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Ronnie’s Club House Giving Away Free Pizza* to Deserving Locals

Italian restaurant Ronnie’s Club House in Middle Park is offering free pizza dinners for a month to 12 deserving local families this August.

Read: Late Real Estate Businessman’s Family Opens New Italian Restaurant at Metro Middle Park in His Honour

If you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to the community or is facing tough times, nominate them to receive this tasty gift from Ronnie’s generous team.

Ronnie’s Club House is a neighbourhood staple located at 92 Horizon Drive in Middle Park. The restaurant is run by the Lowthian family, honouring their patriarch Ronald “Ronnie” Lowthian.

Ronnie was a Middle Park fixture himself, calling the area home since 1980 and building a successful decades-long career in real estate.

Though he has passed, Ronnie’s memory lives on through his wife Glenys, four daughters, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and now this charity in his name. The Lowthian family is sharing Ronnie’s spirit of community service and good will through this pizza giveaway.

Ronnie’s Club House is already popular in the neighbourhood for menu items like their garlic prawns, gnocchi, and tiramisu as well as cocktails and mocktails to complement the food. They are also known for their daily specials like Tiramisu Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free Wednesdays, and Date Night Thursdays for $80.

The free pizza dinners will allow 12 families to enjoy the restaurant’s hospitality and caring touch.

If you know someone who deserves a little taste of Italy, head to the Ronnie’s Club House website to nominate them for free pizza. It’s sure to bring some warmth and comfort to their dinner tables this month.

Read: Middle Park Shoppers in the Top Five of Most Active Fundraisers for MND Research

Nominations can be made privately via the restaurant’s website at www.ronniesclubhouse.com/contact.

Published 12-August-2023

Darra Jindalee Parishioners to Join the Pope at World Youth Day Lisbon

Five devoted members of the Darra Jindalee youth group are set to embark on an exciting spiritual pilgrimage as they travel to see Pope Francis lead the celebration of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal and participate in the festivities.

World Youth Day is providing this unique opportunity to Aileen Nasalio, Daniel Torbey, Jessica Samaila, Diana Bello, and Mori Cahutay, all Darra Jindalee parishioners who will be joining the Brisbane archdiocese group for the event this year.

The event promises to be a transformative experience, including visits to sacred sites in France and Portugal, with a special highlight being a visit to Fatima.

Jessica Samaila, a 22-year-old youth leader from a devout Catholic family, has always dreamed of attending World Youth Day. A humble and grateful person, she envisions the Church incorporating current trends to engage the youth in discovering their faith.

Daniel Torbey, a 33-year-old civil engineer of Lebanese descent, acknowledges the challenge of declining faith among young people due to secularization. He stresses the importance of understanding and sharing the Gospel message with authenticity and conviction.

Aileen Nasalio, a 26-year-old customer care consultant in the funeral industry, said that she had her life-changing encounter with Jesus at the age of 20. She hopes to delve deeper into her faith during the pilgrimage and is eager to witness the loving environments that encourage young people to foster deep relationships with Jesus

Diana Bello, a 32-year-old Colombian who moved to Australia in 2019, finds her faith to be a source of profound spiritual growth and healing. She eagerly anticipates visiting Fatima during the pilgrimage and aims to deepen her relationship with God and Our Lady.

Mori Cahutay, a 21-year-old registered nurse specializing in Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, expressed his belief in the importance of young people strengthening their faith. He finds strength in his faith to cope with the emotional challenges of his work and looks forward to experiencing St. John Paul II’s legacy during World Youth Day.

Jindalee Parishioners World Youth Day — Photo Credit: World Youth Day/Facebook

Their shared faith has drawn these five pilgrims together, eager to join Pope Francis and countless other young Catholics in Lisbon for the culminating World Youth Day Mass.

The entire Darra Jindalee parish has extended its prayers and support as these five pilgrims prepare to embark on this life-changing spiritual journey.

Published 16-July-2023

Abandoned Asylum: The Haunting Legacy of Wolston Park in Wacol

Once considered Australia’s most notorious mental asylum, the mere mention of Wolston Park Asylum is enough to fill people with dread. Former patients recount horror stories of torture and abuse suffered within its walls.

As a heritage building, it cannot be demolished and over time, its ruins have become shrouded in mystery, marred by the occasional visits from policemen patrolling the area to keep out vandals and the morbidly curious.

The Haunting Ruins of Wolston Park

Abandoned Asylum: The Haunting Legacy of Wolston Park — Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Located on the outskirts of Brisbane, Wolston Park Asylum first opened its doors in 1864. The 150-year-old building in Wacol, near Brisbane, has been left to the elements since it closed in 2001.

Graffiti-covered walls, rotting wood and littered waste are all that remain of the decaying hospital that was once Australia’s most notorious mental asylum. It is now a desolate and eerie site often visited by urban explorers. Little of the abandoned structure remains intact, and police have warned that the building is dangerous.

A Dark History of Abuse and Torture

The dark history of Wolston Park Hospital is one of horrific suffering. Over 50,000 people, including children as young as 11, have passed through the asylum since it opened in 1865.

Former patients were often smuggled in by boat and crammed into conditions that resembled prison rather than a treatment facility. Survivors have come forward to tell of frequent sexual assaults by staff, electroshock therapyand the force-feeding of banned drugs.

Struggle for Justice of Wolston Park Survivors

Wolston Park survivors have fought a long and arduous battle for justice. Recently, an unexpected offer of compensation was extended by the Queensland Government to nine of the former asylum residents who are still living.

Many were surprised by what they considered to be a ‘very respectable’ offer. The ex-gratia payment, which goes beyond previous offers, is intended to acknowledge the wrongful imprisonment at Wolston Park rather than the abuse suffered there. All nine survivors will receive the same amount.

Reconciliation and Unfinished Business

While the offer of compensation is a significant step forward, there remains unfinished business in the aftermath of Wolston Park. Survivors hope that the government will extend its recognition and support to other children who were not classified as wards of the state.

Disabled children, autistic individuals, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities were also left to suffer within the asylum’s walls. Campaigners such as Sue Treweek continue to fight for the rights and recognition of these forgotten victims.

The abandoned Wolston Park Asylum stands as a haunting testament to the horrors endured by its former patients. Its dilapidated state adds to its eerie atmosphere, attracting urban explorers despite the danger. The survivors said that offer of compensation brings them a measure of closure, but their fight for justice is far from over.

As Queensland grapples with the haunting legacy of Wolston Park, the remaining survivors and their families say that it is vital that all victims, including those previously overlooked, receive the support and care they deserve, in order to pave the way for healing and change.

Published 8 July 2023

EvoHeat Bids Farewell to Seventeen Mile Rocks Facility

Photo Credit: EvoHeat / evoheat.com.au

EvoHeat, the leading provider of pool and hot water heat pumps, has recently shifted its operations from Seventeen Mile Rocks to a state-of-the-art facility in Bundamba’s thriving industrial area.

The new premises, located at 12 Gliderway St, Bundamba QLD 4304, mark a significant milestone for the company, offering expanded space and advanced technology to better serve its customers.

“EvoHeat has been experiencing a period of rapid growth over the past few years, and we’ve invested heavily in our facilities and staff to keep pace with the demand. The new warehouse, located at 12 Gliderway St, Bundamba QLD 4304, will provide more space for inventory and production, allowing us to better serve our customers and continue to provide the highest quality pool and hot water heat pumps in the industry,” Evoheat’s official statement says.

EvoHeat Bids Farewell to Seventeen Mile Rocks Facility — *Photo Credit: EvoHeat /* evoheat.com.au

Compared to its previous location, EvoHeat’s new premises offer a remarkable 75% increase in office space and an astounding 300% surge in warehousing capacity. The facility boasts cutting-edge technology, featuring energy-efficient equipment such as EvoHeat’s own hot water and space heating products, designed to minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, the installation of solar PV panels further aligns the company with sustainable practices. Notably, the new building provides a contemporary and comfortable work environment for all EvoHeat employees, fostering a positive atmosphere for creativity and collaboration.

According to General Manager Tim Martin, the move was an essential step for EvoHeat due to the company’s rapid expansion, surpassing the capabilities of its previous facility at Seventeen Mile Rocks.

The new facility boasts impressive features, including 40 kilowatts of solar PV on the roof, heat pump hot water systems throughout, energy-efficient appliances, and even electric vehicle charging stations.

Martin said that the $3.5 million facility encompasses a vast 3000 square metres of floor space, a significant upgrade from the previous 700 square metres. The expansion became imperative as the company outgrew its existing premises, hindering further growth and development.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Martin notes that when he joined EvoHeat in 2017, the business had a mere six or seven employees. Back then, their office space measured a modest 100 square metres, leased from larger premises spanning 250 to 300 square metres.

However, within a short span, EvoHeat experienced phenomenal growth, expanding to over 45 employees and witnessing significant stock turnover. The company quickly realised the urgent need for additional space, which the new facility in Bundamba finally fulfils.

Martin acknowledges that the previous space limitations at Seventeen Mile Rocks hindered their ability to hire more staff. However, with the move to Bundamba, the company has already appointed two additional employees and is actively recruiting to seize further opportunities previously unattainable due to the limited space they previously have.

This relocation will enable EvoHeat to expand its operations across all business units, encompassing pool heating, domestic hot water, commercial hot water, cogeneration, and heat recovery.

Published 24-June-2023

Olympic-Size Congestion: Call For Urgent Upgrade on Centenary Highway

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland is sounding the alarm on a potential traffic nightmare once the Olympic Games hit town, if measures are not taken to improve congestion at the Centenary Highway, considered as among SEQ’s slowest during peak hours.

As the southeast region of Australia gears up for the 2032 Olympic Games, concerns arose regarding the state of the transportation infrastructure, particularly the Pacific Motorway and Centenary Highway.

The lack of effective bypass routes and inadequate road capacities have resulted in severe traffic congestion, leading to prolonged travel times and frustrated motorists. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has called for substantial upgrades to these key road networks to avert a potential traffic nightmare during the highly anticipated global event.

Alarming trend

According to Greg Miszkowycz, RACQ’s traffic and safety engineering manager, peak-hour travel times on major roads, including the Pacific Motorway and Centenary Highway, have increased significantly compared to 2019.

This alarming trend indicates the urgent need for substantial upgrades to alleviate congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the region. The RACQ has emphasised the importance of these upgrades as both the Pacific Motorway and the Centenary Highway serve as major traffic pressure points and pivotal routes for commuters from the western suburbs.

The challenging bottlenecks

The data from the Transport Department for March highlights some of the most problematic areas. One of the slowest stretches of the road was the 14km northbound strip of the Pacific Motorway, causing substantial delays and frustration for travellers.

Similarly, the Pacific Motorway northbound, from the Logan River to the Paradise Rd junction, experienced significant congestion due to road works and breakdowns, resulting in excessively long travel times. Additionally, other routes, such as Bald Hills to Carseldine and the intersection of Beaudesert and Algester roads, faced similar challenges, further exacerbating the traffic situation.

Government initiatives

Recognising the urgency, the government has allocated significant funds for infrastructure improvements across various road networks, including a recent $400 million, 3km upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway. These initiatives aim to enhance traffic flow, increase capacity, and boost speeds during peak hours.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by recent large-scale construction projects, COVID-19 disruptions, and road flooding, which have impacted traffic speeds. However, the government remains committed to implementing measures that will mitigate these temporary setbacks.

Published 16-June-2023

Proposed Mixed-Use Industrial Development at Seventeen Mile Rocks Road

Plans have been submitted for a new mixed-use industrial development at Seventeen Mile Rocks Road in Sinnamon Park.

Read: Moco Food Services to Build 17-Hectare Cold Storage Facility in Wacol

Designs rendered by Sparc Architects show the applicant aims to create a four-story commercial building that will accommodate a mix of industrial and non-industrial uses.

This development marks the anticipated Stage 2 of the comprehensive industrial redevelopment of the subject site, located at 532 – 554 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road. The application was approved for Stage 1, allowing its construction for a mix of healthcare, retail, and research and technology uses, including a lab. Construction of the Stage 1 building is underway.

The site’s sloped nature is being cleverly utilised in the design. It will feature two levels of undercroft space, providing an impressive 384 car parking spaces with views of the nearby waterway.

The Mixed-Use Industrial Development will offer a range of different land uses, including hardware and trade supplies, shops, food and drink outlets, educational facilities, veterinary services, indoor sports and recreation centres, research and technology industries, low-impact industries, and warehouses.

The development boasts an impressive 11,205 sqm of gross floor area, spread across its four-story structure, which reaches a maximum height of 32.65 metres.

The allocated space for each land use is as follows: Hardware and Trade Shttps://sparc.net.au/upplies (1,000 sqm), Food and Drink Outlet (134 sqm), Shop (150 sqm), Veterinary Services (19 sqm), Indoor Sports and Recreation (123 sqm), and Research, Technology Industry, and Warehouse (9,279 sqm).

Planners at Mewing Planning Consultant said the site is located in an area that comprises a combination of zones, including the Low Density Residential Zone and the Open Space Zone to the north, south and west, and the Industry Zone, Industry Investigation Zone Sport and Recreation Zones, Conservation Zone to the east / south-east.

Read: Construction Contract Awarded: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Now a Step Closer

To learn more about the proposed development, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online, with the reference A006268670.

Published 11-June-2023

Centenary State High School P&C Presents Reggie Dabbs at CPAC Auditorium

Photo Credit: Reggie Dabbs Inc./ reggiedabbsonline.com

Reggie Dabbs, the renowned American preacher and motivational speaker, will be speaking to the students and families of Centenary State High School as part of the iDECIDE Schools Tour. Organised by the Centenary SHS Parents and Citizens Association (P&C), this out-of-school hours presentation will be held on Tuesday, 30 May 2023.

“The Centenary SHS Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) has supported an approach for an out-of-school hours presentation by Reggie Dabbs, performer and youth motivational speaker. This session will be held after school hours for students and families who wish to attend – 3:30pm on Tuesday 30th May, 2023,” Centenary State High School’s social media post reads.

During his visit to Brisbane, Reggie Dabbs will spend five days, from May 29 to June 2, as part of the iDECIDE Schools Tour.

With a career spanning over two decades, Reggie has consistently inspired students in Australian schools with his unparalleled blend of humour, music, and an awe-inspiring personal journey of resilience. The impact of his presentations is evident as numerous students, year after year, depart from the iDECIDE Tour with a resolute determination to shift their focus from the past and instead embrace the possibilities of transforming their future.

Reggie Dabbs considers himself lucky to be alive, having been born to an unwed teenager. Left with no place to call home, the pregnant teenager found herself taking shelter in a humble chicken coop in Tennessee. When she found out that she was pregnant with her fourth child, she called her 10th grade English teacher, Mrs. Dabbs, to seek help.

Mrs. Dabbs and her husband, whose children were grown, welcomed the girl into their home, providing care throughout her pregnancy. They then became foster parents to the young Reggie until the fourth grade, when they decided to officially adopt him.

Starting from his early days playing the saxophone, a skill he initially disliked but grew to love, Reggie has come a long way. Reggie embarked on his public speaking career after college. During a speaking engagement, he was invited to address a high school assembly, marking the beginning of his journey in 1987.

Reggie Dabbs’ message resonates with students as he addresses important topics with a humorous and relatable style. He emphasises his personal choices of abstaining from smoking, drugs, and alcohol, encouraging students to make similar decisions. Overcoming his own challenges, Reggie has become an in-demand speaker, empowering teenagers to confront and conquer their problems with resilience.

Residing in Ft. Myers, Florida, with his wife Michele and son Dominic, Reggie’s influential speeches empower teenagers globally, inspiring them to face and conquer their challenges with resilience.

Published 28-May-2023

Free or Budget-friendly Activities at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks

Discover a variety of engaging and family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank, all taking place this May 2023 at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Read: Narrung Street Park, Sanananda St Park To Be Retrofitted With Shade Covers In 2023

U-Jam

U-Jam Fitness fuses urban dance and hip-hop music with physical fitness, resulting in a dynamic blend. This exhilarating cardio workout embraces the latest chart-topping beats, making you feel as if you’re attending an electrifying dance party.

Dates:

Fri 12 May 2023
Fri 19 May 2023
Fri 26 May 2023

Zumba Fitness

the rocks riverside park — Photo credit: Andrzej Rembowski/Pixabay

Catering to individuals of all ages, their classes seamlessly transition between high and low-intensity dance moves strategically crafted to elevate your heart rate and enhance cardio endurance.

Dates:

Sat 13 May 2023
Sat 20 May 2023
Sat 27 May 2023

Ball sports Program for Kids Aged 2-6yrs

This ball skills program, inspired by the renowned Billy Slater, is tailored for children aged 2-6 years. The engaging sessions include a diverse range of games and activities that focus on enhancing hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Bookings are essential.

Dates:

Sat 13 May 2023 (9:30 a.m and 10:00 a.m.)
Sat 20 May 2023 (9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.)
Sat 27 May 2023 (9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.)

Cardio and Strength Conditioning

rocks riverside park — Photo credit: yogabelloso/Pixabay

Indulge in an invigorating workout experience at the park, where you can partake in a dynamic bodyweight strength and cardio session. Whether you prefer a low or high impact workout, this session has got you covered.

Join a supportive community of like-minded individuals who not only share fitness goals but also enjoy a good laugh as you push through an exhilarating workout together. Get ready to break a sweat and have a fantastic time!

Dates:

Wed 17 May 2023
Wed 24 May 2023
Wed 31 May 2023

Tai Chi Qigong in the Park

Experience the invigorating power of this dynamic activity that harmonises your body and mind, leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and serene. Admission fee is $5.

Dates:

Thu 18 May 2023
Thu 25 May 2023

Children’s Storytime at the Park

Immerse yourself in the enchantment of storytime with your little one at a First 5 Forever storytime session in the park at the Pop-up Library.

This captivating experience offers a blend of tales and melodies designed specifically for young children. It’s the perfect opportunity for children aged from birth to five years and their parents or caregivers to engage in a delightful, interactive session filled with stories and songs.

Date:

Wed 24 May 2023

Walk and Whimsy, Art in the Park

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting gardens and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Breathe in the delightful sights and sounds that surround you, and let them ignite your imagination for the second part of the workshop.

Unleash your creativity as you craft whimsical artist books using an array of papers and fabrics. Admission is $5, offering you a delightful experience that blends nature’s wonder with artistic expression.

Date:

Thu 25 May 2023

More Strength and Cardio Activities

Join a community of like-minded individuals and embrace an active lifestyle that fosters independence while enhancing brain function and uplifting mood through the power of strength training. This low-impact workout is suitable for all fitness levels, making it an ideal choice for seniors.

Dates:

Wed 17 May 2023
Wed 24 May 2023
Wed 31 May 2023

Read: Construction Contract Awarded: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Now a Step Closer

The Rocks Riverside Park is located at 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks.

For more details about the upcoming events at the park, visit Brisbane City Council’s website.

Published 11-May-2023

Moco Food Services to Build 17-Hectare Cold Storage Facility in Wacol

Moco Food Services, a family-owned company established in 1961, has lodged plans to build a cold storage facility and an office space in Wacol.

The development application (DA A006235842) filed on 23 March 2023, details a proposal to turn a 42,345 square metre lot along 55 Barracks Road into a major meat processing site as Moco Food Services looks into expanding in the Sunshine State and northern NSW.

The cold storage facility will have 16,057 square metres of warehouse space that includes the meat processing area, chiller and freezer. It will also have a 2,366 square metres of office space, a hardstand and more than 180 onsite carparking. Around 11 per cent of the site will be landscaped to “ensure a positive visual amenity and softening of hardstand areas.”

“The proposed warehouse facility is consistent with the established industrial area and as such will not adversely impact on adjoining properties,” the planners stated in the DA. “Further, the height, bulk, scale, and siting of the extensions are in accordance with the requirements of the Preliminary Approval.”

Post-pandemic, demand for cold storage sector, now valued at $5 billion in Australia, has rapidly evolved with sophisticated technology to ensure that the logistics and supply chain are unhampered.

Apart from this investment, Moco Food Services has also been adopting hands-free voice picking and forklifts with automated routing software to expedite its operations for its over 6,000 food lines.

Published 15-April-2023

Rocks Riverside Park: Among Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Did you know that Rocks Riverside Park has recently been named among Brisbane’s most popular parks in 2022?

Revealed last February, Rocks Riverside Park ranks among Brisbane’s most popular parks behind New Farm Park, City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. The list is based on the number of inquiries and bookings in 2022.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / Flickr

Rocks Riverside Park is a district park located on the site of the former Queensland Cement Limited quarry at 531 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road in Seventeen Mile Rocks. Opened on 7 December 2003, the park is Brisbane’s largest riverfront park covering an area of 26 hectares.

Rocks Riverside Park is divided into three major zones: the river flat which used to be a rich riverside environment, market garden and industrial site; the bushland ridge that forms a backdrop to the river flat area and is covered with dry eucalypt forest; and the major green link from the park to suburbs in the south.

It features three booking sites (The Entrance, The Green and The River), a community garden, free Wi-Fi, Great Lawn (approximately 8000 square metres of open grassed space) and a half-size basketball court.

Visitors will also find industrial artefacts throughout the park, a junior playground (suitable for toddlers to eight-year-olds), climbing net/fort and flying fox for school-aged children, jumping pillow, public art reflecting the park’s industrial heritage, shared pathways and a water play area.

Top 10 most popular parks based in inquiries/bookings:

New Farm Park: 1,284
City Botanic Gardens: 694
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha: 679
Rocks Riverside Park – Seventeen Mile Rocks: 335
Calamvale District Park: 234
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park – Lower River Terrace: 187
Newstead Park: 141
Musgrave Park – South Brisbane: 138
Orleigh Park – West End: 105
The Lake Parklands – Forest Lake: 92

Published18-March-2023