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Get Ready for ‘Chillin’ In The Hills’ Twilight Market at James Drysdale Recreational Park

The return of the Chillin’ in the Hills Twilight Market is getting closer and this May, the monthly event will be part of the Hills Festival program by the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism department.

On Friday, the 31st of May 2019, arts and crafts shops, food trucks and bars, as well as live music performances, will be set up at the James Drysdale Recreational Park for Chillin’ in the Hills.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy and chill as a group amidst the soft glow of the sky as darkness gradually covers the park. Groove to the live music from talented Queensland artists as you toast a bottle of beer. Have a good time exchanging anecdotes as the food flows on your table.

*Photo Credit:* *Chillin in the Hills/Facebook*

Around 45 stalls will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the outdoor venue of Chillin’ in the Hills but there will also be crafters and sellers showcasing their handmade products at the community’s function centre. As the party outside gets loud, you can comfortably shop for handmade items, trinkets, gifts and tokens made by local artists indoors.

Chillin in the Hills is a free event and there’s no booking required. Just drop in with your group and spend four hours of enjoyable quality time together.

Detailed Design Underway for Proposed Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road Diverging Diamond Interchange at Bald Hills

The Department of Transport and Main Roads is already undertaking the detailed design of the proposed Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road interchange at Bald Hills.

The project will transform the interchange that connects Strathpine Road with Hoyland Street into a diverging diamond interchange that will ease traffic congestion, improve travel times, and address safety concerns.

“The benefit of this kind of interchange is that right-turning traffic does not have to give way to opposing traffic and decreases the number of traffic lights required, making the intersection both safer and more efficient,” TMR said.

“Additionally, a diverging diamond interchange is usually cheaper to construct and has less impact on local residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.

TMR will set aside $2 million to fund the detailed design of the project. Funding for the construction, on the other hand, will depend on the funding allocation and will compete with other priority statewide government projects.

The Strathpine Road / Gympie Road diverging diamond interchange will be Queensland’s second, after Caloundra Road / Bruce Highway (QLD) diverging diamond interchange which is currently under construction.

The diverging diamond interchange may not be familiar to Australian drivers but it will be very easy to navigate, according to TMR.

“A diverging diamond interchange is an innovative method of traffic management through intersections, used with great success internationally in the United States, to increase traffic efficiency and safety for all road users.

“…TMR will engage with the local community and road users to help drivers understand how to navigate the intersection,” TMR said.

Water Pollution in Sandy Creek Under Investigation After Albany Creek Residents Voice Concerns

Photo Credit: Hans/Pixabay

The Moreton Bay Regional Council is investigating reports of water contamination and pollution in Sandy Creek found at the Cuthbert Park in Albany Creek.

Residents have raised their concerns after discovering that Sandy Creek’s water turned into a creamy colour and seemed to be filled with soap suds.

According to reports, Bob Barkley saw that Sandy Creek’s water was still quite clear on Tuesday, the 16th of April 2019. The following day, however, he found the water murky and almost white, and suspected that someone dumped contaminants in a storm drain that flowed through the creek.

Mr Barclay said that this was not the first time he saw that the colour of the creek changed thus he’s demanding the Council to take quick action. He said that he has seen the water turn white, bright red, or filled with cooking fat.

Other Albany Creek locals also cited that they no longer see turtles and small schools of fish swimming in Sandy Creek. Some residents also relayed that there was an incident after a man was seen dumping oil into the creek from his vehicle.

A spokesperson for the Council said that inspectors were on Sandy Creek last Thursday to verify the reported contamination and did find the water’s opaque condition. Inspectors also discovered that part of the creek had an obstruction and clogging that affected the flow of water under Old Northern Road.

The Council will reportedly further investigate the source of the contamination, as well as layout plans to unclog the creek.

It’s Wings Wednesdays at Samual Grays on Albany Creek Road!

Photo Credit: Samual Grays Cafe and Craft Beer Bar/Facebook

Did you know that Samual Grays Cafe and Craft Beer Bar, located at 735 Albany Creek Road, is slashing off its chicken wings price every Wednesday?

Avail of this dish at half price off for dine-in orders and at $1 per piece on takeaway orders. What’s more, Wings Wednesday is ongoing until the end of the year!

Samual Grays Cafe and Craft Beer Bar chicken wings come in four different flavours: buffalo sauce and blue cheese aioli, honey soy, smokey barbecue sauce, and spicy chilli. At its regular price, this dish go for $9 for an order of 6 pieces, $16 for an order of 12 pieces, and $30 for an order of 24 pieces.

The chicken wings are perfect when paired with the restaurant’s choices of local craft beer, spirits, cocktails, and other beverages.

*Photo Credit:* *Samual Grays Cafe and Craft Beer Bar/Facebook*

Established since 2017, Samuel Grays is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served from Friday to Sunday (7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.), while trading from Wednesday and Thursday starts at 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

If you’re looking for more dishes to add to the chicken wings, Samual Grays also serves pizza, burgers, salads. The restaurant has a kids’ menu and most of the choices may be ordered online as well.

Sunday night is also a special night at Samuel Grays as there are live performances from local musicians.

“Put simply, you’re mad if you don’t go here. The wife and I decided to bypass the usual places and thought we’d give this a run, and I am so thankful we found this little gem. The pork burger was delicious, and there were too many beers to sample in one sitting. Staff was friendly and the service quick. A cafe like this has been sorely needed in the Albany Creek / Eatons Hill area for far too long, and they have nailed it. A number of other very tempting items on the menu will see me going back again and again.”
~ Lachy Mc, via Facebook

“Had a lovely meal here last night. Great range of Craft Beer, easy going atmosphere and homely meal selection for all the family. Left overs for lunch today…Popped in this morning for a quick coffee and bit to eat on the way to work, great to see a local Albany Creek business succeed at being a Bar, Restaurant and Cafe.”

~ Chris BanHack, via Google Reviews

Euforia Wholefoods: Locally & Ethically Sourced All-Day Brunch in Albany Creek

Dining out can be difficult for vegans, vegetarians and those with food allergies, but an Albany Creek cafe is making it easier for individuals looking for menu dishes made using ethically sourced ingredients.

Euforia Wholefoods on Dawn Road is all about giving people a choice, whether they are vegan, vegetarian, or simply avoiding ingredients that are bad for one’s health.

Euforia Wholefoods is a coffee shop with breakfast and brunch restaurant all rolled into one. They serve all-day brunch with gluten-free and dairy-free options using locally sourced ingredients, free range with no preservatives. They also can cater to most food allergies.

Euforia sounds like euphoria which is the experience of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness. True enough, their nourishing organic snacks and meals makes you feel that way since each dish is visually enticing and tastefully prepared.

Euforia Big Brekky — Euforia Big Breakfast
*Photo credit: Euforia Wholefoods/Facebook*

For those who are used to having a heavy brekky, the Euforia Big Breakfast is nutritious and filling as it is made up of free range poached eggs, seasoned black beans, wilted spinach, mushroom, nitrate-free bacon, grilled tomato, haloumi, and toasted sourdough.

Euforia also serves fluffy pancakes with egg-free and gluten-free ice cream. Their menu features granola, black bean burger, and raw Pad Thai salad.

Fluffy pancakes
Veggie burger

Aside from their regular menu, the restaurant features weekly treats that are incredibly satiating.

For drinks, you have a choice of house-brewed coffee, organic loose leaf herbal teas, smoothies, and cold drinks like aloe vera water, watermelon water or kombucha.

The restaurant also serves scrumptious baked goods which go well with their brewed coffee.

VG brownies
Cold brew coffee
Specialty coffee
Vegan red velvet cupcake

Located across the road from Dawn Road Reserve, the restaurant has a wide verandah that allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the bushland in Albany Creek while you relish your vegan meal.

Business hours are from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tuesdays till Fridays, and from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. But they are open for coffee at 6:30 am from Tuesdays to Fridays, whilst brunch starts at 7:00 am.

For more information, click here.

Albany Creek’s John Leitch Memorial Park To Have Off-Leash Dog Facility This February

Photo Credit: alihasadd25/Pixabay

Albany Creek residents and their pet dogs will soon be able to enjoy an off-leash area for dogs at John Leitch Memorial Park.

Construction work has begun for the facility. Councillor Mark Charlton announced on his Facebook page that works on the project started on the 4th of Feb. It is estimated to be completed within two weeks, weather permitting.

The off-leash area within the park will have separate enclosed facilities for small dogs and large dogs. Each area will also have water bubblers, waste disposal bins and ample seating for the owners.

*Photo Credit: Councillor Mike Charlton/Facebook*

Trees will also be planted and set-up at the park to provide the shade and cool air for park visitors.

The Moreton Bay Regional Council approved the construction of the off-leash dog area with a $40,000 budget. It has been included in the Council’s 2018/19 funding for Division 9 roads and infrastructure upgrades, as well as facilities renovation projects.

“Council’s 2018/19 budget focuses on local road and waterway projects, while continuing to promote a healthy and active lifestyle in our region through investment in sport and recreation facilities in Division 9,” the press release cited.

Bald Hills Link to Stafford Road and Alderley Station Proposed in $6.5 Billion Plan

The South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors has lodged a proposal to link Bald Hills to Stafford Road and Alderley Rail Station. The planned infrastructure improvement is part of a $6.5 billion project for the North West Transport Corridor (NWTC).

The NWTC currently flows through Gympie Road and the Strathpine Station to the north and the Bridgeman Downs, McDowall and Everton Park from the south to connect to Shand Street in Alderley and the Alderley Station. The proposal is aimed at reducing the gridlock commuters from northern and western Brisbane experience every day.

*Photo Credit: Council Of Mayors South East Queensland*

Based on the SEQ People Mass Movement Study, the NWTC improvement is part of 28 proposed infrastructure projects for the region, which should be carried out from 2019 to 2031. In total, however, the Council of Mayors have 47 infrastructure projects in the pipeline until 2041 with estimated spending of almost $63 billion.

“Forty-seven major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk told the press. “This total investment rate achieves the vision of 45-minute regional connectivity and 30-minute smart cities,” he added.

Queensland is expected to grow its population by 30 per cent in 2031, the study further cited. Thus, the region must prepare to support transport demands to maintain its global competitiveness and sustainability, as well as provide a high-quality way of life for its residents.

Eatons Hill Hotel Hosting 6th Annual Brisbane Beer Fest

The annual Brisbane Beer Fest at Eatons Hill Hotel is now on its sixth year. The beer festival will be held on Saturday, 23rd February 2019, at 11AM.

With more than 130 beers and ciders available, the event promises to be the largest beer festival in Queensland. There will be a variety of international food trucks to challenge your taste buds, besides live entertainment to set the mood for the full day of booze and food.

Also, team events like the inflatable beer obstacle course, keg-stacking comp and life-sized game of foosball add to the high spirits.

The annual Beer Fest On The Grass has definitely come a long way since its first year.

2018 beer fest on the grass — 2018 Brisbane Beer Fest
(*Photo credit: Brisbane Beer Fest/Facebook*)

2015 Brisbane Beer Fest
(*Photo credit: Brisbane Beer Fest/Facebook)*

2014 Brisbane Beer Fest — 1st Brisbane Beer Fest in 2014
(*Photo credit: Brisbane Beer Fest/Facebook*)

Fun Games at Beer Fest — Fun games at beer festival
(*Photo credit: Brisbane Beer Fest/Facebook*)

Beer was introduced to Australia when the British first colonised the continent. Since then, beer drinking has become an Aussie favorite. Pretty much any occasion from a good day (or a bad day) at work to a funeral, a birth or even going to bed is reason enough to have some beer.

Foamy beer — *Photo credit: Brisbane Beer Fest/Facebook*

Beer festivals contribute to the constant improvement of the brew as beer makers vie for coveted awards.

But more than that, beer festivals simply spell fun for every ale lover.

So gather your mates and join a day’s celebration of beer at the 6th Annual Brisbane Beer Fest.

Free “Come & Try” Synchro Swimming at Albany Creek Pool

It’s the kids’ chance to channel their inner mermaid at Albany Creek Leisure Centre as Neptunes Synchronized Swimming Club presents a free Come & Try Synchro session on Saturday 26 January 2019.

The session is ideal for boys and girls from 7 years to 17 years of age. Participants should be comfortable in the water and can swim unaided for 25 metres to 50 metres, whether using freestyle or another stroke.

The club welcomes new members throughout the year and the come and try session is a perfect opportunity to see if a kid has the potential for the sport.

Event Details:

What:	Come N Try Synchro
When:	Saturday 26 January 2016
Where:	Albany Creek Leisure Centre, Corner Explorer Drive and Old Northern Road, Albany Creek
Cost:	FREE
Bookings:	Bookings Essential Email president@neptunes.qldsynchro.org.au to book.

Can’t make it to the free Come & Try session? No need to worry as Neptures holds come and try days throughout the year. The club also takes bookings for trial sessions.

For enquiries, email president@neptunes.qldsynchro.org.au to register your interest in a Come & Try Synchro session. The club will offer the next available day and time for a trial session.

About Neptunes

Neptunes Synchronized Swimming Club, based at the Albany Creek Leisure Centre in Albany Creek, has been welcoming swimmers into what’s been regarded as one of the most enjoyable water activities available.

Synchro is a fun and unique aquatic activity that combines swimming, dance and gymnastics. Through the sport, children can develop grace, strength and endurance. The discipline and skills that the kids develop throughout training are sure to aid them in other aspects of life.

The club’s Albany Creek home base welcomes swimmers from the vicinity and Brisbane’s northern suburbs. As part of its expansion, it also now offers synchro lessons at Dunlop Park Memorial Pool in Corinda for the western suburbs.

Visit Neptunes’ website for more details.

Albany Creek Library Grand Reopening Celebration

Following the completion of $368,000 worth of upgrades, Albany Creek Library is going to be celebrating its grand reopening on Saturday, 19 January 2019.

From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy lots of fun activities and explore the newly renovated library.

Event Details

What: Albany Creek Library Grand Reopening

When: Saturday, 19 January 2019; 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: Albany Creek Library

Albany Creek Library Grand Reopening

Photo credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries/Facebook

Some activities lined up for the kids include face painting, storytime, and The Gecko Wild Life Show.

Meanwhile, morning tea will be available for the grown-ups. Local history talk will also be providing everyone with an insight into the stories of the local community.

This event is free for everyone to enjoy.

Albany Creek Library Upgrades

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries/Facebook

As part of its upgrades, the library now includes roving library assistance and RFID Smart Shelving to make returning items faster and simpler.

Other improvements to the library include special study zones with new comfortable benches and booths with power and WiFi throughout. Because of this, connecting and recharging at the library is easier.

Kids are also bound to have more fun at the new children’s space in the library.

Furthermore, the addition of new informal lounge areas, chairs, and coffee tables give visitors more spaces to relax and unwind.

“Public libraries are lifeblood to learning, promoting reading, nurturing and knowledge so it’s important the community has the chance to experience these opportunities in a comfortable and relaxed environment,” Councillor for Division 9 Mike Charlton said when he first announced the renovation in June 2018.

“In the past year the Albany Creek Library has welcomed more than 100,000 residents and visitors through its door. I know the community along with local groups will be really excited to see this space come to life with a fresh look,” Cr Charlton said.

With the completion of the modernisation upgrades, Albany Creek Library now offers an abundance of modern spaces that aims to connect, inspire, and engage.

Head over to the Albany Creek Library’s grand reopening to find out more about their new offers.