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Normanby Hounds Lodges Plans for a Stylish, Modern Clubhouse in Graceville

Photo Credit: DA A006114269/BCC

The Normanby Hounds, one of the oldest rugby leagues in Brisbane, could soon have a new clubhouse. Designs have been submitted to update the existing Graceville clubhouse into a stylish and modern building with updated amenities.

Plans have been lodged with Council to transform the outdated facility into a new two-storey building with restaurants or bars, private function rooms, offices and meeting rooms, broadcast and camera areas, as well as better changing rooms for the home and away teams.

There will also be plenty of outdoor and indoor viewing with inviting large windows and balconies included in the design.

According to DA A006114269, the rebuild will remove and replace the existing clubhouse. The new facility will take up a 1,052-sqm gross floor area whilst the car parking spaces will remain the same.

Mode Design did the plans for the Normanby United Sports Club, which wants the new space to support the sports and recreational uses of the clubhouse.

Normandy Hounds — *Photo Credit: DA A006114269/BCC*

“Despite the proposed development providing for extensions which result in a new built form replacing the current clubhouse structure, the proposal does not result in any adverse negative impacts on the surrounding built form and premises. The development does not alter the existing access and car parking arrangement, or the infrastructure and servicing provided to the site,” the development application stated.

Normanby Hounds, also known as the Normanby Rugby League Football Club, is one of the oldest rugby leagues in Brisbane. Formed in 1947, the club used to be based at the Normanby Hotel. The team competes at the Brisbane Rugby League and the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League.

New Flood Information Online Tool Goes Live

Photo Credit: Screengrabbed from Flood Information Online Tool

Brisbane has a new flood information online tool that will help people find and verify information easier, including the history of past floodings that devastatingly impacted suburbs like Oxley, Graceville, Chelmer and Sherwood.

The new online tool aims to help Brisbane residents become more flood-resilient and better prepared for severe weather disturbances. The tool was developed after over a thousand ground surveys and hydrology or hydraulic models to generate updated maps. Inspections were also undertaken at 550 sites across 90 vital locations.

The map has shown that flood-prone sites over the Walter Taylor Bridge were far more impacted during the 2011 flooding compared to 2022 whilst the overland flow in the northern suburbs was significantly bigger during the recent floods compared to a decade ago.

“We’ve rolled out new, interactive flood maps and updated our FloodWise Property Reports to help you better understand your flood risk and how it could impact your home and local area,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“We’ve used the best tools and technology available to create user-friendly maps, which display information with clearer navigation, simpler language, and improved functionality across devices.

We can’t stop severe weather, but we can be better prepared and the new Flood Information Online tool is available 24/7.”

To complement the online tool, Council is also encouraging residents to download the free Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts.

“More than 11,750 residents have signed up for the free alerts since the February flood event, but it remains important if you’re not registered to sign up so you can be prepared,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, for Oxley, Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood residents who were affected by the February flooding, a series of community information sessions about the Resilient Homes Fund are still ongoing, per Cr Nicole Johnston of the Tennyson Ward.

Your Input Needed on the Planned Bus Network Services Changes

Photo Credit: Dave Brown/Flickr

Important route changes to combine and simplify Brisbane’s bus network services will soon be adopted to meet future demands and improve the experience of commuters, including those in Graceville and the nearby suburbs.

However, before making these changes, a series of community information sessions will be conducted until the 14th of December 2022 across different suburbs so residents may be able to share their ideas and suggestions.

For residents in and around Graceville, the community information session will be held on Saturday, the 12th of November 2022, at the Pamphlett-Tennyson Sea Scout Den on 284 Graceville Ave.

Locals may also participate by completing the online survey.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy is encouraging locals to participate in these drop-in sessions to help the Council map out a solid new bus network services plan.

“By 2041 our population will increase by almost 25 per cent and it is important the bus network evolves as our city grows,” Mr Murphy said.

“At peak times there are currently more than 385 buses jamming up the Cultural Centre Station, which is a result of our current over-reliance on direct bus journeys from the suburbs to the CBD.

“As part of the changes, a number of routes will be combined to simplify the network and some routes with extremely low patronage will be removed.

Brisbane bus network services changes — Photo Credit: BCC

“This allows us to make better use of our resources to give high frequency services to more streets, introduce new routes and deliver more reliable services from the suburbs to the city.

“The improvements being delivered through the Brisbane Metro will help to significantly ease bottlenecks in the current network and prevent future problems as we grow.

“Brisbane’s New Bus Network redesigns services to connect customers to the two high-frequency Metro lines between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the University of Queensland.

“There is also significant scope to expand the Metro further into Brisbane’s north and east through investment into the dedicated bus network.

“We want residents to join the conversation and provide their feedback to help us create the best possible transport network.”

After the community information sessions, Council will work with Translink and release the new network plan. The bus network services changes will be adopted in late 2024.

Residents to Lose Home in Planned Sale of Heritage-listed Graceville Facility

Photo credit: Bethany Christian Care / bethanycc.org.au

The elderly residents of a 61-bed aged care facility in a heritage-listed home in Graceville would have to find new accommodation as news of a planned 2023 sale of the riverfront property comes to light.

Bethany Christian Care will be selling its prime, 2.5-hectare property in Graceville where itje 61-bed Beth Eden sits. At the heart of the facility is the 1888-built, heritage-listed Verney House which comprises independent living units, a community hall, a hairdressing salon, and a small library.

Following an extensive investigation and consultation with industry experts, the operator said that Beth-Eden is too old but for it to undergo a major renovation would be very costly. There are also attached challenges and issues that such an undertaking would need to overcome so that the affected residents would still get quality care and live comfortably amid restoration works.

Beth Eden aged care facility — Photo credit: Bethany Christian Care / bethanycc.org.au

Sadly, they have explored multiple to upgrade the facility but the standards are very difficult to do and won’t work for them. As a small, aged care retirement services provider, Bethany Christian Care does not hav enough capital for such a major project and that redeveloping isn’t among their expertise.

Hence, Bethany Christian Care will instead offer its almost fifty residents alternate accommodation at one of their other centres, a more contemporary facility in the Manly West / Eight Miles Plains area.

Some residents may not find this piece of news to be the best option for them though, and may choose to move somewhere else.

Regardless of what they decide, these residents will be provided with financial, advocacy and legal support throughout the process.

Bethany Christian Care made it clear that no one will be forced out as the closure and sale of the facility will not happen until all residents are rehomed.

North side of Verney House (1931) | Photo credit: Contributor(s): Queenslander, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The not-for-profit provider has been operating Beth Eden since 2003 and the site was added to Queensland’s Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. The property is expected to hit the market in mid-2023.

New Solar-Powered Flood Warning Signs to be Installed along Roads Near Oxley Creek

Photo Credit: Facebook/Dejan Subaric

More solar-powered, automated flood warning signs will be installed across Brisbane, including two roads along Oxley Creek, to lessen the risk of motorists driving through the flood waters.

On top of the 10 existing automatic flood warning signs found in Bardon, Moorooka, and Kenmore Hills, 12 more will be rolled out in the coming weeks. These locations were picked based on the advice of flood and traffic experts.

The new sites are located at the following locations:

Paradise Road, Willawong / Larapinta (Oxley Creek)
Sherwood Road, Rocklea (Oxley Creek)
Lancing Street, Pullenvale (Pullen Creek)
Bowhill Road, Durack (Hanleys Creek)
Kholo Bridge, Kholo (Brisbane River)
Rafting Ground Road, Brookfield (Moggill Creek)
Victoria Street, Newmarket (Enoggera Creek)
Formosa Road, Belmont
Grandview Road, Pullenvale (Pullen Creek)
Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills (Gap Creek)
Bracken Ridge Road, Bracken Ridge (Bald Hills Creek)
Wynnum Road, Tingalpa (Bulimba Creek)

“Too many motorists drive through flooded roads, putting their lives and the lives of others at risk, and these signs automatically turn on once a creek or waterway reaches a certain level,” Mr Schrinner said.

Flood Warning Signs — Photo Credit: Facebook/Adrian Schrinner

The new signs are backed by LED lights so they will remain highly visible for motorists, especially in the evening.

The Federal Government allocated $99,000 for this project whilst Brisbane City Council has invested $500,000 so far and will be installing more signs before the year ends.

Priority has been given to sites where there are records and histories of motorists driving through the water despite the “If it’s flooded, forget it!” campaign;

The mayor said that this investment in new automated technology is a “great step forward.”

“Unlike 2011, the record-breaking rainfall in February caused a combination of river, creek, and overland flow flooding right across Brisbane.”

“This made it unsafe and impossible for Council officers to get to some areas and erect temporary road closed signs.

“By using this automated sign technology, we will be able to close and actively monitor flooded roads.”

Future Leaders from Corinda State High School Join UQ Global Leadership Workshop

Photo Credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook

Five achievers from Corinda State High School who have the potential to be future leaders of Brisbane joined the Global Competence through Leadership workshop for Year 10 and Year 11 students held at the University of Queensland in St Lucia.

Eloise, Olivia, Jenny, Winta, and Sara have been given the opportunity to become part of the valuable event and learn from industry experts about discovering their strengths and improving their leadership skills, critical and creative thinking and intercultural understanding.

“We completed three sessions run by university professors and lecturers who explained the psychology of leadership, and the concept of embracing the highest self, as well as the importance of creating actionable plans to real life problems,” Olivia, a Year 11 student, said.

“We practiced planning business approaches to solving sustainability and societal issues in a team setting and got the opportunity to meet and interact with other like-minded students.”

Corinda State High school — Photo Credit: Corinda State High School / Facebook

The Global Competence through Leadership workshop was held through the initiatives of the Department of Education International and the State Schools Division.

The workshop covered the following priorities:

support young people to respond positively to a connected, diverse and rapidly changing
world
prepare students for more internationally competitive work opportunities
provide high-quality teaching and learning programs focused on global competence
create opportunities that take our leaders, teachers, and students to the world, and bring
the world into Queensland schools
promote Queensland as a preferred destination for international students

Becoming a globally competent leader needs a multi-dimensional approach to enhancing one’s skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes as actions and decisions will have an implication on a generation. The concepts imparted to the workshop participants are also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

Positive Changes Seen 3 Years After Corinda State High Banned Mobile Phones in School

The move to ban students from using their mobile phones on campus in 2019 has sparked positive changes at Corinda State High School, according to Executive Principal Helen Jamieson.

Ms Jamieson said that since adopting a proactive approach to students’ personal technologies use, the kids have become more engaged with their peers and are taking full advantage of the school’s programs and facilities. The students are busier than ever at the sports fields or at the library where they may also play chess and Lego.

Lunch times at school also have students talking and engaging. No one is looking down and fiddling on their phones whilst ignoring their schoolmates.

Ms Jamieson said that the social culture at Corinda State High School has shifted since the students have been required to keep their mobile phones, earphones, and smart watches inside a Yondr pouch provided upon enrolment.

The Yondr pouch has to be tapped to activate a mechanical lock before the students enter the school, and they tap this again to unlock the pouch when they go home.

HOW IT WORKS

Per the school’s policy, the students may only be allowed to take out their phones “under the strict supervision of a teacher if they are used for educational purposes.” Laptops and tablet computers, however, are not included in the ban.

Ms Jamieson said that one of the key factors in enforcing the ban, which received immense support from the parents, was to help curb mobile phone addiction among impressionable teenagers. They also wanted to protect curious students from the dangers of the internet.

The ban, however, was not without any incidents as there were teenagers who tried to slip their phones in between classes. However, students who were caught violating the ban have been dealt with stricter consequences such as being monitored for a month. Repeat offenders have been subjected to weekend community programs.

Australian Pearls Rugby Captain Inspires Young Athletes at St Aidan’s Sports Awards

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School certainly doesn’t lack sporting talent. From Water Polo to Touch Football to Futsal, Equestrian events, and Volleyball, the school is brimming with talent, so it’s fitting that a world-class athlete performs the honours at the school’s upcoming annual Sports Awards.

Read: Positive Changes Seen 3 Years After Corinda State High Banned Mobile Phones in School

Not only that but given that there were three young ladies from St Aidan’s recently representing the Qld Touch Footy team in a great win against NSW, it would seem the choice of Guest of Honour is not a coincidence.

On Wednesday, 12 October 2022, from 5.30 p.m., the St Aidan’s Annual Sports Awards will be held at the Christine Hartland Centre, the school having had 11 girls at six National Championships of various sports during the September school holidays.

Demi Hayes is the guest of honour and will no doubt produce an inspirational speech.

Demi has had a world-class career in Sevens Rugby culminating in her current role as Co-Captain for the Australian Pearls.

Dami Hayes guest of honour at St Aidan's Anglican Girls School — Photo Credit: Instagram/demihayes_

She was part of the gold medal-winning team in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August and then part of the team that won the Sevens Rugby World Cup in September in Cape Town.

“Athlete’s Voice” ran a great feature about Demi which talks about her growing up years on the family farm in Glamorgan and how it developed her physical fitness and the strength that she has built upon as a mature athlete.

It also relates that common issue that many young athletes face, that by Year 10 and 11 clear decisions have to be made to pursue the bigtime and how it’s not easy navigating that path.

Demi obviously managed the transition very well, successfully making her debut in the 2016 Canada Women’s Sevens when she was only 18.

In 2021, the guest of honour at the St Aidan’s Sport Awards was swimming legend and Olympic Gold medalist, Ariarne Titmus.

Tayla Sykes took home “Sportswoman of the Year” and she hasn’t done her chances this year any harm after being part of the Queensland School Sport U18 team that defeated NSW in the final of the Touch Football Nationals.

Read: Weemalla House In Corinda Stands As Symbol Of Brisbane’s Elite In The Early 20th Century

Meanwhile, teammate and fellow St Aidan’s girl, Rhani Hagan was named Player of the Final with Ameilia Chadburn, completing the St Aidan’s trio in the State team, with the game being broadcast on Fox Sports.

Staverton Kindergarten in Chelmer Exceeds National Standards in All Quality Areas

Staverton Kindergarten, the only kindergarten in the Chelmer-Graceville-Sherwood area, has received the highest rating set by the National Quality Standard (NQS) for children’s education.

Following a rigorous assessment, the school has exceeded in all seven quality areas of the NQS, such as educational program and practice, children’s health and safety, physical environment, staffing arrangements, relationships with children, and collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and governance and leadership.

The NQF for early childhood education and care was agreed by all Australian governments to get better education and development outcomes for children using education and care services. Its implementation is guided by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

“An overall rating of Exceeding NQS is given to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the NQS in at least four of the seven quality areas,” President Anastasia Kostellar of Staverton Kindergarten said.

“To have received the exceeding standard in each of the seven quality areas is a wonderful achievement that reflects the commitment and capabilities of the educators and management, along with families and our local community, to provide an outstanding kindergarten experience to the children in our care,” she added.

Photo Credit: StavertonKindergartenChelmer/Facebook

“Our strong emphasis on child-led play-based learning, our genuinely caring staff, our attention to detail, our fantastic educational program, and our relationships with families and the community were highlighted as being exceptional,” Carrie Grassick, Nominated Supervisor at Staverton said.

The great news comes as Staverton Kindergarten is set to undergo major improvements to its outdoor play area in mid-2022.

“Staverton’s large, shaded and secure outdoor space is a fantastic resource for the children to play, learn and explore nature. We are so excited about the new playground and seeing the children enjoy their new environment,” said Kristy Coombs, Educational Leader at Staverton Kindergarten.

To learn more about the NQF and service ratings, visit the ACECQA website. For more information about Staverton Kindergarten, visit www.staverton.com.au or follow the Facebook page.

Bunnings Plans To Rebuild Oxley Store With Flood-resilient Features

The floodwaters may have long abated, but the flood-damaged Bunnings warehouse in Oxley has remained closed as it undergoes redevelopment, with plans to reopen a ‘flood-resilient’ store in 2024.

Read: Flood-Hit Bunnings in Oxley Remains Closed as Rocklea Outlet Reopens with Revamped Format

Bunnings Group has submitted plans to replace the existing warehouse with a bigger and higher one, featuring an elevated design and undercroft car parking.

Designed by Group 4 Architects, the $60-million warehouse will feature an additional 4,245-sqm of retail area compared to the existing store and will have a maximum building height of 15.5 m above ground level.

Bunnings will use the same principles that they adopted in building the two-storey Bunnings Bundamba, which reopened a mere 24 hours after the devastating flood in February 2022.

The main entry and nursery entry will come equipped with flood doors, to ensure only the car park is inundated in a major flood event given the raised built form that is proposed above the defined flood level.

Bunnings Bundamba (Photo credit: Google Street View)

“The proposed Bunnings Warehouse seeks to improve the existing facility to respond to the flooding constraints of the site, improve disaster response and recovery time, and increase flood storage to minimise flood impacts,” Property Projects Australia stated in planning documents for the retail giant.

Flood-free access will be provided for all events and there will be sufficient warning time in the lead up to a major flood event to ensure evacuation.

Meanwhile, the existing warehouse will have to be demolished to facilitate the development, though the existing access to Blunder Road and Factory Road Loop will be retained.

Plans (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

In addition to the impact on flood recovery, around 195 staff from Oxley warehouse were redeployed to other warehouses, whilst patrons are advised to visit the closest open store at Acacia Ridge.

Bunnings Group confirmed that the 195 team members that have been displaced will be able to recommence work at the store and approximately 50 additional jobs will be created.

Bunnings Oxley is anticipated to open its doors again in 2024. To learn more about the warehouse’s proposed redevelopment, visit Brisbane City Council’s website with the reference A006082574.