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The Retro Bar in Kenmore Up for Sale

The Retro Bar is up for sale as Richard Harrison announced that he will be retiring and intends to hand over the popular Kenmore bar to a worthy new owner.

The Retro Bar has been amongst West Brisbane’s popular bars with live music. The retro-styled lounge bar is primarily built to be a friendly local bar with great atmosphere, food, and entertainment.

Mr Harrison bought the bar after retiring from corporate life in 2015 with a mission of fulfilling the previous owners’ vision for the bar. He was able to showcase great local artists and even hosted sell-out concerts in the venue.

After a successful three-year run, the owner is now selling the bar. Despite having numerous offers for The Retro Bar, Mr Harrison is still waiting for someone who would continue running it as a live venue. He still wanted to continue to enjoy the bar as both a customer and a musician.

For the would-be owner of the bar, there’s an opportunity to grow both the function and live music side of business considering the quality and reputation of the venue plus, there’s little competition in the area. The Retro Bar is licensed for 100 people from 10:00 a.m. until midnight every day which opens a window to increase the current opening hours.

Currently, the bar is open from Thursday to Saturday with the occasional Wednesday night and Sunday afternoon sessions. When the bar is not open, the owner offers the place as a rehearsal studio for bands which has quickly gained on-going bookings.

Since only a few live venues are left in Brisbane’s West, Mr Harrison strongly prefers a new owner with a passion for live music and entertainment. Hospitality experience is not required since he will provide training and support to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

You may check the business listing to learn more.

New Variable Speed Limit Signs Installed On Fig Tree Pocket & Waverley Roads

New Variable Speed Limit Signs (VSLS) have been installed on the Western Freeway (outbound) between Waverley and Fig Tree Pocket Roads as part of the $1 million State Road Network Upgrade program.

The VSLS aims to reduce crash-related congestion and help improve the safety of motorists. These signs allow the speed limit on the motorway to be reduced when road conditions change during bad weather or as a result of an accident or congestion. With this, it will keep traffic flowing.

The new signs are installed in the following locations:

After the Waverley Road overpass
Near the Moggill Road overpass
On the Moggill Road on-ramp
After the Russell Terrace/Moggill Road on-ramp
After the Jerrang Street overpass
On the Fig Tree Pocket Road on-ramp

The flashing red circle on the VSLS will indicate that the speed limit has changes and motorists should adjust accordingly.

The installation of these new signs was announced last year. This is in line with the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to build safer road networks.

According to Main Roads and Safety Minister Mark Bailey, “The signs aim to reduce the frequency of read-end crashes on the motorway.”

VSLS have also been used in other locations across the state. “The signs will operate by monitoring live traffic conditions via CCTV cameras and in-pavement vehicle detectors. If vehicles are approaching congestion, the signs will reduce the speed limit to 80 km/h. The speed limit will continue to be reduced in 20km/h increments to slow vehicles down safely,” Mr Bailey Said.

Enjoy a Day Full of Fun for the Family at Moggill State School’s Mogganza 2018

Head over to Moggill State School this Saturday, 4 August 2018 as they host their much-awaited family fair, Mogganza 2018.

Mogganza is the annual fundraising activity by Moggill State School P&C. The event will be filled with plenty of family-friendly rides and entertainment. A fireworks display starting at 6:30 p.m. is set to cap off the celebration.

Fun rides and activities are available for all the kids to enjoy including Miami Trip, Round Up, Storm, Merry Go Round, Super Slide, Beach Party Bouncer, Cactus Cabin and a Petting Zoo. Multi-ride armbands which include five hours of unlimited rides will be available for sale for $40 on the day. Single tickets are up for sale for $5-$7 per ride.

Several stalls offering delicious food, drinks, games, showbags, second-hand books and toys, and more will be available at the venue. Other activities include face painting, chocolate toss, a kid’s zone hosted by Moggill Family Lions Branch Club, a vintage car display, and lots more.

There will be a live auction between 2:30-3:30 p.m. on the stage where visitors can bid to win a number of great prizes. This year’s winning tickets for the Mogganza 2018 raffle draw will be drawn at 5:00 p.m. where prizes valued from $170 up to $1,599 will be given away.

Proceeds from this year’s Mogganza will benefit the first stage of a proposed new play area for the school which includes landscaped gardens, grassed areas, and a shaded space.

Entry to the event is free. To learn more, visit the event’s website and Facebook page.

No Money Involved: Brookfield Food Swap Promotes Sustainable Living at Monthly Event

Every month, locals in and around Brookfield get to mingle, share and bring home items they need without using money. This sustainable and sharing attitude is the main concept of the Brookfield Food Swap.

Growing your own food in your backyard? You might be interested in swapping some of your fresh harvests for other people’s produce at the regular food swap event.

Photo credit: The Brookfield Food Swap/Facebook

The swap happens from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. every second Saturday of each month. Brisbane locals gather at the intersection of Adavale Street and Savages Road in Brookfield to swap homegrown produce and homemade products as well as garden and kitchen goodies.

The Beginning of a Sustainable Community

The food swap was founded by Georgie Townsend, a Brookfield resident with a background in Environmental Consulting. She was inspired by her experiences in South Africa where she saw daily examples of local sharing of produce, services, and goods in Port St Johns.

Returning to Australia, she had joined the committee of the Hills Organic Garden on Brisbane’s north and finally decided to bring the Food Swap idea into life.

No Money Involved

“The lovely thing about the swaps and gardening, in general, is that plants grow several things you can eat and also produce seeds – it’s that multiplying effect of generosity, that’s very much the ethos of the swap.”

Swaps are generally non-monetary exchange where people bring their own produce and exchange them with someone else’s products.

One of the great features of the food swaps is the presence of an honest system from like-minded people who values sustainability.

Though no hard rules are in place in the swaps, swappers are expected to be mindful of what is a fair exchange. For instance, eggs and honey have a higher value than seeds or a recipe while fruit for vegetables is an equal exchange.

Another exceptional aspect of the Brookfield Food Swap is the exchange of knowledge in conversations. From there, people learn to garden, share ideas, and try new things.

What to Swap

Homegrown Produce – fruit, veggies, bunches to herbs (tied together), nuts, honey, eggs
Homemade Products – jams, marmalades, preserves, pickles, dried fruit, sauces, cordials
Garden Goodies – worm juice, chicken/horse/cow manure, used feed bags
Kitchen Goodies – jars, baskets, reusable containers

Pro tip: Pack eggs into half dozen or dozen batches, tie bunches of herbs together, bag up nuts so they are easy to handle and bring a bag to carry your swapped items back home.

To learn more about the Brookfield Food Swap, visit their official website and Facebook page.

Sunland Acquires Kenmore Site with Permit for 96 Homes for $13.1 Million

Property developer Sunland Group has recently bought a 3.26-hectare site in Kenmore for $13.1 million for its plan to build 96 four-bedroom terrace homes.

The developer has received development approval for the residential project to be constructed on the site comprising 2178 to 2190 Moggill Road and 19 Wyndarra Street. The estimated end value is placed at $65 million.

In a press release, Sunland Group Managing Director, Sahba Abedian said the acquisition aligns with the Group’s strategy to identify premium sites within established, high-growth areas, with access to considerable natural and built amenity.

A post shared by Sunland Group (@sunlandgroup) on May 3, 2018 at 11:18pm PDT

“Our design approach will continue to cater primarily to the owner-occupier market to deliver the high level of amenity, finishes, and quality craftsmanship sought by this segment,” Mr Abedian said.

The site offers a prime location as it is directly opposite Kenmore’s Park n Ride bus stop and minutes away from local schools, shopping centres, and local parks. It also includes more than 3,100 sqm of preserved bushland along Moggill Road.

Construction of the development is expected to commence during the first half of 2019.

Sunland’s Brisbane portfolio now includes its recently-completed Abian residential tower in the Brisbane CBD and Shea Residences in St Lucia.

Sunland has also launched one of its most recent projects in April 2018. The Hills Residences in Everton Hills, which is a parkland community includes 91 terrace homes. Later this year, the Group is set to launch Kirkdale Residences in Chapel Hill.

Calm & Mindfulness: Yoga For Parents and Kids Happening In Kenmore

Have some precious bonding time doing yoga with your children in Kenmore on 11 July from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Share moments of calm and mindfulness with them, whilst teaching them the value of physical conditioning.

Doing yoga with your children is also a great way to boost their confidence, build their concentration, and strengthen their growing bodies.

Yoga for kids is ideal also for those who have behavioural issues as yoga can help improve their impulses.

The Aussie Childcare Network has a list of the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of yoga to children here.

The sessions will be conducted by Yogini Yoga’s Noush Baxter, a Hatha yoga practitioner for more than two decades. She also holds yoga classes for women to meet the specific needs of women such as hormones, the stresses of life, and the toning of pelvic floors.

Each yoga program comes in small groups that are all designed around the health concerns of the students. Rates are $20 each for adults and $15 each for children.

Since the venue for this event is still to be announced, you can call 0416 328 317 for more details or email noush@yogini.net.au for updates and details.

Brookfield and Kenmore State Schools Welcomes New Cops to Their Schools as Part of the Adopt-a-Cop Program

As part of Queensland Police’s Adopt-a-Cop program, Brookfield and Kenmore State Schools welcomed new cops into their schools to help build positive relationships between police and members of the school community.

Acting Senior Constable Vince Gaudiello with Brookfield State School Student Leaders and the Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Hancock Photo credit: myPolice Brisbane West

Brookfield State School formally adopted Acting Senior Constable Vince Gaudiello as their new Adopt-a-Cop on Wednesday, 20 June 2018.

Senior Constable Helen Loader with Kenmore State School’s Principle Ms Ingrid Freeman and North Brisbane District Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Acting Senior Sergeant Jose Sarmiento Photo credit: myPolice Brisbane West

Kenmore State School adopted Senior Constable Helen Loader as their Adopt-a-Cop on Thursday, 21 June 2018.

Community Partnerships

First implemented in 1985, the Adopt-a-Cop program aims to foster positive relationships between police and members of the school community through the voluntary appointment of Adopt-a-Cops to schools and other relevant organisations.

As an integral part of policing, the program focuses on police partnerships within the community.

Kenmore State School welcomed their new Adopt-a-Cop Constable Loader. Photo credit: Facebook/Kenmore State School

Adopt-a-Cops are usually appointed to primary and secondary schools as they perform rapport-building and educational role within the school, however, they may also be appointed to special schools, early childhood centres, and community groups.

Benefits to the Community

Through the program the police hopes to achieve the following:

Enhancing the safety and well-being of children through education
Develop positive attitudes of children towards police and the community
Encourage law-abiding behaviour
Increase community satisfaction with the QPS
Provide greater community support of the QPS
Promote professional development of police officers and Police Liaison Officers

Adopt-a-Cop is different from the School-Based Policing Program which involves the full-time appointment of police within 50 Queensland secondary schools.

Spark Your Child’s Creativity with Winter School Holiday Activities at the Kenmore Library

Kenmore Library will be hosting several winter school holiday activities. The activities are designed to help in promoting children’s creativity while taking a break from school.

Check out the list below to see what your little maker can accomplish on the holidays.

Holiday Maker Space

Multiple dates

Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / reinysethi/ Pixabay

The Kenmore Library will be hosting Holiday Maker Space for several days to provide free craft activities during the school holidays.

The Holiday Maker Space is ideal for kids aged 5-12 years and their carers. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting on Monday, 2 July to Friday, 13 July 2018.

Bookings not required for this free event.

Original Comic Book Creations

Wednesday, 4 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Independently published comic book artist Adam Rose will be sharing the basics of layout, styling, and techniques in designing original, hand-drawn comic book pages.

The Original Comic Book Creations is ideal for comic book enthusiasts aged 12-17 years.

Bookings required for this free event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.

Kenmore Craft Group

Friday 6 July 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Perfect for crafters of all ages, the Kenmore Craft Group is a great place to share your current project. Simply bring along a piece you’re working on and share ideas with fellow crafters over a cup of tea.

Bookings not required for this free event.

Introduction to littleBits

Wednesday, 11 July 2018 (2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

An activity designed for children aged 9-12 years, this free event will teach them how to design and create machines using littleBits. littleBits are simple electronic circuits that snap together to create prototypes.

This activity will also help the kids in learning about the basics of circuits, motors, and motion. No prior experience is required to join the activity.

Bookings required for this free event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.

Plotting an Exciting Adventure Story

Thursday, 12 July 2018 (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

Photo credit: Facebook/Julie Fison Author

Got a child who loves to write? Let your kid join Julie Fison, author of the ‘Hazard River’ and ‘Choose Your Own Ever After’ series, for a day as she shares her secrets on where to get ideas for a great story and how to turn them into a plot.

Julie will be working with the young aspiring writers to map out their storyline, to help them write like a professional in no time.

This free event is ideal for young writers aged 8-14 years.

Bookings required for this event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.

Brookfield Tests Virtual Fence To Keep Feral Deer Away From Roads

A virtual fence has been installed on Rafting Ground Road in Brookfield as part of a trial to prevent feral deer from crossing the road, and hopefully to deter accidents.

The Brisbane City Council is exerting all efforts to minimise feral deer in the city. Over the years, a distinct growth of feral deer sightings has been reported to the council, most notably in the western side. Should the trial of the virtual fence be successful, it will then be rolled out to various areas in the city.

Deer crossing roads have caused a number of traffic accidents and other problems such as:

damage to native vegetation
reduction of water quality to several bodies of water
damage to residential properties
attracting illegal hunting
transmitting diseases to humans and animals
aggressive behaviour

Virtual Fence Trial

The virtual fence trial started in March 2018 and is part of the council’s $1-million budget for pest animal management.

Rafting Ground Road was chosen because of the low-light environment, which enhances the effectiveness of the technology. The road is also a known to be a major deer-crossing point.

Cr David McLachlan said that this particular wildlife solution is unique and effective.

“Deer can cause serious traffic hazards and council is now monitoring the ability of a virtual fence along Rafting Ground Road to keep deer off our roads,” Cr McLachlan said.

“Brisbane is home to more than 400 feral deer, which are classed as a pest under both State and Council legislation because of the environmental, economic and social threats they pose.

“Since July 2016, Council has received nearly around 140 reports of feral deer sightings in the city’s western suburbs, and has captured around 180 pest deer in the same period.”

The virtual fence will emit a high-pitched solar signal as vehicles approach, thus keeping the deer from getting on the roads.

The same technology was found to be effective when it was put into trial in Tasmania to protect the Tasmanian devil. The results showed a significant reduction of road-kill.

Help With Feral Deer Management

The council also reminds residents to help reduce the number of feral deer in residential properties and on roads.

Do not feed or befriend feral deer
Put up proper fencing
Deter deer via electronic deterrents, lights, rotary or a motion-activated sprinkler system

Staying Safe On The Road

In order to ensure safety on the road especially in areas where the prevalence of feral deer is known, keep in mind that they travel in groups. If you see one deer crossing it is best to wait for a few minutes as it is most likely that there are more coming.

The council has also released some road guidelines to help you stay safe on the road:

Honk at a deer when you see one near the road
Flash your headlight to signal to other drivers
Practice caution and slow speed during the dawn and dusk
Slow down when you see deer signs

How Fig Tree Pocket Got Its Name

Fig Tree Pocket is a residential suburb known for being the home of the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Biami Yumba Park, and Cliveden Park, but did you know how the suburb got its name?

Fig Tree Pocket’s name was derived from Moreton Bay fig trees with the scientific name Ficus macrophylla and for a particularly large tree in the area.

The trunk of an immense fig tree in the scrub fringing the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. A person appears to be standing at the base of the tree. The photographer was Mr. G.W. Sweet of South Brisbane. Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Australia/Wikimedia Commons

In 1866, the huge tree was photographed and was said to be so large that it can shelter a herd of cattle or up to 400 people. A reserve of 1.6 hectares was created around the fig tree the same year.

The giant tree was considered so iconic that it became a major landmark in the area.

The suburb was also bounded by the river on three sides which creates a land pocket.

The name and boundaries of Fig Tree Pocket were approved by Queensland Place Names Board on 11 August 1975. The boundary has been altered by the Minister for Natural Resources and Minister for Mines on 23 August 2002.

The famous tree no longer exists and the cause of its disappearance is still unknown.

Read: Fig Tree Pocket’s Iconic Moreton Bay Fig Tree’s Disappearance Remains a Mystery