tarragindi Archives - Page 9 of 10

Famous Tarragindi Retro House on the Market After 38 Years

A distinctively familiar retro house on Marshall Road in Tarragindi is going on the auction block for the first time in 38 years and it’s one with an equally interesting history as Mater Prize Home No. 22.

Anyone who has walked or driven past this house for the last 57 years has admired its quirky beauty. Designed by architect John Dawson and builder Les Smith, it’s one of 100 houses built for the Mater Prize Home Art Union fundraising initiative.

“I’ve only been eyeing it off for about 6 years when I drove past it for the first time and almost crashed while staring at it,” one local said in the Facebook group Retro Houses for Sale.

“The amount of times I’ve driven past and audibly sighed at this home’s beauty…and now it’s for sale!”

But in 1964, when Mater Prize Home No. 22 went up the market for the first time, it was billed as “the latest ultra-modern Mater prize home.”

The house features four “dazzling bedrooms,” an “ultra-modern kitchen,” a deluxe dining room, lounge with a built-in sofa, patios and two garages. It also has a well-manicured garden with a “secluded barbecue area,” which was quite forward-looking at that time.

Some time ago, the former owners added security grills on the patio as an airy pet enclosure. Over the decades, this house has retained almost all of its original retro features, including the original hardwood flooring underneath the carpets.

Mater Prize Home No. 22, protected as local heritage-listed property, went up for auction on-site Sunday, 28 March 28, 2021.

People Went Out of Their Way to See It

When Mater Prize Homes were first sold, people would queue to see the properties and marvel at “modern conveniences” like airconditioning, plus design features like open-plan living, en suite bathrooms and built-in wardrobes. Today, these may be common features in many middle-class homes but these were considered “high-end” and “cutting edge” decades ago.

In those days, families would pack in their cars and drive down to look at a Mater Prize Home, if they have one near their area, as if they were on an excursion.

What is the Mater Prize Home initiative?

The Mater Prize Home initiative was established in 1954 and aimed to raffle off beautiful houses to Australian families to support the projects of Mater Foundation. Proceeds of this initiative went to supporting the patients’ financial needs during hospitalization, purchasing new life-saving equipment, funding research and diagnostics to treat and prevent even life-threatening diseases, and providing for the patients’ mental health care.

The Mater Foundation received more than $6 million in donated properties that were offered to the public via the house raffles. Tickets to the raffles had an initial cost of $2.

Upgrades Underway to Improve Wellers Hill Bowls Club in Tarragindi

If you’ve been by Wellers Hill Bowls Club in Tarragindi in recent weeks, you may have noticed the ongoing construction work to the front of the community space. Some upgrades are being done to improve the outdoor areas and further renovations will continue indoors in the next four months.

The club confirmed the redevelopment in a post on Facebook as the first stage of the earthworks has gotten underway. This phase covers the construction of the wheelchair-accessible path to the entrance and the removal of the front garden section whilst changes will also be made to the courtyard.

Despite the construction, Wellers Hill Bowls Club will continue to trade and serve visitors. The normal activities guests have enjoyed through the years, such as the Thursday Trivia Nights and Jack Attack (barefoot bowling), will not be interrupted.

It is business as usual at the club! In fact, the weekend food truck showcase is still in full force with the following line-up for the month of March:

The upkeep and harvest from the Tarragindi Community Garden next door will not be affected by the renovations. However, the gardeners might have to make some sacrifices and use the rear entry for some weeks.

Meanwhile, Wellers Hill Bowls Club is seeking suggestions from the community for someone with a creative idea to turn a white wall into a beautiful mural. Do you know an artist who could make use of this free canvas?

“We’re interested in some pieces that represent our club, the community or even just something nice to look at while we undergo renovations,” the club officials said.

Email bookings@whbowls.net if you have brilliant ideas on what design could go on this wall.

The renovation works are expected to finish by June 2021.

Summer School Holiday: Fun, Hands-On Coding and Robotics Happening in Tarragindi

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. Sign up for $235 per student
18 to 19 Dec 2019 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m	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. Sign up for $255 per student.

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.

How Old-Time Dancing in Tarragindi May Change Your Life

For two Sundays a month, the Brisbane Sunday Social Dance Club hosts an old-time dancing social at the Wellers Hills Bowls Club on Esher Street in Tarragindi and if you haven’t had the chance to join this community activity, consider coming to the next event as it might just change your life.

The next old-time dancing social is happening will be on Sunday, the 25th of Aug 2019, at 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Put on your dancing shoes and jive to the beat featuring original music from Australian musician Walter Willans. Find a partner and have fun performing the rumba, foxtrot, quickstep, tango or salsa.

Old-time dancing social is a regular community event established by the club since 1993. As a recreational activity, it has brought together groups of people from Tarragindi and nearby suburbs.

“We achieve this goal by providing a welcoming environment where people can come together to enjoy social interaction, physical exercise and mental stimulation,” as stated in the Brisbane Sunday Social Dance Club‘s mission statement.

Indeed, being part of a group that does fun stuff together, such as social dancing, can bring positive results. Participants feel good with this communal experience, where they can improve their social skills, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their creative outlet.

Social dancing also an invigorating form of exercise to strengthen the bones and muscles. Thirty minutes on the floor can burn as much as 150 calories without causing undue stress to the muscles and joints.

This activity breaks mundane routines and enhances brain functioning as dancers have to remember the choreographed steps and sequences taught by the club’s dance teachers, Alan and Lynelle Armitage.

No need for advanced booking to join this dance. Simply come to the Weller Hills Bowls Club and pay for the tickets as you come in.

SkinSpirit Day Spa in Tarragindi Lives Up to Its Name If You Need a Pick-Me-Up

You’ll need a mood and energy booster after a long and gruelling week at work. Why not spend some time at the SkinSpirit Day Spa in Tarragindi for a bit of a pick-me-up?

Located at 212 Cracknell Road, this award-winning spa uses chemical-free skincare products to rejuvenate your skin. Attended by professionally trained and compassionate staff, you’ll receive the best pampering that will dissolve your stress and lift your spirits.

SkinSpirit Day Spa provides massages, facial treatments, waxing, brow sculpting, lash tinting, manicure and pedicure, makeup and spray tan. If you don’t know what to get, the spa has special packages lumping treatments that their beauty and wellness experts have carefully thought out.

Your first visit to this spa won’t be your last. They are quite good at what they do that they have won returning clients over and over.

SkinSpirit Day Spa has a well-designed and well-equipped facility with private and separate treatment rooms for your comfort. You’ll leave this place mellowed and relaxed after a few hours of pampering.

The spa opens at 9:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and usually closes at 5:00 p.m. But trading hours are stretched until 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday and Thursday.

“My first experience here was a gift voucher. I had a facial and it was amazing. Extra attention to little details and the most amazing scalp massage. Perfect way to treat yourself.”
~ Ainsley Groves, Google Reviews

“Hands down the best service I have ever had. I first went to them 12 years ago when they were local to me over at Calamvale and followed them to the new location they were that good. Michelle and her staff are amazing please go see them!!”
~ Charlene Bron, Facebook

5 New Weekend Things To Do In Tarragindi

If you’d like to spend a relaxing but productive weekend without going far from home, you have plenty of options right in Tarragindi. How about changing up your routine a bit and signing up for some classes? Learning can be fun and enriching, and it wil give you that much-needed energy boost to face the week ahead.

Here are 5 interesting workshops to check out in Tarragindi for the next two weekends:

1. Sip & Sniff Evening – doTERRA Event

DAY	Any day
TIME	5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PLACE	Address to be provided upon registration
FEE	Free

Curious about essential oils? Then drop by The Well-Oiled Mum’s shop any day to check out doTerra Essential Oils. Find out what makes this different from fragrance oils and what it can do to your health and wellness. Stick around to share a drink with The Well-Oiled Mum. You won’t just end up knowing about the products, you’ll also make a friend!

2. Reiki – Level 1 Training

DAY	Friday and Saturday 5 to 6 July 2019
TIME	10:00 a.m.
PLACE	Juma Health & Yoga, Windmill Street
FEE	$90

The Japanese technique to reduce stress, Reiki heals not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Learning this ability is a gift, which requires being attuned to your own energy. Take part in this workshop to learn the basics of Reiki so that you can also apply this to your friends, family or even your pet.

3. Beginners Candle Making Workshop

DAY	Saturday, 6 July 2019
TIME	10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
PLACE	21 Lutzow Street
FEE	$36.61 via Eventbrite

You’d be surprised to know that candle making can be a fulfilling activity. If you’re headstrong about sticking to a process, then you’ll enjoy making candles. It’s quite therapeutic to go through the steps and spend time waxing, wicking, and mixing colours and scents into your creation. This activity will melt your stress away even if you’re just a beginner.

4. Learn How To Make A Wire Wrapped Gemstone Pendant

DAY	Saturday, 13 July 2019
TIME	1:00 p.m.
PLACE	Schedule a meet-up
FEE	$45

Tired of wearing the same accessories as everyone else? You can totally create your own jewellery and this workshop will teach you the basics. And if you’ve mastered the technique enough, then you can probably start your own business. Materials are included in this workshop, as well as the use of tools.

5. Experimental Marbling on Paper & 3D Objects with Bronwyn

DAY	Sunday, 14 July 2019
TIME	10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
PLACE	Weller Hill Arts Hub (BVAC) 140A Weller Road
FEE	$123.18

If you’re looking for a completely different experience then why not learn the ancient art of Ebru/Turkish style paper? Paint marbling is interesting because every piece you make will be unique.

*Photo Credit: raynbowcrowstudios/Instagram*

So, there you have it! Your weekend plans are all figured out! Book a spot at these any of these workshops as soon as possible as slots may be limited.

Dog-Friendly Cafes In and Around Tarragindi

Photo Credit: Black Lab Coffee/Facebook

Are you looking for a cool hangout where you can get your coffee fix, watch dogs play, and enjoy a tasty meal? If you’re a coffee lover and a dog lover, these establishments in and around Tarragindi might just be your next stomping grounds.

Black Lab Coffee

6/11 Kuring Gai Avenue
Opens Mondays to Saturdays – 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Sundays -7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Black Lab Coffee is the brainchild of Luke, an entrepreneur who also runs Maluka Produce in Noosaville with his brother Matt. The coffee shop is named after Luke’s beloved black Labrador Audrey and she’s usually at the store to socialise with the four-legged guests.

The dog-friendly nook, located on Kuring Gai Avenue, is meant to be a takeaway coffee spot, where customers can text the store to pick up their orders. However, Black Lab Coffee also has a spacious seating area where guests can linger, drink their coffee, or have breakfast with their furry pets.

*Photo Credit: Black Lab Coffee/Facebook*

The coffee spot uses roasted Di Bella coffee beans but there’s also a good selection of smoothie blends, milkshakes, and other delectable drinks. The food choices are mostly takeaways like rolls, toasties, cupcakes and organic treats.

Dogs, on the other hand, can have fresh drinking water as Black Lab Coffee provides water bowls for guests who bring their pets. Customers may also buy Discuit dog treats, which are handmade and baked without preservatives and artificial flavours.

Since it opened, Black Lab Coffee has hosted many pet adoption events with various animal rescue groups. The store has also mounted fundraising efforts for these organizations and it continually promotes responsible pet ownership.

“Did not realise that my last review has been over 2 years and it ought to be the time for a re-visit. Explored this morning and I am happy to see that the café has extended to provide nice indoor dining area for customers. Business is as busy as before, which is expected due to the fact that the coffee made of Locale bean (should it be Di Bella? not sure?) delivers very good depth of flavour. Tried a mini jam donut to go with my flat white. Although I am not very keen on sweet treats, the donut is surprisingly match well with the coffee. Overall production is consistent and wish they all the best in business. Cheers!”
~ Ronnielui2003, via Zomato 

Todd & Pup

398 Tarragindi Rd
Opens daily 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Todd & Pup is known for its gourmet coffee selections, brunches and dozens of sweet treats. Owned and managed by Kate Whitlock, this cafe on Tarragindi Road has been in business since 2014.

Over the years, Todd & Pup has seen a few menu upgrades as well as a site expansion to accommodate more diners. The cafe, however, is still an ideal place for puppy meet ups with its spacious and comfortable outdoor seating area.

Todd & Pup also offers a special kids menu and a puppy menu.

*Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Todd & Pup/Facebook*

“What we lack in human children we make up for in fur-babies. We take our pooch Thor everywhere with us and were absolutely delighted to read that Todd and Pup in Moorooka not only have insta-worthy human dishes – but they also have a Pooch Menu. That’s right ladies and gents, while you’re filling your belly with the outlet’s signature dish – the Fried Chicken Benedict (super soft buttermilk chicken and that sirarcha hollandaise with tantalizing tickle) – your furry friend can be snacking on their own brekky. We chose the sweet potato + bacon doggie hash brown for Thor and it disappeared pretty quickly! Personally we think $7 for a full dog meal is a bargain, especially considering a single scoop of doggie ice-cream costs $7 these days. Next time he wants the Pho. We know because he told us.”
~ The Other Jenners, via Zomato

Esher St. Cafe and Deli

46 Esher Street
Opens weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m; weekends 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Esher St. Cafe and Deli has quite the indiscriminate and relaxed atmosphere with its recycled wooden pallet furniture. The restaurant is perfect for families with small kids and pets.

*Photo Credit: Esher St. Cafe and Deli/Facebook*

The cafe is also a favourite among health buffs with its vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests especially love to order the avocado smash, which is their best-selling dish but they also have sumptous servings of poach eggs, baked haloumi, and pumpkin fritters with sourdough toast.

Esher St. Cafe and Deli also serves the best West End roasted Veneziano Coffee.

This restaurant is owned and managed by the same group that runs the Alcove Cafe & Deli in Wilston and Samson & Sophie in Teneriffe.

I really like the avo smash here, and the serving size is generous for the price which is quite reasonable in comparison to most others in the area. The back deck area is a shabby chic style, its interesting but not the most comfortable. Coffee was very nice and the service is pretty good. All up – I’ve quite enjoyed the couple times I’ve been here, I’m sure I’ll be back again.

~ Spice Dad via Zomato

Salisbury: From Industrial Estate to Revitalised Suburb

Located just 10 km from the CBD, Salisbury nowadays is proving to be more than just the industrial estate that it used to be. Trendy, newly opened cafes, studios, and community events such as street parties, are giving the neighbourhood a hip and creative vibe, attracting more people into the area.

With easy access to transport facilities such as the railway station, and the substantial number of open spaces, local shops, and well-established schools, Salisbury has become a worthwhile option for those looking for affordable, yet strategic, housing.

A Glimpse of Salisbury’s History

Salisbury Munition Factory — Rocklea Ammunition Factory Photo credit: ozatwar.com

Brisbane, specifically Salisbury, played an important role during the Second World War.

Given Salisbury’s expansive, rural and remote location, a large munition factory, named Rocklea Ammunition, was built along the area of Compo Road, currently named Evans Road, during the 1940s. Large-engine test cells were also placed within the vicinity of Compo Road.

Evidence of munition works in Salisbury can be seen at present time in the suburb’s street names, such as Assembly, Bearing, and Lathe Streets.

By 1943-1944, the Rocklea Ammunition factory had been terminated and its buildings were soon taken over by different groups, converting the entire estate into a base workshop, tank workshop, and an engine refurbish site.

From 1955-1959, series of road structures and extensions were made in order to connect Orange Grove Road, Lillian Avenue, and Evans Road all together. Salisbury was then linked to Tarragindi by September of 1959 via Toohey Road.

In these post-war years, Salisbury’s short distance from Brisbane safeguarded its urban settlement. What was once an industrial wilderness soon became a residential development site given its speedy growth from 1960s onwards.

Year	Population
1911	84
1921	564
1976	6537

Source: queenslandplaces.com.au

Present Day Salisbury

A large number of families have been recently seeking to make Salisbury their new home.

Salisbury Demand Market — Photo credit: realestate.com.au

Read: Tarragindi Median House Price Rises to $777,000 Amidst Strong Demand

With more people dwelling into the neighbourhood, a few residents have opened up their own small enterprises in the area for a more sustainable living.

Different small businesses are now well-established in Salisbury, including coffee shops, brewery, organic restaurants and diners, art galleries, dance and yoga studios, and bookstores.

These businesses in town have further led the owners to assert themselves into fostering a sense of community amongst the people of Salisbury.

Salisbury Chrome Street Fiesta — Different kiosks geared up for Salisbury’s annual Chrome Street Fiesta.
Photo credit: Reload Espresso Bar/ Facebook

Gentrification has brought a newer, and more current “vibe” to the neighbourhood, further driving its growth. In what can be perceived as an attempt by residents to strike a balance between work and family living, today’s Salisbury has evolved to include trendier places where people can grow, enjoy, and feel a sense of belongingness.

Salisbury Compo Road — Aerial view of former Rocklea Ammunition Factory in Compo Road (Evans Road) in 1946
Photo credit: ozatwar.com

Salisbury Evans Road — Present day satellite view of Evans Road, showcasing Salisbury as a growing and revitalised suburb. Photo credit: Google Maps / google.com/maps

Tarragindi: One Of Most In-Demand Suburbs in Queensland

Queensland suburbs are defying the demand downturn that is hitting some of Australia’s biggest housing markets such as Sydney and Melbourne. Tarragindi ranked among most in-demand suburbs in QLD headed by inner-north suburb of Grange, an October property report said.

For the past 12 months, Grange topped the list of the most in-demand suburbs according to the October Property Outlook from realestate.com.au. With Chandler, Burbank, Paddington, Red Hill, Camp Hill, Holland Park, Ashgrove, Tarragindi, and Wilston completing the elite list of most in-demand suburbs.

From one year ago, buyer demand for housing in Brisbane climbed by 1.4 percent. The median price for all dwellings is at $490,000, up by 1.0 percent year-on-year and 1.0 percent quarter-on-quarter. Whilst things are turning well for the Brisbane housing market, Sydney’s and Melbourne’s buyer demand numbers have gone south by as much 23 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The report attributes the QLD’s positive housing demand to better economic conditions in Queensland. The report sees positive outlook over the next 12 months as QLD’s economic performance will continue to pull the housing market up with premium Brisbane suburbs benefiting the most.

Video Still credit: realestate.com.au/realestate.com.au/news

The median price for houses in Tarragindi as of May 2018 is at $776,961 with a 15.31 per cent 3-year growth and 2.71 per cent growth from last year, according to homesales.com.au. CoreLogic, on the other hand, shows the Tarragindi median house price for the past 12 months at $773,000 for a one-year price change of 1.05 per cent. The median price for units for the past 12 months is at $482,000 with a one-year median price change of 3.55 per cent.

The following Queensland regions have shown positive demand growths: Brisbane Inner City by 8.2 per cent, East by 9.1 per cent, and North by 5.0 per cent. Whilst South and West dropped by -6.1 and -1.6 per cent respectively.

The report said, that Brisbane did well not only on buyer demand but rental demand and pricing, and offshore buyer demand as well. Offshore buyer demand, in particular, has been quite exceptional as affordability and education sector are luring overseas buyers into Brisbane.

Tarragindi’s Moorbell Street Park Is Your Escape From The Summer Heat

One of the best things about living in Brisbane is that there are plenty of green spaces. During this hot summer, one might think that going to a park isn’t a good idea but one particular Tarragindi park remains cool and well-shaded under the glaring sun.

Moorbell Street Park is located at the back streets located behind Marshall Road. It is a small park that is well-tended and offers plenty of shade. Thanks to the trees that surround the area, one can definitely stay cool here while you enjoy the outdoors.

The park is also perfect for kids as there are swings, slide, monkey bars, a rebound wall and a water bubbler. Your kids will definitely be entertained while you lounge around with a good book or with your friends.

You can also have get-togethers here are there is a picnic area and a wood-fired BBQ

It’s the perfect spot to chill this summer!