tarragindi Archives - Page 8 of 10

Wellers Hill Medical Centre Named Queensland’s General Practice of the Year

Wellers Hill Medical Centre, the long-established health facility on Denham Terrace in Tarragindi, has been named the General Practice of the Year for Queensland at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Awards.

Dr Nicholas Gianarakis accepted the award on behalf of the Wellers Hill Medical Centre staff during the ceremony at the City Hall. He said that this recognition is a tribute to the hardwork of the team, especially during this pandemic.

“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this allowed us to restructure our practice to create an isolated respiratory clinic,” Dr Gianarakis said. “This has also enabled us to operate a busy Covid vaccination clinic delivering approximately one thousand COVID-19 vaccines every week.”

“We strive to maintain the caring and hardworking ethos of the late Dr Nicholas Conomos, who founded our practice in 1961,” the doctor added.

The RACGP Awards honour individual GPs, supervisors, GPs in training and general practices around the country. Also recognised for Queensland are Dr Joseph England of Townsville for GP in Training of the Year, Dr Sam Manger of Maleny of the Sunshine Coast for GP of the Year, and Dr Yvette Morcos of the Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service in Mareeba for GP Supervisor of the Year.

The award comes as the medical centre has also recently completed its upgrades and expansion to accommodate more patients and specialists to cater to a broad spectrum of healthcare issues.

Aside from onsite experts, the facility provides pathology services as well as allied health services related to psychology, podiatry, exercise physiology, dietetics, and audiology. Wellers Hill Medical Centre also conducts telehealth consultation as its standard operating procedure.

“We are now doing telehealth (video) consultations as our first preference. When the Doctor is ready, you will be sent a link to your phone via text message. Please click on this link and accept the call, you will then be connected with the Doctor via video. Your smartphone will need a camera and internet access for this to work.”

For appointments, phone 3848 2111 or book online.

Revival of the Tarragindi Bowls Club Included in The Green

The Green, the residential retirement facility set for construction in Tarragindi, also includes plans to ‘revive’ the Tarragindi Bowls Club.

In 2018, the Tarragindi Bowls Club moved to the Salisbury Sports and Community Club because of the planned redevelopment. In August 2021, RetireAustralia, the developer behind the retirement village project, received approval from the Queensland Planning and Environment Court to bring back the Tarragindi Bowls Club as a full competition bowling green.

RetireAustralia plans to put a championship quality 10-rink bowling facility with a new clubhouse, cafe, and car parking spaces for visitors. The site next to a 94-apartment complex will include large green spaces for the children to play and for the grown-ups to establish a productive garden.

Brett Robinson, the CEO of Retire Australia, said that The Green will be “a landmark development with a shared community” alongside the Yeronga Services and Community Club. The club’s officials believe that the redevelopment will help Tarragindi Bowls Club diversify and survive with new revenue streams amid the changing needs of the locals.

“All residents of The Green also enjoy free lifetime membership to the Tarragindi Bowls Club, which has been proudly brought back to life as the heart of this thriving community and neighbourhood,” RetireAustralia stated.

“Open and accessible to all, the Club is the go-to place for your daily caffeine fix, sunset drinks, leisurely meals or a game on the championship-quality green.”

The Green’s construction timeline has not yet been detailed but it is projected to take place for 18 months.

Follow the developments via the Tarragindi Bowl’s Club Facebook or the official site for the retirement village.

How Possums & Co Can Help New Parents

Photo credit: Laura Garcia/Pexels

Support groups are a good place to start looking for help when it comes to raising your little one, especially when you have a newborn in the house. If you’re in Brisbane, you can turn to Possums & Co, a nonprofit organisation founded by Tarragindi local Dr Pamela Douglas.

Read: Fridays are for Free Yoga Sessions in Tarragindi

The team at Possums & Co, led by Dr Douglas, are leaders in evidence-based support on breastfeeding, sleep, crying babies, and maternal mood. Dr Douglas is a GP-Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist and ACT Therapist who has been in general practice since 1985.

Dr Douglas developed Neuroprotective Developmental Care or ‘the Possums programs’ which integrates the latest research including lactation science, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, sleep science, and attachment psychology with a set of powerful psychological strategies known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Renee Keogh, a registered nurse and lactation consultant with Dr Pamela Douglas, founder and medical director of the Possums Clinic (Photo supplied)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance as a way to deal with negative thoughts. As ACT Mindfully explains it, the goal of ACT is to maximise human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life.

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A post shared by Possums & Co. Est. 2011 (@possumsonline)

“Women with babies and small children need to get together! It’s good for a woman’s mental health, it’s good for the baby. And the Possums community is known as a welcoming, non-judgemental place for parents who are passionate about supporting their baby’s secure attachment, which is all parents actually!” said Dr Douglas.

How Possums & Co Can Help

Ms Keogh and events coordinator Ms De-Arne Wicks (far right) with a Possums & Co mum and her baby/Photo supplied

Possums & Co provides group sessions for mothers and babies at The South Brisbane Sailing Club in West End.

Every Wednesday starting at 11:00 a.m. the Possums team provide an opportunity to bring like-minded parents together for support and enjoyment. All are welcome, even if they are new to Possums – they only ask for a small gold coin donation to cover costs.

Dr Douglas and Ms Keogh (Photo supplied)

They have set up a parent drop-in morning every Wednesday, to create a non-judgemental welcoming space for parents to drop in, have a chat, feel supported. In addition to online self-help programs about sleep and breastfeeding, Possums & Co offers free resources for parents in the form of blogs, videos, podcasts.

The Possums Clinic Brisbane is also offering in-clinic consultations and home visits. They provide specialised services in breastfeeding, sleep, and unsettled babies. To learn more about their services, visit their website or follow them on Facebook for updates.

The Green, a New Retirement Village in Tarragindi, Ready for Construction

Following a simple sod-turning ceremony on Cracknell Road in Tarragindi, construction will soon begin for The Green, a new retirement village that will stand next to the Tarragindi Bowls Club and clubhouse.

A project hatched by Yeronga Services and Community Club and RetireAustralia, the $80-million development of an expansive and beautiful retirement village is projected to start in late 2021 and will take 18 months to finish. However, expressions of interest have been opened as well.

Pictured left to right Hutchinson Builders Chairman Scott Hutchinson, Yeronga Services Club General Manager Nathan Young, Brisbane City Councillor and Deputy Mayor Cr Krista Adams and RetireAustralia CEO Brett Robinson.Photo Credit: RetirementAustralia/Facebook

Hutchinson Builders will develop The Green as a community asset that will have 94 apartments for independent living, a private cinema, indoor and outdoor gyms, and a library. Its residents will have access to the bowling green next door.

At least 70 percent of the retirement site will be an open space, where residents may also enjoy a secured and landscaped park with common areas for gardening, barbecuing, and a playground for the grandkids who will come to visit their grandparents.

Photo Credit: Retirement Australia/Google Maps

“The Green, like all our villages, is designed to offer choice, support, social connection and peace of mind,” RetireAustralia CEO Brett Robinson said. “It will be a thriving community with care at its heart.”

Scott Hutchinson, the chairman of Hutchinson Builders, said that their workers have been eager to get started on building The Green since the site has been passive for a very long time. Nathan Young, the general manager of Yeronga Services and Community Club, believes that this retirement site will be a huge drawcard for the Tarragindi community.

For updates on the development, follow RetireAustralia’s Facebook page.

Fridays are for Free Yoga Sessions in Tarragindi

Did you know that an all-ages yoga session happens every Friday at the Tarragindi Recreation Reserve behind Bruno’s Cafe on Laura Street? If you haven’t tried this community exercise, you still have heaps of chances to join one session and see if it fits what you need.

The free yoga classes, which will run until the 17th of September 2021, takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Bookings are not required for this session but if you do attend, don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat so you can do the movements in comfort.

Yoga sessions in the park have other benefits, aside from physical fitness. This outdoor exercise may boost a person’s happy hormones and awareness because the participants are surrounded by natural scenery.

People who spend at least an hour of exercise surrounded by nature can increase the benefits of meditation. Whilst it might seem awkward to do yoga in the park, at first, the power of nature actually makes people more motivated to take deeper breaths and relax, thus maximising the benefits of the session.

Doing yoga in the park also increases a person’s alertness and focus, so participants are able to improve their balance and stability whilst doing the yoga positions. Besides, it makes sense to do actual Sun Salutations under the sun and soak in all that natural vitamin D.

For information about the Friday sessions, phone Yoga Mind Body at 0401 247 328. To learn more about free yoga in the park activities in Tarragindi, check out Brisbane City Council’s Active and Healthy Events.

Tarragindi House Sets New Suburb Record After $3.125 Million Sale

In the midst of a lockdown in Queensland, a home in Tarragindi has set a new record at a weekend auction after selling for $3.125 million.

The house on Tarragindi Street is the first property to break the $3 million mark in this South Brisbane suburb on a day that has been one of the strongest auction days of the year. Eight online bidders had their eye on the house before it sold on 7 Aug 2021, as parts of Queensland were on its 8th day of another lockdown.

Ideally suited for a growing family who loves to entertain, the Tarragindi house offers relaxed outdoor living with its expansive backyard, featured with a heated pool and heaps of space for dining and barbeque.

To the center of the house is a gourmet kitchen that’s meant to become the gathering point among families and friends. The home’s architecture is an impressive three-level concrete building with titanium zinc and cedar cladding. It has an easy outdoor flow that faces a gorgeous view of Brisbane.

Inside, the living area has an Italian tiled gas fireplace and custom-built cabinets. A lift brings the family to the second floor, which has a balcony for lounging and entertaining. The home also has its own media room, gym, and a guest bedroom with a separate entry.

Place Estate Agents managing director Paul Curtain revealed that there had been some apprehension in the market because of the new COVID-19 outbreaks.

However, the response from the market remained strong despite the lockdown as most of the properties during the auction closed within or above the reserve price. Mr Curtain said that property experts don’t see the market changing amidst the restrictions as private inspection could be arranged.

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.

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.

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.