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Mark Your Calendars! Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run to Return in August

Did you know that the Bridge to Brisbane fun run event, spanning several suburbs including Eagle Farm, is finally returning to Queensland?

Scheduled for the 29th of August 2021, the Bridge to Brisbane fun run is returning to Queensland for its 25th anniversary — and what better way to celebrate than to take its runners back to the course that started it all: the Gateway Bridge?

For 18 years, between the event’s launch in 1997 to 2015, Bridge to Brisbane’s route consisted of a run across the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, or as it’s more commonly known, the Gateway Bridge. It had only changed locations in the past decade due to construction in Kingsford Smith Drive, however runners will finally be able to experience the original route once again.

As always, participants of the fun run are encouraged to wear colourful and zany costumes at the event, such as these runners from a previous year.

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As part of the events, two routes will be available, with the primary route being 10 kilometres long, and the secondary route 4.5 kilometres long. Each one offers their own distinct sights and paths, with both culminating at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

Those who take the primary route will be given the opportunity to run 1.6 kilometres over the length of the Gateway Bridge — one that hasn’t arisen in roughly six years. The 10-km course will start runners off at the iconic bridge before bringing them across Kingsford Smith Drive, and finally ending at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The 10km route.
Photo credit: Google Maps

The 4.5km route, on the other hand, will start from Hercules Park in Hamilton and make their way towards the Brisbane Showgrounds. Note that with this route, runners will be unable to make their way across the Gateway Bridge.

The 4.5km route.
Photo credit: Google Maps

To learn more about the fun run, visit the Bridge to Brisbane website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning the event, as well as any other special announcements.

Olympic Figure Skating Hopefuls to Dazzle at The Winter Village in Hamilton

Looking for an unconventional type of entertainment you don’t see every day? Catch a dazzling performance featuring Australia’s Winter Olympics figure skating hopefuls at The Winter Village in Hamilton.

On 5 June 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Team Nova Australia, alongside a group of young and talented skaters, will perform in front of a Brisbane audience for the first time since the COVID-19 restrictions.

These Winter Olympics hopefuls have been training at Iceworld Boondall and to further prepare themselves for the challenge in 2022, they will be entertaining the visitors of The Winter Village for 13 weeks.

Team Nova Australia is composed of 15 to 21-year-old figure skaters, who have won the Gold for the country at the Trophy d’Ecosse in Scotland before the pandemic lockdowns in 2020. They will be showcasing their newest exhibition routine to the music of Tik Tok sensation Aurora.

Also performing for The Winter Village visitors are Felicity Smyth (19), Eliza Smyth (22), Paris Stephens (20), Darian Kaptich (19), and David Kranjec (25).

Felicity, a student of Nutrition and Science at QUT, ranked second at the 2021 Town trophy championships in April 2021. Her goal is to win the Australian National Championships. She will be showcasing her latest program using the soundtrack from Netflix’s Bridgerton.

Eliza, who started training as a 3-year-old, will make The Winter Village performance her comeback bid after an injury. She is currently training for the Winter Olympics Pairs Event and will perform a routine with one of Ellie Goulding’s songs at the Hamilton pop-up.

Paris is a four-time Australian National champion and a skate program teacher who has won the gold at the Town Trophy championships senior division. She will perform her latest routine to one of the music of the Broadway show “Chicago.”

Darian, a technical and artistic figure skater, is a third-placer at the 2020 Australian Championships men’s division and was a three-time junior national champion. He has also won the gold at the Reykjavik International Games. For The Winter Village, Darian will show a sneak peek of his new routine for 2021.

David, who is also one of the coaches and choreographers of these skaters, is a very accomplished figure skater and has competed at the Nationals, the World Junior Championships, the Four Continents Championships, and the European Championships. His performance will be based on the sounds of the Cinematic Orchestra, which he self-choreographed.

Helping the figure skaters out are coaches Melina Simjanovic, Vashti Lonsdale, Stacey Carter & Mitchell Chapman, aside from David.

The Winter Village is set up at the Northshore Riverfront Event Site and will open from 3 June to 29 August 2021. Open for seven days a week, the pop-up event site will also have heaps of bars and restaurants, a fantastic igloo village with snow showers, and an ice skating rink.

For a Limited Time Only, The Winter Village is Coming to Hamilton

Winter is almost here and what better way to spend it than at The Winter Village in Hamilton — opening in June!

From the 3rd of June to the 29th of August 2021, The Winter Village, an artificially-created winter wonderland hosted by Australian Venue Co will be set up in Brisbane. The venue comes complete with an ice rink, falling snow, and igloos, and it will be open to any and all. The event will be hosted at Hamilton’s Northshore Riverfront Event Site, taking up a grand total area of 3,900 square metres.

Patrons who make their way to the ice rink will be able to skate with one another and enjoy the cold in 45-minute sessions available seven days a week. People who simply wish to explore and experience the showers of snow can check out the venue’s pop-up bars and food vendors.

Those who visit the site will also be able to spend some time inside one of 22 private igloos, each of which have been fully outfitted for comfort with armchairs, soft cushions and fairy lights which make for a magical experience. Each of these igloos will be bookable for one hour and 45 minute sessions for groups two to five people large.

Photo credit: Instagram/The Winter Village

People will be able to choose from one of two package options for a share-style feast which will be delivered directly to their respective igloos. Those with dietary restrictions can order specially-made vegan packages.

The first of these options is the Standard Package, which costs $49 per person, and offers a grazing plate filled with an assortment of delicious snacks followed by a share platter of main dishes partnered with a choice of wine or beer. Lastly, dessert is a chocolate ice cream sandwich.

The second package, dubbed the Premium Package, costs $69 per person. This package also features a grazing plate and a share platter of main dishes as well as dessert, in addition to a series of berries, brownies, marshmallows and cookies that come with hot espresso martini choc fudge sauce. Drink options aren’t only limited to wine or beer either. Premium bookers will be able to indulge themselves with aperol spritz or espresso martinis.

To book an igloo, visit this website.

The Winter Village can be found at the Northshore Riverfront Event Space at H35F+G2 Hamilton, Queensland Wharf Street, Hamilton. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the event.

Bid to Save Decaying Pinkenba State School Stalls Further

Saving what remains of the heritage-listed but decaying Pinkenba State School structure continues to be stalled as Council awaits the amendments to the developers’ plans.

SPMA Group Pty Ltd has been given until 28 May 2021 to submit new details to its development application (DA A005214273) for the land on Eagle Farm and Serpentine Roads.

The plans, originally lodged in June 2019, earned some opposition from the community after the developer expressed a need to convert the property for low-impact industrial use from a Community Facilities Zone. The developers, however, said it will preserve the heritage-listed school building.

Dogtainers Brisbane purchased the property in 2016 with the intention of restoring Pinkenba State School, which closed in 2008 due to a declining student population. However, residents have not been open to the idea of turning a large part of the land next to it for industrial developments.

In submissions to the Council, the locals said that they have been hoping the development would focus on creating facilities for community use, such as a healthcare centre or a sports arena. However, the developers outlined in their application that the site itself would be insufficient as a community space since there is no accessible public transport in the area.

The developers further said, “Pinkenba State School was decommissioned due to low enrolment and the small, aging population within Pinkenba and Pinkenba Village. Pinkenba has evolved to become an area dominated by medium impact industrial uses, heavy impact industrial uses and the Brisbane Airport, with the associated amenity impacts needing to be considered for future development of the site.”

During the assessment of the development application, Council also discussed the possibility of conducting essential repairs of the Pinkenba State School with the owners.

“I have contacted the owner of the property to advise him that Council will not tolerate this damage to the heritage of Pinkenba and that restoration is an absolute obligation before any consideration of a future development application for the site can be considered,” Councillor David MacLachlan posted on Facebook in May 2020.

“Pinkenba residents alerted me to the disgraceful act of vandalism over the weekend and I immediately requested an investigation. Local residents told me that the owner of shipping containers stored on the site deliberately wrenched aside the wrought iron archway over the memorial gates, significantly damaging it and one of the supporting columns, in order to gain access to and removal of the containers.”

One year since Cr MacLachlan’s statements and the state school is still disintegrating as broken glass windows have allowed for a great number of birds like Ibis to move in.

In March 2021, the Council once again asked the owners of their plans for the heritage site. The Council said it cannot make a decision on the development application unless there is a concrete action to preserve the building, including the gates that serve as a memorial for war heroes.

Max Elliot: Impressive Teen With Autism Lands Job as Chef in Albion

Max Elliot is an impressive teenager who tapped his love for food to get a job that he enjoys. Whilst attending school, he also works as a chef at the Brothers Rugby Club in Albion, where he’s not just improving his cooking skills but also his ability to deal with different kinds of people.

This teenager has autism but it has not gotten in the way of his drive to pursue a cooking job. His mother, Megan, said that Max realised he wanted to be a chef whilst undergoing speech therapy.

The Elliot family took advantage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to get support for Max to make his dreams come true. So, with NDIS’ help, Max has been manning the kitchen at the Ruggers Restaurant within the rugby club in Albion two half days a week. He’s also learning to work at the front of house when needed.

“We want Max to make as much of a contribution in the community as he can, and that hopefully involves getting a job at some level, paying taxes, as well as getting all the support we can; but, we want his life to be as normal as it can be,” his mother said.

Max’s parents have ties to the rugby club as they helped develop the GingerCloud Foundation and the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) for children and young adults with learning and perceptual disabilities. His NDIS support team members are also PlayerMentors at MRP, where he has been playing since he was 11 years old.

“Max now has these role models, all these wonderful young people, who make a contribution and are the right people modelling the right behaviours; and that’s who we want Max to become. They know we have a plan and a strategy (for Max) and they work with us to achieve that.”

Megan said that they were inspired to build GingerCloud and MRP because they want to get involved in the community and help raise awareness for young people like Max.

“So for all of our families involved, it’s about a celebration of every milestone towards a vision about what amazing lives we believe our young people can have, because, if we set the bar low, our kids will achieve it every time; but, if we set the bar high, our kids will work to that in our community.”

As a result, the MRP has branched out to Darling Downs, North Queensland and the ACT.

Meanwhile, when Max isn’t at the restaurant or playing rugby, he still has his NDIS support for this speech therapy three hours a week. NDIS has provided him with a program to help with his writing and reading tasks for school.

“It took so long to write and he couldn’t get his thoughts out; using ‘Ghotit’, Max can now get the thoughts out…so that’s been really exciting,” Megan said.

Max Elliot and his family got in touch with Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in Brisbane at 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au.

Famous Brisbane Millinery Fair 2021 Returns to Hamilton

The Brisbane Millinery Fair 2021 will showcase some of the city’s best milliners and race wear accessories at Hamilton Hotel on the 18th of April, inviting visitors to shop from a vast selection of high-quality hats and headpieces designed by eight of Brisbane’s top milliners.

Hats by fashion-forward milliner Sandy Aslett, a popular choice in the autumn and winter racing fashion circuit, will be available for visitors to try on and purchase.

One of Sandy Aslett's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — A Sandy Aslett creation.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Hat & Crown Millinery will feature a range of unique and beautiful hats, all hand-crafted and with extra attention to detail with designs by Jo Phelan.

One of Hat & Crown Millinery's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — A piece by Hat & Crown Millinery
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Another label, Crazy Teapot, offers hats and headwear sporting feminine designs by Brenda Lui.

One of Crazy Teapot's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — Created by Crazy Teapot.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Another one of the millinery labels who’ll feature a collection of their work at the fair is Belle Folie, notable for their bridal and vintage racewear pieces.

One of Belle Folie's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — One of Belle Folie’s creations.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Hats from Alison Clark Millinery, on the other hand, have a unique and sculptural flair. A collection will be available at the fair for people to wear and purchase.

One of Alison Clark's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — Created by Alison Clark.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Kylie Heagney Millinery will also showcase their selection of headwear. Kylie herself comes from a racing family, and her work has been featured in numerous fashion events such as Brisbane’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival.

One of Kylie Heagney's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — A Kylie Heagney creation.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Another featured label will be Kate McKell’s J.A.R. Millinery, whose designs draw inspiration from Kate’s experiences in life. Kate first took up millinery as a hobby, and her passion eventually evolved into a full-fledged business.

One of J.A.R. Millinery's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — Designed by Kate McKell.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Millinery Fair

Last but not least, the fair will offer a collection of headwear from My Hat Millinery, featuring designs by Jane Moy.

One of Jane Moy's creations at the Brisbane Millinery Fair — One of Jane Moy’s creations.
Photo credit: Facebook/ Brisbane Millinery Fair

Follow the Brisbane Millinery Fair 2021’s Facebook event page for more information concerning the fair, headwear, and any other special updates and announcements. The event will be hosted at the Hamilton Hotel in 442 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton on April the 18th 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those interested in registering can do so here.

Development Assessment of Hudson Common in Albion Extended

Hudson Common, the planned mixed-use development on Sandgate Road in Albion, is tentatively set to begin construction in late 2021, if approved. However, Council has extended the assessment period of the development application following the submission of some amendments to the proposal.

Alceon, through its development manager, Core Property, filed the paperwork for Hudson Common (DA A005515830) in August 2020, whilst a revised proposal was lodged in December.

According to an official from Planning Services North, the extension was necessary to allow the urban planners to review the changes.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

Alceon made changes to the development to address concerns like deep tree planting, providing adequate biking and pedestrian access, increasing the parking provisions fixing the traffic setbacks on Sandgate Road, and improving the articulation of the podium’s design and layout.

The company also committed to the submission of a 3D model to demonstrate that the building will not obstruct the views from Lapraik Street to the Taylor Ranges.

The Hudson Common project, estimated to be worth $200 million, will redevelop a former eyesore in Brisbane’s north into a mixed-use site with multiple dwellings (at least 77 apartments), office spaces, boutique retail stores, a supermarket, food and drink outlets, sports and recreational facilities, health care and childcare centres. The commercial spaces will cover 5,600 square metres whilst the office spaces will take up about 14,000 square metres.

Alceon has hired Cox Architecture and Arkhefield for the designs, which will also include a green space plaza to the centre of the commercial towers and residential areas. If all goes to plan, Hudson Common should be ready by late 2022 or early 2023.

Part of Approved Microbrewery Site In Albion May Be Converted Into A Hotel

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A developer is seeking to convert part of an approved brewery space at 31 Collingwood Street, Albion into a hotel that would feature an additional sport and recreation area.

To make way for the hotel, NGU01 Unit Trust and Ralph Lauren 88 Unit Trust will have to alter the internal walls, external façade, structures on both levels of the existing building. If given the green light, it will support the microbrewery, commercial kitchen, food and drink approved over the site in April 2020.

Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Subject site (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The ground level would house the retained food and drink outlet and coffee roastery area; a 432-sqm general brewery and hotel area; a 108-sqm microbrewery production and storage; and a 76-sqm ancillary brewery retail sales. A laneway along the eastern and rear part of the building would be retained and the approved pedestrian access points will not be unaffected.

The indoor recreation area, measuring 500-sqm, would be located on Level 2. The subject site has existing use rights for indoor sport and recreation but the developers are seeking to include a group fitness and PT studio room in an area previously unoccupied by the indoor sport and recreation use.

Proposed floor levels (Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

“The proposed adaption of the approved space as a combined hotel and brewery is consistent with the evolving nature of inner-city industrial areas and complements surrounding land uses in within the Albion locality,” said DTS Group in an assessment report.

The assessment report also noted: “The proposed development represents an adaptive re-use of part of the approved microbrewery space which, once the initial production stage of the operation is complete, will have available area to utilise.”

Designs rendered by Conrad Gargett showed the building would have a contemporary feel, with its plenty of glass windows and the use of neutral colours and wood tones. It is going to be located within an existing 2 storey building which has a building height of less than 15m, consistent with the expectations of the Albion industrial area.

For further details about the proposed development, see A005675120.

Craft’d Ground: New 2,600sqm Lifestyle Precinct to Bring Changes to Albion

Craft’d Ground, a new and massive lifestyle precinct, spanning 2,600 square metres, will change the way Albion residents shop, dine and enjoy their downtime once it opens.

Set for an unveiling in May, the site on Collingwood Street is the brainchild of the co-owners of Collingwood Black Espresso & Bar and The Black Market in Brisbane’s northside.

Craft’d Ground (DA A005675120) is built around a former craft brewery at the 100-year-old timber mill and will take up 500 square metres. The rest of the property will include a bottle shop, coffee shops, a national coffee roaster, an espresso bar and cocktail bar, a handful of restaurants, and a patisserie and fromagerie.

Plans for a live music and special events venue will also make up the lifestyle precinct. There will be a laneway lined with works of street artists and a section for hosting farmers’ markets.

Co-owner James Rennell said that this foodie and entertainment area will be locally focused and offer a more authentic experience. Mr Rennell and his partners thought long and hard on the concept of Craft’d Ground, especially after several businesses in retail and the food industry closed due to the pandemic.

With renewing connections in mind, Craft’d Ground will be a place for people to savour great food and enjoy their coffee in an expansive space where there will be little partitions and more chances to connect.

Visitors to this new lifestyle precinct can dine, wine or meet up and celebrate with friends, families and even their pets. Mr Rennell said that they looked up to Sydney’s The Grounds of Alexandria for the inspiration to Craft’d Ground.

The site is expected to finish construction in late May 2021 and will be ready for domestic tourism once the borders are completely gone.

Onedin: Prestige Hamilton House with a Murderous Past Up for Auction

Onedin, a Spanish-style house on Grays Road with a dark and scandalous past, has been put up for auction. In the 1950s, this Hamilton house was the scene of a murder-scandal involving a socialite couple.

With unobstructed views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge, this stately and elevated house thrives as a multimillion-dollar property within a bluechip suburb despite its history. Realtors expect Onedin, the house’s name, to fetch a substantial price when it goes on the market on Saturday, 20 March 2021.

Onedin house has a master suite on the top floor with its own living room and balcony. The living space on the ground floor faces towards the city views, whilst the kitchen and three bedrooms with bathrooms are set at the back of the house, where there is privacy. This Hamilton house also has a lower level with a secure garage, laundry room and bathroom.

Photo Credit: https://www.realestate.com.au/

Sitting on a 607 square metre block with garden hedges, Onedin was once the site of socialite parties. It was owned by Sylvia Joyce Clare Ferguson and Roy Ferguson.

What happened inside Onedin?

According to reports, Roy co-owned pubs, breweries and hotels around Forbes and Newcastle, as well as a poultry farm in Charleston with his brother, Jack Ferguson. A wealthy bachelor, Roy met his wife in the 1940s whilst she was working as a barmaid. They moved from New South Wales to settle into this Hamilton house when they got married.

Sylvia, however, had a lover, Albert Eric Murphy, who worked for Roy and he discovered that the Fergusons were not legally married. Soon, Sylvia and Eric met in secret and she convinced him that Roy was a violent and dangerous man, who won’t hesitate to use a gun.

They continued the affair even as the Fergusons moved to Brisbane. Despite telling Eric that she was in an unhappy marriage with a man she feared, Sylvia agreed to finally legally wed Roy in 1953.

But Sylvia and Eric were still in contact and soon decided to plan Roy’s murder so they could run away together and she could have her husband’s fortune. They sought the help of Ernie Hamilton, a friend of Roy’s who knew Sylvia’s affair. Ernie agreed to the plan for 1,000 pounds.

On the night of the murder, Sylvia gave Eric and Ernie access to the Hamilton house, while Roy had been sleeping. Their home companions Thelma and Wally Gray woke up at 1:30 a.m. to Sylvia screaming for help as Roy had been hit.

However, Sylvia, who had never been discreet with her affair, admitted to the murder plan during the investigation. She told the police Ernie was blackmailing her but the judge would hand a guilty verdict for all three attackers.

Sylvia was sentenced to 10 years whilst Eric and Ernie were in prison for three years.

Hamilton House Auction Details

Meanwhile, Onedin went up the market more than 15 years ago before the current owners decided to sell. Place Ascot is conducting the auction at its headquarters on James Street at 10:00 a.m. on 20 March.