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First Brisbane Transport Museum To Open In Nathan

After years of trying to find a suitable location, Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society (QOCS) has finally secured a space in Nathan for the first Brisbane Transport Museum.

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

It wasn’t an easy feat for QOCS President Nick Wilson, who spent over four years searching for a venue where they could put their heritage buses and establish the museum.

Brisbane Transport Museum is located at 600 Mains Road, Nathan, a site owned by the State Government and was previously used by Brisbane City Council as a cemetery office and workshop.

Photo credit: Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS)/Facebook

In the beginning, the buses were stored in a paddock underneath trees in Logan Village. The organisation once considered renting a site near Eagle Farm but Council was still performing road works at the time and they were not sure when it would be available for lease.

They found a location in Sherwood, but had to vacate the premises after five years due to an increase in operational capacity and requirements.

Brisbane Transport Museum — Photo credit: Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS)/Facebook

They found support from the Bus Stop Sales in Rocklea where some of their fleet were moved in April 2021. However, when the floods devastated almost the entire South East Queensland region in February 2022, they nearly lost their heritage buses.

Finally, in late 2022, the organisation reached an agreement with the Queensland Government to lease the property in Nathan. Anticipated to open in early 2023, the museum will house more than a dozen of their heritage fleet.

One of their collections is a 1938 Bedford WTB, which is one of the oldest Queensland passenger buses in existence today.

The bus, which operated passenger services in Toowoomba for 40 years was acquired by the organisation from Greyhound Australia with the help of a consortium of bus operators, suppliers, and industry personnel, and family and friends of the McCafferty family.

The museum aims to maintain, preserve and restore historic buses for display and operation to the public. QOCS is also planning to conduct mobile static displays of historic buses and memorabilia to educate and promote the progress and history of the bus industry in Queensland to the public.

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

To learn more about Brisbane Transport Museum, visit Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society’s website.

Published 7-March-2023

Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe: Get Ready to Get Served With Mega-Sized Meals

Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe

Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe in Westfield Garden City serves up supersized meals, towering pancake stacks, and mega shakes and chocolate drinks that are definitely not for the faint of heart.

Sugar Buns is a sister venue of two other stores in Melbourne. Customers are greeted with illuminated pastel arches, raindrop-shaped pendant lights hanging from ceiling-mounted clouds, and hanging cylindrical neon lights that complete the dreamy interior.

*Sugar bun’s fried chicken burger | Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe*

Once inside, foodies get to feast on breakfast and lunch meals served in portions that are more than enough to satisfy a big hunger including Chicken Parma served with ham, beer battered chips and coleslaw; Acai Bowl with banana, coconut, fresh seasonal fruit and berry compote; and Superfood Porridge made with oats, mixed berry compote, banana, fresh seasonal fruits, vanilla yogurt, mixed nuts and chia seeds.

*Hotcakes stacked high and packed with flavour | Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe*

Fancy some mega-sized burgers? There’s Double Beef Burger made with grass-fed organic beef patty, smoked cheddar cheese, relish, SB burger sauce and beer battered chips; Schnitzel Burger with cos lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, beer battered chips and SB burger sauce; and Sugar Buns Fried Chicken Burger which is brioche bun stacked with seasoned fried chicken (halal), cos lettuce slaw, roasted capsicum, aioli and beer battered chips.

Candyland Mega Shake | Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe

Chocolate overload Megashake *| Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe*

A trip to Sugar Buns would not be complete without trying the Sugar Buns Megashakes topped with biscoff, malt-teaser, Nutella pistachio or candy land and Mega hot choc with biscoff, Nutella or white chocolate.

Google Reviews:

“Great value for how much you get! (Specially with the cost of things increasing) The staff are beyond friendly and my Karen of a mum loved her coffee!!
I couldn’t believe how exciting the food is.” – B. Redshaw

“Delicious food, fast and friendly service. Easy ordering online bia the app, scanned at the table.” – R. Mullineux

“Best breakfast experience I had in ages. Food was amazing (seriously delicious and innovative, including the juices). Staff are super lovely, friendly and considerate with everyone. The decoration is just beautiful and joyful, it really feels great just being there. Even my two year old and my picky husband loved the food. Thanks guys!!! We’ll be back.” – S. Jay

Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe is located at 1377, Westfield Garden City on the corner of Logan and Kessels Road in Upper Mt Gravatt.

Hours of operation are 9 am – 5 pm, Monday from Friday; 8 am – 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday.

Published 4-March-2023.

Construction Ongoing to Convert Vacant Student Rooms at Griffith University into a Housing Complex

Work has begun on the transformation of vacant student rooms at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt into a housing complex, with more than 200 beds set to be repurposed as small living areas for short-term stay.

With shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, the former student rooms will provide a safe and suitable temporary home for Queenslanders still looking for private rental accommodation.

The Department of Communities and Housing is in talks with potential service providers to run the operations of the housing complex once the construction is completed in mid-2023.

“This facility will provide a buffer for Queenslanders doing it tough in the current housing crisis before they can get back into the rental market,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

“It will mean a roof over the heads of more Queenslanders when they need it most. The plan to repurpose unused student beds came out of our housing roundtable, showing what can be achieved by working together.”

“This facility is another example of our commitment to work across government and the private sector to house more vulnerable Queenslanders sooner,” Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said.

“Once complete, the complex will provide vital short-term housing for adults as they are supported into longer-term, more secure accommodation.”

Queenslanders who plan to avail of this assistance may phone Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 or their local Housing Service Centre to enquire.

Accomplished Upper Mt Gravatt Detective Awarded the Australian Police Medal

Congratulations to Detective Sergeant Katrina Carr for being one of 12 recipients from the QLD Police Service of the Australian Police Medal for 2023. Det Sgt Carr rose through the ranks at the Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station.

Ms Carr was designated in Upper Mount Gravatt in 1994 and proved a competent investigator. As a medal awardee, Ms Carr’s contribution to policing has been an astonishing accomplishment.

She is currently the Education and Training Officer at the Queensland Police Academy, where she’s committed to developing and delivering training on trauma informed responses to sexual assaults and domestic violence to detectives.

The esteemed policewoman is also a volunteer for TREK2HEALTH, a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing support for veterans and first responders to maintain their physical and mental health.

This year’s Australian Police Medal awardees have a range of backgrounds with diverse experience, having served throughout Queensland in several roles and areas. They were recognised for their leadership, innovation and initiative.

Australian Police Medals — Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

“Each officer has their own story – often comprised of the challenges they’ve faced and overcome through their career, but also the rewarding memories about the role they’ve played in their communities and the lives of everyday Queenslanders,” Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.

“I am incredibly proud to know and understand the impact these officers have in shaping a positive future for individuals they interact with, the communities they serve and our organisation.

“I congratulate them for receiving this significant honour today.

“We don’t join the Service for any accolades, but each of these officers is deserving of this recognition for the work they’ve done across the span of their careers,” the commissioner added.

“The recipients are dedicated officers of the QPS who are committed to keeping Queenslanders safe. I congratulate and thank each and every one of them.”

Residents Fear Development Will Bring More Traffic To Klumpp Road

A group of residents from Upper Mount Gravatt are worried that a proposal to build three residential towers at Klumpp Road could bring more traffic to the area.

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

The locals took to social media to express their worries about the development application for 110 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt. According to residents, it may cause further traffic along the Westfield shopping complex and on the entry of the Pacific Motorway.

Oakridge Property Group, developers of the residential towers, sought the removal of resident parking on the ground floor level from their original proposal, including apartments to the said level with large green terraces connecting to communal recreation amenities.

To be called “The Pavilion,” the towers would have a total of 144 units, distributed among two towers of 5 storeys and one tower of 6 storeys. The units will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.

Designed by MAS- Architecture Studio, the towers will feature a swimming pool and bbq area, and recreation facilities to match the surrounding greenery.

Another concern from residents is the number of parking being sought for the residential towers, which is a total of 199 residents and 28 visitor car parking spaces.

In response to the residents’ concerns, Oakridge Property Group said the intersection upgrades, which are part of the proposal, will be undertaken to further mitigate the traffic caused by the development.

The developers added that the site has a potential for increased public and active transport use, given that it’s well located to bus services at Klumpp Rd and the Veloway bike path.

A traffic report for the application also states that “the site’s additional traffic generation, compared to the approved development, does not warrant further assessment and the Approved upgrade works at the Klumpp Road / Hibiscus Place intersection remain relevant.”

Read: Locals Petition Westfield Not to Change the Name of Garden City

Further details about the revised proposal (A006164710) can be viewed at Brisbane City Council’s PD Online.

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

Developers of ‘The Pavilion,’ a new residential development in Klumpp Road, Upper Mount Gravatt have submitted plans to revise their original proposal.

Read: Residential Development Proposed on Border of Broadwater, Logan and Whitley Roads

Oakridge, the developers of the project, is seeking to eliminate resident parking on ground floor level, to include apartments to the said level with large green terraces connecting to communal recreation amenities.

The revised proposal for The Pavilion, located at 10 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt, will increase the number of units from 141 to 144 medium density units. The units will be distributed among two towers of 5 storeys and one tower of 6 storeys.

Artist’s perspective (Photo credit: MAS- Architecture Studio)

Changes to the original proposal also include increased net area of communal amenities by relocation of swimming pool and shortening of visitor parking ramp.

Designed by MAS- Architecture Studio, the revised design seeks the inclusion of natural ventilation to lobbies on typical floors; rationalisation of apartment layouts; and reactivation of street interface via direct access from Klumpp Road to apartment terraces.

Towers 1 and 3 will span the majority of the site whilst the central tower will have a predominant square shape and will be between Towers 1 and 3.

“The resulting central courtyard void created is then used as a common recreation facility. With space for bbq and swimming pool activities, they are threaded together with softened landscaping and carefully articulated meandering footpaths that arrives at each tower lobby,” the planning documents read.

The Pavilion will also feature spaces for bbq and swimming pool, as well as a common recreation facility, which all blends with the surrounding greenery.

The developer is seeking minor adjustment to location of vehicle crossover to Hibiscus Place to facilitate access to the ground level car park fronting Klumpp Road. The developer has also stated that the proposed parking supply of 199 resident and 28 visitor car parking spaces meets the site’s parking requirement.

Read: Mt Gravatt Property Market Enjoying Brisk Sales and 19% Median Growth

For more details about the development application, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online and see A006164710.

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

Photo credit: Cyron Ray Macey from Brisbane (-27.470963,153.026505), Australia, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

A disused student accommodation block at Griffith University will be converted into crisis accommodation for people in need.

In what was described as a step forward in addressing housing challenges, the State announced in the last quarter of 2022 that the disused student accommodation block at Griffith University will be refurbished and used as crisis accommodation for homeless families.

There are 200 vacant beds at the university’s Mount Gravatt campus that were identified for potential conversion into emergency accommodation, following a housing roundtable discussion.

THe move “will increase crisis accommodation available for people in need and help solve one of the multiple housing issues.” The state government encouraged other organisations to follow the school’s lead.

In November 2022, however, concerns were raised about the facility still yet to see initial refurbishment works done. The state commitment was to deliver it within six months but no word has come out yet as to the timeline of the project and when the homeless families could expect to move in.

The state government did confirm, however, that the project is in the planning stages and that there are major modifications that would need to be made so the facility could be suitable for its intended purpose.

In early December 2022, the Queensland Housing Summit Outcomes report was released following the summit held last October. It identifies the measures that the state government will implement to tackle the housing crisis including a $56 million investment in new housing supply and support initiatives.

The state government will also continue its audit of state-owned land and buildings to identify opportunities for residential use as well as a $1 billion boost to the Housing Investment Fund to $2 billion.

Meanwhile, a total of $48.5 will go towards housing support which includes expansion of tenancy sustainment responses, delivery of more temporary emergency housing with onsite support, additional support for after-hours outreach service, and cost of living relief including emergency and food relief.

Now Open: The Gift Shop Relaunches as Deli Dakota

Photo Credit: Facebook / Deli Dakota

The Gift Shop has just relaunched as Deli Dakota in its new home in Mount Gravatt East and it’s already making a great first impression. It recently landed on the online publication, Broadsheet’s best openings of 2022 list.

Just six months after The Gift Shop closed its doors on its location in Civic Fair Shopping Centre, fans of the beloved cafe have all the reasons to celebrate as it relaunches in its new home in Mount Gravatt East.

With the rebranding, however, comes a shift in offerings as the new Deli Dakota now focuses on handheld eats which customers can order and eat whilst on the go. There’s limited seating here as well for those who prefer to dine in and take their time.

The menu includes all-time favourites Breakfast Burger made with fried free-range egg and bacon, caramelized onion ham, aioli and American cheese served on a milk bun and Avo Toast or smashed avocado with feta, zaatar and pickled onions on 1 or 2 pieces of toasted sourdough.

There is also BBQ Brisket Reuben which is thick-cut malted barley bread packed with slow-cooked brisket, sweet baby rays BBQ sauce, chilli mayo, sauerkraut, pickles and American Cheese; and Dakota Fried Chicken made with spiced buttermilk fried chicken, lettuce, kimchi mayo, kewpie and coriander on a milk bun. These and two other sangas as well as fries are available, made to order from 8.30 am.

Don’t have enough time to wait, though? You may instead choose from their cabinet stacked with premade sandwiches including Ham from the Heavens made with fresh shaved smoked free-range leg ham, cheddar cheese, Swiss and Parmesan Béchamel and then served on Sourdough; and Forest Mushrooms or garlic and thyme Swiss brown and porcini mushrooms with parmesan béchamel and Swiss cheese with white truffle oil on sourdough.

Deli Dakota’s specialty coffee offerings feature beans from Melbourne-based Rosso Roasting Co. along with rotating single-origins plus shakes, cold brew, chai and pressed juices.

Deli Dakota is located at 30 Badminton Street in Mount Gravatt East. Check out their social media for store updates or their website to order online.

DELI DAKOTA | 30 Badminton St, Mount Gravatt East QLD 4122, Australia

Big Congratulations to Wishart State School! 2022 AST School of Excellence Award Recipient

Photo credit: Google Maps

Congratulations to Wishart State School for bagging the 2022 Active School Travel’s School of Excellence award! The school was recognised for making significant improvements to active travel in their community.

The Active School Travel (AST) program is an initiative of Brisbane City Council to encourage students, parents, carers and teachers to leave the car at home and actively travel to school. The program offers schools free resources, tools and incentives.

Each year, AST recognises schools that showed fantastic outcomes and changes through the program.

This 2022, Craigslea State School in Chermside West took home the School of the Year award with Wishart State School being honoured a well with a School of Excellence award for having the highest percentage of active travel in large schools.

Meanwhile, the Greatest increase of active travel in large schools award went to St Anthony’s School, Kedron whilst the Greatest increase of active travel in small schools recognition was awarded to Seven Hills State School. Lastly, the Highest percentage of active travel in small schools award went to Junction Park State School.

Current AST schools that Council is working with for over three years include:

Commencing 2023

Inala State School
Kenmore South State School
Murarrie State School
Salisbury State School
St Joseph’s School, Nundah
Sunnybank Hills State School
Upper Mt Gravatt State School

Commenced 2022

Aspley East State School
Aspley State School
Brisbane Central State School
Craigslea State School, Chermside West
Greenslopes State School
Grovely State School, Keperra
Holy Family School, Indooroopilly
Manly State School
Milton State School
Morningside State School
New Farm State School
Our Lady of the Assumption, Enoggera
Wondall Heights State School, Manly West

Mount Gravatt State High School Wins 2022 WasteSMART Schools Award

Mount Gravatt State High School has been recognised at Brisbane’s 2022 WasteSMART Awards for its long-term commitment to waste prevention.

Read: Mt Gravatt State School Receives Grant For New Greenhouse

The school won this year’s WasteSMART People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the public, based on all the finalists shortlisted by the judges across all categories; and the WasteSMART Schools Award sponsored by Containers for Change.

WasteSMART Schools Award is given to schools to encourage and recognise implemented environmental initiatives in a school that has a focus on litter reduction, waste management and education.

Photo credit: Mount Gravatt State High School/Facebook

Mount Gravatt shared in more than $4,000 in prizes awarded by the program.

About the WasteSMART Brisbane Awards

WasteSMART Brisbane Awards was developed by Brisbane City Council as a way of recognising individuals and groups going above and beyond to help make Brisbane a clean, green and sustainable city.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner congratulated everyone who won this year’s award across all nine categories.

“We received a record 397 nominations this year, which shows our community’s incredible efforts in minimising waste and reducing items going to landfill,” said Cr Schrinner.

Mount Gravatt State High School’s ‘green culture’

The school has an Eco club which meets every Thursday to undertake a range of projects to improve student environmental outcomes.

Members of the Eco club tend to the vegetable gardens, remove weeds, and clean up environmental green zones. They also help in establishing chill out zones and improving students’ mental health through developing environmental skills and appreciation of their environmental areas.

In addition to this they also recycle throughout the school and seek to educate and improve environmental outcomes both in and out of the classroom.

Read: Upper Mount Gravatt State School: New Building Nears Completion

Every year, the school holds a National Tree Day. In July 2022, students helped plant over 200 native seedlings, donated by Mount Gravatt Environment Group and Bunnings Warehouse.