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Bray Park Local Makes Up For Forgetting Partner’s Birthday With a $100-k Gift

The day wasn’t turning out so well for a Bray Park local who forgot his partner’s birthday. Things changed after a quick visit to the Kensington Village Shopping Centre led to an unexpected windfall that turned out to be her best birthday gift ever.

The woman said that her partner was feeling bad because he thought her birthday was the next day. To make up for it, he gave her a card with money to buy herself whatever she wanted. He also threw in a few scratchies he bought from the Kensington Village Newsagency.

“He said he wanted me to spoil myself, and then hopefully, I would have a win so I could spoil myself even more,” the woman said.

After scratching the tickets, the couple thought that they hit it big with $750 but later realised that it might have been $10,000. They held on to the paper and double-checked the next day.

“That’s when my partner told me it was a $100,000 win. I just kept saying, ‘No, I don’t believe you! No, truly?’ I went into shock after that.”

Having never won anything in her life, the woman had to check and re-check so many times.

“This turned out to be better than expected! He’s no longer in the bad books! I don’t know how I am going to top this gift when it’s his birthday.”

The pair plan to put the money to good use after celebrating with a nice dinner.

Kensington Village Newsagency owner Paul Draw congratulated the Bray Park couple. Their win also comes after another customer bought an Instant Scratch-Its ticket and won $10,000.

“Big congratulations to the winning couple. We wish them all the very best and hope they can really enjoy their prize,” Mr Draw said.

Free Live Music Event Coming To Albany Creek This October

Photo credit: Brennan Gregory Hatton/Google Maps

A free community event for the youth featuring a day of music, skateboarding, and art with musical performances from several Brisbane bands has been scheduled this October 2021.

Read: Albany Creek Shoppers Fund 20,000 Meals Distributed by SecondBite

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, which will be held on Sunday 9 October 2021 from 12:00 p.m. onwards at the Albany Creek Skate Park.

A partnership between Brisbane Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) and the SCHEMA Collective, the event aims to increase engagement from young people, particularly among at-risk youth, through activities in music, sport, art, and philanthropy as a way to minimise alcohol and other drug harms in the community.

Speaking from personal experience, SCHEMA Collective President Stoyan Stoyanov said he knows how powerful participating in structured leisure activities and feeling connected to a community can be at protecting young people from the harms of alcohol and other drug use, saving lives along the way.

“Music and skateboarding got me through a very difficult time in my life and experiencing this first-hand showed me how being exposed to engagement opportunities like creative hobbies, physical activities and giving back to the community can reduce the likelihood or severity of alcohol and other drugs harms,” says Stoyanov.

The free community event will include musical performances by Tailor Made Rejects, 3 Hour Flight, Zuko, and Loose Cannon, skateboarding demos and ‘Design Your Own Deck’ in the dedicated art tent.

As well as live music, past events have included skateboard and scooter competitions and promotion of volunteering opportunities in partnership with not-for-profit organisations like Sea Shepherd and Clean Up Australia.

A representative from Kids Helpline is always present at SCHEMA Collective events, as the LDAT aims to normalise and destigmatise help-seeking and openness about mental health amongst young people.

LDATs work with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in supporting grassroots organisations to build or extend partnerships in their own communities and develop a Community Action Plan of evidence-informed activities to prevent and minimise the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs at a local level.

SCHEMA Collective partners with Kids Helpline, the Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative, Brisbane City Council, Sea Shepherd, Animal Liberation QLD and the YMCA.

For everyone’s safety, attendees are required to bring a mask, scan the QR code on arrival, and practice social distancing.

Albany Creek Mum Warns Pet Parents After Dog Dies from Sago Palm Poisoning

A devastated Albany Creek mum of five is warning pet parents about the risk of a common houseplant, known as Sago Palm, which killed the family’s beautiful Golden Retriever.

Kim Quirk shared that Cooper, their 7-year-old Golden Retriever, was playing in their Albany Creek backyard with Buddy, their 2-year-old Shih Tzu, when the older dog came inside with a funny look on his face and then started shaking violently. Soon, Buddy also exhibited the same symptoms as Cooper.

Kim and her husband, Dennis, immediately brought Cooper and Buddy to the vet, who asked if the pair had been exposed to a poisonous plant. The elderly couple was told to check for anything unusual in their home as they nervously waited for more updates from the vet.

A cousin sent the Quirks a list of toxic plants which had Sago Palm in it. Earlier that day, Dennis was chopping down the plant on their property, which they now believe poisoned both their dogs.

Sago Palm, which originated from Japan nearly 300 years ago, is a popular landscaping plant in Australia. Also known as cycads, a species of this low-level palm became the centrepiece of the expansion of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens a few years ago.

But Sago Palm is not a dog-friendly household plant, according to the experts at James Cook University. This plant has cycasin, an active toxic agent that may be severely harmful to dogs.

“The leaves are apparently quite attractive-smelling to dogs, making accidental ingestion likely, with initial symptoms of poisoning usually being vomiting, dehydration and lethargy,” Dr Philip Judge, a veterinary emergency lecturer said.

“Using appropriate treatment with intravenous fluid therapy and medications, the symptoms often subside within 24 to 48 hours or so – only to be replaced by the development of severe liver damage that could result in liver failure and death within seven to 14 days.”

Households with Sago Palms in their backyards must be careful not to let the dogs roam free near the plants. Pet parents need to immediately remove loose vegetation, as well as fallen seeds or nuts away from the dog’s access.

The Quirks had two cycads at home for the last 14 years. Whilst Cooper did not make it, Buddy has recovered from the poisoning. The family, however, had to pay $10,000 in vet bills to save their dog.

Kim said that locals should be aware of this plant’s hidden danger to prevent heartaches and unexpected medical expenses for their pets.

Albany Creek Shoppers Fund 20,000 Meals Distributed by SecondBite

Hooray for help! Albany Creek shoppers have pulled off an admirable feat by supporting a fundraising initiative that has enabled SecondBite to distribute 20,000 meals for hungry families this winter.

Coles Albany Creek ranked among the top five fundraising Coles stores in Queensland — alongside The Pines, Caloundra, North Shore, and Logan Central — in its annual Winter Appeal to raise funds for the food rescue organisation founded by Ian and Simone Carson. Through the shoppers’ generosity, the store was able to raise $4,000, adding to the more than $1.6 million raised nationally by the initiative.

“We can’t thank our customers in Albany Creek enough for their efforts in supporting the Secondbite Winter Appeal. The funds raised will make a real difference to SecondBite so they can continue to support local charity partners like Reach Out Community & Family Care,” Coles State General Manager Jerry Farrell said.

“It has been incredible to see local shoppers really dig deep and help provide meals to people who might otherwise go without.”

SecondBite collects unsold, edible food from Coles that goes to 1,300 charity partners across Australia, including the Reach Out Community & Family Care in Everton Park. The Winter Appeal comes as three out of four food charities have had a surge in demand for their services in the last 18 months.

“So many people are under pressure at the moment and yet Coles’ customers and team members still dug deep for others and did their bit to ensure Australians aren’t going hungry,” said SecondBite Ambassador and Board Director Matt Preston.

“2021 has been a tremendously challenging year for so many Australians and SecondBite could not have met the resultant increase in demand for food support without the backing of the entire Coles team.”

Coles and SecondBites have been in a partnership for the last 10 years and this long-term collaboration has carried over to Coles’ Together to Zero Hunger Sustainability Strategy.

“We are so grateful for the generosity Coles’ customers and team members have demonstrated for this very worthy appeal especially at a time when so many communities were under tough COVID- 19 restrictions,” Coles CEO Steven Cain said.

“SecondBite’s important work of collecting and redistributing food for vulnerable people aligns powerfully with our purpose to sustainably feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives.”

Eatons Hill Residents Are Queensland’s Biggest Online Shoppers: Report

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Common / DealDrop via Flickr

Did you know that Eatons Hill residents are some of the biggest online shoppers in the country? According to a new report from the Australian Post, Eatons Hill ranks third among the postcodes with the most shopping activity at major stores or discount outlets, online marketplaces, and home ware outlets.

In 2020, about 82 percent of households shopped for goods online during the pandemic, with some postcodes shopping twice as they did in 2019. Whilst Victorians spent more money on goods online, the whole country’s online shopping activities increased to 57 percent.

“As social distancing, border closures and lockdowns became commonplace, Australians turned online for the things they needed. And they did so in record numbers with over four in five Australian households – almost 9 million – making an online purchase at some point during the year,” said Rodney Boys, CEO of the Australian Post.

Highlights

Eatons Hill residents shopped online the most among Queenslanders in 2020.
The whole country’s online shopping activity increased to 82 percent during the pandemic lockdowns.
Online shoppers mostly bought home and garden items or furniture.

The report also revealed that new and distinct groups of online shoppers have emerged during the lockdown. The first are the young families who are conscious of where their money goes and the second are older households in retired or rural communities. From these groups, purchases of home and garden items have been significant. Homeware items were also popular with seasoned online shoppers, alongside appliances.

“Many retailers have done incredibly well through COVID-19, including those in household goods. With so many of us confined to our homes during the pandemic, and now choosing to work flexibly, people have invested in household items like new furniture or office and tech equipment, said Paul Zahra the CEO of the Australian Retailers Association.

“Having said that, brick and mortar stores still have an important role to play – it’s where the bulk of retail sales still occur – so store managers, sales assistants, and the like are still in-demand roles. Hence, we expect to see retailers continue to reduce their physical footprint and invest heavily in digital.”

Top 10 Suburbs in Australia with Highest Online Shopping Activity

Narre Warren North, VIC

Secret Harbour, WA

Eatons Hill, QLD

Frenchs Forest, NSW

Wakerly, QLD

Jerrabomberra, NSW

Wattle Grove, NSW

Narangba, QLD

Mount Annan, NSW

Warrandyte, VIC

Albany Creek SHS Students Clinch Top Honours at the Salute to Excellence Awards

A student of Albany Creek State High School clinched the top prize for Tourism whilst two other locals were recognised for their abilities in the annual 24th annual Salute to Excellence Awards.

After completing a rigorous Skills Test in June 2021, Linh Nguyen was named the Tourism winner with Georgia Newell as runner-up and Leisel Clements as a finalist. They all attend Albany Creek State High School.

The yearly event, mounted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s (QTIC), is a tough competition involving students, schools, employers and training organisations in the tourism and hospitality industry. The competitors were judged on their cooking skills in the commercial kitchen, abilities in food and beverage service, and tourism holiday itinerary presentation.

This year had one of the highest numbers of participants. Some 128 schools across Queensland take part in QTIC programs to encourage young talents to consider the tourism and hospitality industry as a career choice is essential to the growth of the sector.

“The Salute to Excellence Awards is a great stepping-stone into the industry and we take pride in seeing participants continue their journey to go on to be a chef, hotel manager, travel consultants, event managers and more,” QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said.

“The Salute to Excellence Awards is a terrific way to promote careers and to inspire both students and teachers in the incredible opportunities in tourism,” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe as he congratulated the winners.

“Quality training leads to quality services and quality experiences for visitors – a vital ingredient for Queensland’s continued success. We need to celebrate the passion and achievements of these young, aspiring professionals and support them on their tourism journey.”

Here is the full list of winners:

Cookery Category

Winner: Abbey Kuhnell – Mount Saint Patrick College Murwillumbah
Runner Up: Erik Brown – Rochedale State High School
Finalist: Charlotte Fehser – South Bank Tafe
Finalist: Ethan Alborn – Helensvale State High School
Finalist: Hayden Drewett – Brisbane Bayside State College
Finalist: Henry Bibby – Brisbane Bayside State High School
Finalist: Cadence Purkis-Arthur – Kirwan State High School
Finalist: Shaeleigh Shearer – Calamvale Community College
Finalist: Liam Wooltorton – Helensvale State High School

Food & Beverage Category

Winner: Paris Foody – Riverside Christian College
Runner Up: Jay Lyblác – Tafe Queensland, Brisbane State High School
Finalist: Ava Croatta – Endeavour Christian College
Finalist: Emily Hudson – Riverside Christian College
Finalist: Jharlee Mcdermott – Kirwan State High School
Finalist: Micah Johnson – Riverside Christian College
Finalist: Sophie Doyle – Riverside Christian College

Tourism Category

Winner: Linh Nguyen – Albany Creek State High School
Runner Up: Georgia Newell – Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Clay Robertson – St Patricks College
Finalist: Leisel Clements – Albany Creek State High School
Finalist: Chloe McConnell – Kirwan State High School

Teacher/Trainer Category

Winner: Leah Cremen – Calamvale Community College
Runner Up: Donna Jenkin – James Nash State High School

Calling All Job Seekers! New Opportunities Await At Brendale-based Company

Brendale-based electronics designer and manufacturer Elexon Electronics is on the look-out for new Quality and Processes professionals, a business development manager, an HR manager, and an IT specialist.

Read: Skip Bin Hires Good For The Environment: Here’s Where To Find One In Brisbane Northside

These job opportunities arise as a result of the company’s defence engagement and preparedness project.

Elexon Electronics has proudly passed the external ISO 9001 audit for the past 15 years and is set to build on their success by completing the ISO 14001 and AS 9100D certifications by the end of November 2021.

“By achieving ISO 14001 and AS 9100D certifications later this year, we’ll continue to build on our reputation and deliver even greater quality to our customers from the defence, mining and other niche industries” said Frank Faller, CEO of Elexon.

To help achieve this significant milestone, Elexon has recently recruited Kylie Warren to the role of Quality Manager and Jordan Metlikovec as an NPI & Process Engineering Manager to oversee the development of the quality system and manufacturing process quality respectively.

“The ISO 14001 and AS 9100D certifications are integral certifications for companies working in the defence sector and I’m looking forward to being a part of the Elexon team who achieves this,” said Ms Warren.

Mr Metlikovec said his plan is to actively connect engineering, manufacturing and quality departments and with a hands-on approach, actively contribute towards the continuous improvement of Elexon’s processes, products and services.

Interested parties can get in touch with info@elexonelectronics.com to apply.

About Elexon Electronics

Elexon Electronics, a Brandale-based electronics engineering and manufacturing company is a significant employer in the area and has been contributing towards the development of entrepreneurship, reputation and innovation of the Moreton Bay region.

Skip Bin Hires Good For The Environment: Here’s Where To Find One In Brisbane Northside

Photo credit: MamaShaw/Pixabay

Skip bin hires are companies that deal with additional waste often associated with remodeling and renovating. Whether you’re doing home renovations or doing a major cleanup, a skip bin company can be of great help in disposing of large amounts of waste.

Read: Upgrades Begin for Gympie Arterial Road, Strathpine Road Interchange in Bald Hills

In Brisbane Northside, one company that does this is Bbins Skip Bin Hire. Founded in 2003 at 12 Tapnor Cres, Brendale, this family-owned business offers residential waste collection, commercial waste collection, and construction waste collection.

One of the reasons why you would want to get their services is because they help minimise the waste that goes into the environment. Did you know that they recycle up to 80% of the waste collected? This is part of their goal to help reduce ecological footprint and conserve the natural environment.

Bbins Skip Bins trucks (Photo credit: bbins.com.au)

House renovations are seeing an upward trend in Australia and more renovations also mean more rubbish that may go to landfill. In Queensland alone, there were 3352 approvals worth $255 million. The numbers also doubled: 406 in February 2021 and 421 in March 2021, compared to a pre-pandemic average of about 200 a month.

If you’re renovating and need more time to keep the skip bin, Bbins will let you use it for up to seven days. They can provide different sizes of bins depending on your needs. The sizes of bins measure 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 and 15 cubic meters. Bins also come with wheelbarrow doors for easy access.

Read: Snap Print in Brendale Has a New Owner, Same Quality Service

Bbins Skip Bin Hire collects almost any type of waste except for asbestos, flammable goods, liquid paints, poisons, sharps, chemicals, toxic waste, tyres, gas bottles, oils, batteries, and food waste.

BBins offer a same-day delivery but they suggest giving them up to two days so that they can supply you with the right skip bin sizes you need.

Service areas include Aspley, Bray Park, Brendale, Carseldine, Clayfield, Chermside, Narangba, Stafford, Strathpine and the entire Redcliffe area. To get a full list of their service areas or to learn more about their services, visit bbins.com.au.

Albany Creek State High School Students Aiming for Salute to Excellence Awards

Three students from Albany Creek State High School battled it out with 21 other students from Queensland at the recently concluded 24th annual QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards Skills Test Day to gain the title of the best in the state in three categories: Tourism, Food and Beverage and Cookery.

At the start of 2021, the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders participated at the Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools.

On 28 June 2021, all 24 competitors successfully completed the Skills Test where they went through a rigorous program comprising a cookery competition in a commercial kitchen, a food and beverage service competition, and a tourism holiday itinerary presentation. The students were also interviewed and assessed by a panel of judges.

The final judging round will close on 8 July and the winners will be announced during a special ceremony on 26 July at the Hilton Hotel.

“After I began my tourism course, working in the tourism industry became a serious consideration for my after-school career options. Salute to Excellence has given me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge and expand my experience with tourism,” Georgia Newell, the Albany Creek student said.

“I enjoy the ability to help people achieve and enjoy their dream holiday or experience. Having to push myself to prepare for Salute to Excellence has taught me so much about the tourism industry while also allowing me to expand my career options and passion for tourism.”

Fellow student Linh Nguyen was inspired to join the Salute to Excellence Awards after virtually witnessing the activities in 2020.

“After listening to the guest speakers front QTIC, and Young Tourism Ambassador, I was amazed by the opportunities available in the tourism industry. By entering the competition, I have challenged myself and gained valuable experiences,” Linh said, adding that the experience allowed the student to gain valuable and develop a professional resume.

Leisel Clements believed she could do well in the Salute to Excellence program after getting a nudge from her teacher.

“I read into it and became really interested as its a great opportunity to become a part of the tourism industry,” Leisel said.

“I most enjoy learning about the domestic tourism in Australia, specifically Outback Queensland as not many people hear about it too often. I’m hoping to gain more knowledge and experience that in future I can apply in the tourism industry.”

QTIC Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said that it was inspiring to watch the students compete with passion.

“With the current skill shortages, it has never been more important to support emerging professionals and equipping them with the skills to take on the opportunities our industry offers,” Mr Gschwind said. “It is important to put a spotlight on the importance of vocational education and training in secondary schools across the state, that is where we will find the next leaders in for industry”.

To learn more about the Salute to Excellence Awards, visit the Queensland Tourism Industry Council website.

Bluegrass Barbecue Offers Eatons Hill Popular American Dishes

Craving some smoked American-style cooking? Bluegrass Barbecue Eatons Hill serves up classic smokehouse meals such as steaks, ribs, and burgers.

Bluegrass Barbecue takes great pride in their low and slow smoked premium cut meats, all of which come from local sources. Their menu features dishes such as their Beef Baby Back Ribs, Signature Steak, and Southern Fried Chicken, however one of the most commonly featured items is their signature Memphis Style Pork Ribs — a meal comprised of ribs which have been smoked for over five hours, basted in dark and spicy Memphis style barbecue sauce.

Pork Ribs – Memphis Style.
Photo credit: Facebook/Bluegrass Barbecue – Que & Brews

Bluegrass Barbecue also offers meals that cater to those with dietary restrictions, serving up gluten-free and vegetarian options to ensure that nobody feels left out despite the fact that they truly specialise in American-style smoked meats, burgers and steaks.

Vegetarians can indulge themselves with a Shroom Boom burger, with a patty that consists of portobello mushrooms. People are free to order some of their classics such as their Dirty Birdy burger, which is a sandwich that contains crispy southern fried chicken, American cheese, ranch, pickles, and their spicy and smokey chipotle slaw.

Dirty Birdy.
Photo credit: Instagram/bluegrass_barbecue

Classic American food isn’t the only thing available at Bluegrass Barbecue, however, for the restaurant also allows customers to order some liquor to go with their meals, with options in their beverage menu such as cocktails, wine, alcoholic soda, and of course, beer and bourbon.

Photo credit: Instagram/bluegrass_barbecue

The restaurant is also entirely wheelchair-accessible, and those who wish to bring their canine companions may dine with their pups at the outdoor tables.

Customers raved over the restaurant’s amazing food, atmosphere and service, lauding their burgers and onion rings in particular while commending the staff’s friendliness.

Like being in Texas! Terrific BBQ, incredibly authentic and big portions. Love the people and the vibe. If you’re an American in Oz, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re Australian you’ll get to experience the genuine article: real Texas ‘cue. Best brisket in Australia!
Linda B.

Great burger joint. Smoked meats, burgers, chips, slaw, sides, decent drinks list.
Friendly and attentive staff. Good pricing. Was happy to make reasonable adjustments and alterations to listed menu items.
Will return again.
Joe L.

This has become our regular go to. My Family LOVE their burgers, fried and onion rings. Having a lot of GF options is great. I have enjoyed everything that I have tried. Would highly recommend.
Juanine M.

Bluegrass Barbecue can be found at Shop 17, 640 South Pine Road, Brendale, open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lunch, and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for dinner. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other special announcements concerning the restaurant.