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Northgate Engawa House Named 2021 Dulux Colour Awards Finalist

A beautiful house in Northgate, dubbed the Engawa House, has been named a finalist at the 2021 Dulux Colour Award for successfully assimilating two concepts to create an interesting architectural space.

“Engawa” is a Japanese term for a covered communal space fronting the garden and serves as a sitting area or a passageway. For Queenslanders, this design concept applies to a veranda, where families converge in an extended space that seamlessly connects the outdoor area to the indoors.

Matt Kennedy of Arcke, the architectural company behind the Northgate Engawa House, said that they redesigned a typical two-bedroom Queensland home to reflect the desires of its Japan-loving homeowners, who have extensive knowledge and passion for Japanese garden landscapes.

“In this project, we’ve peeled away the rear of this Queenslander to create multiple spaces occupying the edge and expanding the habitable threshold between inside and out.

“This space and its relationship to the garden provides for social interaction between the family, without particular ownership from either upstairs or downstairs.”

Arcke also created a sunken garden, which used to be a bathroom, and opened up the rear side to create a serene green space that the homeowners could look out to and enjoy from the inside.

Photo Credit: Andy MacPherson Studio/Matt Kennedy/Arcke Instagram

Because of its striking exterior, the Engawa House was named one of the nine finalists for the Single Residential Exterior category of the 2021 Dulux Colour Award.

Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux Colour communications manager, said that this year’s finalists have not only made excellent use of clour but also improved the designs by using more natural stones and finishes, reflecting a strong return to nature during this challenging pandemic period.

“Thrilled to be a national finalist in the Dulux Colour Awards. Our Engawa House is in the single residential exterior category. Green on the outside, and sustainably green through-out,” Mr Kennedy wrote after the finalists were announced in June 2021.

Winners of the Dulux Colour Awards will be revealed on 31 August.

Wavell School Creates New Donation Drive for Homeless Connect Event

Students from Wavell State High School have set up a donation drive for Brisbane’s homeless population through Homeless Connect.

Students from the Wavell State High School first set up the drive on the 20th of May 2021, striving to connect the homeless as well as those at risk of homelessness with support services. They provided homeless people across Brisbane with donated items gathered from their families, eager to give new or unused tools, clothing, food and other objects for those who really need them.

About Homeless Connect

Homeless Connect is a regular event hosted by the Council, created to improve the quality of life for all Brisbane residents by providing them with a wide range of benefits.

Some of these benefits include receiving free services from volunteer medical and allied health care professionals, or housing support and community support. Those without homes can even receive free haircuts from volunteer barbers, as well as immunisation from the Council’s immunisation team.

Other goods and services provided by the event include personal grooming items for self care such as toothbrushes, shampoo and deodorant, as well as clothing and shoes for both adults and children. Food and entertainment are also given to people without homes, or those at risk of losing their homes.

Homeless Connect has helped over 18,580 people since it first launched in November 2006.

North Brisbane First Nations Service Providers Eligible for DFV Prevention Grants

Service providers that support First Nations families in eligible locations across Queensland, including North Brisbane, may now avail of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Grants 2021.

The State Government has set aside $140,000 to support programs and activities that aim to help First Nation families, especially those who are victims of domestic and family violence. These include education, early intervention, prevention, and identification of various forms of violence within a family unit. It also covers training and initiatives that will promote and motivate a safe community among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

According to Craig Crawford, the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, qualified providers may use the grant to deliver the most appropriate support for First Nations individuals or groups whose safety and capacity are disproportionally impacted by their home environment compared to non-Indigenous women.

Apart from Brisbane North service providers, organisations in Caboolture, Cairns, Cherbourg, Ipswich, Logan/Beenleigh, Mackay and Mount Isa may also apply for a grant of up to $10,000 per group.

“Sadly, we know in Queensland First Nation’s women are disproportionately victims of domestic and family violence compared to non-Indigenous women,” Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said.

“These grants will support our hardworking domestic and family violence services to provide much-needed culturally appropriate support for our First Nation’s women and families,” she said.

The announcement of the grant comes as May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Grant applications will be accepted until 31 May 2021 via the official site.

Warning Issued as Trailer Thefts Rise in Wavell Heights, North Brisbane

Wavell Heights trailer owners need to implement extra security amidst a rising number of trailer thefts in North Brisbane, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has warned.

According to the authorities, the following areas were targeted by thieves in the last three weeks, stealing from trailers parked on the streets by unhooking the attachment and running off with the bounty from tradesmen or residents who store their tools and other equipment in the box.

SUBURB	STREET NAME
Ascot	Ascot Street
Bardon	Fletcher Parade
Boondall	Aberdeen Parade
Bowen Hills	Cintra Road
Chermside	Kingsmill Street
Keperra	Marble Street
Paddington	Great George Street
Toowong	Frederick Street
Wavell Heights	Parkham Avenue
Zillmere	Jennings Street

The police said that the trailer owners should make it “as hard as possible” to unhook the attachment with a lock and chain, a wheel clap, or by parking the trailer inside a locked gate or garage to keep it out of sight from the thieves.

Owners should also remove any items inside the trailer so it won’t be an easy target. If possible, owners are also encouraged to invest in anti-theft alarms for storage and boxes or CCTV on their property. It would be wise to have a photograph of serial numbers of the tools and equipment for purposes of identification if lost.

Wavell Heights and North Brisbane locals can help prevent this crime by reporting suspicious activities with QPS Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or at the official site.

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia Need North Brisbane Residents Pet Carers

Are you a dog-loving Wavell Heights or North Brisbane resident with a secured yard? Would you be willing to take in a puppy for training with Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Vision Australia for at least 15 months?

Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Vision Australia are in need of pet carers who can become an important part of a puppy’s development and training as an animal who will help vision-impaired individuals once they mature.

The program is open to willing individuals who will temporarily welcome eight-week-old pups in their home and help them learn social skills to prepare them for their huge task ahead. The carers must also be willing to take the pup for basic training or group training, as needed.

Photo Credit: Seeing Eye Dogs Australia/Facebook

Seeing Eye Dogs defines puppy carers as someone who will:

Provide a loving home and to nurture a Seeing Eye Dogs puppy
Help to socialise them
Teach them basic skills such as toilet training, to sit, and to walk nicely on a lead

It would be an advantage for older puppies to have a carer who could take them for long walks and travel on public transport.

Vision Australia will provide pet carers with the puppy’s needs for a full year, such as food, veterinary care, collar, lead, and other essentials. The service company has six-month and modified training programs but slots are currently full.

To join, sign and submit the online form. If you know someone who might want to be a puppy carer but is not living in North Brisbane, they may send an email to Carer.Admin@visionaustralia.org for consideration.

All applications will be evaluated, while properties will be inspected virtually.

Wavell Heights Property Market Tipped for 4-Year Growth Amidst Infrastructure Projects

A number of middle ring suburbs, including Wavell Heights, are going to benefit from the Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro infrastructure projects in the next four years, according to industry experts.

Whilst Albion, Woolloongabba, Yeronga, Nundah and Clayfield stand to gain the most from the ripple effect of these projects, Wavell Heights and Virginia have also been seen as potential hotspots because of the increased infrastructure and access to train lines.

CoreLogic property research director Tim Lawless said that the appeal of detached houses in these suburbs bolstered a strong performance in the market in recent months, compared to apartments, because its land value has “development potential.”

The transport improvements are expected to spark soaring house prices as the liveability in these sleepy pockets will increase as well. By 2025, homeowners and investors should reap the full benefits of the market’s growth.

Currently, Wavell Heights has been enjoying an active auction market with record-breaking sales and more clamour for supplies.

The biggest sale, so far, has been a five-bedroom designer house with an amazing view on Zeehan Street, which went for $1.88 million at a January 2021 auction. This broke the suburb’s sales record of a house sold in July 2020 for $1.78 million.

Analysts said that Brisbane is on its way to a major property boom. Demand for houses in the middle ring has been underpinned by factors like relative affordability, low-interest rates, favourable rental returns, and migration from Sydney or Melbourne.

Make Your Hair Happy At Beloved Wavell Heights Salon

Photo credit: Cameo Rose Hair Boutique/Facebook

Looking to get your post-lockdown trim? You might have learnt to trim or colour your hair during the lockdown, but admit it, nothing compares to the feeling of walking out of the salon with your hair done. If you’re in Wavell Heights or nearby, head to Cameo Rose Hair Boutique for a trendy haircut or hair colour.

A mainstay at Rode Rd since 2009, Cameo Rose’s customer base grew through word of mouth. Customers are returning and recommending the salon for a style cut and specialized colours, such as ombre and balayage. Aside from cuts and colour for ladies, they also offer haircuts for gents and kids.

Photo credit: Cameo Rose Hair Boutique/Facebook

“If you want to be treated like absolutely royalty the second you walk through the doors, you have chosen the perfect place. Cara and her team of girls are just fantastic and I always walk out feeling a million bucks. From the scalp massages, to the wine and choccies and the never ending compliments on my hair, I know I have chosen my favourite salon,” said one of the salon’s regulars.

Another happy customer said: “Cara also cut my 5 yr old sons hair and she did an amazing job! My son also loved the experience. I won’t be going anywhere else.”

Photo credit: Cameo Rose Hair Boutique/Facebook Photo credit: Cameo Rose Hair Boutique/Facebook

Following the lockdown, they are back in January 2021, with new regulations to ensure the safety of their guests. In addition to the basics, such as wearing a mask and sanitising hands upon arrival, they ask guests to complete contact tracing on QR code form located on the front door and stations. They highly encourage guests to come alone to their appointment.

It’s owned by Cara Barrett who has over 10 years experience as a stylist. She has one goal and that is to pamper her guests. With its welcoming atmosphere, this salon will indeed make you feel at home.

More than a salon, the Cameo Rose Hair Boutique in Wavell Heights is an establishment that gives back to the community. The salon spreads some love by raising funds for those in need and by hosting random giveaways.

Cameo Rose is open daily (with varied business hours) except on Sundays. They offer a complimentary consultation and quote for new guests. For questions or online booking, check out their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram @cameorosehair.

Locals Petition Speed Limit Change for Main Avenue in Wavell Heights

A group of concerned families in Wavell Heights have lodged a petition to change the speed limit on Main Avenue, as well as implement “proper traffic calming measures” to keep the neighbourhood safe.

The petition, shared on both the Council’s e-petitions page and on Change.org, was initiated by Tunui Tuahiva Ote Tonohiti, who explained that non-residents use Main Avenue to speed up and cut through the traffic building up on Hamilton Road. However, Main Avenue is not a wide street and has plenty of vehicles parked on both sides.

As a result of the speeding, Mr Tonohiti said that cars parked on the streets, owned by families who live there, have had some damages. But it’s not just vehicles that are at risk as many residents have almost been victims of hit and run, and some are caught on video.

“Numerous residents have nearly been hit while crossing the road with a pram or a dog and trying to access parked cars on the street has become a nightmare. We have footage of vehicles during school pick-up and drop-off hours doing 80km/h, if not more down Main Avenue. It is rampant and daily.”

Main Avenue’s speed limit is at 60km/h and the signs are located in just two streets, along the intersection of Bilsen Road and Newman Road.

“The former is hidden and attached to an electrical pole high up behind a tree. Using a 24/7 security camera, we have thousands of hours of recordings of the street and we have observed at least two-thirds of the vehicles travelling Main Avenue do well over the 60km/h speed limit. Some vehicles reaching speeds of 80km/h.”

The petition calls for a speed reduction to 50km/h and the installation of speed bumps in critical areas. Mr Tonohiti also hopes that the Council will put up a pedestrian crossing near the playground on Main Avenue so that children and families walking their dogs can cross safely.

“The footpath on Main Avenue starting from Newman Road travels on one side then stops at the children’s playground and continues on the opposite side of the street with no safe way of crossing over.”

To monitor this development, residents may join the local Facebook group.

Locals Express Concern Over Worsening School Drop-Off at Wavell State High School

School drop-offs in Wavell State High School have changed in recent years, according to the parents of the students or the residents living nearby. Frustration has been mounting as both children and adults display inconsiderate behaviour, making the regular drive to this area such a stressful experience.

The most dangerous time to be on the road is from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., according to an official from the Transport and Main Roads (TMR), because that’s when most school kids are out.

In Wavell Heights, concerned locals said that they’ve experienced a rise in speeding, congestion and other traffic inconveniences at busy intersections near the state high school.

Driver behaviour has gone downhill as well with more rude and entitled people at the wheel, prompting some to fear that they might be involved in a tiff.

To make matters worse, some school children do not seem to have the sense to exercise care and caution when walking on busy streets. It’s an accident waiting to happen, according to the locals.

Brisbane has over 2,000 crossing supervisors at school zones but they, too, have had rude encounters with drivers. However, only serious incidents are reported to TMR.

An official said that they have relied on the help of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for proper traffic enforcement, which regularly monitors speed camera trailers installed at school zones. In 2020, TMR have sent out 4,500 speeding fines within the school zones of suburbs like Wavell Heights, Eatons Hill, Mansfield, Mount Gravatt and Wishart.

The QPS reminded motorists to be mindful, attentive and patient, especially if they are near school zones.

Kim Marx, the chair of the Brisbane City Council Community Health and Safety, said that the incidents on the road can happen within a “split-second” and a small number of errant drivers or misguided students can cause unnecessary risks to the public.

Ms Marx encouraged locals to report what they deem unsafe either to the QPS or the Council as this will also help with enforcement and prevention.

Metagenics: Northgate Health Products Factory Expands With More Jobs, New Facility

Metagenics, an established vitamins and supplements producer, is expanding its production line and facilities in Northgate, creating more job opportunities for Queensland.

The manufacturing company, known for health products like Metagenics, Inner Health and Ethical Nutrients, recently received $1.1 million through the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, which will be used to improve its tableting production and coating facility at its Nudgee Road site.

The expansion is projected for completion in April 2021 and will open 24 new jobs once it’s up and running.

“Metagenics has been producing health products here in Queensland for 35 years and this funding will help them expand – building a state-of-the-art tablet coating production line to create local jobs,” Acting Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said.

“The vitamin, minerals and supplements sector has grown by $2 billion over the past five years. This is a growth industry. We want to partner with the private sector to tap into this huge potential for growth in this industry in years to come.”

Metagenics has 365 staff in Australia and New Zealand with 80 percent of its workforce employed at the Northgate facility.

“Currently our operation primarily uses external contract manufacturers for our tableted product, and this funding will help us to remove that reliance and decrease our company’s risk,” Managing Director Paula Hann said. “It will give us more control over our operations and bring more manufacturing capabilities to Queensland.”