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

Amidst the warehouses and industrial buildings of Brendale, an oasis of craft beer and culture has emerged at Hip Hops Brewers, which opened its doors earlier this year.

Read: TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

Housed in a converted warehouse space, the brewery boasts 21 taps of fresh brews, seltzers, and sodas. Step inside and you will be greeted by the cavernous, vaulted-ceiling taproom anchored by the long bar.

Colourful street art in graffiti style adorns the walls, giving nods to old school hip hop artists. There’s plenty of seating options – intimate corners for small gatherings, mid-sized tables, and long picnic-style tables for big groups. Additional outdoor seating lets you soak up the Queensland sun whilst sipping a cold brew.

The beer lineup covers all the bases with XPA-Lidocious Extra Pale Ale, Samford Sessions American Pale Ale, Craic & Crainn Dry Irish Stout, and more. Non-beer options include three fruit seltzers like Ginger Zing and Hard Sarsaparilla, along with sodas from LongRays and fermented fruit sodas from Ibis Brewing. There’s even wine from the nearby Moreton Bay winery Ocean View Estates.

The brewery is the brainchild of owner Shaun Reeves, who worked as a business advisor and accountant in the area for over three decades before opening his own brewery.

He’s joined by an experienced team of local brewers, including Adam Gibb from the now shuttered White Brick Brewing in North Lakes and Barrett Bravo, former senior brewer at Newstead Brewing and more recently head brewer at Happy Valley.

Photo credit: Mark Blackwood/Google Maps

Meanwhile, the onsite kitchen dishes out bar bites like wings, nachos and fries plus gourmet burgers to satisfy your hunger. Options range from the Queen Bee burger with bacon, cheese and honey glazed onions to the fried chicken, slaw and chipotle mayo.

With space for intimate gatherings in cosy corners or big groups at long tables, this hip hop themed brewery offers a unique industrial chic vibe. The graffiti art, booming hip hop soundtrack, and tantalising beers and eats make this urban oasis a must-visit in Brendale.

Read: Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Kids and dogs are welcome to join in the laidback fun. So leave your inhibitions at the door, and come enjoy the blend of craft brews. Learn more by visiting their website.

Published 18-September-2023

New Neighbourhood Plan Adopted for Bridgeman Downs

Residents have welcomed the finalisation of the new Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan after years of consultation.

Read: Old Northern Road Skate Park Set for Complete Overhaul

The new neighbourhood plan, which will guide future development in the suburb, was adopted on 13 June 2023 and became part of the Brisbane City Plan on 1 September 2023.

The Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan establishes a framework to coordinate infrastructure planning and guide growth and development in the suburb. Key elements of the plan include:

Protecting the environment and greenspace

The Bridgeman Downs community has advocated for conserving natural habitats, enhancing waterway health, and growing the suburb’s urban forest.

The new neighbourhood plan aims to address these goals. It requires development to protect and enhance native flora and fauna corridors along Albany Creek, Cabbage Tree Creek, South Pine River and other waterways. The plan also calls for identifying and preserving significant landscape trees and providing a mix of lot sizes to retain backyard habitats.

Specifically, the plan mandates protecting ecological corridors between Cabbage Tree Creek and Albany Creek south of Albany Creek Road. New developments must safeguard and connect the area’s diverse habitats and tree canopy. With the community’s environmental priorities in mind, the Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan establishes policies to maintain the suburb’s green spaces and natural assets.

Residential neighbourhoods

The Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan aligns with residents’ wishes to maintain the suburb’s acreage areas and limit higher density housing.

The plan states that dwelling houses should be established on acreage and suburban lots in keeping with the area’s low density character. It prohibits multiple dwellings in low density residential zones, restricting townhouses and apartments.

Infrastructure and services

The neighbourhood plan outlines new open spaces, parks and community facilities to meet the needs of Bridgeman Downs residents. This aligns with feedback from the community calling for improved open space and park networks in the area.

The plan proposes establishing new parks and open spaces in accessible, safe locations that connect to walking and cycling paths. Residents have advocated for multi-functional open space corridors to link parks and community hubs.

The planned facilities aim to provide more recreational options whilst fostering greater connectivity through the suburb.

Read: Developer Seeks to Bring Diverse Housing Options to Albany Creek With ‘Riverfront Terraces’

Visit Brisbane City Council’s website to learn more about the new Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan.

Published 8-September-2023

Albany Creek Lions Club Announce that the Lions Hearing Dog Program Now Includes Support Dogs for Diabetes Sufferers

The Lions Hearing Dog Program, one of the programs of the Lions Club of Albany Creek and other Lions Clubs across the country, is now also training medical dogs to assist people with diabetes. This is in addition to training dogs that assist the hearing impaired.

The Lions Hearing Dog Program trains and sends dogs to hearing impaired recipients across different cities and towns in Australia, including right here in Albany Creek.

With the expansion of the program scope to cover support dogs for diabetes sufferers, these life-changing dogs are now making a greater difference to those who need them nationwide.

The Albany Creek Lions Club meets twice monthly for club events and initiatives: the first Wednesday of the month at the Albany Creek Library, and the third Wednesday at the Hornets Football Club.

If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving an assistance dog, please contact the Albany Creek Lions Club. They will see what can be done to help.

About Lions Australia

The Albany Creek Lions Club is part of the larger network of Lions Clubs in Australia. Lions Australia supports communities nationwide through diverse service projects and initiatives. Their main areas of focus include youth empowerment, health, humanitarian efforts, the environment, and fostering innovation.

Assistance dogs represent just one way the Albany Creek Lions Club aims to help people in the local community and make a positive difference in their lives. Access their Facebook page to learn more.

For Lions Australia, insight leads to action. Their mission is bringing service to life through practical and informed projects that create visible, measurable change.

For more information about Lions Australia, visit their website here.

Published 5 September 2023

Old Northern Road Skate Park Set for Complete Overhaul

Major changes are on the way for the skate park at Albany Creek’s Old Northern Road. The existing skate park will be demolished and completely rebuilt with a fresh design by mid-2024, based on feedback and ideas collected from the local community.

Read: Coles Gets a Makeover as Part of Albany Creek Village Updates

Once complete, skaters, scooters, BMX riders and rollerbladers will be able to drop in at the revamped park.

Besides the skate park at Old Northern Road, the one at Sheep Station Creek Park in Morayfield is also set for an upgrade. Works at Morayfield are set to begin in October 2023, with Albany Creek to follow in January 2024. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Deception Bay Skate Park (Photo credit: Leisha Bumgart)

Division 3 Councillor Adam Hain said they are taking inspiration from the Deception Bay Skate Park, where Council invested $1.5 million into upgrades, and other leading skate parks in Queensland to bring Morayfield back into the top ranked parks in the state.

Mayor Peter Flannery noted that similar to roads and pavements, it was important for Moreton Bay to ensure its skate parks and other active infrastructure stay up-to-date and meet the needs of the community.

“We know locals love the outdoors, and we want to encourage even more people in our region to get out and enjoy their skateboards, scooters, BMX and rollerblades,” he said.

About the Skate Park Upgrades Program

These upgrades are part of Moreton Bay Regional Council’s ongoing Skate Park Upgrades Program. In 2019, Council conducted a comprehensive audit of all 23 skate parks in the region. The audit evaluated each park’s functionality, condition, and location to identify opportunities for improvement.

From the audit, Council developed a phased plan to invest in maintenance, repairs, and complete redesigns of select skate parks. The first phase of the renewal program focuses on upgrading facilities in Dayboro, Deception Bay, Albany Creek, Morayfield, and North Lakes.

Redevelopment of the Albany Creek and Morayfield parks represents the next stage in implementing the region-wide skate park enhancements.

Read: Albany Creek Gymnastics Club Shines at the Australian Gymnastics Championships

The program upgrades will give local skaters and riders access to premier parks close to home as excitement builds for Brisbane 2032. Stay tuned for updates on construction timelines and designs in the coming months.

Published 27-July-2023

Proposal for Gympie Road Wildlife Hospital Gains Momentum After Devastating Koala Incident

Last month, a koala named India was struck by a car on Gympie Rd, the tenth koala fatality in just two years along that particular stretch of road. The incident has prompted calls to establish a wildlife hospital in the area.

Read: Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

Moreton Bay Regional Council has appealed to the government for assistance in constructing a wildlife hospital on Gympie Rd in Lawnton, a facility estimated to cost approximately $10 million, with an additional annual operational expense of up to $5 million.

The leading cause of animal admissions to the SEQ wildlife hospital network is car accidents, with koalas accounting for 11.4 percent of admissions.

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Koala Rescue/Facebook

Currently, wildlife needing urgent care have to be transported for up to two hours to the RSPCA facility at Wacol and Australia Zoo at Beerwah, prompting Mayor Peter Flannery to highlight the urgent need for a dedicated wildlife hospital in Moreton Bay.

A local wildlife hospital would reduce travel times for injured animals and alleviate the burden on carers, who are already strained by rising fuel and food costs.

The loss of India highlights the repercussions of the delayed implementation of crucial safety measures, including a fauna rope bridge, koala fencing, and an underpass at Four Mile Creek on Gympie Rd in Lawnton.

Originally slated to commence construction in April 2023, the project has been plagued by delays that have severely impacted the contractor’s timeline.

In response to these unfortunate events, Moreton Bay Koala Rescue took to their Facebook page, expressing their disappointment regarding the delays in the installation of wildlife fencing in the area.

“We have been promised for MONTHS there will be wildlife fencing put up in this area to try and protect India and his friends who frequently cross Gympie Road but as usual these are all empty promises…”

The rescue group also reminded local officials that they are not asking for a wildlife hospital but for wildlife fencing.

Cr Mick Gillam explained that the delay in procurement and tender awarding has impacted the delivery schedule which caused ‘unavoidable’ setbacks.

Read: Wildlife Corridor Under Threat: Development Applications on Beckett Road Have Local Concerned

Meanwhile, discussions are already underway with key stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, RSPCA, Australia Zoo, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, wildlife rescue groups in the region, the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation, and private entrepreneurs willing to support wildlife and koala rehabilitation on their properties.

Published 6-July-2023

Coles Gets a Makeover as Part of Albany Creek Village Updates

Photo Credit: Coles / coles.com.au

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.

Published 30-June-2023

Developer Seeks to Bring Diverse Housing Options to Albany Creek With ‘Riverfront Terraces’

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.

Read: Wildlife Corridor Under Threat: Development Applications on Beckett Road Have Local Concerned

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.

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.

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.

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

Further information about the proposed development can be viewed at Council’s DA Tracker, DA/2023/2037.

Published 21-June-2023

Albany Creek Gymnastics Club Shines at the Australian Gymnastics Championships

Photo Credit: Martin Rulsch, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Published 4-June-2023

Celebrate International Fairy Day with Kumbartcho Sanctuary’s Whimsical Bushland Fairies Event

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.

Read: Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

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.

Photo credit: Kumbartcho Sanctuary & Nursery/Facebook

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.

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.

Read: Meet The Wonderful Volunteer Behind the Beautiful Transformation of Mahaca Park

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.

Published 29-May-2023

Ben Dack of Albany Creek Nominated for QLD Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

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.

National Volunteer Week Ben Dack — 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.

To explore volunteering opportunities at Wesley Mission QLD, interested individuals can visit their website at www.wmq.org.au.

Published 22-May-2023