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Queensland Multicultural Month Features Global Adventures Inala

This August, Queensland celebrates its annual Multicultural Month, the state’s largest multicultural celebration. Included in this month’s celebration is the Global Adventures Inala, which is organised by the Inala Youth Service.

Queensland Multicultural Month is an opportunity for people from across the state to come together, celebrate and appreciate our diversity through performance, art, food, and sharing stories.

This 2018, each week in the Queensland Multicultural Month will have the following theme:

  • Move (1st – 5th August) – Sport, recreation and the arts
  • Connect (6th – 12th August) – Relax, socialize, and reflect on our unique heritage and history
  • Speak (13th – 19th August) – Speak up and share your languages, your culture and your journey with your fellow Queenslanders
  • Grow (20th – 26th August) – State’s business sector’s opportunity to grow a more diverse workforce and support structured career paths for new Queenslanders

“Queensland is a wonderful diverse state, with more than 1 of 5 of us born overseas,” Multicultural Development Australia (MDA) CEO Kerrin Benson said.

“Events like Global Adventures help us to get to know our neighbours and build strong communities where diversity of experiences and perspective is a strength,” Ms Benson said.

Photo credit:Multicultural Affairs Queensland/Facebook

 

The festival is aimed at showcasing the finest food, art, performance, and fashion unique to the community. “We are extending the invitation to everybody in the Greater Brisbane region who would like to come celebrate our strong, diverse and proud community,” Inala Youth Service CEO Lisa Evans said

Inala is considered a melting pot of people with half of its population born overseas. “While there are many cultural groups with a large presence in Inala there are also many emerging cultural communities who will be given the opportunity to publicly showcase their culture at the festival,” Ms Evan further said.

 

Photos from Queensland Multicultural Month 2017

Photo credit: Yeronga State High School/Facebook
Photo credit:David Sparks Photography/Facebook
Photo credit:David Sparks Photography/Facebook
Photo credit: Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC)/Facebook
Photo credit: Multicultural Affairs Queensland/Facebook

Some of the must see places that will be showcased to Inala visitors:

  • Cultural Hub – a gastronomic experience of Inala’s culturally diverse culinary specialties at the Civic Centre, Kittyhawk Ave.
  • Park Life – highlighting our beautiful parks including one of the biggest, the DJ Sherrington Park.
  • Independent Grocers – fresh herbs, exotic produce, and other hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Bakeries –  spotlights Vietnamese bakeries specialties like the Banh Mi of Minh Tan Bakery.

Global Adventures Inala is happening on August 17, 2018, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the DJ Sherrington Park, 601 Blunder Rd, Inala.

Walking Netball Sessions For Women In Graceville

Every Sunday afternoons, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., women are invited to come and play Walking Netball in Graceville.

Consider this activity a “less strenuous” version of the sport. Walking Netball does not involve any running or jumping, which means it can cater to all fitness levels. This is a great way to keep active and try netball with less stress.

The sessions are held at Western Districts Netball Association at Faulkner Park and facilitated by Nitro Netball. Nitro delivers fun and progressive Netball sessions. For more details, click here.

Nitro believes that Netball is for all people of all sizes and the sport itself has a place for everyone regardless of their size, speed, agility, and height. With this program happening at the park, it’s a great way to stay active and appreciate netball.

New Service Road Connections at Oxley Added To The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade

The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade will have extra works, including a new extension to Boundary Road to add new service road connections across the Oxley Creek floodplains.

With the design finalised in March 2018 for the $400 million upgrade from Rocklea to Darra, the extra works were recently announced to further improve safety and reduce traffic congestion on the motorway.

“The inclusion of the Boundary Road connection will deliver even more benefits to the 85,000 motorists who use the Ipswich Motorway daily by providing a critical link to improve safety and local connectivity,” according to Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk sees the addition of the new service roads as a step forward in reducing congestion.

“Adding new service roads means there is an alternative for motorists and truckies other than using the motorway for that section,” the Premier said.

“As I’ve said before, this project will not only improve safety and travel times for motorists, it will support 470 direct jobs which is great news for local workers and business.”

Stage 1 of the Rocklea to Darra Upgrade will involve the following:

  • Additional four to six lanes
  • Higher bridges over Oxley creek, including seven new bridges
  • New southern service road connection from Rocklea industrial precinct to the Oxley commercial and retail areas
  • New northern service road connection over Oxley Creek floodplain
  • New traffic signals at the Suscatand Street intersection

This major upgrade is set to be completed in late 2020.

View project details here

Vinnies Oxley Opens, Looking For Volunteers

Vinnies, by now a valuable part of Australian communities, has over 500 charity stores in the country. The most recent one to open in Brisbane is its Oxley store.

Vinnies Oxley opened on the 21st of June at the corner of the Factory Road loop. It offers plenty of items that you can browse through, from clothing such as men’s shirts, ladies’ items, and even children clothes, to wedding gowns, to books, to homewares, and many more.

The best thing about it? You can find unique items here for a very affordable price and you get to help others in need as well.

Photo credit: Vinnies QLD / Facebook

The St Vincent de Paul Society has 40,000 members and volunteers. In each charity shop, all the profits from the sale are used to provide resources and support to people in need.

By being a volunteer, whether a regular or not, you can make a huge difference. Most of the volunteers take this opportunity to use their skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of people whilst others use this chance to learn new skills and acquire experience in a supportive environment.

Currently, this new branch is looking for volunteers. You can contact Naomi at oxley.shop@svdpqld.org.au

Address: 63 Factory Road, Oxley, QLD

Get Fresh Organic Produce Delivered to Your Doorstep with Farm Fresh Organics

With a mission to promote organic farming in Australia, Farm Fresh Organics makes organic produce more accessible with the help of their home delivery service.

Farm Fresh Organics promises to deliver organic food that is better for your health and the environment by growing, researching, and selling locally sourced organic produce.

Photo credit: Facebook/Farm Fresh Organics

Inspired by their years of experience in travelling to the world’s best organic farms for ten years, owners Shane and Cath Heaton discovered the importance of organic farming in helping people have better health. The business also encourages farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices to reduce the impact on the environment for the benefit of this and future generations.

Each of the organic products they sell comes from certified organic growers that they are supporting around Australia. Farm Fresh Organics allows you to eat healthy, support organic growers in the country, and encourage sustainable farming for the benefit of the next generation.

Photo credit: Facebook/Farm Fresh Organics

The store offers set boxes which include a combination of different fruits and vegetables as well as seasonal ones. You can specify up to three exclusions of things you don’t want, however, you can’t request for produce to be included since their custom boxes depend on the availability of the produce. If you want to order specific fruits and vegetables, you can order them in addition to the set box. Check out the store’s FAQs to learn more about the product that comes in their set boxes.

To learn more about Farm Fresh Organics and place your order, visit their official website.

Celebrate the Peaks to Points Festival 2018 in Rocklea & Nearby Suburbs

The Peaks to Points Festival 2018, supported by the Brisbane City Council, will run for 16 days this month from 14-29 July. There will be over 35 family events across the city, in places such as Rocklea, Corinda, and many more. There will also be events happening in the Redlands and Ipswich as part of the festival.

Here in the west, these are some of the events that you shouldn’t miss.

14 July

Birdwalk at Granard Wetlands
(7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)

Hosted by the Oxley Creek Catchment Association (OCCA) and Birds Queensland, go on a bird walk with your family and catch sight of the most beautiful birds along with other reptiles and amphibians.

Booking is essential. Book via 3354 5541 or info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au

Address: Granard Wetlands at Marshall Rd, Rocklea

Twilight Tour of Cliveden Pocket
(3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Photo credit: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

Another event hosted by the OCCA in partnership with Cliveden Avenue Reserve Bushcare Group, see many species of plants. You also get to see the endangered Angle Stemmed Mrytle here. The tour ends with a light supper.

Booking is essential. Book via 3354 5541 or info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au

Address: Meet at 430 Cliveden Ave Reserve, Corinda

18 July

Family Day
(10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

This is the main festival family event! Have fun with the whole family with so many activities to enjoy. Kids will love the face painting booth and the farm animals.

Whilst you’re there, good live entertainment will keep you on that festive mood. There will also be a line-up of food and drink stalls.

You can also catch a lot of sustainability exhibitors at the event.

Address: Oxley Creek Common, 428 Sherwood Road, Rocklea

Greenbank Military Training Area Tour
(9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

Photo credit: Weekend Notes

It’s not every day you get to tour the Greenbank Military Training Area and now here’s a chance to do so! Here you can see one of the only five remaining vine forests south of the Brisbane River.

BYO lunch, snacks and water.

For OCCA members, the tour is free. Non-members will have to pay $20 each.

Booking is essential. Book via 3354 5541 or info@oxleycreekcatchment.org.au

Address: Bus pick up and drop off from Browne Street, Corinda Railway Station

21 July

Learning While Managing Native Flora & Fauna Habitats
(6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)

Hosted by Pennywort Creek Bushcare Group, this is an event that will have you digging, planting, and watering plants. There will also be an Identify & Control Problem Weeds demonstration.

After the activities, you will be taken on a walk to see the angle-stemmed myrtle and finish it off with a morning tea.

Address: George Scarlett Park, Cnr Cliveden Ave & Pratten St, Corinda

Bird Spotting at the Oxley Creek Common
(7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)

Hosted by Birds QLD, this is a 4.5km walk around the Oxley Common. You get to observe the many species of birds that can be found here.

BYO snacks and drinks and there will be binoculars available.

RSVP to Paul Marty – 0418 899 967 (phone/text)

Address: Oxley Creek Common, 428 Sherwood Rd, Rocklea

Take Your Kids Out This Winter School Holiday Around The Walter Taylor Bridge

Let your kids enjoy nature and the outdoors during this winter school holidays. Check out these places around the Walter Taylor Bridge where you can take them. The good news? They’re all free!

BJP Physique

Ideal for girls, let them learn a great combination of dance and sport this upcoming holidays. Let them dance to fun and upbeat pop music whilst learning new moves that combine yoga, aerobic dance, ballet, hip-hop, and many more. They have classes for little girls and adults.

You can click here to learn more about their classes.

Address: Oxley State School, Bannerman Street, Oxley QLD 4075

LifeTime Tennis

Indulge your kids to the wonderful sport of tennis this school break. LifeTime Tennis works with several schools across the state. You can book a free trial here.

Address: Corner Erinvale St & Rolfe St, Corinda Brisbane, QLD 4075

Walter Taylor Bridge

Take your kids with you on a walking tour through the Walter Taylor Bridge, Australia’s only inhabitable bridge. The historic suspension bridge is built by Walter Taylor.

What sets it apart from the other bridges in the country is that the two towers of the bridge house are residential accommodations. It is also one of four bridges in close proximity to each other. Simply being on the bridge whilst cars pass by below is a great experience that your kids will enjoy.

The walking tour is free but bookings are essential. You can book here.

Faulkner Park

One of the biggest parks in Brisbane, this is a great place for your kids to simply let loose and have fun. Take away those gadgets and let them play with the other children. Expose them to the beauty of nature whilst covered up in layers during the winter school holidays. You can also let the dogs tag along.

Address: 80 Waratah Ave, Graceville QLD 4075, Australia

Francis Lookout Burial

Go on an interesting walk around the cemetery and visit the Lychgate with your kids. You can also see a great view of the Brisbane skyline from here.

Address: 157 Dewar Terrace, Corinda, Brisbane

Oxley Creek Catchment Area

Let your kids see different birds at the Oxley Creek Catchment Area. Different kinds of water birds can be seen here and it is recommended that you go during the mornings.

Address: 9 Macdevitt St, Coopers Plains QLD 4108, Australia

Get Rare and Unusual Plants at Oxley Nursery

Oxley Nursery is one of Brisbane’s go-to places for rare plants at the best price. The expansive garden centre houses a vast selection of cacti, succulents, fruit trees, palm trees and exotic flowers. The centre also sells unique pots, terrariums and sculptures that are perfect for that zen garden.

Rare type of succulent, Crassula elegens. Photo credit: Facebook/Oxley Nursery

Aside from selling a variety of plants, Oxley Nursery is also popular as a place for hiring plants for events and exhibitions. Owners, Andy and Caitlin Roy have over 20 years of experience in the field of “Show Plants” prior to transforming their business into a retail nursery.

Heliconias Photo credit: www.oxleynursery.com.au

As avid gardeners and collectors of plants for years, the owners wanted to have plenty of rare and exotic plants to make homes and gardens stand out. Oxley Nursery’s rare plants are priced from $5 up to $1,500.

Malay Dwarf Bamboo Photo credit: www.oxleynursery.com.au

Oxley Nursery boasts a wide range of plant options, particularly species that thrive in Brisbane’s subtropical conditions. For gardeners looking for new plants to add to their garden, the garden centre gets new stocks almost every week.

For more information, visit Oxley Nursery’s website or check out their Facebook page for updates.

Brisbane Housing Company Set to Enter the Retirement Village Market at Sherwood

Brisbane Housing Company (BHC), a leading provider of innovative affordable housing in Queensland, will be providing an affordable senior’s vertical community at 14-22 Hood Street, Sherwood.

Photo credit: pdonline.gov.au

The retirement village called Arbor aims to facilitate inclusiveness and socialisation. Plans for the development were already finalised and it will include a number of communal spaces, with recreational levels provided at each level, thus encouraging interaction and socialisation within the development.

Photo credit: pdonline.gov.au

The development will also have elevated outdoor spaces to provide an integrated building that is enjoyable and usable all year round. Semi-outdoor spaces will cater to the subtropical environment and foster the connective indoor and outdoor nature of many Queensland style homes.

Arbor will have 52 apartments with 14 1.5 bedroom apartments and 38 2 bedroom apartments. BHC will offer market competitive apartment living priced at $350,000 – $450,000 and can go as low as $200,000 for true needs clients in a community where the local median home value is $800,000 – $850,000.

Photo credit: pdonline.gov.au

BHC designed Arbor’s DMF (Deferred Management Fee) contract to minimise the impact of regular fees on the pension. They are also working with Hynes Legal to deliver a range of financial options which will include strategies to deliver rental support.

BHC is focused on building and maintaining quality affordable homes for people in need and engaging with and supporting people to sustain their tenancies. They were able to build and manage 1,300 apartments for affordable rental. BHC also manages a further 250 properties under the NRAS (National Rental Affordability Scheme) investment plan and has sold 300 homes into the market.

Established in 2002 with a QLD Government and Brisbane City Council funding of  $40 million, the BHC provides inner and middle ring housing for essential service workers.

Graceville State School Joins Active School Travel Program

Graceville State School (GSS) is among the new schools to participate in the Brisbane City Council’s Active School Travel (AST) program in 2018.

The Active School Travel (AST) program encourages primary school students and their families to keep an active and healthy lifestyle by actively travelling to school.

AST is not just about letting the kids walk to school for healthier and more active students, but the program also promotes road safety and sustainable travel modes via cycling, walking, carpooling, scootering, or public transport. This will also help reduce traffic congestion on busy streets and school zones.

The program is tailored to each school with a dedicated officer, passports, rewards, active maps, and many more.

Schools under the program will have direct access to a range of free resources, tools and incursions. To help students joining the program, GSS offers an Active Travel Map that students and parents can easily see the active travel routes here.

The map provides detailed public transport routes, walking, and cycle paths. It also highlights public facilities that are useful for program participants.

It also allows parents and students to know the distance from their house to the school through the measuring scale. This is also a great way to discover nearby bikeways and walking paths for those who plan to walk around during the weekend.

The pink polygon or the “no excuses zone” on the program map shows homes that are within a ten-minute walk from the school, challenging residents of that zone to stay active and walk to school.