A new fruit and vegetable store has opened at the redeveloped DFO Jindalee site this summer and it’s named after a popular water park that used to be on the property. Amazons Family Fresh Markets is a 650 square metre supermarket offering heaps of fresh produce and pantry staples at reasonable prices.
Led by General Manager Nick Koutsis, the store officially started trading on 10 Dec 2020 with truckloads of fresh food and a selected range of grocery items. It’s open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week.
“I was down Coffee Club and saw people walking out with fruit and veg,” one local said a few days following the store’s opening day. “I didn’t know any fruit mart.”
In the 1980s, this site near the Amazons Place Park was known as the Amazing Amazon’s Waterpark, which was frequented by families and groups, especially during the summer.
In 2001, however, the theme park was turned into the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) that didn’t quite live up to the expectations of the residents until the Wen family took over a few years ago.
Along with the Amazons Family Fresh Markets, DFO Jindalee has retailers like Adidas and Nike, as well as the new six-screen Reading Cinemas, which opened on Boxing Day.
For the past six decades, Centenary locals have driven to neighbouring suburbs like Indooroopilly, Graceville or Redbank for movie time as there hasn’t been any cinema opening in this part of the suburban westside. That will soon change when Reading Cinemas opens on Boxing Day in Jindalee!
Dubbed the most advanced cinema complex in Australia, Reading Cinemas in Jindalee will be the very first movie house in Queensland to feature fully reclining seats in every auditorium.
The Jindalee cinema site, found inside the redeveloped DFO property, will have six screens, the latest digital projection equipment, and reclining seats that will make the viewing experience a lot more enjoyable.
The premium cinema seats deliver options for food and drinks to be ordered once the moviegoers are seated inside the theatre.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Mark Douglas, the managing director of Reading Australia, said that they are proud to open this new site despite a disruptive time, as going to the movies allows for some bonding time with friends and families.
Interested movie watchers may now book tickets online for Wonder Woman 1984, which will screen on Boxing Day, along with Superintelligence, The Croods: A New Age and The Witches.
For updates on Reading Cinemas Jindalee, follow their Facebook page.
Construction of a duplicate Centenary bridge, located in Jindalee, may now proceed as State has matched funds given by the Federal government for the Centenary Bridge upgrade project.
In early October 2020, it was announced that key infrastructure projects across Queensland will receive a total of $1.3 billion in federal funding. Of that amount, $112 million will be allocated for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade.
The day before the release of the 2020-21 Federal Budgeted, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the state government will match the amount coming from the federal government. Hence, the funding for the construction of a second Centenary Bridge at Jindalee has been locked in.
The Premier said that while construction sites came to a halt across the world due to the pandemic, work hasn’t stopped in Queensland, “because of our strong response to managing the health crisis.”
Video: Annastacia Palaszczuk MP / YouTube
She added that since November, the state government has announced more than $4.8 billion in new and accelerated joint funding for projects that will allow people to get “into jobs quickly.”
“We have done the work to get the new Centenary Bridge project ready to build and we’ll start work on it next year, supporting hundreds more jobs,” the Premier said.
“Our infrastructure guarantee is backing Queensland jobs and driving demand for tradies across the state at a time when they’re needed most.”
Construction of the new bridge is set to commence in 2021. The project involves the construction of a new, three-lane, northbound bridge built to the west of the existing bridge. There will also be a reconfiguration of the existing bridge that will provide southbound lanes, as well as improvement of active transport for both pedestrians and bike riders.
The State and Federal Government will split the total $224 million construction budget while another $20 million was already provided by the State Government for the project’s planning and design.
A new children’s bike facility, where kids can learn and practice their biking skills, has been set for development and construction this October at the Kangaroo Gully Road Park in Bellbowrie.
Following the community consultation in 2019, the Brisbane City Council plans to install pathways and other facilities where the children can improve on their bikes whilst the rest of the family enjoy other recreational activities.
Construction is expected to finish in early 2021 and will likely entail changes in the access pathways whilst work is ongoing. Residents near the park will see signages for alternative routes and will be informed of disruptive noises, dust and vibration.
After shedding a vast amount of weight with the help of a fitness coach, Ronny Glazier made it his mission to help people succeed in body transformation through his Train2Change private gym in Sumner Park, focusing on three core pillars and personalised training.
Ronny understands the importance of private one-on-one training to help clients achieve their body goals. When he started to establish himself as a leading personal trainer, Ronny listened to feedback from his clients, and from there, developed the concept for Train2Change.
Photo: Supplied
What Makes Train2Change Stand Out?
Unlike the typical gyms, Train2Change makes sure clients enjoy personalised service in an exclusive setting.
Clients, whether a couple, a small group or a sole individual will get to train in an exclusive boutique training studio with the latest equipment. With this setup, clients can train with confidence and focus. They can be sure that there is no overcrowding and that no one is watching or judging.
The Train2Change 12-week program is built on three core pillars:
Mindset – Overcome mental barriers that stand in the way of achieving body transformation.
Nutrition – Learn the foundation of a healthy, balanced diet implemented on a daily basis.
Training – Depending on the individual’s ideal body, Train2Change will design the 12-week program and workout schedule.
Another week has started off as strong as ever!!! Watch this absolute legend in action 😀
“The future of gyms is in small personalised training studios like ours with the latest equipment where you can train with confidence and focus,” said Ronny.
“I have invested a vast amount into making it into something special, with all the top kit from a full set of 2-40kg dumbbells, boxing equipment, various barbells, kettlebells, battleropes, cable machines, tractor tyre, leg press and the one everyone loves, “‘the sled astro track,’ plus more.”
Main Programs
Train2Change features two main programs for clients, depending on their individual goals. One is the 12-week all-inclusive transformation plan or the 4-week kickstart to Personal Training plan.
“These have been found to work for everyone,” Ronny said.
“Both programs come with access to our app which enables us to keep track of your progress. The 12-week all-inclusive plan also gives you many industry discounts plus an activity tracker to monitor your calorie expenditure.
“We also give you an optional upgrade at the beginning of your journey to book in with our naturopath who will get your nutrition right from the get-go.”
Body transformations at Train2Change (Photo credit: train2change.com.au)
Moving through the weeks and months, each client can be entered into the weekly challenges where prizes are given, plus an open invitation to Train2Change’s private Facebook forum.
To complement the training program, Train2Change also provides remedial massage for body relaxation and recovery.
“We have attached a massage therapy room that helps our clients reboot every week and repair any aches or pains that have set in during their journey.
“Our therapist has 8 years of experience working with a huge array of different clients from triathletes to administrators. She can work with you!”
Challenges in 2020
Just like most businesses, Train2Change faced tremendous challenges during 2020, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this did not stop Ronny from pursuing his goal.
“[This year] has been one hell of a year for most people. Not going to lie I was terrified being a sole trader not knowing what the future had in store,” Ronny said. “BUT I didn’t let this put me off or lose belief in myself.”
Time to clean…Hygiene and sanitation here at Train2Change is always as important as clients achievements 🧽…
“I decided to try and make these unfortunate events work in my favour by opening up my own exclusive 1-1 personal training and massage studio. So the creation began and will continue.”
The exclusive Train2Change studio gives clients personalised one on one time and equips them with various strategies to ensure that they reach their goals.
“On the journey, we focus on mindset barriers that you may face, challenges around diet and nutrition that you stumble over and accomplishing some truly great physical changes.”
“The logo for our Train2change business shows 3 triangles with each one representing the 3 core pillars of transformation which are, without question, the secret to real success in body transformation. And we swear by it!”
The Queensland Police Service is encouraging businesses in Centenary, especially cafes and restaurants, to double up on security measures as break-ins and attempted break-ins increase in this pandemic.
In a message posted on the official site, Senior Constable Bree Macdonald said that reports of break-ins happen outside business hours. Apparently, the thieves cut off the establishment’s power to shut down any installed electrical security systems.
The constable recommends securing the power supply boxes with an Energex lock.
“Padlocks and other types of standard locks can be supplied by these locksmiths to match Energex reading system. The locksmith will provide a lock that has an individual key and only you and Energex can access this lock,” Ms Macdonald said.
Photo Credit: Queensland Police Services
The police also shared tips for businesses to maintain security. According to Ms Macdonald, it’s important for cafes and restaurants to have “clear visibility both inside and outside your business environment.”
All doors must have deadlocks and deadbolts, whilst windows must be reinforced with “shatter-resistant film or laminated glass.”
As much possible, businesses that use safe boxes must have these anchored on walls or floors and kept locked at all times.
Tip jars must be off the view, whilst the point of sales areas, as well as entries and exits should have security cameras installed.
All cameras and alarm systems will need to be tested regularly as well.
For businesses that require help, including a security audit, phone 31317381. For active crime prevention, the police also encourage reporting crimes online.
A development application lodged with the Brisbane City Council aims to add another distribution centre at Wacol’s industrial precinct and if approved, the site is poised to bring more jobs to the locals.
Desane Properties submitted the proposal on 7 July 2020 to turn a 3,250 square metre lot, located at the back of its workshop centre, into a distribution site.
The company said the project will provide at least 20 jobs during the construction. Once the building is completed, the company expects that the distribution centre will be operating every day.
The Sydney-based property also wants to build a 35-slot parking space, including one for PWD, in the new building.
“The industrial focus of the proposed development is appropriate within the context of the surrounding area,” the development application stated. “Immediately adjoining the subject site is a number of industries uses, including low impact, medium impact and high impact developments.”
The lot is currently used as a vehicle parking spot leased to the Council by Desane Properties but its term shall expire in a couple of years.
Jindalee Pool is reopening to the public after the State Government approved its safety plan against COVID-19.
After closing on 23 March, the Jindalee pool will reopen its doors on Monday 13 July, following improvements in sanitation and crowd management measures.
Jindalee Pool, located at 11 Yallambee Road, is among the six city council pools that are reopening by 13 July. Prior to this, 10 council pools, including the Centenary Pool, have reopened since 3 June after complying with the Aquatic Industry COVID Safe Plan.
The pool is known for its swimming lessons, squad programs for all ages, and aqua aerobics sessions.
On its reopening day, Jindalee Pool is scheduling to open its heated pool to hold Aqua Aerobics workout, Learn to Swim, and Kids squads. Bookings are essential.
The pool offers an 18-metre indoor heated swimming pool, a 50-metre outdoor pool with eight lanes, and a children’s splash pad. Specialised accessibility equipment such as an access ramp to the outdoor pool and a PVC wheelchair for the ramp are also included in the facility.
For more information on operating schedules and conditions, contact the Jindalee Pool operators at 3376 1002 or visit the Jindalee Pool website.
Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Westlake, Riverhills, Sumner, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks are collectively known as the Centenary Suburbs. Here is a historical glimpse of how the Centenary suburbs came to be.
In 1959, Queensland’s Centenary Year, a land developer named Hooker Rex planned the Centenary project. The project was a suburban development proposal that included a number of neighbourhoods with their own services and facilities that are capable of providing for all the needs of its residents.
The proposed development started with the purchase of farmland in 1960. A contract for the 1,416 hectare-development was agreed upon by the Brisbane City Council in 1961.
Photo credit: cshsoc.org.au
The Centenary Bridge and Highway were among the most important parts of the development, providing access to and from the city and the northern suburbs. Officially opened on 14 October 1964, the Centenary Bridge was financed by the developers. Meanwhile, the Centenary Highway was built by the Brisbane City Council, still at the developers’ expense.
The suburbs and industrial estates that were planned to be a part of the Centenary project were Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Westlake, Middle Park, and Sumner. Meanwhile, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Sinnamon Park were developed separately.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Retro
The development was under the management of a public company called
the Centenary Estates Limited for six years. In October 1967, the
private shareholders were bought out by the Hooker Corporation Limited
and the entire project was once again owned by the corporation.
The Establishment of the Centenary Suburbs
Jindalee
Photo credit: Twitter/Property Observer
Jindalee is an Aboriginal word which means “bare hills”. The
establishment of the suburb in September 1962 brought the first public
transport in the area, a bus going to and from Oxley Station.
Among the earliest establishments in the district were the Jindalee
Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Bowls Club and the Looranah St. shopping
centre. With its well-established golf course, swimming pool, and
sporting facilities, it wasn’t long before Jindalee became a centre for
sporting activities.
Jamboree Heights
Jamboree Heights was initially a part of Jindalee. When the Boy Scout
held it’s Eighth Australian Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Brisbane,
Hooker Centenary provided the site. Later on, the place came to be
called Jamboree Heights.
The 50th Anniversary of that historic Jamboree was celebrated in
Jamboree Heights in January 2018. During that time, the participants
learned more about the first Queensland Jamboree in 1967-1968.
Mount Ommaney is considerably larger than Jindalee and Jamboree
Heights. Despite the sloping nature of the terrain in the area, Hooker
Centenary was able to develop a number of “Private Courts” in Mount
Ommaney in January 1970, a feat considered a first in Australia.
Photo credit: www.mcleodgolf.com.au
Each private court contains approximately seven homes, with their own private entrance and shared private ownership of internal roads and nature strips.
Mount Ommaney became a prestige homesite that offers excellent views of the mountains and the city.
The suburb is also home to the first women’s golf club in Australia, the McLeod Country Golf Club,
which was completed in 1969. The original golf club was comprised of 9
holes and a clubhouse. It was later extended to a full complement of 18
holes in 1971.
Riverhills
Photo credit: realestate.com.au
Riverhills is named for its ideal location offering sweeping panoramic views of the Brisbane River. In January 1973, it was mainly marketed by the developer as a suburb for young people with young families, designed with a cul-de-sac concept that focuses on having a quiet environment with lots of privacy. Many of its streets were named after rivers, lakes, and other waterways of the world.
Westlake
Photo credit: raywhitecentenary.com
Westlake was named by the developers in June 1973 for its nine-hectare freshwater lake. The developers maximised the landscape to give most of its homesites a view of the vast lake.
Sumner
Sumner was named after the Sumner family who had been farmers and landholders in the area. Though the name was originally given to a road, the suburb later adapted the name in 1969.
Seventeen Mile Rocks
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Seventeen Mile Rock area used to include Sinnamon Park in 1975 as it extended farther west. With the development of Sinnamon Park, the boundaries of the suburb changed and currently, part of the Edenbrooke Estate is in Seventeen Mile Rocks and part in Sinnamon Park.
Since then, Seventeen Mile Rocks has gone through several developments under different estate developers namely ECOSSE Investments Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions, Baldwin-Riverlands, and Verandah.
Middle Park
Middle Park was strategically named by the developers in July 1976 to reflect its location in the middle of the Centenary Suburbs. The area offers northerly views of the McLeod Country Golf Club.
Sinnamon Park
In 1989, Sinnamon Park was developed originating from the suburb Seventeen Mile Rocks. The new suburb was named after the family of James Sinnamon and Margaret, who were the pioneer European settlers in the area.
Photo credit: monumentaustralia.org.au
Today, Sinnamon Park houses a memorial dedicated to Thomas Macleod to celebrate his historic flights on 22 December 1910.
These are the historical origins of the names of the Centenary
Suburbs. To have a deeper grasp on the history of Centenary, visit Centenary Suburbs Historical Society Inc.
As a lifelong resident of Jamboree ward, Sarah Hutton has high hopes for the area, high enough to stand for Councillor under the LNP ticket in the 2020 council election. With nearly 80% of the ballot counted as of the 3rd of April, this Darra mum has 60% of the votes, winning over Labor hopeful Rachel Hoppe and Greens candidate Thomas McKie.
Cr Hutton replaces LNP Cr Matthew Bourke, who has represented the
ward for 12 years, since winning the seat from Labor in the 2008 election.
What She Stands For
Jamboree ward has been Cr Hutton’s home for as long as she
can remember. “I have been part of this ward my entire life, growing up in
Westlake and now raising my own family in Darra.”
Photo Credit: https://www.sarahhutton.com.au/
Currently living in Darra with her husband and three children, she had spent the last ten years making a name for herself in Brisbane’s not-for-profit sector before deciding to delve into local politics, running to replace LNP incumbent Bourke, who is retiring.
“Over the past 12 years, the Jamboree Ward has thrived under
Councillor Matthew Bourke’s leadership and I will work tirelessly to build on
this legacy,” she said.
Cr Hutton’s platform includes ”a comprehensive and cohesive plan”
for Jamboree ward. Citing her understanding of the diverse needs of the suburbs
in the ward, she expressed readiness “to listen, act, and deliver for the
people of Jamboree.”
Strong Relationships
Building on strong relationships and networks she has built in a
decade of work for the not-for-profit sector, Cr Hutton says that the deep
insights she has gained into the two distinct communities within the ward,
Centenary Suburbs and Darra/Wacol, will allow her to provide infrastructure and
support for families in the ward.
Photo Credit: https://www.sarahhutton.com.au/
“I want to provide families with the best facilities, parks and
infrastructure to assist young and old alike to live their best lives here in
our ward. We need to continue the brilliant park upgrades to provide a
range of recreation opportunities from formalised netball and basketball
courts, play and picnic areas and quiet relaxing spaces to walk, cycle and
enjoy the local scenery.”
“Having three boys that play in these parks, compete on local
sporting fields and ride on the new world-class BMX track, I understand how
valuable these projects are for our community and I will be advocating for more,”
she shared.
Citing the need to consult local residents and businesses, she also
revealed plans to upgrade the Darra shopping precinct and look into Darra
station, the public transport gateway to Jamboree ward.
Jamboree ward covers the Centenary
suburbs — Riverhills, Middle Park, Westlake, Sumner, Jamboree Heights, Mount
Ommaney, Jindalee, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks, along with Darra,
Wacol, and parts of Ellen Grove and Richlands.
Covering much of the state seat of Mt
Ommaney, the ward also includes parts of Oxley gained from Moorooka and
Tennyson.
