brookfield Archives - Page 5 of 5

Brookfield & Other Suburbs Under Mortgage Stress

Digital Finance Analytics has seen a spike in mortgage stress in September that involves suburbs in west Brisbane, Brookfield and Fig Tree Pocket.

Their new analysis shows that there are now more than 905,000 households in mortgage stress, with 18,000 in severe stress. Even affluent neighbourhoods are also feeling the pressure. Brookfield, like Fig Tree Pocket, is known to house higher income homes. The mortgage stress that they are experiencing is being driven by the rising mortgage rates and living costs, whilst real incomes continue to remain stagnant or worse, fall.

There are also plenty of households that are spending bigger money on mortgage repayments, higher power prices, childcare costs and other expenses. All of these are considered to be a deadly combination.

According to Martin North, the Principal of Digital Finance Analytics, “continued pressure from low wage and rising costs means those with bigger mortgages are especially under the gun. These stressed households are less likely to spend at the shops, which will act as a further drag anchor on future growth.”

“The number of households impacted are economically significant, especially as household debt continues to climb to new record levels,” he added.

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Escaping Debt

The good news is, there are still ways to escape this vicious cycle of debt:

Have a clear budget – make a list of everything that you spend on, down to the tiniest detail. This may seem time-consuming but you will thank yourself in the end. Keeping a record of everything that you spend on will help you manage your finances.
Prioritise what you spend on – once you have written down all the things that you spend on, you can now prioritise how and where you spend your money. You will be surprised at how effective this is to your budget.
Consider going to the bank – the bank can provide you with loans to help you pay off your mortgage. Going to the bank to know what your options are will be a huge help.

With this growing trend, it is always best to remember that change begins in oneself. So, if you want to get out of your mortgage stress, start by knowing all the expenses you make on a monthly basis and don’t be afraid to ask for help in considering your options.

Churches of Christ Community Centre in Kenmore Continues to Get Backlash From Residents

The new Churches of Christ Headquarters in Kenmore just can’t really catch a break. Residents around the area seem appalled at how it’s shaping up. Apparently, they didn’t expect the building to be “so modern” and many consider it to look out of place in the suburb. There are other issues as well that have been raising eyebrows among the locals.

Last year, residents were complaining about how the whole construction process of this development seemed so disorganised. In fact, it was described as literally a “messy work-in-progress.” The development had brought in roadwork and footpath closures that adversely affected traffic around the area.

Now, as the Churches of Christ community centre slowly begins to take shape towards the end of its stage two completion, residents are shocked at how big it is turning out to be. The centre will house a 350-seat auditorium, a 75-seater cafe, and over 240 car spaces. Many say that its modern aesthetic makes it unseemly in a suburb that for the most part is not so modern.

According to one resident, at night, the centre is so well-lit that it’s hard to miss. The loss of trees to pave way for the development has also increased road noise by reducing sound cover. She also said that they didn’t understand how it would look like when it was proposed, hence their surprise now.

The nearby roundabout is also a cause for worry as it is anticipated that more vehicles will use this once the centre is finished, which can take longer travel time to get through it at school leaving time.

The acting chief executive of Churches of Christ David Swain said that their design and construction adhere to the development approval and the topography of the site. Mr Swain said that they are about to begin landscaping soon which will add more greenery to the area. To address the traffic issues, he said that there will be a new turning lane into the campus and the driveway to improve the flow of traffic.

Yellow Brick Road Leads to the Brookfield Animal Country Fair

Get ready for the annual country fair, an event organised by the Brookfield Produce & Pet Pavilion and Brookfield Vet, to be held this year on the 16th of July at the store.

From 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., enjoy family-friendly activities and events. There will be a range of activities that must not be missed, such as Surgery Tours of Brookfield Vet, Dog Beauty Competitions & Best Dressed Pet, pony rides, and petting zoos. There are also going to be a showcase of exotic birds and displays of fancy chicken breeds that you can interact with.

Photo credit: Brookfield Produce & Pet Pavilion / Facebook

There will be loads of family activities such as face painting, a watermelon eating contest, egg & spoon races, ball games and kids crafts to keep the young ones busy.

Down the Yellow Brick Road

This year’s event theme is The Wizard of Oz. Everyone is encouraged to come as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, or the Tin Woodsman! Or maybe even come as Glinda or the wizard himself. Make sure to have your pets in costume too. Awesome prizes await the most awesome costumes.

A Chance to Give a Pet a Lovely Home

Aside from all the fun this event will bring, you can also get the chance to adopt a pet. New Beginnings Greyhound Adoption and Precious Paws Animal Rescue will be at the event along with dogs that are ready for adoption.

Animal Knowledge

A few animals specialists will also be on site to talk about animal welfare and nutrition.

Always for a Cause

A BBQ cookout will be held by New Beginnings and Precious Paws to raise funds for animal welfare. All profits will go towards the organisation’s causes. A Toffee Apple Sale and a Bake Sale will be hosted by the Brookfield Produce & Pet Pavilion, for the benefit of Precious Paws.

The Wizard

The Brookfield Produce & Pet Pavilion was established in 1975. They started off as a local produce store and soon expanded to animal welfare and nutrition through selling animal products. Today, they also provide expert advice on animal care, supplies, and even plumbing and irrigation services for pet needs.

The store has become the go-to place for animal owners in the suburb and nearby suburbs.

Admission is free.

2017 Brookfield Show : Scary Weather Forecasts, Equine Flu Scare But The Show Was As Good As Ever

Congratulations to the Brookfield Show Committee

Another great rendition of the Brookfield Show is now behind us, the Show Committee once again organizing three days of action packed fun supported by great sponsors, stall holders, and with the assistance of Kenmore Rotary.

As far as major events go in the western suburbs of Brisbane, there is no bigger than the Brookfield Show.

This year’s event was as good as ever despite a terrible weather forecast, thank goodness proven incorrect!

Friday morning kicked the event off with a mixture of drizzle and heavy rain that left the Boscombe road vendor car park greasy but under management by Kenmore Rotary. The hiatus of school drop offs, coinciding with the arrival of show vendors, happened seamlessly. One Friday casualty due to the weather were the pony events, but the Rodeo went ahead in the evening and locals arrived en masse for a fun evening.

Saturday and Sunday brought glorious weather. The main car park was full by 11:00 a.m. though Boscombe Road had space for most of the day. The equestrian events displayed some great equine talent and riding over the weekend, whilst the gravity of the competition there contrasted with the hilarious pig racing in an adjoining ring.

The rides stayed busy during both days, many kids stretching their $45 all-day pass to the limits, with continual lines at the dodgems.

One concern which the Courier Mail has headlined today was the suspected Hendra virus case, though this was cleared up by a statement from the vet:

The Children’s art show was a great success, judged this year by Catherine Mactaggart of Sotheby’s Queensland.

Best in Show was won by Sophie Evans:

Here are some of the other highly talented entrants:

See more entries here

The dog show results can be found here

Councillor Kate Richards reported watching the woodchopping:

A great event that families get wonderful value from every year, West Brisbane is lucky to have the Brookfield Show.

Photo Credit: Brookfield Show from Facebook.com/CrKateRichards

Brookfield General Store Still Going Strong

Originally a teacher’s residence, the Brookfield General Store has definitely come a long way. Established as a cafe and store in 1871, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some residents affectionately refer to it as “The Shed.”

This neighbourhood corner store is where residents go to pick up their daily staples, such as bread, milk, and vegetables. Overlooking Brookfield Hall, the country-style cafe-slash-store has become the go-to place for residents on a quick grocery or pizza run. Tourists also make sure to swing by the popular store to complete their Brookfield experience.

What’s Inside

Step inside Brookfield General Store and you will immediately see what the store is all about. Shelves and shelves full of surprises line up the walls. There is literally something for everyone. Known for its eclectic mix of merchandise, the store has the requisite grocery items, fresh flowers from Madame Les Fleurs, and even a line of the store’s “Wanted” house-brand sauces.

For those who are looking to stock up on their meat supply at home, the store also offers organic meats from Sherwood Organic Meats. They also have free-range turkey on sale from GreenAg. A selection of Golden Grove wines is on display, while a rack of Jamwork jams will definitely spread good cheer among shoppers.

For rumbling tummies, the cafe at the front of the store is your best bet. You can also enjoy the bucolic view from the back verandah. If you’re coming down for breakfast, don’t miss out on their Brooky brekky roll that consists of aioli, spinach, fried egg, crispy bacon and the cafe’s popular BBQ sauce, served on a toasted roll.

During lunchtime, the Barnyard Grilled Chicken Burger is a popular choice amongst diners. There are also a number of gourmet sandwiches and salads for diners who want something lighter.

Photo credit: http://brookfieldgeneralstore.com.au/

At dinnertime, the kitchen shifts gears and offers a different set of dishes. Check out their selection of wood-fired pizzas and you’ll find out what everybody has been raving about!

Kids have their own menu featuring tasty, pint-sized selections which will keep their tummy’s happy and their mummies pleased. Pets are welcome to tag along. Water bowls are supplied outside to keep those beloved pooches hydrated and happy.