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.
Mt Gravatt PCYC has convened several of Brisbane’s emerging rock bands in one night. The event will take place on the 20th of January from 4:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Room 90.
Meet the Bands
Credit: Mt Gravatt PCYC Facebook
Lachlan Mckay, Weekend Hysteria, Whisky Grinn, The Redundants, and Days Like These are bands invited to perform on the 20th. Check out the schedule of performances:
5:00 p.m. – Lachlan McKay
5:45 p.m. – Weekend Hysteria
6:30 p.m. – Whisky Grinn
7:30 p.m. – The Redundants
8:30 p.m. – Days Like These
The Weekend Hysteria plays alternative post-punk rock while the Whisky Grinn is new in the scene. The latter perform versions of the blues, rock and roll and funk. Its influences are the Led Zepplin, The Red Hot Chill Peppers, Gary Clark Jr, Sticky Fingers, and The Rolling Stones.
Credit: Weekend Hysteria Facebook
Credit: Whisky Grinn Facebook
Meanwhile, The Redundants is a rock band who has already performed across Brisbane while Days Like These is a pop punk band who is fond of playing post-hardcore rock.
Credit: The Redundants Facebook
Room 90 is an events place located at the Mt Gravatt PCYC where band gigs are usually held. The place boasts of state of the art sound and lighting system which is perfect for unforgettable nighttime events.
PCYC is a youth centre that encourages young people to engage in music, dance, creative writing, audio engineering, film, skating, BMX and to participate in activities facilitated by the Brisbane City Council, like the Chillout and GOLD Programs. Through these activities, PCYC hopes to provide the youths with a community that promotes leadership, respect, teamwork, and self-expression.
Mt Gravatt PCYC is located at 90 Klumpp Road Mt Gravatt
Parents who need something to do with the children while they wait for the last few weeks of the holidays to be over will only have to go to Mt Gravatt Plaza on the 15th until the 20th of January to find something worthwhile to do. Let the kids enjoy a free workshop called “Decorate Your Own Library Bag” whilst you relax and have coffee around the area.
Credit: Mt Gravatt Plaza Facebook
The workshop has three sessions at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. daily. It is being held outside Coles. As noted, the workshop is free but reserving slots is essential. Please click here.
The workshop will teach kids to create and decorate their library bag which can also be their shopping or lunch bag. To keep the children amazed, facilitators will be using different cut fruits as unique stamps.
Start Kids Creating is the group facilitating the workshop. The group has been established since 2005 and had since been providing innovative approach in art education and the entertainment industry. The QLD Arts Council has approved its Artistic Fitness Program, a syllabus which was developed to be both fun and educational. The workshops facilitated by the Starts Kids Creating develop children’s aesthetic appreciation and unlock their understanding of the basic of visual language and expression.
What’s in store for 2018 at Mt Gravatt Plaza?
The grocery hub located on the Corner of Creek and Logan Roads is home to Woolworths and 34 specialty stores, as well as fresh food and fashion stalls.
At the start of the year, the Plaza welcomes a new Flowerama Kiosk just outside Coles. It provides flower arrangements and sells plants that can be given as gifts for all occasions. There are orchids, potted succulents and kokedama plants.
Credit: Mt Gravatt Plaza Facebook
Millers, which offers great value fashion essentials for women, has apparel with bright pops of colours exclusively for the summer season. The fashion for women store, nonetheless, still has wardrobe for all seasons, their key basics, weekend wear, denim, sleepwear, and swimwear.
Credit: Mt Gravatt Plaza Facebook
As for food, the all-time favourite stalls at Mt Gravatt Plaza continue to provide their specialities that have always loved by the community.
Chatterbox Cafe continues to perfect their Mushroom Risotto, Club Nachos, and Citrus Quinoa Salad. As always, the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch daily and all through dinner on Thursdays.
Credit: Mt Gravatt Plaza Facebook
A & M Meats continues to provide fresh meat in a variety of cuts and styles, as well as gourmet sausages and house-smoked bacon. Crispy Carrot, meanwhile, remains consistent in offering seasonal and quality fruit and vegetables.
Evening market get-togethers, sumptuous food, live music, cocktail and wine bar, and boutique beer are all business as usual at the Mt Gravatt Marketta as it kicks off 2018 with a full January schedule. Happening as usual every Saturday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the street food market takes after its sister, the Miami Marketta of the Gold Coast, and serves up lots of good vibes and weekend partying for the first month of the new year.
Launched in August of 2016, Mt Gravatt Marketta prides itself with an excellent collection of food stalls that it invites to participate. Over time, as the market built its credibility, it has become sort of expected for people to be served unique cuisine offerings. These days, what they wait for is the interesting line-up of bands and the set lists that would keep them company as they eat and drink the night away.
Here is the list of performers that are all set to entertain guests this January at the Mt Gravatt Marketta.
Hello Tut Tut on 6th January
Credit: Hello Tut Tut Facebook
Hello Tut Tut is known for their fun and energetic performances. They also perform their original music for people to get a taste of their rich European roots. They also carry out renditions of the Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy, and Latin musical traditions. In each of their acts, Hello Tut Tut combines their original style as they also belt out contemporary dance music; hence, they have been the favourite among those who eat and breath partying and dancing.
Mick Buckley & The Hepcats on 13th January
Credit: Mick Buckley & The Hepcats Facebook
Known for its rockability, rock ‘n roll, and jump swing music, Mick Buckley & The Hepcats is a fixture to any party scene. Mick Buckley also boasts of an extensive experience in the music industry, not just locally but internationally as well.
Mick had his first brush with fame as the drummer for The Radiators. He then became a solo pianist, performing rock, swing, and boogie and had since been known for his feel-good music.
Throughout his career, Mick has attained Platinum and Gold album sales and has performed in concerts and festivals around Australia and the US. At some point, he has also been the front man and lead vocalist for the School for Scandal & The Big Heat. In the US, he played the piano in some of the most iconic places in New Orleans, Nashville Tennessee, Michigan, and Texas.
Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band on the 20th January
Credit: Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band Facebook
Joe Tee & Afrodisa Band is known for playing African party songs, Reggae, calypso, Latino, 70s, 80s, 90s, old school, motown, as well as modern hip hop, R & B, and rock and roll.
Joe Tee arrived in Melbourne in 1984 from Ghana. He formed the Afrodisa band in 1988. The band had since been a regular act in major festivals in the country such as the Melbourne Music festival, St. Kilda festival, Moomba Festival, Piccolo Speleto Festival and many more.
The Steele Syndicate on 27th January
Credit: The Steele Syndicate
The band is known for playing old school funk, reggae, ska, and indie rock. They have played regularly across known music venues in Brisbane and have performed at The Sydney Opera House. Among its many accolades are headlining a Sunshine Coast festival, touring the Byron Bay, and playing on a yacht off Mooloolaba. The band has also won the Sigma Stockies Band Competetion in 2016 and the Brightside Homegrown Battle of the Bands in 2015.
In 4th August 2016, the Steele Syndicate has debut its album titled “Antipodes”. The album’s launch in Newstead has been attended by 600 fans and its sing “Where I need To be” has been receiving nationwide attention as it continues to play on local radio stations.
At the heart of Mt Gravatt is Still the Good Food
As always, the marketta will feature 60 different food stalls and food trucks, all at reasonable prices. Some of the street food stalls joining the marketta are:
· Hugh’s Bulgogi Korean Food
· Samba Catering Co. which serves authentic Spanish paella, Brazillian moqueca, and Char-grilled BBQ
Chicken & Spanish Chorizo Credit: Samba Catering Co Facebook
· District 1’s rice paper rolls packed with prawns, chicken and tofu
Credit: District 1 Facebook
District 1 aims to be Brisbane’s Ho Chi Minh City. It looks forward to become the hub where people gather to chomp down the quirkiest street food.
· The Barrio’s super spicy Filipino skewers
Skewers Credit: The Barrio Facebook
The Barrio brings to Brisbane Filipino and Latin-Asian fusion cuisines. They serve meals created from recipes passed down from their families.
