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Relocation of Oxley Police Academy and Dog Squad Included in Billion-Dollar Annual QPS Budget

The Oxley Police Academy and Dog Squad will be relocated to the Wacol Police Precinct, one of the significant items included in the $3.281-billion operating budget of the QLD Police Service for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

The substantial police budget will support crucial initiatives aimed at combating crime and ensuring public security. Apart from the relocation of the Oxley Police Academy and Dog Squad, the Specialist Response Group will be assigned to an alternative site.

The decision to relocate reflects QPS’s commitment to streamlining operations and optimizing resources. By consolidating these units within the Wacol Police Precinct, the QPS aims to create a more cohesive and efficient working environment that maximizes collaboration and improves overall response capabilities.

Another primary objective of the budget is to address youth crime, with a substantial investment of $101.6 million allocated for the Youth Justice Investment Program. This funding will enhance police resources dedicated to tackling youth-related offences, forming part of the government’s comprehensive funding package of $446.4 million spread over five years.

An extra $6.2 million has been allocated to expand the fleet of armoured vehicles. The budget will also finance various initiatives, including high-visibility police patrols, the establishment of a specialized rapid response squad for youth crime, Youth Co-responder Teams, additional early action groups, and proactive patrols by Police Liaison Officers.

Recognising the significance of early intervention in combating youth crime, the government has unveiled a two-year $50-million program to construct additional Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) in priority locations.

Moreover, the government has pledged a substantial investment of $87.5 million to revitalize police recruitment strategies over the next five years, aiming to bolster the force’s numbers.

The 2023-24 police budget also includes plans for the development and enhancement of police facilities in various locations throughout Queensland. Cairns, Caloundra South, Clermont, Cooroy, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Dayboro, Hervey Bay, Kirwan, Longreach, Mackay, Maryborough, Palm Island, Proserpine, Rainbow Beach, Ripley, Rosewood, Warwick, and Winton are all slated to receive new or upgraded police facilities. Additionally, police accommodation will be established in Mount Isa and Tara.

“Our police deserve every support, and I am proud of the absolute commitment my government has to providing police with the people, resources, and infrastructure they need to support the community,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll commended the investment, highlighting the top priority of community safety for the QPS.

“We appreciate this strong investment into assisting police tackle youth crime, strengthen our police recruitment pipeline, and ensure our police academies are world-class,” she said. “Upgraded facilities and equipment, along with boosted police personnel, will help keep communities and officers across the state safe. Providing everything our officers need to perform their duties is very important, and I’m pleased to see this significant investment in the QPS.”

Published 16-June-2023

Ardo’s Wine Bar Expands to Graceville

Photo Credit: Instagram/Ardoswine

Did you know that hybrid micro-cellar and bar Ardo’s, from the City Winery team, with its carefully curated line-up of exceptional wines and pintxos-style eats, is now in Graceville?

Ardo’s has been winning hearts since its inception in Newstead in early 2023. Now, with the opening of Ardo’s Graceville, the City Winery team continues to foster and create wine-loving communities throughout Brisbane.

The Graceville site retains the unique character of its sister venue, with an Australian and minimal intervention-focused wine list that showcases local winemakers alongside City Winery’s core collection.

The venue itself, with seating for 35 guests and a cocktail-style setup for 50, boasts an open and green-hued ambience that perfectly reflects the suburb’s vibe.

Careful attention was given to designing the space, highlighting a stunning tree that now serves as the centrepiece of the dining area.

Ardo's Gracevile — Photo Credit: Instagram/Ardoswine

Committed to championing local producers who prioritize minimal intervention practices, Ardo’s Graceville offers a premium selection of high-end drops, ensuring that there’s a perfect sip for every special occasion.

The venue also introduces an expanded menu that includes delectable snacks like prosciutto-wrapped scallops in harissa butter, while still staying true to its original concept of pintxos-style snacks.

Guests can order these snacks by the piece and pair them with their favourite wine. Additionally, provisions such as cheeses, charcuterie, and other accoutrements are available, allowing patrons to assemble their own palate-pleasing platters.

For those eager to deepen their wine knowledge, Ardo’s offers more than just a delightful dining experience. The Ardo’s team will introduce cheese and wine as well as food and wine matching workshops at the Graceville site in addition to their well-liked Wineslam events. These classes aim to create an inclusive and down-to-earth environment for wine enthusiasts to learn and explore without any pretentiousness.

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While Ardo’s Graceville has already opened its doors to eager patrons, the City Winery team has more exciting plans in the works. Talks are circulating about a third Ardo’s location currently under construction, with an anticipated opening date set for the end of the financial year.

Published 9-June-2023

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