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

The recent Netflix adaptation of the bestselling Australian novel Boy Swallows Universe has brought 1980s Brisbane vividly to life on screen. Did you know that a Wavell Heights Queenslander served as the home of one of the main characters in the film?

Read: Wavell Heights Property Market Nearing the Million-Dollar Median Price Mark

In the book, Eli Bell’s estranged father Robert lives in a rundown but charming Queenslander. For the adaptation, the filmmakers found the perfect home on a corner block in Wavell Heights, with a beautiful mature Royal Poinciana tree out front.

This quaint property, which producers deemed perfect for the requirement, was located at Thornton Parade. Its general look and ambiance helped transport viewers back to the 1980s.

Robert Bell (played by Simon Baker) is the alcoholic father of Eli (Felix Cameron) and Gus (Lee Halley). He loves his sons deeply, but his drinking prevents him from being a consistent presence in their lives. Robert is a flawed yet caring father, inspired by author Trent Dalton’s own relationship with his dad.

Though absent for stretches of time, Robert’s sporadic reappearances in the boys’ lives have a profound impact. Like Dalton’s father, Robert in the book represents a parent unable to overcome their demons yet still devoted to their children.

The Wavell Heights Queenslander makes up just one part of Boy Swallows Universe’s diverse Brisbane filming locations. Other shoot sites included Beenleigh, Darra, Greenslopes, Chelmer, South Brisbane, Pinkenba and more. Together, they showcase Brisbane as it was in that period – a grittier, less developed city than today.

The coming-of-age story follows Eli as he deals with his dysfunctional family and gets caught up in Brisbane’s criminal underworld. Author Trent Dalton’s vivid descriptions of real Brisbane suburbs and landmarks help ground this captivating tale.

For locals, seeing these familiar places faithfully recreated on screen adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Wavell Heights plays an important role in bringing Eli’s complicated homelife to the screen. It’s a testament to the care taken by the show’s creators to authentically capture the book’s sense of place. Boy Swallows Universe is proving a hit with audiences worldwide.

Read: The Grand Kedron Lodge in Kalinga Defined the Beginnings of North Brisbane

Its Brisbane filming locations take viewers back in time, whilst offering locals a nostalgic glimpse of their hometown in decades past. Wavell Heights’ starring role connects it to this hugely successful Australian story.

Published 22-January-2024

Check It Out! Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher Offers Unique Australia Day Sausages

Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher is making waves this Australia Day with its innovative approach to sausage-making. Led by head butcher Patrick, this independently-owned store with a cult following has rolled out an exciting range of Australia-themed sausages that are bound to delight meat enthusiasts.

Here’s a closer look at what they have to offer for the long weekend leading up to the annual celebration:

Gourmet Lamb Cheese & Vegemite Sausages
Gourmet Pork Bundy Rum & Stanthorpe Apple Sausages
Gourmet Jack Daniels Beef Sausages
Gourmet XXXX Gold Beef Sausages
Gourmet Wagyu Stanthorpe Apple & Ginger Sausages
Gourmet Bowen Mango Chicken Sausages
Gourmet Chilli Chocolate Brisket Sausages
Gourmet Lamb Rosemary & Sweet Potato Sausages
Gourmet Beef & VB Sausages
Gourmet Nannas Pork Belly Sausages

Their unique sausages, such as the Wagyu with ginger and apple combination, demonstrate their commitment to pushing culinary boundaries. Furthermore, they’ve concocted a one-of-a-kind sausage featuring XXXX beer, caramelized onion, and garlic, showcasing their dedication to creating original and flavourful meat products.

Beyond their special Australia Day sausages, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher has a reputation for crafting imaginative creations like the Ballot Banger, a smoky chorizo, honey pork, and beef sausage, during the previous elections. These offerings not only reflect their innovative spirit but also capture the essence of local culture and events.

As a family-owned business, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher takes pride in offering a diverse range of locally sourced and ethically raised meat products. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to provide valuable tips on preparing, cooking, and serving meats.

Follow their Facebook page for updates on deals and other specials.

Published 21-Jan-2024

Aquatic Achievers in Wavell Heights Among Swim Schools Getting $5-M SwimStart Boost

Plans have been announced for an additional $5 million in funding for the SwimStart program, more than doubling the funding allocated to provide swimming lessons for young children.

Read: Greet the Morning With Delectable Baked Goodies at Flour & Chocolate Northgate

The vouchers can be used at nearly 180 registered swim schools across Queensland, including Aquatic Achievers Wavell Heights Swim School.

Learning to swim is an essential life skill, especially for young Queenslanders. This extra funding will allow the provision of swimming lesson vouchers to even more families who need support to get their kids in the pool early.

The additional $5 million builds on the original $2.5 million allocated to SwimStart and will provide enough funding for the program to continue through June 2025.

Sport Minister Michael Healy said more eligible parents, carers and guardians will be able to get their kids in the water and learn to swim.

The vouchers are available in addition to existing swimming programs offered through primary schools. The Queensland government remains committed to ensuring all school-aged children develop water safety and swimming skills.

Read: Wavell Heights Tops Brisbane Suburbs With Strongest Million-Dollar Home Growth in 10 Years

About SwimStart

SwimStart is a voucher program in Queensland that provides up to one $150 voucher per child aged 0-4 per fiscal year to parents, guardians, or caregivers when enrollment is open. The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of swimming lessons from registered SwimStart providers.

The vouchers can only be redeemed with approved SwimStart activity providers, such as Aquatic Achievers.

If you would like your child to take lessons with a provider that is not currently listed in the SwimStart directory, please contact that organisation directly and inquire about their plans to register as an approved provider. Organisations must complete the registration process before they can accept SwimStart vouchers.

Visit Queensland Government’s website to find SwimStart providers in your area.

Published 16-January-2024

Geebung’s Platypus Packaging Founder Leaves Legacy of Hard Work

The Brisbane business community is mourning the loss of Thomas Claude Lusch, founder of Geebung’s Platypus Print Packaging, who passed away on January 3 at age 68.

Read: Top Brisbane Surgeon Crafts Whiskies at Geebung Distillery

Tributes have poured in for Mr Lusch, known as “Tom” to family and friends, who built Platypus Packaging into an award-winning company over the past 40 years. He started the business in 1982 after realising there was a gap in the Queensland market for print embellishing services.

Prior to starting Platypus Packaging, Tom had recently relocated to Queensland from interstate to work for InPrint, an established printing company.

Tom in 1979, whilst working for InPrint (Photo credit: platys.com.au)

Initially run as a hobby out of the family home in Geebung, Tom soon turned his passion into a full-time venture. Platypus Packaging grew from humble beginnings with a small handheld machine to become a leader in the industry.

“Named after the unique, egg laying marsupial, this resonated with Tom who wanted his business to be different from the rest and proudly Australian,” Platypus stated in their website.

The Lusch family home at Willcott St (Photo credit: platys.com.au)

In 1984, Tom acquired a Heidelberg Platen printing press and set it up under the family’s Willcott Street home. Having recently moved to Queensland to work for a printing company, Tom decided to turn his print shop hobby into a full-time business. He soon resigned from his job to focus on Platypus Packaging.

Tom invested in a small handheld embellishing machine, which remained in use for years as the company grew. That original machine is now displayed in the Platypus Packaging reception area, representing the humble beginnings of Tom’s ultimately very successful printing venture.

Platypus packaging — Photo credit: platys.com.au

Tom’s son Aaron said his father was diagnosed with cancer in late 2021, then tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after Christmas last year. Even whilst battling health issues, Tom remained dedicated to the company he started decades ago.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Tom is remembered for his community spirit and generosity. He was a keen AFL fan who helped local clubs like the Wilston Grange Gorillas over the years.

Friends and family will gather for Tom’s funeral service on January 12 to celebrate his life and contributions. He leaves behind a legacy as a hardworking founder who turned his printing passion into a uniquely Australian success story.

Read: Gone Too Soon: Remembering Former QRL Player Jerome Joel Leedy

Published 12-January-2024

Wavell Heights, Beware of Fake iPhones!

Photo Credit: YouTube / Apple

Scams involving fake iPhones have been proliferating on online platforms recently, targeting unsuspecting buyers and prompting the Police to issue warnings to the public.

One man fell victim to this deceit, meeting a seller claiming to offer a brand-new iPhone sealed in its box at an address in Wavell Heights. After paying $1,100, he discovered it was a clever fake—resembling an iPhone but running on an Android system, lacking access to iCloud.

Similar incidents have surfaced across North and South Brisbane in recent weeks. These fake phones look real but lack vital features, leaving buyers out of pocket and disappointed.

**This counterfeit iPhone as a bigger chin than the original**
*Photo Credit:* Reddit / u/theEdmard

Police advise vigilance when making online purchases. Look out for sellers avoiding addresses, pressuring for cash, providing dateless receipts, offering hefty discounts, or refusing product testing.

**A heavily-skinned Android poses as the iPhone operating system, iOS**
Photo Credit: Reddit / u/theEdmard

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stresses caution. Watch for unusually low prices, new or suspicious sellers, and avoid communication outside secure platforms. Use reliable payment methods like PayPal or Apple/Google Pay and report any scams through Scamwatch.

This warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to nab those behind these scams. They urge anyone with suspicions or information to reach out immediately.

To shield yourself from scams:

Check seller credibility.
Be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices.
Use secure payment options.
Avoid off-platform communication.
Stay informed and report any suspicions promptly.

As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Your awareness and caution are crucial shields against these deceitful practices, safeguarding you and the community from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

If you suspect fraudulent activity or have any information, report it promptly to authorities or the ACCC via Scamwatch.

Stay alert, Wavell Heights, and protect yourself against online purchase scams!

Published 18-December-2023

Proposed Bus Route Connects The Gap to Northgate

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / John Robert McPherson

Residents of Northgate may soon benefit from an enhanced public transport network, with the proposal of a new bus route connecting The Gap to Northgate.

An ambitious plan to expand Brisbane’s bus services aims to alleviate traffic congestion and offer a more convenient commuting option for locals.

**Existing high frequency bus routes**
Photo Credit: Google My Maps

The proposed bus route seeks to bridge the gap between The Gap and Northgate, ensuring smoother travel and increased accessibility for residents in these areas.

**15 new high frequency bus routes**
*Photo Credit:* Google My Maps

If implemented, this service could significantly reduce commute times and provide an alternative transportation choice for those living and working in Northgate.

This would help connect residents to local schools across the city, Greens’ candidate for Walter Taylor Ward, Michaela Sargent said.

No photo description available. — Photo Credit: Facebook / Michaela Sargent – (Greens) Walter Taylor ward

The envisaged bus service is slated to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, offering buses at 10-minute intervals during peak hours and 15-minute intervals during off-peak times.

This frequency aims to cater to the diverse schedules of Northgate residents, ensuring flexibility and convenience in their daily commutes.

The introduction of this new route aligns with the broader initiative to enhance Brisbane’s bus network, intending to create 15 new bus routes and upgrade existing ones.

**10 upgrades for existing routes**
*Photo Credit:* Google My Maps

The focus on facilitating direct connections between localities underscores a commitment to improve public transport accessibility for all residents, including those in Northgate.

While the proposal is part of a larger plan encompassing multiple routes and upgrades, the specific attention given to The Gap to Northgate connection signifies a strategic move to address the commuting needs of Northgate residents.

This initiative is open to public feedback, encouraging input from Northgate locals to tailor the service to their preferences and requirements.

The proposed addition of this route indicates a potential enhancement in the transportation options available to Northgate residents, potentially reducing reliance on personal vehicles and offering a more sustainable and efficient mode of travel within Brisbane’s transport network.

Published 15-December-2023

Northgate BotBuilders Shine in First Tech Challenge

Photo Credit: Facebook / Councillor Adam Allan

Local robotics talents Blue BotBuilders and Red BotBuilders have made quite an impression at the state qualifying event of the First Tech Challenge and are now preparing to make a strong showing at the Australian Nationals.

At the state qualifying event, BotBuilders secured an impressive 2nd place in the robot game.

First Tech Challenge — Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook

Their collaborative efforts within a strategic three-team alliance not only showcased their technical proficiency but also highlighted their teamwork and innovative spirit, earning them well-deserved recognition within the competition circuit.

First Tech Challenge (FTC) is a competition that demands creativity and technical finesse. Teams comprising 13- to 17-year-old students undertake the task of designing, constructing, refining, and programming a 45cm cubed robot.

This robot operates within a 3.3-meter square game field, navigating and executing specified tasks that put their technical expertise and collaborative skills to the test.

Beyond the competitive aspect, FTC catalyses innovation and learning, encouraging students to delve into problem-solving, prototype development, and networking with industry professionals. It’s a remarkable conduit that seamlessly integrates scientific principles and engineering, offering an immersive experience for these budding innovators.

As the Australian Nationals approach, slated for the 9th and 10th of December, the entire Northgate community eagerly anticipates the BotBuilders’ upcoming performance.

Northgate Cr Adam Allan, alongside the community, has extended heartfelt well-wishes and steadfast support to these young STEM pioneers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our region’s technological advancement and future innovation.

For residents of Northgate intrigued by robotics or eager to engage with these prodigious talents, BotBuilders eagerly welcomes inquiries and potential collaborations. Interested individuals can easily reach out to them via email at botbuilders.au@gmail.com.

Published 2-December-2023

Wavell Heights Says Farewell to Beanbag Espresso After 8 Years

Photo Credit: Beanbag Espresso/Facebook

A beloved café in Wavell Heights is bidding farewell to its loyal customers after over eight years of service. Deanna Lean, the owner of Beanbag Espresso, located on Rode Rd, announced the closure on the cafe’s Facebook page, citing a combination of factors, including health concerns and lease expiration.

Beanbag Espresso has been a beloved institution in the community, serving coffee and creating lasting memories for its patrons. In a heartfelt message to its customers, Ms Lean expressed her gratitude for the support and love they have received over the years. She acknowledged the strong sense of community that has developed around the café, making it much more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee.

The café’s last day of operation is scheduled for 28 Nov 2023. Customers are encouraged to use any vouchers or credits they may have before this date.

The Reasons Behind the Closure

In an interview, Ms Lean revealed the factors that led to the difficult decision to close Beanbag Espresso. She mentioned that the café’s lease was coming to an end, and she was experiencing burnout.

When she initially started the coffee shop eight years ago, her children were young, and the café provided her with a way to do what she loved on her terms. However, as her kids have grown into adulthood and become more independent, she no longer faces the same level of responsibility.

The most challenging part of the decision, she confessed, was her ongoing battle with a chronic pain problem known as complex regional pain syndrome. Despite having a supportive medical team, the cycle of working to pay for medical expenses and needing medical support to continue working had become extremely challenging for Ms Lean. She hopes that with adequate rest and recuperation, she can regain control of her health and enjoy her free time.

A Journey of Community and Friendship

Beanbag Espresso had a profound impact on the local community, with many customers who have been visiting for the past 11 years. Ms Lean and her team have not only served coffee but also forged deep connections with their patrons.

The café has been a place where people have shared life’s joys, supported each other through difficult times, and celebrated milestones together. The owner emphasized that the highlight of her time at Beanbag Espresso has been the people who have made the café a welcoming and inclusive space.

As Beanbag Espresso prepares to close its doors, Ms Lean is looking forward to some much-needed rest and a focus on her health. She believes that her journey with the café has been a profound learning experience for her and her children. She is excited for the future, even as she bids a bittersweet farewell to the café that has become a second home to many in the community.

Published 6-Nov-2023

Norths Devils Assumes Lease on Warburton Park Sporting Field, Ensures It Stays With Rugby League

Photo Credit: Facebook / Norths Devils Rugby League Football Club

The Norths Devils have taken up the lease on Warburton Park and will move there from Bishop Park in Nundah. The move assures that Warburton Park will remain dedicated to rugby league, after it faced the risk of being claimed for use by Aussie rules and soccer interest.

The use of Warburton Park had faced the risk of changing hands to Aussie rules and soccer interest, after the Brisbane Rugby League told previous long-time tenant Norths St Joseph’s Club that it would not be able to register for the upcoming season due to a decline in player numbers.

The historic park has been an ertswhile stronghold for rugby league, particularly for Norths St Joseph’s Club which had been its tenant for nearly six decades.

The Norths Devils’ lease will not only preserve the history and connection that the facility has with the local rugby community but will also help alleviate the congestion the Devils experiences, having outgrown Bishop Park in Nundah.

The club now boasts seven senior teams which includes three women’s teams. And now must accommodate the needs for space of a junior club that has over 30 teams now.

A Norths Devils spokesperson said that the club is saddened by St Joseph’s loss. The assumed lease, however, will help the Devils in growing the rugby league base at Bishop Park as well as continue to provide a venue for the northside’s young rugby league players.

The acquisition also came at a time when BCC decided to allocate the new Nudgee Recreation Reserve to Football Queensland, a decision that has sparked competition between codes. Just a stone’s throw away from Warburton Park, the new reserve is expected to be completed this year.

North Devils plans to field teams in the women’s statewide premiership competition as well as teams in the women’s Under-19 and Under-17 competitions.

Published 25-September-2023

Top Brisbane Surgeon Crafts Whiskies at Geebung Distillery

By day, Dr Martin Wood is a top neurosurgeon, performing delicate brain and spinal surgery at Mater Hospital Hospital. Come weekends, however, he trades his surgical scrubs for a distiller’s apron, retreating to his boutique distillery in Geebung to craft small-batch single malt whiskies and spirits.

Read: Owners of Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Opens Second Location

The Scottish-born surgeon, who grew up appreciating fine whisky, established Kitty Hawk Distillery in 2017 with his wife Nicole and business partners Andrew and Natalie Vann.

“When the craft distilling scene began to grow here in Australia, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss,” he said.

“I have always loved making things and demystifying the process by which things are created, prepared or assembled.

He uses traditional techniques to produce small-batch spirits like gin, apple brandy and whisky matured in barrels to develop complex flavours.

Dr Wood’s creations are winning approval from discerning drinkers, with new releases being snapped up before they are even advertised.

His Flyer single malt pays homage to the Wright brothers’ first powered aircraft, whilst the Byron Double is finished in rum casks from a distillery in Byron Bay.

“Everything in the distillery is done by hand – the distilling, barrelling, bottling, labelling. It is a laborious but very rewarding process.

“Our focus at this stage is on providing small-batch, high-quality spirits for the local Australian market.”

For Dr Wood, distilling is a “passion project” and a creative outlet from his intense neurosurgery work. But he also hopes to put Brisbane-made whisky on the map as a premium product that can rival offerings from other regions.

“We are determined to show that great aged spirits can be produced in a hot climate like ours in Brisbane,” he said. The surgeon brings an exacting, meticulous approach to his hobby, ensuring every step is done by hand for the highest quality and consistency.

So whilst Dr Wood spends his working days performing painstaking surgery inside people’s heads, he unwinds by hand-crafting his own “surgical spirit” – proof that sometimes life’s passions can come from unexpected places.

Read: Step into Cafe Lacuna, A Food Lover’s Paradise in Wavell Heights

Dr Wood’s Kitty Hawk spirits are currently available for purchase online and at select bottle shops and bars in Brisbane. The distillery also ships products directly to customers within Queensland and interstate.

Visit www.kittyhawkdistillery.com.au.

Published 19-September-2023