Weemalla House In Corinda Stands As Symbol Of Brisbane’s Elite In The Early 20th Century

Heritage-listed Weemalla in Corinda symbolizes Brisbane’s elite lifestyle in the early 1900s.

Built in 1908-1909, the house is a fine example of architect Robert Smith Dods’ residential designs for his wealthy clients.

The home was owned by Robert Moore Steele, who was among the elites during those years. Back in the 1890s, Corinda had scattered estates for the wealthy. Their homes were often set on hills and merged with small farms.

The elite in Brisbane back then would typically settle on hilltops or beside the river to keep away from noise, commotion, and polluted air. Such was the residence of RM Steele, who was the manager of the Queensland branch of the Victoria Insurance Company Ltd from 1901. He was also a member of the Brisbane Club and an early member of the Toowong Bowling Club.

Since the construction of the heritage-listed house, it has remained unchanged. It was sold a number of times since 1963 but only minor modifications were made to it.

Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) Chair Peter Coaldrake said that Weemalla is an example of the housing of Brisbane’s wealthy families in the early twentieth century. It also serves as an illustration of the contribution of Architect Dods in progressing Queensland architecture.

The home is notable for its craftsmanship as it successfully unites formal and informal living spaces. Today, Weemalla remains a residence.

Address: 62 Ruthven Street

AHPC Encourages Kids to Walk to School; Better Pedestrian Access to Corinda State School Remains an Issue

A mum from Seventeen Mile Rocks is at the forefront of a call for better pedestrian access to Corinda State School. Cliveden Avenue West is steep with no pathways or lighting.

Parents have been calling for upgrades on the avenue for three years already, and even labeled the site as dangerous, with bush on both sides and rocks on the shoulder of the road.

 

Active Travel

Just recently, the Australian Health Policy Collaboration (AHPC) at Victoria University released a report called “Active Travel: Pathways to a Healthy Future,” that recommended all levels of government to improve active access to schools. A high percentage of kids and young people are not getting the proper amount of physical activity. They have recommended that children should have an average of 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

AHPC is part of a coalition of 34 high-profile groups including the Cancer Council and Stroke Foundation, calling on the Federal Government to set obesity prevention as a national priority.

 

Three-Part Policy Framework

They also revealed that one quarter of all children and 29% of young people are overweight or obese. One of the reasons for this is the lack of opportunity to get enough daily exercise through the daily tasks that they do, which includes going to school, thus the design of the three-part policy framework to enable Australia to achieve national active school travel.

  1. Building active environments adjacent to all schools that prioritise pedestrians and cyclists
  2. Establish a national target for physical activity
  3. Establishment of virtual knowledge hub for schools, communities and local governments to provide evidence and implementation information for active school travel initiatives

“We are now one of the world’s fattest nations with very high rates of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. We cannot stand by and accept such high levels of risk among Australia’s children when the evidence of what we can do is right in front of us,” said Rosemary Calder, director of AHPC.

Active school travel is one of the easiest ways to incorporate physical activity into the daily life of children.

 

Response To Cliveden West Avenue Concern

In response to the mum’s plea regarding the avenue, Cr Matthew Bourke plans to fund the works between Blackheath Rd and Ford Rd until boundaries changed, taking it off within the Jamboree Ward.

On the other hand, Cr Nicole Johnston of Tennyson ward said she will talk with the residents about the western section of the avenue.

Caffe Primavera: An Institution in Corinda

An icon in Corinda, Caffe Primavera continues to thrive, serving good dishes seven days a week.

Established in 1999 by owners Bruno and Chayleigh Orlanda, the cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an al fresco setting. Their cuisines are a cross between Mediterranean and modern Australian cuisine. The secret to their success? Their love for the local area.

Bruno worked in Bardon for a few years managing a restaurant but he moved back to Corinda because he just couldn’t get enough of the beautiful area and the locals.

The cafe is very open and airy, with rattan seats and white tables that perfectly complement the al fresco dining experience.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

For breakfast, don’t skip on their delicious Eggs Ben for that breakfast fix that will power you up throughout the whole day.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

When lunch rolls around, they have big and juicy Wagyu burgers for you.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

However, if you’re looking for something light, do try their Bruschetta with zucchini, buffalo mozarella, mint and lemon.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

Have Salt-&-Pepper Squid for dinner, if you want something on the healthier side.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, the slow-cooked lamb shank with lentils, mushroom, carrot, red wine, and creamy polenta is a good choice.

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

Try their Segafredo as well, if you want something sweet. It’s an ancient Italian hot chocolate that is so thick and creamy!

You can also enjoy a cup of coffee paired with some delicious baked treats here at the cafe.

At night, it is also the perfect place to grab a couple of drinks like beers and wine.

Your furry friends are welcome here as well, so you can bring them along!

Photo credit: Caffe Primavera

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.

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.

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!

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

Illegal Parking on Gray Avenue in Corinda Worsens

A resident in Gray Ave. in Corinda is complaining about the illegal parking that happens in front of his driveway.

Lately, residents have also seen an increase in the number of vehicle owners who illegally park on the said road, to the point that they are blocking most of the driveways of homeowners. To make matters worse, when residents ask the ones who park to move their vehicle, they get somewhat aggressive responses.

Living near the Corinda State High School also makes it worse. When there’s an event at the high school, things become even worse as congestion builds and more vehicles take up the road.

Since the start of this year, the Brisbane City Council has gotten two formal complaints relating to illegal parking on Gray Ave. They have already issued one infringement notice. They also aim to conduct further patrols of the area following the most recent complaint.

Such patrols are focused on school zones and surrounding streets to monitor illegal parking and the high school is included in their targeted enforcement site. They also added additional patrols during Term Two.

Corinda’s Kingsford Terrace Stage 2 Development Now Underway

Retirement villages are booming as the development trend of aged-care facilities in various Brisbane suburbs continues. In Corinda, the Stage 2 development of Kingsford Terrace on Cliveden Avenue by Aura Holdings is well underway. Queensland construction company McNab is handling the second stage of development in coordination with O’Neill Architecture.

Kingsford Terrace is a luxury retirement community. Now offering units from their Litchfield building, the development boasts of amenities for residents that provide a coastal feel and elegant amenities. Apartments come in one to three bedrooms. Kingsford Terrace is also conveniently located near medical services, sporting clubs and shops.

Along with that, a 53-apartment building named Duporth is also due for completion by mid-2018. This building will consist of studio, two and three bedroom apartments.

State-of-the-art luxury amenities such as a heated pool, gym, beauty & hair salon, library, cafe, and dining & function rooms are also expected to be completed mid-2018.

The Brisbane City Council sees a 50% rise by 2027 on the demand for retirement and aged care housing. The boom in retirement facilities is also because of retirees wanting to live close to family and friends, a far cry from the days when retirees went off-grid. Now, they can still continue with their lives in their suburb as more developers start to build retirement facilities within the suburban ring.