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Lost Palms – Sherwood to Open This October

Photo credit: Lost Palms Brewing Company / Facebook

Lost Palms is set to open its new taproom venue on Sherwood Road, Sherwood this October.

The second venue to open after Miami, Lost Palms – Sherwood takes over the former Sweet n’ Spice site on Sherwood road. The 120-square-metre venue boasts of an industrial design with a large concrete and timber bar along with concrete slab tables and a shaded outdoor area. The new venue will also mirror the Miami site’s pastel-colours.

Lost Palms – Sherwood will offer a selection of 8 taps serving pale ales, lagers sour beers, big hazy IPAs plus limited small-batch brews. Also, three nitrogen-charged beer-based cocktails on tap will also be available. The beer will come from Miami and made by Lost Palms head brewer, Chris Smith.

There is a sizable kitchen that will initially serve a range of burgers and snacks but would soon expand into beer and food pairings . The owners envision the new taproom as a space to engage with Brisbane locals where people can connect with the brand and beers.

It wasn’t easy planning and building the venue due to the COVID restrictions. They had, in fact, planned to open as early as March but had to put everything on hold due to the pandemic.

Changes to the original plans were needed to be made to accommodate capacity restrictions. The venue can hold up to 80 people at a time, but for now, it will be limited to 30.

As to why they chose Sherwood for their expansion? The location, community vibe, and the existence of a void in craft-centric hospitality in the area the Lost Palms can fill. They are looking into turning the taproom venue into a brewpub someday and once licensing hurdles are overcome.

Lost Palms’ taproom venue at 1/671 Sherwood Rd is set to opening in late October.

The Fort in Oxley Added Into Queensland’s Heritage Register

The Fort, a 19th century house currently owned by Passionist Community Oxley, has been added to the Queensland Heritage Register. Many may have recently seen it as the venue of the State Government’s media conferences during the early months of COVID-19 restrictions.

Also known as Regina Coeli Retreat or the St Mary’s Retreat, the house is a single-storey detached house originally built in 1882 by architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, for sheep and cattle farmer Henry William Coxen.

Who is Henry William Coxen?

Henry, who is from Croydon, England, came to Tasmania in his teens with his uncle and aunt, ornithologist John Gould and his wife Elizabeth Coxen. The family lived as guests at Governor Franklin’s home and then later moved to New South Wales, where Henry’s other uncle, Stephen Coxen, had a farm.

Henry was sent north of Darling Downs to join a European settlement and expand his uncle’s farming business.

In 1845, Henry returned to England and eventually married Mary Ann Shelton. The pair decided to return to Australia in 1852, where Henry established 17 grazing lands (pastoral stations), including in Oxley.

Henry William Coxen’s land title from Queensland
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

By 1866, Henry divorced his first wife and then remarried Margaret Moorhead. The couple traveled back to England in 1867 but following many failed investments, Henry and Margaret, along with their four children, settled in Queensland in 1880.

For much of his life, the farmer involved himself with community building and was a board member of the Yeerongpilly Divisional Board and the chairman of the Sherwood Divisional Board.

Who is Francis Drummond Greville Stanley?

In 1882, Henry had his family house built in his nine-hectare property on Fort Road. His architect’s reputation was on the rise in Queensland.

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Stanley helped built a substantial number of buildings around Brisbane, such as the Brisbane General Post Office, Telegraph Office extension office and the Queensland National Bank’s headquarters. The architect also designed the Sidney House, Whinstaines, the Robert Hart villa and Tighnabruaich in Indooroopilly.

Tighnabruaich in Indooroopilly
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

What’s in The Fort?

The location of the Coxen home had a sweeping view of the Brisbane River and was at the highest point in the area. It had all the right elements important for affluent Queenslanders: spacious, hilltop view, near a gorgeous river, far from the city crowd. The house had 15 rooms, a two-hectare garden, stables, and outbuildings for laundry and the stockyard.

In 1906, Coxen sold the property to the Irish Corkran family, after Margaret’s death. Thomas Knight Corkran was with the Western Queensland police but ran a dairy herd. He rebuilt The Fort to scale this down to six bedrooms. However, he expanded the lounges and halls and built a larger dining room and kitchen with a storeroom.

According to his daughter, Olivia, The Fort had “two huge rooms for the men.” The Fort also had a cellar for the dairy and cream separator.

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Following Corkran’s death in 1937, The Fort land was subdivided to his family but by 1955, it was sold to the Provincial of the Congregation of the Passion in Australasia. Originally from Italy, the Passionists are Catholic missionaries. The group was the first Catholic outreach to work with Queensland’s Aboriginal people in the mid-1800s.

Photo Credit: Queensland Heritage Register

The order turned one of The Fort’s front rooms into a chapel and then added a new wing to the house with four bedrooms and a washroom. The first mass at this house was celebrated in November 1955 with Archbishop Duhig as one of the guests. Public Sunday masses started two years later but The Fort was mainly used for retreats, religious celebrations, and missions and markets for charity.

More changes to the house were done in the ’70s and the ’80s as the membership grew. It remains a Passionist Retreat today and its priests have been serving Oxley for more than 60 years.

By 2005, the Brisbane City Council bought 10 hectares of The Fort’s land for housing. After objections from the community, the area was turned into the Fort Bushland Reserve.

Regal Twin Cinema in Graceville Changes Owners After 50 Years

Regal Twin Cinema, Graceville’s independent arthouse theatre, has a new owner after 50 years. Paul Roobottom confirmed that he sold his business to the Sourris brothers, Stephen and Peter, who own Five Star Cinemas.

Mr Roobottom informed in an email to the cinema’s patrons that the Sourris brothers are taking ownership effect Monday, 31 Aug 2020, as he enjoys his retirement. The businessmen have been working out a deal since the last Christmas holidays.

Photo Credit: Regal Twin Boutique Arthouse Cinema/Google Maps

The Sourris have known Mr Roobottom for years since their fathers are good friends. Peter has been telling Mr Roobottom of his interest in Regal Twin Cinema, should he decide to put this up on the market one day.

“I have witnessed so many changes of direction within the motion picture industry I can think of no greater challenge or rewarding profession. It truly has been my own Cinema Paradiso I will miss you all,” Mr Roobottom wrote to the cinema’s patrons.

Regal Twin Cinema’s Brief History

The building where the Regal Twin Cinema used to be an open air cinema in the 1920s. Graceville Picture Gardens featured silent movies until the “talkies” became the norm.

A decade later, a building was erected at the open air venue. In the 1950s, the site was renamed as The Regal in honor of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Regal changed owners more than a dozen times until it landed in the hands of the Roobottom family in 1970.

Under New Management

Regal Twin Cinema will not undergo major changes in operation under the new owners. The Sourris brothers, who are passionate about film, are also behind four other independent cinemas in Brisbane — Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Red Hill Cinemas and the Yatala Drive-In.

The brothers said that the movie experience at the Regal Twin Cinema is for mature, discerning moviegoers.

“This is the place where you not only enjoy a movie in clean pleasant surrounds, but enjoy a truly amazing entertainment experience, just like the good old days.”

Plentiful: New Graceville Eatery Overflows with Goodness

Merely days before the world shut down, Plentiful quietly opened its doors in southwest Brisbane. While these times of uncertainty might be deemed as a huge risk to start a new restaurant, owners Kiara Naidoo and George de Bhal learned to adjust their concept to come up with a cafe that’s abundantly overflowing with goodness.

Kiara and George are newcomers in the food biz but they thought hard and carefully planned what they wanted to have in their restaurant. The pair had the idea to emulate everything they liked from their favourite foodie spots but they also want to elevate the classic brunch experience.

In the kitchen, chef Jongil ‘Dan’ Choi whips up mouth-watering Asian-inspired meals fused with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Some patrons start with the familiar — a selection of Wholly Crumpets with special condiments like Chantilly cream or poached pears with a distinct turmeric taste and the Pretty Great Pancakes with vanilla ice cream, butterscotch syrup and sprinkles of pistachio and pralines.

For an indulgent brunch, the Spiced Lambo — minced lamb with lentil, house-made hummus, and mint, served with garlic tortilla and pomegranate — is emerging as a favourite. The rest of the menu includes signature dishes, such as the Saffron Prawn & Chorizo Risotto or the Pork Belly Salad, and regularly updated specials to give diners more reasons to keep coming back. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices are also available.

To cap off one’s dining experience, the restaurant serves Five Senses coffee, Heirloom hot chocolates, HRVST ST juices and house-blended smoothies.

Plentiful’s vibe is warm and casual, matched by the friendly and attentive service of its staff. The cafe seats at least 70 people inside its secluded dining space or at the breezy dog-friendly outdoor area.

Bookings for groups of five or more are required. Email eat@plentiful.cafe or visit their Facebook page for a table reservation or for other enquiries about their food, takeaway options and store hours.

What Diners are Saying

“Delicious food, great atmosphere, thoughtful service. Great menu to indulge in regularly. Thanks Plentiful.”
Anomi Bruynius, Facebook

“My family and I had breakfast here on Saturday morning for my birthday. I can honestly say it was fantastic. The service was friendly and food arrived quickly. Our coffees arrived first which I always appreciate – this also meant that my husband and I could squeeze in another coffee before the end of breakfast. Obviously it was really good as we had 2!!! I had the avo on toast, my husband the eggs and sourdough and my kids the fruit toast and crumpets. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. We will definitely have breakfast here again soon. Thank you so much for a lovely birthday breakfast.”
Chantal Weimers, Google Reviews

“It’s totally worth trying this new kid on the block. The food is innovative and superb, the atmosphere breezy yet elegant and the staff are young and enthusiastic. Please support these young people having a go, if you can. Especially in these difficult times.”
Garth Reid, Google Reviews

Residents Oppose 3-Storey Development That Will Block Beloved Francis Lookout

A community in Corinda is opposing the planned development of a three-storey house that will stand directly on the west side of one of Brisbane’s oldest and most beloved park, Francis Lookout, essentially blocking its gorgeous views.

The neighbours are asking the Council to reject the development application for 9 Francis St, which has been waiting for approval since August 2019.

They are also asking the State Assessment and Referral Agency to recall its endorsement of the development, citing that the oversized house will affect the state of a heritage-listed site.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/PD Online

Francis Lookout was a cemetery built in the 1860s for the pioneers, the Francis family, who used to own 21 acres of the land in the southwest suburb of Corinda.

In 1936, the family’s trustee gifted Francis Lookout to the Council. Since its last burial in 1966, Francis Lookout became a public parkland, offering a place of tranquility for the residents, with its pleasurable views of Mount Coot-tha, the D’Aguilar range and Brisbane CBD.

Photo Credit: Margaret Giebels/Google Maps

There are at least four empty lots next to the Francis Lookout, which was bought by the Mel Investment Group in 2018. The company then filed the development application the following year and made changes to the plans on 10 July 2020.

Meanwhile, the community has been submitting their objections to the development via the Council.

“Our concerns regard the height and bulk of the proposed dwelling, the lack of Traditional Building Character code in the design, and the effect it could have on significant heritage trees in the park,” one resident wrote.

“I believe the building of this development on 9 Francis St Corinda would be a total devastation to the Corinda community. There is history tied to that location, and that is something I value about having a property here,” another local said.

Photo Credit: Justin Giebels/Google Maps

“A 3 storey house would totally ruin a once very well protected view and the overall peaceful and tranquil aesthetic of Corinda. Furthermore, Francis lookout has been a place for friends and family to meet up and watch fireworks for a long time. It’s a very popular spot for disabled people, elderly people.”

Neighbours also said that some movement has been taking place in the lot on Francis St although they know that the Council has yet to make a decision.

Car Thefts Prevention: 4 Important Tips to Not Become a Target

Did you know that 75 percent of car thefts happen because owners leave their vehicles unlocked? In recent weeks, residents of Corinda, Chelmer and Sherwood have had an unusual number of car thefts, which has alarmed law enforcers.

According to the Queensland Police, the risk of vehicles being singled out by opportunistic thieves is higher if the owner doesn’t secure their car. So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind to prevent becoming a target of car thefts:

1. Lock your vehicles.

Aside from the door, other points of access to the car include the window, the sunroof and the boot area. Be sure that these are locked or fully closed if you park your car in a public place. Make it a habit to check the locks and access points before you walk away from the parking area.

2. Don’t keep valuables in your car.

Resist the urge of leaving valuable items unattended inside your car. These could easily catch the eye of would-be thieves. If you need to bring valuable items, keep it out of sight. But don’t put these in the boot in full view of other people as thieves could also break into the trunk and take your stash because they saw you storing it there.

3. Take your keys with you.

If you’re going to be gone for just a few minutes, never leave your keys in the ignition. Turn this off and then take your keys with you. Also, never leave spare keys in your car’s glove box because thieves know where to look. The spare keys must be securely kept in your house.

4. Park in well-lit places.

Thieves may be deterred to target your vehicle if you park this in a well-lit area. If it’s also possible, choose a parking space that may be easily seen by passers-by. Be aware of where you park your car. If you’re wary of people loitering near the parking lot, it might be better to move your car somewhere else safer.

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures/Pixabay

Help your community become a safer place. Report suspicious activities in your area to the Queensland Police’s 24-hour online tip line.

Pieman Gets Warm, Sweet Welcome in Oxley

Family pies. Gluten-free pies, Sausage rolls. Vegan pies. Lamingtons. Tarts. The list goes on and people are steadily streaming in Pieman‘s door, ever since the pie shop braved the uncertainties of the coronavirus economy and opened in early May 2020.

Co-owned by brothers Jaden, Adam, and Ryan Donnelly, along with their father Stephen, this family-run business has been showing Oxley why Pieman’s crust is worthy of their trust, and giving more established bakers a run for their money.

Grandpa’s Tasty Legacy

The pie shop is built upon the legacy of the boys’ grandfather and his collection of recipes, tried and tested over almost eight decades in the industry.

Despite being open for barely half a month, Pieman already has quite a following. Their passionfruit vanilla slices are consistent bestsellers and run out shortly after they’re put on display.

Passionfruit vanilla slices
Photo Credit: Facebook/Pieman

Breakfast favourites include their Pieman special, steak, bacon, cheese, onion and a whole egg!

They also offer a scrumptious selection of gluten-free products, from sausage and vegetable rolls to pies in several delicious kinds — chunky steak, pepper steak, lamb and rosemary & chicken, and vegetable!

Customers who love gluten-free are given the option to purchase them as an unbiased product, to be baked at home. With a couple of hours’ notice, Pieman can also bake them in-store, where they use a separate, strictly used for gluten-free products only.

Family pies, gluten-free pies and sausage rolls & vegan pies — bake them at home!
Photo credit : Facebook/Pieman

Brunch or a quick snack or dessert can also be part of the agenda. They have steak and mushroom pie, bacon and egg, sausage rolls, laminators, caramel tarts, apple turnovers … you get the picture.

Expansion

During a time when most businesses are taking a step back or contemplating their next move extra cautiously, Pieman is making bold steps towards growth and their confidence and hard work are paying off in spades.

The shop has been busy every day, with people in and out for more of their delicious wares! Things are looking up on the expansion front as well. The family has plans to open in Cleveland by June and at the Gold Coast after that. In a classic “strike while the oven is hot” manner, the family will be opening several more stores before the end of the year and plans to license the brand next year to tap even more markets out there.

To get your pie fix and be among the first to taste what is now Oxley’s hottest new sensation, check out Pieman on Oxley Road.

New! Drive & Collect Shopping for Hardware Goods At Bunnings Oxley

Bunnings warehouse stores in Oxley, Newstead, Mt Gravatt, and other locations have launched the Bunnings Drive & Collect Service to help customers with their DIY projects whilst still supporting social distancing during this isolation period. Many people, suddenly finding lots of time on their hands, are taking on long-postponed special home improvement projects or the odd repair task at home during this coronavirus break.

Currently available at 250 Bunnings stores in Australia, the contactless Drive & Collect option is a variation of the existing “Click and Collect” service. The service has been tweaked so that the shopper would not have to get out of the car. Convenient and less risky, in today’s coronavirus world.

How Does Drive & Collect Work?

With this new service, shopping is as easy as 1-2-3. Here is a simple guide from Bunnings.

Although the service is available at the Oxley store, not all stores have Drive & Collect. For other stores that offer the service, click here.

” As we continue to follow government advice relating to COVID-19, we’re adapting how we operate to make sure we keep everyone safe, while ensuring customers have access to the products they need … Customers can purchase products online using Click & Collect, drive to their local store to pick up and we’ll load your products into your car. Best of all, you can get your products and go, all without having to leave your car,” Bunnings announced on their website.

Bunnings warehouse stores carry a multitude of products online, perfect for stay-at-home projects. These include garden tools, hand tools, power tools, outdoor lighting, outdoor pots for gardening, and storage solutions. DIY ideas and advice is also available at the Bunnings website.

Bunnings Oxley

Trading hours for the Oxley store are 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. weekends. Bunnings is closed on Anzac Day. For contact details and continuing updates on trading hours and days, please click here.

Inala Is Top Suburb for Most Cat Trapping Requests in 2019

Did you know that in 2019, Inala topped the list of Brisbane suburbs with the most cat trapping requests?

According to the animal complaints data, there were 663 wandering cat reports and 629 requests for cat trapping received by Brisbane City Council in 2019. Inala topped the list of suburbs with the most cat trapping requests with 26, followed by Forest Lake and Wynnum West with 17 each; Acacia Ridge with 16; Bracken Ridge, Clayfield, St Lucia, Wynnum with 14 each; and Bald Hills and Sunnybank with 13 each.

Cats are known to prey on birds, amphibians, fish, and other small mammals, apart from being notorious for their nuisance behaviours. Cats may also carry parasites and spread diseases that affect livestock, wildlife, and humans.

Your responsibility as a cat owner

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your cat does not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. According to the Brisbane City Council, the common cat nuisance issues reported by residents include:

Wandering onto other properties;
Being noisy;
Defecating in other people’s yards;
Attacking their cat or pets;
Damaging property; or
Attacking or killing native wildlife.

If your cat is found wandering, Council could impound it and you may receive a fine. Your cat should also be fully vaccinated and microchipped — when sold, given away, or before reaching the age of 12 weeks.

If you are no longer able to keep your cat, you should never release it to fend for itself as this an offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. You may instead surrender your cat for rehoming. Council currently has two animal rehoming centres where surrendered and lost cats are provided with a safe environment whilst being rehomed.

Photo credit: sandid/ Pixabay

Top 10 suburbs with most cat trapping requests:

Inala – 26
Forest Lake, Wynnum West – 17
Acacia Ridge – 16
Bracken Ridge, Clayfield, St Lucia, Wynnum – 14
Bald Hills, Sunnybank – 13
Moorooka – 11
Darra, Sandgate – 10
Brighton, Chermside, Sunnybank Hills – 9
Algester, Boondall, Carina Heights, Stafford Heights, Zillmere – 8
Calamvale, Camp Hill, Carina, Chapel Hill, Fitzgibbon, Mount Gravatt East, Richlands, Salisbury – 7

Feral animal sightings may be reported using the Council’s online form. For wandering cats, Council encourages residents to contact the cat owner or report it on (07) 3403 8888.

Tennyson is Top Brisbane Suburbs for Apartment Median Value, “Rightsizing” to Lift Demand for Luxury Apartments

Tennyson performed the strongest in terms of apartment median value in Brisbane, as “rightsizing” looms as a new trend towards prime apartment living, a new study says.

The Knight Frank Australian Residential Insight 2020 report looks into the rightsizing trend in Australian dwelling market and why more buyers are looking to downsize from their luxury home to prime luxury apartment. The report stated that the “Active Retired” group, in particular, search for smaller properties with house-like proportions. They also prefer simplicity and often favour the cost to upkeep over the surplus space.

This means that the new property should be just the right size, allows a simpler lifestyle with no maintenance living, and should be close to where the action is — activity hub and amenities. Brisbane is among the first across the major cities in Australia to respond to this growing rightsizing trend, particularly the rising demand for three-bedroom apartments.

So far, Tennyson topped the Brisbane suburbs list by apartment median value with $1,045,000, according to settled sales in Q3 2019, followed by Seven Hills ($679,900), Bulimba ($637,000), Camp Hill ($632,000), and Newstead ($629,688).

These and other prime suburbs that cater to rightsizers are likely to follow the national trend as demand from the active retired group, as well as families and entrepreneurs, continues to grow. Moreover, locals and buyers from Sydney and Melbourne alike find great value in Brisbane luxury apartments, not only for the amenities they offer but primarily for their affordability.

The top Brisbane suburbs by apartment median value:

Suburb	Median value
Tennyson	$1,045,000
Seven Hills	$679,900
Bulimba	$637,000
Camp Hill	$632,000
Newstead	$629,688
New Farm	$604,000
Bardon	$580,000
Teneriffe	$572,500
Kenmore	$567,825
West End	$564,000

Source: Knight Frank Research, APM. Includes medium- and high-density prime suburbs, settled sales, Q3 2019

By the end of 2022, Brisbane is forecast to increase the portion of total three-bedroom apartments being built at 87 percent, the largest share of any city, from 61 percent in 2017.

Overall, market share figures for all prime residential sales from Q3 2016 to Q3 2019 show Gold Coast getting 26 percent of apartment sales between $3-5 million, followed by Brisbane with 22 percent, and Sydney with 21 percent.

The shift in dwelling type preferences also appears to reflect in the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data which shows that the average number of houses built in 2018/19 fell by 1.3 percent from the year before, whilst the average new apartment size built during the same period grew by 3.2 percent.

As for distribution of medium- and high-density dwellings, Greater Sydney had the biggest share with 42 percent, according to the 2016 Census. Following Greater Sydney are the Gold Coast LGA (41%), Greater Melbourne (32%), Greater Brisbane and Greater Perth (23%)