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Mt Gravatt State High School Wins People’s Choice at the 2020 National Videos for Change Competition

Three Year 8 students from Mount Gravatt State High School received the People’s Choice Awards at the 2020 National Videos for Change Competition. Brannagh, 13, Summer, 13, and Kairi-Yuna, 14 created a one-minute video focusing on mental health for the elderly, which was one of the 19 finalists.

The students visited St Vincent’s Care Services in Kangaroo Point to bring care packages, letters and signs to lift the spirits of the elderly during this pandemic. While there, amidst COVID-safe measures, they realised that their small gesture can make have a huge impact and make a difference.

In choosing the senior residents as their subject, Brannagh, Summer and Kairi-Yuna focused on sharing practical suggestions for the community to show how they value the isolated older generation, especially in this pandemic lockdown.

You can watch their 60-second creation on the official Videos for Change site.

Videos for Change encourages young people to present their ideas on social issues that matter to them. It’s a way for the youth to develop and practice their advocacy, build their confidence and valuable skills that will lay the path for their better future.

“These one-minute videos build empathy and touch your heart. They address universal issues and give us a sense of hope and connection at a time when it’s never been more important,” Videos for Change Founder Roya Baghai said.

Meanwhile, the Mount Gravatt State High School students remain in contact with the residents at the St Vincent’s Care Services whilst their in-person visits are limited. They communicate the old-fashioned way — by sending handwritten letters.

Vapiano in Mt Gravatt Braces for an Overhaul

Vapiano, the famous pizza restaurant with an outlet at the Garden City in Upper Mount Gravatt, is bracing for some changes amid this new normal. The eatery will soon introduce a new ordering system that will give the customers more control of their dining experience.

For the last decade, Vapiano’s stores across Queensland have had a familiar ordering system where diners line up at the food stations and then see the chefs prepare and cook their meals.

The new process will incorporate smartphone technology and QR codes, as well as ditch the need for queueing.

Diners may immediately secure their table once inside Vapiano and then place their orders from their smartphones.

The idea is to keep customers comfortably seated whilst the waitstaff provides the service. They may also use their smartphones to pay for their meals so that no one has to leave the table.

However, customers who come in without smartphones may still place orders at a dedicated but smaller corner in the restaurant, where physical distancing will be observed.

The kitchen’s operation will also be altered to reflect the new ordering system.

Managing director Will Cooke believes that will keep the restaurant more efficient whilst maintaining the quality of its food and service.

Meanwhile, Vapiano will also bring in new tables and lighting to freshen up the ambience. The Brisbane City outlet is the first to make the design changes whilst the ordering system will be introduced at the Garden City outlet in Mt Gravatt before the holidays.

Vapiano serves homemade Italian comfort food like pasta, pizza and salads with meals tailored to the customers’ preference.

“Whether you come in for a cheeky after work cocktail in our bar area, or spend hours enjoying a meal with friends in our restaurant, we pride ourselves on serving only the best made-to-order pizzas, house-made pasta, hand-tossed salads and delicious dolci in a fun, relaxing atmosphere filled with fresh herbs at every table and live olive trees.”

To book a table with a maximum of six diners, visit their reservation page online.

Is the Mt Gravatt Marketta Back? Owner Reveals One Setback

Saturday nights haven’t been the same for many locals as the Mt Gravatt Marketta remains closed amidst the coronavirus restrictions. Owner Jim Gloftis, however, has high hopes for an opening before Christmas but he explained the one setback preventing him from unlocking the gates to the street food hive.

Mt Gravatt Marketta might be a foodie’s go-to place for the trendiest street food in town. However, patrons also like the variety of live band performances that draw the crowd to get up and dance

The government, however, has a strict sanction against social dancing violations. Mr Gloftis said that the fines are so expensive that he’s not willing to take the risks.

However, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk recently released the next phase of relaxed rules for Queensland for October, November and December.

The plan includes the approval of COVID-19 safe wedding dancing activities by December and “further review of dancing restrictions.”

“We have always said that we would continue to ease restrictions where we could in a staged and balanced way to keep Queenslanders safe – and this plan does just that,” the Premier said.

“The new roadmap gives more certainty to the community and businesses through to the end of this year by outlining monthly easing of restrictions. That includes increasing gatherings in public spaces, unseated drinking and eating, dancing at weddings and removing some border restrictions.”

NEW ROADMAP: Today we’re releasing a new roadmap to easing restrictions for October, November and December 👇👇👇 pic.twitter.com/JkeHmXyDdu
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 1, 2020

Mr Gloftis thinks that the government will have some good news before Christmas that will allow Mt Gravatt Marketta to finally open. He reveals he hasn’t stopped receiving enquiries about the reopening as people are eager to return to the showgrounds for the food, the grub and the music.

The businessman is also the owner of Gold Coast’s Miami Marketta, which reopened more than a month ago. However, he revealed that the site is operating at a loss but he wants to continue helping out the stallholders.

Closed Upper Mt Gravatt Sports Hobby Shop Sees Online Resurgence Amidst COVID-19

In mid-2019, Skate Connection rolled out of Westfield Garden City in Upper Mount Gravatt after ending its 5-year lease. Less than a year after, the pandemic struck and other Skate Connection stores closed up shop too. Now, however, things have taken a turn for the better as the sports hobby shop has become busier than ever in an unexpected way.

Online demand for roller skates and skateboards has surged as families look for activities to enjoy in this distressing and unpredictable times.

Shelley Hedley and Brett Vowles, the co-founders of Skate Connection, said that the first two months of lockdowns affected their sales. Skater parks, events and competitions had to shut down as well.

Over time, however, their online site’s activity picked up despite closing their outlet at Westfield Garden City. Ms Hedley revealed that there have been sales during weekends that topped their Christmas holiday activities.

The owner believes demand for rollerblades and skateboards, which surged in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, saw a revival since wheel sports counts as “individual exercise” and will work for COVID-19 social distancing rules.

Some of their customers have devised “isolation stations” and clever skating activities to do in their backyard or the garage driveway.

Meanwhile, Mr Vowles said that they are putting their focus on improving their online site and their remaining physical Queensland stores in Ashmore and North Lakes with a staff of 25 people.

Admittedly, the business partners said that there are operational problems to sort out as they are learning how to thrive in this pandemic. However, great opportunities also open to every problem. They’re keeping a positive mindset over what they can control in this new normal.

Follow Skate Connection on Facebook for updates on their latest stocks, contest and promotions for their online stores. The company also needs staff at their remaining Queensland sites.

Mt Gravatt Fun Fair: First COVID Safe Mini EKKA Gets Underway

Bummed about EKKA’s cancellation in this pandemic? There’s still fun to be had at the Mt Gravatt Fun Fair, which has all the trappings of a massive amusement show but with COVID-19 safety precautions firmly set in place.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented changes with the cancellations and disruptions of many events and activities. However, seeking out fun may be just the thing you need to get through this crisis.

Queensland Amusement Hire is bringing the Mt Gravatt Fun Fair at the Logan Road showgrounds from 13 to 16 Aug and 20 to 23 Aug 2020.

Featured rides include:

Teacups
Helicopters
Jumbo Slide
Bungy Trampolines
Ferris Wheel for children
Dodgem Cars
Wave Swinger
Hurricane
Alien Abduction
Let’s Dance
Two Storey Fun House

The Mt Gravatt Fun Fair will also feature sideshow attractions and COVID safe competitions, aside from giveaway show bags and heaps of food truck choices.

Unfortunately, there will be no animal petting corners and crafts for this mini EKKA.

This is the first Brisbane amusement show with a COVID safe business model. The following compulsory safety conditions will be implemented at the showgrounds:

Entry is wrapped up into three-hour sessions each day
400 person maximum capacity per session
1.5 metres social distancing with an allowance of 4 sqm per person in lines
Sanitiser stations will be on-site and available at entry, exit and at every ride and attraction
Dedicated exit and entry points
Temperature checks
Contactless payment options (EFTPOS and other cashless options)

All guests are required to make a prior booking online for the general admission ($2) and the unlimited rides wristband ($35). Ride tickets of approximately $5 per ride may be purchased on-site as well for guests who prefer not to get the wristband.

Guests are requested to pick a schedule and stick with the time and date set:

DATE	TIME
Thu, 13 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri, 14 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat, 15 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun, 16 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thu, 20 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fri, 21 Aug	5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat, 22 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun, 23 Aug	10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

COVID marshalls will make their rounds to check if guests are adhering to the safety protocols and the staff is frequently cleaning surfaces. The number of customers will be constantly monitored while every guest will be required to provide their full name and contact numbers upon entrance for contact tracing.

With the safety precautions and rules set in place, the team behind Mt Gravatt Fun Fair can ensure a great time for everyone!

Community Attempts to Save Seton College from Closing

Special needs school Seton College will be shutting down for good by 2024, after 60 years of operation, but the community is attempting to save the school from closing.

Parents of Seton College’s over-200 student body have formed the Save Seton College committee to fight Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) plans. Mom Kylie Jensen said that they want the school to remain open because Seton College provides a “real sense of community” compared to other schools, where kids with learning difficulty have a hard time coping because of the student to teacher ratio.

A student started an online petition as well, which has received more than 3,000 signatures as of press time.

“Seton College is the most welcoming, helping, accepting and the best school I’ve ever been to. Education is taught in many different fun ways to help students not only enjoy their classes but take in more from what they are learning about,” Tayhlia Shaw wrote.

“My time at Seton College has been the best I could have ever imagine,” she added. “It has taught me resilience, understanding my emotions, understanding people, how to keep happy friendships, what to do in certain situations and most importantly it has taught me to treat others kindly and with respect.”

Speech and Language Development Australia (SALDA) is reportedly interested in stepping up and taking over Seton College. Chairman Peter Seldon said that they are studying the expansion.

SALDA has a holistic approach to education and therapy. They operate The Glenleighden School in Fig Tree Pocket.

Meanwhile, BCE said that it will remain committed to provide the highest standard of learning to students who will be staying on.

“Families can expect a personalised approach which addresses the specific needs of their son or daughter. We are planning for Seton College to remain fully operational until the end of 2024,” a spokesperson for the BCE said.

Maa Kinn Authentic Thai Food Reopens In Mt Gravatt With Discounts And A Cause

Dine-in business has restarted for Maa Kinn Bangkok Street Food since mid-May but under the “new normal,” this Upper Mt Gravatt restaurant has been serving up more than just authentic Thai dishes for its patrons.

Maa Kinn is also giving discounts for customers who will choose to shop online and pick up their food from the store on Logan Road in a bid to promote social distancing and no-contact transactions amidst this pandemic.

For July, customers who place orders on their online website and pick the items up themselves will get a 10% discount from the full-priced menu.

The list of food includes a budget-friendly selection of spring rolls, puffs, wontons, curries, stir fry dishes, noodles and noodle soup, and house specials like Som Tum (papaya salad with tomatoes and peanuts), Red Duck Curry with a range of sauces, Kanaa Moo Grob (crispy pork belly with Asian vegetables), and Garlic Prawns.

Photo Credit: Maa Kinn Bangkok Street Food/Facebook

This month, Maa Kinn has also picked Micah Projects as its beneficiary for Charity of the Month. Micah Projects is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support for children and families who have been affected by social injustice.

Customers of Maa Kinn have the option to donate to the cause when they place their orders and it will be matched by the restaurant’s owners.

“Here at Maa Kinn, we believe that charity starts at home,” Maa Kinn’s statement read. “Therefore with the help of our customers, family and friends, we are accepting monetary donations to go towards purchasing dry and canned goods to go into Emergency Relief packs that are given out to individuals and families that are doing it tough during these unprecedented times.”

If you’re keen to support Maa Kinn Bangkok Street Food check their store online or visit their Facebook page for the store’s trading hours.

I have been looking for a great Thai restaurant on the Southside for sometime. There have been a few that are good and I ordered a couple times from them, but still kept looking for a really great one. There have been a couple that have been down right disappointing or they have changed hands. Last night we tried Maa Kinn for the first time, OMG! we have found it, the best Thai food on the Southside. The dishes were packed full of flavour, perfect protein:vege ratio, and we tried a dish we haven’t seen elsewhere, Ginger Stir fry we added prawns….. oh my goodness, it was delicious! My husband isn’t normally a ginger fan, but he was willing to arm wrestle me for the leftovers. Highly recommend Maa Kinn.
Trudy Radenovic, Google Reviews

“I popped in with a friend today for lunch. I had Thai green curry and it was fantastic. The people that served us were lovely – very friendly. If the rest of the food is as nice as what had today I’ll be a regular – thankyou!”
Peter Charles Dominic Shirres, Facebook

BIG W Calamvale Closes; Deploys Displaced Workers to Upper Mt Gravatt and Other Stores

BIG W Calamvale has ceased operations, as the retailer trims its network portfolio, cutting out outlets identified as consistently underperforming.

“We regret the short notice it gives to our team and community,” the company spokesperson said.

Explaining the reason for the sudden, overnight timing of the closure, the company explained that under the terms of the Calamvale lease, the store is obliged to cease trading immediately after handing in its notice to terminate.

Nevertheless, the company has guaranteed redeployment of all displaced workers at neighbouring BIG W stores. The closest locations are in Upper Mount Gravatt, Browns Plains, and Underwood.

BIG W in Upper Mount Gravatt.
Photo Credit: Google Maps/Motion Blue Media

Around 70 staff, composed of full-time, part-time and casual workers, have been displaced by the closure.

In February 2020, the beleaguered chain shuttered three NSW stores located in Auburn, Chullora, and Fairfield. It had previously announced that closure of around 30 stores will be forthcoming although specific stores and other details are not yet available, after the four outlets that have already ceased to operate.

“We do not anticipate that any future store closures would be subject to such tight time frames,” BIG W assured.

Read : Stage One of Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve Project Now Complete

Upper Mount Gravatt Ranks Among the Brisbane Suburbs With the Most Food Safety Complaints 2019

Upper Mount Gravatt is among the Brisbane suburbs with the most food safety complaints, according to the Council’s food safety complaints 2019 report.

In 2019, there have been more than 800 food safety complaints — food premises and unsafe food/infection — recorded by the Brisbane City Council, with Brisbane CBD topping the over-all list. (96). Meanwhile, Upper Mount Gravatt had 30 food safety complaints; 15 food premises and 15 unsafe food/infection complaints.

Top Brisbane suburbs for most food safety complaints based on Brisbane City Council data from January – December 2019

The top suburbs for food safety complaints include: Brisbane City – 96; Fortitude Valley – 40; Upper Mount Gravatt – 30; Sunnybank – 28; South Brisbane, West End – 20; Woolloongabba – 19; Indooroopilly – 18; Chermside – 17; Sunnybank Hills – 16; Calamvale, Inala – 15; Nundah, Paddington – 14; Clayfield -12; Carindale – 11; Coorparoo, and Eight Mile Plains – 10.

The State Government suggest to do the following If you suspect that you may have become ill from food:

consult a doctor
refrigerate any remaining food for testing and keep the packaging if possible
advise the food business of the illness, including the type of food eaten, so they can deal with any remaining suspected food
report the issue to 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), particularly if another person has similar symptoms after eating the same food.

Brisbane City Council Environmental Health Officers audit and assess all food safety risks and the food safety practices and procedures of food business operators in Brisbane and calculate their star rating. This ensures that they meet their responsibilities under the Food Act 2006 and the Food Safety Standards.

You may search the Council’s website to find out what food safety star rating a restaurant, cafe, or takeaway in your area has.