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Heads Up, Toowong! Hot Cross Buns and Other Egg-Citing Easter Deals For You

Did you know that Toowong has had the second-highest sales of hot cross buns among Coles stores across Queensland since Boxing Day? Coles Toowong has sold more than 140,100 of these spiced sweet buns in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.

Next to Victorians, Queenslanders are the second highest consumers of hot cross buns, gobbling up 27 per cent of the 50 million buns rolled out since December 2021.

Also topping the list of suburbs with the most number of hot cross buns sales are Carindale in third place (128,500) and The Gap (123,200) in fourth place.

Hot cross buns, chocolate eggs and bunnies remain the favourite Easter products from Coles. Voted as the best in the country for the second year in a row, the buns are now even more affordable with 2 packs for just $6.

Hot Cross Buns Toowong coles — Photo Credit: Supplied

Coles’ irresistible and CHOICE Recommended chocolate hot cross buns with 25% real chocolate chips are made using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, ensuring better opportunities for farmers and safeguarding the environment for the future.

This year, Coles was the first major supermarket in Australia to develop a savoury flavoured hot cross bun range, launching the iconic, limited-edition VEGEMITE hot cross buns which sold out within weeks of arriving in store, and recently adding a fiery new flavour – Jalapeno and Cheese.

More Egg-Citing Deals at Coles

This Easter, however, will find Coles Toowong shoppers snapping up more egg-citing deals as 46 per cent of Australian families are planning to gather and celebrate their Easter traditions after two COVID-restricted years.

Almost half of the cuisines are planned to be “modern Australian,” with 30 per cent of people planning on having a barbeque this Easter and more than half planning to eat fish on Good Friday. Seven per cent will be eating vegetarian meals and 4 per cent will choose meat on Good Friday.

seafood display at Coles — Photo Credit: Supplied

More than half of families said they are hunting for Easter food specials now more than ever. Coles has prepared the best value seafood spread at discounted prices. Coles cut the price of WA Rock Lobsters to $22 each, down from $27 each, so customers can enjoy a luxury delicacy over Easter.

Shoppers will also find the following fresh seafood savings:

Coles Deli Fresh Tasmanian Salmon Skin on $29
Coles Deli Raw Banana Prawns $23 p/kg, down from $26 p/kg
Coles Deli Fresh Black Tiger Prawns $27 p/kg down from $30 p/kg (ex. WA)
3kg Box of XL Black Tiger Prawns $75 p/box, down from $102 per box
Coles Tasmanian Salmon Portions with Lemon & Herb Crumb, $14.50 per pack

For gifting or personal indulgence this Easter, Coles has heaps of merchandise on the shelves as well, such as new plush toys and bunny ears, novelty mugs, sustainable crafts, books and Easter hunt options to entertain the kids over the long weekend and offer an alternative to chocolate gifting.

Easter bunny chocolate eggs hot cross buns — Photo Credit: Supplied

“We know it’s been a challenging few years for many Australians, and it’s important to understand what our customers are feeling to ensure we can provide the best value and quality on products they need most this Easter,” Coles General Manager for Bakery, Deli and Seafood, Andy Mossop said.

“We started Easter specials on our hot cross buns and confectionery early this year to help customers spread the cost of the entertaining season – these include 2 packs of hot cross buns for $6 and half-price specials on chocolate bunnies and eggs which are perfect for family Easter egg hunts.

“We are ready for a massive week of seafood sales with customers buying 200% more fresh seafood compared to any other week of the year. We’re delighted to be able to make great quality and responsibly sourced Australian seafood like WA Rock Lobsters more affordable so our customers can treat themselves over the long weekend. We’ve kept the prices low on some popular seafood lines since Christmas, and now are offering an even better price on raw banana prawns at just $23 per kilo.”

Have Your Say! Stuartholme School Plans to Redevelop in Toowong and Bardon

Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Public consultation is currently ongoing on a proposal lodged by Stuartholme School, seeking to improve its learning and sporting facilities and establish new facilities at its Main Campus on Birdwood Terrace, Toowong, and at their Freers Site on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Bardon.

Stuartholme School currently has 680 students and is expected to grow to 800 students over the next decade.

To accommodate the growing student population, the school has recently applied to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP) for a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) endorsement.

Through the MID, the Catholic secondary day and boarding school for girls is seeking approval for a new building and refurbishment work to existing facilities and adjacent areas as identified in its Stuartholme Masterplan 2020.

Main Campus site master plan | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Perspective view 1 Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Perspective view 2 | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Perspective view 3 | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Improvements being sought for the Main Campus include the establishment of:

A four-storey Multi-purpose Sports and Innovation Centre which will house seven learning spaces, a library, staff room, two multipurpose indoor courts, kitchenette, design lounge, innovation forum, makers spaces, cafeteria and breakout spaces, among other functions and activities.
Up to five-level building containing the indoor sports facilities and support functions, general learning areas, staff support facilities and storage and amenities.
Conversion of the hardcourt into a car parking area that will allow an additional 22 cars.

Freers Site proposed plan | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

Freers Site aerial view | Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Planning) / planning.dsdmip.qld.gov.au

The school also proposed the redevelopment of the Freers Site which currently houses the gymnasium and the overflow storage items from the main campus. The site also contains the storage and maintenance workshop for the Stuartholme rowing boats and other schools.

Specifically, the redevelopment proposal involves the establishment of internal training facilities including new sporting fields for hockey, and touch football as well as new netball courts and cricket nets, among other site improvements.

Target completion for the Freers Site redevelopment is by 2023.

To make a submission and for further information on the MID, visit the DSDILGP site here. The consultation ends on 9 May 2022.

Should the New Inner-West Primary School Be Built at the Former Toowong Bowls Club Site?

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Fresh concerns were raised about the suitability of the former Toowong Bowls Club site as the location of the proposed new inner-west primary school after the area went underwater during the February/March 2022 extreme weather event that battered southeast Queensland.

The old Toowong Bowls Club is the identified site for the proposed new state school. Queensland’s first vertical public primary school is aimed to ease enrolment pressure off Indooroopilly, Ironside, and Toowong State schools.

The recent flooding has, however, raised questions about the suitability and safety of the former bowls club site.

Greens MP for Maiwar – Michael Berkman said that after the floodwaters have subsided and massive cleanup has been undertaken, it soon became clear that the old bowls club which sits next to Perrin Park may not be the ideal location for the much-needed new school.

“It is clearer than ever that the site goes under in major floods—we already knew this—and the adjacent road at Heroes Avenue floods much more easily, cutting off one of two possible road access points,” he said.

“I know there are some locals who continue to oppose the department’s decision. I understand their concerns and I respect their position.”

He also expressed his disappointment over the state government’s lack of forward planning and its preference for using “scarce public land” rather than privately owned property for the new inner-west primary school.

However, he said that whilst he understands that there are some locals who continue to oppose the Department’s decision, he believes that it may be too late to change location now.

He said that even if the Department could be persuaded to reconsider the location it would be to the detriment of students and teachers at Indooroopilly, Ironside, and Toowong State schools.

Mr Berkman suggested that the State Government should instead ensure that the building design provides the best flood immunity possible much like the new buildings at Milton State School which have proven to be flood-resilient. That would mean “necessary upgrades for Heroes Avenue and safe road and pedestrian access from Gailey Road” should also be considered.

The Education Department said that the two rounds of community consultation and significant studies point to the former bowls club as the preferred site and is a great location for the proposed new school.

It also acknowledges that design solutions for the proposed primary school should address potential flood impacts and the need to incorporate emergency access at the site.

“I am sincerely hoping all players on the west side can start acting a bit more like grown-ups and collaborating in the best interests of our area,” Mr Berkman concluded.

New Toowong Hub! ‘Active Eight Day’ on High Street

Active Eight will celebrate the completion of its brand new activity hub on High Street, Toowong with ‘Active Eight Day,’ an open day launch on 8 April 2022.

Active Eight is an exclusive one-stop NDIS therapy and activity hub that caters to babies, toddlers, kids and teens of all abilities. It was established with a mission of providing families of young people with disabilities, who are struggling to find therapeutic support, with holistic interventions in a fun and welcoming environment.

The founders, four local uni students, drew inspiration from a little girl with cerebral palsy who wanted to learn to dance but couldn’t find a place that could help her fulfil her dream and provide her with that sense of belonging.

Since its founding in 2013, the local business has thrived and overcome challenges along the way including COVID-19. And to celebrate its success despite difficulties and the launching of its new purpose-built hub, an open day launch event has been set for 8 April. The event will also showcase Active Eight’s range of paediatric therapy and group programs on offer.

A range of activities await attendees including live performances from Active Eight’s very own dance and cheerleading troupes, arts and craft workshops, and tennis and play warrior demonstrations. Goodie bags and free tea and coffee will be provided as part of the celebrations.

“We are thrilled to be launching our High Street Hub,” Active Eight CEO Zachary Fook said.

“In opening our doors for all to come and experience what’s on offer we hope to inspire a new standard of paediatric services here in Brisbane. If the outcome of the launch event is that even one family finds their tribe at Active Eight, then the day will be an absolute success!”

Active Eight’s holistic and multi-disciplinary offerings include six therapy disciplines – from psychology and speech therapy to ballet and martial arts – with more than 40 weekly inclusive programs delivered by a team of 50 plus skilled professionals.

The “Active Eight Day” will be held at the new hub located on the ground floor of Active Eight’s facility at 67 High Street. The celebration will begin with a VIP event and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 pm and will then be opened to the public from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Active Eight | 67 High St, Toowong QLD 4066

Legacy Way Tunnel In Toowong To Close For Planned Roadworks

Photo credit: Transurban Queensland

Motorists are advised to plan their travels as the Legacy Way Tunnel in Toowong will be closed for all traffic on specific days and times in March 2022, due to planned roadworks across Brisbane.

Read: Surf Lifesavers: Untiring Rescue Efforts in Toowong, Other Flood-Impacted Suburbs

Toll has also resumed on Monday, 7 March on public transport and council-operated toll roads, including Legacy Way, after it was announced for free from 3 Mar- 6 Mar, to help Brisbane residents in the clean-up efforts brought by the devastating flood.

See the date and time of upcoming planned roadworks:

Works	Date and Time
Legacy Way eastbound tunnel closure	16-17 March, 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Legacy Way tunnel closure both directions:	19 March, 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Legacy Way westbound tunnel closure:	14-15 March, 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Linkt Brisbane regularly carry out maintenance on the roads and tunnels and while they do their best to avoid disruptions, sometimes temporary traffic changes are needed to keep everyone safe.

“In the event of adverse weather conditions or other delays, works will be postponed to the next available shift,” Linkt stated in its website.

legacy way toowong — Map highlighting Toowong road works (Photo credit: https://www.linkt.com.au)

About the Tunnel

Legacy Way is a 5.7 kilometre twin tunnel connecting the Western Freeway at Toowong with Brisbane’s Inner City Bypass at Kelvin Grove.

It has four lanes, two inbound and two outbound, connecting AirportlinkM7 and Clem7 (via Inner City Bypass) to Brisbane’s western suburbs.

The tunnel is owned and currently being managed by Transurban Queensland.

Surf Lifesavers: Untiring Rescue Efforts in Toowong, Other Flood-Impacted Suburbs

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland / Facebook

Did you know that Surf Lifesavers and State Emergency Services were able to help over 700 people who were stuck in their high-rise residences in Toowong and other areas of Brisbane?

Surf Lifesavers across South East Qld and NSW, the state’s peak aquatic rescue authority, along with the State Emergency Services (SES), was rapidly mobilised to perform welfare checks and help in emergency evacuations.

Natalie Edwards was one of the eight Surf Life Saving volunteers who worked with the SES in rescuing the trapped residents Tuesday, 1 March. She spoke to Triple M’s “The Rush Hour” and was asked how challenging it was to be involved in such a massive rescue mission which is far different from doing a surfboard rescue.

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving Queensland / Facebook

“As lifesavers, we are trained for lots of different events, flooding is not particularly one of them, but we are very well versed in safety measures and our crew are well trained,” she said.

“It’s difficult but at the same time our crew are outstanding and can assist people in any circumstances and they proved that yesterday.”

Despite the uncertainties that residents were faced with as they navigated the flood crisis, she said that the spirit of those being rescued was very high.

“The Queensland mentality came out and they were just happy to be out of their homes and be on dry land.”

Whilst 700 rescues that day was a really exhausting task, the tireless crew, nevertheless, went back the next day to assist those in flooded areas whenever they could.

“We are back on today around Brisbane helping people get out of their apartment because there are still a lot of people flooded in.”

What is her advice to people who are tempted to go to these flooded areas?

“If it is flooded, forget it. Please, just stay home if you can. If you are not able to go to work, don’t try and go through that floodwaters because it makes our job a little bit easier if you don’t drive through them.”

Brisbane Boys’ College Honours Late Mathematics Teacher Chicri Maksoud

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys' College (BBC)/Facebook

Tributes have poured in from the community following the death of Chicri Maksoud, a beloved former maths teacher at the Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong.

Read: New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

Mr Maksoud, who died on 3 February 2022 after a long battle with an illness, taught maths at the school for 38 years, where he was also a house master and co-curricular coach.

Aside from teaching mathematics, he was passionate about coaching rugby, cricket, athletics, and cross country programs.

Photo credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)

With Mr Maksoud, learning can be fun because he would use sports to teach maths to kids. He was so passionate about teaching, even if it meant giving his own time tutoring students. He held the lunchtime maths club every week aside from running the maths competitions for middle school.

Mr Maksoud was deeply loved by his former students. In fact, a group of students started a public group on Facebook called ‘Chicri Maksoud.. the man the legend’ where they shared what it’s like being taught by the late teacher.

“Fantastic bloke. one of the few things I miss about BBC,” said Aidan Lamb.

“The man is a deadset genius, best teacher I ever had. If he could help me to pass maths, then there is no-one he can’t help pass the subject,” said Ben Foord.

“Wowee out of all my teachers from BBC I think Chicri Maksoud was my favourite….and my god does he love to teach. He was my maths tutor a couple of times a week in grades 11 and 12 (without which I most certainly would have failed) and my Cross Country Coach ’97-98, as the cross country captain at the time (98) I appreciate how much the legend went above and beyond the call of duty,” shared Chris Simmons.

Read: Heritage-Listed Middenbury House in Toowong May Be Up for Mixed Development

The Old Collegians Association of Brisbane Boys’ College thanked Mr Maksoud for decades of service to the college, and for going above and beyond as a Maths Teacher, House Master, and co-curricular coach.

“You have been a positive influence on so many boys’ lives, and for that all boys and parents who have had the good fortune of dealing with you are extremely grateful,” the Old Collegians Association wrote on a social media post, after announcing Mr Maksoud’s demise.

BBC held a service on 10 Feb 2022 at the College Hall to celebrate the life of Mr Maksoud. The school livestreamed the service for those who were not be able to attend.

The Edge Residential Twin Towers Proposed for Toowong

Plans have been lodged to build two residential towers, consisting of 320 high-density units, on Jephson Street in Toowong. Called The Edge, the buildings have a projected maximum height of 25 storeys.

Also included in the plans are 12 food and drink outlets, as well as retail spaces, on the ground floor of The Edge, which will be accessible through a new pedestrian plaza. The site will also provide communal recreational facilities on the ground floor, third floor, and rooftop.

The rooftop area will feature landscaping to connect the outdoor to the indoor lounges. On the other hand, the third level facilities will have a gym, quiet room, and swimming pool. The ground floor facilities will include function rooms, media centre, and lounge areas.

Some 450 car parking spaces and 410 bicycle parking spaces across four basement floors and the lower ground floor parking areas are also projected in the plans. Access to the parking area will be provided via an internal driveway located on Jephson Street.

“[The Edge] will have a walkable urban environment from Jephson Street and through the adjoining site to provide access to services and high-frequency public transport within the nearby Toowong Village,” per developer Ethos Urban.

The residential tower is situated in a Major Centre zone of the Toowong- Auchenflower neighbourhood plan. If approved, four existing office buildings will be demolished on the site to make space for the towers.

“The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the wider “Woolworths catalyst site”, within which the site sits, and is compatible in size and scale to the surrounding centre built form intentions,” the developer stated.

The DA was filed on December 2021 and is currently under assessment. Check out the rest of the details of the development application A005894666.

Bicentennial Bikeway May Be Realigned If Toowong Tower Approved

Did you know that the Bicentennial Bikeway, considered the busiest bike-riding and pedestrian pathway in Brisbane, may need to be realigned if a proposed 10-storey tower next to the former ABC Toowong site gets approved?

Read: New Development Plans for Former ABC Site on Coronation Drive in Toowong

Based on documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, a development application has been submitted, seeking to build a multiple-dwelling consisting of 29 units at 570 and 576 Coronation Drive, Toowong .

Artist’s impression of proposed development (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Designed by Bureau Proberts, the apartments are designed for a subtropical living environment and are planned for optimum cross-ventilation, excellent natural daylight levels, and generous outdoor living spaces.

The proposal includes rooftop communal and private open space areas, as well as large balconies for each unit.

Coronation Drive site — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The subject site currently has a three-storey dwelling that will have to be demolished once the proposal is given the green light.

Access and Traffic

A traffic report provided in the proposal states that there would be an auxiliary left lane to turn into the site, clear of the left-hand through lane on congested Coronation Drive.

The 17-m lane would allow residents of the proposed tower to slow down without disrupting traffic, and also stop for pedestrians or cyclists. To further protect cyclists and pedestrians, a speed hump will also be provided to slow cars exiting the tower.

Bicentennial Bikeway (Photo credit: map.bikecitizens.net)

In order to facilitate the development, the Bicentennial Bikeway may need to be extended and undergo some realignment.

The Bicentennial Bikeway is a 4.8-km off-road pathway from Toowong to Brisbane city, providing access to South Bank, Kangaroo Point, and New Farm through connecting bridges and pathways.

More than 1.9 million people used the pathway in 2020—as recorded by an electronic counter near the Go Between Bridge.

Besides these proposed changes to the bikeway, new access would also be created to avoid collisions with cars.

Read: New Toowong Primary School Location Confirmed

Site from the river — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The project is code-assessable so residents will be notified and can have their say about the application. Further details about the proposed development can be viewed at DA-A005905033.

New Development Plans for Former ABC Site on Coronation Drive in Toowong

Revised plans for the former ABC site on Coronation Drive in Toowong now involve three residential towers, reuse of a heritage-listed house as a public site, and provisions to make way for the Green Bridge landing site.

DA A005881543, filed in mid-November 2021, comprises three residential towers with a maximum of 15 storeys each, with a combined total of 134 multiple dwellings.

Three residential towers Coronation Drive in Toowong view from the river — Photo Credit: Artist’s Rendering/Developmenti/BCC

The new towers on Coronation Drive in Toowong will have communal rooftops that offer amenities like a riverside pool and spa, a dry and wet lounge, and a BBQ with outdoor dining areas. The buildings will also have shared workspaces, a gym, and their own mailrooms.

Consolidated Properties bought the Coronation Drive site and hired John Wardle Architects for this new proposal.

The proposal essentially replaces the previous application of a 25-storey building from Sunland, dubbed the Champagne Flute, which would have been the first Brisbane project of internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Aerial view — Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC

Since a section of the development will become part of the planned Toowong to West End Green Bridge, the proposal has provisions for adjustments for the bridge’s landing site.

The plan also includes the refurbishment and re-use of the heritage-listed Middenbury House as a public site and mixed-use space with access to the Brisbane River. Consolidated Properties also want to line Coronation Drive with Fig Trees to improve the area.

Lower Plaza Coronation Drive in Toowong — *Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC*

Upper Plaza Coronation Drive in Toowong — *Photo Credit: Developmenti/BCC*

Per the developers, some of the landscaped apartments fronting a new public site will have a 40-metre open accessible open space near the Brisbane River. On the other hand, an extension of the Bicentennial Bikeway will also be in place to connect to Archer Street.

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed to merge seamlessly within the surrounding built form, through the use of a variation of materials and breaks in the façade. The site primarily faces Coronation Drive, which features street tree plantings along its entire frontage as well as two large heritage-listed fig trees near the western boundary.”

“The state heritage listed Middenbury House can be seen from the Archer Street frontage. This development will enhance the view of Middenbury House by incorporating open space between the building and the street frontage. Deep planting along Archer Street will improve the streetscape by softening the view between Middenbury House and the existing streetscape.”

This development does not require public notification and is currently undergoing assessment by Council.