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St Luke’s Anglican Church in Tarragindi Lodges Plans for Childcare & Community Centre

St Luke’s Anglican Church in Tarragindi has submitted plans to redevelop its property on Ekibin Road East to include a new childcare and community centre to be built around the church.

The site has an existing community hall which will be refurbished as the parish office whilst a two-storey building will be added to the spacious property for the childcare and community centre. Additional refurbishments have also been proposed for the existing church to include a new deck and awning.

Currently, the Theatre Society uses the community centre, which has a full stage, professional sound, and lighting facility. The area can seat 90 people or 200 for cocktail events. On some occasions, martial arts and dance classes are conducted at the centre as well. There is a small kitchen for meal preparations during events.

As St Luke’s Anglican Church is near a residential area, mitigation measures like acoustic fencing will also be adopted to minimise the community centre’s impact on its neighbours. A total of 98 kids are expected to be accommodated at the childcare centre, if the plans are approved.

The plans also include outdoor and undercover play areas for the children, while there will be provisions for 32 car parking spaces for the staff and the parents.

“The development will provide a variety of activity rooms, preparation rooms, sleep rooms, dining room, kitchen, library and generous outdoor play space,” the project planners, Town Planning Alliance, indicated in the development application (DA A005759707).

“The upper level of the Childcare centre will be utilised as an ancillary hall space for the existing church. The proposed design has undergone considerable planning to ensure the built form is consistent and compatible with the surrounding locality.”

Proposed in June 2021, this development will not undergo public notification but one resident has submitted an objection via the development application, citing that the location will not be safe for children.

“Usually with child care facility the parent has to park the car and walk the child inside to a safe area behind a fence. The car parking area looks like it will be busy with cars turning and reversing and so not safe for children,” the resident said.

Council is still assessing the application.

Tarragindi Girl’s Ear Surgery ‘Will Change Her Life Forever’

Four-year-old Harriet with her loving parents Anna and Jay Sanders (Photo credit: hearandsay.com.au)

Harriet Sanders, a prep student at St Elizabeth’s School, Tarragindi, recently underwent ear reconstruction surgery – a procedure that will change her life forever.

Read: Tarragindi Teen Hayden Hume Excited to Make His Motorsports Debut

Harriet, 4, was born without fully formed ears because of bilateral microtia and atresia. According to the Ear Community, microtia is a congenital deformity wherein the ear does not fully develop during the first trimester of pregnancy whilst atresia refers to the absence or closure of the external auditory ear canal.

Harriet’s mother, Anna Sanders said that, through the years, they helped treat the little girl’s hearing loss through bone-conducted hearing aids. Anna described her daughter as a very bright, sassy, and funny little girl.

But through a fundraising campaign led by local charity group ‘Hear and Say’, Harriet has been fitted with bilateral Cochlear BAHA 5 bone conduction hearing aids, a non-surgical hearing solution designed for children. It’s a headband-mounted hearing aid which conducts sound through the bone in Harriet’s forehead.

Harriet and her teacher Ms Brigitte Egan (Photo credit: catholicleader.com.au)

Reconstructive Surgery

The reconstructive surgery involves two separate 10-12 hour surgeries by a specialist reconstructive surgeon using state of the art 3D printed ear technology.

Dr Joe Dusseldorp, a reconstructive plastic surgeon based in Sydney, used modern technology to create a 3D print a scaffold of an ear using before connecting it to Harriet’s head.

The scaffold is created with tiny holes that will help Harriet’s tissue to grow into it; then from above her ear and inner thigh, it will be covered with skin grafts so it will look like a normal ear. The second part of Harriet’s surgery, which will be for her other ear, is scheduled in 2022.

Before this surgery was introduced in Australia, children with microtia and atresia, even had to go to the United States for the reconstruction surgery where it’s more expensive to have it done.

“We strongly believe that this will be life changing surgery for Harriet. It will mean that she can go through life with no physical deformity, giving her the confidence and strength she will need to succeed in all aspects of life,” Anna shared.

Cross River Rail Project: Under Track Construction in Salisbury Begins

Intermittent civil works will be underway at the Salisbury Station, where an under track crossing area is being prepared for the Cross River Rail project. Residents and commuters are advised to expect some noise, vibration, dust and road closures during this preparation.

The under track construction will take place between 3 July to 5 July 2021 outside of working hours but access to Fairlie Terrace will be temporarily closed to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. A sign will be put up to redirect and manage the flow of traffic with this slight interruption.

Work on Salisbury Station will entail the following:

Under track crossing using a directional drilling rig
Installation of under track crossing conduits for services
Cable route and service trenching and installation
Installation of fencing

However, major construction of the Cross River Rail in this area will not start until mid-2022, per the official project page.

During this period, the Salisbury Station will be upgraded with a new building, a third platform, and an upgraded platform finish with a new canopy for weather protection. The new station will also feature an overpass, lifts and switchback stairs for accessibility, as well as a new bicycle storage shelter for 40 users.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that the Salisbury Station upgrade is part of the State and Federal Governments’ key investments for 2021–22 to 2024–25.

“Train stations across southeast Queensland will become more accessible under our $500 million station upgrade program,” the minister said.

“Construction of Cross River Rail is continuing, with that $5.4 billion project being delivered in addition to our record $27.5 billion transport and roads budget. Cross River Rail is on track to open in 2025.”

Georgie’s Corner Serves ‘Value for Money’ Burgers & Seafood in Tarragindi

Found at a small corner of a row of shops along Windmill Street in Tarragindi is a family-owned business serving what many of its patrons say are the best “value for money” burgers and seafood meals. Little is known about the owners of Georgie’s Corner but the shop could easily be south Brisbane’s hidden gem waiting to be discovered by more customers.

The store quietly opened in early 2019, offering heaps of burgers and chips combo to satisfy the preference of every burger lover. They have Americana-style or Southern-style burgers, a selection of grilled fish burgers, as well as big servings of Australian beef burgers.

The crew also offers grilled or fried chicken burgers matched with salads and housemade dressing. Vegetarians or those who want a healthy option may also order their grilled mushroom and spinach burgers with a generous helping of Turkish rolls.

Georgie’s Corner used to be part of Ekka before the government-mandated lockdowns prevented the re-opening of this major Brisbane event. They offered delicious batches of Dagwood Dogs (corn dog) which are easily sold out. However, the corn dog isn’t part of their regular menu at the Tarragindi eatery but perhaps the customers could make a special request.

Meanwhile, every Tuesday, this burger and chips joint serves side dishes for free for customers coming in for takeaways or dine-ins between 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Georgie’s Corner has no official site but you can check out their menu via Uber Eats or keep tabs of their deals on their Facebook page.

“Best fish and chips we’ve had, and ultra consistent. Good selection, friendly staff, fantastic prices (usually feed a family of 3 for approx. $30 with leftovers) prepared quickly. Awesome local spot.”
Blockface, Google Reviews

“They had me at chips covered in chicken salt – yum! I got the classic burger, it was great – juicy beef patty and fresh mixed salad. The food was made pretty fast, friendly service and decent pricing. I was very impressed. Great local takeaway, will definitely come again.”
Amy Alexander, Google Reviews

“Friendly service always. Fabulous old fashioned and tasty burgers and chips. A wee gem in Tarragindi. Lovely cooked fish also.”
Raquel Warren, Google Reviews

Tarragindi Teen Hayden Hume Excited to Make His Motorsports Debut

Sixteen-year-old Hayden Hume, born and raised in Tarragindi, is set to make his debut in the second round of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia (TGRA) 86 Series’ grassroots support category for the 2021 Supercars Championship in Winton at the end of July.

Hayden, a Year 11 student from St Laurence’s College in South Brisbane, is excited to take the next step in his motor racing career after three years of kart racing experience, winning two Junior Club Championships in 2019.

The grassroots support category for the 2021 Supercars Championship will pit three teenage motor racing drivers against one another, lining them up on the grid for the first time ever for some exciting wheel to wheel action. This year’s entrants for the category include Hayden, Kai Allen, and Connor Roberts.

According to Hayden, he first got into kart racing in 2016 at a small local club called Auskart where he learned the basics before moving on to Ipswich Kart Club after he was ready to compete at a higher level in both two and four stroke karting. In 2019, he then took part in, and won, two Junior Club Championships.

“I would consider the 2020 season in karts, racing in Ka3 junior, competing in the state championships and finishing third in the club championship at Ipswich as my greatest accomplishment so far,” says Hayden, who now intends to focus all his efforts on improving and accumulating the experience and skills necessary to become an even better motorsports driver.

He only made the switch to motor racing after his father took him to Norwell Motorplex for some coaching in race cars with professional drivers, and, in his words, he “…was hooked.” Hayden and his father then purchased a Toyota 86 in 2020 to compete in the TGRA 86 Series in 2021 in order to prepare himself for his transition into circuit racing in motorsport.

The TGRA 86 Series was envisioned to be the perfect developmental environment for aspiring motorsport drivers. Competitors all drive identical Toyota 86 automobiles that have been modified for high-performance racing, and these modifications are provided via an affordable package that can have them on the track for $50,000 — and that’s including the price of the original car.

“In a grassroots series like this, it is vital for drivers to receive support, as some competing in the series will become future professional racers. I would like to see all young racers in motorsport, to have the opportunity to be supported by professional drivers, in order to improve their skills like the Toyota 86 series does,” Hayden explains.

“Coming into the first race, I have received support from Toyota 86 driver and mentor, Steve Owen, which has greatly improved my skills that are needed to race these cars. If all young drivers could receive this advice, it would assist in the development of skills needed for the racetrack.”

“An area where I feel more attention should be put into, is the media presence of the series, as the talent of the up and coming young drivers is high, there are potentially drivers in this series who will become professionals in the future,” he adds.

Though the tournament was initially scheduled to take place at the end of May 2021, rising COVID-19 cases in Victoria led to the race’s postponement, with the state announcing 12 new cases and a raft of exposure sites. The new proposed event dates have been marked as the 31st of July to the 1st of August 2021.

Catch Hayden’s motor racing debut at the Winton Motor Raceway in Winton, Victoria. For more information and future updates, visit the TGRA 86 Series’ page on the Toyota website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates concerning cars, dates, racers, and other special announcements concerning the event.

First Nations Birthing Program Established in Salisbury Gains International Recognition

A Salisbury birthing program focused on the best health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies has been recognised by a renowned international science journal.

The Lancet Global Health featured the Birthing in Our Community (BiOC) program, which ran for more than seven years. The program saw a significant decrease in deaths during baby deliveries and admittance to neonatal care for high-risk First Nations babies. It also saw through the improvements of breastfeeding awareness among First Nations mums.

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane (ATSICHS Brisbane) worked with Mater Mothers’ Hospital to establish this program in 2013 in Salisbury, as the experts recognised that standard health services in the country are often unable to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Even though First Nations health is a national priority, there has been no change in babies being born preterm – or too soon – since Closing the Gap in 2008,” Charles Darwin University Professor in Midwifery Sue Kildea said in a statement on the Lancet Journal. “We have evidence, gathered over seven years, that culturally safe birthing services significantly improve the health of Indigenous mothers and babies.”

Also involved in the program were dieticians and diabetes educators, aside from women’s health experts. There are also various staff members helping out the new mums who may need assistance from other departments, such as housing.

Because of the success of the BiOC model, Indigenous women now have access to wider care to support their health and well-being. The study experts, however, recommended that health services for First Nations communities must be given Federal Government access like Medicare so mums and babies can benefit from the best midwifery services.

IUIH CEO Adrian Carson plans to expand BiOC to north Brisbane, Logan and the bayside next before going national.

Celebrate the Life of Michael Ulrich at this Free Tarragindi Event

Come celebrate the life of the late Michael Ulrich, a beloved Tarragindi teacher and director, with the upcoming Wellers Hill Bowls Club family fun day event “Here Comes the Sun”. The best part? It’s all free!

Taking place on the 23rd of MAy 2021, the event celebrates the life of the Tarragindi War Memorial Kindergarten’s colleague Michael Ulrich. Mr Ulrich was a kindly director and teacher who strived to provide the community with a safe environment for children to learn, live, grow, and develop themselves into becoming valuable contributors to the future.

Throughout the day, event-goers will be able to partake in an array of activities such as games, a bouncy castle, rides, kids’ activities, a raffle, and treat themselves to some food and drink, as well as live music. Here Comes the Sun aims to celebrate not only Mr Ulrich’s life, but also hope for the future by inspiring children and their family.

Activities throughout the day will raise funds for the Black Dog Institute — a non-profit organisation which advocates for mental health awareness and support, as well as suicide prevention.

Photo credit: Facebook/HERE COMES THE SUN

Here Comes the Sun will be hosted at Wellers Hill Bowls Club at 34 Esher St, Tarragindi. The event will run between 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and entry will be completely free!

Those interested in confirming their attendance can do so by visiting their Facebook event page. For more information, and for the latest updates and announcements concerning the family fun day, follow their main Facebook page.

Toohey Forest Illegal Biking Trails Re-Opened Despite Council Blocks

A group of environmentalists has claimed that mountain bikers have been cutting through logs and illegal biking trails blocked off by Brisbane City Council to protect parks and nature reserves like Toohey Forest in Nathan have been re-opened without permission. This has sparked another debate on whether Councils’ new Off-Road Cycling Strategy will be able to stop people from using unauthorised biking tracks.

In December 2020, Council released the draft for the Off-Road Cycling Strategy, which will allow mountain bikers access to some of the protected nature sites whilst decreasing the construction of illegal trails.

“The protection of significant habitat and wildlife corridors is a very important component of this project,” Council stated. “The early planning process reviewed bushland reserves and parks across the city for suitable locations for off-road cycling facilities. Suitable low-impact locations, where the natural environment can be preserved include existing fire trails and shared use of other tracks. Unvegetated areas were also explored for supporting facilities such as skills tracks.”

Over 4,000 respondents answered the Council’s draft survey. Whilst this strategy is under review, Toohey Forest Wildlife discovered the re-opened trails.

“Brisbane City Council spent time and money shutting down this trail only to have someone deliberately open it up again,” frustrated advocates wrote on Facebook.

According to members of Toohey Forest Wildlife, Council should have drafted a conservation strategy first before opening the reserves and nature sites to human impact.

On the other hand, Brisbane Off-Road Riders Alliance(BORRA) said that they support the strategy and are open to working with conservationists. In a petition, Tarragindi local Dan Crawford, who is also BORRA’s president, called on the Council to expedite the confirmation of the Off-Road Cycling Strategy to best stop the unauthorised trails. He also pointed out that the biking community is growing and could have significant economic value to local businesses.

“It is globally accepted that the most effective way to stop unauthorised trail building is to have a well-managed authorised network which is embraced and cared for by the community,” Mr Crawford said.

Calling out the claim that there are “hundreds of unauthorised trails being accessed freely and without consequence in Toohey Forest every day,” Mr Crawford also explained that the claim just isn’t possible.

“Toohey Forest is 260 Hectares. If there were 100’s of trails, it would be the largest trail network in Australia by far. I’ve been to many destination trail networks in Australia and I’m yet to find one that has 100’s of trails. By contrast, the most famous trail network in Australia (Blue Derby) has 34 trails. There are no unauthorised trails getting built at Derby. Zero,” Mr Crawford said.

Check this Map: Toxic African Tulip Trees in Tarragindi!

Toxic African tulip trees are killing off the stingless bee population and Tarragindi has 30 of the trees, according to beekeeper Phil Baskerville. The Brisbane beekeeper has conducted a study to map the locations of all African tulip trees in Brisbane and other Council areas up to the Gold Coast.

Given how difficult it is to pinpoint the exact location of Brisbane’s African tulip trees, local beekeeper Phil Baskerville has made it his mission to find and pin them using Google Maps though it’s clear such a task is too much for one man alone. That’s why he’s asking everyone who can, to help.

African tulip trees, also known as Spathodeas, are native to tropical Africa and have been brought to Australia to be planted as street trees. Initially coveted for their orange flowers, it was eventually discovered that their nectar was toxic to the country’s native stingless bees.

The flowers of an African tulip tree
Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Tatters ✾/Flickr

The trees have since been classified as a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Giving them away, selling them, or releasing them into the environment is a criminal act with a maximum penalty of $66,725.

Mr Baskerville, who took up beekeeping as a hobby, asks the community to put a pin on the digital map for every African tulip tree they encounter. In Tarragindi alone, over 30 of these toxic trees have been discovered.

The digital map made by Phil Baskerville, with each pin representing an African tulip tree.
Photo credit: Google Maps/African Tulip tree

Though their planting ceased over 20 years ago, the damage to Queensland’s ecosystem had already been done. An estimated 2,000 of these old tulip trees still remain in Brisbane, however their numbers have spread and increased all across the state — likely the result of birds eating the flowers of the trees and scattering the waste.

Those interested in helping Mr Baskerville can keep an eye out for these invasive trees, which can be distinguished from regular trees through their vibrant orange flowers. Once spotted, locals can mark them on Google Maps by placing a pin on their location.