An institution in Toowong, Newsroom Cafe has been around for years. Located on High Street just opposite Toowong Village, this cafe consistently serves great food and coffee.
The cafe isn’t that big but there’s one thing that they are really big on: comfort. A cosy setting, hearty meals, and unforgettable caffeine brews all conspire to keep their customers, mostly uni students and young business types, coming back for more.
Offering an all-day breakfast menu, they also have several vegetarian options.
Don’t forget to try out their special homemade gnocchi as well with a choice of delicious wild mushroom soup or traditional bolognese paired with a side of cumin and lentil sourdough.
Photo credit: Newsroom Cafe / Facebook
Their new lasagne that comes with bolognese cause and two slices of Turkish bread is also a-must try for those who have bigger appetites or those who are looking for something filling to last them through the day.
Photo credit: Newsroom Cafe / Facebook
Coffee is delicious and you can also have thick milkshakes and other refreshments.
Mornings are the busiest so come early or be prepared to wait to get some good seats.
End 2017 and welcome 2018 “in France” without leaving Brisbane! Regatta Hotel in Toowong will be hosting an elegant year-ender called Midnight in Paris NYE on 31st December starting at 8:00 p.m. and will end at exactly 12:00 a.m. just after that magical New Year’s kiss.
The hotel will be transformed. The first level will channel a Moulin Rouge theme whilst the underground Walrus Club will take you back in time to the “Annees Folles” of the 1920’s. Breathe some fresh air outside that will be revamped into a Parisian courtyard making you feel like you’re really in Paris. If you’re feeling hungry, there will be a pop-up Parisian Bistro with gourmet croissants and fresh baguettes.
Overflowing Moet waits for your upstairs along with canapés and sweet Parisian desserts to keep you buzzed and well-fed the entire night whilst you wait for the 12:00 a.m. ball to drop.
Live entertainment will play all throughout the evening so you can sing and dance your hearts out. There will be DJs and a set from The Voice’s Chris Sheehy. Little Billy will also be performing underground.
There will be a 4-hour premium beverage package from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Drinks included here are Moet, spirits, 35 different beers, wine and cocktails.
Pre-registration begins on 28 December until the 30th of December from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. So save yourself the hassle and pre-register here or you can drop by at the hotel in the courtyard as well.
Year 12 Geography students of Stuartholme School in Toowong might have a solution for the traffic congestion in Brisbane.
The students have surveyed parent drivers and mapped pick up congestion hot spots around Lambert Rd. in Indooroopilly using technology. This project is part of Esri Australia’s $100 million GIS for Schools program that provides educators in the nation with free access to their ArcGIS software.
According to the students who have tried it, the results that they have accumulated from the survey have helped them interpret data from the traffic sites better. Their results also showed that traffic is worse from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., which corresponds to peak school pick-up times.
With clearer data using GIS, they were able to identify patterns and come up with several solutions such as staggered pick-up times for schools and a foot bridge over Lambert Rd. They also want to share their findings with the Brisbane City Council.
The GIS (Geographic Information System) program is designed to promote a deeper learning experience around spatial sciences by providing access to different ready-to-go projects, which have been developed to link with the curriculum of the school. It was launched early this year. Since its launch, over 240 schools all over the nation have requested for a free ArcGIS Online Account. This technology is being used for learning Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, and more.
Queensland Catholic Schools will be facing an increase in tuition fees of almost 10% due to the new funding changes by the Federal Government to schools. One of the affected schools is Stuartholme School in Toowong.
However, it is not only this particular Catholic school in Toowong that will be affected. There are approximately 30 Catholic Schools that will be hit by this development because they are considered as “over-funded” under the Government’s new Gonski 2.0 model.
With this model, an extra $24 billion will flow into schools all over Australia over the next ten years, affecting Catholic schools. They were given a 12-month reprieve along with other independent schools before the removal of system-based funding arrangements. Under the new model, Catholic schools funded above the Schooling Resource Standard will have reduction of funding for the next six years.
Parents find this difficult. They are already dreading the upcoming tuition fee increase. Other schools affected here in Brisbane are Marist College in Ashgrove and St Rita’s College in Clayfield.
Sylvan Road in Toowong has long been the subject of controversies, particularly for cyclists. The road was under a 12-month trial of peak period bike lanes until the Brisbane City Council made it permanent in September.
The initiative allows the bike lane to be free of vehicles for three hours until 9:00 a.m. and three hours until 7:00 p.m. five times a week. However, during its trial period, business owners have already complained about the lack of parking that has affected several businesses on the road. Cyclists are also not keen on the idea as they think that this is not a solution for their safety on the road.
Space for Cycling Brisbane spokesman Chris Cox was quick to address the issue and has asked the local community for more patience.
Recently, a cyclist called for a separate bike lane on the road after getting nearly hit by a car. The cyclist was able to capture the accident on camera and the video was shown to the police and Mr Cox. Mr Cox again stressed the importance of a separated corridor that links the Western Freeway and Bicentennial Bikeways.
As of now, they are urging the council to drop the speed limit on the road to 40kph and Land Street to Patrick Lane.
Public and Active TransportChairman Adrian Schrinner, on the other hand, said that they have gotten majority votes on the peak-hour lanes that they have implemented. He said that they have also seen a 20% increase in cyclists using the road on a daily basis. In light of this, the trial is considered successful in balancing the needs of the cyclists along with the local community, which is why they are do not see the necessity for a separated bike lane.
However, he said that the council will upgrade the bike lanes with clearer markings and install new signages such as flashing warning signs.
Following the Brisbane City Council’s action on preventing the demolition of 30 pre-1911 homes in various suburbs, including three homes in Auchenflower, the State Government followed through by supporting the council’s move.
Twenty-eight homes were submitted to the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) list in August that puts the properties under protection until they are added to the City Plan through a major amendment.
As early as last year, a report appearing in other media has indicated that the past decade has seen the demolition of about 900 character homes and heritage areas in Brisbane and its suburbs, largely due to the development boom in key areas.
The Rathdonell St Home Demolition
In Auchenflower, the recent demolition of a pre-1946 home has outraged neighbours. The home was located on Rathdonnell St, and its demolition has created tension between Environment Minister Steven Miles and BCC’s City Planning Chairman, Julian Simmonds.
Mr Miles expressed his anger towards the demolition by saying that the council should do their job to protect heritage homes. Mr Simmons, quick to fire back said that the State Government should then change their state planning laws if Mr Miles believed they are not doing their job to protect heritage homes.
He also said that the house isn’t a representative example of a pre-1946 architecture and wasn’t consistent with the surrounding homes. The site where the house used to sit made way for a new development of a three-storey home.
The owners of the house, John and Susan Gallagher weren’t able to prevent the demolition but they couldn’t afford to continue with their appeal. Still, they expressed their sadness over the growing number of heritage homes, not only in Auchenflower, but in the rest of Brisbane that are being demolished.
Mr Simmonds said that this is the first time that pre-1911 homes that are not already protected in character overlay were now being protected individually. He also said that the new Planning Act that replaced the Sustainable Planning Act will prevent a 2016 situation, which saw three Highgate Hill homes demolished because the council wasn’t able to secure immediate protection.
On the 21st of October, Toowong State School will be holding the Hands & Hearts Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the school grounds.
One of the oldest public schools in Queensland, Toowong State School has been hosting the Hands and Hearts Fair since 2013. The event has attracted thousands of people. The fund it has generated has helped the development of significant school infrastructure projects. It also helped strengthen special programs such as the Bilingual Bicultural education that the school offers. Known for their diversity, the school is the only primary program in Queensland that has a bilingual/bicultural co-enrolment program.
The event promises amazing rides for kids and adults such as the Giant Slide, The Sizzle and the Big Splash. There is also going to be a side-show alley.
Photo credit: Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair / Facebook
Community market stalls, including a preloved market, will be set up, for those who are looking for some unique finds for great prices.
Photo credit: Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair / Facebook
For those who have a green thumb, there is also going to be a garden expo.
Photo credit: Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair / Facebook
There will be a scrumptious spread at the International Eat Street, which will showcase food from around the globe.
Photo credit: Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair / Facebook
Adults can chill by the Beach Bar whilst those who wants to chill with some good tea and scones can go to Nanna’s Nook.
An event will not be complete without novelty events such as face painting and of course, a raffle and a silent auction as well.
Another highlight that sets this fair apart from the other school fetes is that since the school is known for their diversity, there are going to be deaf theatre performances and an international costume parade. Toowong State School has played host to 40 different cultures, plus they have a deaf student cohort
Photo credit: Toowong Hands and Hearts Fair / Facebook
You are also in for a Bollywood Dance Performance and so much more! This event will really highlight almost every culture.
Come on and join the fun as the German festival spirit invades Toowong at the Regatta Hotel from 13 October to 15 October, starting at 4:00 p.m. on the 13th.
Photo credit: Regatta Hotel
The hotel will be transformed into a German Beer Hall. Overflowing authentic German beer such as Hoegaarden and Blue Moon will be available for everyone for three days.
If you’re not in the mood for beer, there will also be a curated selection of wines and other German liquer available.
This event isn’t just about the beer and beverages, though! Good German food is coming your way as well. The festival will feature German favourites like the weiner schnitzel, pork knuckle, and the Regatta’s very own German bratwurst burger.
Of course, no one should go home without trying the Apple Strudel. Definitely not to be missed.
It wouldn’t be a festival without music! There will be live musicians at the festival who will also play German music.
Don’t miss out on this event and have a great time “chillen!”
Toowong Cemetery holds a lot of mysteries — with the rows and rows of tombstones that hold interesting stories and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. One particular tombstone in the cemetery seems to be part of speculations regarding one of the most notorious criminals responsible for some of London’s most horrific killings.
All Signs Point To…
Photo credit: Wikipedia
A Walter Thomas Porriott, known to police as Andrew John Gibson, is buried in Toowong cemetery. There is speculation that Walter Thomas Porriott is Jack the Ripper.
Who “gave him away?” His own great-grandson, Steven Wilson in 1997. What made Mr Wilson think it? Apparently, his great-grandfather lived in Limehouse, near Whitechapel in Eastern London where the killings took place.
Mr Wilson also revealed that his great-grandfather had an abhorrence for prostitutes. Jack the Ripper killed five prostitutes during his “killing spree.” It seems that Mr Porriott wrote about his hatred for prostitutes. Mr Wilson saw the writings and believed that his great-grandfather’s handwriting is very much similar to Jack the Ripper based on the alleged letter the killer sent to a London newspaper during the killings.
This is not the first time that Mr Porriott was speculated to be Jack the Ripper himself. Reports about him have surfaced over the years. Still, there is no concrete evidence for this.
Coincidence?
Photo credit: Travelling Type
Mr Porriott died in 1952. He was a self-proclaimed “doctor” with no medical background or education. From the manner of killings, Jack the Ripper was theorised to have some medical background or knowledge.
Another point of circumstantial speculation is the timing. The killings of Jack the Ripper stopped at around the same time that Mr Porriott left for Australia.
Mr. Porriott married a woman named Bessie and was buried with her. In fact, the gravestone doesn’t even bear his name. Instead, it reads “Bessie, died 25th June 1957, and her husband.”
Suggestions for obtaining a DNA sample have actually been made. However, since the basis exhuming the remains from the grave for DNA testing remains purely speculative, such suggestions have remained as merely that.
The identity of Jack the Ripper, up to this day, remains a mystery. Still, the grave in Toowong remains an object of speculation. What if…?
Toowong has been the the centre of many property developments these days. The champagne flute towers on Grace on Coronation Drive have been approved, whilst the Endrim House, a heritage-listed home is in danger to be turned into a childcare facility. There has also been rumours going around that the Goldicott House will be turned into an aged-care facility. Currently, a newly-approved student accommodation development is being built as well.
Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe Photo credit: afr.com.au
Just recently, Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe released a warning that rental growth in Australia is weakening and demand for Australia property has slowed. In fact, growth has slowed enough to put spell caution for Australia’s biggest property company, Stockland, which has put an upcoming project on hold.
Stockland’s 530-Apartment Plan in Toowong Photo Credit: afr.com.au
The chief, Mark Steiner, said that they are holding off on building properties in Brisbane’s inner city. His company has a development application to the Brisbane City Council for Toowong — a 520-unit that will include a supermarket and childcare centre, 4km from the CBD and near the University of Queensland.
Even though Mr Steiner believes that Toowong is a great sub-market, an overlap with the wider Brisbane city market is seen. He also thinks that Toowong has “all the ingredients” for success, but they want to be comfortable that they are going in the right direction, and at the right point of their cycle. They want to have an overview of the settlements being built whilst slowly assessing the market.
This is not the first time that a multi-million dollar property development company has put an upcoming project on hold. Walker Corporation also shelved its plan of a 433-apartment twin-tower project in Fortitude Valley. They replaced it instead with a $400 million office plan due to the market slowdown, that they point towards a “cyclical oversupply.”
