Albany Creek’s Max Sunley, a retired carpenter, has found happiness in donating his time and skills to help charities. After retiring, he has been helping Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) for three years now. He is using his carpentry skills to help keep GDQ’s Bald Hills headquarters in top shape.
“I’ve been retired for about five years now, and after coming to one of the open days with my wife I picked up some paperwork on volunteering and thought why not give it a go? … I do all the odd building jobs around the place like fixing gates, installing cupboards, or replacing light bulbs, and I enjoy that. Every day is different here,” Mr. Sunley said.
What is Guide Dogs Queensland?
Photo credit: Guide Dogs Queensland/Facebook
GDQ was established in 1960 as an organisation that helps blind and vision-impaired Queenslanders gain freedom, independence, and mobility. It is the only service provider in Queensland that offers a complete range of rehab service to help the Queenslanders live full and active lives.
Guide Dogs QLD is known for providing free Guide Dogs services to the people they help. Guide dogs are assistance dogs that have been trained to lead blind people around obstacles. These therapy animals offer positive effects on psychological, social, and physiological aspects of the people they guide, along with confidence, friendship, and security.
Photo credit: Guide Dogs Queensland/Facebook
Actually, that’s just a part of what they do. Here are some of the other things that GDQ can do.
Guide Dog training and placement;
White Cane training;
Electronic Travel Aid training;
Community and professional education workshops;
Special mobility programs for children; and
Counselling by their own staff psychologists.
Support Group for Vision Impaired People – Albany Creek
Mr. Sunley directly volunteers at the GDQ headquarters in Bald Hills. There is no regional office located in Albany Creek, but the Albany Creek Support Group Vision for Impaired People is affiliated with GDQ. This is a self-help group for the blind and vision impaired people in the Albany Creek community that provides support, shares useful and vital info, and organises activities.
Max Sunley (Photo credit: Guide Dogs Queensland/Facebook)
“Guide Dogs is a very valuable organisation and there’s a really nice bunch of people that work here …” Mr. Sunley said.
Global soccer giant FC Barcelona is giving talented Brisbane kids a chance to learn from one of the top soccer clubs in the world.
This year, Brisbane will be the home of the first FC Barcelona soccer school in Australia when the Spanish club officially opens FCB Escola in Bunya in July 2017.
At the academy, kids ages 6 to 16 years will have an exclusive opportunity to learn the Barça way of playing soccer. A technical director from FC Barcelona will move to Brisbane full time to oversee the weekly training and to impart the club’s techniques, methodology and values.
FC Barcelona’s youth academy is considered as one of the top soccer youth schools in the world. Barcelona is continuously looking for talented soccer players and its Escola programs worldwide offer a way for the club to find unique and outstanding talents in the sport.
There is a chance that players from FCB Escola could get into the fabled La Masia, which trained the likes of superstars Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. La Masia was founded by Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff to be the youth academy that will feed the club’s senior team.
Andres Iniesta, Xavi and 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi are among the most decorated graduates of FC Barcelona’s youth academy. (Photo credit: FC Barcelona/Facebook)
Cruyff created the philosophy that now runs within the veins of every Barcelona player. The emphasis on possession and position allow Barcelona to delight fans of the beautiful game as they control the game at will.
With the help of its youth academy, Barcelona managed to win numerous titles for the team and its individual players. Aside from five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, other notable graduates of FC Barcelona youth academy include Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets and Carles Puyol.
FC Barcelona Escola will officially open its winter season on 10 July 2017, which will run until 17 September 2017. The summer season will begin on 3 October 2017 and will run until 10 December 2017.
Screening
Not all players can join FCB Escola. To be accepted into Barça’s youth school, the player must have the talent. Every player is assessed and screened to see if they are qualified to join the academy.
Players can be selected through the official FCB soccer camps or at set trial sessions. The technical director will assess and accept eligible players.
On the 17th and 18th of June, the gates of Pine Rivers Park in Strathpine will open at 9:00 a.m for the two-day Moreton Bay Motor Show. Entry is $10 for adults 16 years old and above, $5 for children, and $25 for a family pass with two adults and two kids. Tickets are available for pre-purchase on their website and on the exact event.
Thrills and Skills Park
The Thrills and Skills Park will be the highlight of the 2017 Moreton Bay Motor Show, featuring stunts and thrills from the ATV FMX show. There will be a full ATV track and demonstrations for all guests.
Australia’s leading ATV FMX stunt team, All4FMX, will be showing bigger tricks using the BAGJUMP, the same one used by Nitro Circus. Meanwhile, the Mike Hatchers Quads and Karts will show off their skills with bike race demonstrations.
Unique Car Displays
There will be incredible and remarkable cars on display. Beyond getting some serious eye candy, participants can listen to the experts share their stories and the secrets behind these custom cars.
Bat Mobile
Bat Mobile (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
The “Bat Mobile” will be at the show. This is the replica of the Batman movie car that was used in 1989. This car took almost 18 months to build. Find out more about it during the show.
100 Years of Triumph
100 Years of Triumph (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
This is a display of motorbikes from 1907 to 2017. The Historic Motorcycle Club of Queensland (HMCCQ) will host this display which aims to encourage proper restoration and preservation of the bikes. The motorcycles that could be seen on display are:
Veteran — constructed until 1918
Vintage — constructed between 1919 and 1930
Post-Vintage — constructed between 1931 and 1945
Post-War — constructed between 1946 and 1960
Historic — constructed between 1961 and 1986
Monkee Car
Monkee Car (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
The replica of the Monkeemobile, a modified Pontiac GTO, will also be on display at the show. The original monkee car was built by Dean Jeffries for the TV program “The Monkees” in 1966.
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
This is the display that kids and teens should not miss! The huge vehicle was imported from USA and has now been converted to right hand drive. Construction took nine months. See its unique dashboard which was signed by Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime’s voice.
AusGarage Show N Shine
(Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
The AusGarage Show N Shine will commence on both days with custom, import, and muscle car displays on Saturday, and vintage car displays on Sunday. To enter a vehicle, apply online. Participants can also enter their cars to the show before 8:00 a.m. on the day.
View the prizes and download the application form here.
Car Lovers Unite
Car enthusiasts will enjoy different programs at the event. The Show Room and the Unique Car Displays are not just the highlights of this two-day run. There will also be informative discussions in the Motor Talks Pavilion.
(Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech has organised a talk on Sunday, featuring V8 Supercar Legend Marcos Ambrose. He will stick around for signings after the show.
On Saturday, the talk will be hosted by Molly Taylor, the youngest and the first female driver to win the Australian Rally Championship.
After the show, it’s also a great time to grab some of the best beers and draughts at the Triple M Man Cave. Triple M. Craft beers from Chevy Bar is organising this side of the event, which also features fun time on the free V8 Supercar Simulator, arcade games, and free haircuts by Jimmy Rods.
Kid-friendly event
Ride-on mini jeep (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
The show is not just for men and women who wants to check out the cars, but also for kids who want to play. Little Greasers will allow kids to enjoy several activities including face-painting, jumping castle, PCYC games truck, and ride-on mini jeeps for toddlers. Kids will also learn new skills in the free motor craft workshop.
Live Music
Diesel is there to fuel the live music (Photo credit: Moreton Bay Motor Show)
The “Cleanaway Main Stage” is a live music event featuring “Diesel,” who will perform his greatest hits on Saturday; the Whotta Lotta ACDC Show; and INEXCESS, who will pay tribute to classic Aussie rock on Sunday.
Other performers and schedules can be viewed here.
Trip to Kingston Park Raceway
Tickets that are purchased online will automatically be eligible for a draw to win the Triple M Prize Pack, including a family pass to Kingston Park Raceway.
Kingston is the biggest go-karting attraction in Queensland, with over 100 go-karts and three outdoor tracks, suitable for both kids and adults. This is the only go-kart track in Brisbane that can provide an adrenaline-rush racing experience through their European-style Monte Carlo track.
There’s also a kid’s zone, where kids can ride karts. There are also mini rides within a safe and organised environment. More amusement rides and computer games can also be found next to the track for kids.
Further info about the Kingston Park Raceway, its trading hours and facilities, can be viewed through their website.
Family-friendly, but not pet-friendly
The Moreton Bay Motor Show is a family-friendly event. However, pets are not allowed to enter the event due to high volume of expected guests and the potentially unhealthy environment it might pose to the precious fur babies. Please make arrangements to leave your pets at home or with a sitter.
To get updates and info of the event, visit their website or their Facebook page. You can also see the programme details and map here.
Despite a number of delays, Albany Creek’s Youngcare rehabilitation homes didn’t let anything stand in the way of its Opening Day on 16th of May. The new facility is located at 1 Leitchs Road. Built through a partnership with MS Queensland, an organisation providing support to people living with multiple sclerosis, the newly constructed Youngcare units will be the home of eight young people with mid- to high-care needs. During Opening Day, visitors enjoyed breakfast together and were given a sneak peek of the new facility.
Youngcare is a non-profit organisation established in 2005 to provide personal support, health care, and accommodation to young people with high care needs and teach them how to be independent while living in these facilities.
Homes in Albany Creek
(Photo credit: www.youngcare.com)
The Youngcare construction was first proposed in November 2014, but began in 2016 after planning and discussions between Youngcare, MS Queensland, and the government concluded.
The State Government provided the lot at Leitchs Road. The initial plan was to construct eight apartments, plus three open-market units for rentals to cover for maintenance costs of the accommodation. The two-bedroom apartments were designed for the residents to feel free in accepting their own guests. To help them be independent while living in the apartments, each unit is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including lighting, automated doors, entertainment systems, beds, and fingertip-controlled blinds.
Students of Albany Creek SS raised $910 (Photo credit: Albany Creek SS/Twitter)
Helping people with high care needs included more than just fixing their accommodations. State MP for Everton and former NRL Referee, Tim Mander, led a group of walkers, from volunteers to prominent figures, on a fundraising walk during Youngcare’s opening day. The walk started at the Youngcare facility and went through three different schools, including Albany Creek State School, garnering funds to help the Youngcare Albany Creek purchase a motor vehicle for its residents.
The Youngcare Story
Shevaune’s achievement of being independent (Photo credit: www.youngcare.com)
The birth of Youngcare was inspired by the touching story of Shevaune Conry, a multiple sclerosis patient. Shevaune was terminally ill at age 33, and needed special care which was not attainable by just staying at home.
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that attacks the central nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells, resulting to impaired speech and vision, walking difficulties, muscle stiffness and numbness, and brain activity problems.
Shevaune and her husband David couldn’t find a place that could accommodate Shevaune’s needs. They tried an aged care facility, but she did not receive the proper care. David, seeing his wife in this situation, established Youngcare together with his colleagues — Matthew Lawson, Nick Bonifant, and Simon Lockyer, with a common goal to create a “bright future” and provide extensive care to Shevaune and other Aussies with similar conditions.
Sinammon Park, Brisbane’s facility (Photo credit: www.youngcare.com)
Youngcare Wesley Mission Brisbane Apartments, the first Youngcare facility at Brisbane’s Sinnamon Park, was soon constructed. Shevaune became its very first resident. When David and Shevaune shared their story in a television documentary, support came pouring in, and patients who needed the same care as Shevaune applied for a place to stay. Since then, Youngcare has continuously expanded in Brisbane and now to Albany Creek.
Shevaune passed away in 2012, at 40 years old. Her legacy and her story lives on, not just in David’s heart, but through the various Youngcare programs that now brings extensive care to young people with conditions that have high care needs.
Youngcare’s doors for support and donations are always open to give a better life for young people battling chronic illness that require a high level of care. For more info on the programs and how to donate, please check their website.
She first learned Irish dancing at the age of five. At 13 years of age, Ella Giammichele of Albany Creek is representing the country in the 2017 World Irish Dancing Championships.
Ella is joining some 5,000 participants from around the globe, including dancers from the United States, England, Scotland, Europe, the UAE, Japan and Russia.
Dream Come True
It is a dream come true for Ella to represent the country and compete against the best in Irish dancing from all over the world.
At her young age, Ella, who attends school at Mt Maria College in Mitchelton, has already made several achievements in Irish dancing. Last year, she came third at the Queensland State Irish Championships and placed ninth at the Australian Irish Dancing Championships.
Irish dancing is a huge part of Ella’s life as it helped her overcome shyness when she was younger. Her aunt and dance instructor Clare Michelsen took Ella under her tutelage. That allowed her to become better in her craft.
To enhance her skills, Ella practises around 90 minutes four days a week after school and spends four hours every Saturday.
Ella will be coming on April 11. The competition runs from April 9 to 16 and features competitors 8 to 30 years old. They will perform and compete in different categories including solo performances, choreographed team dance, dance drama, and ceili, which is a type of Celtic square dance.
Albany Creek is set to host Preston Point, one of the biggest townhouse developments in and around Brisbane. The site, located at the former Hawkins Garden Centre site at 623 Albany Creek Road, will be developed into a 74-townhouse, resort-styled private community.
Coined as a “truly green community” settling on the banks of Albany Creek, Preston Point will feature communal vegetable gardens, fire pits, a large lawn area that’s perfect for community football games, alongside leisure amenities such as a 16-metre swimming pool for residents that is aesthetically wrapped around a deck, BBQ areas, and a bocce court.
Honoring the Area’s Historical Roots
Nestled within the 3.2-hectare site are Albany Creek’s famous 100-year-old fig trees. These iconic figures will be lovingly retained and will populate the extensively designed private green open space in the upcoming community.
During the project’s conceptualization, developer Unison Projects hosted a “naming competition” among the students of Albany Creek State High School. All the students were invited to suggest a name for the budding community and cite their inspiration behind the name.
Winning entries came from students Madalyn Martin, Stephanie McBean, and Kirra Young. Their entry “Preston Point” was inspired by John Preston, the man who originally bought the land in 1865. Each of the girls won $100 from Unison Projects and were also presented certificates by Albany Creek’s Mayor Mike Charlton.
Breaking New Ground in Green, Urban Living
Preston Point boasts of a rare taste of urban living and green natural space, located conveniently 12km away from Brisbane’s CBD and within easy reach of local amenities and infrastructure. Homes are refreshingly ensconced within natural surrounds.
Buyers can choose from 18 varieties of terrace designs, numerous stunning facades and a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom designs. All units also feature 2.5 bathrooms and a 2-car garage. A few units will also feature a ground floor master bedroom with ensuite bath.
The $37 million estate is currently in the construction stage, after a year of civil works in the site. As a major infrastructure development in the area, Preston Point is certainly going to change the landscape of community living in the Albany Creek area.
Photo Credit: Albany Creek StateHigh School/Facebook
Cartoon ram creator to showcase Wolly at Albany Creek Square.
Wooly Woolberforce is making a comeback as creator Christine Sturgeon aims to connect children with the wool industry.
Wooly became famous in the 1990s when he starred as a mascot for the National Wool Museum. According to his official background story, Wooly was a lamb who left the outback to go and see the world.
Aboard his own airline, Woolberforce Airlines, Wooly travels the world, doing pretty much everything, from riding motorcycles to scuba-diving to eating ice cream on the beach. Other than that, he’s seen strolling around in his trademark bowler hat, bow tie and boomerang walking stick.
Wooly’s business card carries the introductory description “I am an irresistible, lovable sheep person.” It also has the motivational phrase: “Live the live you have imagined.”
Wooly Re-Launch
With the re-launch of the lovable cartoon character, folks would see Wooly printed t-shirts and merchandise.
Ms Sturgeon will be at the Albany Creek Square shopping mall over the next four weeks. Fans of Wooly can come and get a hold of t-shirts available in different colours. In August, Wooly is coming to the Royal Queensland Exhibition (The Ekka).
Ms Sturgeon announced that there will be another 42 designs coming out soon. There is also a plan to release CD with various Wooly-related songs.
After a spike of calls for help with dangerous snakes, Brisbane snake catcher Julia Baker sent a warning to residents of Albany Creek and Eatons Hills to be wary of snakes lurking in their homes and pools.
Snakes such as the eastern brown and red-bellied black snakes are seeking cool spaces and could be swimming in pools or in water bowls as the southeast experiences a seemingly hotter year. Ms Baker recently removed several snakes, including a 2.5-metre long carpet python which was swimming inside a skimmer box and three eastern brown snakes found in three homes in Albany Creek.
At one point, a woman found a baby eastern brown snake in the pool where she was taking a swim. The eastern brown snake happens to be the second most venomous snake in the world, so residents should take the warning seriously.
Snakes tend to sneak into gaps to seek cool air inside the house. They could also look for sources of water such as skimmer boxes and swimming pools to cool down and to help them shed their skins or kill mites.
Ms Baker asked residents to immediately report presence of snakes to a snake catcher so that the reptiles can be removed safely.
At her young age, Ella, who attends school at 
Snakes such as the eastern brown and red-bellied black snakes are seeking cool spaces and could be swimming in pools or in water bowls as the southeast experiences a seemingly hotter year. Ms Baker recently removed several snakes, including a 2.5-metre long carpet python which was swimming inside a skimmer box and three eastern brown snakes found in three homes in Albany Creek.
