Quick Response of Kalinga Resident Thwarts Young Offenders’ Attempted Break-in

Police have commended a Kalinga resident for their excellent home security measures and swift action in contacting the authorities following an attempted break-in.


Read: Police Urge Wavell Heights Community To Secure Cars, Homes Due To Thefts


In the early hours of Wednesday, 12 April 2023, two boys were allegedly caught attempting to break into a residence on Emma Street, Kalinga. According to police reports, the boys had opened the closed side gate of the house before trying to force open the locked front door.

Fortunately, the homeowner had excellent home security measures in place, including CCTV cameras, and was able to quickly notify the police. 

Kalinga Resident
Emma St (Photo credit: Google Street View)

As a result, officers were able to locate and apprehend the suspects, who were found to be carrying gloves, masks, and balaclavas. 

Sgt Jodie Murray praised the actions of the Kalinga resident, noting that their quick response and the installation of security measures were crucial in catching the would-be burglars.

“A 14-year-old boy from Wavell Heights and a 15-year-old boy from Nundah, were dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act,” said Sgt Murray.

Youth Crime Laws

Kalinga Resident
Photo credit: Evan Velez Saxer/Pexels

The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that there were 45,210 offenders aged between 10 and 17 years proceeded against by police from 2021-2022, which was a 2 per cent increase from the previous year. 

In response to the alarming rise in youth crime rates, the Queensland Parliament has passed new legislation aimed at cracking down on young offenders. 

The tough new laws dictate that any young offender who violates their bail conditions will be charged with an offence, and the Youth Justice Act will be amended to allow for a declaration of ‘serious repeat offenders.’

This declaration will enable stricter sentencing principles to be applied to these offenders. Furthermore, young people who are involved in criminal activities such as being a passenger in stolen vehicles, burglary, or attempting to commit an indictable offence will now face a presumption against bail. 


Read: Upbeat Arts Promotes Mental Health With Brand New Choir in Wavell Heights


The introduction of these measures is an attempt to address the issue of youth crime in the state and act as a deterrent to those who may consider committing offences.

Published 21-April-2023

TWG Cars: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Used Vehicles in Brisbane

In search of a budget-friendly car? TWG Cars Geebung is the go-to destination for anyone looking for quality used cars in Brisbane. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, a vast selection of vehicles, flexible financing options, and friendly professionals. 



TWG Cars is situated in North Brisbane, specifically in Geebung. Behind the service centre, the dealership has a spacious custom shed that houses more than 80 premium second-hand vehicles, making it one of the most extensive selections of pre-owned cars available in the region. 

The shed is entirely covered, allowing for all-weather access and is open six days a week to ensure convenience for customers.

At TWG Cars, everyone can own a high-quality vehicle, no matter their financial situation. Their team is devoted to helping customers find the ideal car that fits their budget and lifestyle with flexible and accessible financing options available to ensure that customers can achieve their dream of owning a vehicle. In addition to offering customized financing solutions, TWG Cars specializes in Utes and SUVs. 

The dealership also provides the added convenience of instant online prices for selling, buying, or trading a vehicle. Customers can easily search their large range online, filtering by price, make and model, body type, year, kilometres driven, transmission and more.

For more than three decades, TWG Cars has been committed to offering top-notch vehicles at competitive prices, making them the premier second-hand car dealer throughout Brisbane. 

As a part of the Tony White Group, the largest privately owned automotive group in Australia, TWG Cars is a completely family-owned business that prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else.

Tony White, the founder of the Tony White Group, began his career selling cars in Victoria with modest beginnings before expanding his business across Australia. In the last 30 years, the company has expanded significantly by acquiring and developing over 130 car franchises and pre-owned car dealerships. Remarkably, this averages out to over four new businesses every year for the past three decades.



Google Reviews:

“Geoff at the shed was excellent. Friendly, old fashion service with a smile. Very relaxed atmosphere, not pushy. Good sales man, convenient location, plenty if cars to choose from and good prices. Highly recommended salesman and business.” – W. Connors

“This is the 3rd car I have bought from this company. All very reliable, good cars.

Peter was easy to deal with, very easy purchase process. After sales service is great too.” – L. Lamont

“A big thanks to Geoff at TWG Cars, highly communicative and very friendly. Finally a dealership with respectable sellers, no pushy approach. I had a small problem after collection that was resolved promptly to my satisfaction also. Would recommend.” – T. Bradford

You can find TWG Cars at at 2/501 Bilsen Road, Geebung or visit their website here.

Published 14-April-2023

Fence Dispute Between Wavell Heights Neighbours Highlights Steps Needed to Resolve Similar Boundary Issues

For five years, two Wavell Heights neighbours have been at odds over the fence on their properties, a dispute that has intensified to include the police and even the RSPCA. The case has shone a light on the necessary steps to take when dealing with a boundary line issue between neighbours.



In October 2022, Wavell Heights residents were alerted to the screams of Reshael Sirputh who was trying to stop Mitch McKee, the guy who lives next door, from taking down the fence between their properties. The police were alerted to the disruption but Mr McKee claimed he simply wanted to build a new fence because he was concerned about his neighbour’s dog. He also said that the new fence will cost his neighbours nothing.

However, Ms Sirputh said that there was already a chain wire fence when McKee moved in years ago and she has also complied with Council’s orders to add a bamboo fence on her side since there’s a dog on her property. Contrary to what Mr McKee said, her neighbour apparently wanted Ms Sirputh to pay for the new fence he planned to build himself. She said that he quoted $14,000 for the fence.

When she declined the cost, Mr McKee, a tradie, took out his power tools and proceeded to cut the chain wires and remove her bamboo fence. Ms Sirputh took videos of her neighbour as she screamed and attempted to stop him from destroying property. Her dog also got in the way of Mr McKee, who swung a hammer at the animal. The RSPCA issued him a warning.

Ms Sirputh hurt her hand when she tried to stop Mr McKee but he was not arrested nor charged. The police said this was a civil matter that must be heard before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). 

The dispute between the Wavell Heights neighbours could have been avoided if one of the homeowners immediately filed for an order with the QCAT to prevent the other party from demolishing the fence on their boundary line, under Section 38(1) of the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011

Before filing, however, the neighbours should have had a proper conversation and investigation into why they needed to knock back the boundary line fence. If an agreement has been reached, it should be done in writing but if the neighbours continued to disagree, the QCAT could recommend a mediation. 



The QCAT has nationally-accredited mediators who can walk both sides of the process with impartiality. This service is free. However, if the mediation fails, then the disputing neighbours can elevate and take legal action by filing a civil court case. A court case, however, may be costlier and more time-consuming than installing a new fence.   

Published 25 March 2022

The Kedron Brook Lighting Restoration Works Commences

The Kedron Brook restoration works involving lighting restoration on Gympie Road to Shaw Road have commenced.


Read: Dental Practice to Open on Edinburgh Castle Road


Lighting restoration works between Gympie Road, Kedron to Shaw Road, Wavell Heights commenced in early February with completion of works expected by late March 2023.

The restoration works along Kedron Brook Bikeway between Gympie Road, Kedron and Shaw Road in Wavell Heights will include the installation of luminaires and poles, electrical cabling works, and adding topsoil and turf. However, restoration works will vary at each location depending on the level of damage at the light.

The lighting infrastructure along Kedron Brook was significantly impacted by the February 2022 floods. Sections of Kedron Brook were critically damaged by the flood waters. Restoration works across the brook are now underway.

Moreover, electrical infrastructure along the Kedron Bikeway was also significantly damaged following the severe weather event last year. Electrical inspections have already been carried out across the length of the bikeway and the lights have been switched on where it is safe to do so.

Following these inspections, however, a large number of poles, luminaries, electrical pits and cabling were identified to have been severely damaged and must be replaced as part of the restoration process.

Lighting restoration works are now underway along the Kedron Brook Bikeway, with works expected to progress throughout early 2023.



Residents who live or travel through the area may experience low-level noise, truck movements, vibration and dust during restoration works. The bike path will remain open with minimal disruptions expected. Council encourages road users to follow any signage on site.

For inquiries about the project, you may contact the Council’s City Projects Team at 1800 884 681 or email cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Published 5-March-2023.

Ellison Estate Geebung Redevelopment Underway

Work is progressing on the demolition of a Geebung industrial site to give way to the construction of sized warehouses with offices within the new Ellison Estate.



Taylor Ellis Architecture is building the warehouse with ancillary offices or tenancies across five new buildings that will be constructed in two stages. The plans also include car parks with loading and maneuvering areas. 

Development Directive, the planners of this project, said that the development will be able to maximise the “economic and employment generating focus for Geebung” and use the industrial land efficiently. 

Ellison Estate
Photo Credit: Development Directive
Ellison Estate
Photo Credit: Development Directive

“The proposed development has been architecturally designed to contribute to a modern and accessible industrial precinct with services and amenity provided for workers. The built form, siting and height of the proposed warehouse is consistent and harmonious with the established built form and uses which surround the site,” the planners stated. 

The warehouses have a combined ground floor area of more than 53,000 square metres for e-commerce and speciality traders. 

DA A005921165 was approved in less than six months.  

Enjoy Two Days of Gluten Free Feast at VEND Market Place

Coeliacs and Gluten intolerant people, rejoice! Come to VEND Market Place for two days of delicious eats galore that’s guaranteed Gluten Free.



Head on out to VEND Market Place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 18th February 2023 from 8 am to 2 pm for a day when you don’t have to guess if that mouth-watering food is gluten-free or not. 

Imagine an assortment of food trucks and food stalls where everything on offer is GLUTEN-FREE! You choose from an array of delicious food that you can eat on-site to gluten-free goodies you can take home with you. 

Gluten is a kind of protein found in certain grains including wheat (including spelt), rye, barley and oats. A gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease and gluten-intolerant people manage their symptoms. 

So whether you are a coeliac, gluten intolerant or just love to eat anything gluten-free, this event is for you.

And don’t forget to explore the indoor marketplace too and see what the over than 130 small, local businesses inside could offer. There is also a shaded eating area with a kid’s playground.

There is plenty of onsite parking as well plus street parking on Yarraman Place with gate access straight to the venue.

Note: This is a TICKETED event (FREE TICKETS) to ensure that the venue can safely and efficiently run with the large number of people expected.

Please make sure you have secured your FREE ticket by visiting the Eventbrite page here.

Enjoy Two Days of Gluten Free Feast at VEND Market Place
Photo credit:  Facebook / VEND Market Place


About VEND

VEND is an indoor market boasting more than 100 retail shops by local businesses offering a range of one-off items including ladies’ and kids’ fashion, indoor plants, dog accessories, records, vintage collectables, homewares, decor, furniture, art, body products and more.

Reviews

“Food is great and price is reasonable. Not sure about all the dogs though. I know I can go elsewhere.” – P. Robinson

“Great service and friendly staff. Food excellent too. Thank you” – J. Peters

Lovely spot for a light snack or full meal. We wandered around all the stores and saw some beautiful crafts and awesome art works.” – S. Williams

Published 9-February-2023

VEND Market Place | 1768 Sandgate Road, Virginia

Dental Practice to Open on Edinburgh Castle Road

A corner lot along Edinburgh Castle Road in Wavell Heights could soon become a dental practice and a future health services site if plans are approved.



Murray Bell Planning Co filed DA A006143614 in November 2022, which seeks to build a two-storey building for the dental practice. The site will have two consultation rooms, six surgery rooms, a waiting lounge and administration areas. The property will also have 16 car spaces and an emergency vehicle bay.   

“The Applicant has found an ideal location within the suburb of Wavell Heights to cater for their existing clientele base, as well those who are elderly and/or disabled,” the proposal stated. 

Dental Practice Ediburgh Castle Road Wavell Heights
Photo Credit: DA A006143614/BCC

However, residents in the surrounding areas of Edinburgh Castle Road and Pfingst Road have expressed their objection to the plans. 

“This not consistent with current residential zoning or use,” one resident wrote in the submissions. “The proposal provides little utility given similar business is reasonable proximity as well as the health centre being built on Gympie Rd. This should not be approved.”

“It will turn a residential area into a business area which will negatively impact house prices,” another local wrote. “It will also set a precedent for other businesses to be allowed to build in the area.”

“I oppose as this a residential area, this is already a high traffic area. Having a dental surgery will only increase traffic load and harm to an area where kids play across the road which is a park.”



As of press time, the DA is still under assessment and Council has asked for more information and amendments from the applicant.  

Join The Celebration As NatureArt Lab’s 2023 Program Opens At Hive Studios In Banyo

There will be an Open Studio Event at the recently opened Hive Studios in Banyo to celebrate the launch of NatureArt Lab’s 2023 South East Queensland Studio and Workshop Program.


Read: An Australian First! Northgate’s Valiant Space Sends Components Into Orbit


To celebrate the launch of NatureArt Lab’s 2023 program, there will be creative displays and demonstrations by resident artists and NatureArt lab tutors will feature alongside complementary light refreshments, lucky door prizes, artworks and calendars for sale. 

Hive Studios
Photo credit: natureartlab.com.au

NatureArt Lab’s 2023 South East Queensland Studio and Workshop Program is also an opportunity to come and experience the first-class facilities at Hive Studios.

Hive Studios is a new arts space founded by local artists Lena Tisdall and Sandra Pearce. It will be open to the community and local artists to use for art workshops, studio hire and community events. 

The two artists wanted to build an inclusive arts community that highlights creative authenticity, confidence and resilience. The duo also aimed to break the cycle of disaffection towards nature, to enrich lives and inspire care for the environment. 

Hive Studios
Photo supplied

The brand-new studio is also home to Ms Pearce’s printmaking and papermaking studio, Art from the Urban Wilderness. Ms Pearce is a mid-career visual artist with many years of experience in exhibiting my work, artist residencies and facilitating community workshops all over Australia.


Read: Brisbane Motor Museum Arrives in Banyo Soon


Mark your calendars

What NatureArt Lab’s 2023 South East Queensland Studio and Workshop Program
WhereSaturday 21 January 2023, 3:00 pm. To 5:00 p.m.
WhenHive Studios, Unit 13, 10 Depot Street, Banyo

To learn more about the upcoming program, visit NatureArt Lab Queensland’s Events page.

You may also visit NatureArt Lab’s website to learn about their nature art and photography classes taking place in South East Queensland.

An Australian First! Northgate’s Valiant Space Sends Components Into Orbit

Valiant Space, a Northgate start-up company, is set to send Australia’s first in-space chemical thrusters for satellites aboard Elon Musk’s Space X. 



The space components, designed by three young Queenslanders — Andrew Uscinski, Michael Douw and Benjamin Dodd — are meant to help manoeuvre small satellites into orbit using non-toxic propellants. Their invention can help satellites remain in “optimal orbit” and last longer in space, whilst coming online at a faster rate to be monitored on the ground.

The trio from Valiant Space has identified a market gap for space propulsion options that are not carcinogenic, easy to handle, and cost-effective to develop with the support of the  Queensland Government’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub in Northgate.

“Our thruster runs on nitrous oxide and propane – like what you would use in a barbecue, but slightly more pure – which gives a comparable performance to the toxic options, but without the need for high-cost handling infrastructure,” Mr Uscinski said.

“Our solutions will save money at every step of the mission lifecycle, by leveraging a simplified design, rapid manufacturing methods and low-cost propellants.”

Valiant Space has been a tenant of the ARM Hub since November 2020 and has taken advantage of the staff support, flexibility of leasing, and the large warehouse space. The company also secured a $750,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Moon to Mars Initiative to develop its prototype.  

The trip with SpaceX is the first step of the validation process that the Australian-made components can withstand the violent conditions of its journey into space. A full thruster launch will follow in mid-2023. 

“The Valiant Space team is just one business based here at the hub in Northgate and I’m looking forward to seeing the fantastic advancements and products to come from this Palaszczuk Government initiative,” Nudgee MP Leanne Linard said.

“We know our Queensland manufacturers are some of the best in the world and now – perhaps – some of the best in space!”



“Our Government provides support in many ways and in this instance, the Queensland Government-funded ARM Hub, at Northgate, helped these young entrepreneurs out by providing a workspace to start this fantastic business, as well as assistance in applying for the critical grants that have made this SpaceX opportunity a reality,” Minster for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said.

“We manufacture things for Queensland, we manufacture things for Australia and now we’re manufacturing things for outer space.”

New Brisbane Motor Museum to Open in Banyo

The long wait will soon be over. Australian classic and sports car enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of the Brisbane Motor Museum in Banyo.



“Brisbane Motoring Enthusiasts… Save the Date,” Brisbane Motor Museum’s social media post announcing the new venue’s opening date reads.

“We are pleased to announce on June 16th the Brisbane Motor Museum will be opening its doors to the public.  Celebrate this grand public opening with us on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Finally, we have a place in Brisbane for Motoring Enthusiasts to call home.”

Just minutes north of the Brisbane CBD and Airport, the Brisbane Motor Museum at 959 Nudgee Road is set to become the new home for historic and classic car enthusiasts.

The motoring hub will feature 3 to 4 months of rotating exhibits showcasing a cast collection of invited cars, so there’s always something new to see. The exhibits will include a marquee, car club milestones, themed exhibits, artworks and motoring materials.

According to plans, the ground floor space will include a foyer, storage area, reception and access to the undercroft car parking area. There will also be club rooms, meeting rooms, a gift shop, a food and drinks outlet, a public elevator, undercover parking, a library and more than 900 sqm of space that will serve as the exhibit area.

“The exhibit is planned to offer both a static and dynamic display. Our static display houses mostly vehicles from the museum’s collection as well as feature cars that are on display beyond the exhibit’s duration,” Brisbane Motor Museum said in describing the marques that will be on display at the museum.



“Our dynamic display is as mentioned, rotated every exhibit theme providing patrons fresh displays across many interests. Dynamic displays may involve themed events such as “The Best of a British” or “The Italian Festival of Speed” or focus on a car club’s anniversary or celebrated marque.” 

Published 3-February-2023

Brisbane Motor Museum | 959 Nudgee Rd, Banyo QLD 4014, Australia