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Mercer Park in Wavell Heights Unveils New Pump Track and Family Hub

After the completion of extensive works in the first quarter of 2024, Mercer Park in Wavell Heights now features a new pump track, family hub, and other park facilities.

Read: Work Begins at Mercer Park Pump Track and Family Hub in Wavell Heights

The highlight of these improvements is the much-anticipated pump track, designed to cater to the local community and active travel users of all ages and skill levels.

Photo credit: David Defranceski/Google Maps

The comprehensive upgrades at Mercer Park were not limited to the pump track. The park now boasts a family hub and several other new facilities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. Here’s a closer look at what’s new:

External Scooter and Bike Features: The park’s footpath is now dotted with various new elements, including a side ramp, moguls, boulders, a circle tunnel, and a squiggle obstacle, providing an adventurous route for scooter and bike enthusiasts.
Picnic Shelter and Barbeque: A new picnic shelter equipped with barbeque facilities and additional seating offers a perfect spot for family gatherings and social events.
Upgraded Park Amenities: The installation of new drinking fountains and enclosed bins enhances convenience and cleanliness for all park visitors.
Double Cableway Flying Fox: A new double cableway flying fox promises thrilling rides for both children and adults.
Upgraded Pathways: Improved pathways ensure better connectivity and accessibility throughout the park.
Enhanced Landscaping: Additional tree and garden bed plantings contribute to a more pleasant and visually appealing environment.

The family hub and other new park facilities, whose construction began in October 2023, were officially opened for public use in late March 2024. This marks the completion of a significant phase in the park’s development, providing a robust infrastructure for community engagement and outdoor activities.

Meanwhile, significant upgrades were also completed at Shaw Estate Park, which included the development of stage one’s family hub. This project, which began last October and concluded in late March, focused on enhancing various parts of the park and improving connectivity to Mercer Park.

Read: Wavell Heights Queenslander One of the Key Filming Locations for Netflix’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’

With the new facilities now open, Mercer Park and Shaw Estate Park stand as premier examples of how thoughtful park design and strategic improvements can positively impact local communities. Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a family looking for a weekend outing, or someone who enjoys a leisurely walk amidst nature, these parks offer something for everyone.

Published 24-June-2024

Northgate Outlet Affected as Flour& Chocolate Closes Sandwich Sections

Beloved Flour&Chocolate bakery will terminate its sandwich section at its Morningside, Northgate, and Redcliffe stores in a significant shift driven by soaring operational costs.

Flour&Chocolate announced the discontinuation of its sandwich offerings after admitting that the relentless rise in operating expenses has been making maintaining this part of their business unsustainable.

As the last toasted sandwiches will be served on the 22nd of June, the bakery aims to focus on its more profitable items to navigate the current economic challenges.

*Photo Credit: Flour&Chocolate Northgate/Facebook*

Industry-Wide Struggles

The bakery sector in Brisbane has faced severe disruptions, highlighted by the recent collapse of the BCN Events Group and the shutdowns of Brewbakers in Albion and Cake and Bake in Newstead.

Bakery owners have reported dramatic increases in the cost of essentials like sugar, milk, eggs, and butter—some noting price jumps of up to 77 per cent post-COVID—which have significantly squeezed profit margins.

Lachlan Scott, co-owner of Flour&Chocolate, made a public statement expressing the difficulties faced by the bakery. He noted the sharp increases in ingredients, rent, electricity, insurance, and other significant operating expenses as key factors in their decision.

Mr Scott noted that discontinuing the sandwich section was among the most difficult decisions faced by the owners throughout their tenure as small business operators. The focus will now shift to their primary products, including croissants, breads, pastries, cakes, and biscuits, which have been their specialty since opening in 2012.

Flour&Chocolate Pastries — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Future Focus and Staff Retention

Despite the cuts, Flour&Chocolate is committed to retaining its staff and continuing to produce other popular items like filled croissants, quiches, pies, and sausage rolls.

Mr Scott emphasised their commitment to minimising the impact on their team members during these challenging times, ensuring that affected staff would be offered positions elsewhere within their operations. The bakery also thanked its customers for their loyalty and understanding during these challenging times.

Flour&Chocolate remains determined to uphold quality and service amidst these hardships, hoping their strategic changes will allow them to thrive in a challenging market.

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Published 20-June-2024

Operation Whiskey Legion Targets Crime in Wavell Heights

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane West

Operation Whiskey Legion (OWL), a major multi-level police operation aimed at reducing crime across Queensland communities, has commenced its 10-day deployment in the North Brisbane Police District (NBD) today, with a particular focus on areas like Wavell Heights.

Last Quarter’s Crime Rate for Wavell Heights

Recent crime statistics for Wavell Heights underscore the need for such an operation. According to the Queensland Police Service Online Crime Map, a total of 80 offences were recorded in Wavell Heights from March 30, 2024, to June 29, 2024. The data highlights theft, unlawful entry, and drug offences as the most common types of crime in the suburb.

OWL Results Already Felt

The operation, which began on April 2, has already shown positive results in six districts across the state. Acting Assistant Commissioner of Crime and Intelligence Command (CIC), Denzil Clark, reported that police have conducted over 1,444 hot spot patrols, 974 wanding operations, and 364 bail/curfew compliance checks since the operation’s inception.

Clark stated, “OWL has resulted in more than 1,380 adults charged with 3,126 offences and 290 juveniles charged with more than 836 offences in the past three months across Queensland.” He also noted that police have engaged with and supported more than 2,606 victims of crime during this period.

OWL’s Focus

The operation brings together specialist police units, including Highway Patrol, CIC, Railway Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad, and Crime Prevention, to work alongside frontline officers. This collaborative effort aims to prevent crime and take strong action against high-risk crime and serious repeat offenders.

Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner, Ben Marcus, highlighted that the NBD deployment will focus on specific local issues, including:

Public safety at transport hubs and shopping centres
Preventing motor vehicle theft and home invasions
Enforcing domestic violence orders
Targeting high-risk offenders

These focus areas align closely with the crime trends observed in Wavell Heights, particularly addressing theft and unlawful entry issues.

NBD Acting Chief Superintendent Simon Tayler called for community assistance and involvement in the operation. He urged Wavell Heights residents to be extra vigilant and to secure homes and vehicles to deter potential thieves.

“We know that when thieves can’t easily get their hands on a set of car keys, they move on and try elsewhere. Lock up, put your car keys away out of sight and report suspicious behaviour quickly,” Tayler advised.

The police encourage Wavell Heights residents to report any suspicious activity or crime information through official channels, including the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, Policelink at 131 444, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 19-June-2024

Man Arrested After $500,000 Stolen in Copper Wire Burglaries

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 52-year-old man from Fortitude Valley has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of burglaries at a business in Geebung, where over half a million dollars worth of high-grade electronic copper wire was stolen.

According to the Queensland Police, the business premises on Bilsen Road were broken into repeatedly between May 12-16 and again between June 1-3. A large quantity of copper wiring was taken during these break-ins.

On the morning of June 3, police officers discovered a large amount of discarded electric cabling in two industrial bins near the crime scene. They also found a bag containing clothing and bolt cutters.

A week later, on June 10th, police spotted a man matching the description of the suspect near the area. The 52-year-old Fortitude Valley man was arrested on outstanding warrants.

He was taken into custody at the Brisbane City Watchhouse and charged with multiple offences including three counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, drug possession charges, breach of bail and fraud.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 1 for these charges related to the costly copper cable theft at the Geebung business.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote these reference numbers: QP2400856861, QP2400814589, QP2400940852

Published 6-June-2024

Virginia Vehicle Thefts Lead to Multiple Arrests by North Brisbane Dog Squad

The Dog Squad Unit of the Queensland Police Service successfully tracked and apprehended several suspects involved in multiple vehicle thefts from a business in Virginia and other places in North Brisbane.

At approximately 9:10 p.m. on Sunday, the 19th of May 2024, officers noticed a suspicious white Audi Q7, equipped with allegedly stolen number plates, while patrolling the Stafford area. After keeping the vehicle under surveillance, the police deployed a tyre deflation device to stop the car as it travelled onto Southern Cross Way.

Despite deflated tyres, the vehicle attempted to flee but eventually halted. The two male occupants attempted to escape on foot but were swiftly apprehended by the Dog Squad.

The stolen white Audi and three other vehicles—a black Mitsubishi ASX, a beige Toyota LC Military, and a white Toyota RAV4—had been reported stolen from a local business in Virginia between the 11th and 13th of May. The latter three vehicles have not yet been recovered.

A 30-year-old man from Baringa was arrested and has faced multiple charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possession of dangerous drugs. He is scheduled for a court appearance at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on the 19th of June.

Additionally, a 35-year-old man from Bellara was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and obstruction of police among other charges. He appeared before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on the 20th of May.

In a related incident that same night, a grey Toyota Hilux was stolen from Gordon Street in Gordon Park and later found abandoned in Deagon.

The Dog Squad traced the suspect to a nearby yard where an 18-year-old man from Chermside was arrested. He faces charges including breaking and entering and unlawful use of a motor vehicle and appeared in court on the 22nd of May.

The Queensland Police urge anyone with information about these incidents or the whereabouts of the missing vehicles to contact Policelink or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Your cooperation can help resolve these cases and prevent further criminal activities.

Reference numbers for these incidents are QP2400811329 and QP2400851899.

Published 2-June-2024

Copper Wire Theft Plagues Geebung Industrial Site

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Authorities are asking the public to be on high alert after a string of brazen copper wire theft cases hit an industrial site in Geebung.

According to Queensland Police reports, the site on Bilsen Road was first struck between April 24th and April 26th, with thieves making off with an undisclosed amount of valuable copper wiring. The property was then hit again in the early morning hours of May 6th.

The thieves blend in the industrial sites wearing high-vis clothing, camouflaging with construction vehicles.

Copper wire theft is considered especially dangerous, as live wires can deliver lethal electric shocks. Cutting into electrical lines also creates fire hazards that put both perpetrators and legitimate workers at great risk.

In an effort to crack down on the thefts, police are urging any witnesses who notice suspicious activity around construction sites, power substations, or other potential targets to immediately report it by calling 131 444 or going online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

Published 10-May-2024

2024 Houses Awards Shortlists Wavell Heights Mansion

Photo Credit: Owen Architecture

Among the diverse and talented field vying for the prestigious Houses Awards in the Alteration and Addition over 200m2 category is Owen Architecture’s remarkable Wavell Heights Mansion. This ingenious design takes the traditional Australian suburban brick home and translates it into a stunning modernist statement.

Located in the leafy Brisbane suburb of Wavell Heights, the two-story residence presents a crisp, white sculptural facade accented by brickwork. A series of broad arches frame windows and arched doorways, lending an air of understated grandeur.

The arched motif continues inside, where light-filled living areas open onto an elegant outdoor terrace and pool area surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.

What makes this project so compelling is how Owen Architecture has taken the familiar forms and materials of the conventional suburban house and reinterpreted them in an exquisitely composed, contemporary manner. Traditional architectural elements like arched windows, verandahs, and bricks are reimagined and synthesised into a cohesive, livable design of restraint and refinement.

By deftly straddling the line between fresh and familiar, Owen’s Wavell Heights Mansion project exemplifies how to revitalise an established residential archetype without resorting to imitation or excessive ornamentation. It represents suburban domestic architecture recalibrated for the 21st century through an intelligent, highly-considered design approach.

This daring yet grounded design holds a well-deserved place among the exemplary projects shortlisted for the Alteration and Addition over 200m2 award category. Owen Architecture’s ability to extract new meaning from the ordinary epitomises housing design at its most skilful and transformative.

Published 6-May-2024

Back By Pup-ular Demand: The Doggo Day Markets Return to Virginia

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time, Virginia! The wildly popular Doggo Day Markets are making their pawsome return to VEND Marketplace in 2024. This pet-centric extravaganza is the ulti-mutt place for four-legged furry friends and their two-legged companions alike.

Read: Float Away Stress at Virginia’s New Merse Wellness Spa

Back by popular demand, the Doggo Day Markets will once again take over the charming indoor-outdoor venue with a pack of pooch-oriented activities, vendors, and treats galore on Saturday, May 18.

The canine-themed festivities kick off at 9:00 a.m., allowing early birds to get first dibs on the incredible array of local dog businesses.

Vendors will be popping up throughout the marketplace’s outdoor areas, hawking an irresistible selection of gourmet treats, stylish accessories, smart toys, and more must-have items for our beloved barkers. You’d be barking mad to miss out on stocking up for your pup!

In addition to the open-air market, the day will feature a dressed-to-the-nines dog fashion show, giving dapper doggos a chance to strut their stuff on the runway. A panel of judges will award prizes in multiple categories, so start planning your pooch’s lewk now!

When your dog needs a break from all that glamorous posing, swing by the day’s signature photo booth to capture some memorable mutt-shots. This is the perfect opportunity to update that outdated pup pic on your holiday cards.

doggo day markets — Photo credit: VEND Virginia/Facebook

And no dog day would be complete without lapping up the chance for a good ol’ fashioned scrub-a-dub-dub! Stop by the on-site dog wash station to get your stinky pup freshened up and smelling like a million biscuits.

The fun doesn’t stop there, though! The indoor VEND Marketplace will remain open throughout the event, allowing humans to browse the impressive vendor lineup selling clothing, art, home goods, and more while their furry friends sniff around the pet-friendly premises. When you’ve worked up an appetite from all that shopping and pup-watching, take a load off at the venue’s cafe, which features a spacious outdoor patio for you and your cuddle buddy to nosh together.

Read: Wavell Heights Queenslander One of the Key Filming Locations for Netflix’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’

Best of all, entry to this awesome canine carnival is completely free, so you’ve got no excuses to skip out. Mark your calendars for May 18, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and get ready for a day celebrating all things doggo at the Doggo Day Markets in Virginia!

Visit VEND Virginia’s Facebook Events Page for more details.

Published 23-April-2024

Northside Stamp Fair Brings Collecting Craze to Geebung

Geebung is gearing up to welcome stamp enthusiasts and collectors from across the region for the highly anticipated Northside Stamp Fair.

Read: Wavell Heights Queenslander One of the Key Filming Locations for Netflix’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’

Organised by the Enoggera District Stamp Club Inc, this event promises to be a haven for those fascinated by the world of philately.

The Northside Stamp Fair is set to take place on Sunday, 21 April 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 pm at the iconic Geebung RSL, conveniently located at the intersection of Cr Newman Road and Collings Street. This centrally located venue ensures easy access for visitors from various parts of the city.

For seasoned collectors and newcomers alike, the fair offers a diverse range of activities and opportunities. One of the main attractions is the sale by tender, which will feature a maximum of 200 lots, with a limit of seven lots per person. This allows collectors to bid on rare and coveted stamps, making it a thrilling experience for those seeking to expand their collections.

Savvy dealers will be on hand, peddling their most prized possessions. Get ready to dive into a marketplace brimming with treasures waiting to be unearthed. And for those with a keen eye for bargains, the fair’s Bargain Table promises to be a goldmine of steals and deals.

Need a break from the buying frenzy? No sweat! Club Circuit Books offer a curated selection for your browsing pleasure, whilst refreshments keep you fueled for the philatelic fun.

Here’s the kicker – this stamp extravaganza is totally FREE! No admission fee, and plenty of parking to boot. It’s a stamp enthusiast’s ultimate fantasy, happening right in the heart of Geebung.

Read: Geebung’s Platypus Packaging Founder Leaves Legacy of Hard Work

Those interested may email delleron@optusnet.com.au to get all the deets on this unmissable event. Get ready to catch a serious case of stamp fever in Geebung!

Published 2-April-2024

Wavell Heights Community Mourns Retired School Principal Killed in Hit-and-Run Tragedy

Photo Credit: Unsplash

The close-knit community of Wavell Heights is reeling from the loss of retired school principal Ian Colwell, 72, who tragically lost his life in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Chermside.

Described as a beloved figure within the neighbourhood, Mr Colwell’s untimely passing has left friends and neighbours devastated. A dedicated walker, he was struck and fatally injured while crossing Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road during his routine morning walk at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, 21 March 2024.

Having resided in Wavell Heights for over two decades, Mr Colwell was a familiar face known for his regular walks, undertaken thrice daily.

Community Remembers a Remarkable Man

Fondly remembered for his years of service as a teacher in Papua New Guinea during the Vietnam War, his impact extended far beyond the classroom.

His friend and former colleague, Terry Edwin Smith, reminisced about their time together, highlighting Mr Colwell’s quiet demeanour and profound knowledge. They served as instructors in military subjects and areas such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Mr Smith expressed disbelief at the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing.

David Innes, a neighbour, portrayed Mr Colwell as a well-regarded community member, noting that he was universally respected. He emphasised that his positive influence was widespread and that no one would speak ill of him.

Allegations and Arrest

Joshua Alexander Scott, a 35-year-old forklift driver from Joyner, stands accused in this tragic event. According to court documents, Scott allegedly confessed to police that he felt the impact and observed Mr Colwell’s body falling in his rear-view mirror, indicating he knew the pedestrian was injured.

Mr Scott is alleged to have struck the victim without braking after running a red light, resulting in Mr Colwell’s demise shortly after in hospital. Shockingly, Mr Scott purportedly continued his journey, driving to a friend’s house where he disclosed his involvement in the incident.

Ian Colwell Wavell Heights hit and run in Chermside — *Photo Credit: QPS*

He then contacted his partner, instructing her to erase CCTV footage of him departing in the car and delete their messages, as he planned to dispose of his phone. Subsequently, Mr Scott purportedly travelled to Wavell Heights, where he poured flammable liquid on the driver’s seat of the vehicle and set it ablaze within an hour of the collision.

Authorities assert that Mr Scott showed a “callous disregard” for the consequences of his actions, with the arson posing a significant threat to nearby residences. Following the fire, Mr Scott allegedly returned to his friend’s house before being driven to his workplace in Geebung. He was later apprehended by law enforcement officers at his workplace around 10 am.

During a police interview, Mr Scott purportedly claimed that the traffic light was green, and he did not see the victim. However, he allegedly failed to provide a reasonable explanation for fleeing the scene or disposing of evidence.

Mr Scott’s court appearance has been adjourned to 15 April 2024, where he is expected to appear via video link. He faces charges of dangerous driving causing death, leaving the scene of an incident without obtaining help, and arson of a motor vehicle.

Published 25-March-2024