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Echoes of Pink Floyd to Recreate Historic Pink Floyd Tour at Eatons Hill Grand Ballroom

Pink Floyd fans are in for an unforgettable musical experience when Australian tribute band Echoes of Pink Floyd takes the stage at the Eatons Hill Grand Ballroom on March 2, 2024.

Historic 1988 tour reimagined

Echoes of Pink Floyd will recreate Pink Floyd’s landmark 1988 Australian tour in support of the seminal album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” — 35 years later. Their “Signs of Life” show promises to transport fans back to one of the most spectacular concert tours Australia has ever seen.

Echoes of Pink Floyd to reconstruct the magic

The renowned tribute band, founded in 2009, is known for perfectly recapturing the sonic and visual landscape of a real Pink Floyd arena show. Their Eatons Hill performance will include standout tracks not heard live locally in decades, as well as stone-cold Floyd classics their fans know and love.

Founder Daniel Hunter said fans can look forward to iconic David Gilmour guitar work, painstakingly recreated. “I’ve always loved David Gilmour’s guitar work, it’s pure class. This tour will showcase his work at its absolute peak and I can’t wait to share it with our audiences,” he said.

Co-founder Jason Miller said no detail has been overlooked. “We’ve spent countless hours making sure every sound is exactly as it should be. This is what our audiences have come to expect over the years and we love the challenge of getting these songs just right.”

Frontman Matt Goodluck can’t wait for Eatons Hill to help Echoes of Pink Floyd celebrate the magic of Pink Floyd’s 1988 tour. “We’re so excited to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this iconic tour and bring back some great memories for Pink Floyd fans all over the country.”

Join them for a mesmerising trip back to one of Pink Floyd’s most legendary tours, rebuilt before your eyes. Secure tickets here.

Published 24-February-2024

Renovations Proposed to Enhance Patron Experience at Bonny View Hotel

The popular Bonny View Hotel on Gympie Road in Bald Hills could soon be getting a facelift and expansion.

Read: Netball Revamp On the Cards for Les Hughes Sports Complex

Queensland Venue Co Pty Ltd has submitted plans to give the historic pub a major upgrade. The proposed renovations would expand the total footprint of the 1935-era hotel from 1,389 sqm to 1,729 sqm.

Artist’s impression of expanded beer garden (Photo credit: Red Design Group)

The plans, which were designed by architecture firm Red Design Group, call for demolishing some interior sections to make way for a new outdoor bistro dining patio and children’s playground. The outdoor beer garden adjoining the hotel would also be enlarged by 431 sqm.

According to the development application, the upgrades are intended to “enhance the mix of outdoor and indoor spaces available to patrons.” New tropical landscaping, trees and patio furnishings would also help soften and improve the aesthetics of the built structures.

Proposed site plan (Photo credit: Red Design Group)

“The proposal involves establishing a beer garden extension at the north-east section of the site. The proposed extension ensures a high-quality landscaping design, with planting incorporated within the beer garden and hardstand areas to soften the built form, screen the development from car parking, and encourage a sub-tropical setting for patrons,” planners at Urbis stated.

When completed, parking availability would go from 54 marked spaces currently to 69 spaces, plus an extra 15 informal gravel overflow parking spots.

Council planners estimate the renovated facilities would generate an additional 55 car trips during peak hours. The development application states the design will also “provide for a high level of streetscape activation and overlooking of the street frontage.”

The Bonny View Hotel first opened in 1935 and has been a popular community venue for generations of residents North of Brisbane.

Read: Plans Unveiled for Major Childcare Centre and Cafe in Strathpine

If approved, these major upgrades would help position the hotel to meet the needs of 21st century patrons whilst retaining its historic character.’

Published 13-February-2024

Netball Revamp On the Cards for Les Hughes Sports Complex in Bray Park

A new $4.5-million netball clubhouse has been approved for construction at the Les Hughes Sports Complex in Bray Park to service the complex’s existing courts.

Read: A New Era of Interschool Sports: Bray Park SHS Leads the Way

Detailed designs are scheduled for completion mid-year, with construction of the clubhouse set to finish before December 2026. The new building will replace the 40-year-old structure currently in use by the Pine Rivers Netball Association.

The clubhouse will be utilised by the association’s 2,000 members and 11 local netball clubs and schools. Matches and tournaments organised by Netball Queensland will also take place at the new venue.

According to Rachelle Swan, President of the Pine Rivers Netball Association, the new clubhouse will provide a cleaner and more secure environment where players can excel in the sport. She added that the facility upgrades at Les Hughes Sports Complex will benefit their staff, audience, and volunteers.

Funds from the Federal Government’s Investing in Our Communities Program will pay $1.5 million of the project budget, with extra funds coming from the City of Moreton Bay.

Two additional local sports sites in Kippa-Ring and Brendale will get improvements as part of the program as well.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the City of Moreton Bay was dedicated to providing residents with the best possible community sporting facilities.

“City of Moreton Bay has a strong track record of having some of the best community sporting facilities in South East Queensland but we’re not resting on our laurels,” he said.

“Sport is an important social connector for our community and provides invaluable health benefits and cohesion.

“The more Council invests into facilities, the more we empower our local clubs to deliver high quality sport and recreation services to our residents and visitors.

Councillor Mick Gillam expressed that the new clubhouse will assist the netball association with further developing the sport for young girls and boys in the area. Building is planned to take place in 2024-2026 after designs are finished.

Read: Old Northern Road Skate Park Set for Complete Overhaul

Published 7-February-2024

Assistance For Alleged Armed Robbery

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Police are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a man and vehicle involved in an alleged armed robbery that occurred on January 30, 2024.

The initial report suggests that a motorbike rider broke down around 9:50 PM at the intersection of Old Northern Road, Flamengo Drive, and Albany Creek Road. A grey or silver sedan pulled up next to the stranded motorist. A man, wearing a motorbike helmet, emerged from the car and threatened the victim with a knife.

The assailant then physically assaulted the victim before stealing the motorbike and pushing it in the direction of Albany Creek Road.

Officers from the Ferny Grove Criminal Investigation Branch are urging any motorists who were in the area at the time to review their dashcam footage, in case they captured the incident on camera.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information or footage that may assist with the investigation is strongly encouraged to contact the police using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. Quote this reference number: QP2400171660

Published 2-February-2024

Disaster Assistance Now Open for Bray Park Residents Impacted by Recent Flooding

Impacted Bray Park residents can now apply for much-needed disaster assistance in the wake of severe flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

Read: Lawnton Flood Victim Despairs Over Soaring Home Insurance Costs

Support has begun rolling out from state and federal governments, with eligible individuals able to access Personal Hardship Assistance grants. The funding will help cover essential costs like food, clothing, and medicine as the community works to recover from the flood inundation.

Bray Park was inundated with heavy rainfall that flooded numerous homes and businesses. The area received the brunt of the severe weather linked to the cyclone, despite being located nearly 1,500 km from where Kirrily initially made landfall.

Additional support is available through the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. This includes help to make homes safe and habitable again and to restore essential services like electricity.

Moreton Bay Regional Council can also access the funding for reconstructing damaged public infrastructure such as roads and bridges. The council is receiving assistance for cleanup efforts like removing fallen trees and debris.

The activation of the disaster assistance will help Bray Park begin to recover from the latest flooding, not o mention that the area was still reeling from terrible flooding in 2022. Officials acknowledged this event was an unwelcome blow, but praised the inspirational community response. All levels of government have committed to providing necessary support to residents during this difficult time.

Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said this latest flooding is a bitter blow for many Bray Park residents who have only just finished cleaning up following the terrible floods of 2022.

“Being woken at 3:00 a.m. with water rushing through your house is an extremely traumatic experience, especially given the events of a mere two years ago,” said Ms Boyd.

“The community’s response, however, has been nothing short of inspirational, and the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance will help those hurting right now.”

Those eligible for the Personal Hardship Assistance grants can now apply through www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Read: RACQ and Suncorp Highlight Storm Hotspots as Queensland Braces for Early Deluge

Published 1-February-2024

Strathpine Burger Bar Rises from Ashes 6 Months After Alleged Arson Attack

Grubbies Burgers and Hawaiian BBQ, popular Strathpine burger bar, has marked a remarkable comeback after enduring alleged arson attacks more than six months ago.

Owner Ben Niumata remains perplexed by the motive behind the fires that targeted two of his restaurants. His Strathpine establishment was almost destroyed, while the Redbank Plains location suffered damage as well.

Despite the devastating setback, Mr Niumata discloses that authorities informed him of no bikie or organised crime involvement in the incidents, characterising them as “amateur” acts.

The chain of events began with a fire at Grubbies Redbank Plains on the morning of the 2nd of September 2023, which was swiftly extinguished by nearby patrons. Remarkably, it reopened on the same day.

Only ten minutes later, while firefighters battled the Redbank Plains blaze, the Strathpine restaurant fell victim to another alleged arson attack. Authorities suspect a connection between both incidents, as they found evidence of toilet paper burning in several locations at Strathpine, with the fire primarily damaging the kitchen area, leading to substantial smoke damage throughout the establishment.

Perseverance and Closure

Mr Niumata shares his ongoing ordeal with insurance claims, emphasising the challenges faced in the wake of these incidents. Despite numerous inquiries from loyal customers about the reopening date, uncertainty persisted, causing frustration.

The sight of devastation initially tempted Mr Niumata to walk away from the Strathpine restaurant, which had humble beginnings in a carpark. The fires have taken a significant mental toll, but the reopening on Friday, 19th January 2023, marks a significant step.

Throughout this challenging journey, Mr Niumata made it a priority to retain all 43 staff members, treating them like family. He highlights their dedication, as some commuted from Griffin and Deception Bay to work at the Logan restaurant, underscoring the strong sense of community within Grubbies.

To express gratitude to his loyal Strathpine burger bar customer base, Mr Niumata offered two enticing specials on the reopening day with $5 Big Grub Singles and heavily discounted loaded cream paua fries.

Legal Action

In September, a 20-year-old Gold Coast man named Josiah Lea was charged by the Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch and Petrie Criminal Investigation Branch with two counts of arson, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and one count of contravening a digital access order in connection with the arson attacks. Lea was denied bail during a court appearance last year and awaits sentencing.

Follow Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ on Facebook for more updates and deals.

Published 21-Jan-2024

Lawnton Flood Victim Despairs Over Soaring Home Insurance Costs

A Lawnton resident who was affected negatively by two devastating floods is now facing a new challenge – skyrocketing home insurance costs.

Read: Million-Dollar Ticket Bought from Lawnton Shop, Winner Still Unknown

The local woman, who suffered from both the 2011 and 2022 floods, revealed that her premium has jumped from $5,900 to $39,186, representing an over 500 percent increase from the previous year.

She expressed dismay that the rate is now drastically higher than her annual income, questioning how she could possibly afford a $30,000 rise in her home insurance premium.

An insurance expert explained that unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common as some insurers opt to exit certain high-risk markets altogether.

A representative for the Insurance Council of Australia said that insurance affordability and availability are the top priorities for the industry right now. He urged the government to allocate more funding towards resilience initiatives that would help reinforce homes and make them better able to withstand natural disasters.

The massive premium increases are leaving many residents uninsured and exposed, according to the spokesperson. He explained that insurance rates are based on risk, and the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather is making policies unaffordable for a lot of people, particularly those living in flood-prone areas.

On top of the impact of natural disasters, rising inflation and the escalating cost of reinsurance purchased by insurance companies themselves are also contributing factors behind the surging premiums, the spokesman noted.

Read: Albany Creek Law Firm Backs Cancer Council’s Free Will Service

As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, stories like this Lawnton resident’s plight may grow more commonplace. With insurance premiums skyrocketing out of reach for many homeowners, especially in high-risk areas, a collaborative approach between insurers, government, and communities will be needed to find solutions.

Published 11-January-2024

Albany Creek Dad, Too Big to Sit in Planes, Overcomes Weight Struggles

Photo Credit: Health Journey/Facebook

A remarkable transformation has taken place in the life of Terry Munro, an IT consultant and devoted father from Albany Creek.

For years, Mr Mundro grappled with a daunting weight of over 185kgs, enduring various health issues that hindered his ability to engage in everyday activities with his two children. However, a profound change in his life has seen him shed a staggering 100kgs over the course of two years, granting him the opportunity to reclaim cherished moments with his family.

Mr Munro, 57, has emerged from the shadows of his burdensome weight to “live life to the fullest.” For the first time in years, he experienced the thrill of riding a rollercoaster with his now 15 and 20-year-old sons.

His inability to comfortably travel with his family due to his size had been a constant source of discomfort, causing him to avoid photographs and struggle with self-consciousness.

A Weighty Challenge

Five years ago, he realized his unhealthy habits were slowly killing him. Frequenting fast-food chains like KFC and Hungry Jacks, Mr Munro decided it was time for a drastic change.

His path led him to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, a 12-week online program that offers science-backed solutions for sustainable weight loss.

Although daunting initially, Mr Munro became “laser-focused” on his goal of losing weight. Over the past three-and-a-half years, he has maintained a healthy weight of 85.5kgs by dedicating an hour each day to walking and preparing balanced, vegetable-rich home-cooked meals.

Albany Creek Dad Terry Munro — Photo Credit: Health Journey

The Albany Creek dad’s transformation not only benefited his physical health but also allowed him to actively engage with his children. He expresses gratitude for their unwavering support, stating that he has “reclaimed [his] life” and can now partake in activities that were previously out of reach.

Commitment to Health and Wellness

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, reveals a concerning statistic that two-thirds of the population are considered overweight or obese. The CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, with its evidence-based and sustainable weight loss solutions, has positively impacted over 1.2 million Australians in the past decade, emphasizing the importance of addressing obesity-related challenges.

Walking outdoors has emerged as the most common form of exercise among program members, collectively amassing over twenty-two million minutes of activity in the past ten years.

Professor Brett Sutton, Director of Health and Biosecurity at CSIRO, underscores the program’s significance in tackling the obesity epidemic and promoting community well-being. He states that CSIRO remains committed to reversing high obesity rates in Australia within the next decade, aligning with the National Obesity Strategy’s goals.

Published 10-Jan-2024

Zambrero Brings Feel Good Mex Cuisine to Albany Creek Village

Zambrero, the popular Mexican chain known for its Feel Good Mex cuisine, brings its fresh take on traditional favourites to Albany Creek, opening at the Albany Creek Village dining precinct just in time for the December holiday and the New Year.

Read: Hoppy Tunes and Tasty Brews: Inside Brendale’s Hip Hops Brewers

Zambrero has earned its devoted following thanks to an innovative approach to Mexican food that promises maximum freshness and bold flavours.

Photo credit: Zambrero (Albany Creek)/Facebook

The diverse menu offers an array of tantalising options from burritos and bowls to quesadillas, nachos and tacos with broad appeal for the whole family. Signature items include the big burrito, toasted varieties and the quesadilla stack.

The chain prides itself on its Plate 4 Plate initiative, donating one meal to someone in need for every burrito, bowl or retail item purchased. To date, they have donated over 68 million meals globally through this program. By dining at Zambrero Albany Creek, customers can directly support hunger relief efforts.

The Mexican restaurant’s story traces back to founder Dr Sam Prince, who launched the first restaurant in 2005 whilst a 21-year-old medical student. From humble beginnings with $16,000 in savings, the brand now comprises over 250 locations across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the US and UK.

Read: Inside Plans For New Starbucks Cafe At Brendale Service Centre

As the tantalising aromas of sizzling meats, warm tortillas and vibrant salsas waft through Albany Creek Village, Zambrero brings its signature zest for life to this bustling local hub. The establishment extends an open invitation to experience the chain’s Mexican cuisine firsthand.

Zambrero Albany Creek is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for dine-in or takeaway. Find them at the Albany Creek Village located at 700-710 Albany Creek Rd.

Published 1-January-2024

Guy Mauger of Albany Creek, Finalist for Westfield Local Hero Award

Photo Credit: Facebook / Guide Dogs Australia

Guy Mauger, former President of the Probus Club of Albany Creek, is one of the finalists for the esteemed Westfield Local Hero Award, for his exceptional commitment to Guide Dogs Australia, a cause that’s become the cornerstone of his purpose-driven life.

No photo description available. — **Guy Mauger (left) with wife Wendy Mauger (right)**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Wendy Mauger

His noteworthy achievement has not only brought acclaim but also secured a $5,000 grant aimed at supporting the use of therapy dogs in Brisbane Courts. The dogs are used to support and assist children through the challenging process of testifying in court cases. Guy Mauger has been widely lauded for his pivotal role in pioneering this initiative.

Beyond this recognition lies a deeper dedication. Guy and his wife, Wendy, have also created a nurturing haven for Guide Dogs in need.

Their home serves as a sanctuary, caring for brood mothers, stud dogs, convalescing canines, and those recovering from injuries, showcasing a profound commitment to these remarkable animals.

Their volunteer journey is punctuated by heartwarming tales. One centres around Hawke, a stud dog whose daily duty led to a joyful encounter at a breathalyser checkpoint, where officers couldn’t help but smile at his noble purpose.

Another touching story revolves around Evie, a pregnant dog embraced into the Maugers’ care. Their devoted attention culminated in a community spectacle when Evie returned to Bald Hills just before her due date.

The neighbourhood eagerly awaited updates on each puppy’s arrival, celebrated by the Maugers adorning their home with balloons symbolising the joyous birth of new life.

Guy and Wendy Mauger epitomise the unsung heroes quietly weaving transformative threads into Albany Creek’s fabric.

Their altruism, compassion, and unwavering commitment echo beyond accolades, leaving an indelible mark on both animals and the community they serve.

They embody the very essence of volunteerism, an example worthy of emulation.

Published 29-December-2023