This year, there are new rides in store for you and your kids. A new addition is the wicked reptile interactive with Wild Encounters.Touch, hold and take a photo with snakes, crocs and more.
Photo credit: Albany Fair / Facebook
A variety of stalls await, from food to book stalls, to a cafe corner and many more. Activities such as the arts and crafts stall will be there as well.
Photo credit: Albany Fair / Facebook
Thinking of doing something out-of-the-box? Why don’t you get your hair dyed in vibrant colours at the Crazy Hair Art booth? There will also be a face painting stall as well because what is a fair without it?
Photo credit: Albany Fair / Facebook
If you’re looking for something thrilling, head on over to the haunted house, another new addition this year.
There will be delicious food and adults can also drink booze whilst they take in all the fun of this event!
Some Star Wars storm troopers and droids will be present at the event as well along with Batman and his Batmobile. Don’t forget to take a snap with them!
Following her exceptional performance in the Australian under-21 indoor hockey championship held at Goulburn, NSW, Schouw is one of the Brisbane players who made it to the Australian Indoor Hockey Squads for 2018.
Schouw has been the top scorer for the Under-21 tournament after scoring 14 goals in seven games. Aside from bringing home a bronze medal, she was also named as the Player of the Tournament.
Going into the tournament, the Commercial Hockey Club member was determined to help her team win. Her efforts paid off when they won the bronze medal which was a first for Queensland’s under-21 women’s team in six years.
Schouw is now set to compete alongside Australia’s best indoor hockey players. Other Brisbane players who were selected for the national indoor hockey squads include Troy Rossiter, Matt Argent, Aidan Campbell, Jared Taylor, Clare Comerford, Lindsey Howard, and Madeleine Smith.
Addressing the road safety concerns in Albany Creek, the Government has granted a $1.1 million upgrade to the Old Northern Road intersection with Explorer Drive as part of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said that this commitment to fund the project is the government’s response to community concerns regarding safety at the busy intersection.
Old Northern Rd – Explorer Dr Intersection Google Street View
Traffic signals, which include a fully controlled right-turn movement from Explorer Drive onto Old Northern Road, will be installed at the intersection to enhance safety and improve the traffic flow.
The design and construction contract of the project was awarded to WSP. Whilst the detailed design for the project is not ready yet, it aims to focus on resolving the increasing number of crashes at the intersection.
Google Street View of Old Northern Rd – Explorer Dr Intersection
Road users may notice road workers and construction vehicles on site as surveying works, as well as geotechnical and pavement investigations, commence for use in creating the design plans.
The final design is expected to be released in a few months. Construction is set to follow as soon as possible.
This project falls under the Department of Transport and Main Road’s Targeted Road Safety Program which aims to improve road safety by implementing cost-effective solutions to prevent crashes and road incidents.
George Corones, a retiree from Albany Creek, smashed not one, but two, world records in one week, in the days leading up to the Commonwealth Games trials.
The 99-year-old swimmer, who will turn 100 in April, broke his first record for the 50m freestyle in 56.12 seconds at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on Wednesday. On Saturday, he broke another record for his age group of 100 to 104, swimming across 100m in two-and-a-half minutes.
Mr Corones had also made a record at the Albany Creek Master’s Swimming’s Short Course Meet in January, swimming the whole course in 57.11 seconds. This record would have beaten a previous short course world record time but the pool at Albany Creek has no automatic timing equipment which is a requirement before a world record could be declared. Had it not been for that technicality, he could have been on record for smashing a total of three world records.
Speaking in different media interviews, Mr Corones said that he was equally amazed by how people were overwhelmed by his achievement and how his story became global. His story has been making headlines across local and international news publications, including BBC, who has run a story about him.
His fellow Aussies were the very first to celebrate his victory.
“We have just witnessed history in the making! 100 year old George Corones just broke the world record in the 50m Freestyle,” the Australian Dolphins Swim Team said via their Facebook Page.
The team had also recorded his second triumph via a Facebook Live video. “He’s done it again! George Corones has destroyed the current 100m Freestyle, 100 – 104 age group, World Record by almost a minute! We couldn’t be more proud.”
Credit: Australian Dolphins Swim Team
Mr Corones shared that he was a swimmer back in his youth and had only stopped when World War Two began. He subsequently went back to swimming at the age of 80 and the rest, as they say, is history.
His son, Harry Corones, said that the world record breaker lives independently in his own home in Albany Creek. He goes to the gym three days a week. He even drives himself alone around the neighbourhood.
Amidst all the attention he is getting now, Mr Corones said that it was the admiration of little children that matters to him the most.
Albany Creek Kindergarten has been serving the local community for more than forty years. Interestingly enough, the kindy is located at Ernie Street which is connected to Oscar Crescent by Sesame Street.
Administrator Deonne Ehlerth said that it has always been amusing to new parents when she tells them to pass by Sesame Street, go past Oscar Crescent, and turn into Ernie Street to get to the school. They never fail to beam with delight when they find out that the school is located in such a friendly-sounding area.
Credit: Albany Creek Kindergarten Facebook
So, when Ms Ehlerth found out that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk can possibly bring “Sesame Street” to film in Queensland, the administrator was thrilled. She said that children at her kindy will be so excited because they recognise all the characters and feel as if they belong because of their singular address.
In her recent trip to New York, Premier Palaszczuk met with senior members of the team behind Sesame Street and tried to convince them to film in Queensland for the show’s 50th season in 2019. In an official announcement, the premier expressed belief that a Queensland filming will showcase the beauty of the state.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk with senior members of the team behind the Sesame Street program
To convince the Sesame Street Team, the premier even mentioned about filming in Brisbane where Albany Creek already boasts of its own Sesame Street. And Ernie Street. And Oscar Crescent.
Ms Palaszczuk added that Sesame Street can also film in some of Queensland’s iconic locations like the Reef, the outback and Dinosaur Way, and the state’s rainforests.
Also, the premier highlighted that the show will help push the key priorities of the government’s education agenda. She noted that Sesame Street was created to help early childhood development and the show has recently focused on relevant issues like autism, learning through play, and bullying. These are aspects that the Government would like to work into with schools around the country, she noted.
Albany Creek Kindergarten has also been focusing in similar aspects of childhood education. The school has constantly evolved to create a home like nurturing, peaceful atmosphere where learning can be incorporated into play. The centre has facilities that stimulate child’s curiosity to bring out more of their creative side.
Couples can celebrate their love any given day but Valentine’s Day is always an occasion to come up with something extra special.
Here are four ways on how to celebrate V-day when you’re in Albany Creek.
Spoil Your Sweetheart
Credit: Portabella Restaurant Facebook
Nothing could be more romantic than dinner over a three-course set menu and a glass (or two) of sparkling wine. Here’s an excuse to get all dressed up.
Portabella Licensed Restaurant & Bar has the perfect menu for an extra-special Valentine’s date night. Known for its simple yet scrumptious modern Mediterranean cuisine, the place also offers an extensive range of Australian and international wines.. Patrons say it always exceeded their expectations.
Je T’Aime
Credit: French & Mor Cafe
A night in Paris may not be in your Valentine’s Day itinerary but who said you can’t still have a romantic French experience? Head on out to Brisbane’s best slice of Paris, the French & Mor Café. The place has been fully renovated and is now channeling a beautiful French patisserie and bakery café vibe. It offers French high tea and artisan breads in a decidedly cosmopolitan atmosphere. The café even offers Oriental Lilies onsite!
Celebrate with Other Couples
Credit: Conexio Games Café
Dating on a tight budget? Here’s a way to celebrate that combines romance, practicality, and camaredie, if you don’t mind sharing the day with another couple and then splitting the bill.
Conexio Games Café invites everyone to celebrate the night by doubling the love and the fun. Everyone is welcome to have a double date to take advantage of their special offer of food and drinks for four people. There’s even a choice to go for either complimentary game play at their library or try a bottle of wine for a little extra cost.
Learn to Skate
Credit: Skateaway Albany Creek
Protaganists in several romantic comedy films have found love at the skating rink. If you’re single and ready to mingle, why not try your luck at the Valentine’s Skate Party hosted by Skateaway Family Skate Centre on the 16th and 17th of February. Huge teddy bears will be given away each night from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Anyone can come with a date or with a mate.
Classes have started already and parents find themselves alone in the house, with time on their hands. Parents can take the opportunity to meet new people or join a new club to enjoy their free time. The local Albany Creek Library has an interesting line-up of activities for everyone to try.
Join the Book Club
Credit: Conger Design/Pixabay
2nd Thursday of the month
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
4th Thursday of the month
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The club regularly meets and discuss the chosen book of the month over cup and tea. Combine the love of reading and the chance to meet other book worms as well when you join the club.
Books, Wine & Cheese
Credit: Moreton Bay Regional Libraries
7 February
6:30 p.m.
The special event is an opportunity to meet all members of the Book Club and know each other over a free glass of wine and a board of cheese. It’s the chance to register as a Book Club member. The night also promises literature and fun where the latest book titles available at the library will be announced. Register here.
Family History or Genealogy Club
Credit: Pixabay
1st Monday of each month
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join a group of people whose interest lies at discovering the ancient roots of their families. Everyone who shares the same passion is welcome to attend the regular meetings.
Learn the Basics of Social Media
Geralt/Pixabay
3rd Monday of the month
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of how to connect with family and friends via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. The class is approximately two hours but proves to be worthwhile.
Knitting for the Needy
Credit: Pixabay
1st Monday of the Month
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
3rd Wednesday of the month
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Knit blankets, scarves, beanies, socks, and children’s baby wear and donate them to those in need. New knitters are always welcome to join this club.
Become a real Detective Grimm for a night! Join an interactive game of murder mystery dinner at Conexio Games Cafe, located in Shop 3, 57 Old Northern Road, Albany Creek, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on the 28th of January.
Credit: InsideOutside Theatre Company Facebook
The InsideOutside Theatre Company will be presenting a performance set in Storyville where a host of fairytale characters are battling vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures. The fairytale characters need to bring back law and order to the town. All through the night, the body toll rises as the story progresses. This is where the audience participates as they try to find the real murderer.
To attend, come dressed as your favourite fairytale or storybook characters. The booking price of $65 per person includes a two-course Brothers Grimm-inspired menu.
The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, were German cultural researchers and authors who popularised Cinderella, The Frog Prince, The Goose Girl, Hansel and Gretel, rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.
All tickets sold for the interactive game of murder mystery dinner will help the InsideOutside Theatre Company to stage more plays and bring more people with disabilities closer to the arts.
InsideOutside Theatre Company also works with providers of respite services to allow more people with intellectual and physical disabilities to be introduced to drama. Aside from thess, InsideOutside Theatre Company also runs fun and interactive workshops for people with and without disabilities, pre-school and school children and holds community shows using their original material.
After playing detective for a night, you can also check out the Games Library at Conexio Games Cafe, with its selection of more than 400 available game titles. The library is designed with a light, warm, pop culture environment theme. They also have a retail shop selling miniatures games, board games, role playing games, card and dice games, and other game accessories.
Credit: Conexio – Games Café in Brisbane
Bookings for the interactive murder mystery dinner can be done here.
If you haven’t heard, Skateaway Albany Creek has been giving discount vouchers since the 9th of December 2017 and will continue to do so until the 21st of January 2018. The skating place will also continue giving away a free family pass at every session over the holidays.
To get the discount vouchers, be sure to like their Facebook page and download the vouchers from there.
The fully supervised family skate centre will also recommence its Learn to Skate and Blade Class on the 6th of January 2018. The class lasts for an hour and coaches teach participants basic and important skating skills. The session includes the Skateaway Star Class Program which involves regular testing and giving of feedbacks to the skaters.
Meanwhile, there have been no schedules yet for their Artistic Skating Training for 2018. These sessions are being conducted alternately by 10 coaches from Tuesday to Saturday. All students under this class are automatic members of the Skateaway’s Artistic Club who usually compete in local, national, and international competitions. This training involves two parts. The first is finishing the Learn to Skate and Blade Class and the second is progressing through the Artistic Development Class. After finishing both levels, students can then advance to private tuition. For more information on this, please contact Head Coach Jodie Johnson-Garufo here.
Skateaway conducts Artistic (figure) skating classes for skaters of all ages and levels! Credit: Skateaway Albany Creek Facebook Page
Other classes being offered at the Skateaway Albany Creek are figure skating, dance skating, free skating, and precision skating.
Figure skating is a technique where skaters make circles on the floor while performing set turns at intervals.
Dance Skating can be taught for pairs or for individuals skaters. Output may vary from performing set steps or performing a dance to a chosen rhythm.
Freeskating involves various jumps and spins performed to the music chosen by the skater. This can also be taught in pair where performances may involve lifts and throws.
Precision skating involves a team of six to eight skaters or 12 to 24 skaters, completing manoeuvres to music of their choice.
Skateaway Albany Creek is located at Upstairs Charter Hall, Albany Creek Square, 700 Albany Creek Road
The Christmas fever is spreading but at Albany Creek Tavern, Christmas carols will just have to wait for now. The local favourite is kicking off December with a tribute to rock band Green Day and Blink 182, taking the excitement a notch higher by mid-week for the “Battle of Brisbane 2: Horn vs Hellraiser”, and finally, hosting another tribute to a rock band via a performance by the Aussie Pride in the last weekend before Christmas.
Blink 182 & Green Day on 2nd of December at 8:00 p.m.
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1986 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt. The band is behind what could be the greatest rock hits of their time. Some of their songs have in fact been revived by modern artists and have also become familiar to the younger generation. Green Day’s most popular songs are Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Basket Case, Jesus of Suburbia, Wake Me Up When September Ends, 21 Guns, Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), American Idiot, and When I Come Around among others.
Credit: Green Day YouTube
Blink-182 is an American rock band formed in Poway, California in 1992. Their most popular hits are All The Small Things, Dammit, Adam’s Song, Waggy, I Miss You, and Anthem.
Credit: Blink 182 VEVO YouTube
Entry to the event is FREE, for more information click here.
“Battle of Brisbane 2: Horn vs Hellraiser” On 13th December at 3:00 p.m.
Australia’s world welterweight champion Jeff Horn will defend his title against British welterweight ace Gary Corcoran on the 13th of December at the Brisbane Convention Centre but anyone can watch the live telecast at Albany Creek Tavern.Horn is hell-bent on defending his world welterweight title against Corcoran and has been perfecting his thumping overhand rights and short left hooks technique to inflict major blows against The Hellraiser. He has been sparring with world-rated junior-middleweight Dennis Hogan, rugged professional Mark Gadaleta and rising amateur star Jacob Bobir. He has also been “skipping- fun” with Dundee Kim.
All eyes are on for this fight as this could be another feat for Horn who defeated the legendary Manny Pacquiao in June.
Those interested are advised to reserve their VIP tickets now. To do so, click here.
Aussie Pride Band on 16th of December at 9:00 p.m.
Due to insistent public demand, Aussie Pride Band is back at the tavern. Watch their performance for free. The group’s performance will pay tribute to every Australian Rock band legend. Formed by Shane Hoffman, this band is composed of all the members of past bands who all have a passion for Australian Music, particularly good old Australian rock and roll.
“Our vision it to take our audience on a magical journey back to days gone by when these songs played an integral part of their lives and to a time when the Australian music scene was thriving in our local pubs and clubs.”
