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.
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.
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
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.
Have you ever been to a cent auction? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to a cent auction before, you’ll get the chance to enjoy this event in Mt Gravatt this August.
On Saturday, the 31st of Aug 2019, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Greek Orthodox Southside Parish on Creek Road is hosting a cent auction from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For $10, guests will be entitled to one sheet to participate in the auction and they may also partake in afternoon tea and Baklava.
In a cent auction, you bid using tickets found on your sheet. This paper bears a stub with your assigned number. If you like an item at the auction, just take out a stub from your sheet and put this in the box or bucket. After everyone has made their bids, a stub will be drawn from those boxes or buckets to determine the winner of the item for bidding.
If you really want that item, you can put as many stubs as you want to increase your chances of winning.
Did you know that Wishart has been named as among the least “downsizeable” Brisbane suburbs in a new housing index which highlights the challenges, which include limited downsizing options, that the ageing population faces.
The DORIS Index or “Downsizer Opportunity to Remain in Suburb” by Place Design Group, ranks Brisbane suburbs according to how easy or difficult it is to downsize into. The index is based on new non-single house development approvals and the population of people aged 55-64 in each suburb.
Last 3 years average of building approvals for non-detached houses, from 0 (lightest green) to 685 (darkest green) Photo Credit: Place Group Design/placedesigngroup.com Proportion of households in each suburb that are 55-64 years old, from 0% (Light Yellow) to 25% (Deep Red) Photo Credit: Place Group Design/placedesigngroup.com
Considering the two aforementioned metrics, the analysis identified Wishart as among the Brisbane suburbs where potential shortfall of downsizer and rightsizer housing is high. The ranking of least downsizeable suburbs also includes Ferny Grove, Bald Hills, Wakerley, Westlake, Pullenvale, Tarragindi, and Mansfield.
The DORIS Index – Suburb ranking, with 1 (lightest red) being the easiest to downsize and 8 (darkest red) the hardest Photo Credit: Place Group Design/placedesigngroup.com
The DORIS Index report underscores downsizing as “an important piece of the housing market puzzle” and why people, especially the ageing population, should have the option to live “in their residence of choice, for as long as they are able to, as they age,” or what it referred to as “aging in place.”
Recent findings of Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) on the housing aspirations of older Australians over the age of 55, stated that the demand for attached dwellings, such as terraces and townhouses, increases with age whilst preference for detached houses decreasea as people get older.
“Older Australians aspire to live in a variety of different locations, with the most popular choices being the middle to outer suburbs of capital cities (around 35%) and small regional towns (around 20%). Generally, they would like to own a detached dwelling (69%) with three bedrooms (50%) although there is an appetite for two-bedroom apartments, particularly in the 75+ age group.
The research said that there is an unmet demand for smaller dwellings and that current patterns of housing supply focus on large separate dwellings and too many apartments but not enough mid-sized product.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook
As the ongoing public consultation on the Council’s proposal to ban townhouses in single-home areas nears its 26 August deadline, the DORIS report brings to light the irony that the same “grey haired keyboard army” that fought against high-rise developments in low-density suburbs will someday face the challenges of finding age-specific housing to move into that is in the same suburb or somewhere closer to where they live in.
“DORIS was presented as an accurate representation of a typical +55 year old who in hindsight realises she didn’t do herself any favours all those years ago, when she joined the campaign against townhouses and low-medium density development in the inner city suburb that she’s lived in her whole life,” Analyst Chris Isles of Place Design Group said.
The DORIS Index report suggests policy makers to undertake a targeted review of the suburbs named as having low downsizeability, as well as review the amount of land that are appropriately zoned for the delivery of missing middle typologies — a compromise between larger, single detached homes and higher density apartments.
“There needs to be a way to deliver the “gentle” density which could be a mix of sporadic smaller lots, single unit dwellings, granny flats, or dual occupancies,” the report said.
The 18 Least “Downsizeable” Brisbane suburbs according to Place Design Group – DORIS Index:
With the hope of tackling loneliness and isolation in the community, Mt Gravatt Community Centre recently launched the Ways to Wellness Social Isolation Project.
According to Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan, this program is the first of its kind in Australia.
“This initiative will help us learn how to better respond to social isolation and loneliness in Mt Gravatt and the surrounding community,” Ms McMillan said.
The project aims to reduce social isolation with the help of ‘social prescribing’. This process focuses on helping people connect with their local community by supporting them in joining a group, club, activity or even an exercise class.
Associate Professor Genevieve Dingle of the UQ School of Psychology said the initiative can address the serious health consequences caused by loneliness and social isolation.
According to Dr Dingle, loneliness has significant effects on health and well-being. It has been linked to poor mental health and increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
Social isolation reportedly poses a greater health threat than smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. It also affects people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds.
Mt Gravatt Community Centre Tackles Social Isolation
Ways to Wellness Social Isolation Project Launch. Photo credit: Mt Gravatt Community Centre/Facebook
In November 2018, Mt Gravatt Community Centre secured a government funding of $100,000 for the said project. It also got more than $200,000 funding from the Federal Government.
Acting Minister for Communities Shannon Fentiman acknowledged the need to reduce social isolation in the community.
“We know that social isolation can be experienced by people of all ages in Queensland communities and can lead to significant mental health issues – including depression and suicide,” Ms Fentiman said.
“By building individual resilience and community capacity to address social isolation, we can support individuals and communities to thrive and prevent unnecessary reliance on primary, secondary and in some cases tertiary health care.”
Photo credit: Mt Gravatt Community Centre/Facebook
Mt Gravatt Community Centre Link Workers Wendy Blackmon and Elise Ganley are ready to help people overcome social isolation. They will assist those who need help and discuss their health and wellbeing goals. Furthermore, they will identify groups or activities in the local area that align with the individual’s interests.
Both Link Workers have a vast knowledge of the local community. If you are living in or near Mt Gravatt and interested in trying a new activity or joining a group, you may reach them through the following:
Email: linkworker@mgcci.org.au
Call: 0412 679 833
The Ways to Wellness Social Isolation Project will not only be beneficial to the Mt Gravatt community. The social prescribing initiative will also help researchers in developing a model to be used in multiple settings across Australia.
Friends and family said their final goodbye to rugby league legend Jeff Fyfe, also known as Jeffrey William Fyfe, who was laid to rest at the Mt Gravatt cemetery on Friday, 26 July 2019.
Mr Fyfe, who battled dementia, died at the age of 70 surrounded by his children Clint, Sean and Scott, and longtime partner Deborah, per his obituary.
The rugby legend is best remembered remembered for his winning field goal kick during the 1972 finals between the Easts Tigers and the Valleys. Mr Fyfe never kicked a field goal before but with the clock winding down and the scores locked to 15-all, he made that decisive move, which has been regarded as one of the greatest deciding games in Australian rugby history.
Teammate Jeff Lang recalled how he had been screaming at Mr Fyfe, whom he fondly called as Fyfy, during that crucial match to not to kick the ball.
“I wanted him to take one more ruck and give it to Lee Hutchinson for the next one,” Mr Lang relayed in the book “Lang Park, The First 36 Years: Memories, Magic, Mayhem.”
“Anyway, he’s kicked it. It was a little wobbly old kick. A Bunny Pearce special. It just lobbed over in the corner. I went from screaming, ‘Don’t kick it!’ to ‘You little Beauty!'”
The win would end a 22-year championship drought for the team. Some 42,000 people were at the stadium to witness rugby league history unfold.
The day after Mr Fyfe passed, Suzuki Easts Tigers posted a message to honour their teammate.
“Easts Tigers are deeply saddened to hear Club Legend, an immortal Tiger, Jeff Fyfe, who passed away last night, surrounded by love and memories,” the message read.
“The Club sends its condolences to the Fyfe family, our love and blessing to them and especially Jeff at this time.”
On the outside, the vegan eatery Loving Hut on Logan Road in Mt Gravatt might not look impressive enough for passersby, but appearances can be deceiving.
Situated in an old shopping strip, this restaurant’s structure may be considered ordinary compared to other modern restaurants. However, once you’ve tried Loving Hut’s dishes and learn of its price points, you’ll likely keep coming back. You’ll also likely indulge in the food without guilt because this establishment is 100 percent vegan.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Loving Hut’s menu is Pan Asian inspired with a bit of influence from the West. Their best-sellers are the crispy fried vegan fish protein meal called Seven Seas Delight, the Garlic Butter Cutlet, and the special Laksa.
This restaurant also serves a vegetable-filled, protein-rich Golden Curry in a creamy sauce or Sweet and Sour Soy Nuggets paired with a good helping of rice. Loving Hut also has pasta dishes like Mushroom Carbonara with fettuccini or a Rawsome Zucchini spaghetti with vegetables.
Plate servings are generous and presentable and the meals don’t go over $16.00 per order. Loving Hut also has desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Photo Credit: Loving Hut Brisbane/Facebook
To sustain the healthy food habits of your family, the restaurant has a grocery section where you can buy vegan items to cook at home.
While not exactly the place to impress your date, this is the right restaurant to bring friends and family especially if you want to eat heaps of healthy but tasty food.
Loving Hut in Mt Gravatt is part of a chain of vegan eatery in Australia as it also has stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Victoria. The Brisbane site is open Monday thru Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“Amazing food. We are usually meat eaters but have food allergies to egg and dairy amongst other things that make vegan eating a whole lot easier. This restaurant was great on all fronts, great food and good knowledge of their food so they could advise and adjust where possible to accommodate our restrictions. We will definitely be back!”
~ Elizabeth Shakhovskoy, Google Reviews
“Always a good time when I come here. Amazing variety of vegan food and at an affordable price. They are always friendly and polite, would definitely recommend the lasagne for first timers!”
“Ordered golden curry as it was recommended by the owner. Knew they’ve got a 4.2 score before I came still didn’t put too much expectation because I just don’t find the menu appealing. But it all changed after I had first bite of the food. I have to say this is the best curry I’ve ever had! Even though it’s vegan. Turns out turning vegan is not so hard if vegan food can be this good! I know i know it’s curry but I have to say that this curry is full of flavour! Will definitely go back and try other dishes.”
Are you planning on acquiring a zero-emission vehicle? If you’re looking at some options, visit Keema Hyundai in Mt Gravatt and ask about the 2019 Kona Electric, the country’s first “100 percent electric small SUV” which will be available in Australia starting the end of 2019.
The 2019 Kona Electric comes in three models: Highlander, Elite and the Launch Edition. Its design has some similarities to the Hyundai Kona Highlander 1.6 turbo. However, as an electric vehicle (EV), the Kona Electric comes with a higher price tag ranging from $59,000 to $65,000, depending on the model.
For a small SUV, this electric vehicle does not look as radical as the Nissan Leaf or theTesla. Its interior carries a well-structured and clean design with a digital centre console and a cross-section of control buttons minus the stick shift.
The Kona EV may be comparable to BMW’s i3S in terms of design, performance and price range. However, this car’s battery is more powerful than BMW or Nissan’s electric vehicles.
Photo Credit: Hyundai Australia
Queensland Electric Super Highway
Going on a long drive using an electric vehicle is a lot more convenient when there’s the world’s long electric super highway. Since 2017, the Queensland Electric Super Highway has been slowly supporting zero-emission vehicles on the road with its convenient and safe fast-charging locations.
Currently, there are 16 charging sites on this super highway with four areas nearest to Mount Gravatt:
Toowoomba at 10810 Warrego Hwy, Charlton QLD
Gatton at The University of Queensland Main Drive & Outer Ring Road, Gatton QLD
Springfield at 4 David Henry Way, Springfield Central QLD
Brisbane at North Shore Hamilton 281 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD
These locations are also near restaurants, shops and other amenities that should satisfy your time on the road. To check for other charging stations, view the Queensland Electric Super Highway map.
The Queensland Electric Super Highway has two charging options. Be sure that you’re aware of the specs of your EV before plugging it in and set up your Chargefox account online before using the facilities.
To register your interest for the Kona EV, fill up an application online or visit Keema Hyundai Mt Gravatt at 1532 Logan Road. Its trading hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
On top of the gorgeous Mt Gravatt Lookout sits a simple but commendable profit-for-purpose cafe known as The Lovewell Project. Dining here satisfies your hunger pangs as you feed your body and you also get to feed your soul by contributing to a good cause.
Brimming with soft, bright, and cheerful colours, you’ll find this restaurant’s vibe and aesthetic to be an inviting and relaxing place to eat. The atmosphere perfectly matches the beautiful view outside, another reason to grab a chair and order a meal at The Lovewell Project.
Photo Credit: The Lovewell Project/Facebook
As a social enterprise, this cafe is a Hope Foundation partner and employs former sex workers to give them a better life. Being gainfully employed to serve a community has changed these women’s lives, improved their skills and rebuilt their self-confidence.
So, each time you have a meal or a cup of coffee at The Lovewell Project, you are supporting women who deserve a second chance.
Food choices at this cafe are pretty decent and the menu changes every six months or so. However, they serve the usuals like waffles, eggs, burgers, chicken, chips and pizza. Reasonably priced, diners also enjoy a good selection of coffee, tea and desserts at this cafe.
Photo Credit: The Lovewell Project/Facebook
Breakfast at The Lovewell Project is quite a big deal as the place is usually packed. Regardless, you’ll get prompt service from a friendly staff that you won’t regret paying a little extra as a donation.
The Lovewell Project opens from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday to Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“My first visit won’t be my last. Extremely busy day. (public holiday) Orders were taken quickly but waited for a while to get our meals. This was not a problem, and nor should it be. To be able to sit and take in the view around us was wonderful. Just to be able to sit on the veranda and watch the world go by was wonderful. Couldn’t think of a nicer place to do it. Everyone worked very hard that day. Well done!”
“A beautiful Cafe to retreat to when you want to treat someone special. The atmosphere, food and scenery are absolutely divine! I hope this Cafe will be well supported to remain open for years.. Especially since their purpose of running this business is for a good cause!”
