes and Shit

Gerard’s Bistro

Hashtag Burgers and Waffles

Jocelyn’s Provision

Les Bubbles

Porkees

Same Same

Superbowl

Reverends

Newstead/Teneriffe

Beccofino

Botanica

Hikari

Malt Pier

These inner city restaurants will re-assess their operations on a day-to-day basis to comply with the guidelines issued by the State Government.

Inner City Deliveroo — Photo Credit: Taylor Herring/Flickr

However, if you prefer to have food delivered, Deliveroo will be waiving the delivery fee for all customers who will order more than $10 worth of food on Friday, 2 July 2021. Almost all venues tied with Deliveroo in Brisbane will honour this free service, so grab the opportunity and enjoy some great food even as the restaurants are restricted.

In the meantime, stay safe and nourished!

Brisbane Stadium in Milton to Host 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Exciting news for the thousands of sports fans in Brisbane! Brisbane Stadium in Milton will host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, one of the world’s biggest sporting events for women.

Set for July to August 2023, the upcoming competition has been expanded to 32 teams from 2019’s roster of 24 teams. Lang Park’s Brisbane Stadium, which boasts of a 52,500 seating capacity, will host the finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, whilst the inauguration will take place at the Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

Below are the nine host cities for this sporting event:

Adelaide – Hindmarsh Stadium
Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau – Eden Park (INCLUDING INAUGURATION)
Brisbane – Brisbane Stadium (INCLUDING FINALS)
Dunedin / Ōtepoti – Dunedin Stadium
Hamilton / Kirikiriroa – Waikato Stadium
Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Perth – Perth Rectangular Stadium
Sydney – Stadium Australia and Sydney Football Stadium
Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington Stadium

“The sporting event has the potential to bring thousands of visitors, attract billions of television viewers worldwide and deliver a once in a generation legacy for women’s sport in Queensland,” the Queensland Department of Tourism stated in a press release in welcoming the prestigious sports competition.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will bring a significant boost for tourism potentially worth up to $50 million.”

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and 9 Host Cities across Australia and New Zealand will not only showcase the world’s very best players, but will also provide a powerful platform to unite and inspire people, transform lives and create a lasting legacy for women’s football in Australia and New Zealand and around the world.”

The full matches and their locations will be announced in late 2021. For ticket reservations, watch out for the updates on the official site.

Grab Your Wand! Wizardry High Tea Soon to Appear in Milton!

Grab your wand and put on your robes because Wizardry High Tea is coming to Stamford Plaza Brisbane in Milton!

For a limited time only, Stamford Plaza Brisbane’s Great Hall is set to become the site of an exciting Wizardry High Tea, a magical afternoon open to people of all ages. Event-goers can expect to indulge themselves with a series of delectable snacks both sweet and savoury from the event’s buffet high tea menu.

And the best part? Those dressed for the occasion will have the chance to win a mysterious prize.

Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Photo credit: Instagram/Stamford Plaza Brisbane

Meals at the Wizardry High Tea include sweets like Treacle Tarts, Magic Macarons, and Butter Beer Cupcakes, or Pumpkin Fizz Scones and Buttermilk Scones. Savoury food will also be available, with options such as roast beef with green peas and yorkshire pudding, lamb and rosemary pies, and cornish pasties.

Those in the mood for sandwiches can satisfy their cravings and eat to their heart’s content with smoked leg ham and cheese sandwiches topped with tomato relish, as well as the event’s very-own Wizard dark rye with chive cream and Tasmanian salmon.

The event will run for a total of three weeks, providing a total of 16 different sessions for people to book and sign up for. Tickets are priced at $64 per adult, and $49 per child up to 12 years old, and each ticket includes either a glass of sparkling wine or a mysterious Wizard’s brew on arrival.

Saturday 26 June and Sunday 27 June 2021
Morning Sessions: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday 2 July, Saturday 3 July, Sunday 4 July 2021
Morning Sessions: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday 9 July, Saturday 10 July, Sunday 11 July 2021
Morning Sessions: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Afternoon Sessions: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Wizardry High Tea will be held at Stamford Plaza in 39 Edward St, Brisbane City. For more information, visit the event’s website here. Follow the Stamford Plaza’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the event.