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Mt Gravatt Welcomes An Upgraded ALDI Store

Last year, Australian supermarket giant ALDI announced that it will invest significant funds to refurbish its aging stores. In Mt Gravatt, the company has just opened a revamped ALDI store earlier this month.

On 8 August, Mt Gravatt’s ALDI store reopened with upgraded facilities that feature better shelving, energy-efficient chillers, and expanded wooden produce bay. It also boasts of new energy-efficient LED lighting based on the supermarket’s key priority, which is efficient energy management. Upgrades have also been implemented on the point-of-sale displays and storage signage.

In 2016, ALDI trialled this updated store format that features clearer signage, redesigned shelving, LED lights, extended chillers, and expanded wooden produce bays. The success of that trial paved the way for these changes to be included in the designs in all of their stores across the country. Currently, ALDI has over 400 stores nationwide, with the newer ones already in the modern format.

The supermarket also announced last year that they will add more products that the stock. They have over 1,300 product lines and they aim to continue adding new and exciting products to their stores.

Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini, Finalist for 2018 Showcase Awards for Principal of the Year

After winning The Griffith University Jack Pizzey Regional Principal of the Year Award, Wishart State School Principal Yolanda Tognini is now in the running to become Principal of the Year in the 2018 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

State Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan MP congratulated the Wishart State School Principal on her regional win and said that Ms Tognini demonstrates excellence in education, innovation, and leadership.

Ms Tognini and Michael Kiss of Avoca State School are both vying for the Principal of the Year award. The two exemplary principals have now made it to the state finals of the 2018 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

This year, 23 exceptional Queensland state schools and educators have been recognised and were named as state finalists in the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the Showcase Awards were Queensland’s most prestigious award program for state school education.

Each state finalist will receive a $7,500 development grant in recognition of their outstanding work. Furthermore, the state winners would receive an additional development grant of $30,000 each for the school award categories, or $15,000 each for the teacher and principal award categories.

“These grants are designed to support schools in delivering current education program, as well as encourage the development of new programs to support opportunities for students,” Ms Grace said.

State winners of the 2018 Showcase Awards will be announced at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, 26 October 2018, just in time with Queensland’s celebration of World Teachers’ Day.

“World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to shine the light on the outstanding achievements of our dedicated teachers, principals and school communities,” said Ms Grace.

To learn more about this prestigious award and for the full list of the finalists, visit the official page of the 2018 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools.

Music On the MountainTop In Mount Gravatt Gives Hope to Women in Need

Bronwen Healy of The Hope Foundation and the director of The LoveWell Project has another passion project coming to Mount Gravatt. Ms Healy is pursuing a creative initiative, Music on the MountainTop.

The initiative is a live local music at the LoveWell Project held fortnightly at the Mt Gravatt Lookout. Music on the MountainTop starts at the kiosk from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., whilst live music begins at 6:30 p.m. The artists who play at the event are friends and “connections” of Ms Healy.

Bronwen Healy receiving her Qld State Finalist certificate from Campbell Newman, Qld State Premier. Photo credit: The Hope Foundation, Brisbane / Facebook

The Hope Foundation is a charity organisation based in Brisbane helping to change the lives of women who have suffered from addictions or worked for the sex industry.

Ms Healy herself was once a drug addict and a sex worker. She launched the foundation in 2006. Her healing journey started in 1999 and this journey also brought forth a book of her own, titled “Trophy of Grace” in 2004.

Upon the launch of her foundation, a “drop-in space” called Hope Haven was also established in the suburb. Hope Haven became the starting point for women trying to rebuild their lives. After this, they are sent to the cafe to work and start anew.

Today, Ms Healy continues to help women through various initiatives. The Music on the MountainTop is to send a message to everyone that they are loved and valued. The LoveWell Project is their cafe that runs their charity’s social enterprise.

Mt Gravatt East Locals Continue To Fight Against The Townhouse Development On Carrara and Nurran Street

A residential developer is planning to build townhouses on three adjoining properties on Carrara and Nurran Streets in Mt Gravatt East. Upon learning this, residents formed a local action group to express their opposition against the development.

According to Mark Winters, the spokesman for the Mt Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group, the locals are against higher density dwellings in the neighbourhood. In fact, the tree-clearing onsite has angered locals who pointed out that the site is a wildlife habitat. Locals have also been feeling disempowered as they feel they have not been given the chance to speak up about the development.

An online petition has been put up, detailing all the reasons why locals are against the development. Their concerns include:

Concern over the clearing of mature native trees that are a koala habitat
Lack of public consultation and engagement
Lack of development application pre-lodgement information on the Brisbane City Council website
High-rise nature of the development

Residents are urging the local government and the council to stop all work on the site until the DA is lodged with the council and approved. Also, they are calling for the council officers to assess and report the impact of tree clearing. The local community also wants the owner of the development to engage with them.

Just last month, a public meeting regarding the development was held. Labor for Bonner Jo Briskey and MP Corrine McMillan also expressed their support to residents.

However, a consultant for Ray White Holland Park said that their proposed development has gained great support from local businesses as it will help them get more customers. He also said that this development will give first-time home buyers an affordable way to buy a residential property in the area.

Still, the dissent continues, fuelled by recent social media activity and reactions to the online petition.

It’s Almost Time For The Mount Gravatt Show 2018

Marking its 103rd year, the Mt Gravatt Show continues to be a source of fun and entertainment for the local community. This year, on 28-29 July, be a part of this annual event once again.

Daredevils

The Hot Wheels Stunt Team, the biggest stunt team in the world, will be at the event headed by the country’s number one stuntman, Matt Mingay with his 10-year-old son “Madzy Eve.” It’s definitely an event that you shouldn’t miss. Catch this on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

The FMX Kaos International Freestyle Team, featuring Tom Robertson and Scott Fitzgerald and their death defying stunts, will also have two shows during the event.

For The Kids

For the kids, they will also be entertained with the animal nursery where they can pet, feed, and take care of farm animals.

Shoutout to those looking for some reptile action! Dreamtime Reptiles will be there along with specialist reptile keeper, Garry Sippel. He will have five shows with love demonstrations with dangerous reptiles.

There is also an Agro & Ranger Stacey Live! show.

Photo credit: Mt Gravatt Show / Facebook

You can also enter your lovely kids to the Baby, Tiny Tots & Pre Schooler Quest.

Live Entertainment

Late for Woodstock will entertain the crowd. Listen to them perform their greatest rock classics.

Late for Woodstock Photo credit: Mt Gravatt Show 2018 / Facebook

The Memphis Moovers Roving Duo, Jodie & Brian will also be performing all the best from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond.

Aside from that, don’t miss out on the Friesian Horse Performance.

Sustainable Food

Along with the other stalls of food that will be at the event, don’t miss out on Green Living Australia and Two Old Ducks.

End Saturday Night With A Bang!

Photo credit: Mt Gravatt Show 2018 / Facebook

On Saturday night, don’t miss out on the fireworks show by Skylighter Fireworx.

Get your tickets here.

Address: Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, 1664 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt QLD 4122

A Bowl Of Goodness At Genkotsu Ramen In Upper Mount Gravatt

One of the best things to do during the winter season is to grab a hot bowl of ramen. Here in Mt Gravatt, the Genkotsu Ramen, which just opened in May 2018, is a great place to go to.

Located in the Village Shopping Centre, this ramen place also has a branch in Toowong and Runcorn. Inside, you will be welcomed with a rustic atmosphere set in wooden elements to give that traditional Japanese restaurant vibe to the place. You can either sit at the bar counter or get yourself a table.

Photo credit: Genkotsu Ramen Upper Mt Gravatt / Facebook

Their ramen broth is slow-cooked for 12 hours hence giving customers that flavourful bowl of soup paired with perfectly cooked thin noodles along with other ramen essentials – marinated boiled egg, shallots, bamboo shoots, and slices of tender pork belly.

The original tonkotsu ramen comes in four bases to choose from: shio, shoyu, miso, or gyokai. They also offer other ramen options such as vegan ramen and soft shell crab ramen.

You can also customise your ramen by adding your choice of toppings; choose from seaweed, tartan men, soft shell crab, karaage, and many more.

Aside from ramen, they also have side dishes to perfectly complement your bowl of goodness. They offer pork dumplings, karaage, takoyaki, and potato mochi. If you’re also looking for something heavier, they also offer rice dishes such as karaage chicken curry and cod roe rice.

Address: Shop 4, The Village Shopping Centre, 1974 Logan Road Upper Mount Gravatt 4122

Mount Gravatt State High to Build New Classrooms to be 2020 Ready

A new two-storey secondary learning centre with additional classrooms will be built at Mount Gravatt State High School as part of the ‘2020 Ready’ program of the State Government.

The Queensland Government is allocating $250 million for the 2020 Ready initiative, which it says will allow schools across the state to accommodate students joining high school in 2020 and beyond.

Joe Kelly, MP for Greenslopes, said that the funding would bring world-class education to students in the future.

“Our Government’s $250 million boost will ensure schools across Queensland can accommodate the additional students expected in our high schools in 2020 and into the future,” Mr Kelly said.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the program is intended to prepare the schools for the expected 17,000 new students in 2020.

The minister explained that from the present time until 2020, the state’s secondary schools are still cushioned from the impact of having six full year levels of students. However, the situation is set to change come 2020.

“With the original prep students set to graduate from high school at the end of 2019, we will have – for the very first time – six full year levels of students in Queensland secondary schools from 2020,” the minister said.

“This new $250 million investment for additional classrooms will prepare those schools identified as requiring additional capacity for the additional students expected in 2020.”

Griffith University Bans Smoking and Vaping On Campus Grounds

There is an increasing number of Queensland universities that are banning smoking or vaping within their campuses. The most recent one to join the ban is Griffith University, which will prohibit smoking or vaping on all its campuses, including its Mt Gravatt campus.

The no smoking initiative was approved by the University Council on 26 March 2018 and took full effect on 31 May 2018.

The ban is in line with the university’s obligation to provide staff and students with a safe and healthy environment. It is based it on evidence that smoke-free environments increase the rate of quitting and reduce the number of people taking up smoking.

Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said that the smoking ban in universities can protect the health of over 400,000 students and staff.

“Queensland has a strong track record in creating smoke-free public places, and new voluntary smoke-free policies are an important next step,” Minister Miles said.

Smoke-Free Campus

Students in Griffith University who have not quit smoking will have to go off-campus if they wish to smoke. The university is also reminding smokers that if they smoke off-campus, they should stay in remote areas to protect others from inhaling second-hand smoke.

The smoking initiative is being implemented throughout the campus via signages, posters and postcards, social media, emails, university events, and it is also communicated via orientation and induction programs.

Premier’s Reading Challenge Kicks Off in Mt Gravatt

The 2018 Premier’s Reading Challenge has started with an official kickoff at Mt Gravatt State School in May. During the event, Joe Kelly MP also announced the rebirth of the Queensland Ready Reading Program, which was discontinued in 2012. This brings inspiration to the students to sharpen their minds and gain more knowledge through reading.

The Queensland Ready Reading Program

In partnership with Volunteering Queensland, the Queensland Ready Reading Program provides Queenslanders with the opportunity to make a difference in their community. The program will deliver training to ensure volunteers are supported in their journey to help students grow through reading.

This program will hone volunteers to be more effective in guiding students to enjoy and love reading. If you wish to become a volunteer, you can register here.

2018 PRC

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is dedicated to boost children’s literacy and to help build a solid foundation that will shape all aspects of their lives.

The program had a successful run last year, with over 156,000 young participants reading over 2.19 million books. The participants included students from 850 schools, 410 early childhood education and care services, and individual readers.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge will run from 18 May to 24 August. Children in early childhood education can take part from 13 to 24 August.

This year’s program also opens new doors for suggested book titles as they will now be available in French, German, Chinese, and Japanese. Children with special needs are encouraged to take part in the event by using books that support their needs.

The Challenge

Before you get into full battle gear mode, keep in mind that this is not a competition. Instead, this is an initiative to encourage students to develop a love for reading. Students can select from a range of fiction and non-fiction books. You can also check out this booklist by the Reading Centre and the Global schools.

Required Number Of Books

Prep – Year 2: Read or experience 20 books
Years 3-4: 20 books
Years 5-9: 15 books

An Award

All students who complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier. The certificate will be sent out by the Department in Term 4. The Certificate of Participation template will also be available for download for those who participated but did not complete the challenge.

If you want to be a part of this program, register here.

Turn Your Creativity Into Beautiful Works Of Glass Art In Mount Gravatt

Unleash your creative side by making glass art. The Rocketfrog Stained Glass Studios in Mount Gravatt East offers an array of workshops that you can participate in to hone your glass art-making skills.

Photo credit: Rocketfrog Stained Glass and Mosaic Studios / Facebook

The studio is owned by glass art expert Jet Carroll who has a BA in Architectural Glass. Since 1991, she has been following her passion and now she has opened her studio to teach other individuals interested in making such art.

From 8-10 June, she will be holding glass fusing classes that will teach all the basic skills to put creative ideas into a magnificent piece of glass.

The glass fusing classes are as follows:

8 June – 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
9 June – 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
10 June – 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This is the ideal workshop for beginners and is also a great date idea if you’re looking for fun and creative activities to do.

During these classes, you will be able to make your own coasters, sun catchers and many more. Your artworks will be kiln-fired and will be ready for collection the following week.

The fee for the classes per person is $110. Call 0421 063 369 to book.

Address: Ginahgulla St., Mount Gravatt East, Brisbane Queensland, Australia 4122