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Blooming Passion: The Thriving World of Aspley Orchid Society in Wavell Heights

At the Wavell Heights Community Hall, a group of dedicated orchid enthusiasts gathers regularly to share their love for these exotic blooms. The Aspley Orchid Society, a vibrant community of plant lovers, has been nurturing orchid passion for nearly five decades.

Read: How Perides Art Foundry in Geebung is Transforming the Queen’s Wharf Development

The society holds monthly meetings at the Wavell Heights Community Hall, where members convene on the first Thursday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m. and the third Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m., creating a schedule that accommodates various lifestyles.

The heart of the Aspley Orchid Society beats with a clear purpose: to share the love of orchids with fellow members and the public through interactive gatherings. These meetings are far from mere social events; they serve as vibrant forums for learning and growth.

Members are encouraged to showcase their prized plants at monthly meetings, where they receive valuable feedback through judges’ commentaries. This practice not only allows growers to exhibit their successes but also provides learning opportunities for all attendees.

A highlight of the society’s activities is the diverse array of guest speakers who share their expertise. These presentations cover a wide range of topics, from basic orchid care to advanced cultivation techniques, helping members improve their knowledge and skills in orchid appreciation and culture.

History

Founded in November 1975, the society sprouted from the efforts of a small group of keen orchid growers who saw the need to spread orchidology in the rapidly expanding area. Their inaugural meeting, held on 6 February 1976, at the Aspley Special School, marked the beginning of a thriving horticultural community.

This spirit of camaraderie and shared learning was present from the very first meeting, which saw 18 members and 14 visitors in attendance, with 27 orchid plants on display. The society quickly established its identity, choosing a badge featuring a single flower of Oncidium varicosum on a royal blue background.

The society’s commitment to education and community engagement is evident in its history. From its inception, the Aspley Orchid Society emphasised encouraging new growers and supporting the local community.

As the society grew, so did its ambitions. The Aspley Orchid Society’s first display at a Queensland Orchid Society Show, held at Neptunes in Fortitude Valley, marked its entry into the broader orchid community of Southeast Queensland.

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

Today, the Aspley Orchid Society stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of orchids and the power of community. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a curious novice, this society offers a welcoming environment to explore the fascinating world of orchids, right in the heart of Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Published 3-July-2024

How Perides Art Foundry in Geebung is Transforming the Queen’s Wharf Development

Did you know that several commissioned works, which will be installed in July for the staged opening of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, were made at Perides Art Foundry in Geebung?

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

This local foundry is playing a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of the city’s ambitious Queen’s Wharf development.

Perides Art Foundry, established in 1984 by renowned artist and sculptor Phillip Piperides, is crafting several major works that will soon grace the precinct’s public spaces.

Among the most striking pieces emerging from Perides’ workshop is Justene Williams’ colossal bronze sculpture, “Sheila.” Standing almost five metres tall, this larger-than-life superwoman will greet visitors at the Queen’s Wharf Plaza, adjacent to the historic Commissariat Store.

Justene Williams (centre) behind her artwork ‘Sheila’ (Photo credit: Justene Williams/Instagram)

Williams, a Brisbane-based artist known for her body-centric works, drew inspiration from an unlikely source: her five-year-old daughter’s fascination with miniature figurines.

Perides Art Foundry — Design for ‘Destiny’ by Wukun Wanambi (Photo credit: Perides Art Projects/Instagram)

Another significant piece taking form at Perides is “Destiny,” a posthumous work by the late Wukun Wanambi. This five-metre-high aluminum sculpture, nearing completion, will perch atop a bull shark-shaped shelter at The Landing. Wanambi, who passed away in May 2022, left behind the design for this striking piece that bridges Indigenous artistry with contemporary urban spaces.

Render of ‘Inhabitant’ by Tony Albert (Photo credit: queenswharfbrisbane.com.au)

The foundry is also bringing to life Tony Albert’s “Inhabitant,” a 15-metre floating art garden showcasing iconic Australian flora. This innovative installation will blend sculpted representations of plants like the Desert Pea, Waratah, and Banksia with live native greenery, creating a dynamic entrance feature for Queen’s Wharf.

Urban Art Projects in Northgate (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Just a short distance away in Northgate, another foundry is contributing to the precinct’s artistic vision. Urban Art Projects, housed in a 5000-square-metre former train fabrication facility, is the birthplace of Lindy Lee’s monumental “Being Swallowed by the Milky Way.”

This eight-metre, eight-tonne bronze sculpture promises to be a nocturnal spectacle, its perforated surface transforming into a shimmering galaxy of silver and gold stars after dark.

Lee, who has garnered international acclaim, considers this piece her “most significant commission” to date. The sculpture, set to adorn the George Street Atrium entrance, represents a homecoming for the artist and a sophisticated addition to Brisbane’s evolving skyline.

As Queen’s Wharf Brisbane prepares for its grand unveiling in August 2024, these local foundries are not just casting metal; they’re forging the cultural identity of a city on the rise. From Geebung to Northgate, Brisbane’s artisans are proving that world-class public art can have deeply local roots.

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

The convergence of Indigenous perspectives, contemporary aesthetics, and Brisbane’s industrial heritage in these works speaks to a broader narrative of inclusion and innovation. As the city embraces its future, it does so with one foot firmly planted in the rich artistic traditions of its past and present.

Published 27-June-2024

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