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East Meets West for Brekky at Little Glass Room Espresso Bar in Mt Gravatt

Do you enjoy a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine for breakfast? If you’re hankering for a different flair, Little Glass Room Espresso Bar in Logan Road, Mt Gravatt is where east meets west and you will not be disappointed about starting your day at this restaurant.

Little Glass Room Espresso Bar opened its doors in the middle of 2019 to offer diners an extensive breakfast, brunch and lunch menu, where they can have both Asian or Western food or a combination of both. The idea was borne out of its owners’ frustration on breakfast food after experiencing a lack of choices from other cafes in Mt Gravatt and the nearby suburbs. The owners, by the way, are behind the community favourite and award-winning Modern Thai restaurant next door.

This foodie spot serves an all-day breakfast menu featuring the classics like eggs benny with homemade sauce or avocado smash. The standout breakfast meal, however, is a delicious bowl of Forbidden Rice (black rice pudding with coconut cream and in-season fruits) that is richly satisfying and gives all the energy you need for the day.

*Photo Credit: Little Glass Room Espresso Bar/Facebook*

On the other hand, lunch selections at this Thai-Western cafe include soft shell crab burgers on brioche buns, delightful stir-fried Thai rice noodles, healthy chicken tom yum and a reliable Pad Thai.

Little Glass Room Espresso Bar has quite an inviting vibe. When you step into the restaurant, you’ll get a sense of calm and peace, which would be perfect if you’d like to enjoy your meals amidst a quiet atmosphere.

Open at 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, except Monday, Little Glass Room Espresso Bar also serves The Cat’s Pyjamas coffee blends from Seven Miles, a selection of tea, lattes, juices, Thai iced coffee, and fresh coconut juice. The establishment is also dog-friendly, with an outdoor deck area for lounging and hanging out.

“We just had brunch here today and would highly recommend this place. It is dog-friendly and we were able to take our foster dog Zoe for her first outing to this cafe. The staff was extremely friendly and very accommodating as we had two kids and a giant dog with us!! It has been a while since I have received such genuine and amazing service. The food was amazing as well!! 5 stars for this place and take your woofstars with you too so they can enjoy an outing as well.”
~ Nameeta Prakash, Facebook

“Great selection and a generous portion of Thai plus little French-influenced food is fab. The deco was good, staff was very attentive and polite. I will definitely return and will proudly recommend to like-minded diners. Enjoy.”
~ WH C, Google Reviews

“Atmosphere and decor are lovely. Staff is excellent very attentive and most professional. But most importantly the food is fantastic kudos to the chef very impressed, clean fresh and dynamic food. We would highly recommend the Little Glass Room. We will return.”
~ Dizzyr32, Trip Advisor

Wishart Community Park in Kavanagh Road to Get an Upgrade

The southern end of the Wishart Community Park in Kavanagh Road will be upgraded with a playground facility, a bike path and a better carpark. Brisbane City Council announced that this project’s concept plan has been finalised after a public consultation in September 2019.

Work on the Wishart Community Park is expected to begin in early 2020 and it is one of 11 park and reserve improvement projects of the Council.

Among the improvements expected at this facility are a rubber path for the playground, sandstone for the block seating and retaining walls, and heaps of shaded trees. The playground itself will have new equipment for multi-play purposes for children from two to 12 years old, such as climbing equipment, cubby house, rockers, swings and spinners. The colours of the equipment will be matched to the natural environment and the adjacent Bulimba Creek.

Council has not announced the expected completion date of the park improvements. However, the community will be updated with more information once work begins.

Wishart Community Park Bikeway

Meanwhile, the construction of the Wishart Community Park bikeway connection near the playground site will begin on the 25th of Nov 2019. The work will continue until February 2020, weather permitting.

The new bike path will be three metres wide and will directly connect the southern end of the Wishart Community Park to the Bulimba Creek Bikeway network. Whilst 10 trees will be uprooted during this construction, Council will be planting 87 trees as a replacement once the bike path is completed.

During the construction phase, parts of the park will be fenced off for the safety of the public. For concerns on this project, locals may phone the project team at 1800 669 416 (during working hours) or the Council on 07 3403 8888 (outside of working hours).

Wishart Community Park covers of 4.4 hectares of the 12 hectares of land set in between Kavanagh Road and Maibry Street at the corridor of Bulimba Creek.

Cinnabon Rolls In Mt Gravatt, 3 Other Brisbane Sites

American bakery chain store Cinnabon, best known for its cinnamon rolls, is opening its first four sites in Brisbane. The Mt Gravatt outlet is reportedly set to begin trading in January 2020 at Westfield Garden City on Kessels Road.

Bansal Group, operated by a Queensland family company, is bringing the franchise Down Under by rolling out its first four outlets in Brisbane’s north, south and west. Aside from Westfield Garden City, Cinnabon Australia stores will also rise at Nundah’s Toombul Shopping Center, Westfield Chermside and Mt Ommaney Centre.

Cinnabon Australia’s Facebook Page confirmed the bakery’s opening in Nundah before Christmas and the Mt Gravatt outlet by January.

Most of these Cinnabon Australia sites will most likely be kiosks vacated by other food outlets. The franchise takes pride in its reputation as a quick-service restaurant that produces fresh baked goods in-house every 30 minutes.

*Photo Credit: Cinnabon Australia/Facebook*

In January 2019, Bansal Group announced that it will be “opening multiple stores in Brisbane” by the end of the year. According to reports, the company quietly posted several job ads online with “multiple positions available” to prepare for its launch.

Bansal Group has massive plans to set up 50 stores across the country for the next five years. Company director Gaurav Bansal said that there is a strong market for the famous cinnamon rolls amidst the deluge of doughnuts and muffin stores in Australia.

TAFE Queensland DesignTech Precinct at Mt Gravatt Officially Opened

Did you know that Stage One of the state-of-the-art TAFE Queensland’s DesignTech Precinct in Mt Gravatt has officially opened?

The $1.5-million fashion design hub was opened by Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman last 10 October 2019. The new DesignTech Precinct, which currently trains 120 students, will help shape the future of fashion in Queensland, Ms Fentiman said.

Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) 1997-2019 / statements.qld.gov.au

“With more than 6,000 fashion, industrial and jewellery designers in Queensland, growing our fashion industry is crucial to the state’s economy and job creation,” she said.

Stage One involved the construction of a new public entry and reception area, refurbishment of a contemporary-style gallery exhibition space, and a fit-out of the garment maintenance and repair room.

Another $15 million will be invested at the Mt Gravatt campus, Ms Fentiman said, including the $5.1 million that will be allocated for the Stage Two of the DesignTech Precinct, which will begin in early 2020.

TAFE Queensland DesignTech Precinct — Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) 1997-2019 / statements.qld.gov.au

“The $15 million investment includes $4.4 million to improve the campus experience including upgrading of the cafeteria, new signage, improved lighting for pedestrian thoroughfares and main car park and the relocation of campus security and installation of CCTV,’’ Ms Fentiman said.

The opening of the new precinct will bring the number of fashion study options at the Mt Gravatt campus to four: the three-year Bachelor of Applied Fashion, the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design Technology.

“It’s great to see there was an increase of 35% in Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology enrolments in 2018/19,” Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan said.

“And Mt Gravatt campus is home to 15 international students undertaking Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising and Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising.”

Two of TAFE Queensland’s notable past students who made a mark in the fashion industry are Lorna Jane Clarkson — creator of activewear for women brand, Lorna Jane — and Bianca Whyte, who is the co-founder and creative director of Whyte Studio label and former design assistant for the Kardashian Collection.

Wishart: Among the Top Brisbane Suburbs for Auction Clearance Rate

Wishart is among the top Brisbane suburbs in terms of auction clearance rate, the latest Domain data crunch revealed.

In its latest report, Domain analysed the number of auctions data in each suburb, as well as the number of properties sold by auction and its correlating clearance rate, over the 12-month period to August 2019.

What the study revealed is that whilst Brisbane is not known as an auction-led city, it has in recent years shown growth in auction activity, particularly in suburbs where buyer demand is high.

Kenmore and WIshart, in particular, turn out to be the top Brisbane suburbs as far as auction clearance rates is concerned with 62 percent — more than double Brisbane’s average of 30 percent during the same period.

Experts say that low turnover and the attraction of Mansfield school catchment to families with school-aged children have pushed the average clearance rate for Wishart upwards, with some properties selling for $200,000 to $300,000 over their reserve.

The same can also be said about Kenmore where buyers see value for money, considering the 10 percent price difference between Kenmore and Chapel Hill. Other suburbs with high clearance rates include Kallangur-60%, Chapel Hill-57%, Chermside West-55%, and Wavell Heights-54%.

The report notes that these suburbs, including Wishart and Kenmore, have low number of auctions. It is therefore important to look at other factors that affect the auction activities on a particular suburb, such as the number of properties listed, how many of these properties were withdrawn, and the number of auctions that were held.

As far as Brisbane suburbs that recorded the largest number of auctions, Camp Hill leads the list with a total of 104 auctions in the 12 months to August 2019. Other auction-heavy suburbs include Sunnybank Hills, Paddington, Calamvale, Wynnum, New Farm, Bardon, and West End.

Free Tour and Open House Showcase Mount Gravatt Cemetery’s 100-Year-Old History

If you want a glimpse of local history from an unusual perspective, Brisbane City Council is arranging a free tour and open house of the Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium on Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019.

Tag your friends or family along and join the bus tour to the cemetery and the walking tour to the crematorium from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the said date. The event will cover the interesting history and development of this over 100-year-old Brisbane burial grounds. You will gain access to some private areas during the Open House, such as:

The cremator from the viewing area
The original burial register display
The plaque displays

You’ll also be treated to a family history research demonstration and view an actual burial set-up.

*Photo Credit: Rachid Ghariss/Google Maps*

Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium is one of the few denominational cemeteries in Brisbane. Respecting various religious, ethnic and cultural beliefs, visitors will get to discover some unique headstones and monument sites on this tour.

Whilst this is for free, courtesy of the Council, you’ll need to book a spot for the special access.

Since 2010, Brisbane City Council has mounted guided tours and open houses to celebrate and showcase significant sites reflecting the best of the city’s architecture, engineering and history. For more info about the walking tours and open house, follow this link.

Tyron Plaza Shopping Centre on Tryon Street, Upper Mount Gravatt Development Application Lodged

A development application to establish a shopping centre on an underutilised site involving the extension and modification of the existing buildings on Tryon Street, Upper Mount Gravatt has been lodged.

The application seeks approval to establish a shopping centre, “Tryon Plaza Shopping Centre,” to be located at 9 Tryon Street, Upper Mount Gravatt and will involve the extension and modification of the two existing buildings and construction of three kiosks at the front of the 7,337sqm site.

9 Tryon St, Upper Mount Gravatt QLD 4122 Australia

The proposed building will have a maximum height of 7.7 metres (two-storeys). The kiosks will comprise three small shops fronting Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road. Other details of the plan include outdoor seating areas, 229sqm office space, 557.7sqm supermarket, and 15-metre high blade signage.

Tyron Plaza Shopping Centre on Tryon Street, Upper Mount Gravatt — *Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / /pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Whilst the proposal does not involve basement parking, 110 car parking spaces will be provided within the open ground car parking areas. Access to the site is via the existing two-way access on Tryon Street on the eastern side and a new access on Palmdale lane on the western boundary.

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

The proposal provides for the establishment of a shopping centre on a currently underutilised site and will significantly increase activation to Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road by extending the existing building to within 6m of the road frontage and providing kiosks directly adjoining the road frontage,” the Assessment report by Plan A Town Planning said.

“The proposed development will significantly increase activation to Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road by extending the existing building to within 6m of the road frontage and providing kiosks directly adjoining the road frontage.”

Council Seeks Community Feedback on Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve Improvement Project

To help create the final concept plan, the Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve enhancement project until 22 September 2019.

Options to upgrade the Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve’s entry, amenities, including at Gertrude Petty Place, and walking tracks are now being studied. The community is invited to provide input to help the Council understand which elements of the reserve the residents would like to see enhanced or included.

In his Budget Speech in June 2019, Lord Mayor Schrinner mentioned that he will commit $1.7 million to maintain lookouts, of which $443,000 is allocated to upgrade Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve.

The 260-hectare reserve is located off Shire Road in Mt Gravatt and is 9.5 kilometres away from the CBD. Apart from being a popular location for bushwalking and cycling, the recreational reserve offers stunning views of the surrounding suburbs, Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Glass House Mountains

*Mt Gravatt Outlook walking track*
*Photo credit: Brisbane City Council – Lyle Radford 2012 / Flickr*

Some of the facilities visitors can find at the reserve include the Gertrude Petty Place, Mt Gravatt Kindergarten & Pre-school, Mt Gravatt Scouts, Blue Care Respite Centre, Federation Lookout, Meg Habitat, Echidna Magic, picnic areas/shelter, and playground at Mt Gravatt Summit.

Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve in Mount Gravatt is one of the several identified locations for reserve enhancements and future parks which also includes The Chalk Street Park, Lutwyche; Colmslie Beach Reserve, Murarrie; Eildon Hill Reservoir, Windsor; Grinstead Park/Shand Street Park, Enoggera; Keperra Bushland, Keperra;; Stephens Mountain Reserve, Greenslopes; Wembley Park, Coorparoo; and Wishart Community Park, Wishart.

Have your say on the Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve enhancement project.

Use of Seatbelts and Child Restraints Promoted at Westfield Garden City Event in Upper Mt Gravatt

The South Brisbane District Crime Prevention Unit held a “Seat Belts and Child Restraints” event at Westfield Garden City last 28 August, in cooperation with Transport Main Roads, Road Policing Unit, and Kids Safe.

The event, which is part of the Queensland Road Safety Week, was aimed at promoting, educating, and encouraging the use of seat belts and appropriately fitted child restraints.

*Photo credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2019 / mypolice.qld.gov.au*

“We know that appropriately fitted restraints save lives, we really need to get it right,” Acting Sergeant Ellis said.

She added that whilst the campaign has been around for a long time now, many are still getting caught driving without child restraints.

Queensland Road Safety Week (QRSW), which is now in its fifth year, was held from 26 to 30 August 2019. More than 500 events held across Queensland as part of the QRSW, encouraging locals to make road safety their first and foremost priority.

About Child Restraints

In Queensland, adults driving with children up to 7 years of age should ensure that they are restrained in a properly fastened and adjusted Australian Standard (AS) approved child restraint.

The law requires that the child restraint is correctly fitted and adjusted for their age and size, and meets Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754. One could possibly be fined $400 and incur 3 demerit points for each child that is not properly restrained.

Whilst it is not recommended to use second-hand child restraint, State Government suggests using child restraint that is less than 10 years old, secure a copy of the manufacturer’s manual, and to not use a child restraint that has been in a crash.

Choosing the appropriate child restraint will depend on the child’s age and size, but the common types are child restraints for babies up to 6 months old; babies and children—6 months to 4 years; children—4 to 7 years; booster cushions; and children 7 years and over.

Immerse Yourself in All Things Japan at Matsuri Brisbane in Mt Gravatt

Last year’s inaugural Japanese festival in Mt Gravatt, Matsuri Brisbane, was such a success that it’s returning for a second time. Here’s your chance to immerse and experience all things Japan and celebrate the rich diversity and multiculturalism of the community.

Set for Saturday, the 7th of Sept. 2019, Matsuri Brisbane, which is roughly translated as “a festival in Brisbane,” is happening at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on Logan Road. Hosted by the Brisbane Seinendan, this celebration will be on from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

It won’t be a party without the food and Matsuri Brisbane will be a showcase of delicious Japanese delights, street food, supermarket snacks and alcoholic drinks. Local creatives will also be selling various Japanese inspired arts and crafts.

*Photo Credit: Matsuri Brisabane/Facebook*

The showgrounds will be divided into different sections for cultural activities. If you’d like to participate, you can learn the basics of Japanese calligraphy or the art of flower arranging (Ikebana), or compete in the Yukata contest to see who can dress up in a Kimono the fastest.

Traditional Japanese games played by the immigrants as youngsters will also be featured in the sideshow attractions. However, if you’d just like to be a spectator, you can watch the Martial Arts demonstrations or the performances on stage.

“We expected many non-Japanese people would be interested in Matsuri, but many more people than we expected showed up,” Takayoshi Momose of Brisbane Seinendan, who led the organisation of last year’s event, said.

“We are trying to make a solid Japanese community, which can be a strong support for our next generation,” he added.

“Also, we want to introduce Japanese culture to people in Australia.”

Matsuri Brisbane is on its way to becoming the biggest Japanese festival in Brisbane. This event requires no entrance fees and it’s open anyone who would love to know more about the culture of Japan.