Brisbane City Council has developed a draft improvement plan for Davies Park, West End as part of its commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green, and making the city livable and sustainable for future generations. The plan is set to provide a blueprint for future upgrades for the park.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Davies Park is a valued green space in West End that provides sport and recreation opportunities for the community. Feedback received in the community consultation in late 2017 has helped in the development of the key features of the improvement plan. The park’s improvement plan will focus on the following:
increasing and enhancing accessible green space
promoting a sense of community and celebrating its cultural heritage
increasing recreational use of the park.
maintaining the park’s natural appeal
improving connection through the park.
The Council worked with the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club who have had a presence in the park for more than 100 years. The club has agreed to reduce their leased area to improve outcomes for the community. The additional area will increase green space and provide room for new park features that can be enjoyed by the club and the wider community.
The project’s allocation of $2.1 million this financial year will be used to help in the delivery of key elements of the plan, with a progressive delivery of other elements in future years based on citywide priorities for park improvements.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
The proposed key features for the current draft improvement plan includes:
New green spaces and connections
Upgraded park roadway
Creative play area
Multi-use hard courts
Relocation of the community garden
Drainage upgrades
Additional features such as seats, picnic tables and drinking fountains
Improvement works are anticipated to commence in 2019.
To learn more about the Council’s Davies Park improvement project in West End, visit the project’s official page. You may also call the Council on 07 3403 8888 or send an email to parks@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Alphabet Cafe, the newest addition to West End’s foodie scene, will soon be cooking what they’re growing at their very own backyard.
Sisters Zoe and Meghan Tulleners, owners of Alphabet Cafe, are paving the way for ethical and sustainable cafe practices as they work with Food Connect and Loop Growers.
The cafe’s fresh produce is sourced from an established network of local suppliers, their artisan bread is supplied by Danny’s Bread, and their free-range eggs and ethically farmed bacon comes from Echo Valley Farms.
Photo credit: Facebook/Alphabet Cafe
With a major focus on sustainability, the cafe’s backyard at their Boundary Street location is already being transformed into a kitchen garden which will allow them to cook what they grow.
Through the expertise of Loop Growers, the cafe will be able to turn their organic and acidic food waste into fertiliser for reuse in the garden. Not a single thing will go to waste in the Alphabet Cafe as their leftover bread ends are also mixed with excess milk from their coffee service for chicken feed.
Photo credit: Facebook/Alphabet Cafe
The Alphabet sisters are renowned for dishing up unique and delicious baked goods. Now, as their dream of having their own cafe came true, they are ready to serve hungry foodies with delectable food from their menu that focuses on seasonality.
Photo credit: Facebook/Alphabet Cafe
Want to try something new? Have a taste of their slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roasted cauliflower, tomato, turmeric and jalapeño salsa, homemade flatbread and spiced labneh. This is one of the latest addition to their menu.
The Alphabet Cafe is located at 243 Boundary Street, West End and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Visit their Facebook page for more information and updates.
West End Film Festival (WEFF) is back with an eclectic, enlightening, and empowering programme screening on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 June 2018 at the Rumpus Room in West End.
The festival kicks off with a tour of the multi-International Emmy Award-winning Ludo Studios at 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 22 June 2018 followed by pitching sessions of selected finalists for their future projects.
This year’s WEFF will be screening a selection of 32 short films, documentaries, music videos, and animations. Plus, get a chance to watch their first-ever feature film “After The Apology” at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 23 June 2018. The film promises an action-packed program that you don’t want to miss out on.
For more information on the festival’s programme and finalists, check out the West End Film Festival 2018’s official programme guide.
Established in 2009 by a group of local filmmakers that focus on supporting grassroots filmmakers, West End Film Festival continues to uplift local talents with the annual film festival held in one of Brisbane’s most vibrant communities, West End.
Photo credit: Facebook/West End Film Festival
The festival aims to build relationships with local communities and encourage collaborations amongst artists highlighting the importance of creativity and connection in the film industry.
With over nine years of celebrating local filmmakers, the WEFF has become one of Brisbane’s most awaited film festivals that celebrates the community, culture, and diversity that is uniquely West End.
Who says learning science is boring? What if you can learn interesting and relevant scientific facts while having a nice cold beer in the pub?
Pint of Science is a charity event where the most brilliant scientists deliver the latest in findings in scientific research through interesting and relevant talks in a local pub.
Photo credit: Facebook/Pint of Science AU
The event aims to provide an environment where people can discuss research with those who carried them out. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.
Established by a community of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in the UK in 2012, Pint of Science is now a three-day celebration that happens every year in the month of May. The talks are mainly run by volunteers and take place simultaneously in nearly 300 cities across 21 different countries.
Photo credit: Facebook/Pint of Science AU
This year Pint of Science is supported by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and will take place in 16 cities on 14, 15, and 16 May 2018.
West End is one of the sites for Pint of Science in Brisbane. Six different events will be held at the Catchment Brewery and Loft West End. Check out the list below to see the topics and be quick in booking tickets as one of the six events has already sold out.
Choosy Brains and Babies’ Brains
Monday, 14 May 2018 (7:00 p.m. -9:30 p.m.)
Photo credit: pintofscience.com.au
Booking for this event is probably one of the best decision you’ll make. Two talks about our brains will be discussed in this event including how we make decisions and how alcohol can affect the cognition of babies.
Learn more about how the brain works whilst enjoying great food at the same time. Prizes are up for grabs for those who can answer some trivia questions.
“Making Decisions in the Human Mind” will be explained by Claire Naughtin (Senior Research Consultant, CSIRO’s Data61). She will be exploring the science behind how humans make decisions and why we sometimes struggle with multitasking.
“Frisky Whisky and Cheeky Pints” will be discussed by Diana Lucia (PhD Student, University of Queensland). She will be discussing the risks of alcohol consumption around conception and prior to pregnancy recognition when it comes to the health of the growing fetus.
If you are a robotics fan, you should check out this event where experts will share all about the life and times of robot research and how new robot technology can help us with our needs in the future.
Munch on some good food while learning and get a chance to win Pint of Science merch if you can answer trivia questions.
“CSIRObotics: Robotics Research at CSIRO” will be presented by David Howard (Research Scientist, CSIRO). With the help of his colleagues, he will take you on a journey to the past, present, and future of robotics research at CSIRO. Learn how they create transformational technology that tackles the unique challenges in Australia.
“Social Robots in the Healthcare Field” will be shared by Nicole Robinson (Researcher, Queensland University of Technology). Learn about modern-day robots that can interact and communicate with people and how they can be used as an assistive tool for people in the health and wellbeing industry.
Two different topics in one night. This event will explore the relationship between art and science and how spider venoms can be used for drugs.
“Art + Science = ?” will be presented by David Harris (Artscience Researcher, QCA-Griffith University/Physics Museum Curator, University of Queensland). He will be showing what happens when art and science meet, plus more crazy things that can come out when the two disciplines are combined.
“Fight Creepy with Crawly” is a topic from Samantha Nixon (PhD Student, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland; CSIRO Agriculture and Food). She will be explaining how spider venom can be transformed into life-saving drugs for humans and animals.
Venue: Catchment Brewery 150 Boundary St, West End
This is an event dedicated to ocean-lovers. Learn about the tiniest members of the ocean and their importance to the big blue. You will also be amazed to know how the ocean influences the weather. Sit down, relax, and have a pint whilst learning how to beat the weatherman.
“Tiny and Powerful” is a presentation from Julian Uribe-Palomino (Plankton Researcher, CSIRO). Here, she will showcase the unknown world of the planktons, what creatures are part of it, and why we should care about them.
“Waves and Weather” will be discussed by James Thompson (Meteorologist, Bureau of Meteorology). He will be discussing how to predict the weather and explain the science behind the tools and techniques used at Bureau of Meteorology.
The current hot topics online will be discussed by experts to shed a light on the meaning of blockchain and the Internet of Things. Time to be more aware of the buzz on the internet while indulging in great foods which are half-priced since it’s a Wednesday night.
“Avoiding Machine Overlords” by Dr Philip Valencia (Senior Research Engineer, CSIRO). In this talk, Dr Valencia will introduce how Artificial Intelligence is being applied to the Internet of Things (IoT).
“Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Genomics?” by Dr Caitlin Curtis (Research Fellow, The University of Queensland) and Dr James Hereward (Research Fellow, The University of Queensland). In this talk, the experts will be exploring cryptocurrency, the basics of Blockchain, and its application in genomics.
Venue: Catchment Brewery 150 Boundary St, West End
Queensland Ballet has been one of the major contributors to Queensland’s arts and cultural offering. However, growth is restricted in the current centre due to the size limitations and the quality of existing facilities. To reach its goal of becoming a leader on the world stage, one of the institution’s strategies is to redevelop the Thomas Dixon Centre to be a state-of-the-art ballet centre.
Conrad Gargett was the appointed architect for the redevelopment project. The proposed designs were already submitted for approval and are now available for public viewing.
Pedestrian view from Drake Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
3D View of Drake St Photo credit: Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Studio 04 with Integrated Service Beams Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
The proposed designs intend to enhance the efficiency of their Wardrobe and Production teams, attract more talent, and provide new performance spaces.
The plans also include the rectification of the heritage-listed building.
Heritage Rectification plan for South and West Elevation Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Pedestrian view from Raven Street towards Montague Road (East Approach) Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
To see more details of the design, feel free to view the proposed designs and landscape designs. A video fly-through display of the proposed plans can be accessed in the foyer of the Thomas Dixon Centre. Simply visit their reception during business hours.
The desirability of West End and other inner-city suburbs did little to prevent an oversupply situation in the apartment sector. This has resulted in some 52 apartment projects being stalled or completely abandoned in the past year.
With projects being stalled, it means that around 10,000 units will be removed from the market.
A recent report from economic analysis and forecasting group, BIS Oxford Economics, indicates that rapid completion of apartment buildings in West End and other inner-city suburbs has brought the market into saturation.
The oversupply, which is predicted to last until 2025, has left nearly 20% of apartments in the area unoccupied.
Overdevelopment Taking Its Toll
Some developers have backed out from project development due to factors such as declining investor demand, and restrictions on interest-only loans. Adding to the issue are growing development costs and lower income from rent.
The saturation of the apartment market in the inner city is a result of what is seen as overdevelopment in the inner-city.
In recent years, the area has experienced rapid and record growth in terms of apartment building development. During the 2017-2018 financial year, an estimated 8,300 units will be completed, an increase from the 5,700 units built in the previous year. In 2019, some 5,000 units are expected to be built.
West End, CBD, Spring Hill and Toowong and Hamilton are ahead of other Brisbane suburbs when it comes to the number of apartments coming to the market.
West End was seen to lead the rest of the Queensland in the property market. However, the rapid development of high-rise and large-scale projects posed a negative effect on investor income.
The growing number of high-rise residential projects in the area has left many units unoccupied. With supply drastically overcoming demand, rent prices eventually plummeted.
Concerned locals have voiced out concerns over the growing number of high-rise developments in the area. Among the more vocal critics is Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba), who believes that the focus should be on making dwellings affordable and not large apartment projects.
Despite the shelving of 10,000 apartments, some industry experts are not worried. They see the situation simply as the market correcting itself.
Developers are reacting to the saturation in an effort to limit supply. But optimists still think that eventually, the market will boom again and will see those 10,000 units completed in a few years.
On Mollison Street in West End, an extraordinary restaurant is bringing the colours and flavours of African food to Brisbane locals. But underneath the tasteful culinary experience, Mu’ooz Restaurant & Catering is empowering African women refugees in the city.
Photo credit: www.muooz.com.au
Fittingly situated in the culturally diverse suburb of West End, Mu’ooz is a not-for-profit offering traditional Eritrean cuisine. The restaurant’s name is literally translated as ‘tasty and healthy’ in Tigrinya, the language of Eritrea and some parts of Ethiopia.
Mu’ooz serves traditional African food that’s best for sharing with family and friends.
All dishes are served with Enjera bread, a pancake-like sourdough that is a staple of the Eritrean diet. The eating experience involves tearing off a piece of enjera and wrapping in it a portion of food and eating the whole thing without using cutlery. Guests can, of course, request to use cutlery, but for the full African food experience, it is best to eat without them.
Behind the success of the restaurant is a strong and remarkable woman who has spent a great part of her life fighting for the disadvantaged. Saba Abraham, a women’s rights activist in Eritrea, fled her home country due to war and for fear of persecution.
After moving from Sudan, Kenya and Egypt, she finally came to Australia in the early 1990s. She feels lucky to be living in a peaceful country that respects human rights. But at the same time, she feels guilt and sadness for losing loved ones due to the conflict in her home country.
Saba made it her purpose to assist other women refugees who are trying to fit in their new environment in Australia. That purpose is the very essence of Mu’ooz.
Get to know more Saba Abraham in this special documentary.
Social Enterprise
The restaurant is a social enterprise that provides African refugee women with jobs and traineeship to help them stand on their own. Most refugees come to the country with very little to zero education. They struggle to learn the language, making it difficult for them to find a job.
Through Mu’ooz, these refugees get a chance at finding the kind of life they wish to live in Australia. It becomes their training ground where they learn to speak English and transition to other areas of society.
10 Years of Mu’ooz
In 2018, Mu’ooz celebrates ten years of empowering African women refugees. Since 2008, it has employed and trained more than 160 women.
To mark its 10th year, the restaurant is hosting an event called, An Evening in Africa – A Celebration of 10 Years of Mu’ooz.
The event is set on Friday 20 April 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The road to 10 years wasn’t all smooth-sailing. Economic downturns affected its operation and at one point it nearly closed sometime in 2015. Thanks to the volunteerism of its staff and board members, it managed to stay open up to present time.
This year, the restaurant hopes to further expand its traineeship by 20%. It is also pursuing engaging events that suit the interest of the community. Aside from the usual African cooking classes, it now offers vegan cooking classes in response to clamour from the vegan community.
There is so much to celebrate for the Eritrea restaurant, which has succeeded throughout the years through the dedication of its founder and its staff. It has become popular among locals, not only for its delicious food but also for its unique social endeavour.
Find out more about Mu’ooz by visiting their website at www.muooz.com.au, or follow them on Facebook for updates.
The annual Neighbour Day is happening in West End on the 25th of March 2018 and it will be a perfect time to spend time and chill out with members of the community.
The event will be held at Bunyapa Park in West End starting at 10:30 in the morning. Expect sausage sizzle, exciting activities and entertainment for the whole family.
On Sunday 25 March 2018, it will be a gelato feast in West End as La Macelleria presents the first-ever All You Can Eat Gelato event in Australia. For $10, ticket holders can delight in all the sweet gelato flavours they can devour.
The all-you-can-eat event will be a whole day affair, starting at 11:00 in the morning and continuing until 9:30 in the evening, so there’s plenty of time to try all the flavours on hand.
Event Details
What:
All You Can Eat Gelato
When:
Sunday 25 March 2018
Where:
La Macelleria Gelateria
321 Montague Road, West End
La Macelleria Gelateria will be serving its usual favourites, including chocolate gelato, coffee and pistachio. On the day, however, there will be five flavours that will be available exclusively during the event. These include Matcha, Maple Pecan Pie, Earl Grey & Yuzu Sorbet, Coconut White Chocolate & Line, and Strawberry & Balsamic Vinegar Sorbet.
The All You Can Eat tickets are valid only cups and cones.
Interested in this ultimate gelato immersion? Buy tickets online at Eventbrite or purchase tickets on the day.
About La Macelleria Gelateria
La Macelleria is a specialist in artisan gelato and boasts using only premium and local ingredients. It prides itself on bringing only natural and “clean” gelato, free from colourants, preservatives, additives or hydrogenate fats.
West End is the place to be in March as the biggest beer festival returns to Brisbane.
From Friday 9 March up to Sunday 18 March, Brewsvegas 2018 will quench the thirst of Brisbanites for great local beer. Now in its fifth year, Brewsvegas promises to bring pleasant surprises as it features the originality and personality of the different beer venues in the city.
West End bars, breweries and eating places will play host to many of the events during the beer festival.
Here are some of the Brewsvegas events happening in West End.
Friday 9 March
Brewsvegas Launch Party by Beer InCider The Joinery on Montague Road will host the launch party of Brewsvegas, bringing a Beer InCider Experience to every beer lover. Expect lots of great music, food cider and beer as well as collaboration brews made for the night.Venue: The Joinery, 244 Montague Rd, West End Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Living the Dream – So You Want to be a Brewer The Catchment Brewing Co will open its doors and give the crowd a behind-the-scenes experience of what it is like to be a brewer. The event is perfect for aspiring brewers and beer geeks.Become a brewer for a day, decide what should be brewed and get a typical brewer’s lunch, pizza. Attendees will also do heaps of quality control, that is, drinking beer.Venue: The Catchment Brewing Co, 150 Boundary Street, West End Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tipsy with the Gypsy with Brisbane Beer Barons Brisbane Brewing Co is hosting some of the best ‘gypsy’ brewers who have figured out how to bring their brews to the public without shelling out millions of dollars in investment.The gypsy brewers will be challenged to brew a one-off 50-litre keg. Expect the new and limited brews at the event.Venue: Brisbane Brewing Co, 124 Boundary Street, West End Time: 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.
FREE ENTRY
Sunday 11 March
Not in My Back Yard (Party) Come to The Burrow and celebrate the best New Zealand brews. West End’s favourite cottage will be serving Kiwi-theme lamb pizza and Kiwi beers from 8 Wired and Garage Project.Venue: The Burrow, 52 Russell St, West End Time: 3:00 p.m. until late
FREE ENTRY
Beyond a Brew Beers can be more than just a brew. The event at The End Bar aims to bring people together to start a conversation over a beer. There will be a food truck, talks, merchandise and local vinyl DJs at the event.Venue: The End Bar, 73 Vulture St, West End Time: 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight
FREE EVENT
Wednesday 14 March
West End Progressive Dinner This event will show why West End is the best side. Hope to Bosc for the first course, then to Catchment, Brisbane Brewing Co and finish at Archive Beer Boutique.Venue: Archive Beer Boutique Time: 6:30 p.m. until late
The Fluster Cluck It’s collaboration night at Brisbane Brewing Co. The craft brewery and bar will have double collaboration brews from Dainton and Kaiju and a one-off batch with Thirsty Merchants.Venue: Brisbane Brewing Co Time: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight
FREE EVENT
Northern Rivers Producers Dinner Archive Beer Boutique is teaming up with Stone & Wood to bring the best of the Northern Rivers and Byron Bay area. Expect a banquet-style feast with a broad range of organic produce, wine, spirits and fantastic beer.Venue: Archive Beer Boutique, 100 Boundary St, West End Time: 7:00 p.m. until late
