Did you know that Coles Albany Creek Village will be undergoing a $7-million refurbishment that will elevate it among the ranks of the best Coles supermarkets in Australia?
To achieve this, Coles will reorganise the store’s layout to improve and simplify customer shopping experience.
Some areas of the store may be temporarily closed off throughout the transition while the committed construction staff toils persistently, even at night. They aim to prevent too much interruption so Coles can continue providing services to customers.
Customers can anticipate discovering interesting new features and upgrades once the renovation is finished. A new self-serve checkout system with a conveyor belt, an improved deli section with a range of delectable alternatives, a cutting-edge bakery, and a new service desk for greater customer support are among the highlights of the planned makeover.
There’s more! Coles is also introducing dedicated stations where customers can perform tasks such as squeezing their own oranges to get the freshest juice possible. There will also be a “scoop and weigh” bar that will allow customers to select and weigh their purchases.
.
Making Albany Creek Village Coles look great is just one aspect of the renovation. Overall, the updates aim to enhance customers’ general purchasing experience in order to provide superior convenience and service.
For more updates, follow the Albany Creek Village Facebook page.
A developer has submitted plans for ‘Riverfront Terraces’ along Stewart Road, which aims to enhance the housing options in the area whilst taking advantage of the convenient location in Albany Creek.
Designed by O’Neill Architecture, the townhouses, consisting of 24 two-storey units, will be situated at 32 Stewart Rd in Albany Creek, right at the intersection of Stewart Road and Earl Street.
Currently, the site is occupied by a large residential property with a single dwelling house at the centre. However, the plans call for the demolition of the existing structure and all associated buildings to make way for the new development.
Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture
The design of the townhouses emphasises a connection with the outdoors by incorporating spacious communal areas and living spaces that open up to private gardens adorned with greenery.
Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)
“The design of the development ensures the creation of an open space to the East of the site, with easy access to the Albany Creek. This open space provides every townhouse with the opportunity to share in the suburban lifestyle, with access to extensive private parkland,” O’Neill Architecture noted.
The developer spearheading the project believes that Riverfront Terraces will bring greater diversity to the housing market in the area, which already boasts excellent amenities.
To optimise functionality and storage space, the design ensures compact living without sacrificing comfort. Each unit is designed to maximise livability, making the most of the available area.
Photo credit: O’Neill Architecture
Parking needs have also been taken into account, with two dedicated resident parking spaces allocated to each unit. In addition, two visitor parking spaces will be provided on-site, ensuring convenience for guests and residents alike.
With the recently held Australian Gymnastics Championships, seven talented local gymnasts from the Albany Creek Gymnastics Club did Queensland proud with their remarkable performances.
This 2023, the Australian Gymnastics Championship returned to the Gold Coast as competitions were held from 10th-25th May. Representatives from the Albany Creek Gymnastics Club include Oska Middleton and Nathan Levey in the Level 10 Queensland Team, Nicholas Koops as a Level 10 Individual, Carter Blair as a Level 9 Individual, Harrison Boyd and Dylan Willis in the Level 8 Queensland Team, and James Wraight in the Level 7 Queensland Team.
The Head Coach acknowledged the heightened stress levels as the gymnasts pushed themselves to their limits, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their skills. Winning a medal at the Nationals has always been their ultimate goal, and ACGCI gymnasts have a track record of earning multiple individual apparatus and team medals at this esteemed championship.
This year, however, ACGCI focused on ensuring that the gymnasts were well-prepared both physically and mentally for the competition. The perseverance and hard work paid off handsomely as ACGCI gymnasts achieved remarkable results.
James secured a gold medal with his Level 7 team, whilst Harry and Dylan’s team claimed gold in Level 8. Dylan’s exceptional performance earned him an individual silver on the rings and a bronze on the pommel horse. Oska and Nathan shone brightly, contributing to their Level 10 team’s silver medal success.
Established in 1975 as the Albany Creek Youth Club, ACGCI has evolved into a thriving gymnastics club, operating out of a purpose-built facility within the South Pine Sports Complex since 2005.
Run by a dedicated management committee and subcommittee consisting of volunteer parents, ACGCI continues to foster a love for gymnastics and provide a platform for young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Get ready to embrace the magical world of fairies as the Kumbartcho Sanctuary in Eatons Hill gears up to celebrate International Fairy Day on 23 June 2023.
The FREE Bushland Fairies event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, offering a plethora of fairy-themed activities and entertainment. Attendees will have the chance to create their own fairy gardens, contribute to frog pond construction, and showcase their artistic skills through painting and crafts.
Adding to the ambiance, the Little Wattlebird Band will serenade Fairy-goers with captivating melodies, ensuring a whimsical atmosphere throughout the event. Attendees can also indulge in a delectable sausage sizzle and savour fairy biscuits whilst enjoying the enchanting festivities.
To fully immerse themselves in the magical ambiance, attendees are encouraged to don their best fairy, native animal, or dress-up attire. As a reward, they will receive a fairy wand, completing their fairy-themed ensemble.
Tickets for the International Fairy Day celebrations at Kumbartcho Sanctuary can be booked through the Moreton Bay Regional Council’s website.
About the Kumbartcho Sanctuary
Nestled along the picturesque South Pine River, the 6-hectare Kumbartcho Sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Photo credit: Amy Griffiths/Google Maps
With its lush rainforest ecosystems, the sanctuary, previously known as Bunya Park Wildlife Sanctuary, provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings whilst engaging in various activities designed to celebrate International Fairy Day.
Moreover, the sanctuary provides ample amenities for visitors to enjoy. The Bird Hide, Small Enclosed Playground, and picnic benches with barbecues offer ideal spots for relaxation and family gatherings.
The community nursery, a notable feature, cultivates local native plants for community projects and environmental conservation efforts. Visitors are welcome to explore the nursery and gain insights into the vital role of native plants in preserving biodiversity.
Ben Dack, an Albany Creek local, recently earned a nomination for the Queensland Youth Volunteer of the Year Award through Volunteering Queensland. To highlight Australia’s celebration of National Volunteer Week, here’s his heartwarming and inspiring story as a dedicated volunteer at the Albany Creek ORCA Project.
Despite living with Williams Syndrome, a genetic condition, Ben has overcome personal challenges and turned them into an opportunity to make a positive impact on others’ lives. Ben’s inspiring journey began at the age of 13 when he started volunteering in his local community at his neighbourhood church.
In 2021, Ben approached Alison Cox, the program founder of The ORCA Project under Wesley Mission QLD, as he sought an opportunity to volunteer in Albany Creek.
Wesley Mission QLD played a crucial role in creating The ORCA Project, which has provided countless individuals with disabilities, including Ben, with opportunities they may not have found elsewhere. The inclusive and supportive environment of Wesley Mission QLD has allowed Ben to feel safe and respected, leading him to become an ardent advocate for the organization’s values.
Ben’s passion for helping others, combined with his positive experience with The ORCA Project as a trainee, made him an invaluable addition to the team.
“Volunteering impacts my life every day. It gives me a sense of purpose, and I feel proud to be a volunteer. It gives me confidence and makes me happy,” Ben said, reflecting on the transformative power of his volunteer work.
Photo Credit: Supplied
When asked about advice for individuals with disabilities who may be hesitant to engage in volunteer work, Ben encouraged them to take the leap. He advised finding a supportive and inclusive organization like Wesley Mission QLD. With its diverse range of programs, such as Aged Care, Hummingbird House, Emergency Relief, Art from the Margins, Community Respite, and Headspace, individuals with disabilities can discover meaningful ways to contribute to their communities and lead more fulfilling lives.
“Volunteering helps to open up life. It is more than just an opportunity to ‘give back.’ We have had volunteers who will tell us that volunteering has literally changed their life. That sense of purpose is a gift in itself,” said Ms Cox.
Wesley Mission QLD constantly seeks volunteers to support its various programs. The ORCA Project, for instance, relies on volunteers to facilitate work skills training for its participants. Opportunities can range from onsite training workshops to supporting individuals during work experience placements.
“Our volunteers regularly tell us how much they love being part of the team here. Volunteering with us has changed their lives for the better,” said Lynne Dack, Ben’s mother, who works for Wesley Mission QLD.
Over the past year, Queensland state schools, including Albany Creek State High School, have encountered numerous incidents of asbestos discoveries, with nearly 600 reported cases in 2022.
Out of the 575 reported asbestos incidents in 2022, Ithaca Creek State School in Bardon topped the list with 11 incidents. Additionally, three schools had ten incidents each, namely Mackay State High School, Woody Point Special School, and Woree State School. Meanwhile, Albany Creek State High School experienced two incidents last year.
Other schools in the top ten included Gordonvale State High School, Moorooka State School, Springwood Road State School, Harristown State School, Leichhardt State School, and Mitchelton State High School.
Whilst the 2022 figures indicate a slight decrease in asbestos incidents compared to 2021, the numbers remain higher than those recorded in 2019 and 2020.
In 2019, there were 542 incidents across 297 schools, followed by 568 incidents in 2020 across 302 schools. However, it further rose in 2021, with 740 incidents reported across 354 schools.
According to Education Minister Grace Grace, asbestos discoveries in schools built before the 1990s are not uncommon. The Department of Education acknowledges that with the increase in infrastructure upgrades and flood damage repairs, detecting it is more likely than ever.
She highlighted the importance of managing potential asbestos exposures and emphasised that not all reported cases in the database are confirmed incidents.
The department, she said, has implemented a comprehensive program for the safe management and removal of asbestos in schools. In addition, the government is investing in various initiatives such as the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program, the Advancing Clean Energy Schools solar panel program, and the Schools Refresh Program.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely utilised in construction and various products worldwide. The presence of undamaged asbestos in buildings where people work or study does not pose an immediate danger.
However, individuals who frequently engage in activities such as repairs and renovations that could release asbestos fibres into the air are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. It particularly becomes hazardous to health when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs.
Did you know that 14.5 hectares of land along Bunya Road have been acquired and secured as a koala habitat? Under the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes Program, the property will remain intact and untouched by any development to ensure the sustainability of wildlife.
The acquisition assures that 75 per cent of Moreton Bay Regional Council will be preserved as a green space that will protect species and nurture the natural ecosystem.
“We know that Moreton Bay’s human population is growing, which is why we’re putting these measures in place now to protect our koalas and other wildlife by maintaining and enhancing the connectivity of our natural assets,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.
“We have plenty more properties that we’re looking at to help expand our green network further and I can’t wait to celebrate our 100th hectare purchased under the Land Buyback program in the near future.”
Councillor Matt Constance commended Council’s move to secure the land to make a home for Queensland’s wildlife, particularly in The Hills District.
“It’s a major drawcard for residents to have that connection to nature and we know locals want to see more protections in place for our wildlife, so I’m glad Council was able to deliver by purchasing this key property in Bunya,” Mr Constance said.
“Instead of falling into the hands of developers in the future, it will remain a great natural asset to the community and our local wildlife.
“Council officers will now monitor this land and rehabilitate it if necessary by removing invasive weeds and planting further wildlife habitat to help improve this sanctuary for wildlife.”
TJM was founded in 1973 by Lloyd Taylor, Cliff Jones, and Steve Mollenhauer, who were unable to find the protective roll bars and bullbars they wanted for their vehicles. Following the Australian do-it-yourself spirit, the trio decided to make their own equipment.
The initial success of their products resulted in the creation of TJM. The team began fabricating 4×4 parts from a shed located in the backyard of Lloyd’s mother’s house. The company name TJM was derived from the first initials of their surnames.
Photo credit: tjm.com.au
They later established a factory and store in Geebung, but it was destroyed by fire in 2009. The fire that occurred in Geebung resulted in significant changes for the company, including the loss of production equipment and a relocation of much of the production to offshore facilities.
It took them almost a year to rebuild the business, establishing a new headquarters in Brendale. Opened in September 2011, TJM Brendale has risen to become an iconic destination for 4×4, camping and touring gear on Brisbane’s northside.
Photo credit: TJM Brendale/Facebook
From this humble beginning, the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of off-road vehicle accessories, known for quality, innovation, and customer service. The company has since expanded to become a global leader in the 4×4 industry, offering a wide range of products designed to enhance the performance and durability of off-road vehicles.
As TJM Brendale celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to excellence, TJM is poised to continue leading the way in the off-road industry for many years to come.
The annual Albany Creek World’s Greatest Shave event has been a testament to the spirit of a community coming together to support a worthy cause. The event, launched in 2001, has become a tradition, bringing together groups to raise money and awareness for blood cancer research and patient support services.
This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of the fundraiser and was a resounding success, with over $7,000 raised.
Held at the Albany Creek Tavern, 10 people braved the clippers to sport new bald heads, and seven individuals coloured their hair to support the cause.
The fundraiser brought in $7,216 for the evening, led by community members like Chris Gilding, Eileen Schofield, Jonah Robinson, Lois Shinners, Pete O’Donoghue, and Arren Heeley. In addition to raising money, the event was also a night of entertainment, laughter, and camaraderie.
The occasion provided the community with a chance to honour those who lost their fight against blood cancer.
The evening served as a time to remember Shae Kennedy, a regular at Albany Creek Tavern, and his 25 years of contributions to the World’s Greatest Shave. Shae passed away recently.
The Albany Creek Leukaemia Branch hosted the event with the support of community groups such as Apex, Lions Club, Leukaemia Foundation Branch, local hairdressers like Arren and Jane from Hairologists and Rachael from Albany Creek Hair Directions, and retailers. Their support and contributions helped make the event a resounding success.
Albany Creek State High School students have raised funds in support of Carinity Orana’s Sponsor a Bed program to help homeless young people get their lives back on track.
The Sponsor a Bed program provides crisis accommodation for five residents, for an average of six months, at Carinity Orana in Bald Hills for people aged 16 to 21 years who are at the risk of homelessness.
Ainsley Gilbert and Nadia de Gong, members of Albany Creek State High School Student Representative Council, spearheaded the fundraiser in late 2022. They organised a Christmas-themed free dress day and asked for a $2 donation from the students. By the end of the day, they managed to raise $500.
“The support was amazing; we didn’t expect the event to be so large and for so many of our junior school students to participate,” Nadia said.
“We were looking for a charity to support and we saw how Carinity Orana provides for people who are less fortunate, and helps those who are in dire circumstances,” Ainsley said.
“I personally thought for us teenagers who may know young people who need some help sometimes, Carinity is a very helpful organisation to have in our community and to support.”
Carinity Orana Program Manager, Dave McNair, thanked the school students for their generosity in supporting important local community service.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“Many of the young people referred to our service lack the basic items they need to live such as clothing, uniforms, toiletries, linen and access to transport – things we often take for granted. Our service relies on generous donors for support,” Dave said.
Dave said Carinity Orana, established in 1981, helps young people to “transition to independence and a brighter future.”
Youth workers assist young people to access education, training, employment, counselling services, recreational activities, new social networks, and permanent accommodation.
“Young people will often come to Carinity Orana in crisis and we help them to become stable and start to help them to move forward in their lives,” Dave said.
“We walk alongside young people, identifying their unique strengths and resources, and presenting options and choices so they can make informed choices in their life.”
If you wish to sponsor a bed at Carinity Orana visit this online page or phone (07) 3550 3737.
