Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 21 of 34

Flipside Circus on Track for 2022 Opening at Brisbane Circus Centre

Video Still Credit: Flipside Circus / Vimeo

A successful fundraising event puts Flipside Circus right on track to open at its permanent home at the Brisbane Circus Centre in Northshore’s Riverfront Event Space this 2022.

Flipside Circus celebrates the successful holding of its inaugural Giving Day – a 12-hour fundraising event that was organised to help fund the construction of its new purpose-built centre – held on 4 November 2021. As donations and messages of support came pouring in, generous supporters matched each donation, doubling the amount raised that day to $115,240.

The Australian Government also invested a total of $1 million for the project through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development’s Community Development Grants Programme. Whilst an additional $290,000 in funding was also received from the State Government through the Arts Queensland’s Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

Photo credit: Flipside Circus / flipsidecircus.org.au

The project, located at 221 MacArthur Avenue in Hamilton, will create an estimated 48 jobs and a further 25 jobs once operational. The state-of-the-art space is poised to become the largest circus centre to be built in Queensland, enabling Flipside Circus to train more than 55,000 participants and accommodate around 110,00 visitors a year.

Also, the custom-built centre will be unique in form and function in that it will utilise modular, prefabricated materials, shipping containers and canvas.

“Both the form and the function of the space will revolve around circus, and we’ll be able to put it up and build it in stages. So we can be using it straight away because of the fact that it’s modular and flexible, and that marriage of form and function is really exciting for us,” Kronk said.

Brisbane Circus Centre – Flipside Circus new home from Flipside Circus on Vimeo.

You can still donate and help the organisation complete the Stage 1 construction of the Brisbane Circus Centre through this link.

About Flipside Circus

Flipside Circus is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1998. Starting from community-based workshops run by circus artists and families, Flipside Circus has since grown to be the largest youth arts organisation in Queensland.

It offers a variety of classes and workshops, catering to ages 18 months old to adults, from all skill levels, and all abilities. There is also an artistic program of performances created by, for and with young people.

The organisation also offers workshops for Outside School Hour Care providers and school excursions and incursions and provides support for upcoming and professional circus artists. Their current circus space is located at 33 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton.

Hamilton Could Soon Be Producing Needle-Free Vaccines

Photo credit: The State of Queensland 1997–2021 (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) /statements.qld.gov.au

Construction is already underway for Australia’s first needle-free vaccine manufacturing facility, located in Northshore Hamilton.

An existing warehouse is being refurbished and transformed into this state-of-the-art, biomedical manufacturing facility. The construction phase has already generated 80 jobs for the local job market.

Once up, the facility will also generate employment opportunities for highly-skilled biomedical experts. Employment projections are estimated to be up to 110 in 2023 and could grow to more than 139 additional jobs over five years.

The project by Queensland biotechnology company Vaxxas is supported by the Economic Recovery Plan of the State Government.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said that once delivered in early 2023 and operating at full capacity, the manufacturing facility is expected to produce needle-free vaccine kits that can deliver around 300 million doses annually.

Video credit: Vaxxas – R&D Tax Incentive customer story | BusinessGovAu / YouTube

Vaxxas plans to deliver an influenza vaccine for its first project using the new technology. They will also look for opportunities to improve existing vaccines, including the ones used to fight COVID-19, in a bid to strengthen preparedness and response to future pandemics.

How does needle-free vaccine technology work?

Vaxxas Chief Operations and Development Officer Angus Forster said that through high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) technology, a vaccine can be administered and deposited through the surface of the skin in a matter of seconds.

These small patches are armed with thousands of micro-projections that carry the vaccine components and deliver them directly below the skin’s surface where plenty of immune cells reside, triggering a more efficient immune response. This technology also allows the patches to be stored at a temperature as high as 40 degrees making it less difficult to distribute the vaccines to rural and remote areas.

Mr Miles further noted that the needle-free vaccine technology offers a fast and easy deployment of vaccines adding that supporting local biomedical companies is beneficial for Queensland and the rest of the world.

“That’s why Economic Development Queensland worked with Vaxxas to progress design and approvals for the facility, helping to grow the state’s economy,” he said.

Investigation On Eagle Farm Creek Turning Blue Is Now Underway

Photo credit: Queensland Environment / Facebook

An investigation is now underway to determine why a tidal creek situated in an industrial area at Eagle Farm is turning blue.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is asking the public to assist in the ongoing investigation into the pollution event that happened at Eagle Farm last 27 November 2021. DES officers were called to the scene after it was reported that a section of the waterway just near Curtain Avenue had turned blue with some dead fish.

The officers who went to the scene witnessed a strong blue colouration of the creek which is an indication of a discharge of pollutants. They also saw a number of dead fish. DES officers have already taken water samples and fish samples for analysis, which they said could take weeks. Only then will they be able to determine the type of contaminant and how extensive the damage has been.

Whilst an inspection of the area, days after the pollution event was reported, revealed that the colour of the water has returned to normal, DES is still encouraging anyone who has information to call the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.

Photo credit: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know?

In Queensland, it is unlawful to deposit prescribed water contaminants on roadside gutters, stormwater drainage, creeks and rivers. Prescribed water contaminants are pollutants that can wreak havoc on stormwater systems — not to mention the aquatic life whose survival greatly depends on good water quality.

Under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 – Schedule 9, the prescribed water contaminants include:

A chemical, chemical waste containing a chemical such as biocide, including fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide; chemical that causes biochemical or chemical oxygen demand; and a decreasing agent.
Gas other than oxygen
A liquid that contains a suspended or dissolved solids
Clinical wastes
Industrial wastes
Oil, including petroleum or vegetable-based oil
Paint, paint scrapings or residues, pain sludge, water used diluting paint or washing painting utensils, and waster from paint stripping
Waste and waste water, generated from outdoor cleaning
Glass, metal parts, paper, piping, plastic and scrap metal
Waste generated from repairing or servicing motor vehicles

What you can do to help care for our waterways

The Brisbane City Council suggests the following to help keep our waterways clean:

Need a car wash? You may wash your car on the grass or go to a car wash. This way you help keep soap and suds out of the stormwater drain.
When there is a heavy downpour, prevent dog waste or any animal manure from running off into our waterways or stormwater drains.
Dispose of hazardous wastes properly and out of the drain
Don’t let erosion and sediment get their way into waterways
Don’t litter. Your rubbish should always go into the trash bin.
If you have to, use fertilisers and garden chemicals sparingly
Do not dump unwanted fish into waterways or flush them in your toilet. Aside from the fact that it is not a humane way of getting rid of your aquarium, these fish can also be invasive and destroy ecosystems.
Report any information about stormwater pollution.

Northshore Hamilton Prepares to Transform for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics

In a multi-stage development, a section of Northshore Hamilton could first be used as an events space for concerts, a circus space, or a recreational centre before its final transformation into the Games Athletics Village for the 2023 Brisbane Olympics.

A development application (DEV2021/1200) submitted to the State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is seeking approval to use parts of Northshore Hamilton for different activities for at least six years or until the Olympic Village opens.

Existing buildings in this section could be refurbished and repurposed to accommodate a cinema or drive-in theatre, a party venue for birthdays and weddings, or a flea market that could be held regularly.

The site might also be used for trade shows and exhibits, food or wine festivals, and an assortment of training or workshops. Updates and improvements to the public realms will include landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian access.

Photo Credit: State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

Currently, Stage 1 of the Northshore Hamilton Development Scheme, covering 304 hectares of land between Kingsford Smith Drive and the Brisbane River, is underway.

“The proposal in no way seeks to compromise the development of the site in line with the ultimate intent of the Development Scheme, but rather seeks to activate – through the use of public spaces and repurposing of existing buildings – the waterfront at Northshore with the anticipation that community goodwill will build, prospective investors will gain confidence, and vibrant people places will result,” the developers stated.

Meanwhile, the Games Athletics Village is expected to house more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the 2023 Brisbane Olympics. After the games, facilities in Northshore Hamilton will be offered as a residential site, an aged care facility, a social housing, or a build-to-rent market.

Revamped Dan Murphy’s Hamilton Has a Craft Beer Canyon with Almost 300 Beers

After its million-dollar makeover, Dan Murphy’s Hamilton has unveiled its new look highlighting a “craft beer canyon,” where customers can choose from almost 300 chilled beers!

The craft beer canyon offers Dan Murphy’s Hamilton customers the opportunity to broaden their options to support more homegrown brewers, distillers, and winemakers, as well as familiarise themselves with international brands.

Customers are enjoined to explore highlighted areas containing engaging information about a specific product or segment. This outlet is the second Queensland Dan Murphy’s store to have electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, so drinks lovers can simply tap the shelf label with their smartphones to get more product information or read customer reviews about a specific product.

“We are increasingly innovating and using technology to meet the needs of our customers. ESL will help us communicate with shoppers in a new way, reduce paper usage and make our store teams more efficient,” Dan Murphy’s Managing Director Alex Freudmann said.

“When choosing what to range in our stores of the future, we use customers’ insights to handpick products that we know locals will love to create hyper-localised ranges. Brisbane is a big craft beer town, and we’ve added over 20 new local craft beers to the range including ales from Brisbane’s Catchment Brewing and Ipswich’s 4 Hearts.”

Mr Freudmann also said that they’ve studied what the customers want and saw their craving for education about the “world of drinks.” However, not everyone has the time to take up long-winded courses about craft beers so Dan Murphy’s came up with this new intiative, where the “magic moments” can take place.

With the new design and technology, the Hamilton site also features a convenient central area set up for craft beer or wine tasting events, micro-classes, and other activities that could enhance customer experience.

“The micro-classes are perfect for customers who have 10-15 minutes spare while browsing the store. They don’t have to go through the hassle of booking in advance, instead, these classes are on-demand so customers decide when it suits them,” Mr Freudmann said.

Once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Dan Murphy’s Hamilton will regularly hosts the classes and in-store tastings.

“The most important thing for us is that the customer is in charge of how and what they want to experience or educate themselves about,” Mr Freudmann explained.

Dan Murphy’s Hamilton is located on Cnr Kingsford Smith Drive & Racecourse Rd.

Plans To Demolish 84-Year-Old Hamilton Home Rejected By Council

Photo credit: Ray White Ascot

The owner of an 84-year-old home in Hamilton acquired in February 2021 has appealed to Brisbane’s Planning and Environment Court after his request to demolish the property was rejected.

Read: Hamilton Property Market Shows Strength Amidst Covid

The house, located at 11 Dickson Terrace in Hamilton, was designed by JM Collin and was constructed in 1937. One of the notable features of the property is the panoramic view of Brisbane city and river.

It’s currently configured as three flats with a generous 30.7-m frontage and based on the listing for the property, the buyer can ‘engage their architect to create their dream home, subject to Council’s approval.’

In April 2021, Hunter Family Capital Pty Ltd, the current owner of the 759-sqm site has submitted plans to demolish the pre-1947 house. However, in June 2021, BCC refused the applicant’s proposal.

Aerial view of the subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Explaining the grounds for refusal, Council said the dwelling continues to have a scale and form which is consistent with traditional building character and that it still meets the criteria for character listing in the Traditional building character Planning Scheme Policy.

The applicant then submitted the appeal in July 2021, noting that the application had been properly made and that the appellant is seeking approval of the application, claiming that it does not conflict with the Planning Scheme.

In the demolition report prepared by Vault Heritage on behalf of the applicant, they reiterated that Council already granted a demolition approval for the site in 2009 and has extended it in 2011. However, these previous demolition approvals were never actioned and have subsequently lapsed.

‘Protected Pre-1947 Dwelling’

Historical aerial photograph of the Hamilton area taken on 20 April 1936 with the subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Prior to submitting an appeal to Planning and Environment Court, the proposal has received a few submissions from locals who opposed the demolition plan.

A submission prepared by ‘Urbanista Town Planning Services’ on behalf of an interested local resident of Dickson Terrace stated that the demolition of this dwelling will result in the loss of a dwelling that forms part of the traditional streetscape.

Meanwhile, the appeal result remains pending as of writing. For more details and updates about the appeal, see DA-A005715203.

New Wine Bar And Bottle Shop Opening Soon In Albion

Photo credit: Clam Lo/Pexels

Wine lovers in Albion will soon have a new place to go for their usual libation or to try something new, as Wineism prepares to open with a boutique selection of over 400 brands to choose from.

Read: Best Restaurants That Deliver to Your Home In Albion And Hamilton

Wineism, the boutique liquor store set to occupy one of the spaces at the Albion Fine Trades starting November 2021, will feature over 400 brands of both old and new world wines — from sauvignon blanc and chardonnay varieties to burgundies and Barolos.

The bottle shop will be mostly retail, but it will have a small bar area where guests can sip their purchases whilst nibbling on charcuterie, cheese boards, and rotating small bites.

At the helm will be wine guru Ian Trinkle, who was the head sommelier at ARIA Brisbane and Howard Smith Wharves before finally deciding to set up his own bottle shop. Wineism will also hold classes for those who would like to become qualified sommeliers.

Wine connoisseurs will also be given a chance to join The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) for wine, spirit and sake education courses. Trinkle, as an educator for WSET, will be taking charge of the masterclasses in the store.

Ian Trinkle (Photo credit: Howard Smith Wharves/Facebook)

Besides Trinkle’s hand-picked selection of local and international wine brands he discovered through the years, the shop will also include his personal collection, such as Joshua Cooper Wines, one of the most prestigious wine brands in Victoria, and a small range of vermouth.

The wines will be housed in a 200-sqm space in Albion Fine Trades, currently home to some of Brisbane’s most recognised tastemakers and creators such as Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters, Jocelyn’s Provisions, and The Cheeseboard.

Stay tuned to Albion Fine Trades’ Facebook page for more updates on Wineism’s opening.

Hamilton Property Market Shows Strength Amidst Covid

Despite the economic and lifestyle challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the red-hot Hamilton property market continued to be in high demand during the period ending June 2021, as wealthy buyers look to buy into established investment areas with blue-chip amenities and steady appreciation in value.

As the world adapted to the new normal, wealthy buyers continued to crave lifestyle locations close to everything they need and and with the perks they want, as they spent most of their time at home. Hamilton, as one of Brisbane’s blue-chip suburbs, benefited greatly from this affluent largesse, as one of Brisbane’s most established property markets, with median home values soaring well north of a million.

From July 2020 to June 2021, Hamilton’s median house price growth showed a robust 25.65 percent, driving the dollar value to $1,935,000, per data from Property Market Updates.

104 houses were sold during this period, in an average of 89 days on market. Hamilton’s property market is still projected to grow in the coming years.

The most expensive house sold for this period, at $12,000,000, has been a renovated hilltop house on Markwell Street with a 180-degree view of Brisbane and the surrounding landscapes. With the functionality of an ultra-modern house, this luxurious estate has its own leisure facilities for the families though it’s within walking distance from Racecourse Road and close to one of the most expensive schools in Brisbane, St Margaret’s.

Unit Price Growth

Median unit prices of partment properties in Hamilton also showed a modest 2.77 percent increase, pushing the dollar median to $515,000. There were more apartment buyers than house buyers for this period as 270 properties were snapped up by buyers at an average of 76 days. Whilst the growth gap between houses and units in Hamilton continues to widen, this suburb’s unit market is still well above the median for the rest of Brisbane’s property market.

About Hamilton

Hamilton is home to some of Brisbane’s oldest families, thus earning the distinction as a suburb of “old wealth.” These families built iconic mansions, some of which are still standing, that have the best views of the CBD and the neighbouring suburbs.

Photo Credit: State Library of QLD/Flickr

This district was named after Gustavus Hamilton, the owner of Hamilton Hotel, the first hotel in the suburb, which became a landmark and reference point at a time when buildings were still a luxury and quite a few in the area.

In recent years, old Hamilton merged with the new developments like the master-planned Northshore Hamilton project, the largest waterfront development in Queensland that has transformed a former wharf into a residential and commercial hub.

In the next decade, the area will be an integral part of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics as with the plan to build the Brisbane Athlete’s Village.

The revitalisation of Portside Wharf, a former cruise ship terminal, has also improved and modernised Hamilton’s lifestyle as it is now for many apartment dwellers, who could walk around the dining and shopping precinct, or enjoy various recreational activities with their friends or family.

“I purchased a unit in the portside precinct last year and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I moved from a large house in a nice suburb but felt isolated and bored there. Now in Hamilton, I feel happy and connected. I walk my dog along the river morning and night and visit the dog park every day. Almost everyone we encounter is very friendly and approachable for a chat. Cafes, restaurants, bars, cinema, groceries, retail stores, medical facilities… It’s all here on your doorstep!”
Deborahfaye, Homely

“I lived over a year in Hamilton, pricey but comfortable, beautiful, close to city, airport. little nightlife in Racecourse road.”
Vahidsamschalmaer

Granddad Jack’s Albion Now Open

Photo credit: Granddad Jack's Craft Distillery Brisbane/Facebook

Granddad Jack’s, Gold Coast’s very first craft, spirits, and liqueurs distillery, has finally landed in Brisbane after opening its newest location in the backstreets of Albion.

Read: Granddad Jack to Open New Distillery and Tasting Room in Albion

For starters, Granddad Jack’s Albion offers a gin tasting board consisting of 20 ml of each of the distillery’s three main gins: Greenhouse Gin, London dry Two Pencils Gin, and 65 Miles Gin.

Photo credit: Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery Brisbane/Facebook

From there, guests can move on to their gins and tonics with their choice of gin. They also have creative cocktails for adventurous drinkers, such as the Barrel-Aged Negroni, Manhattan, and Martini.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brisbane Distillery & Bar (@granddadjacks_bne)

The new bar and distillery’s interior pays homage to the real Granddad Jack, the grandfather of owner David Ridden. The area has plenty of green space, taking inspiration from Granddad Jack’s garden, where he would have friends or neighbours coming over for a chat and some whiskey.

“He loved sitting with friends and family in his backyard by the greenhouse, sipping whiskey and chatting all afternoon amongst his garden,” shared the owner through the website.

Granddad Jack in his greenhouse (Photo credit: https://www.granddadjacks.com)

This also inspired them to create the recipe for their Greenhouse Gin, one of their signature cocktails, known for its zesty and fragrant notes with its combination of cucumber, rose-hip, lemon myrtle, grapefruit peel and juniper.

In addition to their spirits, liqueurs, and signature cocktails, they also offer make-your-own gin classes, tastes tests, and tours. Granddad Jack’s make-your-own gin class is the first of its kind in South East Queensland, allowing guests to choose their own botanicals and learn to distil on a four-hour guided experience.

Bookings are essential. Fur babies are also welcome and you can bring your own food. For more information including trading hours, visit Granddad Jack’s website or follow them on Facebook or on Instagram @granddadjacks_bne.

Here’s Your Last Chance To See Stunning Public Art Installations In Northshore Hamilton

Photo credit: Eness

The 2021 Brisbane Festival is about to end in a few days, but there’s still a few more fun activities you must not miss if you haven’t already been, such as the free light-themed art installations, Airship Orchestra and Sky Castle in Northshore Hamilton.

Read: Immerse Yourself In The Works Of Van Gogh In Hamilton

Airship Orchestra

Take a sunset cruise on Brisbane’s Art Boat to see the Airship Orchestra on 25 September 2021. This interactive installation is composed of 16 inflatable characters, to immerse audiences in a glowing world where you can experience the Brisbane River in a new light.

Created by art and technology company Eness, this installation produces notes playing real-time with the sound evolving as you interact with the characters.

Aside from the Airship Orchestra, Brisbane’s Art Boat also features a lively bar, live performances, and an evening soundscape by Tribal Experiences Managing Director and Yuggera and Turrbal man, Shannon Ruska. To book your cruise, visit Brisbane Festival’s website.

Sky Castle

This free-to-visit interactive installation is a magical dreamscape of inflatable arches, with ethereal symphonic work that changes colour as visitors move through its luminous arches. Also a great work of Eness, this installation’s light and music have been specially orchestrated to inspire joy and hope in people as they flow in and out.

“As more people join the journey, the contemporary score crescendos in intensity creating a lush, orchestral piece that is different every night as it responds to crowd flow and fluctuations,” said Eness.

Sky Castle will be open for viewing from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. until 25 Sept.

Stay COVID safe when attending the event by maintaining social distancing, checking in with the QLD app, and wearing a mask.