Redcliffe Archives - Page 20 of 23

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall to be Rebuilt as a Homelessness Hub

Photo Credit: DA/2022/3848/MBRC

Did you know that a homelessness hub could soon be built at the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall, along the corner of Portwood Street and Oxley Avenue?

DA/2022/3848 was filed on 26 Sept 2022, which proposes to remove the existing facility to make way for a new building for The Breakfast Club. The organisation provides free meals and food assistance to the community and has leased the Redcliffe Pensioners Hall, a 42-year-old community facility, since 2020.

The new building will have spaces for specialist housing, a dining hall, offices, a commercial kitchen, showers and toilets, and an outdoor community deck. The proposal also includes two other tenancies that will be split as a Community Care Centre and a Community Use facility.

Redcliffe Pensioners Hall’s sports and recreational spaces, the hardstand, and the associated buildings will remain the same. The car park arrangements will also not be impacted by the redevelopment.

“The proposed built form has been provided to allow for the formalisation of the community care centre on the subject site and provide for a design which is reflective of the current streetscape and surrounding Redcliffe locality,” DTS, the planner stated in the DA.

“The proposal seeks to provide for extensions to the existing built form and do not alter the remaining open space and sport and recreational areas identified on the subject site to the north. The proposed use is not expected to draw a significant increase in patrons to the subject site, merely redeveloping the built form to present an attractive structure to the Portwood Street streetscape and service the local Redcliffe community.”

The project is expected to cost $4.5 million and will be funded by the Queensland Government.

Mayor Peter Flannery said that the community has been asking for a homelessness hub for years thus the assistance “couldn’t come at a more important time” when more than 1,200 families in Moreton Bay have been experiencing homelessness.

Redcliffe Creative Showcases Talents at ‘A Red Carpet Night’ for Dreamers

Talented creative Rita Grigutiene, who owns the Redcliffe boutique Modarita, will showcase her original work in “A Red Carpet Night,” a special runway event featuring a diverse array of talents and their creations.

On Saturday, 1 Oct 2022, Ms Grigutiene will be able to debut her creations in a runway show at the CBD after losing 50 of her original designs, materials and sewing machines due to the February floods. Ms Grigutiene was also impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and could not sell anything at her Redcliffe shop for the last two years.

“This event will hopefully open a few doors, which will lead to bigger dreams and new opportunities,” she said.

Rita Grigutiene
Photo Credit: Hazel Alieu/Supplied

The world-class event is the brainchild of UN delegate and founder of Rich Dreams, Duku Forè, who was also able to secure the support of Brisbane City Council for “A Red Carpet Night.”

The red carpet will roll out at the exterior of the Brisbane City Hall, celebrating the efforts of dreamers like Ms Grigutiene and Mr Forè who have risen above life’s challenges to pursue their passion.

The main event, which includes a three-course meal, will also take place at the main auditorium of the City Hall from 6.30 to 11.30 p.m.

Born in Uganda, Mr Forè did not know a word of English when he came to Australia at 10. Now at 25, he is an international speaker, inspiring thousands of people across the globe to never give up on their dreams – no matter how big or small.

Duku Forè
*Photo Credit: Hazel Alieu/Supplied*

Mr Forè said he hatched “A Red Carpet Night” based on his own experience.

“English isn’t my first language and I was born with a speech impediment. The first inspirational video I ever made was in my bathroom with my little brother and the reason we made it in the bathroom was that it had a heater light.

“I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have connections, nor any equipment or professional lighting – but we made the first video and it got three views.

“That’s how I started – and I know what it feels like to have dreams, but not the support needed to achieve them.

“So I thought – why don’t we bring together passionate individuals chasing their dreams, who may lack the platform and connections, and provide them with a world-class venue so they can showcase their talent.”

The inspiring individual said that he wants the multicultural community in Brisbane to be inspired by the talents to be featured at the said event.

“With Brisbane being the home of the 2032 Olympics, I wanted to create a space where attendees can come and be inspired. I believe Australia is the land of dreamers and it’s time for us to turn our dreams into a reality.”

SECURE TICKETS

Something’s Brewing at the Scarborough Harbour Marina and It’s a Hit Among the Locals!

Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / scarboroughharbourbc.com.au

Launched in mid-April 2022, Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. is a hot, new brewery and eatery in Moreton Bay’s dining scene. Discover why this new brewery on the Redcliffe Peninsula is such a hit among the locals.

Owners Sonia and Guy Schweitzer named the new venue Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. as their way of honouring the location, its history and the community. This was not their first intent, though, but due to issues with an existing trademark, the couple decided to name it after the location where the brewery sits.

Inspired by their travels to some of Canada’s best micro-brewing sites, the couple has since been wanting to open a brewery in the Redcliffe Peninsula. But COVID-19 and other challenges forced them to pause their plans and wait for the right moment to launch the business.

And so when the opportunity came, they began searching for the perfect location that later led them to a waterfront site overlooking the Scarborough Harbour Marina. From concept to construction, the process became long and exhausting, but there was no turning back.

In September 2021, the two-level venue underwent a renovation which turned the ground floor area into a brewery and taproom, called The Engine Room. Upstairs is where the Upper Deck or the brewery’s dining space is located. Here, customers can enjoy their scrumptious meals such as fish tacos, sirloin steak with chips, soft shell crab sliders, giant chicken parmi and brewer’s cobb salad or simply admire the astounding harbour view and the Glass House Mountains with a beer in hand.

Giant chicken parmi with chips and slaw | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook

Sirloin steak with chips | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook

The venue was opened on 16 April 2022 with Sam Nunnikhoven, formerly of Green Beacon Brewing Co. at the helm of the brewery section. The beer offerings include Reef Point lager, Thirteen Hills XPA, the mid-strength Mariner and The Bay west coast IPA.

What are you drinking today? | Photo Credit: Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. / Facebook

And every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, customers get treated with live music featuring local artists plus large projectors and TVs showing live broadcasts of games to ensure guests are glued to their seats as they sip their ice-cold beer.

Discover more of what this waterfront venue could offer by visiting their website here.

Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. | located at 21 Bird O’ Passage Parade, Scarborough.

Major Expansion of Redcliffe Hospital to Deliver 204 Extra Beds

Redcliffe Hospital will undergo a major expansion that will significantly deliver 204 beds and improve its clinical and ambulatory services.

The planned refurbishment is also expected to add to the capacity of the hospital’s support services for inpatient and outpatient needs, ensuring that Redcliffe residents will continue to access world-class health services.

In a statement, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said that the expansion is an answer to the demand for health care in the region as the population of Redcliffe increases.

“Redcliffe is my electorate, and I know the demand for health care is increasing. I’m pleased to announce that the Palaszczuk Government will deliver a $1.06 billion expansion of the Redcliffe Hospital that will add around 204 more beds to the facility.”

By the second half of 2026, residents will be able to take advantage of the new ambulatory care building whilst the clinical services building will start operating in mid-2027. The completion of the hospital’s renovation, on the other hand, will finish in 2028.

“Building health infrastructure provides local job opportunities, and this project will create around 2,573 jobs during the construction,” Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said.

In addition to this expansion, the Queensland Government has also funded $9.78 billion for new hospitals in over six years. Under the Capacity Expansion Program, three new hospitals, a new Queensland Cancer Centre and 11 hospital expansion projects across the state will deliver 2220 additional beds from 2024 to 2028.

“Along with our significant investment in new hospitals and facilities, this year’s Budget provides $6.78 billion in additional operational funding over the next four years to deliver on our commitment to employ an extra 9475 staff in this term of government,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Investment in our healthcare workforce is vital – they are our greatest asset, and the reason Queenslanders continue to receive first-class healthcare every day.”

Engineering Firm Tasked to Investigate Structural Integrity of the Iconic Suttons Beach Pavillion

Redcliffe residents are not giving up on the iconic Suttons Beach Pavillion amidst reports that an engineering firm was awarded $363,000 to investigate the building’s structural integrity for potential redevelopment.

Covey Associates has received a tender for the social venue’s investigative work after it was previously marked for demolition due to its age. The engineering firm is expected to take 26 weeks to determine whether the pavilion should be refurbished or completely demolished.

In February 2022, Suttons Beach Pavillion closed permanently upon the orders of the landlords and Moreton Bay Council. Residents, however, contested the orders because there was no public consultation about the demolition plans.

Up until then, the site has remained a popular venue for dining and celebrations and was even open to welcome visitors, albeit within the safety guidelines, at the height of the pandemic restrictions. More than 14,000 have signed the petition to stop the demolition, prompting the Council to reconsider other options. Another in-paper petition with over 23,000 signatures was also submitted to the Council.

For many Redcliffe residents, the pavilion is the heart and soul of the community thus it is worth saving.

In May 2022, Mayor Peter Flannery entered into an agreement with the Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club to move into the property, if Covey Associates finds that the building can be restored.

“One of the options being considered is the development of a refurbished/new community focused building along the lines of the intent of the original 1930s Pavilion. This could include public toilets, showers and change rooms, a café/kiosk and potentially a bistro with some space for public gatherings/events.

“The Council and the Club agree in principle that there is significant merit in exploring the potential for the Club to occupy and manage a refurbished/new Suttons Beach Pavilion. As a community not-for-profit organisation, the Club sees significant potential benefits for its members and the broader community in providing a range of surf club facilities including casual public dining.”

If it’s restored, the next step is to fund the construction project. Federal MP Luke Howarth said $5 million should be set aside for the project in the upcoming budget and he will work this out with the government.

Constructed in 1937, the art deco pavilion had its last refurbishment in early 2000, which Council said significantly altered the building’s integrity. Apparently, previous tenants of the site didn’t conduct regular maintenance.

Redcliffe Little Athletics Benefits from ‘Banana-A-Peel’ from Coles

Redcliffe Little Athletics has received a grant to buy new sports equipment through the Coles “Banana A-Peel” initiative, which is part of the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.

The grant, in the amount of $2,602.91, has enabled Redcliffe Little Athletics to buy an electronic starting gun for use during competitions.

Speaking about the grant at the time, Redcliffe Little Athletics Centre Manager John McRoberts said, “Redcliffe Little Athletics has a rich and proud history in the community. We were the first little athletics association in Queensland and have produced a number of elite athletes including numerous state team members.”

“The Coles grant will enable us to buy a new electronic starting gun which will replace the cap guns that are going out of circulation and help athletes better prepare for the state competitions.”

What is Coles Banana A-Peel?

Coles Banana A-Peel donates 10 cents from every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold at its supermarkets. All funds raised will be directed to the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund to provide sports equipment grants for grassroots Little Athletics clubs and centres. The fund has already provided 417 Little Athletics centres across Australia with more than $2 million in sports equipment grants in just four years.

Coles Little Athletics Australia President Sherrie Boulter said the funds raised from banana sales at Coles this week would help kids to participate and stay in the sport.

“Bananas have become synonymous with Little Athletics since we partnered with Coles in 2017 and Coles stores started donating boxes of bananas to their local Little Athletics centres,” she said.

“It’s incredible to think that in just five years, Coles has donated more than 3.7 million bananas to Little Athletics. The banana donations have played a huge role in helping to embed healthy eating habits among young athletes and at Little Athletics canteens across Australia.”

“We’re so excited that this year bananas will also have a role to play in helping fund our sport, in particular, to help our local clubs and centres buy essential equipment for their volunteers and budding athletes.”

Nina Kennedy Supports Banana-A-Peel

Australian pole vault record holder and Coles ambassador Nina Kennedy encouraged shoppers to buy a bunch of bananas to help grassroots Little Athletics centres across the country.

“Little Athletics played a huge part in helping me become the athlete I am today and any support we can give local clubs and centres to buy new and safe sports equipment is invaluable,” she said.

“Through my role as Coles ambassador, I’ve visited many Little Athletics centres this season and I’ve seen first-hand the benefit that new equipment from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund provides for kids, volunteers and the club.”

“I hope shoppers across the country can help support our future Aussie track and field stars by buying a bunch of bananas this week. Not only will you be supporting a great cause, but you’ll be getting a nutritious, healthy snack for your lunchbox.”

The Jetty Lounge Opens Former Redcliffe Coffee Club Site

After months of refurbishing, the former Redcliffe Coffee Club site on Redcliffe Parade has re-opened as The Jetty Lounge, a new cafe and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Owners Craig Whitehead and Rini Fritiani snapped up the site when Redcliffe Coffee Club closed shop in July 2021 due to the high cost of rent and the economic fallout of COVID-19.

By November 2021, the partners have been working to change the store’s fit-out into The Jetty Lounge.

Rini has a wealth of restaurant experience when she used to live in Darwin. For a couple of years, Rini has been aspiring to open her own eatery if she could only find the right collection. Craig, on the other hand, wanted to bring the Hamptons vibe to Redcliffe with this new business venture.

The pair plan to offer special promotions and other activities at The Jetty Lounge once the dust has settled.

By January 2022, the cafe celebrated its opening.

“After a very difficult start we have finally assembled a great kitchen team,” Craig said.

“There’s still a long way to go and we have big plans once we can continue assembling and training our team.

“Thank you for the great support during these times. We really appreciate it and hope to see you soon at Jetty Lounge.

However, some aspects of the business’ operations are still being finalised, including the restaurant’s official site, for a peek at the menu, and social media presence to get a glimpse of what the site has to offer.

“We had the most amazing service and food here last week. The kids fairy floss pancakes came out before the rest of the meal, which came after that had been demolished. When the owner saw our meals come out separately, she immediately got us a second helping! Having read that they’re a new business, obviously there will be a few teething problems. So was happy to see that it was rectified as soon as it was noticed. Really poor form I think to leave a 1 star review for a new local business. Coffee was great and the view spectacular. Going again tomorrow!”
Tas Winkler

“We highly recommend the Jetty Lounge. We discovered this lovely restaurant recently and enjoy visiting on the weekends for dinner. It is a nice, friendly place with great views to the Redcliffe jetty. The food is always great and the restaurant offers a nice ambience for a great night out with friends or dinner for two. You can also enjoy the live music from next door.”
Justin & Kathy

“Dined in for lunch. Amazing view. Plenty of seats undercover for inclement weather. Works burger came with chips. Both were absolutely delicious. Pumpkin arancini was served beautifully and tasted amazing. Flat white and skinny latte were available in mug size too, tasted great and came with a nice surprise on the side. Filtered water is free and self-serve. Service was very friendly, efficient and fast! We’ll be back despite living an hour away!”
Lyn

Brisbane’s Spectacular Magic Men to Stage ‘Showmen’ in Redcliffe

Redcliffe is about to be captivated by a supergroup of conjurers, tricksters, comedians, illusionists, and daredevils with the staging of “Showmen” at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre.

Just in time for the revival of theaters around the country after a two-year slump, Brisbane’s Magic Men, led by Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, are debuting their newest family-friendly entertainment spectacle.

“Showmen” will run with two shows at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 9th April 2022, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Mike and Christopher are also known as The Naked Magicians, who have performed in “America’s Got Talent,” “Australia’s Got Talent,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “The Bachelorette,” and “Big Brother.” They have also completed a Las Vegas residency and toured over 300 cities since 2015.

Also joining Mike and Christopher for “Showmen”:

Josh Norbido (Australia’s Got Talent semi-finalist) as the show’s beatboxing, hip-hop dancing street magician
The Gold Coast’s Apollo Jackson (Australia’s Got Talent) who’ll get your heart racing by showcasing the intimate side of magic. Many will remember Apollo as Sophie Monk’s love interest on The Bachelorette or the magical genie of Australia’s beloved Tim Tams
The Gold Coast’s Joel “The Cirque Stuntman” Fenton rounds out the cast as the world-renowned big top sideshow artist, who will have the audiences both in tears AND on the edge of their seats

This production is truly homegrown with the entire team of producers, cast, and creatives heralding from South East Queensland.

“Showmen” is highly recommended for adults, teens, and kids above eight years old.

BUY TICKETS TO SHOWMEN

Make a Splash to Fight MS at the MS Swimathon in Redcliffe

Editor’s note (13.5.2022): Due to unforeseen circumstances surrounding heavy rainfall at the Redcliffe War Memorial pool, the My Health Team MS Swimathon fundraising event for multiple sclerosis (MS) has been postponed until further notice.

Registration is now underway for the MS Swimathon in Redcliffe, a swimming challenge and fundraising event to support the wellness needs of those living with multiple sclerosis.

Seven sites across Queensland, including the Redcliffe War Memorial Pool, will host the MS Swimathon on Sunday, 15th May 2022, where hundreds of swimmers in teams of four are expected to dive and raise money for the cause.

Since 2018, Redcliffe has raised over $31,000 after participating in the MS Swimathon with My Health Team as the sponsor.

“It’s a great day out for anyone looking to take on a challenge for a good cause. Passionate swimmer or not, we welcome everyone to get involved. It means the world to those affected by MS and their families,” said MS Queensland’s Fundraising Events Manager, Claire Hughes.

“We have so many enthusiastic teams who take part every year that dress up and give it their all on the day. We’re so thankful that Redcliffe is excited to have us back.”

“Working with MS for years, My Health Team’s Physiotherapist’s, Exercise Physiologists, Dieticians and Psychologists continue to sharpen their skills and collaborate to help those with MS get the most out of life,” Andrew Simpson of My Health Team said.

Some 4,000 Queenslanders live with multiple sclerosis, a common condition of the central nervous system.

According to the experts, the average age of MS diagnosis in Australia is 30 years old, with women more likely to be diagnosed three out of four times than men. This lifelong condition has no cure but vital studies in recent years have been encouraging.

The funds raised for MS Swimathon will go to the services provided by MS Queensland to MS patients.

Redcliffe Ambulance Station Receives New Transport Vehicle

Residents in the Redcliffe Peninsula who may need to get to their medical appointments can now use the new ambulance transport vehicle at the Redcliffe Ambulance Station.

The new Mercedes Sprinter Patient Transport Bus from the Queensland Ambulance Services is an important addition to the 22-strong workforce of the Redcliffe Ambulance Station.

The $104,000 ambulance transport vehicle is a 12-seater bus that was converted into a state-of-the-art ambulance vehicle for non-emergency cases. Unknown to most residents, Patient Transport Officers in Redcliffe respond to 4,500 cases a year, assisting patients with their medical needs.

“A lot of people wouldn’t realise what our Queensland Ambulance Patient Transport Officers do, and how valued they are by their patients,” Minister for Health and Ambulances Services Yvette D’Ath said.

“These dedicated professionals safely transport thousands of Peninsula residents to their appointments each year.

“They forge strong one-on-one connections with their patients and know how to put them at ease on their journey to medical appointments.”

D’Ath also said the State Government will continue to help improve the ambulance services in Redcliffe to “ensure the community gets the care it needs.”