Work is progressing on the approved upgrade to a local Energex substation in Wool Street, Toowong. The upgrade will help increase the reliability of power supply not just in Toowong but also in its surrounding suburbs, like Taringa, St Lucia, and Auchenflower.
Now in its second stage, the $4 million project will involve the installation of a new transformer along with associated electrical work. It’s part of the State Government’s investment in infrastructure for Queensland communities to support current and future growth.
According to Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, these upgrades are designed to cater for current and future electrical needs of Toowong and surrounding suburbs, which have experienced steady growth over many years.
“This is an investment in current and future jobs, with major employers like Toowong Village in the area, and major redevelopment expected on the former Woolworths site,” Dr Lynham said.
Aside from increasing the substation’s capacity and improving its technical capabilities, the upgrades will be particularly handy during storms and emergency power outages when Energex staff can shift power around remotely, getting supply up and running faster.
“While people are the heart of any community, infrastructure is the backbone and a quality electricity network certainly breathes life into the things people do every day,” Dr Lynham added.
Work has already commenced and subject to site and weather conditions, the upgrades are anticipated to be completed by mid-2020.
Did you know that the Mt Coot-tha shuttle service is already in the planning phase? The initiative is part of the Brisbane City Council’s four-year enhancement program to improve accessibility and visitor experience at the precinct.
“Council is committed to implementing a shuttle service at Mt Coot-tha which will provide another transport option for visitors to travel between key destinations on the mountain,” the Council’s website said.
Currently, transport options to Mt Coot-tha precinct include:
Public transport – from Brisbane CBD, Translink’s 471 bus leaves Adelaide Street Stop 21 at 8.50am and hourly from 9.35am-3.35pm.
Car – for visitors travelling by car, there are parking spaces available at the botanic gardens, Toowong Cemetery, The Summit, Gap Creek Reserve, and picnic areas.
Bike – Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens is accessible by bike via Anzac Park overpass.
Several new trails and extensions have already been completed as part of the refurbishment program for the precinct, including the Discovery Trail and Discovery Trail extension, Litchfield Trail, Mahogany Track, and the Lorikeet Link and Crebra Climb mountain bike trails.
Upgrade works on the Summit Track has also been completed which involved resurfacing of the track to Bush Mate, upgrading of the stairs, installation of new handrails, and installation of a new information shelter.
Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook
Other projects that have already been delivered include upgrades to the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area and Simpson Falls picnic area, and the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre
The Council is also installing new signage on the Discovery Trail and Mt Coot-tha and undertaking planning for a new trail from the Botanic Gardens to the Summit as well as planning for new mountain bike trails.
Today, many people either suffer from chronic diseases or are about to suffer from chronic diseases. What’s commonly seen among these people is that they are not optimising their life by looking after themselves and preventing their health from going downhill.
In Australia, for instance, coeliac disease affects more than 3 million people. These individuals suffer from instances of bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, low energy, skin problems and depression. A high percentage of these people are not managing their diet well.
Most people are also guilty of not giving ample time to address their personal health issues. Most of the time, people are so time-poor that when they go to see the GP, they tend to look for a quick fix, rather than considering options that would make them feel better, not only for today but for a longer period of time.
Research suggests that only a small percentage of ailments get discussed with a GP due to lack of time. Patients also go online to look for solutions. Internet research can sometimes provide insights and knowledge to help solve health issues, but there is so much misinformation online that this process is fraught with errors.
Eating Right for Holistic Health
A huge part of holistic health is eating right. That is why at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, we make sure that you take in only what’s beneficial to your health.
Our pharmacy located at Jephson Street and Sherwood Road in Toowong provides traditional pharmaceutical items and prescriptions. But on top of this, the pharmacy is also filled with organic health foods, vitamins and organic skincare products. At our Healthfoods section, for example, you can scoop your own bunch of organic foods supplied by Naked Foods.
We take a holistic approach to our customers’ health through our large range of products. Take for example the three types of fibre – soluble, insoluble and resistant starch. At the pharmacy, we inform our customers about the differences between these three types of fibre and how they may benefit from a particular type according to their health needs, whether that be lowering cholesterol, regulating gut health or rebalancing the gut microflora.
WholeLife’s Bare Naked Bowls café, also located at the store, lets customers choose from a wide selection of superfoods.
Every ingredient in the cafe’s food offerings has been selected for its health benefits, in keeping with WholeLife’s axiom that health starts from the inside. Wholefoods’ range of products helps prevent and fight many chronic conditions.
Other Wholefood products that customers usually find beneficial for specific problems include:
· Bone broth concentrate to help heal and seal the gut
· Collagen to help with joint repair and conditioning
· Slippery elm to soothe the digestive tract
· Nutritional yeast to help with vitamin B deficiency
· Organic oats to help reduce cholesterol
Gluten-free options are also in big demand as more and more people experience gluten intolerance. WholeLife has an extensive range of gluten-free products which includes Bob’s Red Mill, gluten-free pasta, gluten-free bake mixes, gluten-free cereals and gluten-free bread.
Taking a Holistic Perspective
When it comes to preventing and battling chronic diseases, a holistic approach is the best way to go. Holistic health has become a byword nowadays, but not many people truly understand what it is.
The holistic approach takes the focus away from just the symptoms. With this perspective, we are concerned with the whole being of the person and not just a specific disease or a particular part of the body. In holistic health, we consider the body, mind and spirit as well as the way we interact with our physical and social environment so as to achieve maximum wellbeing.
We are what eat — that is literally true. Sound nutrition is the cornerstone of healthy living. To optimum health, it is important to be mindful of what you eat. Regular exercise and good sleep are also essential parts of the holistic approach to healthy living. Of course, vices such as heavy drinking, smoking and drugs should be avoided completely.
Being knowledgeable about holistic health helps us focus on how we interact with our environment and control how we live our lives so that we can have that optimum state of mind, body, and spirit to manage stress and have the energy to lead a happy, healthy, and productive life.
Stephenie Shea is a pharmacist at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, located in the heart of Toowong, less than a minute’s walk from Toowong Village Shopping Centre.
A lifelong advocate of holistic health, Steph practices what she preaches and together with the rest of the WholeLife team, she offers free advice on how holistic health can help with a wide range of health issues and improve quality of life.
If you’re curious about the mystical stories of the Toowong Cemetery then here’s your chance to hear about it from those who know it best. On Saturday, the 12th of Oct 2019, the Council is sponsoring an open house and a bus tour of Brisbane’s largest burial site.
Cemetery staff will be sharing what they know of the Toowong Cemetery’s rich and fascinating history, from tales told and passed down to them for generations. Happening from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this event should be an unforgettable weekend of fun, what with Halloween celebrations coming up soon!
Since this massive burial ground on Frederick Street opened in the mid-1800s, there have been hundreds of stories about the Toowong Cemetery. Some are true and some don’t make a lot of sense, whilst the rest have become urban legends that should be interesting to hear directly from the workers.
Photo Credit: Vic Bushing/Google Maps
The tour will also highlight the burial grounds of notable personalities in Queensland, which includes politicians, sportsmen, war heroes, and even notorious murderers.
The open house is free for all but you’ll need to register for tickets ahead of the event.
The guided tour is part of Brisbane City Council’s intiative to showcase significant sites that celebrate the architecture, engineering and history of the city. Follow this link to find other walking tours during the open house, which has been carried out since 2010.
Do you drive a Mitsubishi Pajero bought between November 2016 and July 2019? Have you brought it to your nearest service centre for mandatory repair? For Toowong locals, the Mitsubishi centre located at Milton Road can assist you.
Recently, the Japanese carmaker announced that it has recalled 6,384 units due to problems with its welding strength that may affect the steering wheel control. If you own a Mitsubishi Pajero with model MY2017-18 from the NX-series, then you should bring it in for service as soon as possible.
This batch of vehicles apparently has “inadequate welding strength” in its front right side suspension lower control arm. Once broken and damaged, the driver will not be able to properly control the steering wheel, which may lead to an accident.
Mitsubishi has advised specific Pajero owners via direct mail to head to the dealer as soon as possible for the free service. To verify if your vehicle is affected, check the official list of Mitsubishi Pajero for recall.
If you have not received a letter of notice from Mitsubishi Pajero, phone 1800 931 811 for further assistance.
You might also want to get in touch with Toowong Mitsubishi at (07) 3377-3711 to schedule an appointment for service. The dealer and service centreopens Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You may also look for Mitsubishi’s list of dealers and service centres here.
The Brisbane City Council is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified artists to create a site-responsive artwork installation on The Platform.
The Platform is a 2.4 metre by 2.4 metre low plinth with hold-down points and lights, and is able to accommodate a two-tonne load. It is located adjacent to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre, embedded within a native-species garden.
The Platform is made from charcoal-coloured concrete and is designed as a subdued piece of infrastructure to ensure that focus is on the gardens and the installed artworks; yet, as a stand-alone structure, it still looks attractive.
Previous artwork installations were “Remainders 20 & 21,” by acclaimed Australian artist Jamie North, and “Large Arcs,” by Melbourne-based artist and designer Anna Varendorff.
Current commissioned artwork, which will be on display from July 2019 to June 2020, is titled “Gone to Seed” by Stuart Green.
“Gone to Seed” Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Commissioned artwork remain on display on the Platform for 12 months before being relocated and installed permanently within the gardens.
Artists are, however, invited to work with the Council in considering a suitable site within the gardens where their work would be located permanently.
To commission a new artwork for the Platform, the Council released expression of interest (EOI) on 26 August 2019. For the artwork to be assessed, interested artists must submit an EOI through the Council’s website, no later than 12 noon on 23 September 2019.
Required documentation:
artist CV
artist bio (max. 200 words)
written response to the artwork brief outlining your conceptual approach to the commission and how it relates to your practice (max. 500 words)
Five (5) images of relevant previous work (max. 1MB per image).
For more information, email The Platform or contact the Council on 07 3403 8888.
Mt Coot-tha Summit Track has reopened for the public to enjoy after Council completed the upgrade works to improve the trail’s accessibility and durability.
Upgrade works on the Summit Track involved resurfacing of the track to Bush Mate, upgrading of the stairs, installation of new handrails, and installation of a new information shelter.
The enhancement is part of the Council’s four-year Mt Coot-tha precinct program (2016- 2020) which aims to enhance the precinct’s accessibility and visitors’ experience. Several new trails and extensions have been completed as part of this refurbishment program including the Discovery Trail and Discovery Trail extension, Litchfield Trail, Mahogany Track, and the Lorikeet Link and Crebra Climb mountain bike trails.
Video Still Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook
Moreover, upgrades to the J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area and Simpson Falls picnic area were also undertaken which involved installation of new shelters with picnic seating, new barbecues, upgraded car parking, and landscaping among other improvements and installations.
Last September 2017, the Council opened the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre which features informative displays and touchscreen information panel and video. Free guided walks in the garden are also available, courtesy of volunteers guides.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
The Council is also scheduled to install new signage on the Discovery Trail and Mt Coot-tha and undertake planning for a new trail from the Botanic Gardens to the Summit as well as planning for new mountain bike trails.
Brisbane’s Old Collegians Association (OCA) is celebrating its 99th year with a host of competitive sports at the Brisbane Boys College (BBC) in Toowong. Old Boys’ Day 2019 aims to strengthen the brotherhood and reap support for the association’s various causes.
Outside Main Administration Building at Kensington Terrace
Basketball Open First
Court 1, Barbara Helen Thomson Sports Complex
3:15 p.m
Rugby First XV Match
Miskin Oval
After the games
Post-match celebration
P&F Oval
Drinks and sausage sizzle will be available at the post-match and guests may unwind with live music. This is generally a child-friendly event so you might want to bring the whole family to watch the games. The bar area, however, is open to guests 18 years old and above only.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC)/Facebook
The Old Collegians Association was officially founded in the 27th of Aug 1920 by Mr Arthur (Barney) Rudd, who opened Clayfield College in 1902. He had the vision to foster fellowship and touch base with former students, whilst also providing scholarships and endowments for the sons of its members.
Mr Arthur (Barney) Rudd Photo Credit: Old Collegians Association
In 1918, the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association purchased Clayfield College and renamed it to Brisbane Boys’ College. The institution moved to a bigger site in Toowong in the late 1920s with Mr Rudd as its deputy headmaster. OCA remained active as it inducted new members every year.
The official opening of the new Brisbane Boys’ College at Toowong by the Governor of QLD Sir John Goodwin on 16 March 1931. Photo Credit: Old Collegians Association
Several of BBC students were servicemen and heroes in the Second World War. They have also become pillars of the development and progress of the Queensland community.
Today, apart from the scholarship grants and financial assistance, the OCA also holds mentoring programs for Year 12 students. Members may also advertise on the business directory to gain leads and referrals for their products and services.
Meanwhile, BBC’s student body has increased to an average of 1,550 students a year.
Do you love all things Japanese? Here’s your chance to join Japanese Cultural Day at Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens this month. Don’t miss all the free events which include music, cultural activities and community initiatives at the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. Check out the line-up below.
Some traditional activities include Mochitsuki rice cake making, tea ceremonies, ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy workshops, and woodblock printing. The tranquility of the botanic garden is a perfect setting for listening to traditional Japanese music or having a tea ceremony.
There will also be Taiko drum performances and traditional Japanese music performed live throughout the day. Workshops include Kamishibai storytelling, origami and craft for kids, as well as sushi roll and miso soup cooking classes and DIY kokedama plant balls.
Taiko drummers at Mt Coot-tha in 2015
If you bring your own kimono, you can get pointers on how to wear it properly in authentic Japanese fashion! Plant-lovers can ask for advice on bonsai care whilst those who want some action can check out the martial arts displays.
You can bring your own picnic blanket and feast on food whilst participating in the range of activities.There will be street food, ice cream, and iced tea courtesy of Downey Park Food Trucks.
There are no bookings required for this free event. If you’re interested to join, just head on to Mt-Cootha Botanical Gardens at 152 Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong on Sunday, 18 August 2019 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
For more information about Japanese Cultural Day, visit the Downey Park Food Trucks’ Events Page.
Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of different cultures from Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. In Toowong, you can sample and experience the taste of these islands at the newly opened restaurant, Maria Caribbean Kitchen.
Found on Jephson Street, Maria Caribbean Kitchen serves a diverse selection of dishes created from authentic family recipes that Colombian restauranteur Camila Mendieta has collected over the years. Growing up in a family-owned boutique hotel in the Caribbean, Ms Mendieta had a grand plan of connecting her roots to the Australian scene after moving to Brisbane several years ago.
The result is a spacious restaurant with colourful murals and weaved decorations indoors and outdoor seating with an abundance of greenery. This foodie hive imbibes the vibrant energy of the Caribbean.
Photo Credit: Maria Caribbean Kitchen/Facebook
Photo Credit: Maria Caribbean Kitchen/Facebook
The kitchen, on the other hand, is manned by Colombian chefs Jenny Quintero and Andrea Garcia. Food choices are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and served in large portions.
To start off, the plantain chips sourced from a farm in up north of Queensland would pair nicely with hogao (creole sauce), sour cream and guacamole. The grilled corn on the cob has a hint of Mexican flavours, while the sweet plantain poppers with pineapple chilli jam bring a delightful burst of tangy taste.
Maria Caribbean Kitchen’s main favourites on the menu include the Jamaican jerk chicken paired with toasted coconut rice, the fried barramundi dish with Colombian creole sauce, and the chargrilled meat in skewers known as the chuzo, a Central American street food fare.
Photo Credit: Maria Caribbean Kitchen/Facebook
Photo Credit: Maria Caribbean Kitchen/Facebook
Veggie diners will love this restaurant’s KFC or Krispy Fried Cauliflower. It’s seasoned to perfection and comes with the diner’s choice of side dish.
The dessert choices are also varied with guava and cheese empanadas, coconut lemonade mousse, and the iconic churros.
Maria Caribbean Kitchen opened its doors in Toowong in June 2019. Its trading hours begin at 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. It’s also open from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. except on Thursday.
“I love Caribbean food! The bold flavours are delicious. I used to go to Queenies all the time when I lived in Sydney so I was thrilled to find a Caribbean place in Brisbane.
My partner and I went there tonight for my birthday. I had the jerk chicken which was perfect. My partner had cauliflower and pumpkin curry which he really enjoyed.
But the regular serving size is very big so make sure you’re hungry. And it was busy – almost a full house – so it’s not a bad idea to book ahead. We’ll be going back again soon!”
“Fabulous new restaurant! We were a large group and the staff was so accommodating with a last-minute seating change and split billing. Everyone enjoyed their meals, which were super tasty. I had a seafood dish, and the produce was very fresh. Highlights of the night were the cocktails and vibrant mural. Will definitely be back!”
~ Emma Knights, Google Reviews
“Great menu. The Carribean ‘slaw is SO refreshing. Really tasty bowls of jerk chicken and coconut rice. The space is super cute with great lighting, decor, and crockery. The vibe is laid back. The staff was all engaged and helpful. I had a lovely rose to drink and my son went mad for the homemade lemonade. Will definitely be going again and bringing friends as I didn’t get a chance to sample any of the intriguing rum cocktails!”
