Chelmer has welcomed its latest culinary destination – Fair Play Kitchen, a gastropub that’s already creating buzz since opening its doors last week at the Sherwood Magpies AFC.
Behind this exciting venture are familiar faces Reagan Nongkhlaw and Urvik Bhalani, the dynamic duo known for their success at Method to the Madness in Kenmore. Their latest project at 41 Chelmer St East brings their signature blend of creativity and hospitality to a new community, with a sophisticated dining destination at a local sporting club.
Photo credit: Fair Play Kitchen/Facebook
The menu is where Fair Play Kitchen truly shines, offering clever twists on pub classics and breakfast favourites. Their golden mushroom croquettes have already become a talking point – crispy on the outside, impossibly creamy within, and elevated by a house-made tomato relish and generous shavings of parmesan.
Photo credit: Fair Play Kitchen/Facebook
Breakfast pushes boundaries with their standout okonomiyaki, a Japanese-inspired creation featuring sweet potato and crispy cabbage, dressed with the traditional trio of kewpie mayo, tonkatsu sauce, and nori flakes, all crowned with a perfectly fried egg.
Photo credit: Fair Play Kitchen/Facebook
For those seeking a morning pick-me-up with a twist, their breakfast tacos strike an innovative balance between savoury and sweet, combining smoky bacon and creamy avocado with an unexpected hero – house-made pineapple jam.
The beverage program holds its own with an impressive lineup of craft beers on tap and a carefully curated wine list showcasing premium Australian labels. Health-conscious patrons haven’t been forgotten, with a selection of fresh, unfussy smoothies completing the offering.
Fair Play Kitchen seems poised to become more than just another venue – it’s shaping up as Chelmer’s new community hub, where morning coffee runs seamlessly transition into afternoon drinks and everything in between. As the owners settle into their new neighbourhood, they’re not just serving meals; they’re creating a space where good food, great drinks, and local connections flourish under one roof.
The Chelmer residence once owned by the family of Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus has recently sold for a remarkable $2.41 million, a month after her triumphant performance in the Paris pool.
The sale price, secured on August 16th, falls comfortably within the initial asking range of $2.35 million to $2.55 million, proving the enduring appeal of this prestigious property.
Lindona’s expertly constructed weatherboard home displays the builder’s distinctive Hamptons style. It boasts a range of luxurious amenities, including a sparkling in-ground pool with app-controlled waterfall features, spa jets, and coloured lighting. An accompanying gazebo provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Queensland sunshine.
The ground floor is designed for entertaining, seamlessly connecting to a spacious deck and manicured garden, while the second level houses the bedrooms and a second living area. The main bedroom has a private balcony, a walk-in robe leading to the ensuite bathroom, and a luxurious soaking tub.
The property’s location in Chelmer undoubtedly contributed to its appeal. Chelmer offers a desirable blend of excellent schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre. The suburb’s median house price has increased 24.6% over the past 12 months, reaching $1,825,000, underscoring its growing popularity.
Ann-Karyn Fraser of Place New Farm handled the sale and expressed her delight at the outcome, stating it was a privilege to market the beautiful property for the Titmus family.
She noted that the home attracted considerable interest from families drawn to the area’s top-tier schools, including Indooroopilly State High and St Peter’s Lutheran College, which Ariarne attended. The property was sold to a family relocating from interstate for work opportunities.
Ariarne Titmus, though narrowly missing out on gold in the women’s 200-metre freestyle final in Paris, brought home an impressive haul of one gold and two silver medals. Her achievements have solidified her status as a national sporting hero, and selling her family home marks another chapter in her inspiring journey.
The Walter Taylor Bridge, a crucial link between Chelmer and Indooroopilly, is set for a temporary closure this month, reigniting discussions about its future.
As the structure prepares to shut down from September 13 to 30 for maintenance, stakeholders are divided on how to address the growing traffic demands in this bustling corridor.
Michael Kane, head of public policy at RACQ, suggested that traffic modelling indicates a need for bridge duplication by 2041, if not sooner.
Photo credit: Peter Kaye/Google Maps
Mr Kane acknowledged that such a project would be complex and costly for the council, and given its local nature and competing priorities, substantial state or federal funding seems unlikely. He advocates for more detailed modelling to refine traffic forecasts and potential upgrade timelines.
Former transport minister Mark Bailey argued for a more urgent approach. He contends that a replacement bridge is needed much sooner than 2041, describing the current structure as one of Brisbane’s worst bottlenecks due to its single lane connecting the inner city to the Centenary suburbs.
Despite these calls for action, plans for duplication have stalled. Cr Andrew Wines, the council’s civic cabinet chair for infrastructure, attributes this to a lack of support from state and federal governments. In response, Transport Minister Bart Mellish stated that the responsibility for the bridge’s future lies with the local government, as it is a council asset.
Photo credit: Andrew Percy/Google Maps
Alternative solutions are also being proposed. Greens MP Michael Berkman suggests reopening the Tennyson rail line as a potential alternative to a new river crossing.
Meanwhile, Cr Nicole Johnston advocates for a more comprehensive approach, proposing an extension of the City Cat ferry service further upriver to provide an alternative transport option for university students and others.
With stakeholders divided and funding uncertain, the future of this vital river crossing remains unclear. As the city evolves, finding a solution that satisfies all parties while meeting the area’s long-term needs will be crucial to keeping Brisbane moving forward.
The shutdown, announced with only one month’s notice, is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. on September 13 and continue until 5:00 a.m. on 30 September 2024. This closure is part of essential maintenance work on the 90-year-old structure.
About the Walter Taylor Bridge Road Resurfacing
The maintenance project is comprehensive, involving full removal and replacement of road asphalt, concrete repairs to the bridge deck, waterproofing, and steel node maintenance. The work will require the use of heavy machinery and power tools, which is likely to cause noise, dust, and increased vehicle movements in the area.
Photo credit: Andrew Foley/Google Maps
The heritage-listed bridge, which serves over 35,000 users daily, plays a critical role in Brisbane’s traffic flow. Its closure is expected to cause significant disruption, forcing motorists to take substantial detours or switch to public transportation. The only vehicles permitted to cross during this period will be emergency vehicles under six tonnes and those no wider than 2m, using the adjacent Jack Pesch cycle and pedestrian link.
Local road closures
Road detour map – Walter Taylor Bridge resurfacing works (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
Local road closures will accompany the bridge shutdown. In Chelmer, Wharf Street between Rosebury Terrace and Honour Avenue will be closed, as will the northbound lane of Honour Avenue from Bridge Street onwards. The official detour route will direct traffic via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, and Centenary Highway.
Brisbane City Council has assured residents that measures will be in place to manage the changed traffic conditions, including police presence, traffic control, and signage. However, the short notice and extensive nature of the closure have raised concerns among local residents and businesses about potential disruptions.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance using the QLDTraffic app or website, or by calling 13 19 40 for up-to-date information. While the closure will undoubtedly cause inconvenience, the maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of this important piece of Brisbane’s infrastructure.
As the Walter Taylor Bridge approaches its centenary, this maintenance project underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure in growing urban areas. The temporary pain of closure is balanced against the long-term gain of preserving a vital transport link for future generations of Brisbane residents.
Construction came to an abrupt halt in April when an unrecorded tip site was unearthed during the demolition of the old playground. While posing no health risk, the discovery prevents building on the site, as remediation costs are prohibitive.
This setback comes on the heels of budget cuts that removed funding for a separate remediation project at Gordon Thompson Oval, exacerbating the lack of available recreational spaces in the area.
In a bid to salvage the project, council officers are exploring the feasibility of relocating the ninja warrior course to Graceville Memorial Park, less than a kilometre away. This central location would serve both Chelmer and Graceville residents, maintaining the project’s accessibility.
While the old playground site will be grassed over and the swings will remain in place, the discovery has added the site to the contaminated land register.
Despite the disappointment, the project remains on track with sufficient funding allocated for installation at Graceville Memorial Park, pending heritage approvals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the challenges of urban development and the importance of thorough site assessments, but local authorities remain committed to delivering a new recreational facility to the community.
The 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run was a resounding success, with a tidal wave of support sweeping across Brisbane and numerous regional communities in Queensland. This remarkable event rallied thousands of participants, united in their mission to combat breast cancer, raising an astonishing $1.78 million for the cause.
The streets of Brisbane’s CBD were awash with a “Sea of Pink” on March 10 as runners, walkers, and supporters donned pink outfits and accessories for the inspiring 5km and 10km events.
Thousands more joined in at 14 “virtual” fun run locations from Bowen to the Sunshine Coast organised by Mater Foundation.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
Among the pink-clad masses were two incredibly inspiring women – Anna Finlayson and Anna Holland – both breast cancer survivors who embodied the event’s message of resilience, hope, and celebrating life.
Chelmer mother-of-two Ms Finlayson rallied her community from The Outdoor Club Graceville after receiving a shocking breast cancer diagnosis last year. Despite undergoing three surgeries including a mastectomy, her courage spurred them all to join the fun run.
Ms Holland, a teacher from Jamboree Heights State School, beamed with joy as she celebrated an incredible milestone – five years of being cancer-free after battling stage two HER2-positive breast cancer.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
Her presence at this year’s Fun Run was a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Despite enduring a double mastectomy, gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, Ms Holland emerged as a true warrior, her spirit unbroken.
The record-smashing number of participants this year resulted in the event selling out within 25 days, despite organisers increasing the capacity by 3,000 spots to meet overwhelming demand.
Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive Andrew Thomas proclaimed this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run as the largest in the event’s 33-year history.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
“Queenslanders have supported this year’s fun run like never before – and we cannot thank them enough,” he said.
“Our supporters created a pink street party that stretched from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens – and beyond.
“It’s been a day of laughter and great memories – and a few tears too.
The $1.78 million raised through the fun run will bolster Mater’s efforts against breast cancer through funding critical medical research, procuring cutting-edge equipment, and offering more personalised patient services.
Residents in the affluent Brisbane suburb of Chelmer, along with neighbouring suburbs like Graceville and Sherwood, have resorted to drastic measures to combat rising youth crime rates. They’ve employed the services of a private security guard and his highly-trained dogs, spending thousands of dollars weekly in their bid to protect their community.
Frustrated with what they perceive as a lacklustre response from the government and courts regarding youth crime, residents have initiated community efforts to enhance safety.
One local, a young father, spearheaded these actions after a disturbing incident involving juveniles allegedly armed with machetes breaking into a mother’s home in Sherwood. He expressed discontent with government inaction and emphasised the urgency of addressing the escalating problem.
Patrols and Surveillance
Under the guidance of ex-army reservist Dan Walker, Walker Security conducts patrols equipped with highly visible vehicles and trained protection dogs. Daily reports from these patrols keep residents informed of any suspicious activities.
Photo Credit: Walker Security/Facebook
The visible presence of security personnel and their vigilant monitoring have significantly deterred criminal activities, contributing to a notable decrease in reported offences, particularly in Chelmer, where property values are high.
When the locals took matters into their own hands in November 2023, the residents claimed that crime rates plummeted by as much as 80 per cent in their area.
Chelmer Crime Statistics Feb 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Based on the Queensland Police Services statistics, the number of offences like robbery, unlawful entry, and theft have decreased in the suburbs.
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Aug 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Nov 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Police Response and Strategies for 2024
While community-led initiatives strive to mitigate immediate concerns, law enforcement agencies still grapple with long-term solutions.
Queensland’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, outlines police strategies for 2024, emphasising the need for swift action against violent youth offenders. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, police aim to address the root causes of youth crime while utilising technologies such as GPS trackers to monitor offenders.
Amidst these efforts, academic voices like Associate Professor Troy Allard from Griffith University, advocate for a systemic rethink in approaching youth justice.
Criticising the current emphasis on deterrence, Dr Allard suggests a shift towards prevention-focused interventions, highlighting the need for holistic support systems involving therapy and family supervision. Such initiatives, he argues, could yield more meaningful and sustainable outcomes in addressing youth crime.
Police Commissioner Steps Down
Amidst growing tensions within police ranks and criticisms over the handling of recent incidents, Police Commisioner Katarina Carroll announced her decision to step down during a meeting with Police Minister Mark Ryan at Brisbane Airport on 20 February 2024. Her resignation follows heightened speculation and comes in the wake of concerns over the state’s response to youth crime.
Despite Premier Steven Miles’ previous support, Carroll emphasised the need to “clear the air” and allow the Queensland Police Service to focus on addressing critical issues. As discussions swirl around her departure, attention turns to the future leadership of the force and the ongoing challenges in tackling youth offending.
Commissioner Carroll’s last day will be on 1 March 2024, months out from when her contract was due to finish. She was appointed to the role in 2019, becoming the first woman in the position after serving as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
The Chelmer real estate market has made headlines with a breathtaking sale. Within mere days of being listed, a riverfront mansion at 116 Queenscroft St, Chelmer, has fetched an astounding $8.45 million, smashing records and setting a new real estate record for the suburb.
The sale now stands as the second-largest residential transaction in the history of Chelmer, showcasing the undeniable appeal of this picturesque riverside community.
Dramatic entryway to the property Photo Credit: Properstar
The property, a spacious family home nestled on a sprawling 1923-square-meter parcel of land, has been part of Chelmer’s landscape since its acquisition in July 2010 for $5.35 million by the previous owners. Their decision to downsize has sparked this incredible sale, which underscores the vibrancy of Chelmer’s real estate market.
One of the 5 bedrooms inside the property Photo Credit: Properstar
Local real estate agents Heath Williams and Ann-Karyn Fraser collaborated to market this property, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. A local family from the Chelmer area emerged as the successful buyer, securing the property just 12 hours after it was listed. Such swift action underscores the intense competition in the market, as two eager buyers submitted offers within days.
The luxurious living room overlooking the view of a lake Photo Credit: Properstar
What makes this mansion truly exceptional are its features—a luxurious five-bedroom, five-bathroom layout, complete with an inviting infinity pool and lounge deck, a private pontoon, a wine cellar, and roomy garaging for four vehicles. Its north-facing orientation, immunity to flooding, and idyllic riverfront location undoubtedly contributed to its allure.
View of the relaxing infinity pool and lounge deck Photo Credit: Properstar
According to Heath Williams, the limited availability of comparable properties in Chelmer, coupled with economic stability and stagnant interest rates, has motivated buyers to seize opportunities. “There’s limited stock, and I think everyone’s gotten tired of waiting for the world to collapse and are just getting on with it. There’s a lot of activity suddenly. Interest rates have been on hold for a while now, so people are seeing it as safe to wade back into the water.”
The infinity pool and lounge deck at daytime overlooking the Brisbane River Photo Credit: Properstar
This record-breaking sale follows Mr. Williams’ previous success in the Chelmer market when he brokered the $8.8 million sale of 37 Morley Street two years ago. Additionally, a historic home at 44 Moreton St, New Farm, recently sold for a sum higher than its asking price of over $4.1 million.
Floor plan of the whole property Photo Credit: Properstar
The ongoing success of Chelmer’s property market continues to captivate its residents and reaffirms the enduring appeal of this charming riverside community.
To build or not to build a new bridge from Chelmer to Indooroopilly: the question has been the subject of much discussion and debate since the idea was floated and particularly in recent months.
Earlier this year, Brisbane City Council presented six options for a potential new bridge aimed at alleviating severe congestion on the existing Walter Taylor Bridge. Here are the potential solutions:
A four-lane downstream bridge and overpass near the rail line
A four-lane downstream bridge with a short under rail tunnel on Coonan St
A new four-lane bridge going upstream
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes northbound, whilst building another two-lane southbound bridge
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes southbound and then adding a new two-lane bridge northbound
No action despite the severe congestion at Walter Taylor Bridge
Community Feedback
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Although most residents agree something must be done to address congestion around the Walter Taylor Bridge, some have presented their own ideas for improving transportation in the area that don’t involve constructing another bridge.
BCC has summarised the insights identified through community consultation, based on data gathered from the pre-feasibility study conducted:
There is a high level of community support for infrastructure solutions, with 85% of respondents suggesting a need for infrastructure upgrade and a want to see improvements to the district and river crossing.
More than 70% of respondents suggested upgrading infrastructure by building another bridge or increasing capacity of the existing Walter Taylor Bridge, by making traffic improvements north and south of the river to reduce congestion and improve travel time reliability of road users.
63% of respondents cross the river three or more days in a week and 79% of respondents said congestion, travel time or reliability are the main challenges when crossing the river.
18% of respondents outlined a need for direct and more frequent bus and train services, including more connections servicing the northern and southern suburbs and better access to parking in and around the train stations.
12% of respondents wanted more active transport links to local paths and cycleways.
Meanwhile Cr Nicole Johnston (Tennyson Ward) argues that a new bridge will simply dump more cars onto already congested roads like Coonan Street and turn residential streets into thoroughfares. She advocates for improving public transportation as a preferable alternative.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Cr Johnston suggested making public transport for students free during school and university terms. She also called for more local bus loops connecting to train stations, extending the CityCat network, building new bike paths where they were lacking, and upgrading problematic intersections.
The opponents of a new bridge from Chelmer to Indro argue proper investigation is needed to determine the optimal location for improved river crossings in Brisbane’s western suburbs. They contend projects improving transportation options apart from private vehicles deserve priority consideration.
The debate seems guaranteed to continue as officials weigh the costs and benefits of relieving congestion on the bridge so vital for connectivity between Brisbane’s inner west and southwest. For now, the outcome remains uncertain.
Imagine a school where students come from over 41 different countries, many of them refugees from war-torn regions or children of migrants, all of them speaking languages other than English. These children are the reasons why Milpera State High School in Chelmer came into being.
Named after the Aboriginal word meaning “a meeting place of brothers and sisters,”Milpera State School brings hope and opportunity to children and youth who have moved to Australia from all over the world under challenging, mostly disadvantaged, circumstances.
“Milpera is an intensive English-language school, and our kids come from more than 41 different countries to learn English to prepare them to go on to high schools, or…to TAFE.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
With a commitment to maximising the full potential of every student within a socially just and culturally inclusive environment, Milpera State High School is a rarity among schools in the country as they aim to address the needs of young people who need to assimilate into a new country and learn a new language whilst getting a good education.
Established in 1979, this special-purpose state high school has been providing intensive English language education and settlement services to empower its diverse student population to flourish in their new lives in Australia.
Milpera was originally based on the grounds of Corinda State High School, close to the migrant hostel in Wacol, which shut down in 1987. Around that same period, the facility outgrew its site and relocated to its present address along Parker St in Chelmer.
Its name was changed from Corinda Special School to Milpera State High School to reflect its vision and mission for being. The school also took in students from Darra, aside from Corinda, Wacol and Chelmer.
Before the 1970s, the need for a school like Milpera was minimal. Back then, Australia’s policy favoured migration from specific European countries, resulting in fewer challenges for non-English speaking students.
However, as times changed, the school encountered various waves of migrant groups, influenced by geopolitical conflicts and changing migration policies of the government.
As a result, Milpera acted as a proactive barometer that adapted to the circumstances that required constant flexibility. The school adjusted its multilingual, multinational teacher aides to align with the changing language requirements of its students.
Because of the rich cultural diversity and linguistic backgrounds of its students, Milpera has comprehensive educational and settlement services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each learner and their family, ensuring the best outcomes.
Highly-Skilled Teachers
At Milpera, the teaching team and staff understand the challenges faced by their students, who often hail from low socioeconomic backgrounds and experience upheaval.
The school’s support system is robust, providing essential guidance to help students navigate these obstacles.
English is taught through language, literacy, and literature, as well as humanities topics, mathematics, science, and health and physical education. Additionally, students enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art and develop valuable coding skills.
The school also has a program called “Milpera Live” to deliver lessons online, a robust tool that enables educators to reach students in unconventional ways.
The principal, Julie Peel, talks about Milpera Live.
The educators at the school possess formal qualifications in teaching English as an Additional Language and employ innovative approaches to impart the right skills across various subjects.
“…we have a new student in one of our classrooms who’s using an iPad to communicate with us… they use (the technology) as a tool to learn. So it absolutely does speed up and enhance their experience of being a bit more joy in the classroom.”
Abdul Le Ibrahimi, Teacher Aide
A Sense of Belonging
Today, the school welcomes both permanent residents and those with temporary or bridging visas, with all students approved by the Minister for Education to attend school in Australia.
Beyond academics, Milpera fosters good settlement and a strong sense of belonging through carefully curated learning experiences and an extensive extra-curricular program.
At the school, conflicts and divisions from students’ home countries are left behind, allowing Muslim and Christian students, as well as individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to coexist peacefully.
Students from the same regions often find more common ground than divisions, sharing similar interests in food, art, music, and sports.
Central to the school’s mission is equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an Australian classroom and beyond. The student-centered curriculum is designed to offer highly contextualised language learning experiences, ensuring that students develop the English language proficiency necessary for their future academic and career pathways.
“It’s an extremely rewarding school to work in because we do get ot observe that great distance travelled.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
Despite the many challenges faced by its students, Milpera State High School has achieved exceptional outcomes. The school’s holistic approach to education, which encompasses not only language acquisition but also settlement skills and values such as gender equality, contributes to the students’ overall success.
