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West End State School to be Expanded, Two New Schools Opening in Inner City

Inner city Brisbane locals are soon to see their wish for additional schools become a reality, with two new schools set to be built and West End State School slated to be expanded.

The positive news was announced by the Queensland government, which is allotting $500 million for the three projects. This is in response to the clamour of parents in the inner city area for additional schools as current schools are over their capacity. The budget falls within the Building Future Schools Fund of the government.

Part of the plan is the use of the former site of Fortitude Valley State School, which was previously planned to be sold. A new school will be constructed on that site and classes should start by 2020. This school will be built in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology.

A new location is yet to be determined for the other new school planned to be built in the inner-south. This will be delivered with the help of the University of Queensland. Once built, it would become an alternative to Brisbane State High School.

West End State School will also receive funding for its expansion to accommodate an increasing number of students. The plan involves the purchase of a lot parallel to the school, on Horan Street. This lot will be used for the additional classrooms.

Responding to Population Growth

The $500-million fund is a direct response of the government to the long-standing education issue in the inner-city area. Parents have been expressing concern over the inadequate number of schools to meet the demand of a growing population in the area.

The stronger demand for schools is a result of the rapid increase in the number of apartments in the area. In fact, a large number of students in the inner city area was found to be living in apartments.

Read: West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding
Read: How the Apartment Industry in West End is Causing Problems for Schools

Because of the lure of the inner city in terms of lifestyle and the quality of education, people from the outer suburbs are trading their houses for apartment life in the inner city.

Each of the two new schools will have a capacity of 1,200 to 1,500 students, while West End State School will increase capacity from 952 students to 1,500 students.

West End Charity Delivers Mobile Medical Service to the Homeless and Disadvantaged

Micah Projects of West End is taking social services a notch higher with its mobile medical service for homeless and disadvantaged individuals.

The charitable organisation was chosen by Brisbane City Council in December 2016 from a group of charity organisations that expressed interest in running the mobile health service. The council provided Micah Projects with a funding of $1 million to kick-start the program which will bring health services to people who are rough sleeping and those who are still transitioning from homelessness to housing.

It is through its Inclusive Health Partnerships that Micah Projects is providing mobile healthcare services. With the funding from the city council, Micah Projects was able to roll out three mobile health vans across the city to provide services such as wound care, medical support and management, chronic disease management and direct nursing services to vulnerable people.

Not only are the health workers giving medical attention to homeless people, they are also taking care of anyone who is in danger of losing their home or those who are suffering from social isolation or victims of domestic violence.

Micah Projects is delivering the mobile healthcare service with the help of partners Mater Queensland, St. Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane North PHN, Brisbane South PHN, Tzu Chi and Brisbane City Council.

The Inclusive Health program aims to address health inequality in the city, helping ensure that everyone regardless of economic or life circumstances can get high-quality health services. Health workers also ensure that people who receive their services are treated with dignity and respect.

Addressing Homelessness

The mobile healthcare service is part of the broader task of Micah Projects to address homelessness. Through its Inclusive Health program, health workers can connect and collaborate with other Micah Projects support teams that can provide housing support, domestic violence assistance, family support, disability assistance, social inclusion support and assistance in hospital discharge and follow-up medical care.

The core commitment of Micah Projects is to end homelessness in Brisbane, one person at a time. The group’s work revolves around breaking barriers that block some members of society from accessing housing, health care, employment and meaningful connections.

The non-for-profit group counts on good-hearted people to support them in this endeavour. Anyone who wishes to help may volunteer their time or donate money to the cause.

Visit Micah Projects’ website to learn more about the health and other services of Micah Projects.

West End Opens Community Composting Hub

West End is providing locals with a better option in discarding their kitchen scrap after it opened a community composting hub at Jane Street Community Garden.

The new Community Composting Hub was inaugurated on 13 May 2017, in line with the expansion of the community composting hub project of Brisbane City Council. The city council decided to expand the project after a successful trial of the first batch of community composting hubs.

The trial run of the community hubs resulted in the diversion of almost 6,000 litres of organic waste from the city’s landfill. Because of the success of the trial hubs, the council is opening new hubs to support its Clean, Green and Sustainable Strategy.

Jane Street Community Garden, located at 103 Jane St, is one of the three new hubs that were recently added to the program. Other hubs that were opened are in Yeronga, Annerley, Sunnybank Hills and Morningside.

The council is urging West End residents and locals living near the area to regularly bring their kitchen scrap to the composting hub. By joining the community composting program, residents will also learn how their kitchen scrap can be turned into garden compost.

Participants in the program can get a free caddy where they can place their food waste. Occasionally, there are workshops hosted at Jane Street Community Garden and other community gardens. Visit the community garden’s website at www.janestgarden.org.au or find composting workshops at other community gardens.

To join the program, register at the Brisbane City Council website.

West End Community Gets Great Weekend Vibe at Boundary Street Markets

Every weekend, West End locals get to relax, unwind and enjoy great food and drinks with family and friends at their favourite weekend markets.

Boundary Street Markets, located at the corner of Russell and Boundary St, offers the community an open-air venue where they can try out different dishes from all over the world.

Locals can try eclectic, unique and simply yummy food and treats from Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, Malaysia, Japan, Korea and India.

The weekend hangout used to be located at Boundary cor. Mollison St., but it was closed after building construction started in the area. Local businesses then came together to find a new venue for the markets.

Something for Everyone

Boundary Street Markets makes sure that there’s something for everyone visiting. Whether you’re looking to try something new, something healthy, something sweet or simply want some cold beer or warm coffee, their quality food stalls can give you the delectable treat you are looking for.

The venue is home to several local businesses, talented artisans and craft makers showcasing their handiworks, vintage clothing, jewellery, plants and planters, vinyl records and hand-made products.

Feel the vibe of the Boundary Street Markets in West End.

Different Markets Every Week

Every Sunday, the venue hosts a different type of market. There is a Kids Markets on every first Sunday of the month. Everything for kids, young people and babies will be featured on that Sunday.

Second Sunday of the month is a day for vegans, vegan traders and anyone who just want to grab some healthy eats. Visit the Brisbane Vegan Markets to find a variety of vegan foods from across the globe, vegan cosmetics, ethical clothing and charities.

The Rainbow Markets is held every third Sunday of the month, featuring fresh and local produce, fashion products and handmade crafts.

The Vindie Markets is hosted every fourth Sunday of the month and features more than 50 stalls covering anything gypsy, hippy, vintage, and indie. Look for pre-loved clothes, hand-made jewellery, dreamcatchers, gemstones, and anything mystic and organic.

Find more information about the weekend markets at www.boundarystreetmarkets.com.au.

Want to go to Boundary Street Markets? Get directions here.

West End Apartment Boom Causing Public School Overcrowding

The growing number of high-rise apartments near Brisbane CBD is causing overcrowding in several public schools in the suburbs of West End and South Brisbane, according to an investigative report by ABC.

The ABC investigation revealed that there is a steadily growing trend wherein more families are choosing to live in smaller apartments to be close to schools and the business hub. As a result, authorities seem to be trying to catch up. Brisbane State High School in South Brisbane is one example where enrolments are on the rise and classrooms are over capacity.

The impressive academic record of Brisbane State High School is one reason why many are moving to apartments in West End and South Brisbane. A draft report by consultancy firm KPMG states that 40 per cent of classrooms for grades 7 through 10 have surpassed the recommended number of students.

Statistics showed that from 2011, there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of children aged 15 and below in Brisbane’s inner city. This signifies that a growing number of families trading larger homes for smaller apartment spaces as they choose to be close to where the action is.

In West End, the trend is more obvious, with 70 per cent of students in a local primary school found to be residing in apartments. West End has been attracting more families because of the lifestyle it offers residents. Everything a family would need is easy to reach. Schools, shops, hospitals and cultural institutions are all within walking distance of residential areas.

Planning Oversight

Carla Mullins, a parent who lives in an apartment in Brisbane’s inner city, asserts that the overcrowding in public schools is a result of a major planning failure. She has been urging for the state government to build a new school in South Brisbane or West End, but so far, only short-term solutions have been made.

Jo-Jo’s Leaves Queen Street Mall, Relocates to West End

After nearly four decades in Queen St Mall, Jo’Jo’s Restaurant is closing its doors, but will re-open soon in West End.

Jo-Jo’s, which opened in 1980 to serve hairdressers and clients of Stefan Stylists, is considered as one of the most iconic restaurants in Brisbane. Since opening as a small café, it has expanded to serve international dishes and has become a famous venue for birthday and Christmas parties and other special events.

The new Jo-Jo’s will open at Stefan Headquarters on Melbourne Street in West End. Jo-Jo’s promises an exciting and modern twist to its restaurant, which will join forces with The Bach Living, a home, gift and furniture business.

The restaurant will be smaller compared to its location in Queen Street Mall. Seat capacity will be downgraded to 150, from 450 to 500 seat capacity in Queen Street.

Jo-Jo’s will close its Queen St location on March 5 and re-open in West End on May 31.

To find out more about Jo-Jo’s restaurant, visit their Facebook page.

West End to Host the First Brisbane Ice Cream Festival

The countdown continues. Registration starts on March 1. Hurry, slots are limited!

Brisbane’s first ice cream festival is fast approaching, and ice cream lovers are eagerly counting the days until Saturday, March 11.

Widely regarded as Brisbane’s foodie precinct, West End will soon become a mecca for ice cream aficionados of all ages, as they all flock towards the historic Peters Ice Cream Factory on 97 Boundary Street.

Go for that ultimate sweet fix, as the coolest vendors in town try to top each other. Wait until you see what they have in store for you at their pop-up stalls:

You can start with some soft serve goodness from Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van.

Get your gelato, pronto! From La Macelleria.

Okay, calm down. Gelato Messina is in town too. Take your pick.

Have a doughnut and some ice cream. Better yet, the ice cream on the doughnut! From the Doughnut Bar.

How about some deep-fried ice cream pops from IcePhile?

Try the rolled ice cream from Ice Cream Curls.

Liquid nitrogen magic from Nitrogenie.

Or have a Mister Fitz masterpiece.

Vegan? If you’re loco for some coco(nut), check out Cocowhip.

Cowch lets you design your own naked pops for an udderly delicious treat.

Did I tell you the Boss Bites?

Get your caffeine fix in, with coffee-flavoured licks from the Queen of Pops.

J’adore les crepes. Enough said.

Everything’s cool AND sunny with Frozen Sunshine Ice Blocks.

Hett’s n Ice Shaved Ice in rainbow-tastic colors

Delicious treats from Alfred & Constance.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Bundaberg Ginger Beer Sorbet from Minus32.

Do you think that’s all? Think again. As if things aren’t going to get exciting enough, Hit105 will be playing some live music. And don’t forget to try the Ice Cream Burgers, a Brisbane Ice Cream Festival exclusive from Red Hook.

Fancy some savoury treats and still more drinks? Check these stalls out:
Micasa Food Truck
Rolls Pho Mi
Two Teas
King of the Wings

Here’s the deal. The Brisbane Ice Cream Festival’s Facebook event page has been swamped. 35,000 people “interested”. 8,700 “going”. You read that right. Thousands are visiting West End! What can we say, Brisbane REALLY loves her ice cream.

So, heads-up for the registration mechanics.

Entry is free. Ticket registration will open at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1. There will be three registration sessions: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each session has a registration cap of 1,800 tickets. There is a maximum of five tickets per person.

Other Reminders

The festival organizers have announced that there is limited street parking and no on-site parking. Visitors are urged to take Translink’s bus and train service to the festival grounds. A special tie-up with Uber will give festival goers $20 off their first ride, with a dedicated pick-up and drop-off service at Boundary Street. Uber users should key in the promo code JUSTFORLICKS to avail of the promotion. The festival is not a dog-friendly event, so it’s best to leave your pets at home.

Media Credits: Photos and video from the Brisbane Ice Cream Festival Facebook page.

West End Cottage Fetches $2.03M at Auction

Character homes in prime “gentrified” locations in West End and New Farm have sold for significant sums, in what can be considered a testament as to how urbanisation, the passage of time, and a great location can spell good fortune and serendipity when it comes to the value of one’s real estate.

A West End cottage located on 29 Daventry Street, in its first appearance on the market in 30 years, has sold for an impressive $2.03 million when it was sent to auction among seven registered bidders last February 18, easily making it Brisbane’s top sale of that week.

The character home’s strong selling point was the property’s footprint, covering 1,038 square metres on two blocks of blue-chip West End land. “Once you start talking about blocks like these ones it’s the top end of the buyer pyramid,” George Balandinos, real estate agent of Drakos Real Estate says. “It’s a unique property 1,038sq m. It was actually on two titles which lent itself to many options for the purchaser who could live in the house and subdivide up to 500sq m off … A block of (subdivided) land on a quiet street like that is worth a lot and 500sq m is a big block in West End.”

Similar Sales at New Farm and South Brisbane

The West End sale comes three months after a similar seven-figure sale in New Farm, where a worker’s cottage located on 227 Kent Street fetched $1.6 million, in its first sale in 50 years. The cottage, which was in its original condition, sits on 506 square metres of prime property, in a quiet neighbourhood that’s within walking distance of James Street and less than 2 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

In November last year, a three-bedroom cottage on 42 Mollison Street in the South Brisbane/West End precinct sold for $1.4 million. Situated adjacent to The Markets shopping complex and around a kilometre away from the Southland Parklands and Brisbane City Business Centre, that sale was the first in what has now become a three-peat of million-dollar sales of inner city cottages.

Both the New Farm and South Brisbane properties are within easy walking distance of the city’s retail, hospitality and market precincts, and are in excellent school catchment areas — things that buyers look for when considering to purchase.

As the real estate maxim goes, “Location is everything.” Given these three seven-figure sales, it would certainly appear to be so.

Photo Credit: All photos are from www.realestate.com.au

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