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Mt Coot-tha Summit Track Reopens After Makeover

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.

https://www.facebook.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil/videos/470937300126810/

Video Credit: Brisbane City Council / Facebook

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.

Old Collegians Association in Toowong Celebrates 99 Years with Old Boys’ Day 2019

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.

Taking place on Saturday, the 24 of Aug 2019, Old Boys Day 2019 will pit the Brisbane Boys College against The Southport School (TSS). The event will run from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will feature the following activities:

TIME	WHAT	WHERE
12:00 p.m.	Tours of the College	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.

Celebrate Japanese Cultural Day At This Family-Friendly Event in Toowong

Photo Credit: sasint/Pixabay

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.

Part of Bands in Parks program, these innovative, socially inclusive and diverse events belong to the LIVE program event series of Brisbane City Council. .

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.

A Diverse, Colourful and Flavourful Restaurant Showcasing Caribbean Cuisine Opens in Toowong

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*

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.

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!”
~ Elliott Bledsoe, Facebook

“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!”
~ Lily C, Open Table

Winter Woodlands Pop-Up at the Regatta Hotel in Toowong

Dine in and get cosy at the magical Winter Woodlands happening at the Regatta Hotel in Toowong.

Don’t let the winter weather bother you. Bundle up in a warm blanket whilst enjoying the scenic woodlands view and some delicious comfort food offered for a limited time at the Regatta Hotel from 15 July until 2 September 2019.

The Regatta Hotel transformed their outdoor courtyard into and an enchanting winter woodland.

Feel free to lounge comfortably on their daybed as you indulge yourself with their Winter Woodlands Booth Package. This package includes a wholesome and filling Regatta Platter and your choice of hot beverage.

Options for the hot beverage include the Spiked Apple Pie- a satisfying and flavourful mix of warm vanilla liqueur, brandy, spiced apple cider, and nutmeg- and Regatta Hotel’s favourite winter potion, mulled wine.

Regatta Hotel’s Mulled Wine
Photo credit: Regatta Hotel/ Facebook

Here is the full menu offered at the Woodlands Booth.

The Winter Woodlands Booth Package costs $49 per person. And a minimum number of 2 guests are allowed per booth. Please note that this package is available only on weekdays (excluding Friday) from 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

If you want to explore weekend brunch with your family and friends, the Regatta Hotel also offers a Sunday Bottomless Brunch at their enchanting Winter Woodlands pop-up.

Surely nothing is better than a laid back Sunday brunch that includes a scrumptious “brunch board” of your choice with a free-flowing 2 hour beverage package.

Options for the brunch board are the Regatta Brunch Grazing Platter and the Gardeners Brunch Grazing Platter.

The Regatta Brunch Grazing Platter is a mouthwatering share board that is filled with croque monsier, truffle salami, mini salmon bagels and maple waffles; whilst the Gardeners Brunch Grazing Platter is a flavourful vegan platter that is piled up with delicious morsels such as cucumber sandwiches, chickpea tempeh, avocado, falafel, smoked sesame cheese and house-made waffles with vanilla glaze.

Click here to view the full menu offered at the Sunday Bottomless Brunch.

Regatta Hotel’s Sunday Bottomless Brunch is available for only $55 per person. The booth is open every Sunday starting at 11:00 a.m. But if you feel like staying in for a little longer after brunch, why not double up and stay all day at the hotel? Closing time for the Winter Woodlands booth is at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Book a slot now for Regatta Hotel’s Winter Woodlands Booth Package and/ or Sunday Bottomless Brunch.

Toowong is Most in-Demand Suburb in Brisbane

Toowong leads the list of most in-demand suburbs, as Brisbane records positive property price growth in the quarter ending June 2019 — the only capital city to do so, according to the latest property report by realestate.com.au.

The July 2019 Australian Property Market Report from realestate.com.au has noted that Brisbane is leading the nation’s property market recovery as prices fell just by 1 percent in the past 12 months. Brisbane also managed to rise by 0.1 percent, making it the first capital city to see price growth in the June quarter.

The ten most in-demand suburbs for houses in Brisbane has Toowong leading the list of most viewed suburbs per property listing. Data from 1 June 2018 – 27 June 2019 showed that the median house price in Toowong is $901,250.

Other sought-after suburbs in Queensland include Windsor, Paddington, Greenslopes, New Farm, Wilston, Holland Park, Ashgrove, Camp Hill, and Newmarket.

Compared to Brisbane, over the same quarter, Sydney and Melbourne dwelling prices fell by 0.4 per cent and to date, the median prices already fell by 7.2 per cent and 5.8 per cent, respectively.

Experts believe that the recovering mining sector and infrastructure spending coupled with continued interstate migration, notably from NSW, contributed to Brisbane’s property market recovery.

The price growth, however, came from mostly from the apartment market which rose 0.7 percent quarter-on-quarter for a median price of $387,000 whilst house price dropped a little bit by 0.1 percent to $530,000.

Another noteworthy factor is the rising offshore buyers interest particularly with the number of property seekers from India doubling over the past 12 months which experts say that like in Sydney and Melbourne, Indian buyers may also start having a big influence on property sales in Brisbane.

Looking at the dwelling market performance across Brisbane metro area, only the North region recorded a slight drop over the quarter with -.01 percent with median price of $535,000 and views per listing of 1,102. The West region ranks first with 1.3 percent price growth over the quarter for a median price of $642,000 with views per listing of 1,346. South, East, and Inner City follow with quarter-on-quarter percent change of 0.6, 0.5, and 0.4, respectively.

A Free Art Exhibition Is Happening at Toowong

The Western Suburbs Painting Group (WSPG) is hosting a free group art exhibition this winter at the Richard Randall Art Studio in Toowong from July 25th until the 28th 2019.

This one is for all visual artists, art collectors, and art enthusiasts! Over 80 locally made artworks, including landscapes, seascapes, townscapes, portraits, floral works, and traditional still life paintings will be on display. All artworks on display are also for sale.

Ten featured members of the WSPG will be taking part in this exhibition, showcasing their talent in different visual art media – watercolour, acrylic, oil, pencil, and sculpture. It will be the first art exhibition of the WSPG to feature all complete modes of visual art.

Expect to see diversity, not only in media but also in the subject matter. This exhibit is sure to capture both the mind and hearts of all art enthusiasts.

The exhibit venue will be at the heritage-listed Richard Randall Art Studio, a beautifully restored site located in the Bamboo Grove at Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens.

This event is family-friendly, so feel free to bring along the entire family in support of local artists.

Opening Hours

25 July 2019 (Thursday)	12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
26 July 2019 – 28 July 2019 (Friday- Sunday)	9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

To know more about the art exhibition or the Western Suburbs Painting Group, you may contact the group’s convenor Judy Rees-Thomas via phone at 0412454738 or via email at judyart88@gmail.com.

Mixed-Used Toowong Development with Expansive Public Space Proposed

A $300-million mixed-use development that promises to be unlike the traditional, enclosed shopping centres, is being proposed in Toowong.

The Toowong Town Centre, proposed by State Development Corporation, will be located on a 1.3-hectare parcel of land bounded by Jephson Street, High Street, and Sherwood Road in Toowong.

The site was previously owned by Stockland, which previously obtained a Development Approval for a three 25-storey residential towers consisting of 530 apartment units and ground floor retail tenancies but chose to abandon the plans.

The proposal is for a development consisting of a two-level retail centre along with a 25-level 4.5-star hotel and an office building that could rise 12 to 14 levels high. SDC said that the development is inspired by The Grove Shopping Centre located in Los Angeles.

The proposed development takes advantage of its prestigious location with a number of national and international corporate headquarters as well as campus and medical facilities surrounding the site including the Queensland University campus, the Wesley Hospital, and the Brisbane Boys College.

*Photo Credit: Toowong Town Centre / toowongtowncentre.com.au*

“Unlike a traditional enclosed shopping centre, the development will include open-air streetscapes and expansive public spaces. The proposal incorporates a high level of secure parking for all its users with dedicated parking areas for the different components of the new mixed-use Toowong development,” SDC-Toowong Town Centre website said.

“…Toowong Town Centre development will feature a shopping centre with a fresh food component, a dedicated entertainment based food and beverage precinct, cinemas, residential apartments and a hotel, along with a gym and health care facility, childcare and a commercial office tower.”

A development application could be lodged by the end of the year. The developers hopes to commence construction in 2020 with a target completion in late 2022 or by early 2023.

How to Achieve Perfect Legs with The Leg Vein Doctor in Auchenflower

Visible veins on the legs might just be a cosmetic problem for some but for The Leg Vein Doctor, this isn’t something to ignore. Achieving perfect legs is not for appearance only as problems like varicose veins, spider veins, and other venous diseases might not be skin deep. Left untreated, these visible veins can swell and be sore. The condition will not easily go away unless you see a specialist.

The Leg Vein Doctor, located at 465 Milton Road in Auchenflower, is proud to be Brisbane’s only dedicated Phlebotomy practice. Established by Dr Nicholas Kemp in 2012, this specialised clinic has all the answers to help you have healthy, attractive legs.

Make an appointment for initial consultation and tests. Discuss your treatment plan.

Before you start treatments at The Leg Vein Doctor (or any place, for that matter), you’ll need to go through a series of examinations and blood tests. This is how Dr Kemp can determine if your procedure would be medical or cosmetic and he’ll draw your treatment plan based on the test results.

Don’t be Afraid of Technology.

While varicose veins, spider veins, and other venous issues won’t go away on their own, invasive surgery isn’t always the answer. Dr Kemp applies the latest techniques and tools to treat venous diseases without surgery. His clinic specialises in Microsclerotherapy, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Laser Therapy.

These options are of great advantage to patients since there is no downtime, unlike a surgical treatment which results in longer recovery time. Patients can still go on with their daily activities whilst experiencing minimal pain in between treatment sessions.

Examine your habits and your lifestyle.

Venous diseases have many underlying causes. Sitting on your work desk all day is a no-no. If you want healthy legs, make sure you stretch periodically to keep your circulation going.

Obesity could also be aggravating any existing condition that you may already have. Beyond appearance, you might start feeling some pain and pressure on your legs. Regular exercise will keep your heart healthy, which is great for your circulation and ultimately, for your legs.

Early intervention is vital to successful treatments. For consultations and enquiries, phone The Leg Vein Doctor at 07 3720 9912.

Proposal to Turn Former ABC Site into Public Park Gets a Boost

Photo Credit: Google Street View

Since the Sunland Group abandoned its plans to build the touted ‘Champagne Flute’ development the former ABC Brisbane headquarters in Toowong, talks of turning it into a park have been reignited.

There have been suggestions to turn it into a public park with community facilities like gardens and barbecues, but to make this a reality, Brisbane City Council would have to buy back the land.

Deputy Mayor Krista Adams confirmed that the Council is interested in purchasing a portion of the lot at 600 Coronation Drive. This statement came after Greens MPs initiated a survey asking residents what they what to see happen at the former ABC site.

The survey by Greens MP Michael Berkman and Councillor for The Gabba Jonathan Sri revealed that most of the respondents are looking forward to seeing a public garden on the site.

Around 88% of all respondents believe the government should buy back the ABC site. Only 4% said the government should not buy back the land whilst the remaining 8% are still not sure.

Almost 2,500 people participated in the survey and more than 100 local residents came to the community forum to share their ideas.

When asked what else they would like to see with the public space, locals suggest a spot to have a picnic, barbecues, a space to throw a frisbee, or a public pool.

“This area of Brisbane is becoming incredibly high density and multicultural, and backyards are increasingly either non-existent or tiny for most people. How amazing it would be to have community food gardens, especially giving people from other cultures the chance to grow traditional food plants and share this knowledge with the community,” one resident shared.

Other suggestions include incorporating a few cafes and restaurants, public art space, or a space for outdoor performances.

“We’ll especially be looking out for funding to buy back the ABC site and land a walking and cycling bridge to West End at that location,” Mr Berkman said through a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, Sunland announced earlier that they are planning a new development for the site, but will not give further details until a new development application is lodged.