Who would’ve thought that beneath a railway bridge in sleepy Graceville lies a culinary gem? Noodle Craft, a tiny noodle house, is the best-kept secret for those craving authentic Chinese cuisine.
Noodle Craft is renowned for its authentic knife-cut noodles, which are handmade daily on-site. These delicate noodles are the star ingredient in various Chinese dishes, from hearty soups to flavorful stir-fries.
The cozy interior, adorned with Chinese parasols, offers a welcoming ambience. A spacious outdoor area with Cafe 63 provides ample seating for those who prefer alfresco dining.
The menu is an irresistible blend of classic Chinese dishes and innovative creations. Appetisers range from crispy pork wontons to delectable homemade dumplings. For the main course, diners can choose from various noodle dishes, including the signature knife-cut noodles in laksa soup or the comforting braised beef banh mi.
For something more substantial, the Chef’s Specials offer enticing options like slow-cooked pork belly and roasted duck. A selection of Chinese iced teas, soft drinks, wine, and beer is available to complete the meal.
A 40-year-old alleged arsonist has been extradited from New South Wales to Queensland to face charges related to a suspicious fire that destroyed several vehicles in Sherwood last weekend.
The fire occurred just after midday on Sunday, October 27, at an address on Sherwood Road. Police were called to the scene and determined the fire to be suspicious, launching an investigation.
Acacia Ridge detectives worked with the New South Wales Police Force, which resulted in the arrest of the 40-year-old man in Hornsby on October 30. The man appeared in Hornsby Local Court on October 31 and was remanded into custody for extradition back to Queensland.
The man is now in custody in Queensland and will appear before the courts to face the arson charges.
A talented Oxley family trio will perform in Queensland Musical Theatre’s “Mary Poppins,” bringing community ties and family spirit to the Twelfth Night Theatre stage in Bowen Hills.
The Wilson family’s participation in this production includes 11-year-old Isaac Wilson in a lead role as Michael Banks, while his sister, Matilda, performs as part of the Children’s Ensemble. Their mother, Kellie Wilson, completes the family lineup, portraying Mrs. Brill, the housekeeper known for her brusque humour.
Photo Credit: Queensland Musical Theatre
Photo Credit: Queensland Musical Theatre
The Oxley family, known locally for their artistic pursuits, brings a unique family dynamic to the production, adding depth to the already character-rich narrative.
Kellie brings extensive experience to the production. She grew up in a musically inclined family on the Gold Coast, leading her to develop a lifelong passion for music and performance. Wilson’s past roles include Anna Leonowens in “The King and I,” Sarah in “Company,” Edith in “Pirates of Penzance,” and Little Cosette in “Les Miserables.”
Photo Credit: Queensland Musical Theatre
Her musical versatility is evident in her dual roles as both a singer and violinist, which she has performed in musicals such as “Grease,” “Chess,” and “Godspell,” where she has taken up the principal violin part.
Wilson holds the AMusA in violin and singing and has worked with institutions like the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Conservatorium, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. In 2019, she wrote and performed a children’s show with the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra (GCCO), an organisation she continues to support through education and outreach. She has also served as a vocal teacher and choral conductor at local schools and manages her vocal studio.
A Closer Look at “Mary Poppins” Live
The show will open to audiences from 15 November to 24 November, offering a limited run in the Bowen Hills area at Brisbane’s Twelfth Night Theatre.
“Mary Poppins” is a cherished production based on P.L. Travers’ beloved books and the classic Disney film adaptation. The musical tells the story of the magical nanny Mary Poppins, who arrives on Cherry Tree Lane to bring order, wonder, and a sense of family unity to the Banks household.
This Queensland Musical Theatre version promises a vibrant display of song, dance, and storytelling, enhanced by the classic tunes of the Sherman Brothers, whose songs have become iconic, including “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
“Mary Poppins” will offer a community-centric experience, showcasing local talent and appealing to families and theatre enthusiasts across Brisbane. The production’s full orchestra will accompany the choreography and staging, promising a powerful live performance that celebrates the value of theatre in bringing people together.
A recent study has confirmed what locals have long known: Graceville boasts some of the shadiest streets in the city, with Honour Avenue, Bell Terrace and Laurel Avenue ranking highly in research conducted by the University of Southern Queensland.
The study by radiation scientist Nathan Downs assessed footpath shade across ten Brisbane suburbs to determine ultraviolet radiation exposure. Downs, who has spent over two decades researching Queensland’s UV index, highlighted the importance of shade in a state with the world’s highest skin cancer rates.
The research identified 48 tree species across 210 sites, with camphor laurel, Indian beech and golden penda among those providing the most shade. While fig species offer excellent canopy cover, their invasive roots pose a risk to infrastructure. Downs emphasised the significance of mature trees in creating well-shaded streets, stating that the ideal time to plant a tree was “30 years ago, with today being the second-best option.”
Photo Credit: Google Map
Graceville’s abundance of established trees, particularly along Honour Avenue with its century-old camphor laurels, contributes significantly to its cool and inviting atmosphere. This green canopy provides respite from the Queensland sun and enhances the suburb’s aesthetic appeal, particularly during jacaranda season.
However, research from the University of Queensland has revealed a disparity in shade provision across Brisbane. A Dorina Pojani and Sean Patton study found that wealthier suburbs have more tree cover than lower-income areas. This trend, observed in urban environments globally, raises concerns about equity and accessibility. Pojani noted the irony of this situation, as residents in less affluent suburbs often rely more on public transport and, therefore, need greater access to shade.
The researchers stressed the multifaceted benefits of trees, including air purification, water circulation, and wildlife corridors. They also highlighted the role of street trees in providing shade for pedestrians and improving the accessibility of public transport, particularly bus stops, which can be highly uncomfortable in Brisbane’s summer heat.
Photo Credit: Google Map
Brisbane City Council’s research supports this finding, with residents calling for increased shade at bus stops. While the reasons behind the shade discrepancies are still being investigated, Pojani suggests that residents of wealthier suburbs may have more time and resources to advocate for tree planting.
Brisbane City Council reports that 79 percent of residents live in the suburbs with over 20 percent tree cover. The council planted over 11,000 street trees in the last financial year and plans to target areas with lower tree cover in future planting initiatives. Residents can also request trees to be planted on their verge through the council.
Ultimately, as Downs aptly summarises, a liveable city is a city with ample shade. With its lush tree canopy and commitment to preserving its green spaces, Graceville is a prime example for other suburbs to emulate.
A dog in Sherwood has been ordered to be euthanised after it killed two pet cats and was reported for becoming increasingly aggressive towards the community.
The incidents date back to April, when the Staffordshire Bull Terrier killed Jessie Lafferty-Delaney’s cat in front of her young son. She described the attack as brutal, with the dog grabbing the cat by the throat and mauling it.
The attack left her and her family living in fear for their safety, particularly concerned about what could happen if the dog turned its aggression toward children in the neighbourhood.
Another Sherwood resident reported that the same dog had killed her cat months earlier. She recalled physically restraining the dog while waiting for the owner to arrive and collect it. These repeated attacks prompted widespread concern among locals about the dog’s behaviour and its potential danger to both pets and people in the area.
Council Action and Owner Violations
Brisbane declared the dog dangerous in May, which required the owner to take specific steps to secure the animal. The dog was supposed to be kept in an approved enclosure, and any time it was outside, it had to wear a council-issued collar and muzzle. Despite these measures, Sherwood residents reported multiple sightings of the dog wandering in public without a muzzle, in direct violation of the council’s regulations.
The dog’s owner had been fined five times for failing to comply with the requirements set by the council. Despite these penalties, the violations continued, raising further alarm among the community.
Photo Credit: Needpix
Decision to Euthanise
After continued concerns from residents and media inquiries, Council issued an order to have the dog euthanised, citing community safety as the priority. Cr Sarah Hutton confirmed the decision, explaining that the owner had not taken the necessary steps to secure the dog, and further action was needed to protect Sherwood residents from potential harm.
The dog’s increasing aggression and failure to be properly restrained led to fears that the next victim could be a person, particularly a child. This prompted the council’s decision to take decisive action, despite multiple chances given to the owner to rectify the situation.
Corinda State High School has been selected as the launch site for the 2024 Get Ready Queensland Week. Former rugby league star and Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston will join local students and emergency services to encourage the community to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season.
The event, taking place on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, will feature an important announcement from the Bureau of Meteorology about Queensland’s severe weather outlook. The school community, including representatives from Queensland emergency services, will come together to highlight the importance of disaster preparedness.
Johnathan Thurston’s Call to Action
Johnathan Thurston will headline a new ad campaign titled “Weather doesn’t plan but you can,” urging all Queenslanders to take action before extreme weather hits. Mr Thurston’s message focuses on the three critical steps to prepare: understanding personal risk, making a plan, and packing an emergency kit. The campaign also introduces an online tool to help residents create a disaster plan, accessed at getready.qld.gov.au.
Mr Thurston likened the importance of planning to his experience in professional sports, saying, “Just as every member of a footy team trains hard to achieve success on game day, every Queenslander can take steps now to Get Ready for extreme weather.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Statewide Engagement
The launch event in Brisbane is just one of several activities planned across Queensland. Along with events in Cairns, regional roadshows will reach communities in the southeast, Far North, and western parts of the state. These roadshows will involve councils and local emergency services, offering residents access to disaster preparedness resources and information.
Additional activities at Corinda State High School will benefit students, including an emergency services expo and a Resilient Homes Workshop, which will provide practical advice on preparing homes for severe weather.
Preparing Queensland for the Future
Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) reinforced the importance of Get Ready Queensland Week as a timely reminder for residents to get organised before the summer months.
“Over the past year, 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas have been impacted by a bushfire, cyclone, flood, or storm,” Mr Ellwood said. He emphasised that those who prepare recover faster from disasters than those who wait for external help.
The QRA, which manages the Get Ready Queensland program, partners with major sponsor Suncorp to promote resilience-building activities. Lisa Harrison, Suncorp’s Chief Executive of Consumer Insurance, highlighted the importance of good disaster preparation practices, which can reduce the devastating impacts of natural disasters on homes and communities.
Corinda’s Experience
For Corinda State High School, the message of disaster resilience hits close to home. The school has experienced severe flooding in both 2011 and 2022, making it a fitting location to launch Get Ready Queensland Week.
“The lessons being shared during Get Ready Queensland Week reinforce for all of us, especially our young people, why it’s so vital we prepare for the unexpected turns of Mother Nature,” Deputy Principal Rebecca Gilroy said.
With Queensland’s unpredictable weather patterns, this year’s campaign hopes to instil a sense of preparedness in every household, encouraging everyone to take the three essential steps to get ready before it’s too late.
Starts at 60, a dynamic online community for those in their golden years, is bringing its virtual connections into the real world through its popular Meetup program. These casual gatherings, hosted in public cafes and venues across the country, offer members a chance to form meaningful friendships face-to-face, at no cost.
One thriving chapter of this community can be found in Graceville, where meetups occur on the first Tuesday of each month, except November.
The next Graceville gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Arte & Gusto Cafe Bar. It’s an open invitation for seniors in the area to come together, share stories, and forge new connections over a cup of coffee or a light lunch.
Photo credit: Arte & Gusto Cafe Bar/Google Maps
These Graceville meetups, like all Starts at 60 events, are organised by dedicated community volunteers, ensuring a welcoming and authentic experience for all attendees.
Starts at 60 is more than just meetups. Members enjoy a suite of benefits designed to enrich their lives. They have access to free daily news and views tailored to the over-60 demographic, keeping them informed on relevant issues.
Photo credit: Starts at 60/Facebook
Through Travel at 60, a specialised travel agency, members can explore exclusive deals and receive expert advice on cruises and tours. For those seeking adventure with like-minded individuals, Starts at 60 offers exciting community holidays, both domestic and international.
Whether you’re seeking new friendships, travel companions, or simply a fresh perspective on life after 60, these meetups offer a gateway to a more engaging and connected lifestyle.To learn more about upcoming Starts at 60 events and meetups in your area, visit their website at startsat60.com.
The images, posted on a community Facebook page, show a person with their head covered, holding what Mr Perkin believes to be a firearm, attempting to gain entry into his property in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Mr Perkin reported that the incident occurred around 3:45 a.m., with two individuals seen in the vicinity of Marshall Rd and Freney St. His security system alerted him to their presence, and he used floodlights to scare them off. The individuals then reportedly fled towards Kookaburra Park.
Photo Credit: Pexels
While Mr Perkin stated that he had informed the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and provided them with the footage, a police spokesperson indicated no formal complaint had been lodged.
The spokesperson also mentioned that while the footage showed the individuals holding an object, there wasn’t enough evidence to confirm it was a firearm.
Brisbane’s 50¢ flat public transport fares, recently made permanent, have led to a surge in ridership, highlighting the opportunity to decrease traffic congestion and fares by encouraging multi-modal commuting in directly affected suburbs like Graceville, Oxley, and Sherwood.
While numerous bicycle parking spots exist at public transport sites, challenges with security and accessibility hinder wider adoption. As World Car-Free Day is observed on 22 September, cyclists and advocates push for improvements to encourage multi-modal commuting.
Cycling for a Smoother Commute
Photo Credit: Pexels
For commuters like Travis Bassett, cycling to the train station isn’t just about saving time; it’s a healthier, less stressful start to the day. Bassett’s six-minute bike ride to Graceville station is faster than driving, finding parking, and walking. He also enjoys the exercise, while residents near the station appreciate one less car on their streets.
However, the lack of secure and easily accessible bike parking at some stations can be a deterrent. Bassett prefers the route to Sherwood station but opts for Graceville due to its bike lockers, even though Sherwood has exposed bike racks. He recounts his difficulties after losing his bike locker key, emphasising the need for a streamlined process.
The Park ‘n’ Ride Paradox
Photo Credit: Pexels
Some stations, like Oxley, boast excellent active transport facilities with large bike cages and undercover racks; others fall short. This disparity in bike parking options further discourages potential cyclists from choosing this mode of transport to reach public transport hubs.
While the Queensland government has invested millions in park ‘n’ ride facilities, these often fill up quickly, leading to overflow parking in nearby streets. The high cost per car space and free parking further contribute to congestion. In contrast, upgrading bike parking facilities could provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Secure, Accessible Bike Parking a Priority
Photo Credit: Pexels
A new state government strategy addresses these issues by prioritising secure, weatherproof, and easily accessible bike parking. Advocates such as Chris Cox contend that further action is necessary. They point to other Australian cities where cyclists can access bike parking with their public transport card, removing another barrier to multi-modal travel.
With World Car-Free Day on the horizon, there’s no better time to rethink our commuting habits. By improving bike parking facilities and promoting cycling as a viable option, Brisbane can significantly reduce congestion and create a more sustainable transport system.
As Sherwood Arboretum approaches its centenary, a new chapter unfolds with the opening of its nature-inspired playground. After weeks of anticipation and careful work, the reimagined play space is now ready to welcome young adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The newly designed playground is more than just swings and slides; it’s an immersive experience that brings the arboretum’s rich botanical heritage to life. Children can now:
Hop along whimsical mushroom steppers
Wander a winding boardwalk
Listen to the melodies of local birds on an interactive sound panel
Gaze up at the canopy from a net, spotting wildlife among the branches
Test their balance on a challenging log maze
Scale a spider-inspired climbing net
Each element has been carefully chosen to encourage exploration and foster a connection with the natural world that surrounds it.
Accessibility and Enrichment at the Core
Photo credit: BCC/Facebook
The playground’s redesign focused on creating an enriched and more accessible play environment. Improvements include replacement of existing decking, installation of new equipment and furniture, and addition of a second pathway to enhance accessibility
These upgrades ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the wonders of outdoor play in this unique setting.
Brisbane partnered with two local businesses to bring this suburban oasis to life. The collaboration has resulted in a play space that reflects the character of the area and the values of its residents.
Sherwood Arboretum: A Century of Growth
Photo credit: BCC/Facebook
As the playground opens its gates, it marks the beginning of celebrations leading up to Sherwood Arboretum’s centenary in 2025. Established on World Forestry Day in 1925, the arboretum has flourished from a modest collection of native Australian trees into a diverse 15-hectare sanctuary.
Today, the arboretum boasts:
Approximately 1,100 trees
250 distinct species
Various botanical collections including riverine, dry rainforest, dry sclerophyll, and freshwater wetland areas
A grand avenue of 72 kauri pines, considered the crown jewel of the park
Looking to the Future
With the centenary on the horizon, the Friends of Sherwood Arboretum are preparing for a year filled with celebrations and activities. The new playground is just the beginning of a series of upgrades aimed at revitalising this beloved space.
As Sherwood Arboretum enters its second century, it does so with renewed vigour. The enhanced facilities and nature-inspired playground ensure that future generations will continue to find relaxation, discovery, and a deep appreciation for conservation within its leafy bounds.
