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Queensland Ballet Launches Program For People With Brain Injury

Photo credit: Queensland Ballet/Facebook

Did you know that ballet can have therapeutic effects to help improve the quality of life of people with brain injury? This is the highlight of Queensland Ballet’s new program, Ballet for Brain Injury.

Read: West Village’s Free Courses And Activities To Do Online

Currently being held at Queensland Ballet Studios in West End every Saturday morning, Ballet for Brain Injury is a 10-week program tailored for people living with a brain injury to help re-inhabit their bodies and cope with emotional, cognitive and physical impairments brought by the injury.

The program uses ballet-based movement, music and artistry to enable participants to experience the enjoyment, creative expression and wellbeing benefits dance can bring. As with the format of a standard ballet class, participants will start at the barre with smaller movements before learning sequences, choreography and partnering work.

Program Details

Classes are held weekly on a Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. It costs $25, inclusive of bringing a support worker or family member, and informal morning tea following the class.

The carer/support worker/family member is required to also participate in the class alongside the participant. This creates an equal space where everyone in the class is learning and engaging at their own level to form a sense of community for all involved.

Information Pack

Why Get Involved?

“We know exercise is healthy for our brains, and for people with brain injuries the opportunity to engage in physical activity is limited, but it could really improve their rehabilitation outcomes,” said Griffith University program director and research co-lead Professor Elizabeth Kendall.

Participants are encouraged to complete a Participant Information Form before attending the first class so Queensland Ballet will be able to provide them with the most enjoyable and safe dance experience, and also understand their goals and motivations in attending the class.

Participant Information Form

This program is delivered by Queensland Ballet in partnership with Hopkins Centre, Griffith University, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre and Citrine Sun Entertainment.

Highgate Hill Riverfront Development, to Impact Kurilpa Garden, Divides Community

Plans to redevelop an ageing residential building on Highgate Hill has divided a community amidst concerns that the project could impact the adjoining Kurilpa Garden.

The developer, Bluebird, lodged an application (DA A005732911) in May 2021 to knock down a 14-unit property on 5 Dudley Street. In its place will be an 8-unit block with larger but more expensive apartments for families who might need a three-bedroom space.

Bluebird partnered with the longtime local landowners, who determined that investing in a new building with a sustainable design would be better than restoring the old site. The developer has proposed a high-quality boutique residential dwelling with environmentally sensitive standards, allowing the building to “breathe” and promoting healthy wellbeing for its residents.

The old building on Dudley Street
Photo Credit: Jonathan Sri/Google Street View

Community engagements were conducted in the previous year before the filing of the development application but the plans have drawn a number of protests, particularly from the people who run the Kuripla Garden on Boundary Street. The garden was established in 2020, as a response to food insecurity during the pandemic.

Highlights

A development application to demolish an old 14-unit building on Dudley Street has been filed with Council. It will be replaced by an 8-unit building with bigger spaces for larger families.
Operators of the neighbouring Kurilpa Garden have concerns about its impact on the community garden and affordable housing in the precint.
The developer said they did consultations with the community, including the garden operators, before filing the application

Its operators are opposing the development not only for the potential loss of the garden but for the “mass gentrification” that would reduce the number of affordable homes in Highgate Hill.

“The new development application isn’t sticking to the LMR2 zoning. The proposal is for a 4 to 5-storey building with eight 3-bedroom apartments,” Cr Jonathan Sri wrote.

“Not only does the newer development have fewer overall dwellings, but they are large, high-end apartments which target a very different demographic – extremely wealthy downsizers. The new apartments will probably sell for at least $1 million, perhaps significantly more considering that they have river views and are located at the ‘quiet’ end of West End.”

Sri further stated that the development will “have tangible negative impacts” on the neighbouring green space as the bulk of the new building will overshadow the garden and reduce the sunlight necessary for urban farming. The councillor also assessed that the development will entail digging through Boundary Street, disturbing the roots of the trees in the garden.

Bluebird, however, said that they have engaged with Sri and the garden operators a number of times, assuring that the garden will be reinstated and provided with more resources. The developer said it will offset the cost of lost production during the construction phase and has offered to “formalise” the garden’s operation.

The development application has gained some support from the neighbours.

“This is not only a win for the surrounding environment but also for the residents who will benefit from reduced energy costs. I’m a big believer in the proper disposal of waste, especially in apartments where composting can be difficult. It’s wonderful that there will be green waste and composting facilities incorporated in communal areas. More developments like this, please,” one local wrote in the submissions.

Other supporters said that the proposal is sensible and will create bigger apartments for families, which are currently in high demand but underserved in Highgate Hill.

The proposal is awaiting a decision from the Council.

See The Stunning Mural At Soda Factory In West End

Aboriginal artists Tori-Jay Mordey and Warraba Weatherall (Photo credit: Soda Factory/Facebook)

The Markets West End, recently rebranded as Soda Factory, has unveiled a stunning mural that highlights suburb’s connection with its Aboriginal heritage.

Read: Coles Scraps Little Shop Collectables For Sustainability Goals

The mural is Soda Factory’s collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island artists, Tori-Jay Mordey and Warraba Weatherall, which draws inspiration from the native flora traditionally grown in the West End area.

Weatherall, an installation and street artist from the Kamilaroi Nation of South-West Queensland said that they looked at the historical and environmental aspects of the site in an artistic way, making sure that there’s still an acknowledgement of place even though there is a building there now.

“In coming up with the concept for the mural we focused on looking at what was here before there was a building, especially the native plants that would have grown. The painting itself takes a lot of time – around a week in addition to the concept design. Getting the colours right was very important. Anything with colour that pops was key and lightens up the space and stands out,” said Mordey, an established Torres Strait Islander illustrator.

Soda Factory’s Refurbishment

The rebranded retail precinct pays homage to the building’s original use as a soda making facility. The Spanish Mission styled factory building remained in use by Tristrams until 1979 and has since been converted into a market.

Soda Factory’s multi-million-dollar refurbishment, which commenced January 2021 is nearing completion. The redevelopment will see the site elevated into a new-look, convenience-based centre anchored by a newly redeveloped full-line Coles Supermarket and an additional 22 specialty stores.

In addition to the internal mall area’s renovations, other improvements will include new travellators and lift, upgraded amenities, activated street frontage, and redeveloped car park.

Stockwell Buys Bailey Street Property for Future Residential Development

A well-established developer of several apartment buildings in West End has acquired another property on Bailey Street for its future residential development plans. Stockwell now owns the 2,347 square metre industrial block that also provides access to Kurilpa Street and Tondara Lane.

Mark Stockwell, the company’s founder, negotiated with the investor who owned the property since the 1980s through Jones Lang Lasalle. After closing the deal in August 2021, Mr Stockwell said that this latest asset will allow his company to serve more retirees, downsizers, and young families or first homeowners with the construction of another apartment complex.

Development plans for 8 Bailey Street have not yet been filed with Brisbane City Council but since 1997, Stockwell has been transforming former industrial sites into sought-after residential and commercial properties.

The developer completed its first West End project in 2003 with the Regatta Apartments on Kurilpa Street.

To date, the company has built over 14 residential apartments in West End, including the upcoming Ferry Road apartments in conjunction with 3P Projects, the Muse with its twin boutique buildings in Tondara Lane, and the Riverpoint in Forbes Street.

Stockwell started as a Queensland construction company in the 1950s. Founded by William and Necia Stockwell and Tom and Norma Rumley, the cross-generational business prospered for decades as its partnered with local businesses for developments, leasing, property funds, and retail management.

Aside from its West End core projects, the company’s current projects include lifestyle and residential projects in South Brisbane, Dutton Park, Bribie Island, and Agnes Water.

Coles Scraps Little Shop Collectables For Sustainability Goals

Photo credit: maxmoefoePokemon/YouTube

Staying true to its mission to become the most sustainable supermarket in Australia, Coles vowed to no longer give away its widely popular plastic toys, also known as the Little Shop collectables, in all of its stores, including West End.

Read: West Village’s Free Courses And Activities To Do Online

The retail giant launched The Little Shop in 2018 as part of its marketing campaign, wherein customers could get miniature replicas of iconic household brands including Vegemite, Nutella, Weet-Bix, and Tim Tams for every $30 spent at the checkout.

It was followed by another line of mini replicas in 2019 featuring plastic fruit or vegetable toys as part of its Stikeez campaign to encourage Australians to eat more fruit and vegetables and “make healthy eating fun for the whole family.”

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Coles’ Little Shop was a huge success, helping to lift the company’s sales by 5% in the first quarter of 2019. There were even Facebook groups created for trading the replicas whilst there were people who sold the rarest items for hundreds of dollars on eBay. The Little Shop case and a shopping trolley, for instance, were sold for $400 each, approximately ten times the price than availing it at the supermarket.

‘Together to Zero’

Coles commenced ‘Together to Zero’ in July 2021, highlighting their aspiration towards zero waste, zero emissions and zero hunger and encourages all Australians to work together to ensure Australia is a better place for future generations. It was first unveiled in March 2021, when Coles announced emissions targets including a commitment to be 100% powered by renewable electricity by the end of 2025.

Coles Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronson said while collectible toy programs like Little Shop and Stikeez have been popular with customers in the past, they no longer align with Coles’ sustainability ambitions or with customers’ preferences and priorities.

“Coles has been in the lives and homes of Australians for more than 100 years and our unique position in Australia comes with responsibility,” Ms Ronson said.

“As part of our Together to Zero mission, we’ve been reviewing our marketing campaigns through a sustainability lens. While very popular, we must listen to our customers who say their priorities are changing,” she said.

Based on Coles’ recent survey of 9,000 customers, reducing waste to landfill and plastic packaging was the number one concern when it comes to environmental issues in retail, with 69% of those surveyed saying it was of high importance to them.

“We know that customers will understand the need to ensure our campaigns are more sustainable for future generations,” she said.

Coles has stopped selling single-use plastic tableware including cups, plates, bowls, straws and cutlery. Additionally, in March, Coles announced a joint feasibility study to determine the benefits of a local advanced recycling facility in Victoria. Advanced recycling offers new life to old soft plastic by turning it back into oil which can be used to produce new soft plastic food packaging.

Sustainable packaging (Photo credit: Coles)

It has also removed 31 million soaker pads from meat trays this year. The company is planning to use packaging made from 100% Recycled PET a sustainable solution that also requires less energy to manufacture per kilogram than virgin PET, further contributing to a decrease in the environmental footprint.

Despite ditching their Little Shop collectables, Coles promised that they will continue to explore reward programs that inspire and offer value to customers, such as the recent MasterChef cookware campaign which provides practical items for customers to use in their homes, or more sustainable items such as last year’s popular Little Treehouse book series made from FSC certified paper.

Police Warns Car Theft and Break-Ins On the Rise in West End

West End locals are advised to take extra measures amid the rising cases of car thefts and break-ins, as police logged 133 incidents in the suburb within the last six months.

According to the Queensland Police Service, more than 4,000 burglaries across Brisbane happened in 180 days, including 169 recorded cases of car thefts. West End leads the number in car theft with 37 cases and car break-ins with 96 cases, whilst the CBD has 32 car thefts and 137 break-ins.

Suburb	Car Break-Ins	Car Thefts
West End	96	37
Eagle Farm	5	33
Fortitude Valley	87	33
Brisbane City	137	32
Inala	48	32
South Brisbane	86	31
Forest Lake	59	30
Moorooka	39	30
Woolloongabba	102	30
Sunnybank	58	28

However, while car thefts and break-ins are increasing, incidents of property offences and unlawful entry have slightly dipped in 2021 to 18 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

Data also revealed that 55 percent of car thefts in Queensland were done by young repeat offenders. Frustration has been brewing among the police ranks as these repeat offenders are back on the streets. Most of the offenders received probation as the common penalty whilst only 22.3 percent have been sentenced to prison. Over 3,700 cases remain unsolved.

Meanwhile, residents are advised to be more aware of where and how they park their vehicles in the streets. Thieves are keen on unlocked and unsecured cars, thus it’s always advisable to park in high foot traffic and well-lit areas.

Car owners must also never assume that the vicinity is safe and they need to lock their cars and close the windows properly. They must not leave valuables inside their car, which could tempt thieves to break in or steal.

Visit QPS online to report a stolen vehicle or a break-in or contact Policelink – 131444 and Crime Stoppers -1800 333 000. The Facebook group Stolen Vehicles QLD also helps get the word out for the victims.

Developer Unveils Plans for a 12-Storey Residential Tower on Ferry Road

A 12-storey residential tower with 38 three-bedroom units could rise on Ferry Road if the development plan receives approval.

Proposed by Urbis for Pikos Property Group, the new dwelling (DA A005777075) has been designed by Congrad Gargett with an impressive rooftop area for communal gatherings. It has a pool, a barbecue site, and an expansive view of the Brisbane River. The building will also incorporate solar power.

The development, which will be called Ferry Road Apartments on its launch, will have a red-based design on the ground and podium level to reflect the architectural elements of its neighbouring sites.

On the other hand, the terrace will be veiled with cascading plants, creating a subtropical appeal. According to the development application, 15 percent of the property will include deep planting.

The Ferry Road project was initially planned as a townhouse facility with 28 car spaces in a high residential zone. The new plan will now have six basement car park levels for 77 residential cars, 48 bike spaces, and six visitor car parking areas.

According to town planners, the development would likely generate an additional 25 extra cars on Ferry Road during peak hours yet no traffic assessment has been asked from the developers as this will not be a massive development.

However, the project has received some objections from West End residents, citing that the building’s excessive height would allow little light and air to circulate to the properties beside it.

“I live next door to the proposed development,” wrote Honor Tebutt in the Council submissions. “The set back from my apartment, which is on the ground floor of the west side of 14 Ferry road, will be blocked by a massive podium parking structure. This will take away any sunlight I had, and will mean people can see directly into my bedrooms and others’ on this side of the building. My unit does not have air conditioning so there will be no breeze.”

West Village’s Free Courses And Activities To Do Online

Photo credit: Elina Fairytale/Pexels

Stuck at home? It’s important to stay safe indoors as the outbreak of Covid-19 continues, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time. The West Village at West End launched a series of online events, perfect for those who want to gain new skills and knowledge, right in the comforts of their home. These activities are not just for individuals but also for the whole family!

Read: A Special Music Event Inspired By Fruits & Vegetables? Only at West End!

West Village Gardener

Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to plant herbs and vegetables. A resident gardener will give you tips on the best plants to have in your garden as well as advice on how to maintain them. Some of the topics you will learn through the Gardener Online include propagating, regrowing veggies, and caring for citrus trees.

Kids in the Kitchen

Do your kids enjoy helping in the kitchen? Chefs Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod have put together some easy-to-make recipes that are uploaded every Thursday for the Kids in the Kitchen online series at West Village. Let your little ones learn how to make sushi and other easy to follow recipes such as crunchy cauliflower bites, smoked ham, leek and brie quiche, and coconut yoghurt pannacotta.

Bee Workshops

West Village has partnered with Bee One Third to provide bee workshops, facts, and crafts, and even tips on how to cook with honey. There are a lot you can learn from the Village Bees, from amazing honey-inspired sweet and savoury recipes to attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

Crafts for Kids

West Village offers free kids craft from 9:00 a.m. Monday to Friday with Creative Kids Brisbane. But those who can’t drop by can visit West Village’s Facebook page where step-by-step instructions are also uploaded.

Yoga

Looking for a midweek stretch? West Village offers free yoga classes that you can do at home in as fast as 10 minutes. Caelan, their yoga instructor will guide you through a variety of flows and also provide useful information in strengthening your body, particularly the nervous system.

Watch one of the yoga exercises below:

To learn more about West Village’s online events, visit their website or follow them on social media.

Archive Beer Boutique Now Up For Sale

Photo credit: Google Street View

The Archive Beer Boutique in West End, one of the pioneers of craft beers in Brisbane, is for sale and now accepting Expressions of Interest.

Read: Archive Beer Boutique: West End Craft Beer Pioneer Up For Sale

Aushotel, the current owner of Archive Beer Boutique, has appointed CBRE Hotels to steer the sale of the 1,335-sqm property. Expressions of Interest will be received until 27 August 2021, unless sold prior.

“Archive was Brisbane’s first and largest craft beer bar which continues to stand the test of time. Many of our great craft brews have all had their start and gained exposure and volume through Archive. Archive is still a significant volume driver for many craft brands on the market and has never poured a “mainstream’ beer on tap,” said Jim Davies, Aushotel Managing Director.

“The sale provides the opportunity for an incoming operator to tap into the continued evolution of the city’s craft beer market via a long-term, 31-year head lease over a building situated on one of Bisbane’s fastest-growing suburbs,” Paul Fraser, CBRE Hotels National Pubs Director, added.

Archive Beer Boutique, located at 100 Boundary St in West End, has undergone a major renovation in 2018. The two-level building boasts a dedicated pool hall and multiple function spaces including booths style and couches. It’s located opposite the West Village, a new community that aims to rejuvenate an industrial West End site by delivering new residences, shops and places in the suburb.

The asset comes with a full commercial late trading liquor licence until 2:00 a.m.and the ability to have three detached bottle shops within 10kms.

The listing description also points out that buyers will gain instant ability to increase their beer brand equity and distribution with enough floor space available for an in-house satellite craft brewery.

Because of strong interest in the pub, sources believe that offers could go from $4.5 million to $5 million. The listing description also noted that Archive Beer Boutique has a successful and consistent high cash flow business from inception over ten years ago.

For further details about the Archive Beer Boutique’s lease, see the listing here.

West End Local Happy To Receive His New Wheelchair Handbike

For the first time in 30 years, West End local Brad Kinsela is enjoying his independence and freedom after receiving his Batec, an electric attachable handbike/power assistance for wheelchairs.

Read: West End Institution Sol Bakery & Cafe Closes after 24 Years

Mr Kinsela, who is suffering from a spinal cord injury, got his Batec through funding from National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). He uses the device to get around his local neighbourhood, visit restaurants in South Bank, go on bike rides with his wife and to travel to work in the city.

“It was the first time in 30 years that I had been out in the community, by myself, without any fears about going up a hill or getting stuck anywhere and I was just free,” Mr Kinsela said.

He was excited to share that he went out to breakfast with his wife the second week after getting the Batec. In their 20 years of marriage, it was the first time she walked beside him rather than behind him.

“When I was talking to her I could see her face rather than… talking to her without actually seeing her,” he shared.

A Batec electric handbike (Photo credit: batec-mobility.com)

At first, he found it difficult to turn the ignition and clip the device on and off his manual wheelchair but he eventually learned how to do it. He’s glad that he’s pretty much independent now because he longer has any hesitations about going out. When he goes to restaurants, he just disconnects the Batec, park it, and sit at the table.

Mr Kinsela, an Executive Director with the Queensland Government, thanked the NDIS for the Batec, which did not only allow him to still use his manual wheelchair but also gave him the freedom that an electric chair does in terms of getting out. Carers Queensland assisted Mr Kinsela in applying for and implementing his NDIS funding through their Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program.

If you need assistance in finding more about NDIS, contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au.

About the NDIS

Photo credit: NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme/Facebook

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a scheme by the National Disability Insurance Agency, an independent government organisation that decides whether someone is eligible to become an NDIS participant and, if so, how much funding they receive.

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people based on their individual needs. Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals and the funding they have received.

To learn more about NDIS and the changes the NDIA implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic(e.g. securing a request form, meeting with local area coordinator, and reviewing existing plans), visit the website at www.ndis.gov.au.