oxley brisbane Archives - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Oxley’s Abandoned School Might Be Turned Into An Aged Care Facility, Locals Encouraged To Attend Information Sessions This Month

Earlier this year, the site of the abandoned Oxley Secondary College caught fire in an accident that later on triggered fears of asbestos inhalation around the neighbourhood. The building has been abandoned for years and locals fear the possibility of asbestos infiltration.

Even before the fire, the building had been under an ongoing debate about what to do with it and now, there finally seems to be some clarity on the fate of the derelict building.

Also read: Fire Broke Out At An Abandoned School In Oxley, Residents Warned Of Asbestos Exposure

Ongoing Work

Currently, rectification works are ongoing to resolve critical issues on the site. A huge percentage of the locals want the area to be transformed into an area for public use.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick is psyched about planning and implementing something for the benefit of the locals at the building site.

Previous Plans

In 2016, a panel of eight residents talked to Economic Development Queensland about the best approach for the disposition of the building. The main concern of the residents was that the area is not suitable for a residential property as the site is prone to flooding and landslides. However, they are not entirely averse to the idea of residential development. Should a residential development ensue, they would like to see the land developed safely.

The site was acquired from Education Queensland by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines in 2002. At the time, it was used as a police dog training facility. In 2001, it was declared surplus to government needs. Currently, the site occupies 19.28 hectares of land but the average lot size proposed for the site should the aged care facility pushes through is 800 square metres.

Current Plans

Plans for turning the building into an aged care facility is currently on the discussion table. It will be pitched to the community at various information sessions at the end of May. The information sessions will tackle a combination of residential and community outcomes with the intent to preserve open spaces.

The plans will also involve the relocation of an existing C&K child care centre to the site. Also, 60% of the site will be for public use.

Have your say on 31 May at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on 2 June at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Oxley Bowls Club. Register here.

Bushcare Group Calls For Proper Shelter Shed At Cliveden Avenue Park In Oxley

Volunteer groups are calling on the Brisbane City Council to replace the shelter at the Cliveden Avenue Park in Oxley. The groups are the ones maintaining local parks and waterways. However, most of the time, they are left under the rain whilst doing their work at the park.

The park used to have a shelter until it burned down. The council hasn’t replaced it and there is only a new picnic table at the site. Now, the volunteers are demanding for a new shelter that they could use when doing work at the park.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk responded that the groups would have to make do with a portable shelter provided by the council. The council thinks that the portable shelter is more fitting since the area isn’t frequently used.

Oxley Creek Catchment Association said that it is not only them who go to the area. There are also many groups from the church, the community, as well as schools who go there and would benefit from a proper shelter.

Tennyson councillor Cr Nicole Johnston launched a petition addressed to the council to replace the shelter shed urgently to provide volunteers and other people shade and shelter. Ms Johnston also said that the bush care group deserves this as they are working hard to maintain and enhance the local environment on behalf of the council.

Cr Steve Griffiths (Moorooka Ward) also supports the need for a proper shelter shed at the park.

Read Cr Johnson’s petition.

Another One Bites The Dust: Bowerbird In Oxley Is Closing

Another beloved Oxley shop will be closing in April. In the southwest suburbs, this makes it the third store to close in recent months.

Opened in 2014, Bowerbird is a popular boutique in the suburb. It offers an eclectic mix of handmade and indie designer gifts. The store also has items from well-known Brisbane designers such as Core Jewellery and Each to Own.

The shop is that place where locals go to if they are looking for unique finds.

Sadly, the store announced its closure on its Facebook page. The owner, Jenn Shell, cited health reasons and personal circumstances as the reason behind the decision to close the store. As of now, she chooses to spend more time with her children.

Still, she reminds her loyal customers to continue supporting local goods. Currently, the shop is selling its items at huge discounts until 14 April.

Many are saddened by the news as her post got flooded with comments.

This is the second beloved Oxley store that will be closing. Oxley’s Network Video, Brisbane’s last walk-in video store has also closed its doors earlier this month.

Hunt For The Best Hot Cross Bun Happening In Oxley

The Great O-Town Hot Cross Bun Bake Off is happening on 25 March at the QCWA in Oxley from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Last year, Lou Bromley held a tasting campaign all on her own. This time around, she has the support of the Oxley Country Women’s Association (CWA).

Judges include Ms Bromley, MP Jessica Pugh, MP Milton Dick, Lyn Lincoln and Ms Pugh’s father, David

If you want to be a part of the competition, register your name by sending a Facebook message here. You will also be required to bring six hot cross buns to share during the community morning tea after the judging.

Get a chance to win a gold coin entry and generous prizes sponsored by Mr Dick.

The QCWA is the largest women’s organisation in Queensland. It’s an organisation that allows the meeting of women from all over the state to make new friends, learn new skills, and get involved in the community.

Address: QCWA Oxley Hall, 76 Lincoln Street

Get to Know Your Neighbours in Oxley on Neighbour Day 2018

On 25 March, celebrate Neighbour Day in Oxley with the Oxley Ridge Neighbourhood Watch at Weston Place Park from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The annual Australian Neighbour Day is held every last week of March. It is managed by Relationships Australia. The event is a great way to meet your neighbours and to strengthen community spirit.

The theme for this year’s Neighbour Day is: The importance of a supportive neighbourhood for children and young people.

Whether you’re an old or a new resident, this is the best time for you to meet your neighbours. All you have to do is say hello or you can also invite them to your home for a cup of tea.

Here in Oxley, there will be a local social gathering for the whole neighbourhood to come together. You can also get free sausage sizzle and even get your dog’s tags engraved for free!

With this event, you get to know your neighbours whilst bringing in plenty of benefits such as:

Meeting like-minded people
Establishing new friendships
A boost in your sense of security
Getting to ask your neighbours to keep an eye out for your home, collect your mail, or even feed your pet whilst you’re away

Take this opportunity to get friendly around and reap long-lasting benefits!

Ed Kuepper Park Opens in Oxley

Brisbane music legend The Saints continues to receive honour in Brisbane. In Oxley, a local park was renamed in honour of the band’s former member Ed Kuepper.

Oxley local Maurice Murphy petitioned for the park to be named after Kuepper. He made a petition that quickly garnered over 800 signatures. Thus, the Brisbane City Council approved the park’s name change.

Kuepper took to Twitter to thank Murphy and everyone who made the park renaming possible.

thanks Moz and everyone that supported this and help bring it to fruition …I’m both humbly flattered and honoured …thank you one and all.. now about that three story statue … https://t.co/LbIB1j7DUQ

— Ed Kuepper (@EdKuepper) February 18, 2018

Punk Legacy

After migrating from Germany at the age of four, Kuepper lived in Oxley and co-founded The Saints with singer Chris Bailey and drummer Ivor Hay in 1973. Their single (I’m) Stranded, along with the album of the same name in 1976, was recognised as a cornerstone of the punk movement. The band split in 1978 and Kuepper continued as a solo performer. He is currently touring under the name The Aints.

This wasn’t the only move made to honour The Saints. Back in 2017, John Willsteed, best known for his stint as bassist of The Go-Betweens, sought state government funding to mark the band’s second rehearsal place.

A similar honour had been made for The Go-Betweens via the Go Between Bridge linking South Brisbane and Milton. Willsteed believed it was time for The Saints to receive the same honour.

Willsteed succeeded in seeking to honour The Saints and a mural was unveiled along Upper Roma Street in December 2017 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band’s iconic debut album, (I’m) Stranded.

Ed Kuepper at The Saints mural unveiling on Roma Street, Brisbane. (Photo credit: QUT Creative Industries/Facebook)

Keupper was at the unveiling of the mural to witness the impact of his band’s music 40 years later.

Two Different Paths, Two Exciting Destinations at Oxley Creek Common in Rocklea

If you are in Rocklea and you’re looking for a place where you can really get close to nature whilst the birds chirp above you in different colours and aesthetics, the best place for you to go to is the Oxley Creek Common.

If you haven’t discovered it yet, the area has two easy walking trails and picnic amenities, perfect for those who really want to take some time off and just be in peace.

Discover the Secret Forest

The area isn’t just for bird-watching, although the presence of over 180 species of birds is certainly a good reason to do so.

There is actually a secret forest, just a short way from the Red Shed along the main walking path that hugs Oxley Creek. Walk through the main walking path and you will notice more vegetation as you walk further. Consider this a good sign. Whilst there, you might just spot the Eastern Yellow Robin, the Varied Triller or the Fairy Wren here.

As you walk along, the path will curve via the creek and loop back on itself. You will find eventually find yourself at the hoop pine grove, which is The Secret Forest.

Here you can enjoy more peace and see the pied butcherbirds as this is where they live.

Watch Them Fly

Another walking trail that you can go for is the Pelican Island Walk. Depart from the Red Shed also but after 1.3km, turn off to the left to Pelican Island. You will pass by Jabiru Swamp, which is where you can see the Great Egret and the rare urban dwelling Jabilu. The Pelican Lagoon is known for its biggest variety of grassland and waterbirds.

Oxley’s Network Video to Close in March

Oxley’s Network Video is closing, to the dismay of loyal customers of Brisbane’s last walk-in video store.

They announced their decision on social media recently, saying that they will be closing their doors in March, after eight years in business. They thanked their loyal customers for the support.

Establishing the store in 2010 was a risky move for owners of the shop, considering that the industry at that time was slowly declining. In fact,the owner had the business on a three-year timeline, which kept getting pushed back as the shop gained a loyal following. Despite this impending closure, there are still plenty of people renting videos at the store, whose March closure has now been prompted by family issues.

Customers can still rent videos as of February, but later this month, they will start selling off their 14,000 titles. A lot of movie lovers in Oxley have expressed dismay over this planned closure because this is the only place where they can get videos which are not available on Australian streaming services.

Once Oxley’s Network Video closes, Ipswich and Logan will be the go-to places for customers looking for walk-in video stores.

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.

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.