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.

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

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

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

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

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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.

Photo credit: Must Do Brisbane

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.

Photo credit: Relove Oxley / Facebook

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.

Photo credit: Relove Oxley / Facebook

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!

Photo credit: Tocco Italiano / Facebook

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.

Photo credit: Tocco Italiano / Facebook

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.

Photo credit: Tocco Italiano / Facebook

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!

Photo credit: Tocco Italiano / Facebook

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!

Enjoy Your Summer at Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool Retro Party!

If you’re familiar with the now defunct West End’s Boundary St. Markets, you know how great those events can be. The man behind such success, David Bostock, is taking his brilliance and creativity to Corinda. He will be transforming Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool every fortnight into a retro party venue for some of the most enjoyable evenings this side of Brisbane.

The theme for his fortnightly swimming parties? Retro, complete with food trucks and music. Mr Bostock thinks that the Dunlop Park Memorial Swimming Pool is the perfect place to host such events because people all over Brisbane usually come there to train.

The pool parties will be alternating between Dunlop and Yeronga Pool, another venue that he deems perfect for the concept. The parties will begin on the 9th of December at Corinda Avenue. Considering Mr Bostock’s track record for getting his concepts off the ground successfully, these parties will likely become a popular, regular feature this summer.

Join the party from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Food will be available from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Party dates are as follows:

  • 9 December
  • 23 December
  • 13 January
  • 24 February
  • 10 March
  • 24 March

Same Same But Different In Corinda Still Rockin’ After a Year

Chef Kym Machin has been making a mark in the food industry in Brisbane. He first appeared in the dining scene in 2012 opening Urbane and then Spring, then later on established another one in the west, Bare Bones Society in partnership with his wife, Jade. Now, in Corinda, his restaurant Same Same But Different turns a year old.

The name of his restaurant implies a subtle change from his first ever restaurant concept. It’s pretty much the same but they have done some changes on the food, taking it to another level.

The monochromatic establishment on Oxley Road catches the eye and shades of red balances the theme of the place. It is spacious and light that has indoor and outdoor seating.

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

They offer all-day breakfast such as the Morning Glory that consists of mandarin, camucamu and basil sorbet, aerated yoghurt, kefir jelly, acas and banana parfait.

You also have to try the Pablo Diablo with haloumi, potato, sour cream and hash cake, slow pulled roasted pork, avocado, shared corn and black bean salsa with spiced fried egg and green mole.

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

They also serve lunch. You can choose from delicious salads and hearty lunches that will fuel your energy throughout the day. Their poached free range chicken breast with pistachios, shaved fennel, ago, apple, celery, endive and organic apple cider is a must try!

They also have two signature house burgers – the Southern fried chicken burger and the Same Same beef burger.

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

The restaurant also offers kid’s meals, so there really is something for everyone here.

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

If you want to grab a cup of coffee, they source their coffee from Toby’s Estate. They also have a wide range of cold pressed juices, and other drinks that will keep you refreshed.

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

Of course, the place wouldn’t be complete without some delicious treats. Try their soft centered chock tart or apple tart tatin for that sweet kick!

Photo credit: Same Same But Different / Facebook

Sherwood Arboretum Undergoes Upgrades

The Sherwood Arboretum will undergo upgrades this month particularly at the area along the Brisbane River.

Funds amounting to $95,000 have been set aside for the upgrades that includes repairs to the riverside boardwalk and bridge. Some of the works include:

  • Decking board replacement
  • Timber balustrades reprinting
  • Handrails reprinting

The decommissioned maintenance-only bridge will be removed whilst trees will be pruned for easier access to the bridge and boardwalk.

Locals are warned of temporary closures within the area this month due to the upgrades. The good news is that it won’t be too long before residents can enjoy the arboretum once again.

The area is perfect for gatherings or for solitary walks as it is surrounded by trees. There are gazebos where one can sit and just take in the peace and quiet. There are also kids’ playgrounds in the area.