Friends and family said their final goodbye to rugby league legend Jeff Fyfe, also known as Jeffrey William Fyfe, who was laid to rest at the Mt Gravatt cemetery on Friday, 26 July 2019.
Mr Fyfe, who battled dementia, died at the age of 70 surrounded by his children Clint, Sean and Scott, and longtime partner Deborah, per his obituary.
The rugby legend is best remembered remembered for his winning field goal kick during the 1972 finals between the Easts Tigers and the Valleys. Mr Fyfe never kicked a field goal before but with the clock winding down and the scores locked to 15-all, he made that decisive move, which has been regarded as one of the greatest deciding games in Australian rugby history.
Teammate Jeff Lang recalled how he had been screaming at Mr Fyfe, whom he fondly called as Fyfy, during that crucial match to not to kick the ball.
“I wanted him to take one more ruck and give it to Lee Hutchinson for the next one,” Mr Lang relayed in the book “Lang Park, The First 36 Years: Memories, Magic, Mayhem.”
“Anyway, he’s kicked it. It was a little wobbly old kick. A Bunny Pearce special. It just lobbed over in the corner. I went from screaming, ‘Don’t kick it!’ to ‘You little Beauty!'”
The win would end a 22-year championship drought for the team. Some 42,000 people were at the stadium to witness rugby league history unfold.
The day after Mr Fyfe passed, Suzuki Easts Tigers posted a message to honour their teammate.
“Easts Tigers are deeply saddened to hear Club Legend, an immortal Tiger, Jeff Fyfe, who passed away last night, surrounded by love and memories,” the message read.
“The Club sends its condolences to the Fyfe family, our love and blessing to them and especially Jeff at this time.”
On the outside, the vegan eatery Loving Hut on Logan Road in Mt Gravatt might not look impressive enough for passersby, but appearances can be deceiving.
Situated in an old shopping strip, this restaurant’s structure may be considered ordinary compared to other modern restaurants. However, once you’ve tried Loving Hut’s dishes and learn of its price points, you’ll likely keep coming back. You’ll also likely indulge in the food without guilt because this establishment is 100 percent vegan.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Loving Hut’s menu is Pan Asian inspired with a bit of influence from the West. Their best-sellers are the crispy fried vegan fish protein meal called Seven Seas Delight, the Garlic Butter Cutlet, and the special Laksa.
This restaurant also serves a vegetable-filled, protein-rich Golden Curry in a creamy sauce or Sweet and Sour Soy Nuggets paired with a good helping of rice. Loving Hut also has pasta dishes like Mushroom Carbonara with fettuccini or a Rawsome Zucchini spaghetti with vegetables.
Plate servings are generous and presentable and the meals don’t go over $16.00 per order. Loving Hut also has desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Photo Credit: Loving Hut Brisbane/Facebook
To sustain the healthy food habits of your family, the restaurant has a grocery section where you can buy vegan items to cook at home.
While not exactly the place to impress your date, this is the right restaurant to bring friends and family especially if you want to eat heaps of healthy but tasty food.
Loving Hut in Mt Gravatt is part of a chain of vegan eatery in Australia as it also has stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Victoria. The Brisbane site is open Monday thru Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“Amazing food. We are usually meat eaters but have food allergies to egg and dairy amongst other things that make vegan eating a whole lot easier. This restaurant was great on all fronts, great food and good knowledge of their food so they could advise and adjust where possible to accommodate our restrictions. We will definitely be back!”
~ Elizabeth Shakhovskoy, Google Reviews
“Always a good time when I come here. Amazing variety of vegan food and at an affordable price. They are always friendly and polite, would definitely recommend the lasagne for first timers!”
“Ordered golden curry as it was recommended by the owner. Knew they’ve got a 4.2 score before I came still didn’t put too much expectation because I just don’t find the menu appealing. But it all changed after I had first bite of the food. I have to say this is the best curry I’ve ever had! Even though it’s vegan. Turns out turning vegan is not so hard if vegan food can be this good! I know i know it’s curry but I have to say that this curry is full of flavour! Will definitely go back and try other dishes.”
Are you planning on acquiring a zero-emission vehicle? If you’re looking at some options, visit Keema Hyundai in Mt Gravatt and ask about the 2019 Kona Electric, the country’s first “100 percent electric small SUV” which will be available in Australia starting the end of 2019.
The 2019 Kona Electric comes in three models: Highlander, Elite and the Launch Edition. Its design has some similarities to the Hyundai Kona Highlander 1.6 turbo. However, as an electric vehicle (EV), the Kona Electric comes with a higher price tag ranging from $59,000 to $65,000, depending on the model.
For a small SUV, this electric vehicle does not look as radical as the Nissan Leaf or theTesla. Its interior carries a well-structured and clean design with a digital centre console and a cross-section of control buttons minus the stick shift.
The Kona EV may be comparable to BMW’s i3S in terms of design, performance and price range. However, this car’s battery is more powerful than BMW or Nissan’s electric vehicles.
Photo Credit: Hyundai Australia
Queensland Electric Super Highway
Going on a long drive using an electric vehicle is a lot more convenient when there’s the world’s long electric super highway. Since 2017, the Queensland Electric Super Highway has been slowly supporting zero-emission vehicles on the road with its convenient and safe fast-charging locations.
Currently, there are 16 charging sites on this super highway with four areas nearest to Mount Gravatt:
Toowoomba at 10810 Warrego Hwy, Charlton QLD
Gatton at The University of Queensland Main Drive & Outer Ring Road, Gatton QLD
Springfield at 4 David Henry Way, Springfield Central QLD
Brisbane at North Shore Hamilton 281 MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD
These locations are also near restaurants, shops and other amenities that should satisfy your time on the road. To check for other charging stations, view the Queensland Electric Super Highway map.
The Queensland Electric Super Highway has two charging options. Be sure that you’re aware of the specs of your EV before plugging it in and set up your Chargefox account online before using the facilities.
To register your interest for the Kona EV, fill up an application online or visit Keema Hyundai Mt Gravatt at 1532 Logan Road. Its trading hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Don’t want to leave your dog when you’re stepping out for a latte and a hearty breakfast? You can actually bring them to dine with you at these five popular dog-friendly cafes in and around Mt Gravatt. At these food establishments, furry four-legged customers are always welcome!
1. Badminton Brew
30 Badminton Street, Mount Gravatt East
Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., some days from 1:00 p.m.
Badminton Brew opened in 2014 to serve Australian, Italian and French breakfast fares, bread and pastries. They also offer handmade dog treats and puppychinos. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating and an ample parking area.
“Great casual local cafe. One of the hidden gems in Mt Gravatt East. Ample curbside parking, dog friendly, mix of indoor and outdoor seating. No air con. Coffee is traditional creamy style blend, low acid and good with milk. Good food options available also including savoury and sweet.”
~ John James, via Google Reviews
Photo Credit: Badminton Brew/Facebook
2. Kith ‘n’ Chow
96 Gaynesford St, Mount Gravatt
Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kith ‘n’ Chow serves homemade peanut butter dog biscuits every day. The humans, on the other hand, can choose from an extensive menu that includes generous servings of breakfast choices — such fruits, yoghurts, eggs, bread and cold cuts — on a platter.
“In short, amazing food and great service! Although busy at around 10 am on a Sunday, we were able to find good seats if we waited a little. Ordered the platter for 2 which would satisfy 2 people quite well. Coffee is served from the store next door but was able to be brought into Kith ‘n’ Chow. Overall very happy with the place. PS. Dog-friendly, seen some very good dogs.”
6/1297 Logan Road Mount Gravatt Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The owners of Little Black Pug Cafe are foodies who enjoy coffee and love their two black pugs. They offer Puppycino, peanut butter liver biscuits, doggie doughnuts made of carrots, bananas or coconuts, and dog ice cream. Look up their substantial food choices at their online menu.
“Have been to this place twice now and I love it! Definitely will be my new local cafe for weekend breaky. The staff is so friendly and attentive. Love that it’s dog-friendly and very accommodating. Food is also delicious.”
Shop 9B, 567 Kessels Road, MacGregor Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; 9:00 p.m. on weekends
Serving an array of dog treats like muffins and biscuits, this charming dog-friendly restaurant is filled with dog photos, figures and sculptures indoors. Woofissimo could easily be your furry pet’s favourite place for brunch, and yours, too!
“Friendly staffs and customer service. It will amaze you when the waiter brings the meal to you. The foods are so delicious and very large portion. Very suitable for friends gathering and dog lover. They also provide dog menu.”
46 Esher Street, Tarragindi Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; earlier closing hours on weekdays
This is a family-friendly cafe with a spacious front seat area, a play area for the kids indoors, and a courtyard seating at the back. Bring along your furry pals for breakfast or brunch, too, as they are quite welcome to play and enjoy some treats at the Esher St Cafe.
“Dog-friendly front dining where I was able to sit and enjoy my weekend breaky with my puppy; fantastic coffee, friendly staff and generously sized meals that won’t leave you hungry that’s for sure! I had the Pas’s pie and my fiancé had the Italian eggs, both meals were hearty and perfect for this colder weather! I will definitely be back for more!”
“It’s a fact that suburbs like Mt Gravatt have a lot of houses with asbestos. All houses built before 1990 are likely to have some asbestos in them,” Rob Berry, a local asbestos expert, warns.
In Australia, the total ban on any activity involving asbestos products became effective in December 2003. Until the late 1980s, contractors used asbestos in the construction of homes and buildings across the country, including Queensland suburbs such as Mt Gravatt.
Asbestos was an ideal product in many ways. Widely regarded as an efficient insulation material, it was also durable and fire resistant. In fact, all over the world, asbestos became a standard in the construction industry. Even the military used it extensively.
Bane to Health
As early as 1897, an Austrian doctor diagnosed pulmonary disease as a result of inhalation of asbestos dust. Then, in 1898, a report in the UK cited “widespread damage and injury of the lungs, due to the dusty surrounding of the asbestos mill.” Since then, medical research has consistently identified exposure to asbestos as a major health hazard.
Remarkably, asbestos is still in use in the USA, though on a low level. Despite the direct link to mesothelioma, it has not been banned from the construction industry. A type of cancer virtually unknown until the 20th century, mesothelioma has been directly attributed to asbestos inhalation. The Cancer Council says that the only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Infographic from www.asbestos.com
A report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that there would be 824 Australians diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018. That’s up from 157 in 1982.
Research suggests it can be many years between exposure to asbestos dust and developing mesothelioma. Once the cancer develops though, life expectancy is short.
“Less than half of all Queenslanders diagnosed with the cancer will survive more than a year after diagnosis,” according to the Cancer Council.
Asbestos in Construction
Infographic from www.asbestosbrisbane.net.au
In 2016, asbestos was found in building materials imported from China at the 1 William Street tower construction. The contractor removed the materials from the site. They also took steps to ensure that their sites and imports are asbestos-free. However, industry insiders maintain that many other importers continue to bring in non-compliant materials. This happens despite government monitoring and the threat of sanctions.
In recent news, the Environment Department’s Operation Tora has been in the forefront of a crackdown on illegal waste disposal. Operation Tora has reportedly fined 12 companies so far. One of these companies is a Brisbane asbestos removal firm with a 2017 conviction for illegally dumping 150 tonnes of asbestos in two QLD landfills.
How Old is Your Home?
In 2013, the Department of Health issued a guide for the general public. It states in part that a home built before the mid-1980s very likely has asbestos in it. Houses built from the mid-1980s to 1990, such as those usually found in Mt Gravatt and other Brisbane suburbs, are still likely to have asbestos in them.
After 1990, most houses would not have asbestos-containing products anymore. However, the cement materials used for some houses built up to the early 2000s may still have it. The total ban on all activities involving asbestos did not take effect until 2003.
“Fibro, cladding, gutters, down pipes, ceiling liners, fences, wall linings are some of the most likely areas we check for clients. A common misconception is that when you buy a house, the building inspection or the conveyancing will identify issues like asbestos. But they don’t,” Rob Berry explains.
Infographic from www.health.gov.au
“Breathing asbestos dust is dangerous to health and the dust can come from a very innocuous location in your home,” he warns.
However, he does offer some assurance. “The presence of asbestos in home building materials generally does not pose a health risk, unless the material is broken, deteriorating or disturbed in such a way that airborne asbestos fibres are produced.”
Nevertheless, he points out that the danger of airborne asbestos fibres is very real. “There is the potential for this to occur when asbestos-containing material is broken. Or when it is being drilled, sanded or cut with a power tool,” he explains.
“Often, exposure can come as a result of some simple home DIY. Or rotted or disturbed ceiling matter. Or even drilling holes to hang a picture,” he adds.
For your peace of mind, Rob Berry offers a free home testing service through BBM Contracts. To organise a free testing service to check for asbestos in your home, contact Rob Berry at 1300 427 237.
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.
Photo credit: www.pigozzogroup.com.au
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.
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.
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.
The month of April is packed with so many activities for people of all ages in Mt Gravatt and Upper Mt Gravatt.
Garden City Library Activities
Children Storytime. Immerse yourself and your children in various storytimes in different languages. There are Korean, Cantonese, and English storytimes for everyone. Each day will feature a different language.
Storytime for children starts at 10:30 a.m. daily.
Photo credit: BCC
Baby and Toddler Time. There is also toddler time where you can meet other parents whilst your kids play, sing and dance with other babies and toddlers. It’s the perfect socialization.
Schedule of activities for babies and toddlers vary each day but usually begins at 9:30 a.m.
English Conversation Group. Every Monday, there is an English conversation group at the library for those who wish to improve their English-speaking skills. The session starts at 10:00 a.m. This is open to all ages.
Seniors Activities. There will also be a get-together for seniors where the can enjoy the company of other seniors. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Photo credit: BCC
Seniors can also join and learn how to email, use an iPad or a smartphone. Bookings are required for these free workshops. Phone Garden City Library on 07 3403 7745 to reserve your place.
Manga and Anime. On Friday 27 April, manga and anime lovers can come together for a day of fun games, trivia and giveaways that are all manga and anime-related.
Bookings required for this free event. Phone Garden City Library on 07 3403 7745 to reserve your place.
Stay active the whole month by joining the free physical activities that will be held at the Mt Gravatt Park. There will be Pilates, Gentle Fitness, and Zumba Gold sessions. Zumba Gold is targeted for older participants.
It’s going to be a fun end of the month with activities that can help you stay active and fit.
Mt Gravatt Library
Children Storytime and Toddler Time. Mt Gravatt Library on Creek Road, Mt Gravatt will also provide children storytime and toddler time on select days of the month.
Photo credit: BCC
Basic Internet Skills. The library will also hold a workshop for those who wish to learn how to find their way on the Internet. The workshop will happen on Tuesday 24 April from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This is ideal for young adults, adults and seniors. Basic computer skills are required.
Bookings are essential. Phone Mount Gravatt Library on 07 3403 7775 to reserve your place.
Last Friday Book Club. Friday, 27 April is reserved for bookworms. Meet other book lovers on the last Friday of the month and discover excellent reading suggestions.
The book club meets from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call the library for more details.
Mt Gravatt PCYC will be hosting several fitness sessions that are easy and fun. The exercises include Tai chair, Zumba and gentle fitness workouts that are suited for all ages. The Zumba sessions are suited for seniors.
Photo credit: BCC
Bookings are essential. Phone Mt Gravatt PCYC on 07 3420 4655 to book your place.
