Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 22 of 40

Now Open: The Gift Shop Relaunches as 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.

David Jones in Mt Gravatt to Close; Westfield Garden City Restructures Retail Tenancy

David Jones is set to close shop in Mt Gravatt after SCentre Group, which owns Westfield Garden City, lodged a development application to restructure its retail tenancy.

Under DA A006144550, lodged on the 8th of November 2022, the Scentre Group proposes to demolish and reconfigure two levels of David Jones and turn these sections into seven “mini-major tenancies” and four specialty stores.

The restructure will also entail the removal of the travelators on levels 1 and 2 whilst the facade by the mall entrance will be refurbished and refreshed with a terraced area to take advantage of the natural light.

David Jones Mt Gravatt restructure — Photo Credit: DA A006144550/BCC

David Jones Mt Gravatt Changes — *Photo Credit: DA A006144550/BCC*

The parking area will also be reconfigured “to accommodate a new plant room and a connection to a fire corridor egress.”

The plans come years after the operators of the popular department store said they need to restructure and keep pace with its online shopping competition. During the pandemic, David Jones also decided to close its Toowong outlet after 36 years. It shifted its Fortitude Valley site to a smaller store as well.

Despite this, David Jones apparently continues to enjoy strong sales growth post lockdowns, per Woolworths Holdings, which bought the brand in 2014. Shoppers have slowly returned to the stores when the restrictions were eased off.

Woolworths Holdings, however, is said to be reassessing David Jones’ future after paying off the retailer’s debts and turning the company into a self-funding business.

Mt Gravatt Tesla Store Opens as 3rd Queensland Location

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk’s popular electric vehicle brand has opened its third location in Queensland! Mt Gravatt Tesla on Logan Road is a one-stop shop with everything that owners need — a showroom, a service shop, and a delivery centre all in one location.

Mt Gravatt Tesla took over the former site of Southside Toyota and had its grand opening on the 5th of November 2022 with over 150 guests. The site is still accepting applications for staff members to join its team.

The third Queensland location is accessible and offers more to many local electric car enthusiasts who do not have to go to Fortitude Valley to purchase or have their vehicles serviced, per Arran Blomfield of the Tesla Owners’ Club of Australia in Queensland.

Mr Blomfiled already owns two Tesla vehicles and plans to purchase a third unit. He is also the owner of ReGen EV, an electric vehicle charger installer.

It comes as Tesla Australia has released a recall order for 1,012 vehicles due to a steering wheel defect that may put the driver at a risk for accidents. Tesla Model S and Model X bought between 2017 to 2020 are covered in the recall, per the Australian Department of Transport.

Tesla owners are advised to visit the dealer or download software that will fix the problem.

“Owners of affected vehicles may also contact their authorised Tesla dealer to make an appointment to have the firmware updated, free of charge. No further action is necessary from owners whose vehicles are equipped with firmware release 2022.36.5 or a later firmware release,” the recall order stated.

Mount Gravatt Locals Urged To Take Action Against Diabetes-related Vision Loss

In the lead up to World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2022, residents of Mount Gravatt are being encouraged to take action to prevent diabetes-related vision loss.

Read: Anti-Mosquito Measures to Protect Yourself from Japanese Encephalitis Exposure in Mount Gravatt

Based on the Australian Diabetes Map, there are around 2,400 Mt Gravatt residents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that around half are at risk of diabetes-related vision loss or blindness.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

It’s being observed every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Preventing Diabetes-Related Vision Loss

Experts recommend getting regular eye exams to help prevent vision problems. Bupa Optical, which has a location in Mt Gravatt, said regular eye tests can help detect early signs of diabetes or help detect emerging issues for those already living with the disease.

Bupa Optical Optometrist Karen Makin said symptoms often don’t emerge until the later stages of the condition when people suffer vision loss, experience giddiness or unexpected changes to their weight.

Ms Makin said conditions like diabetic retinopathy – a condition affecting the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye inside the retina, often give no visual symptoms and can be undetected under normal conditions as changes to eyesight happen slowly over time.

They developed a technology called EyeInspect, an Artificial Intelligence enabled testing, which compares a patients eyes with a database of more than 10 million retinal images, with many different health conditions.

Read: Dental Health Week: ‘Gums the Word’ for Better Health Outcomes for Mt Gravatt Locals

“Technology such as EyeInspect was developed with the knowledge that the eye is a window into the heart and enables our team to provide people with more information about their general health which they can discuss with their doctor if and when recommended,” said Ms Makin.

Bupa Optical Mt Gravatt is located at Shop 1368 Westfield Garden City Cnr Logan & Kessels Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt.

Have Your Say on Brisbane’s New Bus Network

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au/

A major revamp of Brisbane’s bus network is happening soon and Mount Gravatt residents are being asked to weigh in on the plans for the new bus network.

A community information session will be held for Mount Gravatt residents on Saturday, 19 November 2022 at the Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Upper Community Hall.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said Brisbane’s New Bus Network will ensure Brisbane, which population is expected to grow by almost 25 per cent by 2041, will have the services in place to meet future demand. The decision to invest in the fully electric, high-capacity Brisbane Metro will give Council greater flexibility to deliver more services, more often during peak periods.

Some of the key changes to Brisbane’s bus network include the addition of three new routes:

Route 26 – Griffith University station to RBWH station
Route P109 – Acacia Ridge to City
Route 182 – Upper Mt Gravatt station (Garden City) to Holland Park West

Visit the interactive map here

The redesign will also make the network more efficient by combining 27 routes and removing two due to duplication and low patronage, particularly Routes 145 and P151.

“We’re backing this up with record investment in public transport to support services throughout Brisbane’s suburbs,” Cr Murphy said.

“Brisbane’s New Bus Network redesigns services to connect customers to the two high-frequency Metro lines between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the University of Queensland.

“There is also significant scope to expand the Metro further into Brisbane’s north and east through investment into the dedicated bus network.

Councillor Murphy added that Council will increase its public transport subsidy for bus services by 84 per cent to 183 million over the next few years to ensure that Brisbane can invest in additional services where they needed most.

Council is inviting Brisbane residents to have their say on the new bus services by attending one of the Council’s 22 community information sessions or going online to use the interactive map or play the Brisbane Metro Game.

“We want residents to join the conversation and provide their feedback to help us create the best possible transport network.”

November Community Information Sessions:

Tuesday, 1 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Friday, 4 November 12-2 pm: The Community Place, Stafford, 33 Teevan St, Stafford
Saturday, 5 November 10 am-12 pm: Inala Library, Inala Shopping Centre, Corsair Ave, Inala – A Vietnamese interpreter will be available at this event.
Tuesday, 8 November 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Wednesday, 9 November 1:30 – 3:30 pm: Chermside Library, 375 Hamilton Rd, Chermside
Thursday, 10 November 11 am-1 pm: St Lucia Community Hall, 27 Guilfoyle Street, St Lucia
Saturday, 12 November 10 am-12 pm: Pamphlett-Tennyson Sea Scout, Sea Scout Den, 284 Graceville Ave, Graceville
Tuesday, 15 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 19 November 10 am-12 pm: Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Upper Community Hall, 1644 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt
Tuesday, 22 November 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Thursday, 24 November 11 am-1 pm: Indooroopilly Library, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly
Saturday, 26 November 10 am-12 pm: Coopers Plains Library, 107 Orange Grove Rd, Coopers Plains QLD 4108
Tuesday, 29 November 4-6 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 3 December 10 am-12 pm: Warrigal Square Shopping Centre, 261 Warrigal Rd, Eight Mile Plains – a Mandarin interpreter will be available
Tuesday, 6 December 11 am-1 pm: Brisbane Metro Information Centre, 63 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City
Saturday, 10 December 10 am-12 pm: Wellers Hills Bowls Club, 34 Esher St, Tarragindi

Council will finalise the network following public consultation and will seek Translink’s approval on the changes. The new network plan ahead of bus network changes and metro services will be released starting in late 2024.

Visit the Council website here for more information on how to have your say on Brisbane’s New Bus Network.

Mount Gravatt Mazda Boobmobile To Hit Brisbane Streets

Photo credit: Facebook / Mount Gravatt Mazda

Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mount Gravatt Mazda’s pink Mazda CX-5 Boobmobile will be hitting the streets of Brisbane to help raise awareness of the need for early detection.

As part of its Wellness Program, Mount Gravatt Mazda will soon be rolling out its eye-catching pink SUV to spark conversations around the importance of early detection and screening.

“As a local family-owned business in Brisbane, we feel very close to this campaign. Our owner and Dealer Principal, Julian Mason has been on his own personal journey with his family,” MGM said.

MGM Dealer Principal Julian Mason's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 but won the battle due to early detection — MGM Dealer Principal *Julian Mason’s* mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 but won the battle due to early detection | Photo credit: Mount Gravatt Mazda / mountgravattmazda.com.au

Julian’s mother, Carole, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2018. As part of her treatment, she underwent two lumpectomies along with four rounds of chemotherapy and daily radiation. Carole was able to win the battle against the disease owing to early detection.

However, his Aunty Jill who was also diagnosed in 2019 wasn’t as lucky. She had a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. She lost her three-year battle at the age of 43.

“We all know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer, and it is our turn to stand up and join the fight. Our goal is to promote awareness and early detection of the disease in our community.” – Julian Mason | Dealer Principal

And in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness this month of October, MGM will also be supporting Brisbane-based breast cancer charity, Be Uplifted. All funds raised will go towards the charity’s efforts to extend support services and financial assistance to local women and men who are seriously ill with breast cancer and their family.

Zarraffa’s Coffee Opens Drive-through location in Mt Gravatt

Zarraffa’s Coffee has opened its Mt Gravatt drive-through store on Logan Road, as the brand continues its expansion efforts in Queensland.

Australian-owned specialty coffee franchisor, Zarraffa’s Coffee, opened its latest drive-through location in Mt Gravatt. Taking over the space at 3/1329-1339 Logan Road, the store owned by franchisees Melissa Sanagan and Lachlan Sherrington was launched in late September 2022.

Melissa and Lachlan opened their first Zarraffa’s Coffee franchise in 2019 in Tweed Heads South, NSW. Three years later, the couple decided that the time to explore Mt Gravatt for expansion opportunities was ripe.

“We plan to become more involved in the community, through local schools, businesses and sporting associations,” Mrs Sanagan said.

“Supporting businesses in our backyard has always been a core part of what Zarraffa’s stores do and we’re keen to start forging local relationships through coffee.”

“Opening the Mount Gravatt location is another chapter in our journey with Zarraffa’s. We’re looking forward to serving the local community handcrafted coffee for years to come.”

Melissa added that with their years of experience owning the South Tweed franchise, they “were really pumped to hit the ground running and deliver on the overarching Zarraffa’s experience.”

“It’s really exciting to be able to open our second store and set our standards early,” she said.

“We’ve been forming our team for the past few months, employing over 30 locals. We believe when our staff are well trained, happy and confident, we can deliver the best possible service for our customers. My teaching experience has really helped build our team’s skills and knowledge. We thrive on having a fantastic culture in our stores.”

The latest drive-through store expansion is part of Zarraffa’s Coffee’s current expansion plans for its 25-year-old specialty coffee company. The company’s CEO, Marnie Sheldon said it’s hugely rewarding to see Melissa and Lachlan take the next step by becoming a multi-site owners within the brand.

“Growing our footprint can only happen with the great operators. Mel and Lachlan have established a thriving local business in South Tweed and now get to enjoy the next phase in their franchising journey with two bustling drive thru locations,” she said.

“As we head into this next phase of store footprint expansion, we are looking for the right operators to join our team and grow beyond our traditional areas. With major expansion planning across Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, there is plenty of opportunity for commercial growth.”

Zarraffa’s Coffee was established in 1996 by Kenton and Rachel Campbell. Fully Australian-owned and operated, the company has its head office and roastery based in Eagleby.

Originally operating as a roasting house on Southport in Gold Coast, Zarraffa’s Coffee grew into an award-winning enterprise with over 70 locations across Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. The Company’s drive-through concept was conceived in 2009 which offered a quality coffee experience paired with added convenience.

Zarraffa’s Coffee Mount Gravatt | 3/1329/1339 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt QLD 4122, Australia

Developer Seeks To Build Residential Building In Upper Mount Gravatt

A five-storey apartment building could rise at Hertford Street in Upper Mount Gravatt, if a development application gets approved.

Read: Three Restaurants at Westfield Garden City Shopping Centre Proposed

Based on plans submitted to Brisbane City Council, each of the four levels will have six units to accommodate a total of 24 units whilst the ground floor will be constructed as a suspended structure for car parking.

Upper Mount Gravatt — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Red Door Architecture

A total of 49 car parking spaces will be provided on the suspended podium level, where 42 will be for residents, six for visitors and one for shared space.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Red Door Architecture

As part of the application, developers have proposed to establish a new crossover, with direct access to Hertford St, given that the subject site, at 32 Hertford Street, Upper Mount Gravatt does not currently have a crossover to the street.

Designed by Red Door Architecture, it will feature a rooftop level which will have its own communal open spaces, featuring a BBQ area, outdoor alfresco and dining area, enhanced by landscaping.

“The design of the proposed development has had regard to the recently adopted provisions to provide a high quality rooftop communal open space for future residents, incorporating generous landscaping that integrates with the overall built form, and enhances the amenity of the rooftop garden,” planners at Town Planning Alliance wrote.

In the planning documents, it’s stated that the subject site is susceptible to overland flow flooding, and is confirmed to have an overland flow path traverse across the site.

In response, the applicant is planning to construct a wall structure in the undercroft area along the eastern boundary of the site to minimise flood level impacts to neighbouring properties.

“Consequently, the proposed development has been designed to incorporate a suspended podium ground level with an undercroft at an appropriate height to ensure the development does not impact upon the overland flow. A driveway ramp is proposed from the south-eastern part of the site’s frontage to Hertford Street to facilitate access to the site from street level,” planning documents read.

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

To learn more about the proposed multiple dwellings on Hertford Street, visit Brisbane City Council’s website, with the reference A006030769.