It’s “All Systems Go” for West End State School Expansion

The sod has been turned, signalling the start of Stage 1 of the West End State School expansion project.

Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad have also officially named Hutchinson Builders as the official contractor for the $25.7-million, during the sod-turning ceremony.

Expected to be completed in mid-2020 and cater to over 1,700 students, the expansion project will see West End State School “transformed into a larger campus that can cater for the growing number of enrolments,” Ms Trad said

“West End State School is a popular school in my electorate with 1,100 students currently enrolled at the school, only set to increase.

“We’ve listened to what parents and carers have said and incorporated their feedback into the project,” she said.

“All new classrooms will be connected by a green-space campus heart, giving students a dedicated space for outdoor learning and play.

“That was one of the most important issues that parents raised, and I’m pleased to see that we’re delivering on that.”   

West End State School expansion
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / qed.qld.gov.au

“I’m extremely excited to see our school campus transform and capture the essence of our education direction for the students at West End State School,” Principal Kim McNamara said.

“We’ve been on the journey since the concept design development, and across the board the collaboration has been remarkable, to ensure our students are equipped with modern and specialised facilities.

“Growth brings excitement, new people and new challenges, and with abundance of outdoor and flexible spaces planned, the students will be empowered to achieve their personal best.”

West End State School expansion
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / qed.qld.gov.au

About West End State School expansion

The West End State School (WESS) expansion project is aimed at accommodating the enrolment growth at the school, which currently has more than 1,000 students. Designed by Cox Architecture, the project will deliver new teaching and learning spaces, along with outdoor play environments for the students.

Stage 1 will deliver a new three-storey learning centre on the corner of Horan and Ambleside streets which will include 16 learning spaces, outdoor landscaped areas, and a new pick/drop-off zone.

Stage 2 of the construction is expected to be completed in 2022 which is broken down into Stages 2a and 2b. Stage 2a will include the construction of a multi-level facility which will contain the administration, library, and 15 classrooms, to be located on Ambleside Street.

Stage 2b will include a creative learning centre with an undercover car park, to be located on the corner of Horan and Vulture streets.



Applications for Brisbane’s Creative and History Grants for 2019-2020 Now Open

Did you know that you can apply for a grant with the Brisbane City Council to fund your projects as an artist, creative or art worker? Whether as an individual or as a group, you can secure funding between $10,000 to $30,000 through the Creative and History Grants if you have a brilliant idea that would also benefit West End or the rest of Brisbane.

In fact, applications are now being accepted at the Council for three types of grants below: 

GRANTDEADLINE of APPLICATION
Creative Sparks Grants Program 
Funding: $10,000
For creatives whose initiatives will help enrich Brisbane’s cultural, social and economic status.Monday 
9th of Dec 2019
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships
Funding: $20,000
For budding creatives who want a career in the arts. Age limit: 17 to 30 years oldMonday
9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program
Funding: $30,000
For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.Monday
16th of Dec 2019

If you’re interested in giving this grant application a shot, the Council is also willing to help you prepare a good pitch by hosting a Creative Grant Information Sessions for the first two weeks of November 2019. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with more information to ensure that your application will be picked, such as: 

  • the different creative grant programs available
  • grant guidelines and application forms
  • advice on project eligibility and
  • tips on making an application
Photo Credit: Skitterphoto/Pixabay

Take note of the time, date and location of the Creative Grant Information Sessions below:

Date/TimeLocation
Monday, 4 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Brisbane Square Library
266 George Street, Brisbane City

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Nundah Library 
1 Bage Street via Primrose Lane, Nundah

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 7 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Seven Hills Hub
28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills
* near Ron Hurley Theatre

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Indooroopilly Library
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly
* inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Garden City Library
Level R4 – Yellow Car Park Garden City Shopping Centre Corner Logan Road &, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 14 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Visible Ink
5 Green Square Cl, Fortitude Valley

BOOK YOUR TICKET


The Brisbane City Council provides grants annually to support and encourage talented local artists, innovators, historians, as well as organizations in their field of expertise. More than a source of funds, the help from the Council brings more opportunities for grant recipients to secure future stable projects or network with the leaders in their industry.  

Grant holders, on the other hand, can contribute to the social-economic and cultural progress of Brisbane. This arrangement is a win-win situation for everyone.



Fredericks Wine Bar Pops Up In West Village Until December

If you’re thirsting for good vino, but you’re tired of going to the usual spots, then head down to Fredericks on Boundary Street. This pop-up bar, which opened in West Village in September, will serve you up a good time but it won’t be around for a long time as the bar will fold by December.

It’s hard to miss Fredericks in this stylish West End precinct with its glowing neon lights and eye-popping decorations. Named after Fredericks Peters, the inventor of Australia’s famous Peters Ice Cream, this open-spaced bar is at a great spot overlooking the old but historic factory.  

A concept collaboration between restaurateurs Paul McGivern, Bailee Dewes, and Daniel and Amelia Miletic, as well as designers Jon Dowding and Chrissy Feld, Fredericks has 90 seats and an extensive wine menu from Australian and New Zealand producers and a substantial craft beer list. The spritzes incorporate some of the flavours of the beloved ice cream products, while the cocktails include creative concoctions like Lemon Drop or Planters Punch.

Photo Credit: West Village/Facebook


These drinks pair up well with a range of sophisticated bar food like manchego croquettes, mixed olives, gruyere and greens toasties, cheese platters and salumi plates. Diners, however, may also order from The Garden Pantry next door for a fuller meal.

The bar is like a test-run for what visitors can expect from the West Village. A permanent watering hole for drinking, lounging and relaxing with friends will be setting shop in the future but as the collaborators said, it’s still unclear if they will be behind the bar. 

Photo Credit: West Village/Facebook

Fredericks is open every Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It’s open for hosting events and private drinks as well. 

Have Your Say on the Dornoch Terrace Safety Improvements Project Concept Design

The concept design for the Dornoch Terrace safety improvements project — between Gladstone Road in Highgate Hill and Hardgrave Road in West End — has been released for public commenting. 

Dornoch Terrace is a section of the “Brisbane River Loop” which runs from the Brisbane  City to St Lucia University Campus, Indooroopilly, Chelmer, Yeerongpilly, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill, West End, and then back to the City. 

This section has been considered as a cycling black spot due to the number of recorded cycling crashes over the past five years. 

The safety improvements project thus will involve providing safe and continuous cycle facilities; reducing the speed of cyclists and vehicles; addressing safety concerns caused by vehicles turning; providing a signalised intersection at Hampstead Road and Dornoch Terrace; and improving pedestrian crossing points.

Dornoch Terrace Safety Improvements Project

Photo credit:  Brisbane City Council / yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au/dornochSIP

According to the concept design, Dornoch Terrace safety improvements project will deliver the following key improvements:

  • Continuous bike lanes on both sides of the road – Bike lanes on both sides of Dornoch Terrace will be upgraded, which will involve the construction of a 1.2km dedicated safe space for cyclists between Gladstone Road and Doris Street.
  • Reduced-speed shared space – a shared space for cyclists and motorists at the intersection of Dornoch Terrace, Ganges Street, and Hardgrave Road. 

The shared space will have a reduced speed limit of 30 km/hr and will feature an extended raised speed platform and two new zebra crossings: across Ganges Street near Dornoch Terrace and across Hardgrave Road near Ganges Street.  

  • Signalised intersection at Hampstead Road and Dornoch Terrace – This will involve the installation of traffic signals and pedestrian crossings at the intersection.
  • Slip lane at Gladstone Road – improvement of Gladstone Road slip lane onto Dornoch Terrace is also proposed which will include improvements to the cycling connection and construction of a new bike lane.
  • New pedestrian crossing points – Three new pedestrian crossing points are also proposed to be constructed: near Dauphin Terrace, near Sankey Street, and west of Colville Street.
  • Access to Dornoch Terrace service road – This will be an entry-only access from Dornoch Terrace onto the  service road which connects to Boundary Street.
  • Intersection changes -Changes to the form of the road at the intersections of Dornoch Terrace and Katrine Street; Dornoch Terrace and Colville Street; Dornoch Terrace and Colton Street; Dornoch Terrace and Carlton Street
  • Traffic calming – Changing the form of the road such as kerb build-outs and slow points to reduce operating speeds.

The public is invited to have their say on the concept design for the Dornoch Terrace safety improvements project by completing the Council’s online the survey by Friday 25 October 2019.



Mindful Triathlon Wanderlust 108 to Take Place at Orleigh Park in West End

What is a mindful triathlon? A triathlon consists of three challenging endurance races that test the strength, stamina and speed of the participants. A mindful triathlon, on the other hand, combines running or walking with yoga and meditation for a transformational experience. These will all take place at Wanderlust 108 in West End on Saturday, the 19th of Oct 2019. 

Wanderlust 108 is the world’s only mindful triathlon. The movement began in Los Angeles in 2014 and has since expanded to different cities across the world. 



Kicking off at 7:30 a.m. at Orleigh Park, participants of Wanderlust 108 will first gather, warm-up and energise with coffee near the 5km starting line. The official race will start at 9:00 a.m., where you can run, walk, trot or skip to the finish line. 

By 11:00 a.m., set up your yoga mat at the park grounds for a 75-minute yoga flow session, which will be followed by a 25-minute soul-soothing and muscle-relaxing meditation led by renowned yoga teachers and spiritual leaders.

Photo Credit: Wanderlust/Facebook

There’s more to do at Wanderlust 108 when the mindful triathlon is done, though, as this event is also a shoppers market and workshop session. After the mindful triathlon to promote a healthy body and mind, a little retail therapy might also make you feel good. You can browse or shop at the Kula Marketplace for handcrafted pieces, clothing, accessories, food and drinks. 

You may also listen in and join the workshops on gut health, hormonal advice, personal power, or Tibetan sound bath healing from experts like Lara Zilbowitz, Donovan McGrath, Kemi Nekvapil, Jordanna Levin, Helen Jacobs, Chantelle Rawlings and Lee Holmes.

The market will open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



Ping Pong Will Take Over West Village This September Weekend

Got a zest for sports? If you’re into Ping Pong, then you might want to be at West Village on Saturday and Sunday, the 21st and 22nd of Sept 2019, for a Ping Pong takeover!

Five tables for Ping Pong, also known as table tennis, will be open for both adults and kids to try their hand at this 100-year-old British sport. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., you can find the Ping Pong tables at West Village’s The Common.

For $100, you can book a two-hour game to challenge your mates at the Ping Pong table. The session is good for six players and this comes with food vouchers if you’ve worked out an appetite after playing. You may use these vouchers at the Cheeky Poke, Mr Bunz and Salt Meats Cheese from The Garden Pantry. 

Photo Credit: Supplied


Ping Pong at West Village will also feature free workshops and demonstrations taking place on Saturday with the schedule below: 

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Kids Workshop
11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.Free family fun
11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Professional Ping Pong demonstration
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Free family fun
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Booked Ping Pong sessions


Sunday’s activities, on the other hand, is a free-for-all but expect to wait your turn during peak hours. 

Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival Returns for Year 2 at Musgrave Park

You can forget about your diet this coming weekend as the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival is back for a second year at the Musgrave Park in West End! Indulge in everything sweet at this delightful event happening on Saturday and Sunday, the 14th and 15th of Sept 2019. 

Open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., go ahead and enjoy brunch, lunch or an afternoon snack of cupcakes, gelatos, meringues, ice creams, chocolates, waffles and every sweet treat you can imagine. There’ll be no judgment if you decide to skip a healthy diet for this two-day fest because everyone else will also be satisfying their sweet cravings.



Featuring Queensland’s best dessert makers, this year’s lineup will include special dessert selections without nuts, gluten or lactose. There will be vegan desserts for those with specific dietary needs, too!

Photo Credit: The World Food Markets/Facebook

Don’t have a sweet tooth? Not a problem! Some savoury selections will also be offered at the Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival. There will be heaps of options for street food and food truck gourmands.

Whilst you’re enjoying your treats, live music, competitions and activities will be going on throughout the two-day event. It’s guaranteed to be a veritable feast for your senses.



Follow The World Food Markets for the list of dessert makers, food trucks and performers you can expect at the second Sweet As Brisbane Dessert Festival.

Photo Credit: The World Food Markets/Facebook

Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and cups for refilling at the water station as this is an eco-friendly party. This is also a family-friendly and pet-friendly event so bring the whole family to experience the sugar rush! 

Score tickets here but kids under 15 years old may enter for free.

Principal Named for New Inner City South School in Dutton Park

A new principal to lead the new Inner City South State Secondary College in Dutton Park has been appointed.

Kirsten Ferdinands has been selected as principal of the new Dutton Park school,  Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad said in a joint announcement on 2 September.  

“I have every faith that Kirsten will do a wonderful job in steering this $130 million high school – the first one to be built in the inner south in almost 60 years,” Ms Grace said.

“She brings plenty of experience to the table, working for the Department of Education for 30 years as a teacher, head of curriculum, deputy principal and principal across the state.

“Most recently, Kirsten has been working out of the Department’s North Coast office in North Lakes, supporting the development of the new secondary school at Mango Hill.

Prior to her new appointment, Ms Ferdinands was the principal of Bray Park State High, which was awarded “State School of the Year” in 2017. She is also serving as Secretary of Queensland Secondary Principal’s Association

Congratulations to Kirsten Ferdinands on being named the foundation principal of the new Inner City South State…

Posted by Grace Grace MP on Sunday, September 1, 2019

Ms Trad said she believes Ms Ferdinands is the right person to build the school’s culture and ethos from scratch and that she will create a vibrant learning environment to the students.

For her part, Ms Ferdinands said that it was a huge honour to be given the opportunity to lead the new school and that the school’s vision is to “create a high-profile, signature state school where high-quality education is delivered in a positive and inclusive 21st-century learning environment.”

Video Credit: Queensland Department of Education / YouTube

The contract to build the new Inner City South State Secondary College will soon be awarded, Ms Trad said, as demolition works on Gladstone Road have already started and Denbigh Street closed to make way for the construction. 

Construction of Stage One is expected to be completed in time for foundation Year 7 students to commence in Term 1, 2021. The school will grow a year level each year, offering Year 7 to Year 12, through 2026.



The Plant Market Springing in West Village with More Vendors

Green thumbs and budding gardeners, here’s your chance to find lush, leafy, and colourful plants for your home or office! Another Plant Market pop-up event is springing in West Village this Sunday, the 8th of Sept. 2019. 

After the success of The Plant Market’s first West Village showcase last June, the event is returning with more vendors. So, head over to 97 Boundary Street this Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to check out the line-up and choose from heaps of vendors selling large or small indoor and outdoor plants, seeds, ferns, flowers, and herbs.

Photo Credit: The Plant Market/Facebook


The Plant Market is also bringing back its popular adoption centre. If you’ve had no luck growing a pot — don’t worry! You can drop off those unhealthy plants to allow someone else to nurture it for free. 

You might want to stick around to join the botanical-based workshops, though. Grab the opportunity to learn the basics of caring for plants or growing a herb garden. 

The highlight of this Saturday’s workshop includes a full-hour education on vegetable gardens to grow this spring from the West Village Gardener. This activity requires advance booking for $10.



The Plant Market is also a showcase for makers and crafters. Besides the greens, you mosey around the stalls or snap up unique handcrafted pieces like accessories, homeware and plant-themed gift items from Billeta, Max and Mort, All The Green Things, Luvia Designs, Succulent Mummas, and The Plant Market designers.

The Plant Market is the brain child of Tamara Scheiwe who decided to create a space for a group of green-loving and creative Brisbaners to share their talents and passion to the community. Interested in joining the next market? Contact Tamara on her website. 

Sample 40 Kinds of Beer at the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest in West End

If you love beer and would like to try a variety of brews in the shortest time possible, then prepare to get mighty busy sampling 40 kinds of tasty beer from both local and international brands at the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest in West End!

Happening on Saturday, the 24th of Aug. 2019, from 11 a.m. until the wee hours the next day, this beer fest also has giveaways and games in store for guests, and the place to be is at the Archive Beer Boutique at 100 Boundary Street.

This year’s Armakeggon will feature two exclusive collab beers with Deepwater Brewing and Sea Legs Brewing Co. 



Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied

While you’re experimenting with different flavours at the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest, local talent  DJ Moses will be playing excellent dance music to keep with the fun vibe. 

At 7 p.m., Joyride, the pride of Sydney’s hip hop world and the man responsible for hit songs like “3 am” and “Aunt Tracey’s Cookies,” will be performing on stage for the beer fest’s first-ever after-party.

Joyride has been with theOne Day Crew and the tour DJ for Spit Syndicate in the last six years. He has also collaborated with the biggest names in the Aussie hip hop scene, such as Horrorshow, Jackie Onassis, Hermitude, Drapht, Urthboy, Illy and Purpose.

Photo Credit: Supplied


For more than a decade, the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest has been the “hoppiest” event in Brisbane. Always soldout, this is a party to never miss if you’re all about enjoying the beer! 

Entry to the Armakeggon Craft Beer Fest is free but be sure to bring your ID and wear your most comfortable beer-drinking shirts.