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Albany Creek Village Awaits New Ownership

Following a recent refurbishment, Albany Creek Village is on the verge of changing hands in a remarkable development for the local community. This significant event comes when the retail sector is increasingly seen as a beacon for investors, highlighting the centre’s role as a shopping destination and a cornerstone of Albany Creek’s commercial landscape.

Overview of the Sale

Growthpoint Properties Australia has initiated the sale of the Albany Creek shopping centre, indicating a strategic move in the wake of the retail sector’s rising appeal as an investment sanctuary. The sale process, spearheaded by experts from CBRE and JLL, began in late March 2024 through an Expression of Interest Campaign, signifying a new chapter for this key retail asset.

Strategically situated 15km north of Brisbane at 700 Albany Creek Road, the shopping centre boasts a prime position. Anchored by a high-performing Coles, the centre has benefited from a significant $7 million refurbishment, enhancing its appeal with modernised facilities including an upgraded Click & Collect service. This positions the centre as a neighbourhood hub and a focal point of retail excellence.

Albany Creek Shopping Centre Albany Creek Village

Tenancy Profile and Investment Opportunity

The centre’s national tenancy profile, including leading brands such as Coles, Liquorland, Priceline, Australia Post, and Commonwealth Bank, is 61% of the total Gross Lettable Area (GLA), underscoring its robust investment potential. Due to its recent enhancements and strategic location, industry experts see Albany Creek Village as an outstanding acquisition prospect.

Amidst a backdrop of escalating construction costs and supply constraints, the site emerges as a prime investment opportunity, offering substantial growth potential. CBRE Research anticipates a significant increase in investment volumes over the next few years, with Albany Creek Village well-positioned to capitalise on this trend.

The centre’s comprehensive refurbishment and income generation prospects offer a compelling proposition for investors, amidst a climate of market volatility and growth in retail investment.

Published 26-March-2024

Queensland’s Pink Tide: Record $1.78 Million Raised for Breast Cancer

Did you know that the “Pink Tide” of the International Women’s Day Fun Run in Queensland raised $1.78 million for breast cancer, with a record number of participants in Brisbane and more online? Notable among the participants was Dr Rebecca Langdon of Strathpine, who honoured her friend’s memory through her inflatable breast costume.

This historic event, now in its 33rd year, witnessed a record turnout of 23,000 participants in Brisbane, alongside 3,500 people joining virtually from various Queensland communities, including Bowen, Bundaberg, and the Sunshine Coast.

Spearheaded by the Foundation Mater Group and presented by Queensland X-Ray, this year’s event saw people of all ages running, jogging, and walking through Brisbane CBD. Townsville contributed significantly with more than 750 participants at Cluden Park racecourse, echoing the event’s widespread appeal.

Andrew Thomas, Chief Executive of Mater Foundation, lauded the unprecedented community support.

“This year’s turnout has not only been the largest in the event’s storied history but also a testament to Queenslanders’ commitment to combating breast cancer,” Thomas stated.

This year’s fun run was particularly poignant, with Dr Rebecca Langdon participating in memory of her friend Tara Simmons. Dr Langdon, known for her distinctive inflatable breast costume, has become a symbol of hope and awareness at the annual event.

With Mater hospitals treating one in every four Queensland women diagnosed with breast cancer, the funds raised are crucial. They will support life-saving medical research, procure state-of-the-art equipment, and enhance patient care services.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced a $15,000 donation from the Queensland Government, underscoring the collective effort in the fight against this disease.

Donations remain open, with the organisers encouraging those who wish to contribute to the cause to visit www.womensdayfunrun.com.au.

Published 13-Mar-2024

Strathpine Doctor Keeps Friend’s Memory Alive Through Women’s Day Fun Run

Strathpine’s Dr Rebecca Langdon is gearing up to participate in the International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-ray, on March 10 in Brisbane.

Read: Albany Creek Unites for World’s Greatest Shave Against Blood Cancer

This marks the sixth consecutive year that Dr Langdon will be running in the event, donning a giant inflatable breast costume.

“Cancer is scary, but somehow an enormous breast seems to bring joy and laughter – who knew!” Dr Langdon said.

Dr Langdon and Mr Horn (Photo credit: Annette Dew)

She said she takes part each year in memory of her friend Tara Simmons, as well as other women in her life who have been diagnosed with or impacted by breast cancer.

“Tara had noticed changes in her breast and followed this finding up. This led to a diagnoses of stage three multifocal ductal carcinoma, which ended up being triple negative in type.

She noted that triple-negative breast cancers are highly aggressive, with limited targeted treatment options.

“Unfortunately for Tara, her cancer metastasised and she died shortly before her 35th birthday in 2019. This year would have been her 40th birthday.

“I’m inspired by the researchers who dedicate their careers in advancing breast cancer treatment and care; the doctors, nurses, and medical staff to care and treat patients.

“I’m inspired also by the donors themselves, choosing to give money towards this wonderful cause.

Dr Langdon acknowledged that research is expensive, and there are few options currently available for treating specific types of cancer like triple-negative breast cancer. She believes that the more time and money invested in finding new treatments, the more lives can be saved.

Photo credit: International Women’s Day Fun Run/Instagram

Joining Dr Langdon in the event is Australian boxing legend Jeff Horn, a father of three young girls. Horn said he desired to show support for women diagnosed with the disease, noting that everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Mr Horn shared that women are strong and fight hard when faced with a battle against cancer, and he wanted to help raise awareness in honour of these women.

Funds raised from the event will go towards life-saving breast cancer research and support services for breast cancer patients at Mater hospitals across Queensland.

This year’s event is set to be the biggest ever, with a record 23,000 people expected to hit the streets of Brisbane on March 10, after the Mater Foundation increased the capacity from 20,000 last year due to unprecedented demand. It was noted that even with an additional 3,000 places, the iconic 5km fun run still sold out in a record 25 days.

With less than three weeks until the event, Mr Horn is calling on Queenslanders across the state to create or join ‘virtual’ fun runs in their communities.

The virtual challenge allows people to walk, jog, or run 5km, or choose their own distance, in their neighbourhood anytime between Sunday, March 3, and Sunday, March 10.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said thousands of Queenslanders have already thrown their support behind the virtual challenge after the Brisbane CBD event sold out in record time.

Mr Thomas stated that this year’s event will be the biggest ever, and there is still time for Queenslanders everywhere to sign up online to a fun run in their community.

“People are gathering their family, friends, work colleagues and even their fur babies to be part of their team.

“From local parks, along the coastline or even on a treadmill – the possibilities are endless.”

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

Those interested can register for the virtual event at www.womensdayfunrun.com.au.

Published 5-March-2024

Albany Creek Unites for World’s Greatest Shave Against Blood Cancer

The Albany Creek community is at the forefront of an effort to provide vital support for and raise awareness for individuals battling blood cancer by participating in the annual World’s Greatest Shave event.

Now in its 26th year, this initiative has become a cornerstone of community activism, drawing participation from residents, local businesses, and community organizations alike.

With blood cancer treatment costs significantly higher than those for other cancers, the importance of initiatives like the World’s Greatest Shave cannot be overstated. The event, organised by the Leukaemia Foundation, aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by individuals and families affected by blood cancer, while also shining a spotlight on the disease and the need for continued research and support services.

At the heart of Albany Creek’s involvement in the World’s Greatest Shave is the Albany Creek Tavern. This beloved community establishment has long served as a gathering place for residents.

Support the Cause

Each year, the tavern opens its doors to host the shaving, cutting, and colouring of hair, transforming into a hub of activity and solidarity. The event will also feature live music, food stalls, and raffles, further reinforcing the camaraderie and unity that defines Albany Creek’s response to the challenge of blood cancer. From seasoned volunteers to first-time participants, individuals of all ages come together to show their support for those battling this disease.

The roots of Albany Creek’s commitment to the cause run deep, with the Albany Creek Leukaemia Foundation Branch playing a central role in organising and promoting the event.

Founded in 2001 by Kaye and Glen Fox, who tragically lost their daughter to leukaemia 26 years ago, the branch has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and raising awareness about the impact of blood cancer.

World’s Greatest Shave event is scheduled for Friday, 15 March 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Strathpine’s New Milestone: Launching the 5th Wildlife Fodder Plantation

Strathpine is set to welcome a fifth wildlife fodder plantation in Moreton Bay to bolster food resources for rehabilitated animals.

The project underscores a growing commitment to wildlife care and environmental conservation, providing a crucial lifeline for various species, including those with special dietary needs.

Following appeals from wildlife care groups for dependable and safe fodder, the City of Moreton Bay responded by establishing plantations at strategic locations. These sites, including operational ones at CREEC Burpengary and Madeline Dr, Morayfield, and those maturing in Joyner and Warner, underscore a regional strategy to enhance accessibility for carers and address the needs of a broad spectrum of wildlife groups.

Strathpine’s proposed site is currently in the stages of investigation and planning, symbolising a proactive approach to extending this network.

This new addition is expected to further bolster the resources available for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, ensuring that these vulnerable groups receive the support they need for rehabilitation.

Fodder Plantation — Photo Credit: City of Moreton Bay

The plantations across Moreton Bay collectively boast 1,382 varied fodder trees and plants, encompassing 19 eucalyptus species, 11 flowering, and 12 fruiting varieties. This diversity caters to the dietary needs of different wildlife. It supports a wide array of wildlife carer organisations, including those specialising in caring for koalas, bats, birds, possums, and gliders.

To maximise the benefits of these plantations, the Council organises annual harvesting workshops. These sessions are crucial for demonstrating proper harvest techniques to wildlife carers, ensuring that the plantations can be sustainably managed and continue to serve as a vital resource for wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

The success of these plantations hinges on the collaboration between the Council and wildlife carer organisations. Access to the plantations is regulated, requiring groups to seek Council approval, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of fodder distribution to the various wildlife care groups throughout Moreton Bay.

Learn more about the fodder plantations

Published 25-February-2024

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