Nathan Archives - Tarragindi News

Griffith University’s N82 Building: A Green Oasis Inspired by Toohey Forest

Construction is on the horizon for a groundbreaking addition to Griffith University’s Nathan campus, a structure poised to redefine the campus landscape. The new N82 building is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the nearby Toohey Forest.

To earn a prestigious five-star Green Star Building V1 rating, the project also aspires to set new standards in responsible construction and procurement.

The N82 building is slated to become a campus centrepiece, distinguished by a central outdoor atrium created through a series of elevated terraces. The facility is set to introduce a host of innovative features, with a special focus on catering to a diverse range of needs.

The building’s internal colour palette will mirror the vibrant fauna and flora of the forest, offering a serene and harmonious environment for its occupants.

Griffith University’s Chief Operating Officer, Peter Bryant, is at the forefront of this visionary project.

Inclusivity at its Core

Of particular note is the inclusion of a Changing Places facility on the ground level, specially designed to accommodate individuals living with disabilities. This facility will boast essential amenities such as a hoist, a change bed, and an accessible toilet.

Beyond accessibility, the N82 building will encompass formal and informal teaching spaces, comfortable lounge areas, and integrated teaching spaces seamlessly merging with research and staff accommodation.

A Shared Commitment

In an exciting collaboration, the N82 project team is partnering with Griffith University’s engineering academics to propose the installation of geotechnical and structural real-time sensing into the building. These sensors will measure critical data, including movement, deflection, and groundwater fluctuations, further enhancing the building’s functionality.

Jerome Johnson, General Manager Construction Queensland/Northern Territory at Lendlease, expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Griffith University on this project. Beyond construction, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the educational experience for students, staff, and the research community.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, N28 will undoubtedly stand as a shining example of what can be achieved when nature, technology, and academia converge in harmonious synergy.

Published 4-Jan-2024

Uncovering History: Toohey Forest’s Hidden Past

Toohey Forest, a tranquil retreat known for its ecological significance and scenic beauty, was the site of a significant discovery of artefacts in the late 19th century. Over one hundred years later, a new round of efforts are being made to uncover the story behind that discovery.

The Indigenous Significance

Toohey Forest, a part of the Brisbane area known as Meanjin to the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples, is rich in Indigenous history. This land was home to abundant natural resources and served as a hub for traditional activities. From hunting and crafting using the local fauna to spiritual and ceremonial practices, the forest was integral to the Indigenous way of life.

Even in the post-European settlement era, indigenous people continued their traditional practices in the forest, albeit with increasing challenges due to displacement.

The Discovery by George Thomas McDonald

In the late 19th century, a significant discovery was made by George Thomas McDonald, a surveyor and farmer. While exploring Toohey Forest, McDonald stumbled upon a cave that housed a collection of ochre-painted human bones, alongside stone and shell knives.

Mr McDonald, who was born in Scotland in 1835 and later settled in Brisbane, played a pivotal role in bringing these historical pieces to light. He passed away on 29 Jan 1915 in Wynnum at the age of 79.

Since then, the artifacts have been carefully preserved and later housed at the Queensland Museum.

Recent Developments and Research

Fast forward to the 21st century, and these artefacts have once again sparked interest. The Annerley Stephens History Group is leading the charge and recently organised a conference to delve deeper into the nature and history of the artefacts.

The event aimed to shed light on the local history, with a focus on the First Nations’ heritage. A key aspect of the conference was to discuss the significance of these artefacts and their connection to the local Indigenous people.

With the consent of Aboriginal elders, a thorough examination of these artefacts has gotten underway to determine their age and deeper historical context.

Toohey Forest Today

Today, Toohey Forest stands as a testament to Brisbane’s rich and diverse history. It is not only a natural sanctuary but also a bridge connecting the present to the past. The discovery of these artefacts has opened a new chapter in understanding the Indigenous heritage of the area, offering insights into the lives and practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

As research continues, Toohey Forest is poised to reveal more of its hidden stories, enriching our understanding of the land and its original inhabitants.

Published 14-Nov-2023

Griffith University Experts in Nathan Cited for Scientific Breakthrough of 2020

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.

New Queensland State Netball Centre in Nathan to Host Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup

Photo Credit: Queensland State Netball Centre/Facebook

The new $44 million Queensland State Netball Centre in Nathan will host a Super Netball pre-season tournament. Dubbed the Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup, the sports event will take place from the 8th to the 10th of March 2019.

The games will have all eight teams of the Suncorp Super Netball present. Each team will play four matches per session scheduled on Friday evening, the whole day Saturday and Sunday morning.

To check the full schedule and to find out which team will go up against each other, sports fans may download the full fixture provided by Suncorp Super Netball.

*Photo Credit:* *Queensland Firebirds/Facebook*

The pre-season tournament in the new Queensland State Netball Centre will be up for 10-minute quarters only. Nevertheless, the Queensland Firebirds are excited to welcome other players to their new state-of-the-art homebase.

“It is an incredible moment for Netball Queensland as we welcome the world’s best netballers to our new world-class venue here in Brisbane,” Netball Queensland CEO Catherine Clark said in the official press release. “What a fantastic way to open the Queensland State Netball Centre. This arena will become synonymous with the world leading steps that we are taking for female athletes and women’s sport in this country. The access and opportunity that it will provide for our upcoming athletes and spectators is unprecedented,”

Last 25th of February, no less than Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk threw the first ball to signal the official opening of the new Queensland State Netball Centre.

The upgraded facility features a 5,000 seating capacity, eight indoor hard courts, a gymnasium, a changing area, a medical and science section, the administrative offices, as well as the cafe and food outlets. The centre also has an ample parking space that will be able to support the capacity of spectators during practice games and actual tournaments.

Construction of the new site started in mid-2017 and was funded by the Queensland and Federal governments. Brisbane City Council, on the other hand, donated the land where the new Queensland State Netball Centre stands on Mains and Kessels Road.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Firebirds will be hosting their first home game against the Collingwood Magpies in this arena on the 4th of May. The 2019 Suncorp Super Netball season will officially open in April.