Northgate Archives - Wavell Heights News

Arrest Made After Break-In at Northgate State School

In recent weeks, offenders have targeted several schools across North Brisbane, including Northgate State School, for unlawful entry, theft, and property damage.

According to local police, a specific technique has been identified in these incidents. Offenders gain access to school grounds by cutting and peeling back metal panels on groundskeeping sheds. This allows them to steal valuable equipment such as ride-on mowers, power tools, air compressors, plumbing equipment, and other items. Additionally, scrap metal has also been reported missing from the school premises.

Beyond stealing, offenders have trespassed onto school grounds and caused significant damage. Some incidents include graffiti on walls, the trashing of classrooms, and pouring an unknown substance over sporting courts, which now require resurfacing.

On 28 August at around 4:00 a.m., a Protective Service Officer patrolling Northgate State School caught a male suspect breaking into the school. Police arrived shortly after and arrested the 47-year-old Northgate man at the scene.

He has been charged with Enter Premises and Commit Indictable Offence and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 September.

In response to these incidents, police have urged residents to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity near schools and to report any concerns. The School Watch program, a partnership between the Department of Education, the Queensland Police Service, and Protective Services Group, encourages community members to report any suspicious behaviour around school premises, particularly after hours.

Northgate State School — *Photo Credit: QPS*

The program highlights the importance of protecting school properties, which are at increased risk during school holidays when buildings are unoccupied. Damage caused by unlawful entry, arson, theft, and vandalism comes at a significant cost to the community, both financially and in terms of safety.

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling School Watch on 13 17 88.

Schools are central to local communities, so these offences extend beyond the cost of repairs. The damage affects students, teachers, and local families who rely on these institutions for education and extracurricular activities. Police emphasise that community vigilance is crucial in preventing further incidents and safeguarding school properties for the benefit of everyone.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging anyone with information regarding these offences to come forward.

Published 10-Sept-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.

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

Golden Circle: A Sweet Legacy Rooted in Northgate

Long before Golden Circle became a household name across Australia, its roots were firmly planted in Northgate. In 1947, the suburb welcomed the opening of the company’s first canning factory, an event that would forever etch Golden Circle’s name in the records of Queensland’s pineapple industry and the nation’s food heritage.

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

The grand opening of the Northgate facility on 28 October 1947, was a significant event, attended by 1,500 people, including 500 fruit growers from the Sunshine Coast who arrived on a special train.

The then Premier of Queensland, the Hon Edward Hanlon, officially inaugurated the factory, which was initially named ‘Queensland Tropical Fruit Products,’ with ‘Golden Circle’ serving as their brand name.

Since its inception, the Northgate factory has been the heart of Golden Circle’s operations, processing and canning a wide range of fruits and vegetables, from iconic pineapples to an array of other produce.

Process workers at work at the Golden Circle cannery in Northgate (Photo credit: Brisbane John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)

Over the years, the company’s product line has diversified, now encompassing fruit cordials, juices, carbonated beverages, and baby food, but the Northgate facility remains the company’s main production hub.

Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 1076737

Golden Circle, once one of the few remaining Australian-owned food companies, was acquired by international corporations. In 2007, Coca-Cola Amatil made a conditional bid to acquire 100 percent of the company’s shares.

However, in 2008, Heinz launched a competing takeover bid, offering $1.65 per share, totaling $288 million. This bid was deemed attractive by Golden Circle’s chairman, Phillip Cave, especially given the challenging economic conditions at the time.

Photo credit: The Pineapple Pantry by Golden Circle/Google Maps

Ultimately, Heinz’s takeover bid succeeded, and the acquisition was finalised on 19 December 19 2008, marking Golden Circle’s transition from an Australian farmer-owned company to an international ownership.

Whilst Golden Circle’s ownership has changed hands over the years, most recently acquired by Heinz in 2008, the brand’s connection to Northgate remains a point of pride for the company and the local community. The factory’s presence has been a constant in the area, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the suburb’s identity.

Golden Circle factory at Northgate, 2008 (Photo credit: CC BY 3.0/Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons)

In 2023, Golden Circle revived its Pineapple Pantry at Earnshaw Road, offering locals a unique opportunity to purchase select products from the company’s extensive range at discounted prices. The in-store offerings vary weekly, featuring items nearing their best-before date, product lines discontinued from supermarkets, or surplus inventory.

Read: Massive Discounts as The Golden Circle Pineapple Pantry Re-Opens in Northgate

Today, Golden Circle’s Northgate facility stands as a testament to the company’s rich history and its deep-rooted ties to Brisbane. As the brand continues to evolve and expand its reach, the Northgate canning factory remains a cherished landmark, reminding Australians of the company’s humble beginnings and its commitment to quality and innovation.

Published 17-May-2024

Northgate BotBuilders Shine in First Tech Challenge

Photo Credit: Facebook / Councillor Adam Allan

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

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

First Tech Challenge — Photo Credit: CrAdamAllan/Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 2-December-2023

Cases of Number Plate Theft on the Rise

Photo Credit: myPolice Brisbane North

Did you know that number plate theft in Wavell Heights has been on the rise in recent weeks?

In four separate incidents recently, registration plates were pinched from vehicles parked in Allworth Street, Northgate; Sandgate Road, Nundah; Curtin Avenue East, Eagle Farm; and Bryden Street, Windsor.

In one case, the nicked plates were later found attached to an allegedly stolen vehicle in East Brisbane.

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and to take steps to prevent their number plates from being pinched.

Here’s some tips to help you protect your vehicle:

Fit anti-theft screws to your number plates. These screws are harder to remove, making it less likely that your plates will be pinched.
Park in well-lit areas. This will make it harder for thieves to operate under the cover of darkness.
Don’t leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time. If you have to leave your car, take your number plates with you.
Report any suspicious activity to police. If you see someone tampering with a vehicle’s number plates, or if you see a vehicle with obviously pinched plates, report it to police immediately.

By following these tips, you can help protect your vehicle from number plate theft.

Don’t let your number plates become a liability. Take steps today to protect your vehicle from theft.

Order your free set of anti-theft screws by clicking on this link.

Published 28-June-2023

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.”

Massive Discounts as The Golden Circle Pineapple Pantry Re-Opens in Northgate

On the hunt for budget-friendly but top-quality grocery items? Did you know that the popular discount store, The Golden Circle Pineapple Pantry, has re-opened in Northgate?

Several years ago, mums frequented The Golden Circle Pineapple Pantry for good deals on a range of non-perishable goods.

With its return at Brisbane’s northside, families will again be able to shop for surplus products, pulled-out goods from larger retailers, or items that may be nearing their “best before date”.

Items on offer vary every week but budget-conscious shoppers can definitely score bargains like $2 for a dozen yoghurt pouches or 50c for a large juice box. All foods sold at the pantry are guaranteed safe to consume.

“Golden Circle has been a major employer and training company in Banyo for decades. There are employees there who are third generation and some who have spent their whole career at the company,” Cr Adam Allan said.

The Golden Circle Pineapple Pantry will be open at limited times only but the store is exploring changes to its trading day or time.

Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Currently, there are no plans to open a restaurant on-site similar to the one they used to have.

Golden Circle recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Follow the Facebook page for updates.

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

Photo Credit: Queensland Heritage Listing

Originally built for the first judge in the QLD Supreme Court, The Kedron Lodge is one of the grandest houses ever built in Brisbane. Found on Nelson Street in Kalinga, the magnificent residence was also the first Gothic-style dwelling designed by Brisbane architect Christopher Potter.

Originally built with at least 20 rooms in the 1860s, the house was built of solid sandstone by John Petrie. The residence, built for Alfred James Lutwychem the first judge in the Queensland Supreme Court, remains intact even today.

Mr Lutwyche not only had a grand house but also tended to a viable farm and a beautiful orchard on his property. He also maintained stables for horses as a racing enthusiast.

Judge Alfred Lutwyche and Thomas Claybourn, inspecting a horse at Kedron Lodge, ca. 1871
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Eventually, he donated a block of his property to build St Andrew’s, a new Anglican church, where he was an active member. A decade after his death in 1880, John King, a local shopkeeper and postman, adopted “Kedron” for a burgeoning locality.

His estate was further subdivided and sold at auctions from which the locality of Kalinga emerged. Subsequently, Kedron Lodge was rented out for many years from the 1930s to 1989, when the Catholic Church owned the property as a convent and refuge for troubled young people.

Today, the house is four-bedroom four-bath private home and has been off the market since 2004. It was entered into the State Heritage Listing in 1992.

Who was Alfred James Lutwyche?

Alfred James Lutwyche was born in 1810 in the West Midlands of England and established his practice as a barrister in Oxford, London. He immigrated to Australia in 1853 due to poor health and he almost didn’t make it as the ship bound for Melbourne was wrecked in the Indian Ocean. It was a miracle that most of those aboard the ship survived for 12 days before they were rescued. After the incident, Mr Lutwyche then boarded the Emma Colvin to arrive in Melbourne in December 1853.

Alfred Lutwyche — Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A few years later, Mr Lutwyche became a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council and was appointed the Representative of the Government in the Legislative Council. In 1858, he became the Attorney General and was named the Queen’s Counsel. However, in 1959, Mr Lutwyche left his job in favor of a judicial appointment in Moreton Bay.

Two years after his judicial appointment, Mr Lutwyche was appointed the only judge of the new Supreme Court in Queensland until Sir James Cockle, the first Chief Justice, arrived in 1863.

Mr Lutwyche died at his house after suffering from gout and was buried in St Andrew’s. The suburb of Lutwyche as well as the Lutwyche Cemetery was named in his honour.

alfred lutwyche death — Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Northgate Starbucks With Drive-thru Gets the Green Light

Something’s brewing at the corner of Toombul Rd and Holland St in Northgate, where a new Starbucks cafe with drive-thru may soon be built.

Read: Guzman Y Gomez on Sandgate Rd, Boondall Opens With Record-Breaking Sales

This comes after a ‘fast food outlet with drive-thru,’ presented as Starbucks in the planning documents, was given the green light by Council in early 2022.

Plans indicate that the Starbucks restaurant will measure 200 sqm. The establishment will be housed in a single-storey building with an alfresco area, provision for single-lane drive-through, and boundary landscaping.

In addition to a pedestrian pathway to Holland Rd, the developers are planning to provide shared car parking spaces and a shared loading bay.

The upcoming establishment in Northgate forms part of a bigger plan which includes an existing service station, and two more buildings earmarked for the research and technology industry.

starbucks northgate — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Planners stated in the application that the placement of the approved Starbucks venue, which will be on the northeast corner of the site, is in accordance with traffic advice. It will ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle manoeuvring is achieved, whilst maximising efficiency for the development.

toombul road — Proposed floor plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

In 2020, developers applied for a material change of use and reconfiguration of one lot into two at 185 Toombul Rd, Northgate. The reconfiguration of the lot, however, was not carried out.

Based on the amended proposal, the applicant is seeking a reconfiguration of one lot into two, to separate the Service Station with its associated reciprocal easements.

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

As part of the development, the applicants demolished the Northgate Foundry building on site, which occupied the space since the 1950s.

The proposed development will include 86 car parking spaces, with four for PWD along with eight fuel pump spaces.

Further details about the recently approved development can be viewed at Council’s PD Online, with the reference A005868233.