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Mount Gravatt Landmark Scurr Bros’ Site to Become a Health and Wellness Centre

The historic Mount Gravatt landmark, Scurr Bros’ site is about to get a transformation.

With hopes of bringing new businesses to the area, the iconic building will soon be home to new retail outlets, a medical consulting business, gym, and physiotherapist, as well as a childcare centre. This new build is anticipated to be completed by May 2019, 106 years after William Scurr first built his Queenslander on the same site.

BCC already approved a development application for the Scurr Bros’ site at 1437 Logan Road in 2011. Previous plans for the 7,417 sqm property involved retail, commercial, and residential components. However, the site’s current owner Pigozzo Group said that the residential component will not continue.

As part of their efforts to retain the history of the site, the structure and its carpark will be revitalised instead of having the building demolished.

Paying tribute to the extraordinary family behind the well-known site, the developers also plan to retain the Scurr Bros’ name.

A Brief History of the Scurr Bro’s Site

The development of the Scurr Bro’s site started when William Scurr built a Queenslander-style house on the property in 1913.

Left to Right: Mr Sirat in the German Wagon (customer), George Scurr (who became an Anzac in the Light Horse Brigade), Hubert Underwood, Arthur Packer (customer), and Will Scurr (proprietor). Photo credit: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mt Gravatt/Facebook

His brother, Edward (Ted) later built a humble blacksmith shop on the site in 1928.

Their brothers, Thomas and Jack also joined the family business in 1931. At the time, they made horseshoes, ploughs, harrows, and scarifiers.

By 1934 as cars started to take over, the Scurr family took on motor body building.

Photo credit: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mt Gravatt/Facebook

The Scurr family then moved into hardware in 1952 and the site officially turned into a hardware store in 1954.

Scurr Bros became a foundation member of the Mitre 10 chain in Queensland in 1962, with Arthur Scurr as Queensland chairman. He held the position for more than 30 years.

Scurr Bros’ site taken: 1995/2018 Photo credit: Friends of Scurr Bros Hardware Mount Gravatt/Facebook

In 1973, the old hardware store was demolished and was replaced by the current building.

Three generations of the family went on to work in the business over the years and by 1995, Scurr Bros was sold to Woodmans Hardware.

The Scurr brothers certainly have a special place in the hearts of Mount Gravatt’s local community. Having a new building that retains the Scurr Bros name will surely carry on the family’s legacy.

Ron Hurley Theatre | In Honour of Mt Gravatt Born Aboriginal Artist

Seven Hills Theatre is officially named Ron Hurley Theatre, in honour of Mt Gravatt born Aboriginal artist Ronald Hurley who passed away in 2002.

As part of the Seven Hills Hub, the Ron Hurley Theatre was recently upgraded to a 155-seat capacity theatre. The hub also includes an outdoor amphitheatre and performance space, and the soon-to-be-opened Jolly Centre, named in honour of Eris and Norm Jolly.

Ron Hurley, regarded as one of the first Aboriginal artists to successfully mix Aboriginal and Western Art, was born on 19 October 1946. He is from the Goreng Goreng people on his mother’s (Amelia Johnson) side and the Mununjali people on his father’s (Archibald Driscoll) side. His personal totem is ‘Wajgan’ or the Willy Wag Tail.

He excelled in sports and arts even at an early age. At age 19, he had his first art exhibition. He was the first Aboriginal person to graduate from the Queensland College of Art, earning a Degree in Visual Arts in 1975.

*Photo credit: Ron Hurley/ronhurley.com*

Hurley had an illustrious and diverse career beginning as a signwriter and commercial artist, then to as an arts manager, curator, teacher, and lecturer. Hurley earned numerous achievements including:

Australia Council for the Arts award, residency at the Cite des Arts in Paris, and exhibit at the Australian Consulate.
Artistic designer of the highly acclaimed Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Bid Logo, in partnership with Minale Tattersfield Bryce and Partners.
The first artist to initiate and facilitate artistic workshops to the Indigenous Artistic communities of far north Queensland specifically Aurukun.
Awards including the Ian Fairweather Memorial Prize, Redcliff Arts Prize, Gatton Art Prize, and NAIDOC National Poster Competition.
Arts residencies including Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus, and Capricornia Campus, Rockhampton.
Hurley was the judge on the panel of the very 1st Telstra Indigenous Art Award in Darwin, alongside curator Djon Mundine.

He also held positions of expertise and authority:

He was the first Aboriginal member of the Board of Trustees of the Queensland Art Gallery from 1996 to 1997.
He chaired the Visual Arts Committee of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council for the Arts from 1993 to 1996.
He chaired the Indigenous Reference Panel, of Queensland’s Indigenous Arts Marketing Export Agency (QIAMEA), with State Development from 2000 to 2002.

Ron Hurley is best remembered for his significant contributions to the arts, specifically the Australian Indigenous art crossing different media such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography and film, lino and screen prints, clothing, jewellery, and furniture.

Hurley often based his work on political and historical figures, and the plight of Aborigines in the urban society. The urban Aboriginal situation, he once commented on his art in contemporary Australian culture, is the one that captures his imagination because it is where one experiences being neither Black or White.

Hurley dedicated most of his career, that spanned over four decades, advocating the artistic, cultural, and human rights of the indigenous communities.

Mount Gravatt Home Value Grows to $651K

The REIQ recently reported the latest housing market statistics which showed Mount Gravatt median house price at $651,000, up 3.3% over the last 12 months and 31.5% over the last 5 years. In the 2nd quarter of 2018, there were 7 homes sold in Mount Gravatt.

Step Back in Time at Westfield Upper Mt Gravatt

Prepare to get a wave of nostalgia with the Old School Cool event at Westfield Upper Mt Gravatt.

From 24 September to 7 October 2018, you can enjoy playing your favourite arcade games whilst listening to the iconic tunes of the 80s and 90s.

Photo credit: Westfield Garden City/Facebook

Westfield Upper Mt Gravatt will have a floor-to-ceiling neon arcade where you can show off your arcade games skills.

Just like the old times, enjoy a game of pinball and air hockey as well as the greatly missed Dance Dance Revolution, Donkey Kong, Pac Man, and more. There will also be a dedicated zone where you can play the OG Mario Kart.

Apart from the highly nostalgic games, there will also be a pop-up sneaker museum from Foot Locker. They will be showcasing a selection of vintage kicks from the 80s and 90s during the school holidays.

The exclusive Sneaker Museum will be located at the Centre Court, Level 2 of Westfield Upper Mt Gravatt.

Talking about awesome kicks, you can bring your own sneakers and have them customised by Gyst for Kicks and Before Customs. The customisation station will be located on Level 2, near Starbucks.

Have your sneakers customised from Tuesday, 2 October to Sunday, 7 October 2018, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., every half hour. Bookings are essential for the sneaker customisation.

Book now for $15.

For more information, you may visit Westfield Garden City’s official website.

Mt Gravatt East Community Stands Firm Against Proposed Townhouse Development

The Mt Gravatt East community is taking a firm stand against the proposed townhouse development on Carrara and Nurran Streets .

More than 800 residents have signed a petition against the proposed 32-unit development.

Locals are sending a strong message to the council that they don’t want the townhouse development, even before the developer could lodge a DA.

“Developers are getting away with reckless clearing and inappropriate development and the Council does not appear to be listening or supporting residents. As mere residents, we would never get away with what they have done. Remember, if they can do this here, they will do it near you. Its [sic] important to note that we are not anti-development we are against inappropriate development and reckless senseless clearing of natural habitats,” Mount Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group said in their Facebook page post.

*Photo credit: Mount Gravatt East Townhouse Development Action Group/Facebook*

“There has also been another serious fallout from this reckless and mismanaged clearing and that is the impact on wildlife. We have been left to deal with returning Koalas and other wildlife to a habitat that is now destroyed. We have had to deal with the heartbreaking killing of Koalas that were needlessly left stranded. This is why we have been updating you so much about the urgent local Koala situation.”

“The new Council biodiversity map had deemed 68 Nurran protected as it was designated for protection under 2017 Draft Amendments to the City Plan but this has been delayed for more than a year by the Council. Gee, wonder why there was such a rush to clear the land!”

Site of the proposed townhouse development already cleared

Proposed development site before clearing

Proposed development site after clearing

Whilst the council is moving forward with plans to ban townhouses and apartments developments in areas designed for single homes, some residents remain skeptical. They are particularly concerned about possible small lot subdivisions, as a result. Planning experts, on the other hand, are concerned that such a ban could push house prices even higher.

Upper Mount Gravatt to Benefit from Planned Player Street Connection

The Player Street Connection project is set to improve traffic conditions in Upper Mount Gravatt as part of the Mount Gravatt Corridor Neighbourhood Plan.

The project involves the construction of a new section of road between Pickworth Street and Kessels Road to connect Player Street to MacGregor Street.

Traffic Conditions in Upper Mount Gravatt

According to Councillor Steven Huang of MacGregor Ward, the Player Street Connection will significantly improve traffic flow on Kessels Road. The project will also improve access to streets off Cremin Street.

“These streets house hundreds of families, as well as provide an access point to the Upper Mount Gravatt State School,” Cr Huang said.

Player Street Connection, Upper Mount Gravatt — Kessels Road and Cremin Street Intersection Photo credit: Google Street View

According to a Council report, access to the residential area north of Kessels Road via Cremin Street is currently limited. The area is less accessible because the right turn into Cremin Street from Kessels Road is prohibited in morning and afternoon peak periods.

The location also has a significant crash history with a total of 24 crashes recorded on site between 2007 and 2011.

As of now, signals at the intersection of Kessels Road and Cremin Street currently provide access to the local area. However, these traffic signals are located too close to the Logan Road intersection with Kessels Road. This causes congestion and safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians.

Upper Mount Gravatt Player Street Connection Plans

Plans for the Player Street Connection involve the acquisition of four properties to allow the extension of Player Street to Kessels Road.

Council will resume properties at 652 and 654 Kessels Road as well as 8 and 10 Pickworth Street. Because of this, the owners of 8 Pickworth St and 652 Kessels Road have lodged objections to the resumption of their property.

Another part of the plan is the removal of traffic lights at the intersection of Kessels Road and Cremin Street. Access to the street will also be modified to left-in and left-out turns only and a median strip will be built on the road.

Benefits of the Project

Brisbane City Council has committed $4.8 million to the Player Street Connection project. The Council is hoping that the project will:

Reduce congestion along Kessels Road and at signalised intersections between MacGregor Street and Logan Road.
Increase safety for all road users.
Improve local access.
Improve freight movement along the BUC.
Enhance travel times by two to four minutes.

For more information or comments on the Player Street Connection project you may:

Call the project team on 1800 010 705 during business hours
Call Council on 07 3403 8888 after hours
Email the project team at cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Write to:

Player Street Connection Feasibility investigation
City Projects
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.

Mixed-Use Dual-Tower Development Proposed for Logan Road, Mount Gravatt

A proposal for a new mixed-used dual-tower development at 1478–1484 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt has been submitted by Makro Pty Ltd.

Site Map of the proposed mixed-used dual-tower

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

3D View Future Redevelopment

The project, under DA number A004980066, will have one tower developed as a commercial tower for office use with a separate entrance lobby and lift service. The second tower, comprising 47 apartments, will be for residential use.

Over-all Master Plan

This Peddle Thorp-designed project also proposes a ground floor café with outdoor seating and healthcare tenancy via a new public plaza thoroughfare.

Fronting onto Bothwell street and located partially below ground will be a retail shop tenancy. The three-level basement parking will have a total capacity of 134 park spaces.

3d View Retirement Living (Bothwell Street)

3d View Creek Road (South)

3d View South West

3d View South East

1478 – 1484 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt

Walking Netball’s Five-Week Trial Successfully Hosted at Mt Gravatt

Mt Gravatt became the pilot location when Netball Queensland decided to bring Walking Netball over to Brisbane. The pilot was so successful that spots for the Hibiscus Stadium trial were immediately filled-up.

Walking Netball is a modified version of netball; There is no running or jumping involved. The game can be played by anyone, regardless of their physical ability, fitness level, or age. Walking Netball is a perfect way for senior men and women to get reacquainted with the sport and get physically and socially active once more.

Credit: Active Northumberland/YouTube

Being a low-impact sport, walking netball’s modified rules minimise the risks of injury. The sport also easily fosters friendship amongst its participants.

“The hardest part about Walking Netball is being brave enough to walk through the door, but once you do, you will be welcomed by lots of smiles and a bunch of new friends. I encourage people of all ages to come and try Walking Netball,” said Walking Netball Coordinator Rhonda Newton.

“Walking Netball is all about the laughter, participation and friendships.”

The pilot program was enthusiastically received by Mt Gravatt locals and the Walking Netball fever has now spilt-over to the Northside with three new locations, Morayfield, North Lakes, and Brendale.

The five-week trial at the Hibiscus Stadium started 30 July. If you have questions about the program you may contact Rhonda Newton at 0439 706 077 or email at walkingnetballqueensland@gmail.com

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.