West End Archives - Page 16 of 25

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.”

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.

West End Institution Sol Bakery & Cafe Closes after 24 Years

West End has bid goodbye to a 24-year mainstay of the area’s bakery-cafe scene. Best known for its organic, handcrafted and stoned-baked sourdough bread, Sol Bakery & Cafe said goodbye to its Vulture Street shop, another casualty of the effect the pandemic has had on small businesses and rents.

Prior to the shop’s last trading day on 11 July 2021, Sol Bakery & Cafe owner Andrea Poole had been working out with a potential buyer to save the West End store. However, the landlord rejected the offer of that investor.

Ms Poole said that her lease technically ends in July and she’s strapped for time to look for another investor. Thus, there was nothing else to do but to fold and start clearing the Vulture Street site.

Highlights

Sol Bakery & Cafe on Vulture Street, West End has closed for good on 11 July 2021.
Owner Andrea Poole said that they couldn’t keep with the rising cost of the rent.
She tried to find a buyer for the bakery but the said investor’s offer was rejected by the landlords.

Sol Bakery & Cafe, which first opened doors in 1997 under a different owner, had some reprieve during the first wave of the pandemic, thanks to the government’s rent freeze program. After the freeze ended, the landlords raised rents as this was stipulated in their contract.

The bakery tried to stay afloat despite the economic impact of the pandemic but the business couldn’t bounce back fast enough to cover the rising cost of the rent.

“Heartbreaking. My favourite brunch place 🥲 thank you guys for the great service and wholesome food. You will truely be missed!” one customer said when word of the bakery’s end was confirmed on West End social media groups.

“I flew down and drove 8 hours to get their bread. Maybe they will open up somewhere else as they have a good name and a great product…They just need a new home perhaps.”

Meanwhile, Sol Bakery in Darra, where the goods are actually baked, will continue to operate and supply shops and restaurants across Queensland.

Goodwill Team Oversees Rebranded West End Markets

Changes are happening behind the scenes at the West End Markets, formerly known as the Davies Park Market, as new management has taken over running this popular Saturday site. Goodwill Projects Pty Ltd was awarded the contract to run the local favourite weekend market for the next five years.

Goodwill Projects has officially started organising the West End Markets in mid-May 2021, taking over for Blue Sky Events Pty Ltd. The team led by Mark Power has been overseeing 150 vendors who converge at the Davies Park early Saturday morning to set up their stalls filled with food, produce, fashion and handcrafted pieces.

Mr Power and Goodwill are no strangers to mounting markets and liaising with the vendors as they are the group behind some of the most active and exciting markets around Brisbane — Nundah Farmers Markets, Brisbane City Markets, and Milton Markets, to name a few.

“We want to provide a platform for skilled, passionate individuals to start their dream business, launch their passion project or realise their ideas without the significant up-front challenges of a brick-and-mortar store, or long-term contract. Market activation’s offer a genuine alternative to those starting out,” the group said.

“We love seeing success stories and people’s hard work and passion turn into something special, growing into the next big thing in retail or food throughout Australia.”

With West End Markets, Mr Power intends to bring in new stallholders and secure permanent vendors, who have now been using EFTPOS machines on the site to make transactions easier.

The Goodwill team also wants to improve the traffic and parking situation around Davies Park every Saturday by providing subsidised Uber trips for some of the frequent shoppers as well as negotiating with Neuron scooters.

The West End Markets is held every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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

Edible Encore, a delicious celebration of music and produce is set to have its world premiere at West Village in West End on 10 July 2021!

Read: Harris Farm Markets Officially Opens in West End

This musical event takes inspiration from five “heroes”- from the recently opened Harris Farm Markets at West Village – pineapples, tomatoes, passionfruit, strawberries, and capsicums. West Village wrote, “These are from Harris Farm’s seasonal range of fruit and veg that might not look perfect from the outside but are as perfect and full of flavour as ever on the inside!”

This weekend, 3 July, the public was given a chance to see Camerata’s ensemble deliver a live rehearsal in The Common with their chosen fruit and vegetables for free. Camerata Artistic Director Brendan Joyce led the performance of 12 musicians on violin, viola, cello, and double bass from Camerata.

Camerata will also perform some well-known pieces, such as Peter Allen’s “When My Baby Goes to Rio” and some pieces from Astor Piazzolla, who was known for revolutionizing tango music in the 1950s by infusing Tango with jazz and classical.

Read: Wandering Cooks Transitioning from Fish Lane to Vulture Street in West End

A first for Camerata, the group is pleased to present Edible Encores, which is a musical response to fruit and vegetables. Mr Joyce said it has been delightful and surprising to see where this adventure has taken the ensemble.

Tristan Harris, co-CEO of Harris Farm Markets with staff member Indiya MIcallef-Donoghue

For the world premiere, guests will be treated to a delightful musical event as they enjoy a complimentary cheese platter, fruit juice, and fruit bag which is an inclusion in the $15 ticket. The event is a collaboration between West Village, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra – and Harris Farm Markets.

Booking and further details about the upcoming event can be viewed at www.westvillage.com.au/whats-on.

West End Artist Wins Art Prize At Reimagine 2021

West End artist Nadine Schmoll has won a major Reimagine 2021 Art Prize for her work in the Digital Art – Stills category, gaining recognition for a piece titled ‘Interconnected’.

Nadine, who hails from West End, managed to win one of the three major prizes in the esteemed art competition Reimagine 2021, emerging on top of the Digital Art – Stills category and winning a grand total of $3,000.

The theme for this year’s competition was “Fast fashion, fast food, fast running out of natural resources”, and Nadine’s entry, named ‘Interconnected’, is a piece that sheds light on the impact humans have on the environment.

‘Interconnected’ by Nadine Schmoll
Photo credit: Supplied

“Interconnected (Self Portrait as Coral) is a photographic self-portrait that sheds light on the interrelationships between the natural marine environment and humans, in the context of the global impacts of climate change and plastic pollution,” explained Nadine.

Reimagine 2021 was hosted by Sydney’s Hornsby Shire Council in partnership with the Hornsby Art Society. The competition focuses primarily on exploring the themes of environmental sustainability, climate change, and other matters related to the environment, challenging artists to create works that reflect the crisis the world faces in terms of waste and overconsumption.

The At Prize and Exhibition was held at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre at 25 Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby, running from the 4th of June to the 20th of June 2021. To learn more about the competition, read about it here.

Here’s Where You Can Join A Senior Ballet Class in West End

What’s keeping older Brisbane women fit and active these days? In West End, it’s attending a senior ballet class at the Queensland Ballet studio!

Since the Queensland Ballet opened the program for older women in 2017, the senior ballet classes have been receiving more students who have been reaping the rewards of dancing. They are physically improving their posture, control of bodily functions and agility.

The senior ballet classes are conducted for eight weeks at the Beesley Street studio, whilst there is also a two-day training course for the teachers, who are then sent to the Gold Coast, Cairns, Mackay and Hervey Bay to train more senior women.

Photo Credit: Queensland Ballet/Facebook

According to Genevieve Dunn, the organisation’s head of community engagement, ageing women are taught ballet techniques to enjoy and to connect with their peers.

The focus isn’t on executing a perfect routine but on physical fitness and enjoyment. The sessions are purposely repetitive so that the women could re-invigorate muscles they have stopped using, which makes them more active and energetic.

A study from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) underscored the many benefits of attending a senior ballet class.

“Some of the participants reported that they found the classes positively euphoric and transformational in the pleasure they felt at being part of such weekly social engagement,” Professor Gene Moyle of the QUT’s Creative Industries Faculty said. “The physical benefits of movement and dance on ageing bodies is well documented and our project really re-enforces these findings, however additionally highlights the joy and benefits social connections in dance can bring to people’s lives.”

To learn more about Ballet for Seniors, as well as Jazz for Seniors and Dance for Parkinson’s contact community@queenslandballet.com.au or sign up for the classes online.

Now Open! Harris Farm Markets West End Flagship Store

“A flavour-filled showcase of Queensland and Australian produce under one roof.” This is how Tristan Harris, co-CEO of Harris Farm Markets, describes their flagship West End store as it finally opens.

Enter the food mecca beginning 4 June 2021 with heaps to find at Harris Farm Markets in West Village. Taking up more than 1,800 square metres on the ground floor of the historic 1920s Peters Ice Cream building, here are some great finds.

Milk on Tap, Loose Coffee & Tea, Honey on Tap

Similar to Harris Farm Markets in Clayfield, the West End store will have its very own Milk on Tap corner offering the creamy goodness of Maleny Dairy, Barambah Organics and Oat Milk from Inside Out.

Lund Coffee from Bowen Hills will supply eight types of roasted loose bean options and 20 loose teas. There will be four lines of Gold Coast’s Pour Your Own honey on tap as well, a first for Harris Farm.

Nut Butters, Danny’s Boulangerie, Salumi Deli

Also another first? The self-serve Almond, Peanut and Cashew Butter, which will be great to pair with the artisan, organic baked goods from Teneriffe’s very own Danny’s Boulangerie.

The bread choices would also be perfect for whatever you can find at the Cheese Alley, marked as a turophile’s haven with 500 kinds of cheese, including a range of vegan and local stars Barambah, Woombye and Casa Motta.

Imperfect Picks

Harris Farm Markets’ popular Imperfect Picks program will also be carried over at the West End shop. It’s where visually unappealing, yet still equally delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables go.

“Our West End flagship store will be home to the best in fruit and vegetables, including a huge organic fruit & veg section and a leaderboard of Queensland flavours, a gourmet grocery section of boutique local products, an extensive deli and offering of more than 500 cheeses, a local bakery section with the best breads such as sourdough and brioche from our Teneriffe mates Danny’s, and a premium meat selection,” Tristan said.

This flagship store will also carry Brisbane’s most famous food brands: Sol breads, Roza’s Sauces, CJ’s Pasta, My Berries, Madders Brothers Patisserie sweet treats, and Woggoon Farm honey and edible flowers.

Shoppers visiting Harris Farm Markets West End are advised to park on Mollison Street for their convenience.