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.
Photo credit: Rocketfrog Stained Glass and Mosaic Studios / Facebook
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
Cuddle cute pugs and bring your own pups to the Little Black Pug Cafe in Mt Gravatt. This cafe is inspired by what else? Pugs!
From Lab Coats to Aprons
Owned by married couple Louise and Josh Daly who are pug lovers, the cafe was named after their adorable black pugs, Bowie and Mate. The cafe had their grand opening on 5 May in conjunction with the Pugs SOS charity.
They’re not only about bringing the local community with the same interests, but Louise also has a passion for hospitality and good food.
What’s really interesting is the Dalys are into the sciences before they ventured into the food industry. Louise was in cytogenetics whilst Josh was a microbiologist.
Louise has always loved cooking and her original plan was to launch pastries such as macarons, however, she realised that a commercial kitchen would cost them a lot hence they settled in for a street cafe instead after convincing her husband to join her.
The couple decided to establish a dog-friendly cafe, which has an industrial touch in shades of black, white, wood and a touch of greenery and steel. As would be expected, the cafe is also adorned with pug decorations as well.
Photo credit: Little Black Pug Cafe / Facebook
Human Food
Their menu, aside from being amazing and extensive, are also dog-friendly allowing dog owners to feed their pooches whilst they eat as well.
Don’t miss out on their Nacho Imposter, crispy corn fritters, tomato relish, guacamole and sour cream.
You can also try out their Woofles which is cheese waffles with smoked ham or salmon, herbed cream cheese and 63-degree eggs.
For the pooches, there is a pup menu that includes puppycinnos, sweet potato, liver, and doggy ice cream from Hugo’s Ice Creamery are just some of the dishes being offered.
Founded in 1963, the Brisbane Orchid Society is the oldest orchid society in Brisbane. Its aim is to promote knowledge and advancement on orchids and to bring local communities together who share the same interest.
Attention, Wishart residents. Swimmer Leticia Transom, or Tishe as her friends call her, is ready to once again make her suburb, and the whole of Australia and New Zealand proud on the most awaited Gold Coast 2018 happening this April.
This multi-talented 16-year-old, a New Zealander turned Wishart local, has also been named as 2017’s Junior Maori Sportswoman of the Year.
Photo credit: tishe.transom/Facebook
Already adept in athletics, netball, and triathlon, Tishe swam her way to try yet another field of sports and has turned out to be exceptionally good at it. Just into her first year as a competitive swimmer, she had already struck gold in the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games’ 200m freestyle.
“The first 100 I just took it easy and the last 100 I just kept building,” Tishe said. “The last 25 metres I gave it all and it worked out well.”
According to her, “standing on the podium, there’s nothing like it, the feeling you get was so uplifting, it was great.”
Photo credit: tishe.transom/Facebook
Recently, Tishe successfully proved her mettle in the recent New Zealand Commonwealth Games Trials, representing NZ in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay. “It’s always an honour to compete for New Zealand and to be recognised for the hard work you put in as an athlete is very humbling and makes the 4:30 alarms a little more worthwhile,” she said.
Whilst being based in Brisbane certainly has its challenges, Tishe is not in the least bit bothered. “New Zealand will always be ‘home’ but the opportunities are here in Australia, so if that means travelling back and forth, it’s just what you have to do,” she said.
Witness how Tishe will attempt to swim her way to another triumph during the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Details regarding the games schedules are found here. You can also download the official app here.
With the growing number of paw-rents in Mount Gravatt, more pet-friendly dining options are also available in the area for you and your furbabies to enjoy. Head over to these dining destinations that are highly recommended by fellow pet owners in the area.
Starting out as a humble hole in the wall coffee shop in 2010, Cenzo’s has been a local favourite cafe where people can get their coffee fix and savoury treats to start their day. Winning the hearts of pet-owners in Mount Gravatt, the cafe has become one of the most recommended pet-friendly cafes in the area.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cenzo’s Cafe & Bar
More than just a breakfast stop, Cenzo’s now serves more meal options from lunch to dinner.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cenzo’s Cafe & Bar
You can even hang out in their bar and have a drink with your friends as they are open until 9:00 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.
Photo credit: Facebook/Cenzo’s Cafe & Bar
Try out this healthy and delicious breakfast or choose from their breakfast menu which includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They also make it easy for you to get something for your child with their Kid’s Breakfast options.
To learn more about their latest promos and offers, visit their Facebook page.
Another pet-friendly cafe in Mount Gravatt, That Little Place is loved by dog owners because they don’t only serve delicious food to their customers, they serve puppy cake for dogs too.
Photo credit: Facebook/That Little Place
This cafe is known for serving delicious Merlo coffee and a selection of breakfast meals.
Photo credit: Facebook/That Little Place
Want some breakfast on the go? Try out their tasty toasted bagels with grilled halloumi, basil pesto, semi-dried tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and rocket. You may choose to add grilled chicken or smoked salmon.
Visit their Facebook page to get their latest updates and offers.
Bringing a taste of Malaysia to Mount Gravatt, Uncle Lai’s offers authentic Malaysian cuisine with their classic hawker dishes.
Since they opened last 1 November 2017, Uncle Lai’s have captured the hearts of many families with their delicious meals and excellent services. Check out their menu to see what’s in store for you.
Photo credit: Facebook/Uncle Lai’s
Uncle Lai’s is a family run restaurant that welcomes everyone. Not only are they kid-friendly, they are pet-friendly too.
Photo credit: Facebook/Uncle Lai’s
Looking for a meat-free dish? Try out their signature Vegan Char Kuey Teow or Stir-Fry Rice Noodles. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.
If you are a pet owner, finding pet-friendly places to visit is always welcome. Here are some cafes in Mount Gravatt that you can visit for some quality bonding time with your furbabies, and your favourite humans too.
Hallowed Grounds Espresso is one of the best pet-friendly spots that offers great coffee in Mount Gravatt. The family-owned cafe has been brewing excellent coffee since 2011.
Photo credit: Facebook/Hallowed Grounds Espresso
Head over to the cafe and grab your fresh brews made with high-grade beans that are blended with the finest milk from Maleny Dairies.
Photo credit: Facebook/Hallowed Grounds Espresso
Need a hearty meal to pair up with your coffee? Check out their menu and try their selection of dishes from all-day breakfast to lunch or brunch options. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available.
Photo credit: Facebook/Hallowed Grounds Espresso
No need to leave your dog behind. Hallowed Grounds Espresso welcomes dogs and provides them with fresh water and doggy treats.
For reservations, call 07 3349 9993 or visit their page.
Location: Shop 2, 1417 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt 4122
Badminton Brew
Monday – Saturday 5:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Photo credit: Badminton Brew Cafe
Located in the heart of Mount Gravatt East, Badminton Brew is known for serving Brisbane based high-quality Elixir Coffee paired with locally sourced cakes.
Photo credit: Badminton Brew Cafe
Badminton Brew takes pride in providing customers with consistently excellent coffee and tasty treats from their famous brownies to Italian mozzarella and French croissants
Photo credit: Facebook/Badminton Brew
The family-friendly cafe is enjoyed by both parents and paw-rents who are looking for a great place to have a break.
For reservations call 0468 831 054 or visit their page.
Location: 30 Badminton Street, Mount Gravatt East, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kith ‘n’ Chow
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo credit: Facebook/Kith ‘n’ Chow
One of the local favourites when it comes to pet-friendly cafes in the area, Kith ‘n’ Chow won the heart of many for its delicious food and excellent service. Synonymous with kin, “kith” means familiar friends, neighbours, or relatives. True enough, this family-run cafe treats their customers like their own family.
Photo credit: Facebook/Kith ‘n’ Chow
One of the selling factors of the cafe is their unique set-up: an outdoor cafe with a food truck for a kitchen. Kith ‘n’ Chow serves a variety of breakfast and brunch options. Check out their menu to have an idea of what to get before you head to the cafe.
Photo credit: Facebook/Kith ‘n’ Chow
Feel free to bring your dog along and let them catch-up with other furries in the neighbourhood.
Photo credit: Facebook/Kith ‘n’ Chow
Dogs are not the only ones who enjoy their stay at the cafe, even the cats love chilling out with their paw-rents.
Want to have a reservation? You may call them on 0478 509 090 or visit their page.
Location: 96 Gaynesford St, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
No more goodbyes when you want to eat out. Take your pet out for a date in these Instagram worthy cafes and create memories of fun dining experiences together.
March is a busy month for Mount Gravatt. Check out the list below to see the events that you may find interesting.
Saturday, 10 March 2018 (4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.)
Songs from Our Suburbs – Southern Cross Voices
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Southern Cross Voices are performing a free community concert as a part of the Songs From Our Suburbs project. Don’t miss their performance at the Upper Mount Gravatt Progress Hall.
Southern Cross Voices is a mixed voice choir that embraces the blending of musical excellence and community participation. Their main goal is to sing for enjoyment while sharing it with the community for free.
Songs From Our Suburbs is a community music project commissioned for Festival 2018 Brisbane.
Venue: Upper Mount Gravatt Progress Hall, 1873 Logan Rd, Mount Gravatt
Friday, 16 March 2018 (6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.) Saturday, 17 March 2018 (10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.)
Frock Up Brisbane Vintage Fashion Event
Photo credit: Facebook/Frock Up Australia
Brisbane’s original vintage fashion event is back for autumn. Mount Gravatt Showgrounds’ Community Hall will once again be filled with vintage dealers and retro designer fashion “Sell the Wardrobe” participants. Vintage fashion from straight-laced Victorian dresses to big shouldered 1980’s numbers accessories, costume jewellery, fashion art and more will be up for grabs for fashion enthusiasts.
Venue: Mount Gravatt Showgrounds – Community Hall, 1644 Logan Road Upper Mount Gravatt Brisbane
An event perfect for a little bookworm, the upcoming Celebrate the books celebrates children’s favourite books from Mem Fox. Join the magical storytime ideal for children aged 3-7 years. Admission is free but booking is required to reserve a spot. Simply call the Mount Gravatt Library on 07 3403 7775 for reservations.
Venue: Mount Gravatt Library, 8 Creek Road, Mount Gravatt
Want to learn how to find more than four million Australian resources online? Join the Trove basics, a Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect workshop and get access to a number of online resources including books, historic newspapers, images, maps, music, archives and more.
Admission is free but booking is essential to reserve your place. Call the Garden City Library on 07 3403 7745 for reservation.
Venue: Garden City Library, Garden City Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mount Gravatt
Rio de Janeiro or simply Rio is one of the top tourist destinations included in the bucket list of any person driven by wanderlust. The city is pulsating with energy, particularly during Rio Carnival time.
Who could say no to the company of bronzed samba dancers in colourful costumes, the exhilarating beat of Brazilian music played in the streets, and the throngs of people ready to party all night?
Credit: juniorpetjua YouTube
Fortunately for Brissy, people won’t need to travel more than 12,964 kilometres to Rio de Janeiro to experience the world famous Carnival! Mt Gravatt Showgrounds will have its very own Circus Rio from the 1st to the 11th of March.
Circus Rio is an occasion themed around Rio de Janeiro’s famous Carnival. From the colourful Brazilian costumes to samba dancing, the event will transport people right to the party capital of Brazil. There will be tightrope walkers and aerialists who will perform heart-stopping antics, dangling from the ceiling whilst riding their FMX bikes.
Aside from partying and merry-making, the night promises to be action-packed as well, with a Capoeira exhibition fight. Capoeira is a Brazilian form of martial arts.
The Circus Rio will run until the 11th of March in Mt Gravatt and then will run again in Capalaba from the 16th to 25th.
A tree in Mt Gravatt Reserve has become a place of solace for those who are victims of domestic violence. Visitors have also been leaving flowers, trinkets, and mementos at the base of the tree.
Eight years ago, Bianca Faith Girven was killed by her boyfriend beside that tree at the park. The young mother of two had been advocating for domestic violence survivors when she was alive. To express their sympathies, people came to the tree to leave flowers for her.
Credit: The Red Heart Campaign Facebook
As the years passed, the tree has become a symbol of hope for domestic abuse victims. It has also been a spiritual place for Bianca’s mom, Sonia Anderson, and Bianca’s two young daughters.
Ms Anderson, her friends, and other extended families have even wrapped the tree with beautiful wool blankets and colourful yarns. After Bianca’s death, Ms Anderson has dedicated her time in a mission to end domestic violence, in support of her daughter’s advocacy.
Credit: The Red Heart Campaign Facebook
Recently, Brisbane City councillor Krista Adams met with Ms Anderson to talk about proposals for finally making the tree a permanent memorial site in the park. By providing a safe and comfortable place of commemoration, the council wants to express their support for Bianca’s mission and compassion to all the victims of domestic violence.
The initial proposal involves a park bench beside the tree, according to Cr Adams. The council will ask Bianca’s family to personally design the bench. There will also be a memorial plaque. Flowers will be planted within the surrounding of the tree to attract butterflies which hold a special part in Bianca’s heart.
Plans are not yet finalised but Cr Adams assured that they will be working hand in hand with Ms Anderson to come up with the perfect memorial for Bianca.
Bianca’s killer continues to remain in a forensic psychiatric facility after it was ruled that he was unfit to stand trial.
Whilst justice looks to be elusive, Ms Anderson and Bianca’s children could at least seek comfort right under Bianca’s tree, in a place which was marred by violence but is now a place for people to find comfort and peace.
Boppin’ Babies at the PCYC at 90 Klumpp Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt, has opened enrolment for its first term which will run from the 22nd of January to 29th of March. The weekly music groups are open for children of all ages, babies and toddlers, even pre-prep and kindies.
Credit: Boppin babies’ Facebook
Boppin’ Babies focuses on enhancing children’s engagement in music to help them grow happy and confident. The place employs a program, designed by a registered music therapist that nurtures, develops, and fosters a love of music among children.
Credit: Boppin’ Babies Facebook
The sessions are held once a week. For each of the sittings, children are made to enjoy live music where music therapists and early childhood experts sing and play the guitar. According to Boppin’ Music, there are various researches that support the use of live music when teaching young kids as compared to just making them listen to recorded material.
Credit: Boppin Babies Facebook
Parents who are unsure about committing themselves to the programs being offered at Boppin’ Babies have the option to attend a trial session. A trial session lasts for 45 minutes and they can experience the classes and observed teachers in action.
Boppin’ Babies aims to develop the following skills among children:
sensory integration
self-regulation
social skill development
creativity and emotional expression
speech and language skills
gross and fine motor coordination, and confidence to move
cognitive concepts and learning
musical development
Boppin’ Babies is founded by Vicky Abad who has extensive experience in paediatric and music therapy. She has written the book “The Economic of Therapy” and is currently the president-elect of the Australian Music Therapy Association. Ms Abad’s first students for the first ever session of Boppin Babies’ in 2007 were her own daughter and her friends’ children.
