The proposed centre will be located at 1128 Cavendish Road on a currently vacant 2,303 sqm site.
Designed by architecture firm Elevation Architecture, the childcare centre will feature 11 activity rooms, four outdoor play areas, and parking for 61 cars. It is planned to accept children aged from six weeks and above, operating Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. if approved.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
The development also incorporates a 216 sqm commercial tenancy which could be used for a shop, office, healthcare, veterinary clinic or food outlet. This aims to integrate the centre into the surrounding commercial and residential area.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
Landscaping and deep planting are included in the proposal, with the built form and scale of the development intended to seamlessly match existing buildings nearby.
The site is bordered by Mt Gravatt TAFE Campus to the northwest and Seton College, to the southeast. Across the street sits Esida Lodge Aged Care, a nursing home facility. The surrounding area contains a diverse blend of residential, commercial, educational, and industrial buildings, notably a sizable industrial park situated 350 metres east.
“The proposal will co-locate small-scale Healthcare Services and Offices with the Childcare Centre, resulting in a multifunctional service hub that provides for the needs of the local community,” planners stated.
Photo credit: Elevation Architecture
“The proposal will create a community service hub that will predominantly provide for the care and support of children, whilst also enabling uses that service the adjoining educational uses and surrounding residential area.”
Planners from Murray Bell Planning added that the proposal delivers a building height that will not result in overshadowing adjoining properties and the overall height is consistent with predominate building height of the Mt Gravatt East locality.
Over the years, I have met with countless students who at first believed they were ‘no good at maths’. Imagine their delight when we helped them discover their inner ‘problem solver’.
Many would describe maths as ‘logical, black and white, right or wrong’; for there can only ever be one correct answer. While this may be true, there can often be several ways to solve the same problem, suggesting that mathematics is perhaps a far more creative endeavour than we have previously given it credit for.
The ability to solve problems, mathematical or otherwise, often requires us to think outside the box, to be original and to identify a way forward that others may not have considered.
It engages a creativity that is often not normally associated with the logic inherent in finding a solution, particularly as it applies to numbers.
However, some would argue that Mathematical problem solving is in the same realm as writing music or playing an instrument, in that while it is bound by laws and limitations, it is also a natural expression of our mind’s unique and infinite capacity to form patterns and ideas.
Everyone of us is a problem solver, in a multitude of ways and in a vast array of daily contexts.
When children see themselves as problems solvers and see maths as a way to ‘create’ solutions, it can help to break down the barriers that prevent them from trying in the first place.
Problem solving involves three key things:
What is the problem asking for? i.e. be sure to identify the unit of measurement and record this near the bottom of the working out page before you have even done the calculations.
What operation/ operations will be required? i.e. look for language in the text that indicates whether you will be adding, or dividing and think of a reasonable estimate.
What strategy is going to be most efficient?
When it comes to Problem Solving of more complex worded problems, it is important that children are adept at using a range of strategies, as it will enable them to discern what will be the best approach to use for any given problem.
For example, if a problem involves finding the area of a compound shape, ‘drawing a picture’ and writing measurements as described, will allow the child to visually understand the task and keep track of each step.
In another instance, it may be more efficient to ‘work backwards’ and in another, perhaps a ‘guess and check’ approach.
Below is a list of effective Problem Solving strategies that you and your child can explore when presented with a mathematical problem.
1. Read the problem aloud – By reading the problem aloud, they can help to clarify any confusion and better understand what’s being asked.
2. Summarise the information – Using dot points or a short sentence, list out all the information given in the problem.
3. Create a picture or diagram – By drawing a picture, can better understand what’s being asked and identify any information that’s missing.
4. Act it out – It can enable students to see the problem in a different way and develop a more intuitive understanding of it.
5. Use keyword analysis – Keyword analysis involves asking questions about the words in a problem in order to work out what needs to be done.
6. Look for a pattern – This could be a number, a shape pattern or even just a general trend that you can see in the information given.
7. Guess and check – Simply make a guess at the answer and then check to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you make another systematic guess and keep going until you find a solution that works.
8. Working backwards – Regressive reasoning, or working backwards, involves starting with a potential answer and working your way back to figure out how you would get there.
9. Use a formula – There will be some problems where a specific formula needs to be used in order to solve it.
10. Use direct reasoning – By breaking the problem down into smaller chunks, you can start to see how the different pieces fit together and eventually work out a solution.
12. Solve a simpler problem – Or if you’re struggling with the addition of algebraic fractions, go back to solving regular fraction addition first.
With dimensions exceeding the size of the South Bank parklands, the 30-hectare Pine Mountain Quarry is envisioned to provide extensive green space for residents and visitors, once transformed under a proposed rehabilitation plan.
The proposed rehabilitation plan covers both Pine Mountain Quarry and the Mount Coot-tha Quarry.
Whilst currently operating as a recycling facility, Pine Mountain Quarry had a previous life as a quarry that supplied hard rock for nearly three decades. It was part of Boral’s operations from 1964 to 1991 before being acquired by the BMI group in 2013.
Meanwhile, Mount Coot-tha Quarry has been operational for over a century, supplying approximately 400,000 tonnes of asphalt aggregate each year. It has played a crucial role in Brisbane’s infrastructure, with asphalt aggregates from the quarry used in over 96 per cent of the city’s roads. Council has managed the site since 1926.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, envisions these currently “very barren” sites becoming valuable assets for the city. The vastness of the quarries is notable, with Pine Mountain Quarry spanning approximately 30 hectares and Mount Coot-tha Quarry covering around 26 hectares. These dimensions exceed the size of the South Bank parklands, offering ample space for the development of extensive green areas.
Brisbane City Council aims to open these rehabilitated quarries to the public before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing additional recreational opportunities. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing importance of the quarries, Cr Schrinner emphasises the need for long-term planning and preparation to ensure a seamless transition.
Alongside the quarry rehabilitation plans, the Brisbane City Council unveiled the master plan for the transformation of Victoria Park/Barrambin. The project’s $141 million allocated budget for the following four years is intended to rejuvenate the 64-hectare site.
The master plan outlines various exciting features, including the restoration of central waterholes and the introduction of a “rewilding” canopy covering over 60 per cent of the area. Also included is an adventure playground and nature water play gully. Additionally, a high ropes course, and mountain biking trail are proposed under the master plan.
Cr Schrinner expresses enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to create a beloved destination in Brisbane. The plan’s focus on restoring the natural landscape, wetlands, and watering holes, along with a substantial increase in tree cover, promises an exciting and vibrant outcome.
The most common question I am asked by parents of primary school-aged children is, “What can I do at home to help my child with their learning?”
When it comes to a child’s literacy development, the single most powerful tool for parents to understand, is the role they themselves play, in the shared reading experience.
When a child reads out loud to a parent who is listening, interacting and present in the moment, you would be surprised at just how many processes are working at the same time. Reading together is far more valuable than you may have realised and the best part for busy parents is, it takes next to no time to prepare and the only resource you need is a good book.
For younger children, learning to read begins with engaging conversations around pictures, turning pages and making up stories in their own words, identifying characters and recognising settings, taking turns and recalling events, making simple inferences and chatting about their own, perhaps similar, prior experiences.
As a child begins to learn the concepts of letters and sounds and words and phrases, the text itself begins to offer clues and opportunities for discussion. There develops a conservation of text, whereby the sounds and words are read consistently every time and strategies for decoding and reading accuracy, along with greater word recognition and phrase fluency, become ever more important in the search for meaning.
As a child begins to master the skills of ‘learning to read’, the focus begins to shift to one of ‘reading to learn’. This is where all levels of comprehension develop, from the simplest, literal translation to the deepest analytical interpretation. It is important at every stage, but most critically at this point, that the child is exposed to a wide and rich range of text types.
Reading in itself, is of huge benefit to every child, but it is in the opportunities for lively, fun and contemplative shared reading, that children will develop life-long skills that impact all aspects of their learning. The greatest hack for any parent wanting to help their child at home, is simply to enjoy 10-15 minutes every day, reading together.
The list of benefits is far reaching, but below are just some of the reasons why the shared reading experience is so effective.
It’s fun! Offers regular ‘bonding’ time between parent and child Develops letter, sound and word recognition Extends vocabulary Improves general knowledge Lays the foundation for easy communication between child and parent Instills a love of reading and learning Supports improved sleep patterns Stimulates creativity and imagination Encourages debate and the development of personal views Improves the child’s writing in almost every way! This one is huge! Reduces stress Develops memory and focus
Prepare yourself for a number of exciting free kids events coming up at the Garden City Library. These exciting events are not to be missed, with a lineup made to spark young imaginations and make lifelong memories.
The Garden City Library offers a variety of activities for all ages, including enchanted storytimes and coding experiences. Whether you’re looking to embark on coding adventures or indulge in enchanting storytime sessions, the kids events at the Garden City Library has something for everyone.
Family fun on the Intelino smart train
First up is the thrilling “Family fun on the Intelino smart train,” an interactive event that will transport kids between the ages of 5-8 and their caregivers on an enthralling coding adventure. What’s best? No prior programming knowledge is necessary! The Intelino train is ideal for novices since it provides an approachable introduction to coding.
Do not forget to reserve your space in advance. Simply dial 07 3403 7745 to contact the Garden City Library. The action-packed event is slated to begin at 2:00 pm on 1 July 2023.
First 5 Forever children’s storytime
Calling all little bookworms and their families! Don’t miss the enchanting “First 5 Forever children’s storytime” on 2 July. This magical session is tailored for children aged 2-5 years and aims to nurture a love for reading while igniting their imaginative spirits.
Join in the fun for some engaging stories, delightful songs, and creative mark-making activities. No booking is required! The event commences at 10:30 am and lasts for half an hour.
It’s made possible by generous funding from the Queensland Government through the First 5 Forever initiative.
For those with an artistic flair, “Make and Create” is the perfect event to unleash your creativity. Drop into the Garden City Library during the upcoming school holidays and immerse yourself in free craft sessions starting at 2 pm on 2 July 2023.
Let your imagination run wild as we explore the shortlisted books for the Children’s Book Council Australia’s Book of the Year. This event welcomes children of all ages, and no booking is required.
Garden City Library is located within Garden City Shopping Centre on the corner of Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mt Gravatt.
In a surprising turn of events, the plan to convert an unused student housing complex at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt into crisis accommodations has been abandoned.
Despite spending $2 million for its preparatory works, concerns have been raised about the area’s fire safety standards because it is close to bushland, hence the decision to discontinue the project.
The abandoned initiative at Griffith University was part of the government’s efforts to address the state’s pressing crisis. However, detailed assessments revealed that significant renovations would be necessary to bring the vacant student accommodation up to current fire safety standards. With this in mind, the decision was made to explore alternative options.
Instead, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles confirmed that the State Government secured a deal to purchase 64 properties across the state, which will be transformed into housing.
“After consulting with Queensland’s leading housing advocacy group, QShelter, we’ve made the decision to purchase homes directly on the private market to get more people into accommodation quicker,” Mr Miles said.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly. Many Queenslanders who have never experienced housing stress before are struggling, and we are committed to doing as much as we can,” he added.
The Queensland Government plans to invest $25 million to acquire existing houses and units from various locations throughout the state.
By utilising funds originally earmarked for repurposing the disused student accommodation, the government aims to expedite the process of providing housing for vulnerable individuals and families.
“The allocation of funding to purchase housing directly makes more sense given the challenges presented by the Mt Gravatt site,” Fiona Caniglia, the Executive Director of QShelter, expressed support for the shift in strategy.
“We support any action which achieves homes for Queenslanders faster. In the longer term, this funding will go further and achieve sustainable housing outcomes for as long as people need them. QShelter will be working with the government to ensure that not-for-profit community housing providers assist in any way possible to implement this plan.”
The Department of Communities, Housing, and Digital Economy is already in the process of progressing property purchases in several suburbs across Queensland, including Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Atherton, Bucasia, Cloncurry, Cooran, Eagleby, Emerald, Gladstone Central, Gleneagle, Gordonvale, Griffin, Kawungan, Mount Low, Ormeau, Pimpama, Rural View, Smithfield, Tully, and Urangan.
A beauty countdown of sorts is happening in Mount Gravatt as Sephora fans eagerly await the beauty giant’s newest outlet in Queensland, slated to open at Westfield Mount Gravatt later this year.
The global beauty authority made its debut in Brisbane in April 2017 with the opening of its first store at Westfield Chermside. Since then, other locations in Queensland have opened at Pacific Fair and Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Plaza on the Sunshine Coast, and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre in Brisbane, before its planned Westfield opening.
Since its establishment in 1969, Sephora has become a French beauty giant that has captivated a loyal following worldwide. Sephora boasts an extensive collection of internationally acclaimed high-end beauty brands.
From coveted names like FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna and Huda Beauty to beloved favourites such as tarte and Fresh, Sephora offers an exclusive home for sought-after labels and fan favourite brands.
Sephora promises to provide a wide range of products for makeup, skincare, hair, and overall well-being. The store has gained a reputation for carefully curating a collection that includes beloved classics as well as the latest trends.
The forthcoming addition of the Mt Gravatt Westfield store promises to bring Sephora’s unparalleled beauty offerings even closer to makeup enthusiasts in the area.
Positioned on Level 1, near Zara, the new Sephora store at Mt Gravatt Westfield is set to become a mecca for beauty enthusiasts seeking both established favourites and exciting new products. This development is part of a series of exciting additions at the shopping centre, which also includes upcoming stores like Lukfook Jewellery, O Chicken, Asian Delight, and Pop Mart.
The buzz surrounding the upcoming Sephora store is undeniable, as the news has sparked excitement not only online but also within the shopping center itself.
In response to the projected population growth in Brisbane, the city has revealed plans to construct residential towers in several suburbs, including Mt Gravatt, Carindale, Indooroopilly, Chermside, Toowong, and Toombul.
It comes following the recent announcement to raise the building height limit for the Kurilpa precinct, where the heights may reach up to 274 metres, surpassing that of the tallest building in the city, the Brisbane Skytower.
The aim is to accommodate an estimated increase from 1.26 million to 1.5 million residents by 2041. Under Brisbane City Council’s 2023 housing strategy, over 115,000 homes, units, or apartments will be built, focusing on higher density developments.
Mt Gravatt (Photo credit: David K/Google Maps)
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has emphasised the importance of building upward rather than outward, advocating for taller towers in established suburbs that already boast good public transport connections.
Cr Schrinner believes that 90 percent of future growth in Brisbane will come from “brownfield development,” converting underused commercial and industrial land into residential areas. Schrinner argues that setting higher height limits in exchange for sustainable development will yield benefits for the community.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed opinions among locals, as seen in a Reddit thread discussing the matter. One commenter expressed scepticism about the claim of good public transport connections in suburbs like Chermside and Carindale.
They questioned the suitability of these areas for high-density developments, suggesting that transport infrastructure might need improvement to support such projects effectively.
Chermside (Photo credit: Google Street View)
Another Reddit user offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that allowing smaller-scale developments such as duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes on existing lots would be a more attainable and inclusive approach.
“Big apartment buildings can only be built by major developers. But turning 1 house into 2? That’s a lot more achievable. Plus it spreads out the population growth to the whole city, which means the overall rate of change in any one area is minimised so it’s easier for people to adjust,” the Reddit user wrote.
Cr Schrinner pointed out that the proposal would permit a variety of building heights without necessarily contributing to traffic congestion in the area.
Ultimately, the success of Brisbane’s housing strategy in response to the population growth in Brisbanewill depend on effective implementation and ongoing evaluation of its impact on the city and its residents.
TheLumley Street Shops precinct has undergone an exciting transformation, aimed at enhancing the overall ambiance and appeal of the neighbourhood retail centre inUpper Mt Gravatt.
The recent upgrades, completed by Brisbane City Council in April 2023 as part of the Village Precinct Projects program (VPP), have injected new life into the neighbourhood shopping hub.
The most notable changes include the addition of new street trees and garden beds, offering a fresh burst of greenery to the streetscape. These natural elements not only beautify the area but also contribute to a more pleasant and welcoming environment for shoppers.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
In addition, a recently built walkway has been established to enhance accessibility across the entire area. This improvement guarantees smooth navigation and an enjoyable shopping experience for all visitors, including those with mobility difficulties.
As part of the upgrade, the Lumley Street Shops area also now boasts new and stylish street furniture. These additions provide comfortable seating options for shoppers who wish to take a break, relax, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the precinct. The new furniture adds a touch of modernity to the streetscape, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
Another exciting feature of the revitalisation project is the introduction of nature-themed paintings for visitors to discover and enjoy. These artistic creations add a splash of colour and creativity to the surroundings, inviting passersby to appreciate and engage with the local art scene.
Established in 1959, the Lumley Street Shops precinct has long been a popular destination for both residents and visitors. The precinct offers free parking, making it convenient for shoppers to explore the area.
Surrounded by mature Hapulian Trees, the shops provide a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy a range of amenities, including barista-made coffees, cold beers, fresh food, and delectable desserts.
Within the precinct, there are 13 vibrantly operated businesses, catering to a variety of needs and preferences. From a chiropractic clinic and massage therapies to a tattoo parlour and beauty salon, there is something for everyone in the neighbouring streets of Upper Mount Gravatt.
Australia’s first Long COVID Diagnostic Test has been launched, with patient sampling to be conducted at a Mount Gravatt collection centre and 21 other locations across the country.
IncellDx, a leading precision medicine company, has revolutionised the medical landscape with its groundbreaking advancements in diagnostic testing. Through their cutting-edge incellKINE Long Hauler Index (LHI) technology, they have developed the world’s first diagnostic test for long COVID.
This breakthrough test not only aids in the accurate diagnosis of long COVID, but also differentiates it from other diseases with similar symptoms, providing physicians with invaluable insights for personalised treatment approaches.
With its global availability, this test marks a significant milestone in the battle against the persisting effects of COVID-19.
Healius Pathology, a leading provider of private medical laboratory and pathology services, has been chosen to oversee patient sample collections at 22 designated centres across Australia.
In Queensland, four centres have been selected as official collection centres:
Long COVID is a persistent illness that typically affects people who have already experienced acute COVID-19. It presents a variety of symptoms including fatigue, difficulty of breathing, and sleep disturbances, among others. These symptoms can manifest for weeks to even years.
The US Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 20 to 30 per cent of COVID-19 patients may develop Long COVID.
IncellDx’s diagnostic test was developed in collaboration with IGeneX, a renowned diagnostic testing company, leveraging the incellKINE assay. This state-of-the-art machine learning-based technology assesses the presence of a distinctive immunologic profile unique to long COVID patients.
By analysing patterns of cytokine and chemokine biomarkers, the test provides a remarkable 97 per cent sensitivity. Published in Frontiers in Immunology, these findings validate the effectiveness of incellKINE in accurately diagnosing long COVID. Furthermore, the test received the prestigious CE-IVD marking in Europe, ensuring compliance with European product directives and safety standards.
About IncellDx
IncellDx, is a precision medicine company that pushes the boundaries of diagnostics and prognostics in infectious diseases and cancer. Their innovative technology platform enables simultaneous analysis of proteomic and genomic biomarkers, providing invaluable insights into disease mechanisms and treatment strategies.
With their Chronic COVID Treatment Center, IncellDx exemplifies their commitment to leveraging precision medicine approaches to comprehensively evaluate, characterise, and more effectively address chronic COVID.
