toowong Archives - Page 9 of 15

Josie North in Toowong Now Open Late at Night for Wine Lovers

Did you know that Josie North, a popular breakfast and brunch place at the Clements Arcade in Toowong is now operating on extended hours three nights a week as a wine bar?

Matt Roggenkamp, the owner of Josie North, has introduced the wine bar concept to his specialty-coffee destination after realising that Toowong was missing such pleasure. In fact, a customer once kidded Roggenkamp that he should host wine nights at the coffee shop.

From Thursday to Saturday, the coffee shop opens late to serve vino from small-scale producers in Australia, France, and Italy. At least six bottles are on regular rotation and can be ordered by the glass, like Fistful of Flowers Vermentino from Momento Mori or Bloody Hill shiraz from Mayer.

Once in a while, however, the wine list will have rare bottles for returning diners who may be on the lookout for something new.

As for the food, the wine bar offers a small selection on the menu, such as ‘nduja toast with tomato and basil oil, burrata with broad bean and herbs, or the chicken cotoletta with Italian slaw and truffle hot sauce. Though short on choices, these flavourful food go well with the wine list.

Josie North’s layout and seating arrangements remain the same for wine nights, except with dimmer lights and louder relaxing music. Though coffee is still its star product, the after-dark crowd has embraced this refreshing change so far.

Follow Josie North on Facebook for updates.

“Love this Cafe. A bit hidden away in the back of an arcade type alley so can easily miss it, but the coffee they serve here is always high quality. Service is impeccable.”
James Cameron

“A must try if you’re in the area! The customer service was exceptional, as was the iced oat latte and avocado smash! Will definitely be back!”
Jack Smith

“A nice little spot for speciality coffee and a quick catch up. Had a share serving of the filter coffee with a friend. Would recommend sitting inside on very sunny days as the outside/walkway seating can get fairly warm from the skylights.”
Anna

Woolworths Opens New Toowong Site After 5 Years

A new Woolworths site has finally opened at the Toowong Village on Sherwood Rd five years after the supermarket chain closed its stand-alone outlet on the opposite side of the road.

The 4,000-sqm location, which officially welcomed shoppers on the 7th of December 2022, offers the full line and will have about 100 staff members to assist the customers. It’s the first new supermarket to open in Brisbane’s inner west after more than a decade.

In 2017, the old Woolworths opposite Toowong Village, which had been one of the very first supermarkets in the precinct, had to permanently close as the property was up for redevelopment as a multi-level residential and commercial centre.

Toowong Village, which recently revamped its retail lineup, has Coles on the ground floor and just welcomed The Source, a grocery store for bulk purchases. The shopping centre has two Asian supermarkets as well, Hanamart and Fresco.

For the first time in 36 years, Toowong Village also upgraded its travelators and glass lifts to improve accessibility, especially for its senior customers.

The refurbishments and update come as Coles is also in the midst of an inner west expansion with Coles Local in Taringa and plans lodged for Bardon and Milton.

Woolworths Toowong has taken over the space formerly occupied by David Jones at the gallery level of the shopping centre.

The supermarket includes a new onsite bakery that serves freshly-baked bread, gourmet pastries and bespoke cakes. The outlet also features a large deli section and a sushi bar from Sushi Izu.

Woolworths Toowong is open as early as 7:00 a.m. amidst the Christmas rush. Incidentally during this holiday season, Toowong Village is offering ticketless free parking for the first three hours effective the 1st of December 2022.

Absolutely incredible, words cannot describe how delighted I am for Woolworths to bless me with it’s presence, I have been counting down the days and staying up all night in anticipation for the opening. And Woolworths has delivered above and beyond, absolutely pogchamp, to say the least.
Angus

Beautifully presented store with really fresh produce and friendly staff. Smaller floor area than Woolworths Indooroopilly yet surprisingly had items I can’t find at Indro. Makes the Coles downstairs look like a Bi-Lo (sorry Coles!)
Nick

I have been looking forward to this Woolworths since it was announced. So excited to see it finally open and be just as good as I imagined. Very well presented store that I will be going to everytime I need groceries.
Matthew

World-Class BBC Pipe Band Delivers Award-winning Performances at Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Front of Worldwide TV Audience

Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys' College Old Collegians Pipe Band/Facebook

Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe Band One and Pipe Band Two delivered solid, memorable performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022, where they placed firmly amongst the best, earning top places in a gruelling competition against other bands from Canada, USA, Mexico, Switzerland, and New Zealand.

BBC’s Pipe Band One clinched second place Division 4A, against a combination of adult and schoolboy bands in the competition, whilst the Pipe Band Two came away with a creditable fifth place in Division 4B.

The competition, held as part of a series during the Edinburgh Festivals in August, was televised across 40 countries and followed by over 220,000 people who watch the spectacular live production every year.

Pomp and pageantry at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Photo Credit: https://www.army.mod.uk/

The 2022 production saw 800 performers from around the world come together again at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in Scotland, after a two-year hiatus brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A selection of BBC Old Boys playing at the Royal Edimburgh Military Tattoo 2022
Photo Credit: Facebook/BBCPipeBand

This year’s theme was ‘Voices,’ aptly chosen to demonstrate that the world is closely connected through music, song, and dance despite cultural differences and geographical distances.

World-Class Pipe Band

Mr Andre Casson, headmaster at Brisbane Boys’ College, couldn’t be more proud of the boys.

“In addition to the Tattoo shows, BBC involvement in key championships continued and resulted in a final total of nine trophies. Our Pipe Band, along with 145 bands from across the globe, competed for the top prize at the World Championships at Glasgow Green in front of 40,000 spectators,” Headmaster Casson said.

“This event marks the pinnacle of the pipe band competitions and was the culmination of months of dedicated practice from our boys under the
indefatigable guidance of our brilliant director, Mr Stevie Stanley assisted by Mr Liam Cox, and Mr Aidan Scott,” he added.

The College Pipe Bands put on an impressive show, with the BBC Number Two band placing sixth and the BBC Number One band placing third at the World Championships.

These trophies were added to ones already won at the North Berwick Highland Games, where both bands achieved first place in their respective grades and also won the drumming.

The Number One band also secured first place in Division 4A and the Number Two band secured fourth place in Division 4B at the Bridge of Allan Highland Games.

“Although located on the other side of the world, BBC embodies the spirit of Scotland, not just in the foundations of our Presbyterian and Methodist Church organisation, but in the evocative sounds of the Pipe Band where ‘our Hunting MacLean tartan speaks of our origin, the drum line our heartbeat, and the bagpipes our voice,” Mr Casson said.

Maintaining a Culture of Excellence

BBC Pipe Band — Photo Credit: Facebook/BBCPipeBand

“This success is made all the more remarkable since the boys were able to maintain a full academic program, being taught during the day by school staff,” Mr Casson said.

“We are immensely proud of each and every one of our boys for sustaining such a high level of performance and commitment and for representing the College so well on a global stage.”

‘Sounds of Scotland’ Outdoor Concert in Toowong

The BBC Pipe Band will be performing with local musicians and dancers, featuring a night of Scottish musical entertainment, at the “Sounds of Scotland” outdoor concert on Saturday, 12 November 2022.

There will be an array of refreshments, a BBQ, and an interesting line-up of stalls with Scottish wares at the event which will be held at the Brisbane Boys’ College Junior School Green.

SECURE TICKETS

Police Investigating Gruesome Anzac Park Animal Slaughter

The discovery of more than 20 mutilated and decapitated animals, including a koala and a Border Collie, in Anzac Park has caused much distress among Toowong residents. A police investigation is underway.

The RSPCA and the Queensland Police Service are already investigating and scouring a number of CCTV footage around Anzac Park after Council workers found dumped plastic bags two 44-litre drums on the scene. The bags and drums contained the remains of the animals, which were discovered on the evening of Thursday, 28 July 2022.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and a scientific unit have also been called to investigate, where an established zone was determined for testing. However, the tests have not returned any significant readings.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner condemned the sick act and said he’s “saddened, disturbed and appalled” by the discovery. The Council workers who stumbled upon the remains have been offered counselling. Anyone with information or leads may also contact QPS or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

“Hurting defenceless animals usually escalates to hurting humans. Please, if anyone knows who is responsible for this, please contact the police,” a local said.

Most visitors to Anzac Park, however, were mostly unaware of the discovery as activities around the area have remained normal by the weekend. Anzac Park has dense bushland in the northern boundary with heaps of beautiful Queenslander homes in its surrounding.

The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of cruelty to animals is $275,700 or 3 years imprisonment under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. However, the offender may also serve seven years in prison under the Criminal Code Act 1899 for severe animal cruelty.

350-Year-Old Eucalypt Trees Cut Down in Toowong

Residents in Toowong were unnerved by the sight of bulldozers at a large vacant lot by the old theological college along Elizabeth St, where workers apparently cut down and cleared a number of Eucalypt trees believed to be over 350 years old.

The site, comprising 4,307 square metres of natural habitat for birds and other wildlife, does not seem to be covered by a development application yet but it was sold in March 2022 by Savills.

Touted as a “significant land holding” for six adjoining lots, the location is within the Low-Density Residential Zone of the Indooroopilly District Neighbourhood Plan.

No VPO for the properties?

Locals believe the lots are currently not under a protected mapping overlay and residents think that the clearing allegedly received verbal approval from Council.

Greens MP for Maiwar Michael Berkan said he previously alerted Council regarding the sale of the six lots when it was advertised. He said he wrote the Lord Mayor asking to purchase the land using the Bushland Acquisition Fund. However, Mr Berkman was told that the property is not a “significant natural asset.”

“Because our laws don’t automatically protect trees of historical significance, the clearing was likely lawful (although still inappropriate),” Mr Berkman said.

“I own the property in Elizabeth Street directly opposite this land. From 1962 this was part of my childhood playground. Elizabeth Street had not been pushed through to Emerson Street until the 1970s. I was told a bulldozer was there, and went to check on Sunday. I am devastated by the destruction of these ancient trees..the birds were standing silently on the shredded remains of their homes,” neighbouring property owner Melissa McGhie said in a comment on a post in the Toowong and District Historical Society group page.

Botanist confirms trees were centuries old

Meanwhile, a botanist who has worked on the trees found data showing that they were over three centuries old, and would have likely qualified as a “significant natural asset.”

“This is going to come as a shock. I am the botanist that made the initial estimate of the age of this tree. I was basing my estimate of around 144 years old for this eucalyptus on some general data found on the internet, but new information has come to light and it is actually closer to 350 years old,” said Rob Price.

“My original estimate was based on some data from eucalypt plantation growth rates of a different species in a different location, not for tallowwood growth rates, and not in the local context specifically. I’ve just been able to obtain a paper from Queensland’s foremost eucalypt expert about the growth rates of specific species of eucalypts in the SE QLD context and my revised estimate is that this tallowwood was about 350 years old based on a 0.41cm annual diameter growth rate.”

“So this tree actually predates Captain Cook’s charting of the east coast of Australia by 108 years as it germinated around the year 1672. Let that sink in.

“It is only replaceable on a 350-year timescale, so it will be the year 2372 before a sapling in the neighbourhood reaches this size. So it was a sapling during the American revolutionary war and predates the US constitution by 11 years.”

Mr Price urges locals to contact Councillor Mackay at Walter.Taylor.Ward@bcc.qld.gov.au and the Lord Mayor at lord.mayor@brisbane.qld.gov.au regarding the razing of old trees, whilst Mr Berkman urged locals to nominate a VPO “if there are any trees that you think should be protected.”

“While a VPO won’t necessarily stop developers from being able to chop it down, it adds a layer of protection in cases like this where there is no development application,” the MP said.

Plans To Upgrade Section Of Toowong To Darra Gets $10M In Funding Commitment

The Centenary Motorway, which stretches from Frederick St in Toowong to Ipswich Mtwy in Darra, could receive some much-needed upgrades soon, to help increase traffic flow in the area, through a $10-million masterplan.

Read: Heritage-Listed ‘Dovercourt’ to Undergo Major Restoration

This comes after the Department of Transport and Main Roads announced that they are updating previous planning for the Centenary Motorway between Toowong and Darra.

The high volumes of traffic between the Ipswich Motorway interchange in the south and Toowong in the north result in road congestion and poor trip reliability and road safety.

toowong to darra — Photo credit: www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au

The masterplan, which already received a $10million commitment from the Federal Government, will involve outlining measures to improve safety, travel-time reliability and efficiency on an arterial road. It will also identify the most effective “staging approach’’ to deliver the motorway upgrade.

Additional options to improve capacity along the motorway might include intersection and on-ramp and off-ramp improvements, implementing smart freeway technology, and road widening.

Groups, especially the RACQ, welcomed the announcement given that they have been campaigning for the said upgrades to the section for several years now.

Gregory Miszkowycz, traffic and safety engineering manager at RACQ, said the section of the thoroughfare is one of the slowest highway commutes in southeast Queensland.

According to RACQ, it’s the Brisbane road with the lowest inbound peak hour speed, with vehicles moving at an average speed of 39.9 km/h on the motorway.

With regard to the planned Centenary Motorway upgrades, TMR said it would be upgraded in stages as funding becomes available.

“When completed, the fully upgraded motorway will cater for the transport demands along the corridor in the medium to long-term with upgrades focusing on safety, improving travel-times, and active transport facilities,” TMR announced.

For more information about the Centenary Motorway upgrades, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au

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.

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.