Do you have old pool toys, air mattresses, umbrellas or lunch boxes for disposal? As the Council’s kerbside collection remains suspended until mid-2022, consider dropping these items at the Tarragindi Community Garden at Wellers Hill Bowls Club, where there’s a Tarragindi Recycling Bin.
The bin, an initiative by Tarragindi resident Renae McBrien, is accessible 24 hours a day and collected regularly. Ms McBrien’s team brings these broken or popped items to PLOYS, an initiative that repurposes old stuff into trendy bags, backpacks, smartphone cases, pouches or wallets to promote recycling and achieve zero waste.
Photo Credit: PLOYS/Facebook
At the end of December 2020, Ms McBrien was able to collect a substantial number of recyclables that were taken to PLOYS’ Bundaberg site, where the items will be cleaned, repaired and sewn to become new products.
Incidentally, PLOYS celebrated its first year of operation on 9 Jan 2021 with a price cut on its online eco-friendly items.
Ms McBrien is a radiographer, horticultural therapist and consultant on community gardening and recycling. She has been instrumental in helping Brisbane hospitals adopt smarter recycling methods.
“We have a responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of the health care service and to improve our hospital environments to increase our wellbeing and connection with nature,” Ms McBrien said.
The Council has recognised Ms McBrien’s contribution by awarding her the Waste Innovation 2019 award. She was also honoured with an International Woman of the Year citation and a Planetree Kindness Award in recent years.
Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook
The work of a team of archeologists from Griffith University in Nathan was cited as one of the Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs of 2020 in Science Magazine.
Members of the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research (GCSCR) and the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE) did extensive research on the world’s oldest known rock art early this year. Their discovery confirmed that Asia, instead of Europe, was the birthplace of modern humans’ very first figurative artwork.
Professors Maxime Aubert and Adam Brumm, along with Griffith PhD students Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Basran Burhan, studied cave paintings from 44,000 years ago in Indonesia. The artwork showed humans with spears or ropes and animal figures.
Photo Credit: Griffith University/Facebook
“It represents our species first evidence of storytelling,” Mr Brumm said. “The figurative depiction of hunters as therianthropes may also be the oldest evidence for our ability to imagine the existence of supernatural beings, a cornerstone of religious experience.
“This is the first time such a detailed visual narrative or ‘story’ has been identified so early in the vast record of prehistoric cave art worldwide.”
Mr Oktaviana said that the cave paintings have started to peel off at “an astonishing rate” due to age, thus the importance of the study.
“It would be a tragedy if these exceptionally old artworks should disappear in our own lifetime. But it is happening, so we need to understand why this globally significant rock art is deteriorating – and now.”
According to Science Magazine, this discovery from the Griffith University experts “unseats Europe as the first place where modern humans are known to have created figurative art.” It also showed that the human species could “imagine beings that do not exist” during those periods.
This is the second time Griffith University has landed in Science Magazine‘s Top 10 Scientific Breakthroughs, following the first recognition in 2014.
“In what has been a very tough year for Griffith it is wonderful to see our researchers making world-class discoveries that are changing our understanding of the human story,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans.
“This is a well-deserved recognition of the bold contributions of our students and academic staff. The work illustrates beautifully the confluence of the arts and sciences and has profound implications for modern understanding of people, human thought and behaviour,” added Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mario Pinto.
For bike riders who want to explore Brisbane’s natural areas, Toohey Forest Park is an interesting pathway to explore. Let’s revisit this 260-hectare reserve from a biker’s eyes.
Toohey Forest Park is located 10 kilometres south of the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD). It adjoins bushland owned and managed by Griffith University.
Set on 260 hectares, the forest vegetation is typical of the open eucalypt and vine forests that once covered Brisbane. There are sandstone outcrops, stunning grass trees, and banksias scattered throughout, which are particularly spectacular during late winter and spring when wildflowers are in bloom. The understorey has wattles, she-oaks, heath species, creepers, and grasses.
Photo credit: Lyle Radford/Widimedia Commons
The forest is the habitat of over 400 species of native wildlife and plant species. It is home to koalas, short-beaked echidnas, squirrel gliders, possums, and flying foxes. There are a variety of reptiles like lizards, goannas, skunks, and geckos as well as an array of butterflies and frogs.
It is also the abode of more than 75 species of birds such as kookaburras, grey shrike-thrushes, white-throated treecreepers, rainbow lorikeets, eastern spinebills, and yellow-faced honeyeaters.
Photo credit: Lyle Radford/Wikimedia CommonsPhoto credit: Gunjan Pandey/Wikimedia Common
Most of the forest tracks are recommended for bushwalking but the park also has designated mountain bike trails, namely Lophostemon Track, Toohey Ridge Track, Nathan Ridge Track, Dellwood Track, and Intercampus Link. These cycling trails differ in length, accessibility and difficulty.
With several kilometres of bike pathways and picnic spots, Toohey Forest is a great place to enjoy a scenic ride. As you listen to bird songs in the background, it really does feel like you’ve escaped the city, even if it’s only for a short while.
For more information on Toohey Forest Park, refer to the Brisbane City Website.
Are Tarragindi residents more at risk of being victims of animal attacks? Whilst data from Brisbane City Council shows that Inala has more than double the incidents, Tarragindi, along with Acacia Ridge, is second in the most number of reported animal attacks in 2019.
According to the Council’s animal complaints data, the suburb of Inala has topped the list with 33 reported attacks in 2019, followed by Acacia Ridge and Tarragindi (14), Moorooka and Manly West (11), and Camp Hill (10). Other animal-related complaints reported include cat trapping, fencing issues, menacing, defecating in public, wandering, and attack on other animals.
Whilst aggression is seen as normal instinctual behaviour, it can escalate and lead to attack if not handled correctly. According to RSPCA, a dog’s tendency to bite depends on five interacting factors: heredity, early experience, socialisation and training, health, and the behaviour of the victim.
Photo credit: David Mark / Pixabay
As defined by RSPCA, dog aggression is a threat, challenge, or attack that is directed towards one or more individuals.
Some of the recognised forms of aggression include:
Territorial aggression – the dog protects the property by barking, growling, snarling, biting
Predatory aggression – usually demonstrated through silently stalking small animals and birds, and may also stalk infants. Drooling is also a common sign
Fear aggression – the dog shows fearful body posture, with its tail and ears down, and may bark, growl, snarl as it backs up in response to people, or other animals. The dog may bite from behind, run away and look for escape routes when cornered
Pain aggression – usually in response to being manipulated or an aversive event
Sibling rivalry aggression – observed in dogs living in the same household and show signs of not get along
Sexually-related aggression – usually occurs between intact male dogs.
Council strongly suggests you consult your veterinarian if your pet is showing signs of aggression. The Council proactively patrols areas to enforce Animal Local Law and to educate pet owners about responsible pet ownership.
To report dog attacks, dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs, you may phone Council on 07 3403 8888. Council is ready to respond to and investigate reports related to aggressive dogs and dog attacks, as well as take necessary actions, including issuing fines, seizing the dog, or making an application to have the dog destroyed.
When a store is named Supernumerary Coffee you can expect to be completely impressed by its top-notch standards. Well, this recently-opened Salisbury cafe along Toohey Road is certainly aiming to live up to its name.
To be supernumerary is to exceed and this Salisbury cafe seems to have that part all worked out. Equipped with a top-notch, high-end espresso machine from Seattle’s Slayer Espresso, Supernumerary Coffee serves specialty brews that even the most discerning coffee-lovers will likely endorse.
Photo Credit: Supernumerary Coffee/Facebook
This Salisbury cafe also uses only the best beans from Padre, one of Melbourne’s finest blended coffee suppliers. Non-coffee drinks are sourced from premier Chinese tea supplier Kuura.
The food selection at Supernumerary Coffee, however, is simple and straightforward — avo toast, Wholly crumpets, banana bread, fruit loaf, and some vegan treats. The menu is not excessive for one good reason: they go perfectly well with its delicious coffee, its top-drawer and foremost product.
Owners Simon Flanagan and Chin Wu are passionate coffee lovers. In planning out their cafe, the partners wanted their coffee and coffee counter as the centrepiece. Thus, the restaurant’s minimalist interiors also work well with their concept.
As an added delight, Supernumerary Coffee is a dog-friendly establishment. On the menu are lactose-free puppacinos and cookies for four-legged visitors.
From time to time, this Salisbury cafe also has select coffee-related merchandise for sale.
Photo Credit: Supernumerary Coffee/Facebook
Supernumerary Coffee opened in late 2019 and serves breakfast and light lunch daily.
“I absolutely love coming to this boutique little establishment. The coffee is great, prices are reasonable. Highly recommend the avo on toast and the crumpets! The birthday cards on sale are super cute too! Pet friendly.”
Jonathan Chang, Google Reviews
“Supernumerary is my happy place. They offer a unique selection of tea, smooth, rich coffee and locally sourced food (my favourite is the crumpets served with fresh honeycomb!). It’s a cute little spot, and the owners are exceptionally kind. The cafe is a brilliant addition to the local community.”
“Favourite new regular spot. The owners are super friendly and super knowledgeable of the coffee they serve. Thee crumpets are addictive and the other items on their menu are delicious too!”
Ballistic Beer has plenty of reasons to celebrate its third birthday. In a short span of time, this beer company has established three outlets across Queensland, hired over 50 staff who continue to brew and serve thousands of litres of beers, and became widely distributed in most chain stores across the country.
To celebrate a fantastic year, Ballistic Beer is unleashing a party for the whole family. Yes, even kids are invited to this beer lovers’ festivities because there will be games and fun surprises for all!
Set for Saturday, the 8th of February 2020, the party vibe will be on from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at its spacious site at 53 McCarthy Road. Ballistic Beer is setting up three limited edition Twang Sour beers on tap with flavours like Pina Colada, Sangria and Watermelon Margarita.
A live band will be on stage to perform and entertain the crowd, as guests chill and enjoy their beers. Whilst there will be plenty of booze, there will also be heaps of food trucks to satisfy a hungry stomach. There will also be cake for everyone — it is a birthday party after all!
Photo Credit: Ballistic Beer/Facebook
Meanwhile, Ballistic Beer is reportedly in the early stages of setting up another facility on the south side of Brisbane. Owner David Kitchen said that they will be brewing his favourite type of beers at the still-undisclosed location.
The company is also expanding its Salisbury site with a function area for birthday parties, weddings and just about any event. Details of the beer company’s progress and growth will be highlighted at the third birthday party.
Australians love nothing more than to toast to big wins, milestones, and personalities with a good drink. This time, Ballistic Beer in Salisbury is raising a glass to some amazing heroes and the indomitable Australian spirit, inviting beer lovers to support bushfire relief efforts through an intoxicating but remarkable fundraiser.
Ballistic Beer has pledged all of its bar sales on Saturday, the 11th of Jan 2020, to the men and women who have been risking their lives to the bushfire recovery since November 2019. Whilst some of their efforts have had heartbreaking outcomes, these volunteers have been tirelessly doing what they can to help contain the bushfires and save lives.
“We would love it if you could come down show support to those who have had a bloody tough Christmas period,” Ballistic Beer’s invitation to this worthy cause stated.
“We feel like we need to show support for those of us who are doing it tougher than we are. We’d love your help and it’s as simple as coming down and having a beer.”
The bar is prepared to give guests quite a party as Ballistic Beer will set up food trucks and bring live music. Door prizes will also be given away to some lucky guests. Even children are invited as there will be kids’ movies and a jumping castle at the venue.
Ballistic Beer’s bushfire fundraiser will start at 1:00 p.m. If you’re not a beer drinker, juice, soft drinks and wine will be served as well. The event will benefit Wires, the wildlife rescue organisation, and The Salvation Army Australia.
A development application seeking to establish a childcare centre at 243 Douglas Road in Salisbury has been lodged.
The application seeks to develop a two-storey childcare centre on Douglas Road, Salisbury. The proposed site was occupied by the St Mary Magdalene’s Anglican Church building until it was demolished in 2018.
The center will be able to accommodate a maximum of 106 children ranging from six weeks to five years old. Proposed operating hours are between 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Friday.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The proposed building will contain six indoor children rooms, two cot rooms, eight bathroom, two multi-purpose rooms, office, reception area, staff room, kitchen, pantry, laundry, and storerooms.
Level 1 Floor plan – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The proposal provides play areas around the facility on the ground floor and above ground on top of the car park located on the first level.
There will also be 22 car parking spaces on the eastern side with access provided off Douglas Road on the easten side of the property frontage. To accommodate the increased need for access, the centre’s existing access arrangements will be augmented.
Ground Floor plan – Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Landscaping is a key design component of the proposal, the proposal said, covering about 22% of the site with over 10% of the site, or 175sqm, to be used for deep planting. Provision for deep planting will be provided along the northern, eastern, and partially along the southern boundary.
“The development will allow the site to transition from one community use (place of worship) to another (childcare centre). This use will continue to contribute to the needs of the local community,” the Ethos Urban assessment report said.
Finding a quirky and relaxing restaurant with a secret (not anymore!) garden in the midst of an industrial precinct is like taking in a breath of fresh air. Not easily seen from Tarragindi Road due to its natural slope, Macondo Cafe is your reward for discovering one of Salisbury’s best-kept secrets.
Once you’ve enjoyed eating here, it’s almost like you wouldn’t like the rest of Brisbane to know a delightful dining place like this exists amidst automotive service centres, furniture shops and an equipment processing plant. You want the secret all to yourself but you wouldn’t be able to help tell everyone about this unexpected discovery, for plenty of reasons.
1. Authentic Colombian food
This establishment’s specialty is authentic Colombian food and it’s one of the hardest to find cuisines in Queensland. Prepared by a Colombian-born chef, the dishes are a feast for the eyes. The menu has hundreds of choices highlighting Colombia’s regional dishes.
Photo Credit: Macondo/Facebook
For group diners, you can’t pass up on the Bandeja Paisa country tray. This is a generous meal filled with red beans or frijoles, rice, minced meat, crispy pork, plantain, chorizo, arepa corn bread and a nice slice of avocado.
Macondo Cafe also offers BBQed ribs (Costillas del Fuego), deep-fried pork ribs (Costillitas de Cerdo), classic Colombian street food (Salchipapas), chorizo plate (Picada Salchicha) and seafood plate (Picada del Mar). Its Friday nights are extra special because it is Tapas night.
The meals may be customised based on your dietary requirements. Just make a request from the friendly and helpful Spanish-speaking service staff for the chef to prepare the food just the way you like it.
3. Relaxing ambiance
Macondo Cafe has such a peaceful, homely and laid back ambience. You’ll forget that you’re actually right in the middle of an industrial precinct since it’s quiet, breezy and so casual. Its tree-lined garden setting is perfect for chilling with friends whilst you enjoy your drinks of choice.
Photo Credit: Macondo/Facebook
Photo Credit: Macondo/Facebook
4. Substantial drink list
Speaking of drinks, this cafe has a long list of beverages to go with your food. Macondo Cafe has cervezas, cocktails, mocktails, non-alcoholic and fizzy drinks. It also serves authentic Colombian coffee. You must not leave without trying its highly recommended Dragon brew drip coffee with Tinto black or Perico milk.
5. Events and activities
Lastly, Macondo Cafe hosts activities and entertainment regularly. In fact, on the 22nd of Jan 2020, there will be a free kids’ event featuring The Mini Moshers at 10:30 a.m.
Macondo Cafe is open twice a week with the following store hours:
Friday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
It’s currently closed for the holiday and will resume operation on Friday, the 10th of Jan 2020.
Booking is essential as the place can be packed. You may phone +61-7-32556795 for reservations and other dining requests.
“This place is an absolute gem. A comfortable relaxing outdoor deck. Sensational food, it is wonderful to have such a fantastic cultural gastronomic experience. Lovely service. Great variety of drinks. Pet friendly as well. We will be back.”
~ Sam Camp, Google Review
“Lovely food and genuinely nice service. The owner and his wife are really lovely people who are very personal in their service and do everything they can to make you feel welcome and satisfied.”
“New favourite place! A super cosy beer garden on the edge of the industrial estate and extremely yummy Colombian food, We tried a bunch of dishes, the arepas were fluffy, the fillings were tasy, the hogao tangy and they even had “jugo de lulo” (google it). Thanks so much, we’ll be back soon!”
Children can still learn so many things while on a break this summer holiday and if your family lives in Tarragindi or the nearby suburbs, then your kids can join a fun and exciting robotics program conducted by Junior Engineers.
Junior Engineers, established in 2013, provides young Australians with the avenue to create, learn to code, and master skills that are significantly useful in an era ruled by technology. The Robotics Program is designed as educational, enjoyable and entertaining with experienced industry experts guiding the students.
For this summer holiday, the following Robotics Program classes have opened up and will be taking place at the Wellers Hill State School on Toohey Road, Tarragindi.
WHEN
WHAT
OVERVIEW
16 to 17 Dec 2019
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Learn to Code Through Gamification for Grades 2 to 3
Students learn the foundations of coding through a combination of block-based and text-based programming languages. Coding environments include Scratch and CodeMonkey which cover languages such as CoffeeScript and Python. Own laptop required.
Build Your Own Arduino Smartwatch and Code It With Awesome Smart Watch Functionality for Grades 4 to 9
Kids get to build their own smartwatch and code it with awesome smartwatch functions. Students learn to code their devices with a REAL, text-based programming language C++ as well as learn key principles in robotics and mechatronics. Own laptop required.
The classes are ideally tailored with a ratio of one teacher to nine students. The approach to learning includes hands-on training, face-to-face encounters and the online setting.
Since it opened in 2013, Junior Engineers has enriched over a thousand students in 60 schools across Australia. Its main headquarters is at Finsbury Street in Newmarket.
