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Coles-Anchored Shopping Centre Proposed for Richlands

Residents of Richlands could soon be welcoming a new local shopping centre, with plans submitted for a development anchored by a popular supermarket chain.

Read: Richlands Station to Receive Australia Post Parcel Lockers

The proposed single-storey complex aims to transform a 28,885 square metre vacant site at 159 & 177 Progress Road in Richlands into a bustling retail hub.

At the heart of the development will be a Coles Supermarket, complete with a convenient pick-up area for online orders. The centre is set to house 18 additional retail, health, and food tenancies, offering a diverse mix of services to the local community.

The plans, designed by architects at Buchan, showcase a modern design that prioritises accessibility and convenience. With 265 car parking spaces proposed, including dedicated bays for ‘Click and Collect’ services, the centre aims to cater to the evolving shopping habits of Richlands residents.

Planners behind the project emphasise its potential to become a central economic hub for the area. “The development seamlessly integrates with the Richlands community, forming a central hub that bolsters local commerce and business opportunities, while also encouraging social interaction,” they stated. The proximity to Richlands Railway Station is seen as a key advantage, enhancing accessibility via public transport.

177 Progress Road, Richlands (Photo credit: Google Street View)

The proposal extends beyond the shopping centre itself, incorporating significant improvements to local infrastructure. Plans include the widening of Acacia Street to manage increased traffic flow, as well as upgrades to surrounding footpaths and the addition of street trees and landscaping.

If approved, the shopping centre would operate with extended hours. The supermarket and retail stores would be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, while food and drink outlets, healthcare services, and offices could operate from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Read: Climate Council Report Reveals Brisbane’s Public Transport Accessibility Issues

This development represents a significant investment in Richlands’ future, promising to enhance local amenities and create new employment opportunities. As the proposal moves through the approval process, residents await the potential arrival of a convenient new shopping destination in their neighbourhood.

Published 19-August-2024

‘Myths & Legends’ Come Alive at Jindalee State School Fete

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Jindalee State School invites you to step into a world of enchantment at its annual fete. Prepare to be captivated by a day brimming with fun, food, and festivities, all inspired by the theme of “Myths & Legends.”

*Photo Credit:* *Jindalee State School Fete*

On 25 August from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., immerse yourself in a captivating experience filled with thrilling rides, delectable treats, and enchanting activities for all ages.

The fete will weave together various activities and attractions to delight every visitor. Thrill-seekers can embark on exhilarating rides like the Wild Octopus, while families can enjoy classic favourites like Tea Cups and Pony Rides.

Foodies will rejoice in the diverse culinary offerings from various food stalls, and craft enthusiasts can explore booths showcasing the talents of local artisans. A spectacular fireworks display will culminate the day, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

This is not just a day of fun; it’s also a crucial fundraising initiative to enhance the school’s facilities. Entry is free, and all are welcome to join in the celebration. The event’s cashless system, with ride passes available for $30, ensures visitors a seamless and convenient experience.

With the support of the Brisbane City Council, this event is expected to be a well-organised and enjoyable community event.

Whether you’re drawn to the thrilling rides, the delicious food, the captivating crafts, or the vibrant atmosphere, the fete promises a memorable day for all who attend.

Published Date 09-August-2024

Centenary State’s Teremoana Teremoana Bows Out Against Reigning Olympic Champion

Rising boxing star and Centenary State High School’s Teremoana Teremoana has been eliminated from the Paris Olympics after a closely contested match against defending champion Bakhodir Jalolov of Uzbekistan. The quarter-final bout in the 92kg+ category ended in a 5-0 decision in favour of Jalolov, despite a spirited performance from the Australian.

Read: Centenary State High Alum Teremoana Teremoana Punches His Way to Paris Olympics

Heavyweight match at the North Paris Arena

The quarter-final match saw Teremoana putting up a strong fight against his more experienced opponent. The 26-year-old Queenslander came out aggressively in the opening round, frequently forcing Jalolov against the ropes. However, the judges awarded the first round to the Uzbek boxer in a close decision.

Jalolov gained momentum in the second round with several early hits, though the Australian rallied late. The final round saw Jalolov secure points from all five judges, resulting in a unanimous decision.

Teremoana remains positive

Despite the loss, the boxer maintains his trademark optimism. “I guess it just wasn’t my time to get a medal,” he says. “I know I’ve done my family proud, done my country proud and made a little bit of history along the way.”

He expresses confidence in his abilities, stating, “I still believe I’m the best in the world, and unfortunately it’s not my day today.”

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A post shared by Teremoana Jnr Teremoana OLY (@teremoana_rep)

He plans to enjoy the rest of his Olympic experience before deciding on his future in the sport. He mentions the possibility of competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, saying, “I’ve given myself until 2030 to box … so LA possibly because it’s in the time frame, we’ll see how we go.”

Prior to his quarter-final match, Teremoana made history as the first Australian to win an Olympic fight in the super heavyweight division. His round of 16 bout ended with a knockout victory over Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi, showcasing his improved performance since their last encounter.

Read: Mount Ommaney Tops List for Homeowners Who Never Want to Leave

Teremoana, formerly known as Samson, changed his name to honour his late grandfather. This decision, along with his commitment to not cutting his hair, reflects his strong connection to his Cook Islands heritage.

Published 04-August-2024

Mount Ommaney Tops List for Homeowners Who Never Want to Leave

Mount Ommaney homeowners hold onto their properties for an average of 20.3 years, making it the suburb with the longest tenure rate in Brisbane, according to new CoreLogic data.

The report from CoreLogic highlights that several Brisbane suburbs have notably low property turnover rates, with Mount Ommaney leading the charge. Homeowners in this leafy and laidback suburb are reluctant to leave, with the average tenure period extending over two decades. Following closely are Tivoli with an average of 18.4 years, Wishart at 17.9 years, Middle Park at 17.8 years, and Robertson at 17.7 years. This is significantly higher than Brisbane’s overall average of 8.1 years.

Top 10 QLD Suburbs with Longest Hold Periods

Suburb Name	Median Hold (12 Months)	Median Value	20yr change
Mount Ommaney	20.3	$1,428,594	90.8%
Tivoli	18.4	$567,557	161.5%
Wishart	17.9	$1,303,826	216.7%
Middle Park (Qld)	17.8	$1,087,371	149.2%
Robertson	17.7	$1,735,036	232.7%
Cedar Grove	17.6	$885,719	190.7%
Chambers Flat	16.1	$1,229,808	149.0%
Gumdale	15.1	$1,641,835	189.5%
Windaroo	14.0	$837,232	129.6%
Bunya	14.0	$1,525,337	151.3%

The Appeal of Family-Friendly Suburbs

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s research director, attributes these extended hold periods to the family-friendly, middle-class nature of these areas. These suburbs offer a lifestyle that promotes long-term residency, with middle-income earners finding it more achievable to break into and remain in these markets.

Lawless explained that these areas may not be described as blue-chip, but they offer a lifestyle cycle that encourages long tenure periods. With rising property prices and lower turnover rates city-wide, affordable suburbia has become a prized commodity in Brisbane.

Mount Ommaney: Community and Lifestyle

The community spirit and convenient amenities in Mount Ommaney make it an attractive place to settle down. NGU Real Estate’s Jason Yang noted that the Jamboree Heights State School catchment is a significant draw for families. The suburb’s proximity to the CBD, combined with a close-knit community, keeps residents rooted.

Yang mentioned that it is difficult to find another area 15 kilometres from the CBD that offers a similar lifestyle. He noted that lowset homes are now starting at $680,000, a stark contrast to the higher prices seen just a couple of years ago.

Real estate agents from LJ Hooker and Ray White also confirmed the high demand and limited supply in these suburbs, driving up property values and keeping turnover rates low.

Another reason residents stay put is the tight-knit community in Mount Ommaney. Multiple generations of families often live in the same suburb, enjoying the benefits of established neighbourhoods and strong community ties.

Published 31-July-2024

Richlands Station to Receive Australia Post Parcel Lockers

Richlands station is set to become one of five South-East Queensland locations to offer free 24/7 Australia Post Parcel Lockers, as part of a new initiative by Queensland Rail. This state-first partnership aims to enhance convenience for commuters by allowing them to collect parcels during their regular train journeys.

While Eagle Junction station is the first to implement the new secure Parcel Lockers, Richlands is among the four additional stations slated to receive this service in the coming months. The others include Varsity Lakes, Carseldine, and Central stations.

Drew Brock, Queensland Rail Acting General Manager Station Customer Service, highlighted the benefits for Richlands commuters: “We know in this busy world, convenience is important, and it can be frustrating to stay home waiting for a parcel to be delivered or to leave work early to try and pick it up from a post office. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Australia Post to offer Richlands customers an easy way to collect their parcels as part of their journey with us.”

The 12-month trial at Richlands and other selected stations is expected to not only improve customer experience but also provide potential commercial benefits for Queensland Rail. Brock noted, “From a commercial perspective we are always interested in exploring opportunities that have the dual benefit of enhancing customer amenities and convenience and offers a commercial return that supports the cost of our operations.”

Australia Post Executive General Manager Retail, Josh Bannister, expressed enthusiasm about bringing this service to Richlands: “We’re excited to partner with Queensland Rail – making it easier for commuters to collect deliveries while on the go. We’re proud to invest in the state’s transport network and support our partners with added convenience for their customers.”

Once operational, Richlands customers will be able to collect their parcels from the secure Parcel Lockers within 48 hours at a time convenient to them. To use the service, customers need to sign up on the Australia Post website or download the AusPost app, create a MyPost account, and register Richlands station as their preferred Parcel Locker location.

The AusPost app will provide Richlands users with features such as real-time tracking and estimated delivery dates. Bannister added that with over 750 Australia Post Parcel Locker locations across the country, Richlands customers will have the flexibility to register at multiple locations, making it easy to receive online orders both locally and away from home.

As the trial progresses, both Queensland Rail and Australia Post will be monitoring its success at Richlands and the other selected stations, with potential for expansion in the future. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the commuting experience for Richlands residents, offering them a convenient way to manage their parcel deliveries alongside their daily train travel.

Published 29-July-2024

Wacol Honours 40 Police Dogs with QPS Canine Service Medal

Some 40 Queensland Police Service (QPS) Police Dogs received the QPS Canine Service Medal in Wacol, recognising their crucial role in keeping the community safe through tracking offenders and supporting investigations.

The awards ceremony took place on 23 July 2024, with Minister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan, in attendance to help present the medals.

Growth of the QPS Dog Squad

Since its official establishment in December 1972, the QPS Dog Squad has grown significantly in both strength and size. Today, Police Dogs are considered an essential part of frontline policing operations.

PD Kaos: A Brave Veteran

Among the honoured recipients was 12-year-old PD Kaos, accompanied by his handler, Senior Constable Jim Griffiths. Kaos served from 2014 to 2021, demonstrating exceptional bravery and dedication.

“Kaos has been an outstanding partner, helping to bring countless offenders to justice during his service,” Senior Constable Griffiths shared.

On 2 February 2020, PD Kaos was seriously injured when stabbed during an arrest in Gordon Park. Despite this setback, he recovered and returned to duty just a month later.

“Kaos’s resilience and dedication to protecting the community, even after such a traumatic experience, truly exemplify the spirit of our Police Dogs,” said Senior Constable Griffiths.

Future of the Canine Service Medal

The QPS plans to extend the nomination process for the Canine Service Medal. It will soon be available retrospectively for dogs who served from 1990 onwards, including those seriously injured or killed before meeting the five-year service threshold.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski emphasised the importance of the Canine Service Medal.

“The Dog Squad is a remarkable capability that delivers outstanding operational success right across Queensland to keep our community safe.”

“Our canine capability complements the tremendous work of our on-road crews, and the ability of police dogs to apprehend offenders quickly significantly enhances our tactical response to prevent further crime from occurring.”

Published 25-July-2024

Paws and Protectors: Wacol Welcomes Furry Frontline Heroes to Corrections Team

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Harvey, Shadow, Shaq, Jet, Forest and Derek graduated alongside 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers, bolstering the frontline of community safety.

The ceremony took place in June 2024, marking the end of a 12-week intensive training program for the canine graduates and a 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program for their human counterparts.

New Paws on Patrol

The six graduating dogs, trained in General-Purpose and Passive Alert Drug Detection, will soon be deployed to various correctional facilities across Queensland. David Hurikino, Acting Dog Squad State Manager for QCS, highlighted the importance of these new additions:

“It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad knowing they will be a vital asset to their correctional centres,” Hurikino said. “The bond between a corrective services dog and their handler is a deep one, built over countless hours of training, working, and living together.”

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services — *Photo Credit: Supplied/QCS*

Human Recruits Join the Ranks

Alongside their canine colleagues, 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers graduated after completing their training. These officers from diverse backgrounds including mining, hospitality, and real estate have been trained in conflict management, tactical skills, and prisoner rehabilitation.

Jess Pugh, Member for Mount Ommaney, emphasised the significance of these roles: “These are good, rewarding Queensland jobs on the frontline of community safety delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”

Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd noted the government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional system, noting the more than $1.8 billion investment in Corrective Services from the State. Boyd also highlighted that over 700 new QCS officers have been trained in the past year.

“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we thank them all for their commitment to protecting the safety of Queensland communities,” QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said.

The Queensland Corrective Services continues to offer career opportunities for those interested in joining the frontline of community safety. Eligible candidates may even receive relocation assistance for certain postings, demonstrating the ongoing effort to staff correctional facilities across the state.

Published 25-July-2024

Ex-Centenary State High School Student goes for Gold in Paris

Former Centenary State High School student, Teremoana Teremoana Jr is on a mission: to put the name of his late grandfather’s name, Teremoana Tangauru, into the history books. Since he was a kid, he has visualized being on the Olympic podium with the Australian national anthem playing.

It’s not always been a smooth road though, as he quit boxing at the age of 19 because he felt he was missing out on all the social activity his friends were enjoying whilst he was in the gym training.

After a two-year break, his determination to build a legacy in the name of his late grandfather brought him back to the sport.

Teremoana recently won a Super Heavyweight Gold medal in the Pacific Games and defeated Abner Teixeira, the Tokyo Heavyweight Bronze medalist. During the fight, Teremoana delivered a brutal combination to Teixeira, causing the Brazilian to steady himself on the ropes to avoid falling. The referee gave Teixeira a standing count and declared the fight over. Teremoana then performed a Cook Islands Haka and seemed to expend more energy doing so than the brutal KO of his opponent.

Be under no illusion this guy is a very serious boxer!

At Centenary State High, he played volleyball and is remembered for his fearsome hitting in the Open Volleyball team. Another Centenary student, Grant Irvine, represented Australia in the Rio Olympics in the 200m Butterfly.

Weighing in at around 120kg, he may well have a considerable weight and power advantage over many in the 92+ kg Super Heavyweight divison.

His coach, Shara Romer and QAS Strength and Conditioning Coach Patrick Castelli have him well prepared for the journey and Teremoana certainly won’t lack family support.

His mum is Australian and his dad is from the Cook Islands. His dad got Teremoana into boxing at the age of 12 so that he could look after his sisters. He trains at the Boxing Shop in Salisbury and he will embark on his Paris Olympics campaign from Monday 29 July late evening into Tuesday morning Brisbane time. The fight draw and schedule are yet to be set.

There will then be a four-day break before the quarter finals from the early hours to the morning of 3 August with the semi-finals on 8 August and the final on 11 August at 6:51 a.m. Brisbane time.

Let’s hope Teremoana can bring a Gold medal back to Inala where he lives.

Stan Sports will show all 329 events live spread across 40 individual channels.

Published 24-July-2024

Climate Council Report Reveals Brisbane’s Public Transport Accessibility Issues

A new report by the Climate Council has analysed public transport systems in Australia’s major cities, with findings indicating that Brisbane faces significant challenges in providing widespread access to frequent services.

Read: Wacol-Built Electric, HVO Trucks Spearhead QFES’s Green Transport Push

The report, Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities, reveals a stark reality for suburban dwellers, particularly those in areas like Riverhills.

Riverhills, located approximately 19 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, has been specifically named as one of the areas with the poorest access to public transport. This revelation comes as part of a broader finding that about two-thirds of residents in the greater Brisbane region lack access to frequent, all-day public transport services.

A bus stop at Horizon Drive at Riverhills (Photo credit: Google Street View)

The situation in Riverhills exemplifies a wider problem across Brisbane and other Australian capitals. According to the report, a staggering 66.4 percent of Brisbane residents miss out on all-day, frequent services.

This figure is the highest among major Australian cities, followed by Perth (59.5 percent), Adelaide (52.4 percent), Melbourne (47.5 percent), and Sydney (32.8 percent).

For Riverhills residents, this lack of reliable public transport translates to increased dependence on private vehicles, contributing to higher living costs and increased pollution.

According to the report, the majority of Brisbane residents living beyond an 8-kilometre radius from the city centre experience a significant decline in access to reliable and frequent public transport options.

Climate Council councillor Greg Bourne highlighted that the infrequency of services is a major deterrent for potential public transport users. The organisation advocates for services to run at least every 15 minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, and to be within 800 metres of every home in Australia’s capital cities – a far cry from the current situation in some suburbs.

Read: RACQ Report Reveals Centenary Motorway Slower than School Zone Speeds During Peak Hours

In response to these findings, Queensland’s Transport Minister Bart Mellish defended the state government’s record, claiming unprecedented investment in public and active transport. He promised ongoing collaboration with Brisbane City Council to enhance bus services, particularly for those living far from ferry stops or train stations.

The Climate Council’s report serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in creating equitable, accessible public transport systems that truly serve all urban dwellers, not just those close to the CBD.

Published 12-July-2024

Centenary State High Alum Teremoana Teremoana Punches His Way to Paris Olympics

Centenary State High School alum Teremoana Teremoana is now aiming for his Olympic gold, after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this rising star in Australian boxing, whose path from high school athlete to Olympic hopeful is as inspiring as it is impressive.

Read: Meet the Next Generation of Dance Superstars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner

Born Teremoana Junior Teremoana, the 2015 Centenary State High School graduate has deep roots in the Cook Islands, though he was raised in Brisbane. His boxing career began at age 12 when his father introduced him to the sport, initially as a means to protect his sisters.

For a decade, boxing was part of Teremoana’s life, but it wasn’t until a personal tragedy that he fully committed to the sport. The loss of his grandfather, his namesake Teremoana Tangauru, just before his 21st birthday became a turning point.

Teremoana with his grandmother and mother (Photo credit: Boxing Australia/Facebook)

“After I turned 21, I just looked at everything and thought, nah stuff this, I’m going to give it a go, give it a crack, because what can you lose?” Teremoana reflected.

Standing at an imposing 198cm (6’6″) and weighing 122kg, his physical presence is formidable. However, outside the ring, he’s described as quietly spoken and very family-oriented. This gentle giant has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

In 2023, he claimed the Australian super heavyweight championship. He then secured his Olympic berth at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where he remained undefeated and claimed gold in the +92kg category.

Centenary State High School proudly celebrates their alumnus’ achievements, remembering him as a “fearsome ‘hitter'” on the open volleyball team. Now, as Teremoana prepares for the Paris Olympics, his goal is clear: “I don’t want to be good, I want to be great, I want to be the best.”

Read: Netflix Spotlight on Local Legend: Darra’s Que Huong Restaurant

This boxing champ from Brisbane is poised to make his mark on the Olympic stage, embodying the spirit of determination that took him from high school sports to the pinnacle of amateur boxing.

Published 2-July-2024