Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 39 of 43 - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Fire Broke Out At An Abandoned School in Oxley, Residents Warned of Asbestos Exposure

On 7 January, fire ensued at an abandoned school in Oxley. Police officers were able to tackle the fire but now fear of asbestos inhalation has put the neighbourhood on edge.

When the fire broke out on Sunday afternoon, police officers warned residents to close their windows and stay inside their homes due to the possibility that the derelict building contained asbestos, which is harmful when inhaled.

However, some residents took matters into their own hands after smelling smoke coming from the fire similar to burnt plastic to evacuate and just come back when the smoke clears.

A report about a small group of people starting a small fire and burning a chair was caught on video. Due to this, the building has been declared a crime scene and the police are treating the incident as suspicious.

The Dangers of Asbestos

Asbestos exposure does not cause any immediate symptoms, which makes it easy for a person to inhale or swallow asbestos dust without realising it. Once it is in the body, they don’t dissolve and the body also will have a difficult time expelling them, leading to the asbestos fibres being trapped in the body, which later on can cause inflammation, scarring, and damage to the body’s cells.

Usually, illnesses related to asbestos take 20-50 years to develop. It can cause malignant diseases such as lung cancer.

From Derelict To A Green Space?

There has been an ongoing debate regarding what to do with the derelict building for months now. Some residents want to see the area transformed into a park.

Monkton House in Corinda Is Symbolic Of a Woman’s Great Work

In Corinda, the Monkton Detached House is one of the few surviving examples of the work of early women-architects in the state, and one of only three in Brisbane.

The house is symbolic as it marks the entry of women into the local professions in Queensland, specifically in the architectural industry. It is designed by Elina Emily Mottram, also known as the first woman to build her own architectural practice in the state.

Located on Ardoyne Road, it was built in 1925 for William and Margaret Dunlop. The name comes after the Monkton Farm, the name of Mr. Dunlop’s parents’ farm on Oxley Road. The house was built as a wedding gift for the couple.

The house depicts a “home” instead of just a house due to its comfortable ambiance. Historian Judith Mckay also described the details of the house as those which “only a woman can understand.” Such details include built-in joinery cabinets present throughout the house, cupboards, pantry/broom cupboard, wardrobe with storage cupboards and a cupboard in the parlor.

Ms Mottram also designed various houses in Brisbane such as a block of four flats in New Farm on Moray Street. Another one of the two remaining pieces of Mottram architecture that still stands today is the Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point.

Ms Mottram also designed public and civic buildings. She also became the first woman architect to work with the Queensland Railways for the design of the Eagle Junction railway station.

3 Red Bikes in Rocklea Offers Great Treasures

Christmas is almost here but if you have to do some shopping and you want to skip the crowds at shopping centres, check out 3 Red Bikes in Rocklea instead and get to score some unique finds!

There are three red bikes on the lawn outside the cottage, which won’t make it hard to find. Once you step inside, you will find yourself locked in time capsule as you browse through items that date back from many years ago.

Photo credit: 3 Red Bikes Vintage • Retro • Restorable • Recycled / Facebook

There are knick knacks that you can find as well as homewares. Recycled furniture can also be found here and artwork.

Another room in the cottage is dedicated only for clothing and other fashion items.

Step outside if you’re looking for items to decorate your yards with such as rattan plant stands, bird cages, and many more.

For the kids, there are also vintage tricycles and scooters that you can find.

The backyard shed holds more furniture so don’t miss out on this. You are in for some awesome surprises!

Address: 149 Granard Rd

Editor’s Note: 3 Red Bikes has been closed, as of January 2018.

Swain House in Chelmer: A Home Surrounded By the Richness of the Forest

Swain House is a heritage-listed property in Chelmer and is owned by one of Australia’s foremost forestry and timber experts, Edward Harold Fulcher Swain.

The house was built in the 1920s. Mr Swain was born in Sydney in 1883 and at 17, he was the first cadet to be appointed to the Forestry Branch of the Department of Lands. What was special about him is that his knowledge and skills were mostly self-taught. He also funded his own trips to various areas to gain more knowledge about trees. Later on, he started to write about them and published several papers and books about them.

By 1916, he had moved to Queensland as a district forest inspector and then succeeded Norman Jolly as director of forests. In 1924, he became chairman of the Provisional Forestry Board.

However, due to his contradicting opinions on forestry with the government’s official position on certain matters, he had to take an early retirement. He retired to his home in Chelmer.

The house has an arboretum around it that contains various species of trees. It is a single-storey house that is made of timber. There is also a grass tennis court.

The house is a sight to behold. It looks like it came out of a storybook, which is one of the things that make it so special.

Enjoy The Panoramic Views of the District at Francis Lookout Burial Ground in Corinda

If you want to know more about Corinda, you should definitely visit the heritage site of the Francis Lookout Burial Ground on Dewar Terrace.

The Francis family was one of the first families to settle in the suburb in 1862. They bought a 25-acre land to be used for farming and other agricultural use. Aside from the huge chunk of land, what makes it stand out is also the cemetery within that was established in 1863 following the death of their youngest son, Clement. Today, there are five graves of the Francis family that can be seen.

Other neighbouring families were also buried here, which are scattered randomly. The Francis family graves are located within a white fence.

An eye-catching structure on the site known as Lychgate was erected by Angela Francis in 1902. A blue disc above the entrance reads a message about the Francis family and what the lych-gate is for. This was Angela Francis’ personal memorial to her beloved husband and children.

Boppin’ Babies Arrives in Chelmer

The success of Boppin’ Babies continues to spread across Brisbane and has now reached Chelmer.

Designed by Registered and Music Therapist and internationally recognised researcher, Vicky Abad, Boppin’ Babies provides music-based early learning programs that enhance the development of babies and toddlers.

It all started with just a group of ten mums with their children in 2007. It came as a surprise when it became successful. Back then, there were no music programs being utilised as a developmental tool for toddlers, hence it got picked up on right away.

Today, they offer weekly music groups for children and parents at various Brisbane locations, childcare in the whole of Australia, pre-prep and kindergarten music groups, music groups for children’s birthday parties, music lessons, and music therapy.

Chelmer parents are very thrilled with the arrival of Boppin’ Babies. You can request a trial session to get a feel of how things work. Term 1 in Chelmer will begin at January 22, 2018.

Address: 26 Glenwood St.

Evolve Cafe in Rocklea Is A Healthy Cafe Within an Organic Grocery Store

Evolve Cafe in Rocklea is located inside Market Organics superstore. Nestled in the back corner, the small tables and chairs can easily be overlooked by shelves or organic food. However, you don’t want to miss the chance to hang out here and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

It all started in 2014 in Teneriffe. Back then, Evolve was just a small juice bar. Having received great feedback, the juice bar quickly grew to selling food and then later on moved to a larger location in Teneriffe. In 2016, the cafe in Rocklea opened and this year, they opened their most recent Evolve venture in North Ipswich.

You can satisfy your hunger by eating healthy at the cafe. Get yourself a smashed avo with poached eggs with salsa or Paleo Breakfast with crisp sweet potato hash, garlic and tamarin mushrooms, avocado and poached eggs served on a bed of spinach.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4XEY8hijM/?taken-by=evolveorganicrocklea

They also offer lunch such as quinoa nori rolls, grilled chicken bagels and fresh salads such as creamy potato.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKt3dijhdG1/?taken-by=evolveorganicrocklea

Of course, a healthy cafe wouldn’t be complete without acai bowls and bliss balls.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLLQhuKBdxG/?taken-by=evolveorganicrocklea

If you’re looking for something sweet, they also have raw slices of cake of the day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKCYsush-9E/?taken-by=evolveorganicrocklea

Their coffee is sourced from Supreme whilst they also offer Byron Bay tea. They also have protein shakes and smoothies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKG7kFpBpg1/?taken-by=evolveorganicrocklea

Good Vintage Finds & Good Coffee at Re-Love Inc Vintage Cafe in Oxley

The signs outside make it hard to miss. Along Blunder Rd in Oxley, the Re-Love Inc Vintage Cafe has become one of the locals favourite spots to shop and grab a relaxing cup of coffee.

Whether you’re looking for a place to shop for vintage and unique finds, or you’re looking to sell some of yours, this is the perfect place to go. Partners Jason and James have brought their love for collecting unique items to this quaint cafe in the suburb.

Taking over the space of an old Oxley warehouse, the shop features so many unique finds such as retro furniture, clothes, homeware, and just about anything under the sun.

The quirky signs decorating the exterior of the warehouse make it conspicuous and easy-to-find. Once you step inside, prepare to have your minds blown.

There is a wide selection of collectibles, clothes, and sundry wares available for the taking. The second floor is mostly dedicated to clothing and a collection of stuffed toys.

For items that people sell, they mostly offer consignment on selected items. They will evaluate items based on their standards and then will come and collect them. They do not allow random item drop-offs. Actually, they rarely buy items outright as consignment is the preferred arrangement. You can consign here.

Tired from shopping? Have a seat at their coffee lounge, cozily furnished with red booths and comfortable lounging chairs strategically placed around tables in groupings which invite conversation, yet offer privacy. Get yourself a cup of Veneziano coffee and some of their tasty treats. Try their carrot cake slices or coconut bread.

The World Food Markets Bring Christmas Markets in Corinda

On the 4th December, get your Christmas shopping done at the Oxley United Football Club as The World Food Markets brings their “Christmas Markets” concept to Corinda. From 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., bring your family and friends along with your furry friends and even a picnic blanket to sit on whilst you enjoy the entertainment, activities and then rest your tired feet from all that shopping!

Boasting of a European-style Christmas market, the place has 20 stalls offering various products such as cakes, decorations, Providore, local handmade products and many more.

The World Food Markets aims to gather global flavours, gourmet food trucks, outdoor bars, market stalls and music to bring local communities together. They prefer local produce, fair trade, and handmade products that give back to the community. They also aim to support small business communities of markets, stallholders and food truck owners.

So, you know where you’ll be this weekend! See you at the Christmas Market!

Expect Good Italian Food & Old School Hospitality at Tocco Italiano in Chelmer

Craving for an authentic Italian feast here in west Brisbane? Then you might want to head to Chelmer and check out Tocco Italiano Ristorante Pizzeria & Cafe.

Located along Oxley Rd, the restaurant is busiest after 5:30 p.m. but they do have breakfast and lunch items for your Italian cravings. The restaurant celebrated its first year anniversary in August of this year and people have kept the place busy, even on weekdays!

Living up to its concept, the cafe is built of bricks that will transport you the beautiful alleys and architecture of Italy. Enjoy the fresh air and have a seat outside whilst you devour delicious Italian dishes.

Their breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and you should try their Italian mince, scrambled eggs, or haloumi.

When lunch rolls around by 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., you can choose from fresh salads if you want something lighter. Of course, there are woodfire pizzas to be enjoyed if you’re looking for something heavier to consume.

For dinner, don’t miss out on their delicious hand rolled gnocchi.

Make sure that you also save room for dessert and try out their sweet treats!

One of the best things about the place is aside from the food is the warmness of everyone. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and they are just all smiles!