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Westfield Mt Gravatt Transforms into Festival Wonderland With Silent Discos, Basketball Workshops

Silent discos, where people can groove to the beat wearing wireless headphones. Basketball workshops with the Southwest Metro Pirates. Check out what’s coming up at Westfield Mt Gravatt.

Silent Discos: Groove to Your Own Rhythm

From Monday to Sunday, 18 to 23 Sept 2023, Westfield Mt Gravatt will be abuzz with excitement as it becomes a part of Brisbane Festival 2023 and presents an extraordinary event called Silent Discos. This is a unique and immersive musical experience for attendees of all ages so everyone is invited to move to their own rhythm at the Town Square dining precinct, near the Hotel Beach House.

Here’s what the event has in store:

Musical Magic: Participants can groove to the hottest tunes while wearing wireless headphones, creating a surreal musical atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to dance to your favorite tracks without disturbing others.

Laser Light Show: Get ready to be dazzled by laser lighting effects that will transform the Town Square into a mesmerizing dance floor.

Interactive Games: Alongside dancing, attendees can enjoy various interactive games, adding an element of excitement and competition to the event.

The Silent Discos bring not just musical enjoyment but also a fantastic opportunity for families to come together, dance, and have fun in a unique way. It’s an event that encourages self-expression and celebrates the joy of music.

BOOK A SPOT

Basketball Workshops: Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Then from Monday to Friday 25 to 29 Sept 2023, Westfield Mt Gravatt will host Basketball Workshops, taking family fun to the next level. Families are invited to learn from the best and elevate their basketball skills.

Key details of the Basketball Workshops:

Hosted by Professionals: The workshops will be led by professionals from the Southwest Metro Pirates, providing participants with top-notch training and insights into the world of basketball.

Ultimate Training Program: These workshops are designed to help attendees take their basketball skills to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s something for everyone to learn and enjoy.

Enjoy a memorable week of fun, entertainment, and skill development at Westfield Mt Gravatt and make this school holidays a blast for the entire family.

Learn MORE ABOUT THE EVENTs

Published 14-Sept-2023

‘Pavilion’ in Upper Mount Gravatt Approved As Part Of ‘Mini-CBD’ Plans

Amended plans for ‘Pavilion,’ a new luxury apartment development in Upper Mount Gravatt have received approval, supporting the suburb’s inclusion into a cluster of suburban business districts that could form a mini Central Business District outside Brisbane.

Read: Developer Seeks Changes To ‘The Pavilion’ In Upper Mt Gravatt

The project, led by Oakridge Property Group, will feature 144 one- to three-bedroom apartments across multiple mid-rise buildings, a slight increase from the 141 medium density units which were initially proposed by the developer.

The design by architecture firm MAS-Architecture Studio aims to provide residents with high-end amenities and facilities. Apartments will have access to a swimming pool, BBQ entertainment areas, water features and garden courtyards.

Mini CBD — Photo Credit:MAS-Architecture Studio

The Pavilion development will feature three towers spread across the site. Tower 1 and 3 will stretch over most of the area, with the square-shaped central Tower 2 situated between them.

The new design aims to add natural ventilation to lobbies on typical floors, streamline apartment layouts, and reinvigorate the street interface by allowing direct access from Klumpp Road to apartment terraces. Other changes from the original proposal are increasing the total area of shared amenities by moving the swimming pool and shortening the visitor parking ramp.

Mount Gravatt as Mini CBD

Along with Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Chermside, Upper Mount Gravatt forms a cluster of suburban business districts outside of the Brisbane city centre, which gives it a “mini-CBD” character.

The Brisbane City Plan 2014 has categorised Upper Mount Gravatt as a ‘PC 2 Regional centre’ under its zoning plan.

Read: New Sephora Store Coming Soon to Westfield Mt Gravatt

Examples of intended development for suburbs under the PC 2 Regional centre are regionally significant commercial, residential community, cultural and entertainment uses as well as retail requiring large catchments. High rise buildings containing a mix of uses are also allowed, according to the city plan.

Published 10-September-2023

“If every classroom could look like this, education would be revolutionised in Australia” Mt Gravatt Education Specialist Says

Teachers, parents, and administrators know that the education system is under stress and the situation does not seem to be getting any better. Meanwhile, one particular education provider is bringing things back to basics when it comes to the development of Literacy and Numeracy skills in Australia.

Julie Christophers had been a teacher for 25 years. She trained as a literacy and numeracy specialist, which led to a range of roles including support teacher, working with children with special needs, and twice as an Acting Principal.

In 2016, Julie left teaching, disillusioned with a curriculum that had become so overcrowded, that students were no longer afforded the time to consolidate their understandings.

“Even with my years of experience, I didn’t feel I was able to make a positive difference anymore.”

“Later that year, I accepted a position to manage the Ashgrove Centre of a company called NumberWorks’nWords. Within the first week, I was absolutely blown away! Students were engaged, excited and enthusiastic about learning and the results they were achieving in every lesson, confirmed to me that this was what I had been missing!”

I remember thinking, “If every classroom could look like this, education would be revolutionised in Australia.”

Clayfield and Mount Gravatt

After a few months, Julie was so convinced that she and her husband invested in opening a NumberWorks’nWords in Clayfield which then led to opening another in Mt Gravatt a few years later.

“It’s just been so rewarding because I can see the immediate difference we are making.”

What makes it different?

Whilst the education system, even in the private sector, struggles to get the ratio of students per teacher to less than 1:25, the NumberWorks’nWords ratio is 1:3.

Every child works on their own individualised and tailored lesson plans. The proprietary software is an incredible resource, much like a dynamic textbook of modelled examples and interactive learning opportunities, but the most important difference is that every child has the support of a tutor in the teachable moments.

“The key difference our system offers is that the students need to prove they have mastered what they are working on before they move onto the next concept, skill or level. Schools simply can’t afford the time to do this for every child and in the classroom there are few resources to help individual students catch up.”

Julie’s two centres have produced a long list of great stories, like the Grade 9 boy who had failed Maths and English for many years at school. After one term at NumberWorks’nWords, he passed both subjects. By the second term, he averaged B- and by the third term, he got an A in an assignment, something his parents could not believe.

NumberWorks’nWords specialises in Maths and English tuition for children aged Prep to Year 10. Whether students are requiring intensive catch up, support to keep up or challenging extension, NumberWorks’nWords helps them achieve their goals.

Free Assessment

NumberWorks’nWords Mount Gravatt offers a free assessment for new students. The software is used to compile a baseline report reflecting how the student is tracking against the curriculum.

“The assessment allows us to identify individual needs, which we can then explain in a detailed report for parents during the evaluation session.”

Julie is currently running a monthly competition on Mount Gravatt News where all entrants receive the free assessment plus the first lesson free, with no further obligation. It runs during the last 10 days of each month, look out for it.

Julie also writes a column offering support and advice for parents to help their children get the best educational outcomes.

“It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a child’s confidence returns when they know they have the support they need.”

READ JULIE’S COLUMNs

Julie’s passion and indeed NumberWorks’nWords mission, is to make a positive difference in the lives of children. The results in her Clayfield and Mt Gravatt centres are speaking for themselves.

NumberWorks’nWords Mount Gravatt is a proud Promotional Partner of Mount Gravatt News.

Mt Gravatt East Local Walking 72km to Support Dad with Cancer

Photo Credit: Pexels

Mt Gravatt East local Emma White is leading the charge to help raise awareness of prostate cancer by joining The Long Run and conquering 72km this September.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) campaign calls on Australians to run, walk or ride 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for research and support.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the region, with one Australian man diagnosed every 22 minutes.

Ms White said she was inspired to take action after her dad, Steve, was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.

“Witnessing my dad’s strength and determination through his diagnosed has inspired me to take action and make a meaningful difference by raising funds and awareness,” she said.

Mt Gravatt East Emma White — Photo Credit: Supplied

“Before my dad’s diagnosis, prostate cancer was something I was aware of but never thought it would impact my family.

“Throughout the last few months, I have felt the challenges of a diagnosis through PSA tests, MRIs, ultrasounds, biopsies, a PET scan, and surgery, which has given me a profound understanding of the impact this cancer can have on individuals and their families.

“I would encourage others to join The Long Run and stand alongside everyone in the fight against prostate cancer. By getting involved, you’re raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those battling.

“Every step we take, and every dollar we raise contributes to research, resources and support networks.”

SUPPORT EMMA’s FUNDRAISER

Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Anne Savage, commended Emma for making a difference.

“Community action is key to cancer control, helping us to raise awareness of Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer and encourage early detection,” Ms Savage said.

“Importantly, The Long Run helps us support men and their families, providing vital funding for clinical trials and PCFA prostate cancer nurses.

“Emma is an inspiration – demonstrating that together we can make a difference, helping love go the distance against prostate cancer.”

Several thousand eager runners, walkers and cyclists are expected to join The Long Run this September, with a total goal of $1 million for research, support services and awareness. Go to www.thelongrun.org.au to register.

Published 25-Aug-2023

Mt Gravatt Schools Join Statewide Strike Amidst Negotiation Dispute

Preparations for a statewide strike are underway, with educational institutions such as Seton College in Mt Gravatt East and St Bernard’s School in Upper Mt Gravatt joining forces with over 100 other Catholic schools across Queensland.

The impending strike, driven by concerns over work conditions and compensation, is garnering attention as the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) find themselves in a negotiation dispute.

With an estimated 4,000 staff members from these Catholic schools expected to participate, the walkout is scheduled for one hour on 23 Aug 2023. This coordinated effort seeks to address issues surrounding increased workloads, proper recognition for school officers and ancillary staff, and equitable wage increments.

Mt Gravatt St Bernard — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Highlighting that the decision to strike is a last resort after failed negotiations, Terry Burke, the Secretary of IEU-QNT, emphasizes the goal of urging Catholic school employers to reconsider their stance and return to negotiations with comprehensive solutions for employee concerns.

However, a spokesperson from QCEC recently stated that during a Fair Work Commission conference on 15 July 2023, union representatives collectively agreed that formal negotiations had concluded.

Adding complexity to the situation is an upcoming staff vote on the current Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) offer. The QCEC spokesperson reveals that employees are eager to accept the presented benefits without delay, leading to plans for an employee vote in early September.

Educators, students, parents, and the broader community are closely watching this significant event, recognising its potential to reshape the education landscape in Queensland.

Published 21-Aug-2023

Greek and Latin Roots in English

Did you know that over 60% of all English words have been borrowed from Greek or Latin roots? In the vocabulary of the sciences and technology, it rises to over 90% because during the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of scholars and educated people.

Many children and even adults struggle as they are learning English if they are unfamiliar with the Greek and Latin roots that have so greatly influenced the evolution of our words.

Number Works 'n Words Mt Gravatt English competition

I am passionate about supporting students to be well versed in their knowledge and use of the Greek and Latin roots, for they serve 3 key purposes.

Comprehension

Being able to recognise derivational roots within a text allows for a greater depth of understanding. Comprehension is supported when an unknown word can be broken down to its parts. eg. In simple terms, if you know that the Greek root ‘psych’ means mind and the Latin root ‘ology’ means study of, then the meaning of the word ‘psychology’ is easy to determine.

Spelling

Being familiar with Greek and Latin roots, provides the building blocks for accurate spelling. While many roots have been adapted over the years, there are common patterns and recognisable features that support the spelling of many multisyllabic words.

Writing

Good writers need to have a mastery of their language in order to articulate and express ideas and emotions, elaborate and describe settings and characters and persuade and encourage their readers to move or question or feel etc.

When a writer has an appreciation for the diverse vocabulary available to them, they can make the most effective word choices. The English language has an unusually large number of synonyms, due to the fact that it has been influenced by several different language groups. English writers should take advantage of this.

Published 21-August-2023

New Sephora Store Coming Soon to Westfield Mt Gravatt

International beauty brand Sephora is continuing its Australian expansion, announcing it will open its latest Queensland store at Westfield Mt Gravatt.

Read: Now Open: The Gift Shop Relaunches as Deli Dakota

Sephora has seen great success domestically, rapidly growing its national footprint in major cities across the country.

The new outlet, which will open on August 31 on level 1 of the shopping centre, will be the brand’s sixth in Queensland, since entering the Australian market with its first Sydney store back in 2014.

Photo credit: Westfield Mt Gravatt/Facebook

The Mt Gravatt opening marks the next step in Sephora’s Queensland growth strategy, following Chermside, Indooroopilly, Pacific Fair, Robina and Carindale. The new store will bring Sephora’s luxurious cosmetics and skincare products to south-east Brisbane.

Founded in 1969, Sephora has grown into an international beauty powerhouse with a devoted global following. The French brand offers an unrivalled selection of exclusive, high-end beauty labels.

Sephora’s extensive product range features coveted names like FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and Huda Beauty, along with beloved favourites such as tarte and Fresh. Customers can explore makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness essentials from both niche brands and leading makers.

By curating the most sought-after and buzzworthy products in one exceptional shopping experience, Sephora has become the go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts seeking the latest and greatest items on the market.

Grand Opening

Photo credit: Westfield Mt Gravatt/Google Maps

To celebrate the launch, Sephora has planned a day of festivities on August 31 including free gifts, live music, makeup tutorials and more. The event is tipped to attract crowds of makeup aficionados and those curious to explore Sephora’s extensive product range.

Read: Mt Gravatt Tesla Store Opens as 3rd Queensland Location

For Sephora fans, August 31st can’t come soon enough. The new Mt Gravatt store is set to satisfy Brisbane’s growing appetite for innovative beauty products and services.

Published 18-August-2023

Public Urged to be Wary of ATM Skimming Scam, Arrests Made in Upper Mt Gravatt and Sydney

Authorities are warning the public to be extra vigilant when using ATMs after three foreign nationals were arrested in Upper Mt Gravatt and Sydney last week for their alleged role in a sophisticated ATM skimming ring targeting customers across the country.

Read: Accomplished Upper Mt Gravatt Detective Awarded the Australian Police Medal

Three Romanian men, aged 37, 34, and 21, were taken into custody last week after police received a tip-off from a financial institution about a card skimming device and pinhole camera installed on an ATM on Queen Street.

Detectives monitored the ATM and observed two of the men, ages 37 and 21, approach it on August 2. The men attempted to flee when confronted by officers but were apprehended.

A search of an Upper Mount Gravatt property the following day led to the arrest of the third man. Police allegedly uncovered additional evidence related to the skimming operation, including two pinhole cameras used for secretly recording PINs and several fraudulent identification documents. These items included fake bank cards, as well as images of a driver’s licence and passport likely used in the scam.

ATM skimming — Photo credit: Queensland Police Service

ATM skimmers are illegal devices that clone debit and credit card data when unsuspecting customers use compromised cash machines. The skimming ring is believed to be part of a larger international operation that was sending equipment to Australia from countries including China, the UK, and the US.

In May, the US Secret Service arrested five people related to the scam in the United States. Their investigation tipped off the Australian Federal Police that members of the group were active down under.

The three men have been charged with fraud-related offences. Two other alleged co-conspirators, a 32-year-old woman and 33-year-old man, were arrested in Sydney on August 5.

Police say the group was skilled at disguising skimmers and pinhole cameras to blend in seamlessly with ATM machinery. Customers likely had no idea their financial data was being stolen as they accessed their accounts.

Authorities warn the public to be on guard when using ATMs and to immediately contact their bank and police if they notice suspicious transactions. The crime ring is believed to have defrauded numerous victims before being caught.

Read: Disused Student Accommodations at Griffith University to be Used for Homeless Families

Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said identity theft and skimming devices carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and that police will continue efforts to bring fraudsters targeting Queenslanders to justice. The men will face court again in September and October 2023 as the criminal investigation continues.

Published 15-August-2023

Matildas Top Group B, Rout Olympic Champion Canada

The Matildas’ intensive training at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Mount Gravatt seems to have paid off, as they top Group B of the World Cup with two goals in each half, an impressive performance that saw them defeat Canada 4-0 despite dealing with key injuries.

Meanwhile, the Canadians became the first Olympic champions to crash out of the group stage.

Coming into the match off a poor defeat to Nigeria, the Matildas knew they had to win to have a realistic chance of avoiding a group-stage exit at their own tournament.

Any concerns were allayed when two goals from Hayley Raso put the Matildas 2-0 up at halftime. Mary Fowler and Steph Catley added the finishing touches in a brilliant second-half display.

2023 Women's World Cup Australia vs Canada — Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Hayley Raso Brace Puts Matildas in Control at Halftime

The hosts knew they needed to start strongly against Canada after their recent attacking struggles. They did just that. At the 9th minute, Catley and Caitlin Foord combined to set up Raso, who brilliantly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

They thought they had a second when Fowler fired home from close range after a flurry of tackles and clearances in the box, but a lengthy VAR review eventually ruled Ellie Carpenter offside in the build-up.

Canada’s reprieve was short-lived, however, as Australia scored from a corner moments later. The visitors failed to deal with a corner and Raso tapped in from close range to deservedly double the Matildas’ lead.

Canada coach Bev Priestman made four changes at halftime in an attempt to turn the tide.

Fowler and Catley Seal Emphatic Win

Australia’s dominance continued in the second half. At the 58th minute, Foord rounded Vanessa Gilles and squared the ball to Fowler, whose shot ricocheted off the post and over the line.

The rout was completed in stoppage time when substitute captain Jessie Fleming fouled Katrina Gorry in the box. After a VAR review and the awarding of a penalty, Steph Catley stepped up to convert her second spot-kick of the tournament to cap a magical night.

The atmosphere was electric as the Matildas put on an attacking masterclass for the home fans. Each goal brought massive cheers and chants from the packed stadium, with the players celebrating passionately together.

Matchday 2: Nigeria Stun Wasteful Matildas in Brisbane

2023 Women's World Cup Australia vs Nigeria — Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Australia took an early lead against Nigeria in their second group match of the Women’s World Cup. But two goals in eight second-half minutes paved the way to victory for Nigeria, who capitalised on a wasteful and slow Australia attack and lapses in concentration at the back to claim a famous 3-2 victory at Brisbane Stadium.

The Matildas went up 1-0 in the opening minutes through Emily van Egmond. However, Nigeria equalised before halftime off a set piece. The African side then scored two quick goals after the break to go up 3-1.

Despite a late strike by Alanna Kennedy to pull within one, Australia could not find an equaliser.

Matchday 1: Matildas Edge Ireland in Tense World Cup Opener

2023 Women's World Cup Australia vs Ireland — Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Australia overcame the pre-match injury of superstar captain Sam Kerr to defeat a spirited Ireland side 1-0 in their opening match of the Women’s World Cup.

Stand-in captain Steph Catley scored the only goal of the match with a well-taken penalty in the 52nd minute.

The Matildas held off a late resurgence from the Irish squad to secure a 1-0 win.

Matildas Top Group B Amid Injuries

Many Australian fans would have expected the worst after their shocking loss to Nigeria. The country faced the prospect of becoming the second host nation to be eliminated at the group stage.

But they turned it on when they needed to most, beating a Canada side that defeated them twice in Australia last year.

Their emphatic 4-0 rout of Canada shows the squad’s potential when firing on all cylinders. The win, combined with Nigeria’s draw with Ireland, means the Matildas top Group B. They will play in the Round of 16 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

While injuries and inconsistent performances raised doubts earlier in the tournament, this dominant display will give Australia confidence as they aim to capture their first World Cup title on home soil.

🔙🔛🔝

The first time Australia has finished top of our group in World Cup history. 🔥#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/kEIwYmQIny
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 31, 2023

Published 01 August 2023

Margaux Parker Applauds Matildas, Calls on Fans to Support Women’s Sport

Speaking on Triple M Brisbane’s breakfast radio show, host Margaux Parker commended the Matildas for taking a stand as they highlighted the ongoing discussions on pay for male and female footballers.

In particular, the Matildas highlighted the disparity in prize money between the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments,AND the lack of full-time professional opportunities for women in Australia’s domestic competition, the A-League Women.

Margaux Parker Calls for Support

Parker said sports fans need to actively support women’s leagues and matches.

“What needs to change is eyeballs on the game,” Parker said. “If you want to see women paid more for their participation in sport, you need to buy the tickets, you need to go to the games, you need to watch them.”

Parker encouraged listeners to bring family and friends to women’s sporting events. She argues that increased attendance is the only way women will get more opportunities and higher salaries in professional leagues. She acknowledged the quality gap compared to men’s sports, but said investing in women’s leagues now will help develop the games over time.

Ongoing Push for Equality in Sports

The debate around pay equality has escalated in recent years as female athletes continue to advocate for fair treatment. While progress has been made, pay gaps persist across many sports worldwide.

The Matildas hope their World Cup campaign will keep the issue in the spotlight. Meanwhile, personalities such as Parker are urging fans to actively support women’s sport to drive financial investment and growth.

Published 31 July 2023