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Ash Moloney’s Path from Brisbane Boys’ College to Olympic Decathlon

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, all eyes are on Ash Moloney, the young Australian decathlete who’s quickly becoming a legend in his field. At just 24 years old, Moloney is preparing for his second Olympic appearance, building on a remarkable career that has already seen him make history.

Read: Brisbane Boys’ College Students Hit High Note With National Pipe Band Win

From Brisbane to the World Stage

Moloney, an Old Collegian from Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong, credits his alma mater with playing a significant role in his development as an athlete. Reflecting on his time there, Moloney acknowledged that the College played a role by giving him a platform, as he did not have access to gyms and similar facilities at the time.

The facilities and opportunities provided by the college were instrumental in Moloney’s early career. He explained that the College gave him the opportunity to use their facilities and participate in his first major competition, the GPS track and field championships.

In 2015, at the tender age of 15, he claimed the Australian All Schools U16 high jump title with an impressive 2.00-meter leap. This victory sparked his interest in combined events, and within just two weeks of training, he competed in his first decathlon.

The following year, Moloney won the national U18 title mere days after turning 16, signalling the start of a meteoric rise. By 2018, he had clinched the World U20 Championship title in Finland, posting the second-highest junior score in history with 8190 points.

Olympic Glory in Tokyo

Moloney’s defining moment came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Despite being a first-time Olympian, he showed no signs of nerves. From the opening 100-metre sprint, where he clocked a personal best of 10.34 seconds, Moloney was in top form.

His performance over the two-day event was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in one of the most memorable moments of the Tokyo Games. In the final 1500-metre race, Moloney’s teammate Cedric Dubler sacrificed his own goals to run alongside him, shouting encouragement.

This act of camaraderie pushed Moloney to achieve a three-second personal best, securing the bronze medal with a final score of 8649 points—an Oceania and Australian record.

This bronze wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked the first time an Australian had ever medaled in the Olympic decathlon.

A Bright Future Ahead for Ash Moloney

Now, as Moloney prepares for Paris 2024, he carries the weight of expectation along with his impressive accolades. He currently holds the national U18, U20, and open records, cementing his status as Australia’s finest-ever decathlete.

Coached by Eric Brown from his alma mater, Brisbane Boys’ College, Moloney continues to push the boundaries of his abilities. His journey from a high school athlete to an Olympic medalist serves as an inspiration to young athletes across Australia and beyond.

Read: BBC Rowing Team Aims for Another Historic Henley Royal Regatta Win

As the world turns its attention to Paris, many will be watching to see if Ash Moloney can once again make history on the Olympic stage. With his track record of continuous improvement and his unwavering determination, the young Australian stands poised to solidify his place among the greats of decathlon.

Published 16-July-2024

Cameras Installed on Mt Coot-tha Walking Trails Amid Security Concerns

In response to a series of alarming attacks on popular walking trails in Mt Coot-tha, local authorities have installed security cameras to enhance community safety.

Read: Toowong Village Stepping Up to Help Domestic Violence Victims

Brisbane City Council has discreetly installed over 80 secret and visible CCTV cameras throughout the network of trails, significantly enhancing surveillance coverage in the area. The move comes after multiple incidents of attempted sexual assault were reported in Mt Coot-tha over the past two months.

Three incidents have been reported to police on Mt Coot-tha paths since May. In one case, police sought information regarding an attempted assault on the Cockatoo Trail. The suspect, described as a Caucasian male between 30-40 years old, approximately 180 cm tall with short dark hair, allegedly attempted to assault a 25-year-old woman.

Photo credit: Antony Mapfumo/Google Maps

Another incident occurred on the Maculata Track, where a woman was reportedly pushed to the ground and held down by a man wearing dark clothing. The attacker fled when he heard another jogger approaching.

These events have led many women to take precautions when visiting the walking trails, such as running in groups or carrying personal alarms.

Cr Adrian Schrinner announced the camera installation initiative, stating that the Council has collaborated with the Queensland Police Service to implement new safety cameras. These will be monitored by the Council’s 24/7 control centre as part of the city’s Suburban Safety Cameras program.

“While the State is responsible for cracking down on crime, our Suburban Safety Camera Program is one way we can send a message to would-be criminals that this behaviour won’t be tolerated in our city,” Cr Schrinner said.

Read: Mystery Woman Sought After Coronation Drive Bus Stop Connection

The Council hopes this measure will help deter potential attackers and provide a greater sense of security for trail users in the area.

Published 11-July-2024

LaDiDa Beauty Co: Toowong’s Full-Service Beauty Destination

LaDiDa Beauty Co is a full-service beauty salon in Toowong, offering a variety of beauty and skincare services for both women and men.

Read: Hidden Gem Alert: Dilly Dally Cafe Beckons In Toowong

One of their featured treatments is dermal rolling, also known as skin needling. This procedure uses a small roller with tiny surgical needles to penetrate the outer layer of skin. The salon employs a medical-grade, micro-needling device that creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin.

According to LaDiDa, this process aims to stimulate collagen production and encourage skin repair. The treatment is said to address various skin concerns including uneven tone, acne, fine lines, scarring, enlarged pores, and pigmentation. The procedure also incorporates LED therapy.

In addition to dermal rolling, LaDiDa Beauty Co provides other skin treatments. These include PRIN lymphatic therapy, which is a specially formulated tightening mask designed to strengthen and repair the integrity of the skin, and O Cosmedics facial, which the salon describes as a high-performance customised treatment for rejuvenation.

Another popular offering at this beauty salon is their brows and lashes treatments. These services include brow sculpt, brow tint, lash tint, and lash lift. The lash lift treatment provides an instant lift and curl to the client’s natural lashes, enhancing the appearance of the eyes without the need for extensions.

The salon’s services extend beyond traditional female-oriented treatments. They also offer waxing services for men and tanning, reflecting a more inclusive approach to beauty care.

Reviews

I love being able to support a small, local business and LaDiDa Beauty Co is one of my faves! My “Eye Trio” is my little moment of self care every month and I always look forward to it. I have seen a number of the ladies and they are all lovely, professional and respect whether I am in the mood for chatter or silence. Always really happy with the quality of the work and leave feeling like a new woman. Thanks ladies for keeping my brows and lashes looking their best.
Emma Ward

Love this place! Highly recommend their brow sculpt and tint and a signature facial. If you’re after a results driven facial, this is the place! I’m very picky with my brows and wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Lily O’Connell

Have been coming to LaDiDa for over 5 years and am yet to have a bad experience. All the girls are wonderful but Sinead and Courtney are particularly great! Highly recommend!
Alexandra Goman (Alex)

Read: ‘Better Uses’ Than Parking at Toowong Central Site, Say Residents

This beauty salon is located at 52 Dean Street, Toowong. Those interested in learning more about the available services or booking an appointment can find additional information on the salon’s website.

Published 1-July-2024

Glenise Norma Clelland’s ‘3 Egrets’ Selected for Lethbridge Award

Photo Credit: Lethbridge

In a celebration of local talent and natural beauty, renowned artist Glenise Norma Clelland‘s latest work, “3 Egrets”, has been chosen for the Lethbridge Small Scale Art Award online exhibition. This oil painting, measuring 50 x 60 cm, showcases Clelland’s masterful use of colour and her deep connection to the Australian landscape.

Clelland, a veteran of the art world with over four decades of experience, drew inspiration for this piece from her 23-year residence at Noosa North Shore. The painting captures the essence of the area’s waterlily-covered lakes and their avian inhabitants, with particular focus on the elegant egrets that frequently visited her property.

“The multi layers of colours in this painting are inspired by the everchanging light on the water reflecting the sky and trees,” Clelland stated, describing her artistic process. She emphasised the importance of creating a shimmering effect to accurately portray the dynamic nature of the water’s surface.

Priced at $880, “3 Egrets” represents a continuation of Clelland’s signature style, characterised by vibrant contemporary paintings that express her passion for colour, texture, and dynamic forms. Her work has garnered international recognition, with pieces featured in government, corporate, and private collections across 15 countries and throughout Australia.

The selection of “3 Egrets” for the Lethbridge Small Works exhibition adds to Clelland’s impressive list of accolades, which includes numerous prizes and over 15 solo exhibitions.

Enquire or buy the artwork here!

Art enthusiasts and collectors interested in viewing or purchasing “3 Egrets” can do so through the Lethbridge Small Works online exhibition platform.

Published 20-June-2024

Toowong Rowing Club Ready to Compete at Henley Women’s Regatta 2024

The team from Toowong Rowing Club will compete against 45 other crews worldwide for the Rosie Mayglothling Trophy in the Henley Women’s Regatta 2024 in the U.K., starting with a time trial to narrow the field to 16.

This year, 46 crews will vie for the Rosie Mayglothling Trophy. The competition kicks off with a time trial on Friday morning, the 21st of June, which will reduce the field to 16 crews. These top 16 will then progress to side-by-side racing on Friday and Sunday, promising thrilling matches. While some international crews participate, the strong local competition heightens the event’s excitement.

Highlight: Toowong Rowing Club

Gabby Geldard and Jemima Powell represent the Toowong team. Jemima recently placed fourth in the U23 lightweight double category at the Australian Rowing Championships 2024. Gabby competed in the club double category, finishing fifth in the final. Their individual achievements highlight the strength and depth of Toowong RC, marking them as a duo to watch in the upcoming races.

Toowong Rowing Club (TRC) is a renowned rowing club. Established in 1889, TRC has a long and storied history, making it one of the oldest rowing clubs in Queensland. The club is situated on the Brisbane River, providing excellent rowing conditions and a scenic environment for training and competition.

Founded over a century ago, Toowong Rowing Club has played a significant role in the development of rowing in Australia. The club has produced numerous elite rowers who have gone on to compete at national and international levels, including the Olympics. TRC’s commitment to excellence in rowing has cemented its reputation as a leading club in the country.

Toowong Rowing Club has a strong track record of success in both national and international competitions. The club’s athletes regularly compete in major regattas, such as the Australian Rowing Championships and Henley Royal Regatta. In recent years, TRC rowers have achieved notable results, including podium finishes and national titles.

Other Competitors at the Henley Women’s Regatta

GSR Aegir (NED)

Umi Kuiphuis and Wietske Anema of GSR Aegir (Netherlands) are notable competitors. They secured second place in the lightweight double category at the Royal Holland-Beker 2024 and won gold at the ARB Forestbaan. Their consistent performance and recent successes position them as strong contenders for the trophy.

DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos (NED)

Another strong Dutch entry is the composite crew of Laura Kempen and Leonoor Bos from DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos. They took first place in the lightweight double category at the Royal Holland-Beker and won the lightweight development double category at ARB Forestbaan. Their proven track record in various competitions underscores their potential to excel at Henley.

Hartpury University & College

Ellie Dash and Millie Hurrel of Hartpury University & College have shown impressive form. Ellie won the intermediate A final at BUCs Regatta 2024 and the Championship A final at the Met Regatta. Millie set a new course record at the National Schools Regatta and competed at the European Rowing Championships. Their synergy and individual accomplishments make them formidable opponents.

De Montfort University

Hannah Milnes and Lizzie Webster from De Montfort University have also had a strong season. They finished fifth in the A final of the double sculls category at the Met regatta and competed at the Reading Amateur regatta. Their experience and teamwork are expected to give them a competitive edge.

*Photo Credit: Henley Women’s Regatta/Facebook*

Predictions

GSR Aegir and DSR Proteus-Eretes/HSRV Pelargos will likely battle it out in the semi-finals, with strong showings from Toowong RC and Hartpury University & College. Norwich RC and De Montfort University are also anticipated to perform well, given their successful season so far. The combination of seasoned athletes and emerging talent will make for a series of highly competitive races.

The Henley Women’s Regatta

Henley Women’s Regatta (HWR) is the premier regatta for female rowers in the United Kingdom, held annually on the iconic stretch of the River Thames at Henley. This prestigious event attracts more than 2,000 rowers from across the UK and around the world, offering exciting side-by-side match racing for a wide range of competitors, from juniors to university and club levels to international elite athletes.

Since its inception in 1988, HWR has become a significant event in the rowing calendar. It has run every year except 2020, showcasing the dedication and hard work of a vast team of volunteers, the generosity of the Copas family, and the support from Friends of Henley Women’s Regatta, sponsors, and local businesses. The regatta was one of the early adopters of live streaming for its races, enhancing its accessibility and popularity.

Henley Women’s Regatta 2024 promises to showcase top-tier rowing talent, with exciting races and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are a rowing enthusiast or a casual spectator, the event offers a unique opportunity to witness the best in women’s rowing, set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Thames at Henley.

Published 20 June 2024

Luxury Toowong Penthouse Sells for $4.1 Million

Photo Credit: Azure Development Group

A luxury penthouse in Toowong has been sold for $4.1 million with completion scheduled for early 2025. The sale highlights the continued demand for high-end properties in Brisbane’s luxury market.

The penthouse, part of Azure’s One Earle Lane development, boasts impressive features including an 18.3-metre frontage, three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, multiple living areas, a home office, and a large north-facing balcony. The property also includes parking for three cars, catering to the needs of affluent urban dwellers.

Azure director Trent Keirnan expressed satisfaction with the sale, stating that the development had received “tremendous interest.” He views the penthouse sale as a testament to the superior quality of products entering the Brisbane market.

Designed by Paul Conrad Architects and under construction by 5Point Projects, One Earle Lane is reportedly on track for completion at the beginning of the first quarter of 2025. Simon Caulfield of Place Estate Agents, who brokered the sale, confirmed confidence in meeting this completion timeline.

Interestingly, the buyer, a downsizer from nearby Paddington, chose this property over options with river views. Caulfield explained that the decision was influenced by One Earle Lane’s extensive amenities, top floor corner position, uninterrupted city and park views, and superior design and finishes.

The development promises a range of luxury amenities for residents, including private dining facilities, a cinema, gymnasium, yoga studio, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges, and a 25-metre heated lap pool.

This sale is part of Azure’s broader portfolio, which includes over $500 million in developments such as Oakmont, One Five Six, and Dahlia. The company reports a future pipeline exceeding $1.3 billion, indicating continued growth in Brisbane’s luxury property sector.

Published 18-June-2024

Centuria Finalises Sale of Premier Toowong Office for Over $37 Million

Centuria Office, Australia’s leading listed office fund, has successfully sold the fully occupied A-Grade office block at 555 Coronation Drive, Toowong, to Brisbane-based Exceed Capital for over $37 million.

Transaction Details

Known for its substantial portfolio, the company has confirmed the unconditional sale of the Toowong office block to Exceed Capital. This deal marks the end of a 10-year holding period since Centuria first acquired the property in late 2014.

According to Centuria, the sale price aligns with the property’s recorded book value as of 31 December 2023, showcasing the robust demand for smaller, strategically located metropolitan offices with impressive leasing and sustainability features.

Property Overview

Initially opened in 1989, the office block spans three floors of office space, with floor plates ranging from 1,622 to 1,983 square meters and a total net lettable area of 5,568 square meters. It also features two levels of basement parking.

Significant refurbishments were undertaken in 2020, enhancing the foyer, lifts, bathrooms, and end-of-trip facilities. The building is noted for its strong sustainability credentials, holding a 5.5-star NABERS energy rating and a 4.5-star NABERS water rating.

Strategic Divestments

Belinda Cheung, Fund Manager for the Centuria Office Fund, stated that this transaction is part of a broader strategy to streamline the fund’s asset portfolio by age and quality, focusing on metropolitan office assets.

Centuria has divested four metropolitan properties this fiscal year, with the transactions aligning with or surpassing their book values. These divestments reflect a targeted approach where value was enhanced through refurbishments and sustainability improvements, leading to robust leasing and high occupancy rates.

Ms Cheung highlighted the prevailing market conditions, noting a shift towards smaller-scale office transactions nationally, which have been predominant in the past 18 months. She emphasised the impact of Australia’s demographic trends and the decreasing supply of new office developments on future market dynamics. With rising construction and financing costs affecting development feasibility, economic rents are expected to rise significantly, favouring the types of assets Centuria holds.

Centuria anticipates continued demand for office space driven by a forecasted increase of 2.6 million workers in Australia by 2033, of which approximately 27 percent are expected to be in white-collar jobs. This demographic shift will demand up to seven million square meters of additional office space.

Portfolio Rebalance and Further Acquisitions

This financial year has seen Centuria divest $139 million worth of non-core office assets, including notable sales in Canberra, Robina, and Keswick. The proceeds from these sales are earmarked for debt repayment. The agents facilitating the sale were Justin Bond and Blake Goddard from Knight Frank, alongside Jack Morrison and Adelaide O’Brien from CBRE.

Exceed Capital’s acquisition of the Toowong office marks its third purchase in three years, following investments in Robina and another office in Varsity Lakes, highlighting their ongoing expansion and confidence in regional office markets.

Published 10-June-2024

Better Education Rankings: QASMT in Toowong Tops Queensland’s Best Schools for Years 7-10

The Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in Toowong has once again secured its position as one of the premier secondary schools in the state.

Read: Terrific Five: Local Dancers From Toowong Shine at Regional and State Levels

According to the latest rankings released by independent specialist schools website Better Education, QASMT leads a compilation of public and private schools in Queensland for students in Years 7-10.

The rankings, which consider Year 9 English and Maths test results from 2023, provide a comprehensive overview of academic performance across the state. With a scoring system ranging from 60 to 100, the results highlight the exceptional standards achieved by Queensland’s leading schools.

QASMT boasts an impressive state overall score of 100 and continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence. The school has a total enrollment of 1,320 students and consistently ranks first in Queensland for the number of students achieving an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) of 99 or above.

Understanding the Rankings: How Schools Are Evaluated

Better Education’s rankings are derived from various academic performance indicators, ensuring a thorough assessment of each institution’s capabilities. The criteria include:

Median VCE Study Score and High VCE Scores: Evaluating the median study score and the percentage of scores above 40.
Distinguished Achievers in HSC Exams: The percentage of exams that achieve a Distinguished Achievers (DA) designation.
Median ATAR Score and Lower ATAR Thresholds: Including the median ATAR score and the percentage of students with an ATAR of 65 or lower.
QCE and OP/IBD Performance: Median ATAR scores and the percentage of students achieving high ATAR scores (99+, 95+, 90+, 80+), as well as the percentage of students receiving top OP scores.
WACE Median ATAR: The median ATAR score for Western Australian Certificate of Education.
SACE Performance: ATAR performance for South Australian Certificate of Education students.
Top Percentile Performance: Percentage of students ranking in the top 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by ATAR.

These metrics allow for a nuanced understanding of school performance across different states and education systems, ensuring parents and students have access to reliable information when choosing the best educational pathways.

About QASMT

QASMT was established in January 2007 in collaboration with the University of Queensland, focusing on fostering talent in the fields of science and mathematics. The academy occupies the site of the former Toowong College, repurposing the space into a hub for advanced education.

As Queensland’s top school, QASMT’s sustained excellence reflects its commitment to high academic standards and specialised focus areas. The latest rankings underscore the school’s leadership in preparing students for tertiary education and beyond, setting a high bar for other institutions to follow.

Read: Films Made by Brisbane Boys’ College Students Selected as AIFF Semi-finalists

For parents, students, and educators, the Better Education rankings offer invaluable insights into the academic strengths of Queensland’s schools. With comprehensive data driving these assessments, families can make informed decisions about their educational futures, guided by a clear understanding of school performance across the state.

Published 3-June-2024

Terrific Five: Local Dancers From Toowong Shine at Regional and State Levels

Photo Credit: Instagram/ Sharee Sky Dance Centre

Five talented dancers from Sharee Skye Dance Centre in Toowong have recently achieved outstanding results in various regional and state competitions and exams. These young dancers have demonstrated exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to their craft, making their studio and community proud.

Young Hip Hop Prodigy

Eliza Carson, age 9, secured a spot among the top 10 highest-scoring novice soloists at a regional dance competition, earning her eligibility for national eisteddfods. Eliza’s love for hip-hop and contemporary dance began at Sharee Skye when she was just four years old.

Tap Enthusiast

Mila Collier, age 12, was recognised as the most outstanding on-stage performer by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Mila’s enthusiasm for tap dancing is evident in her participation in two of the school’s eisteddfod teams. For Mila, the studio is a welcoming and secure environment where she can express herself through dance.

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Dance Phenom

Gabi Parikh, age 15, attained the highest grade statewide in her level four TPA musical theatre exam. Since joining Sharee Skye in 2017, Gabi has shown remarkable potential across multiple genres. She considers dance her “second home” and cherishes the opportunity to continuously improve.

*Photo Credit: Instagram/ Sharee Sky Dance Centre*

Contemporary Dancer

Erin Savage, also age 15, is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Dance at RAW Dance. Erin’s time at Sharee Skye fostered significant growth and a passion for contemporary dance. She views dance as a powerful form of self-expression and storytelling.

Multi-Talented Performer

Isabelle Qiu, age 9, received the Adjudicator’s Choice Award at the Dance 4350 Eisteddfod. Isabelle’s journey with Sharee Skye began at age four, and she has since blossomed into a multi-talented performer, dancer, and student. While excelling in various genres, she holds a special fondness for musical theatre and jazz.

The achievements of these five dancers not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the quality of training and supportive environment provided by Sharee Skye Dance Centre. Their successes serve as an inspiration to aspiring dancers in Toowong and beyond.

Published Date 28-May-2024

‘Better Uses’ Than Parking at Toowong Central Site, Say Residents

A debate is unfolding over plans to construct a temporary parking station at the former Woolworths site in Toowong Central.

Read: Stalled Development at Toowong Site Sparks Community Debate

When public consultations came to a close on May 14, nearly 30 submissions from Toowong residents were received, mostly objecting to the development application.

Aerial photograph of site (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Urbis)

“I believe there are better uses for the space, such as creating a communal area,” said one resident. “There is an opportunity here to enhance the Toowong neighbourhood and benefit the community – something yet another car park will not achieve.”

Plans call for 86 standard parking spaces, four disabled spots, and four motorcycle spaces accessed via existing crossovers on Sherwood Road, High Street, and Jephson Street. The parking station at Toowong Central would operate 24/7 under third-party management.

The site lies adjacent to the Toowong Tower, Village Shopping Centre, Royal Exchange Hotel, Toowong Train Station and other residential and commercial developments at the core of the Toowong Centre Precinct.

“The intersection of High Street and Coronation Drive is regularly congested – even outside peak traffic hours – from cars entering Toowong village, and traffic on Jephson street and Sherwood street is regularly backed up due to the various intersections around the block of Toowong Village,” another resident wrote in their submission.

“Adding even more traffic – especially around peak times – by adding a carpark would render the entire area to be unusable for cars, and would mean that public transport (specifically the many buses that travel along High Street and Moggill Road) is severely impacted,” the resident added.

Planners claim the temporary parking will “assist with the activation of the site” and improve accessibility for nearby businesses and commuters until further development occurs.

However, Greens MP Michael Berkman questioned the need, stating “Pretty baffling given there’s a giant multi-level car park just across the road at Toowong Village.”

Read: Toowong Village Named State’s Top Retail Property After Major Makeover

As the discussion continues, the Toowong community finds itself divided between developers seeking to provide convenient parking and residents hoping to preserve greenspace and community amenities in one of Brisbane’s most rapidly densifying suburbs.

Published 14-May-2024