Nathan Archives - Mount Gravatt News

Brazil Preps Begin: Matildas Welcome Fans to QSAC

The Matildas are inviting fans to Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan as they prepare for their highly anticipated match against Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on 28 November.

Read: Mt Gravatt Retirement Village Promotes Christmas Cheer to Combat Loneliness

The national women’s team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on Tuesday, 26 November. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with training scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. and run for 90 minutes. Fans will be seated in the Eastern Stand, with a capacity limit of 6,500 spectators on a first-come, first-served basis.

No pre-registration or ticket is required, but early arrival is recommended due to limited space. Visit the Matildas’ official website for more details.

Matildas squad updates

The Matildas’ preparations for the November and December international window have been affected by several player withdrawals. Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, both midfielders in the Women’s Super League, have been medically withdrawn from the extended squad. Gorry sustained a shoulder injury during West Ham’s match against Brighton, while Wheeler suffered a lower leg injury in Everton’s victory in the Merseyside derby.

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World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who clinched the quarter-final victory against France with a decisive penalty, remains absent from the national team, having taken an indefinite break to prioritise her mental health.

However, the squad welcomes back experienced players Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo. Fresh faces include Morgan Aquino, Leah Davidson, Isabel Gomez, Hana Lowry, and Natasha Prior. The 34-player squad maintains a strong domestic presence, featuring 16 players from the A-League Women competition.

Milestone victory over the Germans

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime. At the 77th minute, Clare Hunt’s first international goal—a thumping header—secured the historic triumph.

Read: ‘Ant You Hungry?’: Young Artist’s Street Art Puts Mt Gravatt’s Flavours on Display

Upcoming fixtures

Following the training session, the Matildas will face Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on 28 November, before heading to the Gold Coast for a rematch on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

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The opening match will also be a celebration of Matilda’s most-capped player, Brisbane’s very own Clare Polkinghorne. Vice-captain Emily van Egmond is set to earn her 150th cap, becoming just the fourth Australian to achieve this milestone.

Published 21-November-2024

Koala Festival Organiser Challenges Fine from Liquor Regulator

Photo Credit: Facebook / Jazz Blues and Koalas

Festival organiser Sandra Beynon is contesting a $774 fine issued by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) following a year-long investigation into the Jazz Blues and Koala festival held at Griffith University, Nathan in October 2023.

The free festival, organised by Beynon’s company under a community liquor permit, designated the Queensland Koala Crusaders as the beneficiary of all bar profits. However, the OLGR’s investigation, which included obtaining four warrants and extensive financial searches, alleges discrepancies in reported amounts for liquor sales and mishandling of raffle money donations.

Beynon strongly denies any wrongdoing, attributing the issues to clerical and technological errors involving amounts less than $200. She claims to have incurred a loss of $179 from the event.

The investigation’s findings suggest that total net sales were higher than initially reported by Beynon. Documents from financial services company Square reportedly showed net sales takings of $1048.71, after administrative fees.

Beynon argues that she was never given the opportunity to rectify any issues before being fined. She plans to challenge the fine at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, following the denial of her formal request to waive the penalty on September 20.

Brisbane City councillor Steve Griffiths, who awarded a $5000 grant to the festival, stated that the grant did not cover bar expenses and that all event-based costs were correctly accounted for.

Queensland Koala Crusaders president Linda Barnes confirmed receiving only raffle proceeds and a $237.27 donation from Beynon months after the event.

The case raises questions about the regulation of community events and the challenges faced by organisers in complying with liquor licensing requirements. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the importance of clear financial reporting and communication between event organisers, beneficiaries, and regulatory bodies.

Published 8-October-2024

QSAC Under Scrutiny as Debate Over Brisbane Olympic Venues Heats Up

Brisbane Olympic chief Andrew Liveris has urged cricket and AFL officials to push for a “legacy” stadium, as concerns grow about the decision to use the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan instead of the Gabba for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Mr Liveris, president of the Brisbane Organising Committee (OCOG), highlighted the need for a modern venue that can meet future demands, especially as the Gabba is expected to reach the end of its usability by 2030. His comments follow recent discussions about QSAC as the best choice for Brisbane’s Olympic events.

A Push for Better Venues

Mr Liveris explained that while the Olympic organisers could not take the lead in pushing for a new stadium, it was up to cricket and AFL leaders to advocate for a venue that would serve Brisbane’s long-term needs. Once the sporting bodies made their case, the 2032 organisers would offer their support.

The debate around venues began after a $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba was rejected earlier this year. Many see the Gabba as a key part of Brisbane’s sporting history, and the decision to choose QSAC has led to concerns that it may not be able to provide the same level of experience or future-proof the city’s major events.

QSAC or Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Mt Gravatt — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

Balancing Costs and Future Benefits

QSAC was chosen as a more cost-effective option, but there are differing opinions on whether it is the best long-term solution for the city. Mr Liveris acknowledged the need to keep the overall Olympic budget within $5 billion but also pointed out that having the right stadium could bring significant financial benefits, particularly through ticket sales and sponsorship revenue.

He also noted that major international events often rely on larger venues to maximise attendance and revenue. While QSAC offers a cost-saving option, some are worried it might limit Brisbane’s ability to host other major events after the Olympics.

Looking Ahead to the Decision

The final decision on using QSAC will likely be influenced by the outcome of the polls on 26 October. A project evaluation report on the venue will be released, providing more details about its suitability for the 2032 Olympics.

Mr Liveris reassured the public that Brisbane has time to make the right decision, noting that other cities have finalised their venue plans much closer to the Games.

He expressed confidence that Brisbane will be ready and well-prepared to host a successful Olympics, with the right venues in place to support both the event and the city’s future sporting needs.

Published 20-Sept-2024

Zac Stubblety-Cook Claims Silver in Olympic 200m Breaststroke Amidst COVID Challenge

Nathan star and Churchie old Boy Zac Stubblety-Cook secured a silver medal while battling COVID in a thrilling Olympic men’s 200m breaststroke final, narrowly missing out on defending his Olympic title.

Read: Nathan Star Zac Stubblety-Cook Aims for Second Olympic Triumph at Paris 2024

French swimming sensation Leon Marchand took the gold, completing a remarkable double victory. Marchand dominated the race, finishing in 2:05.85, nearly a second ahead of Stubblety-Cook’s 2:06.79. The Frenchman’s performance comes just two hours after his triumph in the 200-metre butterfly.

Zac Stubblety-Cook battles the virus

The celebration of Stubblety-Cook’s silver medal is tempered by the revelation of a growing COVID cluster within the Australian Olympic team. Stubblety-Cook disclosed that he competed while battling a coronavirus infection, having completed a five-day course of antivirals on the day of the race.

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This news follows the withdrawal of fellow Dolphin Lani Pallister from the 1500m frees due to coronavirus concerns.

The impact of the virus extends beyond the Australian team, with other nations, including Great Britain, reporting cases among their swimmers.

Read: QSAC in Nathan Set to Become Smallest Olympic Stadium in a Century

Stubblety-Cook’s resilience in the face of adversity and his sportsmanship shine through as he commends his rival, Marchand, for his historic performance.

Published 01-August-2024

QAS in Nathan Overhaul: Olympic Hopefuls Confront Training Centre Upheaval

Photo Credit: QAS/Facebook

Queensland’s Olympic athletes could lose their state-of-the-art $10-million training centre, the Queensland Academy of Sports (QAS) in Nathan, if plans for a redevelopment push through.

This looming demolition is part of Queenland’s broader $1.6 billion plan to revamp the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), which houses the QAS. It raises alarms about the potential derailment of the athletes’ gold medal ambitions.

Esteemed Olympic athletes, including four-time Olympian Cate Campbell and Olympic Gold Medallist Glynis Nunn, have voiced their concerns, suggesting the move could severely impact Queensland’s prospects at the Brisbane Olympics

Ms Campbell and Ms Nunn, among others, fear that the demolition could force athletes to seek training facilities interstate, potentially sabotaging Queensland’s medal chances at upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Despite the potential changes, concrete plans have yet to be unveiled to accommodate the displaced athletes, leading to a chorus of opposition from the sports community.

The Centre for Athletic Excellence

Opened two years ago by former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the QAS in Nathan is a high-performance centre touted as Queensland’s “secret weapon” for Olympic and Paralympic preparation.

Designed to provide athletes with a competitive edge, its potential demolition has sparked widespread criticism, including former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who recommended ditching the QSAC upgrades and questioned its financial rationale.

Olympic hockey gold medallist Renita Garard and the QAS’s former chief executive, Chelsea Warr have also expressed their opposition to the State Government’s plans.

Athletes and officials alike warn that even a temporary disruption in training could significantly affect performance outcomes. The uncertainty surrounding training facilities poses a challenge not just for current athletes but also for identifying and developing future talents for the 2032 Games.

Government’s Stance

In response to the backlash, State Development Minister Grace Grace has indicated that a detailed business case will outline the full scope and timeline of the QSAC upgrades. The government promises minimal disruption and pledges to work closely with stakeholders to mitigate the impact on athletes, especially in the lead-up to the Paris Games.

Mt Gravatt, Nathan Have Highest Childcare Fees in Queensland

Did you know that families in Nathan and Mt Gravatt are spending more on childcare fees compared to families in the other suburbs of Brisbane?

According to the Federal Government’s latest report on Child Care in Australia, Nathan and Mt Gravatt residents are shelling out over $16,000 a year per child left with childminders. For families availing of the subsidies, the cost is reduced to 50 percent ($8,000/year) or 85 percent ($2,400), depending on the subsidy.

Families in Carindale, Holland Park, Indooroopilly, Kenmore, Sherwood and Yeronga are paying $15,000 a year for childcare (without subsidies). Elsewhere, families in Gympie, Ipswich and Jimboomba spend $10,000 to $12,000 a year.

In December 2020, Queensland’s average childcare cost per hour rose to 3.7 percent at $9.80, whilst the national average is at $10.50 despite a price freeze imposed by the Federal Government as part of the COVID-19 economic measures.

“Generally, the highest rates of growth have been in areas with lower fees. Many of the regions with the high average fee growth were in regional Queensland and other parts of regional Australia,” the report cited.

However, after subsidies, the average childcare cost per hour in Queensland should be at $3.28, deemed the lowest in the country. Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge said that a third of parents in Queensland are enjoying these lowered childcare fees.

The report comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Early Childhood Education and Care Coronavirus Response and Other Measures) Bill 2021 that will allow 99 percent of child care services to remain open during emergencies and disasters. This means that the facilities will continue to receive payments in case of massive emergencies, such as a pandemic.

“This legislation will give us the flexibility to respond with similar support during future crises,” Mr Tudge said. “We are investing a record $10.3 billion in child care this year, including $9 billion to subsidise fees for parents.”