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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.

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

Commuters along Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road interchange in Bald Hills may expect traffic disruptions for the next two years as workers are now on the site to facilitate the $30 million upgrades.

The project will see through the transformation of the interchange, used by 20,000 motorists a day, which will relieve the congestion, improve travel times, and make the roads safer for the public.

Per the Department of Transport and Main Roads, among the key features of this infrastructure project are:

The new innovative interchange system allows free flowing turns when exiting and entering Gympie Arterial Road.
The interchange eliminates the number of conflicts with opposing traffic on Strathpine Road and reducing traffic signal phases, making the interchange safer and more efficient.
A diverging diamond interchange is cost-effective to construct and has lesser impacts on local residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.
The Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road diverging diamond interchange will be the second in Queensland, with the Caloundra Road and Bruce Highway (QLD) diverging diamond interchange being the first.

“Diverging diamond interchanges are an innovative design that have been used with great success internationally, and recently here in Queensland at the Caloundra Road interchange,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. “Diverging diamond interchanges are not only cheaper to construct, but they reduce residential impacts, as they require a smaller footprint compared to a traditional interchange design.”

State Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said that these upgrades would benefit Bald Hills residents as it will mean “locals can get home quicker and safer.”

The Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road Interchange upgrades are a joint undertaking funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and are expected to finish in mid-2023.

For concerns and enquiries about the project, email metropolitanregion@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3066 4338 during business hours.

New Gel Blaster Stores Planned for Brendale & Other Areas

Sales have boomed in the gel blaster industry, currently taking off all across Queensland. Plans are in the works to open gel ball stores in various suburbs all over the state such as Brendale.

Ever since the hobby became regulated by the state government, gel blasters have been on the rise as one of the country’s most prominent up-and-coming industries with numerous stores launching all over Queensland. A grand total of 15 gel blaster-related businesses have opened throughout the state, with many more on the way.

Brendale in particular is due to receive a regulated gel ball store in the near future, and plans are in the works to construct gel ball skirmish fields due to the sheer success of the industry following regulations, which were introduced in 2020.

Photo credit: CC BY-SA/Dottasriel2000/Wikimedia commons

Queensland regulations have declared that gel blasters are not firearms, making them perfectly legal to own and purchase without a licence, however they must still be kept out of sight when being transported. Due to the sheer popularity of gel blasters, regulations are now being examined in other states across Australia.

Those interested in taking part in the hobby must take the community into consideration as the appearance of gel blasters could cause distress. They are difficult to differentiate from real firearms and can only be identified properly with close inspection. The Queensland Police released an informative video to address this issue.

Adhering to the rules and regulations is paramount, especially for Brendale residents as the suburb is slated to receive a slew of new gel ball businesses, according to Police Minister Mark Ryan.

Eatons Hill Runner Completes UTA 100K for Hannah Clarke

Congratulations are in order for Eatons Hill resident Rob Hopkinson, who successfully completed UTA 100-K, one of the most challenging trail-running events in the country. Rob ran Ultra-Trail Australia’s pinnacle event to raise funds for Small Steps 4 Hannah, a foundation working to stop domestic and family violence in honor of Camp Hill mum Hannah Clarke.

The UTA 100K took place in Katoomba, amidst the stunning nature of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales from 13 to 16 May 2021. In the process of covering the distance, scrambling through the fire roads and bitumen roads, as well as scaling the mountain’s 4,400 metre elevation, Rob was able to meet his goal of raising beyond $10,000 for his chosen charity.

“Massive thank you to everyone that supported me [yesterday]. I was blown away when I turned on my phone and seen the amazing messages but also how much was donated,” Rob said.

Rob is not new to running for charity and raising funds to support a cause. Since his first Ironman race in Busselton many years ago, he has considered this a worthwhile experience because he knows it’s making a difference in someone’s life.

Despite the heat, dehydration, and the physical tolls of running, Rob pursues his goal knowing that the endgame would be rewarding.

Watch the video below to see some of the highlights of the run and to check out how tough is the terrain for the UTA 100K:

Incidentally, Small Steps 4 Hannah, established by Hannah’s parents, Lloyd and Sue Clarke, has been nominated for a Queenslander of the Year award for their work with victims of domestic violence. Lloyd and Sue formed the foundation because they didn’t want their daughter’s death, as well as their grandchildren’s death, to be in vain.

Aside from helping the victims, the charity has also been educating families as well as working with authorities to ensure that coercive control becomes a criminal act in Queensland. The move has resulted in the formation of a taskforce to study laws on coercive control as a result of Hannah’s murder.

Meanwhile, the UTA 100K may be over but donations for Small Steps 4 Hannah under Rob is still ongoing on Rob’s My Cause page. He’s also training for his next run while thinking of the next charity to support.

New Strathpine West State School Program Offers English Lessons

Interested in improving your English-speaking skills? The Galaxy Club at Strathpine West State School is inviting the community to come practise with them at their school. The best part? It’s all FREE.

The Galaxy Club, hosted by the school’s Chaplain and a group of volunteers, is open between 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and is keen on helping Strathpine improve their English while simultaneously learning more about the cultures of one another to foster a sense of community.

Admission is completely free, and childminding services are also offered. Those concerned about transport will have nothing to worry as the school is willing to transport participants to and from the venue.

One of the primary reasons the program came about was due to the fact that there were a grand total of 22 different languages spoken by students and their families at the Strathpine West State School. English was not the first language of many of these children and their parents, and this would get in the way of their education as lessons in school were taught in English.

Photo credit: Facebook/Strathpine West State School

Due to the sheer diversity of students and their cultural origins, the Galaxy Club aims to celebrate the backgrounds and cultures of the students from their school. However, the program is open to all members of the community whether their children study in Strathpine West State School or not.

The school can be found at Garbala Dr, Strathpine. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates concerning the sessions hosted by the Galaxy Club.

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

The Snap Print franchise in Brendale has changed hands as new owner Fiona Atkins takes over the business for Ian Briskie, who will now enjoy his retirement years.

Mr Briskie has been the Brendale franchise of the largest print business in the country since 2009 and he’s confident in turning over the store’s future to Ms Atkins, the store’s long-time manager.

Ms Atkins, on the other hand, promised to continue the same quality service that Snap Print is known for. She said that there will be no changes in the business’ structure and the store’s service.

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A post shared by Snap Brendale (@snapbrendale)

The Brendale store is one of more than 130 Snap Print outlets in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, and has thrived in the print industry for 120 years even in the advent of digital technology. The Snap Print franchise has been flourishing for the last 40 years as opportunities for business owners continue to grow.

Meanwhile, Snap Print recently secured a deal with the online design platform Canva, which will allow the customers access to better design tools prior to having their materials printed at the Brendale shop.

“Bringing your creative ideas to life is what we do best! Our graphic designers can deliver impact and appeal to your business, through a range of creative services. Whether you need a new brand identity, business stationery suite, marketing campaign, or large banners and posters, we’ve got you covered.”

For more information and enquiries about their service, email brendale@snap.com.au or phone (07) 3881 2339. Visit the store at 118 South Pine Road.