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Discover Artforce Brisbane’s Traffic Signal Boxes in Rocklea

Have you seen Artforce Brisbane’s traffic signal boxes in the streets of Rocklea? Each piece not only catches the eye but also offers a window into the creative minds and compelling narratives of the artists who have breathed life into them. Here’s the story behind some of the artworks.

Read: Chelmer School of Arts (Former): Among Early Queensland’s Status Symbols

Rocklea Plants on Pink

“Rocklea Plants on Pink” is an artwork by artist Catherine Pepper, whose inspiration stems from the flora, fauna, and landscapes of Australia. This particular piece captures the essence of roadside cacti flourishing in Rocklea. Ms Pepper’s style is characterised by vibrant and lively paintings that aim to captivate and uplift the viewer. She has a penchant for creating large-scale works, allowing her compositions to make a powerful visual impact.

Location: Ipswich Road & Medway Street, Rocklea

traffic signal boxes — Photo credit: Artforce Brisbane

Rocklea is ‘Carmen’ along/Oxley Common

Luca, Arlo, and Gigi Dickinson’s design encapsulates the essence of Rocklea as a suburb rich with colour, nature, and produce through various elements. Their artwork incorporates a map to provide contextual understanding, whilst a lively and playful homage to Carmen Miranda’s iconic fruit and vegetable hat adds vibrancy to the composition. Additionally, the artwork pays tribute to Oxley Common and the rural landscapes that lie just beyond the road, creating a well-rounded representation of Rocklea’s unique charm.

Location: Sherwood Road & Rocklea Markets & West Entrance, Rocklea

Bliss

“Bliss,” created by Arielle Hankinson in collaboration with Eloise Ball and Lauren Spriggs, draws its inspiration from Arielle’s cherished memories of visiting markets with her mother on weekends, a time when their bond deepened. The artwork beautifully captures feminine iconography, evoking a sense of motherly love through the figure’s gentle posture and expression.

The motif of strawberries is employed to symbolise the concept of fresh produce, reflecting the vibrant and abundant nature of market experiences. Through “Bliss,” Arielle aims to convey the serene and joyful emotions that she, along with many others, experiences while leisurely strolling through markets.

Location: Sherwood Rd & Martin Taylor Drive, Rocklea

Flower Love

Brisbane artist Sue Collins drew inspiration from the Rocklea Markets, (now located across the road from their current location), renowned for their assortment of fresh flowers. Sue Collins incorporated this vibrant atmosphere into their design, capturing the essence of the market.

Location: Fairfield Rd & Sherwood Rd & Ipswich Rd, Rocklea

Read: Rocklea’s Brisbane Markets Inches Closer to Stock Market Listing

Artforce Brisbane offers a unique opportunity for residents of all ages and artistic backgrounds to unleash their creativity by designing and painting artworks on traffic signal boxes.The program has already witnessed tremendous success, with over 1200 boxes adorned with unique creations by talented individuals to date.

Published 7-June-2023

Rocklea’s Brisbane Markets Inches Closer to Stock Market Listing

Brisbane Markets Ltd, the owner of the Brisbane Markets site in Rocklea, is making progress towards a potential listing on the Australian Securities Exchange. The move comes after the company reached a tentative agreement to remove a separate class of industry shares, which had been a key sticking point in the shareholder structure.

The company holds over $259 million in total equity and $512 million in assets, primarily comprising investment properties. Additionally, Brisbane Markets Ltd (BML) has a 44.33 per cent stake in Perth Markets Group Limited (PMGL), having faced resistance from West Australian industry owners over a recent attempt to secure a majority stake.

The issue with the shareholder structure revolves around the Queensland Chamber of Fruit and Vegetable Industries Co-operative Limited, along with other representatives from the supply chain, including growers, retailers, and wholesale industry organization Brismark.

The provision for separate industry shares, established when BML acquired the Brisbane Markets site in 2002, grants the holders the right to appoint a director to the board and veto power over shareholder resolutions.

After two years of negotiations, BML and Brismark have agreed to terms that would pave the way for a stock market listing, subject to shareholder approval. The proposed agreement involves canceling the four industry shares and issuing ordinary shares based on their value at the time of the listing decision.

Both BML and Brismark will engage with their respective shareholders and members to seek approval for the arrangement.

BML’s financial performance has had its ups and downs. In the December half-year of 2022, BML’s operating profit dropped by 6.4 per cent to $7.9 million, primarily due to a $14 million property revaluation cut resulting in a net loss after tax of $4 million.

However, in FY22, the company’s operating revenue remained steady at $46.3 million, and net profit more than tripled to $62.3 million, largely driven by increases in property values at the Brisbane and Perth sites.

The potential ASX listing could value Brisbane’s fresh produce exchange at up to $400 million.

Published 16-May-2023

Developer Seeks Amendment of Approved Retirement Facility in Corinda

A development application has been submitted for modifications to an already approved retirement facility in Corinda.

Read: Walter Taylor Bridge: Revisiting the History of Southern Hemisphere’s Only Habitable Bridge

The submitted proposal entails making slight revisions to the design of Buildings 2 and 4 within the approved Retirement Facility. Additionally, it involves reducing the number of dwelling units and adjusting the setbacks for a proposed car park exhaust.

The proposal aims to decrease the total Gross Floor Area for the ancillary uses of Building 2 from approximately 293 sqm to around 34 sqm. The tenancies are planned to be situated more internally within the building, accessible exclusively through the lounge and communal areas, with no direct access to the outdoor communal space.

Plans (Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture)

In 2017, the site, located at 260 Cliveden Avenue and 20 Menin Road, Corinda received an original approval for a retirement facility consisting of 264 units across five stages.

Proposed building, Level 2 plan (Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture)

The proposed amendments, designed by O’Neill Architecture, carefully maintain the visual aesthetics of the building, ensuring that there is no discernible increase in the overall size and scale of the structures.

According to planners at RPS, the proposal aims to enhance the building facade of Building 2 by introducing additional architectural features to the north and south elevations. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to incorporate balconies on all elevations, aiming to improve the overall livability and enjoyment for future residents.

The proposal also includes a redesign of the basement carpark in Building 2 to match the new building footprint. There is a plan to alter the carpark entrance by utilising a driveway that connects through the existing car park of Building 7.

Read: Get To Know The Lahey Family Who Built A Successful Sawmill In Corinda

Another amendment is being proposed for Building 4 (Stage 4) to enable optional screening for westward-facing balconies. This modification aims to enhance climate comfort for residents by providing additional protection from the sun.

Further information about the development can be viewed via Brisbane City Council’s PD Online, using the reference A006230954.

Published 12-May-2023

Fun, Food, and Finds: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Sherwood State School Fete

Photo Credit: Facebook / Sherwood State School Fete

It is going to be yet another unforgettable day loaded with fun and entertainment at the Sherwood State School Fete which will be held on Saturday 13 May 2023. Everyone is encouraged to join and celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at this family-friendly event.

Expect to find Mother’s Day market stalls where you can browse through a wide selection of unique and handcrafted gifts, ensuring you’ll discover the perfect present for that special someone. For those seeking a bargain, the second-hand stalls will be a treasure trove of hidden gems

Meanwhile, your children will be captivated by the thrilling rides and amusements available, providing hours of laughter and entertainment. And make sure to participate and try your luck at the raffle or Silent Auction.

Fun, Food, and Finds: Celebrate Mother's Day at Sherwood State School Fete — Photo Credit: Facebook / Sherwood State School Fete

Now, all that excitement is surely bound to make you hungry. Don’t worry because there will be plenty of delicious eats on offer at the event. Grab a bite to eat, find a comfortable spot, and unwind whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The Sherwood State School Fete holds a special place on the school calendar, eagerly anticipated by its returning families. It serves not only as a joyful occasion for students but also as the primary fundraising event for the entire school year. To ensure the fete’s continued success, the dedicated Fete Committee heavily relies on the support and involvement of its vibrant school community.

So, spread the word, gather your loved ones, and make your way to the Sherwood State School Fete. From the Mother’s Day market stalls to the thrilling rides, tasty food, sweet treats, exciting raffle, and captivating entertainment, this is an event you would not want to miss.

What: Sherwood State School Fete
When: Mother’s Day Weekend, Saturday, 13 May 2023; 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Sherwood State School | 464 Oxley Rd, Sherwood, QLD 4075

Published 10-May-2023

Indulge in the Ultimate Mother’s Day Buffet at Lucky Tree Tavern

Photo Credit: Lucky Tree Tavern

On Mother’s Day, take the time to show love and appreciation for the most important woman in your life. Spoil Mum with an exceptional breakfast experience with the Mother’s Day Buffet at Lucky Tree Tavern in Durack!

The breakfast buffet will offer a wide range of sweet and savoury for the whole family to enjoy. Come and feast on bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, and toasted bread. Make your taste buds dance with their muffins, hash browns, pancakes, and waffles. Their baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms will complete your breakfast journey.

The Lucky Tree Tavern on King Avenue in Durack is the place to be on Sunday, 14 May 2023. Be there bright and early, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for their Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast.

Their cold station is also a delight! Treat yourself to a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit, fruit salad, and muesli and yoghurt bowls. Indulge in scones, cupcakes, Danishes, and assorted dessert pastries topped with whipped cream and maple syrup. They’ve also got all your childhood favourites — Cocoa Pops, Weetbix, Nutri-grain and Corn Flakes.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Lucky Tree Tavern

Need something to wash down all that delicious breakfast goodness? Quench your thirst with orange juice, pineapple juice, apple juice, tea, and coffee.

The Mother’s Day Buffet at Lucky Tree Tavern is only available by advance booking. Full payment is required to secure your reservation. Prices are $24.90 for adults and $16.90 for children under 12 (booking fee not included).

About Lucky Tree Tavern

Lucky Tree Tavern is a multifaceted venue located in Durack. They offer a bottleshop under the Liquor Legends banner, a function room for events, a sports bar with a wide selection of drinks and regular events, a gaming lounge with 35 machines and complimentary snacks, and a bistro with a “nothing over $20” menu.

For more information about Lucky Tree Tavern and its ongoing promotions, visit the website here.

Published 08-May-2023

Green Endeavour HQ: The Future of Fruit and Veg Distribution and Education

Photo credit: Facebook / Fruitlink

Green Endeavour HQ, a $23-million, game-changing facility dedicated to fruit and vegetable distribution and education has been launched in Rocklea.

Green Endeavour HQ, a joint venture between fruit and veg wholesalers Fruitlink and Suncoast Fresh, and Brisbane Markets Limited, is a massive facility combining a large-scale wholesaling warehouse with an educational space for the public, cheffing community, and retailers.

The sustainable-focused facility was constructed opposite the existing Rocklea Markets. It spans almost 6000 sq m and boasts state-of-the-art technology to ensure the produce remains at its freshest.

The distribution arm of the operation will supply hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fruit and vegetables weekly to a range of clients including retirement villages, greengrocers, restaurants, and cafes from North Queensland to Northern NSW.

The main attraction and what sets it apart, however, is its education facility at the rooftop garden where masterclasses will be held. It will offer participants the chance to learn how to grow their own produce and appreciate the growers’ hard work.

These masterclasses will be available to watch for free on YouTube, ensuring everyone can have access to this valuable knowledge.

Green Endeavour HQ’s cooking school will be led by Australia’s top chefs and producers that are sure to draw crowds to the site from the general public to the cheffing community. This is a not-to-miss opportunity to learn from the best, with classes by local artisan Vannella, Agnes chef Ben Williamson, Kelvin Andrews of SK Steak & Oyster and The Tropic’s Guillaume Zika on offer.

Green Endeavour was formed as a result of the merger between Suncoast Fresh and Fruitlink on 1 July 2021. Suncoast Fresh supplies restaurants, cafés and bars, whilst Fruitlink supplies independent grocers and retailers. Both remain operating as separate brands despite the merger.

Published 7-April-2023

Hungry For Fish And Chips? Get Your Cravings Fixed At Three Girls Fishing In Graceville

Three Girls Fishing is a fish and chips shop in Graceville best known for their prawn cutlets, Cod, grilled snapper, and barramundi.

Read: Inside Ceylon Inn, One of Brisbane’s Few Sri Lankan Restaurants

Founded by Caroline Jones in 2021, the restaurant makes everything in-house and sources their fish from the waters of Australia and New Zealand.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ms Jones also owns the Three Girls Skipping cafe, also based in Graceville and specialises in cakes, baked goodies, and comfort food, such as chicken and corn soup and beef and mushroom pie.

Photo credit: three girls fishing/Facebook

The cabinet at Three Girls Fishing is always stocked with salads and fresh fish. There are burgers, sides, and sauces, in addition to seafood which are also available for takeaway.

Specials include Red Emperor, known for its firm flesh and delicate flavour that’s best grilled to match their soba Noodle salad with roasted sesame dressing.

They have brought back their Taco Tuesdays in 2023, delighting fans of their special fish tacos. Oysters are now also available from the store every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Leave room for dessert, including their soft serve which comes in vanilla bean flavour and panna cotta, with flavours like milk chocolate panna cotta with choc crumble; cereal milk; and Cadbury creme egg.

Photo credit: Terry Anderson/Google Maps

The restaurant features a no frills interior, with a few tables outside for those who prefer al fresco dining. BYO is allowed, though you can choose from their impressive selection of drinks which include milkshakes and thickshakes.

Read: Graceville Home Values Pass the Million-Dollar Mark; Chelmer Shows Double-Digit Growth

Three Girls Fishing is open from Tuesday to Saturday at Shop 4, 409 Honour Avenue Graceville. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

One of the best fish and chip establishment’s in all of Brisbane! Certainly around the Graceville Indooroopilly area. Purchased the 4 cod family meal and the quality and quantity was exceptional!! So blessed to call this place my local.
Shane Dalupan

My husband is coeliac and has waited a long time to be able to have fish and chips again. The gluten free crumbed fish is so good, I even have it by choice (I am not coeliac!). The staff are always friendly as well. We are so lucky to have this restaurant in our area.
L V

Published 21-March-2023

Heritage Truck Association Classic Truck Show Returns to Rocklea Showgrounds

Photo credit: Heritage Truck Association Australia / heritagetruckassociation.com.au

Heritage Truck Association Australia has announced that it will be holding its annual classic truck show in May 2023, on the weekend of the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show at the Rocklea Showgrounds.

Once again, classic trucks will be part of this year’s Brisbane Truck Show as HTAA’s annual classic truck event returns to Rocklea Showgrounds on 20 – 21 May 2023. The showgrounds are located 15 minutes from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), where the Brisbane Truck Show will be held.

In 2021, the committee decided to cancel the event due to COVID. However, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gave a number of HTAA members to secure a prominent location on the ground floor of the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show and be among the exhibitors at the event.

Heritage Truck Association Classic Truck Show Returns to Rocklea Showgrounds — *Photo credit: Heritage Truck Association Australia /* heritagetruckassociation.com.au

The exhibition turned out to be among the most popular presentations at the event as members displayed 12 classics:

a 1946 Ford Jailbar ‘Roxanne’ painstakingly restored by show partner NTI;
a 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster;
a 1954 International AR110;
a 1962 Mack H673 ST;
a 1970 International Loadstar;
a 1971 Mercedes Benz 1418 LS;
a 1972 AEC Marshal;
a 1973 Kenworth W924;
a 1975 Bedford KMR/XT5;
a 1975 International D1310;
a 1978 International 3070B; and
a 1986 Kenworth W925 SAR.

HTAA’s Michelle Wilkie said that the amount of interest from other exhibitors and the public in their heritage truck gave another dimension to the show.

It was wonderful to see, she said, but it was daunting at first being a first-time exhibitor, but everything went smoothly.

The association, Wilkie adds, is hoping to once again see the showground at capacity and filled with all different makes and models of trucks, tractors, cars, utes and machines.

“These historic trucks are a piece of our history and if not restored, we will lose those pieces of history,” she says.

“There is a passion to keep the past alive for the men and women who started the transport industry, along with those wonderful hard-working old trucks that worked on not-so-good roads. Many travelled extraordinary distances on highways throughout Australia.

“Some of these vehicles have been lovingly restored to their original glory and create a spectacular display. There is a pride and passion by all members in their vehicles.”

The event is held on the third weekend in May each year at the Rocklea Showgrounds. The last show in 2019 had more than 200 trucks on display with the showground at full capacity with about 1,500 attendees each day.

Published 15-March-2023

Walter Taylor Bridge: Revisiting the History of Southern Hemisphere’s Only Habitable Bridge

Photo credit: By Kgbo - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83300824

Have you ever imagined what it is like to live inside the only habitable bridge in the Southern Hemisphere? Opened on Valentine’s Day 1936, the Walter Taylor Bridge is not only rich in history but stories from the people who have once lived inside the bridge’s pylons.

Formerly known as the Indooroopilly Toll Bridge, the Walter Taylor Bridge was constructed using some of the cables made from the leftover wire rope that was also used to build the Sydney Harbour.

It was built and designed by Walter Taylor after locals clamoured for a means by which cars could cross the bridge from Chelmer to Indooroopilly. Before it was opened to the public, the only way to cross the river was through a pedestrian bridge or via a ferry service.

When it opened in 1936, the bridge was operated by Indooroopilly Toll Bridge Limited with the primary toll fee costing sixpence until it was removed in 1965. The first toll collectors, toll master Morton John Green and bridge toll-keeper George MacDougal were the original residents of the bridge.

Mort Green, lived in the Indooroopilly pylon whilst George and his wife lived on the Chelmer side. George’s son also worked shifts as a toll collector. Morton’s brother, William Green was Chair of the Board of Directors of the Indooroopilly Toll Bridge Pty Ltd.

The Greens lived in the apartment for 75 years. Meanwhile, the Chelmer side of the bridge was rented to university students from the 70s through the 80s.

Did you know that one of the last dwellers on the bridge was a 300-kg man who due to his medical condition had to be moved out of the apartment using a crane?

The 57-year-old man who was identified as a descendant of the Mort Green suffered from an asthma attack. Since it was impossible to move him out of the premises using just a stretcher, a window had to be cut to get him out of the room and put him onto a crane.

Another story that many may not have heard of was a time when a drunk university student climbed the bridge and went to the top of the pile and then to the Indooroopilly side of the bridge only to find himself too scared to get down. Thankfully, the police who responded to the call were able to get him down to safety.

The bridge was renamed Walter Taylor Bridge in 1956 to honour Walter Taylor’s memory following his death in 1955.

Brisbane City Council acquired the dwellings in 1965 and the Indooroopilly pylon was opened for public viewing in 2013.

New Shade Sails For Ed Kuepper Park, Nixon Park In 2023

Two parks in Oxley, Ed Kuepper Park and Nixon Park, are set to receive sunshade in early 2023 as part of Brisbane’s Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.

Read: Inside Plans For The Archerfield Wetlands District Park

Brisbane City Council rolled out the program in December 2022 in preparation for Brisbane’s hotter months. Council has allocated $10 million for the program which is expected to run for three years.

Through the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, both Ed Kuepper Park and Nixon Park will be retrofitted with shade covers that will help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.

Ed Kuepper Park (Photo credit: Moz/Google Maps)

“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” he said.

“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals.

“While we incorporate shade in all our new playgrounds when required, there are unfortunately some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.

Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne supports the Brisbane City Council Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program as a great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.

Photo credit: www.adrianschrinner.com.au

Mr Donne highlighted that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes.

It’s estimated that around 150 playgrounds throughout the city will be upgraded with shade under the program. The first installations were done at playgrounds in Alderley, Durack, Heathwood, and Runcorn.

Aside from installing shade sails, the Council is looking at investing in planting mature trees.

“Trees not only create a cleaner, greener Brisbane but are also a great source of shade,” said Cr Schrinner.

Read: After More Than 100 Years, Graceville Croquet Club Continues to Thrive

To see the list of all playgrounds set to receive shade in 2023, visit Council’s website.

Published 1-March-2023