College Junction, a new multi-million dollar health and wellness precinct in Clayfield, is expected to open in late 2017. Considered a redevelopment of the Durham Place building, the precinct was designed by WallaceBrice Architecture and constructed by Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders.
The construction team has already completed the building’s structure and are now working on the external claddings and internal fit-out. One of the goals of the construction is to retain and preserve the 100 year old brick facade of “Durham Place”, incorporating the new design whilst maintaining the structure’s original character and history.
College Junction Design & Accessibility
Photo credit: College Junction/Facebook
College Junction is a one-stop complex with clinics and commercial spaces. The A-grade heritage-inspired building will feature shops, offices, food and drink outlets, and a series of health and fitness centres. Approximately 64 parking spaces will be provided on two basement levels with access from Wagner Road.
The site is easily accessible via train, bus, or car. It is conveniently situated near the Clayfield College. Sandgate Road connects the residents to the schools, shops, and local services and connects to the Airport Link, making College Junction the next health destination of the Clayfield community and the surrounding suburbs.
Qscan Radiology Clinics
Photo credit: College Junction/Facebook
Qscan Radiology Clinics is the anchor tenant of the College Junction. They will be occupying tenancies 1 and 5 to deliver new comprehensive, multi-modality clinics that will offer medical imaging services.
Since 2006, Qscan is known for bringing interventional radiology services and outstanding patient care through trained radiologists, clinical and support staff, and through the use of high-quality medical imaging equipment.
Qscan offers their services throughout from different locations in South East Queensland. View their clinics’ locations here.
Now Leasing
Photo credit: College Junction/Facebook
College Junction has now launched their leasing campaign. The dual street frontage and multi-pedestrian access points, along with excellent signage and branding will help the tenants have a maximum exposure to the commercial market. The ground floor, ranging from 151 metres to 311 metres, will be dedicated to health food cafes and delis, pharmacies, and small fitness and health centres.
For further information and details on tenancy, click here.
Right after Ekka hits Brisbane, Mekka Wednesday will hit the Doomben Racecourse in Ascot on the 16th of August. It will be another holiday filled with live entertainment and heart-stopping live races. Soak in the festival vibe amongst the pumping crowd during this epic party at the races.
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
Tkay Maidza will headline the Main Stage performances. Young Franco and Kuren will also heat up the stage with their music and performances.
Fashion on the Field is back this year! Dress to impress and be crowned as the King and Queen of the Track. Everyone can walk the trackside catwalk for free. Just head to the registration desk, sign up, and grab your contestant number.
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
At this event, even the food will be trendy! Food trucks will offer the tastiest options, including Hogs Breath Cafe and The BBQ Joint. Pop-up bars keep your thirst at bay.
Pamper stations, where you can re-touch your hair and makeup, will be available for free. It’s not easy to look selfie-ready all the time, while partying and having all the fun.
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
Here are some of the important details you need to remember before heading to the Mekka Wednesday.
Tickets
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
General Admission is $40 per head for tickets that bought online. Buy tickets online and save on gate prices. Avoid the hassle of queueing up at the site.
Trackside Private Marquee tickets ($70 per head) and Private Suites tickets ($190 per head) are still on sale, but VIP Party tickets are already sold out.
Doomben gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and will close at 5:00 p.m. There will be enough time to take in the entertainment and take in some refreshments before the first race, which is scheduled to begin at 12:34 p.m. The last race is at 4:38 p.m.
Transport
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
On event day, there will be some changes on the timetables of both trains and buses. Visit the Translink Journey Planner for detailed timetables.
The bus heading to Doomben is the Route 301 bus. You can catch the bus at Sandgate Road at Noble Street, Stop 31/30 on Clayfield and get off at Nudgee Road at Hampden Street, Stop 33 on Ascot. The bus stop is only a two-minute walk away from the racecourse.
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
Traveling via train will only take 6 minutes from the Clayfield Station to the Doomben Station, which is only a five-minute walk to the racecourse.
There are taxi ranks at the Hampden Street, while the Uber pick-up and drop-off point is at the the Gate 2 Float Car Park.
Parking
Photo credit: www.brc.com.au
All car parking is free. Public car parking is accessible via Gate 2 on Nudgee Road at Doomben Racecourse, while the disabled parking spaces are at the Gate 5 car park.
The Doomben Members Infield car park on Gate 2 is the only open member car park. A BRC membership card should be presented upon entry.
The Kalinga Dash is back this year. Mark your calendars, Ray White Clayfield will bring another Kalinga Dash on Sunday, the 13th of August. The Kalinga Park will be filled with races, food and drinks, market stalls, and kiddie and adult entertainments.
Pets are not allowed on any of the courses to avoid course congestion and ensure the safety of the participants.
Long & Short Courses
Photo credit: Kalinga Dash/Facebook
The 7.5-kilometre Long Course is a two-loop course, while the 4.2-kilometre Short Course is a one-loop course. Both races will start and finish on the Diggers Drive in Kalinga Park.
The safety briefing will commence at 7:45 a.m. and the race will start at 8:00 a.m. Cut-off times will apply to this course; participants are required to exit the course if not finished by 9:30 a.m.
Kids’ Dash
Photo credit: Kalinga Dash
The Kids’ Dash is a new race that was designed to encourage children to participate and be active. Parents and guardians with registered children under 8 years of age should register to accompany their children around the course.
The race will start at 10:00 a.m. with start and finish points at the Diggers Drive. There will be no cut-off time for the Kids’ Dash, so every kid will get a chance to have a finisher medal.
Although there is already a dedicated course for the kids, children 8 years and older can still register for the other courses. Parents should sign a waiver stating that the child is physically fit and capable to run on the courses.
Registration
Photo credit: Kalinga Dash
The “Early Bird” promo already ended last 30th of June, while the online pre-registration will end on 10th of August.
Limited registrations will also be accepted on the day of the race at 7:00 a.m. For the long and short courses, the registration will close at 7:30 a.m., while for the Kids’ Dash will close at 9:15 a.m.
Munch
Photo credit: Kalinga Dash
Although the Kalinga Dash is one of the biggest fun runs in Clayfield, there are other activities scheduled for the day.
A variety of food stalls will serve BBQs, egg rolls, healthy and vegan snacks, cakes and sweets, and “sno-cones”. All of the proceeds will go to the Eagle Junction State School P&C Association for the benefit of the students.
Fun
Photo credit: Kalinga Dash/Facebook
This family fun day will have adult and children entertainments. The Eagle Junction State School will once again host the Side Show Alley. There will be stalls that will keep the little ones entertained.
The rides will keep the kids busy. Kids will sure enjoy the jumping castles, giant slide, and tea cup ride. The older kids (and adults) will surely engage with the new rides and games including the Sizzler, Lazer Tag, Dodgem Cars, and Footy Shoot Out.
Ride armbands can be purchased when you register for the Kalinga Dash for $20 before the online pre-registration closes and for $25 on the day.
The countdown is on for Clayfield’s Kerbside Collection Day on Monday, the 14th of August. It’s the time of the year again for the neighbourhood to get rid of their unwanted clutter and those pieces of furniture and appliances that are too big for their wheelie bins. The Brisbane City Council recommends that all items should be taken out this weekend.
Here are some important points that you should keep in mind before the collection.
List & Limit
Photo credit: www.1coast.com.au
Be mindful of the items you will take out. There is a list of acceptable and unacceptable items. The Council will not collect household waste that normally goes into the waste and recycle bins. Failure to remove these unacceptable items within seven days will result into illegal dumping fines.
If there’s a list, there’s also a limit. Kerbside Collection only happens once a year, but that does not mean you can haphazardly dump all of the items that you can for this day. The Council will only collect piles that are not larger than two cubic metres, or the equivalent of a small box trailer load to cater to the whole neighbourhood.
Get Organised
Photo credit: Forrest Wheatey/Flickr
You have a few more days left to pack and think of all the items that you want to take out to the kerb. After sorting your disposables, place items like carpet, rugs, and electronic waste into boxes and trash bags. Use trash bags for unbreakable items like carpet and rugs as they can be compressed together to maximise the kerb space. Don’t forget to put labels on them.
Be courteous to the collectors; do not leave sharp objects in your pile. All items should be easily and safely lifted by two people. The doors of appliances and furnitures like refrigerators and cupboards should be removed.
Make Nice and Neat Piles
Photo credit: www.keng.id.au
The items that you put out on the kerb may be unwanted items that you consider rubbish, but make sure you pile them up neatly and with care. Keep the piles tidy to avoid blocking the footpaths and driveways. Be sure to secure the items properly to avoid damage or scattering in case of adverse weather conditions.
If you plan to go scavenger hunting this weekend, respect your neighbours’ piles. Leave their piles tidy after rummaging through them. They followed the rules in keeping their piles organised and neat, so it’s your obligation to keep things that way, or even leave their piles neater than when you started.
Got Excess? No Problem.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
If you have items that are not on the approved collection list, take them to any of the various Resource Recovery Centres in Clayfield’s neighbouring suburbs. Recovery centres accept both recyclable and green or general waste. There are centres located at Nudgee, Willawong, Ferny Grove, and Chandler.
Vehicles that are under 4.5 tonnes Combined Gross Vehicle Mass (CGVM) can use the drive-through recycling area for free, whilst vehicles above 4.5 tonnes CGVM can still recycle, but with fees applied.
Photo credit: Peter Organisciak/Flickr
If you have reached the Council’s kerb limit and you are left with items that are still usable, consider donating them. The Council’s Tip Shops and various charities around Brisbane will accept these items with open arms. You may have missed the limit, but you will not miss helping the people who really need the items.
St. Rita’s College will host an evening of music and fun to raise funds for their school immersion. The students will be singing, dancing, and showcasing their different talents on this relaxed event.
The next vegan sale of Fresh Start Rescue Incorporated will be held on Saturday this week. It will be the best time to taste some of the freshest vegan snacks and cuddle their furry babies that are looking for their “fur”-ever family.
This is a fundraising event for “freshies,” rescued pets that need care.
Ground to Grow is an extension program for yoga students who wish for more. Alison Sykes and Tanya Zappala will teach breakdowns of common and popular yoga postures, hand balances, and inversions.
There will be seven sessions to be held every Sunday of the month from August to March.
Cold Rock Clayfield will be hosting a “Onesie Party” on Friday, 21st of July, in keeping with the celebration of “National Pyjama Day”. Everyone is invited to wear their favourite onesie and enjoy regular ice creams for only $2.
Onesie Party for a Cause
Photo credit: Cold Rock Clayfield/Facebook
The sales of the $2 regular ice creams will be donated to The Pyjama Foundation. Ms. Bronwyn Sheehan founded the foundation to give children in foster care the opportunity to increase their learning and educational outcomes through “Love of Learning Program”.
Majority of children in foster care are not able to complete 12 years of school and are below average in reading. They also have poor health conditions and inadequate attachments.
92% of children in care that are below average in reading level at age 7;
75% of children in care that do not complete 12 years of school; and
35% of children in care that are entering the juvenile system.
Photo credit: The Pyjama Foundation/Facebook
The volunteers “Pyjama Angels” are meeting children every week for 1.5 hours to read books, play educational games, and other activities involving learning, reading, and mentoring. This does not just improve their educational needs, but also foster the care and attention they need as children.
Attending Onesie Party = Support
Attending and hosting a Pyjama or Onesie Day is one way of helping the Love of Learning Program. Cold Rock will surely bring a cold, but gold, treat to the customers and the children in foster care.
Photo credit: Cold Rock Clayfield/Facebook
There will also be a photo competition for the customers wearing their favourite jammies and onesies. Snap a photo in-store on your onesie and check-in using hashtags #NationalPyjamaDay and #ColdRockClayfield. The lucky winner will get a $50 Cake Voucher.
The store in Wilston will also be hosting a Onesie Party on the same day. Check out the event page for further details or visit their website and Facebook page.
To be in the loop on how to help and get involved in The Pyjama Foundation, log on to their website.
Learn about Queensland’s early communication methods at Telstra Museum Brisbane. The museum holds the largest collection of telecommunication memorabilia in Queensland. Volunteers and ex-employees of the Postmaster General Department (PMG) run the museum. Since these are the same people who worked with the same equipment, they can easily conduct demonstrations and several hands-on exhibits.
Telstra Museum
(Photo credit: Buddy Patrick/Facebook)
In 1952, a group of Post Office Volunteers established the Postal-Telecommunication History Society of Queensland Inc. with an aim to preserve the artifacts, records, and equipments that are memorabilia of the past telecommunication method. Donations of memorabilia for safekeeping quickly increased. Telstra Museum was formed to preserve these for the future generation of Queensland, while showcasing the importance of the collection to the Clayfield community and beyond.
Visiting the museum
(Photo credit: Buddy Patrick/Facebook)
The Telstra Museum is only open every Wednesday; from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry to the museum only costs a gold coin donation. Although the museum is only open once a week, group or school tours are welcome.
For school visits, it is important to the museum that students have a rewarding experience. Due to the small area, only 32 students and 4 adult supervisors are allowed in single tour. A tour of the full collection may take one hour, but can be shortened or extended depending on special interests. Contact the Telstra Museum to schedule reservations.
Queensland’s History of Telecommunication
Before visiting the museum, a little knowledge about the highlights of the history of telecommunication in Queensland will provide useful perspective in viewing the exhibits.
Ancient Aboriginal Message Sticks (Photo credit: www.ancient-origins.net)
In Queensland, the “Ancient Aboriginal Message Sticks” were among the earliest form of communication.
In 1861, the first telegraph in Queensland opened. It was first operated between Brisbane and Ipswich. After a few years, the scope extended to Sydney.
The first experiments about telephone were conducted in Brisbane in 26th of January 1878. The first successful telephone call from Brisbane to Ipswich was recorded few months later.
In 1880, the first government-owned telephone exchange in Australia was established in Brisbane and reached over 300 subscribers in 1885. The operators manually connected calls with cord pairs at its switchboard.
The first public telephone office was opened in Brisbane Post Office in 1888 followed by South Brisbane and Fortitude Valley.
The Brisbane-Ipswich line was opened and its success led to the opening of a telephone station in the “Phonophore System” in 1898. PMG was created in 1901 to take over all of the postal and telegraphic services within Australia.
Professor Alexander Graham Bell, scientist and innovator that was credited with patenting the first practical telephone, visited Brisbane in 1910 while installing the new CB (new battery) telephone exchange that was completed in 1912. All subscribers from the magneto exchange transferred to this new service.
Telex (Photo credit: Buddy Patrick/Facebook)
In 1925, the first automatic telephone exchange was established in South Brisbane. The wave telephone with three-channel system was later introduced in Brisbane and Sydney in 1928 that became automatic a year later, followed by the installation of the first 12-channel carrier system between Brisbane and Sydney in 1946.
The development of telecommunication continued in Queensland when the first broadband bearer system was introduced in 1963 and the microwave radio system in 1966.
The first computer-controlled trunk exchange was operated in 1975 that led to the abolition of PMG. It was replaced by the Postal and Telecommunications Department.
After the change in government system, the telefinder service was introduced in 1978. One year later, all telephone and telex calls were transmitted by Hermes satellite.
Private sector involvement in telecommunication services was introduced in the 1982 Davidson Inquiry. Later in 1991, Optus Communications, a private sector company, entered the competition in the telecommunication industry that became the rival of Telecom Australia. In 1995, Telecom Australia changed its name to Telstra, which marked the privatisation of the company.
Numbers of telecommunication carriers have been growing since 1997 until today’s modernisation.
ARK 511 (Photo credit: Buddy Patrick/Facebook)
Telecommunication equipment and memorabilia including the ancient Aboriginal Message Sticks, telex, and other telephone system can be seen in the Telstra Museum today. Vital info about the museum and the telecommunication history in Queensland can be viewed on the official Telstra Museum’s website.
Who wouldn’t love the Gelato of Charlie’s Raw Squeeze?
Eye spy with my little eye 👀🔍 Something refreshing..GREEN GINGER ALE JUICE 🍏.$5 Special in store @rawsqueezeclayfield .- Cucumber- Ginger- Celery- Apple.@rawsqueezeclayfield 730 Sandgate Road Clayfield Open: 7am – 8pm7 dayswww.rawsqueeze.com.au#charliesrawsqueeze #rawsqueezeclayfield
For the uninitiated, Charlie’s Raw Squeeze is a massively popular 100% vegan juice bar. The smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, nice creams, salads, the Gelatos, and other signature menu are made from fresh produce, which are also supplied to Charlie’s Fruit Market.
You are “mint” to be with this gelato. (Photo credit: Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Clayfield/Facebook)
Raw Squeeze has launched a new range of their famous vegan Gelato, with its much-loved Waffle Cone. The new flavors to try are Fairy Floss, Honeycomb Crunch, Red Riding Hood, and Pistachio Affogato. If you missed their $2-promotion for their new Gelato flavors when the gelato was first launched in Clayfield, you might want to make sure you’ll be around to try their new Mint Choc Gelato.
Healthy is the new “Cool”
Go nuts with the Pistachio Affogato Gelato (Photo credit: Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Clayfield/Facebook)
Having a Charlie’s Raw Squeeze gelato is always a good decision. Compared with traditional ice cream, gelato is lower in fat and calories. Gelato has 0% – 5% butterfat because it is made from milk or water. Ice cream is generally made from cream that has 12%-25% butterfat.
Because gelatos are made from milk, they are a great source of calcium. Gelatos with nuts are high in protein, essential in a human diet, while the ones with fruits have higher amount of essential vitamins.
Gelato History 101
(Photo credit: Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Clayfield/Facebook)
Gelato originated from late 15th- to early 16th-century Italy. Bernardo Buontalenti, native of Florence, Italy, has been credited as its inventor when he served the King of Spain a frozen dessert of cream, milk, lemons, and oranges. This marked the birth of the gelato in Italy.
Prior to Buontalenti, a chicken farmer named Ruggeri won the famed Medici family’s competition called “The Most Unusual Dish You Ever Seen,” when he presented his tasty frozen dessert of fruit juice and ice, similar to today’s sorbet.
In Asia, a “frozen dessert” dates back to 3,000 B.C. when the Asian region discovered crushed ice and added flavorings. In 2,500 B.C., Egyptian pharaohs began serving a cup of ice sweetened by fruit juices to their guests.
Even the Romans began a ritual of consuming the ice from the volcanic mountains of Etna and Vesuvius. They mixed the ice with honey.
In 1686, the gelato became famous in Europe. Francesco Procopio de Coltelli, a famous Italian restaurateur, moved from Palermo to Paris and opened the Procope, a café that served refined gelato in a small glass.
In 1770, Giovanni Basiolo introduced two types of gelato to New York City. Residents loved the sorbetto, a chilled mixture of water and fruits; and a second version made by mixing milk with cinnamon, chocolate, or coffee.
In 1846, Americans used a hand-cranked freezer to make a creamy version, now known as ice cream.
Gelato was introduced to different countries. In Australia, Alpino Gelato was the first gelato company. Today, gelato is served in different parts of Australia, including at Charlie’s Raw Squeeze.
Have a gelato. Or two.
Perfect combination of chocolate and cookies (Photo credit: Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Clayfield/Facebook)
Aside from their Clayfield store, Charlie’s Raw Squeeze also has other branches located in North Lakes, Everton Park, Kenmore, and Clontarf. Visit their Facebook page for updates on promotions and events.
Clayfield will soon have its own branch of the famous Greens & Grains of Graceville, a joint business venture between Shona Brice and Kim Peabody of Nantucket Kitchen & Bar, NKB Express, and Nickel Kitchen & Bar. The much-awaited store, with its unique “Takeaway with a Difference” concept, will open on Sandgate Road, next to the Clayfield Day and Night Pharmacy, and across the Clayfield College by the end of May.
Two local Graceville moms, Shona and Kim, developed Greens & Grains with an aim to bring fresh salads with a different twist inspired by Shona’s London’s voyage. The initial opening of the store at 5/311 Honour Avenue, Graceville succeeded in serving salads in takeaway boxes. The high-end salad bar is also open for catering services with a menu of salads, pulled meats, bread, and sweet treats.
What’s New at the Clayfield branch?
Takeaways for everyone on-the-go (Photo credit: www.greensandgrains.com.au)
Containing much more than just salads, Greens & Grains Clayfield has a menu that also includes pulled meats, breads, pastries, and sweet treats.
Aside from serving their signature dishes, Clayfield’s soon-to-open branch will serve Allpress coffees. Allpress’ signature roasted coffee beans have a lasting smooth taste with a natural sweetness that makes it different from other coffees.
There will be tables on the outside setting for people-on-the-go to enjoy their salad, which are still in the traditional takeaway boxes and cups.
Green and healthy sweet treats (Photo credit: www.greensandgrains.com.au)
Expect more of everything from the soon-to-open Clayfield’s Greens & Grains, from the menu to the setting to the ambiance and the service. Check out their website for other details and store opening announcements or updates.
A group of Clayfield locals is voicing out their opposition against redevelopment on a block where a Victorian-era home is located.
The Mundumburrah on Drake St, Clayfield is a late Victorian era timber house, which has a pending application to be listed as a Queensland heritage home. Protesters are saying that the approved development on the block would render the historical home “unrecognisable.”
Under the plan, the Mundumburrah will be raised and moved to the front of the block. Behind it will be built two apartment buildings. One of the apartment blocks will have five 2-bedroom units, while the other one will have four 2-bedroom units.
Historical and Architectural Significance
(Photo credit: Carolyn Page / Pinterest)
The Mundumburrah was built in 1886 by John William Constantine Drane and is the last example of rich Queensland Colonial Pyramid architecture. John Drane and his family played an important and well-documented role in the early history of Brisbane. Drane St was also named after him.
The residential building is the first home to be built on the block. Its design is a fine example of natural, climate-responsive architecture. The house is considerably well-maintained and still has its original features intact.
Petition
The group of protesters has launched a petition on Change.org to gather support for their fight to save the Mundumburrah. They are urging Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and the Brisbane City Council to list the property as a heritage home and reconsider the development plan.
The group insists that a Development Application was approved in September 2016 without considering the significance of the history and architectural significance of the property. They also claim that the City Council did not consider the pending Heritage Listing application for the Drane St home.
The council, for its part, maintains that they are preserving the character of the house even with the redevelopment plan.
The application for the Mundumburrah heritage listing will be tackled on June 23 at a meeting of the Queensland Heritage Council.
(Photo credit: Daile Kelleher – The Greens / Facebook)
