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MAFS Stars Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente List Renovated Wavell Heights Home

Married At First Sight (MAFS) fan favourites Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente list their renovated Wavell Heights home on the market as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives.

The couple, who met during MAFS Season 8 in 2021, welcomed their first child, Chloe, eight weeks ago and are now looking to move closer to family in Ascot.

The Balbuziantes purchased the character home on Barker Street two years ago and have since transformed it with a comprehensive renovation.

“We’ve kept the beautiful, original ceiling roses and the same windows, but we’ve gently brought her into a more modern era,” Kerry Balbuziente explained. The renovation features bright whites and colourful furnishings, creating what she describes as a “coastal chic” aesthetic.

One unique feature of the home is the iconic plaque from their MAFS hotel room, which Johnny famously removed with a butter knife during filming. The memento now hangs prominently above the kitchen entrance, though the couple plans to take it to their next home.

The property is being marketed by Drew Davies of Place Estate Agents, with an auction scheduled for September 11. The Balbuziantes hope to capitalise on what they perceive as a hot market, though they acknowledge the challenges of buying in the current climate. “Lucky we have in-laws with a spare bedroom, so we might be bunking in all together!” Kerry joked.

Since their time on MAFS, the couple has focused on building their life together. They became engaged during a sunset boat ride on Sydney Harbour and tied the knot at Ciao Pai restaurant in Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves in January 2023.

Professionally, Kerry juggles her work as an occupational therapist with co-ownership of Caxton Street Brewing Company, while Johnny continues his career as a theatre producer.

As they prepare for this next move, the Balbuziantes are already considering future renovation projects. “Johnny and I have loved flipping this home, and hope potentially to do it again,” Kerry said, adding, “I’m a weirdo. I love moving house and having a blank canvas to start again and decorate.”

Published 13-August-2024

Jaden Boon Brings Mind-Bending Comedy to Geebung RSL

Rising star Jaden Boon is set to captivate audiences with his unique blend of comedy and hypnosis in the upcoming “Beyond Reality Hypnosis Show” at Geebung RSL.

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

This 18+ event, scheduled for Saturday, October 12 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m, promises an evening of laughter, amazement, and perhaps a touch of scepticism.

Hailing from Redland Bay, Jaden Boon has quickly made a name for himself in the world of stage hypnosis. His show offers more than just entertainment; it’s an exploration of the human mind’s potential and the power of suggestion. Attendees can expect to witness incredible feats that blur the line between reality and illusion, all while doubling over with laughter.

What sets Boon’s performance apart is the interactive element. Audience members are given the tantalising choice to “See the Show or BE The Show,” allowing the brave (or perhaps the curious) to step into the spotlight and discover their own suggestibility. This participatory aspect adds an unpredictable and personal dimension to each performance, ensuring no two shows are exactly alike.

A Night of Scepticism and Wonder

For sceptics, the event presents an opportunity to challenge their beliefs about hypnosis. For believers, it’s a chance to delve deeper into the mysteries of the mind. Regardless of where one stands, Boon’s charismatic presence and skillful showmanship promise to leave all attendees thoroughly entertained and perhaps a little bewildered.

As the tagline suggests, this is not your average night out. Leave the kids at home, bring an open mind, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the realm of hypnotic comedy. Whether you’re watching from the audience or finding yourself unexpectedly on stage, Jaden Boon’s “Beyond Reality Hypnosis Show” is poised to be a highlight of Geebung’s entertainment calendar.

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

Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this mind-bending experience. So, for those ready to question everything they thought they knew about the power of suggestion – and have a great laugh while doing so – Geebung RSL is the place to be on October 12.

Published 6-August-2024

Norths Rugby Fundraiser Supports Jordan Luke After Life-Changing Injury

The rugby community is coming together to support Jordan Luke, whose life was altered dramatically after suffering an injury that left him with permanent loss of function in his arm.

Read: GingerCloud Foundation Opens Modified Rugby Program in Wavell Heights

Luke’s life took an unexpected turn during a home game at Wavell Heights on June 15. Doctors informed Luke that he had damaged his brachial plexus, a network of nerves connecting the arm to the neck and torso.

Recounting the incident, Luke explained that he approached the player to tackle as he had done countless times before. Upon making contact and falling to the ground, he realised he couldn’t brace himself and was unable to move his right arm or leg.

Photo credit: Norths Rugby Club/Facebook

Norths Rugby has initiated a fundraising campaign for Luke and hosted a community event last Saturday, July 13, at the Norths’ homeground.

The fundraising event held for Luke at Norths Rugby Club proved to be a resounding success. The community turned out in force, demonstrating an overwhelming show of support and solidarity for Luke during this challenging time.

Meanwhile, the days following the injury were tumultuous for Luke. He initially thought it might be a severe case of a “stinger,” an injury involving stretched or compressed nerves in the neck or shoulder. However, he soon experienced intense nerve pain in his arm and shoulder.

Luke described the worsening pain, which became excruciating. Doctors struggled to find an effective pain medication, eventually resorting to ketamine. During this time, Luke grappled with worst-case scenarios, contemplating the possibility of never being able to pick up his niece or future children again.

Still, Luke expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from his partner Mathison, family, close friends, and Norths Rugby during this challenging time. He acknowledged the significance of the fundraising efforts, offers of assistance, and messages of support.

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

As the rugby community continues to rally around one of their own, the club’s message resonates clearly: “Together, we are making a real difference in Jordan’s life. Let’s keep this momentum going and help Jordan on his road to recovery!”

Those wishing to support Jordan Luke in his recovery journey can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign set up by Norths Rugby, which aims to assist with Luke’s medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

Published 17-July-2024

Northgate Robotics Team Clinches Victory at Melbourne Tournament

Congratulations to BotBuilders, a Northgate-based robotics team that captured the top spot at the Melbourne Robotics Tournament, showcasing the skills and creativity of local youths in a challenging competition!

Unexpected Triumph

On their first outing to the Melbourne Robotics Tournament held from the 5th to 7th July 2024, the BotBuilders, comprised of teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 21, impressed seasoned competitors by winning the event.

The team participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an off-season event that allows teams to test and refine their robots and strategies between official seasons.

Northgate BotBuilders — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Team Dynamics and Preparation

The BotBuilders team, which gathers at a studio in Northgate, consists of members from across Greater Brisbane, extending as far as Rochedale and up to the Sunshine Coast. Guided by adult mentors, these youths take on various roles, from mechanical and electrical design to programming and strategy.

Their collaborative efforts over nine weeks are focused on designing and building a robot capable of competing under strict game rules.

Despite being new to this level of competition, the BotBuilders used two off-season competitions—the Melbourne Robotics Tournament and Duel Down Under in Sydney—to hone their design, manufacturing, and coding skills. Their robot, noted for its compact design and agile performance, excelled in the 2.5-minute matches by navigating a basketball-sized field and scoring points efficiently.

Future Aspirations

Mrs. Pollard, a coach of the BotBuilders, remarked on the importance of robotics in fostering confidence and resilience among youths, especially those who might feel out of place in other settings. The team is now focused on developing their skills further for their official competition season starting in January 2025, with aspirations to qualify for the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, USA.

The BotBuilders are actively engaging in community activities to raise funds for their upcoming competitions. They will showcase their robotics talents at several local events, including the RoboRave Australia World Championships, The Pine Rivers Show, and The Ekka, where they aim to promote STEM and their team’s achievements.

97% of QLD Classes Meet Targets: Wavell Heights State School Among Few Making Minor Adjustments

Wavell Heights State School has been identified as one of the few Brisbane schools exceeding recommended class sizes set by Queensland’s Department of Education.

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

Education Queensland sets class-size targets of 25 students for Prep to Year 3. Wavell Heights State School reportedly has 26 students in these classes, just one over the recommended limit.

An Education Queensland spokeswoman addressed the issue, stating that most classes above target were only over by one or two students.

The spokeswoman clarified that while principals use class-size targets as guidelines when forming classes, these targets are not strict limits that must be enforced. She emphasised that the targets are meant to be flexible rather than absolute maximums.

On an encouraging note, Education Queensland reported that the vast majority of classes across the state are meeting or falling below the recommended targets, with an impressive 97 percent of classes at or under the prescribed size limits.

While Wavell Heights State School slightly exceeded the target, it’s not alone, as Salisbury State School and Mackenzie State Primary School also reported higher-than-recommended class sizes for Prep to Year 3, with average class sizes of 27 and 26 students respectively.

Interestingly, Wavell Heights State School’s Years 4 to 6 classes are within the target range, with 26 students per class against a target of 28.

Although some experts would say that smaller isn’t always better for class sizes, the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) maintains that smaller classes lead to more individual attention and improved student outcomes.

QTU emphasizes the importance of class size targets on its website, highlighting that these guidelines contribute to improved teacher-student interactions and outcomes, help manage teacher workload, and promote better health and safety conditions for both educators and students.

Read: Wavell State High School Teacher Wins Excellence in Teaching Award

As schools navigate these challenges, the impact on student learning and teacher workload remains a topic of ongoing discussion.

Published 6-July-2024

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