Marcia’s on Montague Hosting Cooking With Hemp Workshop in West End

Have you ever heard of cooking using hemp as an ingredient? If you want to try its taste or learn what you can do with hemp for food then join Marcia’s on Montague’s Cooking with Hemp workshop in West End. 

As of 2017, the Food Standards Code has legalised hemp seed, a derivative of the Cannabis sativa plant, as food. Since then, Marcia’s on Montague, a specialty grocery store and cafe on Montague Road, has been selling hemp in its inventory. This ingredient is also in some of the dishes served at their cafe.

Set for Wednesday, the 31st of July 2019, botanical expert Caroline de Lore will conduct Cooking With Hemp. The hands-on workshop will begin from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., where participants will learn to prepare the following products:

  • fresh hemp milk
  • hemp hummus dip
  • hemp dukkah (an Egyptian hors d’oeuvre)
  • hemp protein brownie


Photo Credit: Marcia’s on Montague/Facebook

To join Cooking With Hemp, register online for $45. This is inclusive a packet to help participants recreate what Ms Lore will teach at the workshop. 

Marcia’s on Montague opens Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and during Sunday until 3:30 p.m.



Highgate Hill Residence Wins Brisbane’s House of the Year

Highgate Hill riverfront residence stuns judges of Master Builders Brisbane Housing and Construction Awards and bags the 2019 House of the Year award.

This is a great year for MCD Construction as they win big at the annual Master Builders Brisbane Housing and Construction Awards. Apart from bringing home the most coveted House of the Year prize, they also won the Individual Home $1.26 million – $2 million award for the build as well as the Refurbishment/Renovation $750,000 – $5 million prize for their Walter’s Steakhouseproject in the Brisbane CBD.

Judges lauded the award-winning Highgate Hill residence for its clever design and excellent use of the riverfront location. They also cited how the home integrated ample open living space and great liveability.

The prized home’s design is incredibly thought out as it incorporates various materials. These include timber, steel, and concrete block that seamlessly blends in with the environment through the addition of greenery. Furthermore, adding a simple frog pond at the house exterior makes the home even more inviting and aesthetically pleasing.



Master Builders Brisbane Housing and Construction Awards

Credit: Master Builders Queensland/YouTube

Other winners crowned at the prestigious awards include the Multiplex Constructions who won Project of the Year, Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety award, and the Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million award for their work on W Hotel and Brisbane Quarter.

Master Builders’ CEO, Grant Galvin, was delighted for this year’s winners across the 55 categories.

“This year’s Awards program highlights the quality and range of building happening around Brisbane. It’s exciting to celebrate such great craftsmanship and the quality building practices of our members,” Mr Galvin said.

“The diversity was inspiring, making picking the winners a real challenge for the judges. It also highlighted the broad spectrum of the building industry where our members work.”


To view the full list of winners of the 2019 Brisbane Housing & Construction Award, you may visit Master Builders Queenslands’ winners page.

All-Abilities Wheel and Walk Fun Run Happening in West End for a Worthy Cause

Strata Community Manager SSKB is mounting an all-abilities event in West End and you may also be part of this worthy cause to benefit people suffering from spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other disabling birth defects.

Set for Sunday, the 21st of July 2019, SSKB will lead the Wheel and Walk Fun Run and Community Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the open grounds at 6 Hill End Terrace. Groups can enlist to compete in games like tug-of-war, blindfold obstacle challenge, scavenger hunt, and rowing.  



Sports massages and relaxation areas will be set up around the venue to cater to the participants’ needs. Children who attend with their parents may enjoy face painting and play corners. 

Photo Credit: SBH QLD/Facebook

By 10:00 a.m., the fun run will begin and it will be an all-inclusive competition for walkers, runners and wheelchair-bound participants. There will be two courses: one-kilometre and five-kilometre (full course). 



Southern Cross Association will provide the food and drinks to this community event. Proceeds to the activities and services will go to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Queensland (SBH QLD), which has different programs and therapies for spina bifida and hydrocephalus patients. 

Tickets valued at $15 (child), $25 (adult) and $60 (family of 5) may be booked online.  

What Can Children Enjoy at Creative Kids Brisbane in West End this July?

Wondering where you can bring your kids during school holidays so they won’t get bored? Do you know that there is a free outdoor art space in West End where the children can do arts and crafts for several hours?

Creative Kids Brisbane is open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. during weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during weekends. This open art space doesn’t have any strict requirements. Just drop in with your children during opening hours, grab a seat and then start creating something with the materials provided.

Any age is welcome to join the free art sessions; however, children under five will need to be assisted by a parent or adult. Creative Kids Brisbane holds session under the trees for shade but participants are still advised to wear sunscreen. 



Each session lasts for 60 minutes but the kids and their parents may stay longer if they like. For the current winter school holiday, you can expect the following creative activities to take place:

Colourful paper mache birds

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Olaf (“Frozen”) puppets

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Albert Einstein portraits

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Paul Klee block printing

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Fluro watercolour animal paintings

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Clay Minecraft chests & faces

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Painted fox masks

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Colourful pom pom trees

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane

Registration is not required but you can book a spot. However, if you want to be certain of the slots or you’re planning to bring more than one child, you can book online. 

Check out Creative Kids Brisbane’s full schedule of activities this July below:

Photo Credit: Creative Kids Brisbane


Watch 50 Spectacular Short Films at the West End Film Festival 2019

Every year since 2009, a group of local filmmakers mounts the West End Film Festival (WEFF)  in support of the creatives. As its 10th year offering, WEFF will be staged at two venues to showcase over 50 short films reflecting stories that are unique to Brisbane.

On Friday, the 28th of June 2019, the red carpet will be rolled out at the Rumpus Room in Russel Street to mark the opening of the West End Film Festival at 6:45 p.m. This is the official selection process of the Blue Session with 10 nominated short films featuring the sci-fi, drama, comedy and animation genre. Among these are “A Rare Breed,” “#Typecast” and “The True History of Billie the Kid.”

The Yellow Session official selection will follow at 8:45 p.m. featuring a batch of interesting characters in short films like “Pool Side,” “Fez” and “Green Pastures.” 

Photo Credit: West End Film Festival/Facebook

By Saturday, the 29th of June 2019, two discussion panels will be underway at the Rumpus Room for budding filmmakers and students who would like to get into the business of making movies.

9:30 a.m.
So You Think You Have A Story PanelJoe Carter (documentary producer), Dr Phoebe Heart (documentary director), Dr Sue Cake (scriptwriter) and Jo Kenny (production manager)
11:15 a.m.
Discovering Stories in Unexpected Places PanelFaramarz K-Rahber (filmmaker)


At 1:00 p.m. a selection of short films featuring the stories about ageing and the elderly will be screened in the B.OLD Films session.

The official selection process featuring the Red, Purple and Orange Session films will run by 2:45 p.m. The night will close with the WEFFY Awards ceremony at 8:45 p.m. 

Meanwhile, a free screening of these year’s movies, officially and unofficially included in the sessions, will take place the Bunyapa Park on Saturday and Sunday, the 29th and 30th of June 2019. Set from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., movie-goers are enjoined to bring their blankets or camp chairs to get comfy will watching the specially-curated movies.

Stovetop Chai will be serving hot beverages so viewers will be kept warm during the screening.  

While these events are free, ticket reservations will be required online. 




West End Fire Fest 2019: Watch a Spectacular Display of Fiery Flow Arts at Orleigh Park

A spectacular display of fiery flow arts will take place at the West End Fire Fest in Orleigh Park on Hill End Terrace.

Happening on Saturday, the 15th of June 2019, the West End Fire Fest will be underway from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and this event will also feature a yoga workout and a dance party.

Feel like a kid and marvel at the moving lights as performers dance, spin and juggle with fire or manipulate lit up objects to demonstrate the beauty of this creative activity. Set a picnic blanket on the ground as you watch the spinners and their exhibitions whilst eating tasty meals from the food trucks.

Photo Credit: Ned Martin/Facebook

This community event will begin with a sunset yoga demonstration from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., where guests may also join.

For the rest of the evening, DJs and entertainers will be performing and playing hits or dance tunes to rouse the crowd. Among them are DJ Buzz, Michale Jenkins, DJ Onyx, DJ Lucid Geko, Emma Nekous, DJ Stephen, DJ Roger, PH-Zero and KOA.



Whilst this the West End Fire Frest will take place in an open space, adults with pets or children under 18 years old are expected to be watchful of their family members at all times, especially around the fire circle. Guests and fire spinners are also expected to clean up after themselves and observe the rules of the event to prevent any untoward accidents.



This is a free picnic and party which requires no registration. Just come, have fun, and mingle with the other guests and their families.

West End Yoga Centre to Host Two Sessions with Simon Marrocco This June

Here’s a good motivation to roll out that yoga mat and loosen those stiff muscles in this winter cold as West End Yoga Centre on Browning Street will hold two special sessions with internationally-renowned yoga teacher Simon Marrocco.

On Sunday, the 9th of June 2019, warm up and reduce the feeling of sluggishness at Mr Marroco’s workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Another session will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets to the 2.5 hours workshops are at $60 each. Booking is required, so make sure to purchase early as the spots are limited.



Doing yoga in the winter can help improve body circulation and make those long naps more efficient. It also balances the mind and body when you’re most likely to overindulge on sleep and food because of the cold weather.
Photo Credit: West End Yoga Centre/Facebook


Mr Marroco, a Senior Iyengar Yoga instructor, has been a yoga practitioner for over 30 years. Whilst he frequents the West End Yoga Centre, he is also the founder and director of the Melbourne’s St. Kilda Iyengar Yoga School.

The West End Yoga Centre is owned and managed by Jamie Denham. He opened the site in 2014, which has become a hub for teachers, students and enthusiasts.

Score $20 Leather Boots at the West End Warehouse Shoe Sale Until June 1st

The bi-annual West End Warehouse Shoe Sale is here again!

On its 39th run, shoppers can score European or Asian-made shoes from $20 to $80 at this bargain opportunity on 12 Turin Street.

The warehouse sale will run from Wednesday, the 29th of May, until Saturday, the 1st of June. Heaps of sneakers, espadrilles, winter shoes and leather boots will be on display from sizes 36 to 42. Shoppers may also potentially find dress shoes for men, school shoes for kids, work boots and Uggs.



Interested in going? Take note of the West End Warehouse Shoe Sale trading schedule below:

Wednesday, May 29th 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 30th 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 31st7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 1st7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Photo Credit: West End Warehouse Shoe Sale

Come wearing your most comfortable clothes. With a huge selection of quality-made footwear laid out table after table, you’ll likely be staying a while to find that perfect pair of shoes.



Vegetarian Restaurant Offers All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Plant-based food does not always have to mean boring and bland. Govinda’s, a purely vegetarian restaurant in West End, proves exactly that.

The restaurant is one of Brisbane’s longest running vegetarian restaurants serving wholesome food to happy and healthy diners for over 12 years. Food is cooked fresh daily and the ingredients are sourced from carefully curated providers to ensure the highest quality.

Govinda’s has all the best flavours of meat-free Indian dishes. You can feast on mixed vegetable curry, lentil soup, savoury veggie puffs, fresh tomato and herb chutney, lentil tortillas, or fresh garden salad.

When you’re craving for something sweet, taste their Halava, a South Asian version of Semolina fruit pudding made more delicious with the added custard.  



Photo Credit: Google Street View

For $12, you can enjoy their all-you-can eat buffet and drinks like their homemade ginger and mint lemonade.

Govinda’s at West End is open from Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and dinner on weekdays from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They are located at 82 Vulture Street , West End.

Aside from their West End location, they also have two more locations across the city. One is n Brisbane CBD and the other one is in Fortitude Valley.

For more information about this pure vegetarian restaurant, check out their website or give them a call at 0404 173 027.



RACQ Calls for Car Access in Proposed West End to Toowong Bridge

Whilst RACQ welcomed Lord Mayor Schrinner’s plan to build five additional green bridges across Brisbane, the State’s peak motoring body stressed disappointment over the proposed West End to Toowong bridge.

After being officially appointed as Brisbane’s new lord mayor last 8 April 2019, Chandler ward councillor Adrian Schrinner announced that he plans to build additional green bridges across Brisbane  to help reduce traffic congestion and enhance cross-river connectivity:

  • Kangaroo Point Green Bridge – a pedestrian/cycle bridge for which the Council is currently undertaking a business case.
  • Toowong to West End Green Bridge – a potential pedestrian/cycle/public transport bridge.
  • St Lucia to West End Green Bridge – a potential pedestrian/cycle/public transport bridge.
  • Breakfast Creek Green Bridge – a pedestrian/cycle bridge connecting Kingsford Smith Drive Riverwalk into the existing Riverwalk network.
  • Bellbowrie Green Bridge – a potential pedestrian/cycle/public transport bridge, with emergency access.

The said program is going to cost at least $500 million, of which the Council will shoulder at least two-thirds whilst the rest of the funding contributions will be sought from the State and Federal governments.

The proposal reflects the residents’ sentiment as shown in the 2017 Bridging Brisbane campaign, RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner said.

Photo Credit: RACQ 2019 / racq.com.au

The survey was conducted from 28 April – 30 June 2017, and the results revealed that an overwhelming number of respondents support 10 out of 12 proposed new or upgraded river crossings.

A welcome news but…

Whilst the Club applauds the Brisbane City Council “for stepping up to create new green bridges across the city,” the exclusion of traffic lanes for cars in the proposed West End to Toowong bridge, to them, was disappointing.

“We know that western corridor has some of the slowest traffic times in Brisbane and we’d call on Council to help alleviate that pressure,” RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner said.

“West End faces the prospect of becoming a car park with the closure of Victoria Bridge to drivers and the lack of vehicular access across the river to the west.

“Not only do we need investment in public transport and active transport infrastructure but we need to ensure Brisbane motorists have access to free alternative routes that minimise delays by car.

Video Credit: RACQOfficial / YouTube

“We would like also to see Council consider duplicating the Walter Taylor Bridge at Indooroopilly to mitigate the bottlenecks we see created every morning and evening there during peak hour.”

The Club also hopes that the Council will be able to secure additional funding from the State and/or Federal government.

“We know attempts to attract funding and planning cooperation across all levels of government has proven problematic in the past, and we hope all three tiers see the sense in working together to ensure Brisbane doesn’t grind to halt – whether its residents are on foot, on a bike, on public transport or behind the wheel.”