Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 30 of 35

23rd Bridge to Brisbane Charity Fun Run Gets Bigger and Better

Every August since 1997, Brisbane hosts a massive long-distance fun run called Bridge to Brisbane to raise funds for charity. From fewer than 5,000 participants in its first year, the crowd has increased up to ten times in recent years as the event has become an annual tradition in Queensland.

On its 23rd year, Bridge to Brisbane will once again take place on Sunday, the 25th of Aug 2019, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Racers may join in the 5km or 10km run to set a new record, beat their own best time in previous races, or simply join to give their heart muscles a good workout.

Race Course Details

WHAT	WHO	WHERE
5km 9:30 a.m.	VIP Charity Runners Orange Runners Aqua Joggers Walkers	Beginning at Captain Burke Park, 5km runners will pound over the iconic Story Bridge, looping back through Kangaroo Point and then descending down to South Bank to cross the finish line in your best time ever.

WHAT	WHO	WHERE
10km 6:00 a.m.	Elite Sporting Wheelies Blue Elite Runners Red Elite Runners VIP Charity Runners Green Runners Yellow Joggers Walkers	The 10km course will kick off near the top of Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill. The 10km route will take you over three iconic Brisbane bridges and have you finishing at South Bank.

Runners have to sign up and pay for the corresponding fees to register and run as an individual or a team. You should receive your runner’s kit in the mail if you’ve signed up weeks ahead but late registrants may also receive their kit on race day.

Participants who finish well may win cash prizes for 3rd Place ($500), 2nd Place ($1,000) and 1st Place ($2,000) per category.

Guides, Food, Competitions and Entertainment

At least 21 Pace Setters will be joining Bridge to Brisbane to help racers reach their goals or guide them through the course. Be on the lookout for these runners with colour-coded balloons.

After the race, some participants can head to the South Bank Parklands for the pop-up picnic where a catered satisfying meal will be served. This is a pre-booked event as space is limited.

Runners also have a chance to win a luxury trip for two to Hawaii with their race entries. Make sure to keep your registration ticket. Aside from a chance to go to Hawaii, you may also score discounts at participating establishments as your reward for joining the run!

*Photo Credit: Bridge to Brisbane/Facebook*

For more fun, Bridge to Brisbane will also award the best-dressed individual or team during race day. So, consider racing in your best costume to win $300 or $500.

Elsewhere, performers will be entertaining the runners, their supporters and the crowd at these venues all around the city:

WHERE	PERFORMER
Cultural Centre Tunnel	Underground Opera
Main Stage, Finish Village	Graham Moes (guitar slinger) Lesi Little Drummers (kid drummers) Roving Bush Band (traditional Australian bush tunes) Jason McGregor and The Smyths (cover band)
South Brisbane War Memorial Park	City of Brisbane Pipe Band
Ivory Street Tunnel	DJ Waria (old school DJ)
Captain Burke Park, Story Bridge	Ribbon and Bubble Stilt Walkers Jackie Marshall (jazz singer) The Party Girl (dancers) Dance Masala
Coronation Drive	Riley Watson (acoustic singer)

Fundraising Efforts

Those who have no plans to register and run may still participate in the fundrasing efforts by giving a one-off donation or starting a fundraising campaign in your community. You may donate the money you raise to a charity of your choice or The Courier-Mail Children’s Fund.

To register and start your own campaign, visit Bridge to Brisbane’s fundraising page. You could win a pair of Glycerin running shoes from Brooks just by initiating a campaign.

Meanwhile, as this is a city-wide event, several streets across CBD will be closed for the event. Non-participants may check the map below for the “Road Closed” symbol so that you can plan your day better.

If you’ve missed this event this year, there’s always next year. If you’re planning to sign up, it’s highly recommended that you train weeks ahead of the fun run. For more information about training for Bridge to Brisbane, check out this page.

Biggest Story Bridge Restoration Project Moves Forward in Time for its 80th Year

Photo Credit: pauls parking/Wikimedia Commons

In anticipation of the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Story Bridge in 2020, the Brisbane City Council has announced that the tendering process for the biggest restoration project in the history of the iconic structure is now underway, as Council prepares to select a contractor.

Works involve stripping its old paint, cleaning it, and giving it a facelift. Restoring the iconic bridge will require 33,000 litres of paint and is expected to cost around $80 million. The paint restoration will prolong the life of Queensland’s iconic bridge and will help ensure that the local road network continues to be safe and accessible for all users.

Not only are we building the new bridges BNE needs as it grows, @team_schrinner is also investing in protecting our critical assets like the Story Bridge.

That’s why I’ve allocated funds to kick-off the biggest restoration project ever carried out during the bridge’s history. pic.twitter.com/KnFXeSEK5i
— Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) July 17, 2019

“Not only are we building the new bridges & transport infrastructure Brisbane needs as it grows, Team Schrinner is also investing in protecting our critical city assets like the Story Bridge,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in a Facebook post.

“That’s why my recent budget allocated funding to kick-off the biggest restoration project ever carried out during the bridge’s history,” he added.

Story Bridge restoration project is anticipated to start early 2020 and will take five years to complete. This will be the first time Story Bridge will be repainted since it was built between 1935 and 1940.

Council will announce the successful contractor late 2019 and will provide further information to the community as the project progresses and before any works begin on site.

Celebrate All Things Slavic at Kangaroo Point’s Slavic Markets Brisbane

Join the united Slavic community and get a feel of their vibrant culture at the Slavic Markets Brisbane happening in Kangaroo Point on 4 August 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Held every first Sunday of the month, the Slavic Markets Brisbane proves that it is more than just a typical monthly bazaar as it offers patrons a creative, fun, and home-like atmosphere that celebrates Slavic culture.

If you are into homemade food and drinks as well as high-quality Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Serbian products, this market is definitely the place to be. At the market, you get to immerse yourself in the Slavic culture, widen your own personal network, and support small businesses of the Slavic community.

The Slavic Markets Brisbane will be held at 140 Main Street in Kangaroo Point. Admission for the market is $2 per person.

Although the venue is quite small, rest assured that you will still enjoy your time at the event since all stallholders are offering something unique

Things to check out at the Slavic Markets Brisbane

If it is your first time attending the Slavic Markets Brisbane, here are some of the things sold at the market that you might want to try:

Burek

Burek is an iconic Balkan phyllo pastry that is filled up with meat, feta, onions, spinach, and sweet cream. This delicacy can be eaten at any time of the day, and it also best to be paired up with yogurt or a bottle of beer.

Medovik

Medovik or honey cake is a multi-layered cake of flat biscuit that has a rich, flavourful and creamy honey-yogurt filling that is often topped off with walnuts. This creamy torte has a soft texture that easily melts in your mouth on each bite. Medovik is best served and eaten together with your favourite hot tea.

Kolbasa

Kolbasa or “sausage” is an iconic Slavic cuisine that is quite similar to a bologna sausage. It is made up of ground meat that is carefully wrapped up and preserved- making this dish popular and full of flavour. Kolbasa has a lot of variety, and it can also be eaten or paired up with almost anything, may it be as a pizza topping, a sandwich spread, or as an appetizer to any alcoholic beverage.

Ethnic Style Design and Fashion

Stand out from the crowd with traditional Siberian-inspired fashion wear. All items, may it be a vest, skirt, pants, or accessories, are uniquely done and well-matched to the fashion trends that are present today.

Remembering Pioneer QLD Architect Through Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point

The heritage-listed Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point continues to bring character to the suburb as it transforms to be a part of modern development. The historic building not only catches the eye but its story also captures the hearts of many as it is one of the works of Queensland’s pioneer woman architect, Elina Mottram.

Explore the beginnings of Scott Street Flats and uncover its role in paving the way for women to enter into the professions in Queensland, especially the architectural profession.

Elina Mottram

*Photo credit: Queensland Board of Architects/Wikimedia Commons*

Elina Mottram is the first woman to open her very own architectural practice in Brisbane in 1924. She was also Queensland’s first and longest practising woman architect.

Born in 1903, she was an only child of building contractor Arthur Mottram. Her father’s profession likely played a significant role in encouraging her to become an architect.

Mottram is considered to be the most successful of Queensland’s early women architects. This is probably because, out of nine pioneering women architects in Queensland who practised before WWII, she was the only one who pursued her architectural career during her entire working life.

Only two of Mottram’s work remains in Brisbane. These are the Scott Street Flats in Kangaroo Point and Monkton in Corinda.

Scott Street Flats Then

*Professor Francis William Sutton Cumbrae-Stewart. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 183361)*

Mottram designed the purpose-built Scott Street Flats for Professor and Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart.

At the time, the number of new flats constructed in Brisbane grew steadily from the early to mid-1920s. The decision to build the Scott Street Flats around 1925 was an enterprising move for Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart. The building served as an investment whilst providing a convenient home for her and her husband in their later years.

The Cumbrae-Stewarts moved to the flats, which became known as “Scott House” in 1930. When Professor Cumbrae-Stewart retired in 1936, the couple relocated to Melbourne where Mrs Cumbrae-Stewart was born.

Photo credit: *Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons*

The Scott Street Flats is a great example of early purpose-designed flats. It helps in illustrating the interwar preference for Old English or Tudor Revival as well as Spanish or Mediterranean design themes.

The introduction of purpose-designed flats offered a range of new domestic features which can be observed in the Scott Street Flats. The two-storey building contains two flats, each occupying a full floor with identical floorplans.

Mottram strategically designed the flats to enable back-of-house movement between bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and maid’s room whilst maintaining formal living spaces and bedrooms that offer stunning views of the city and the Brisbane River.

Scott Street Flats Now

The heritage building is now incorporated into the new Walan Apartments at Scott Street, Kangaroo Point. Aiming to preserve and promote the important work of Mottram, the developers retained the original flats and changed its use.

The Scott Street Flats now serves as a communal space with facilities for all of the building occupiers to use. According to the developers of Walan, the integration of the historic building for its new use at the site can positively impact the long term conservation of the heritage place.

Stage 1 of Kangaroo Point Bikeway Upgrade Project Nears Completion

Finalisation works on Stage 1 of Kangaroo Point Bikeway upgrade from Goodwill Bridge to Veloway 1 are nearing completion, according to a progress update from the Brisbane City Council.

The Kangaroo Point Bikeway upgrade Stage 1 project is part of the Council’s congestion-busting Better Bikeways 4 Brisbane program, delivered in stages 1A, 1B, and 1C, and is expected to be completed this mid-2019.

Construction of Stage 1A started in June 2018 which involved upgrade works done along Lower River Terrace from Veloway 1 connection at the Pacific Motorway underpass to the Dock Street and Little DOck Street intersection.

Improvements and features of Stage 1A include a new four-metre-wide bi-directional bikeway extending 320 metres along Lower River Terrace and Dock Street; pedestrian paths and access enhancements; tree planting and landscaping; and an improved bicycle crossing at the Lower River Terrace and the V1 intersection.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au*

Upgrade works from the intersection of Little Dock Street and Dock Street to Goodwill Bridge is continued on in Stage 1B, which began in early 2019.

Features and improvements of Stage 1B include the installation of a “shared street”, a paved roadway surface at the shared zone, and a raised zebra crossing points, as well as the construction of an improved pedestrian and cyclist facilities beside the Griffith University Film School and the removal of the cycle ramp and redirection of cyclists to the new dedicated bikeway.

Stage 1C involves the upgrading of Dock Street and Vulture Street intersection where the Woolloongabba and Kangaroo Point Bikeways will meet. Aside from footpath upgrades and landscaping, other improvements include increasing the size of the concrete traffic island on Dock Street and building out the kerb on the western side of Dock Street.

Funding for the upgrade project between the Council and the Cycle Network Local Government Grants program of the Queensland Government, with the state government contributing half of the funding.

Rehabilitation Works Underway for CT White Park Lookout

Photo Credit: brisparks.com.au

In an aim to improve safety for pedestrians in Kangaroo Point and extend the life of C.T. White Park Lookout, Brisbane City Council has launched a rehabilitation project for the structure.

The works will involve installing rock armour scour protection around the structure support piles to protect from future erosion.

According to council, majority of the construction works will be undertaken from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday works may also be undertaken where tide conditions are favourable.

BCC noted that the works will only affect the ‘jetty’ platform off the main Riverwalk, so pedestrians will still have full access to the main Riverwalk along C.T. White Park during construction.

There will be no visible difference to the lookout structure after the work is complete because it will be carried out under the surface of the water.

Works already started in June 2019 and depending on weather and construction conditions, the project should be complete by August 2019.

For more information about the C.T. White Park Lookout rehabilitation project, visit the Brisbane City Council website.

About CT White Park Lookout

CT White Park Lookout structure is a ‘jetty’ platform that comes off the main Riverwalk located approximately 200 metres south along the boardwalk from the Thornton Street ferry terminal.

It is one of the many features of the 1.88 hectare CT White Park, which is the starting point of the Kangaroo Point Natural History Trail.

The park was named in 1950 after Mr Cyril Tennyson White, an early Government Botanist who resided in Main Street Kangaroo Point.

It is located at 22 Bright Street and features boardwalk and jetties, ferry terminal, picnic area/shelter, playgrounds, shared pathway, toilet, water and bike rack.

Road Closure Dates for Story Bridge Announced

Photo Credit: Kate MacDonald/Wikimedia Commons

Due to bridge inspection works on the Story Bridge, Brisbane City Council has advised the public about the road closures on Bradfield Highway in Kangaroo Point.

Roads will be closed between Kemp Street and Shafston Avenue from 4:00 am to 10:00 am on the following dates:

Sunday 30 June 2019 – 2 of 3 southbound lanes
Sunday 7 July 2019 – 2 of 3 northbound lanes
Sunday 14 July 2019 – 2 of 3 southbound or northbound lanes

All lanes in the opposite direction of the road closures will be maintained. Signage and traffic controllers will be in place to direct motorists. For traffic information, visit QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

You may also visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

State Government Steps In, Protects Lamb House From Development

The Queensland Government has stepped in to protect the heritage-listed Lamb House in Kangaroo Point, as it approves the Council’s request for a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) .

The State Government has approved Brisbane City Council’s request for a TLPI to protect the run-down house and its grounds located at 9 Leopard Street in Kangaroo Point from being developed — it being situated on a low-medium density residential zone — and preserve its existing characteristics.

“Preserving our capital city’s heritage is important to all Queenslanders,” Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said.

“Lamb House is a prominent feature on the Kangaroo Point cliffs and an incredible reminder of how the inner city once was.

“Fast-tracking this TLPI will provide extra protection and certainty as quickly as possible.

“This TLPI will preserve not only the house but also the extensive grounds it rests on, so the integrity of the property and its streetscape values will both be maintained,” Mr Dick said.

The historic Lamb House is a two-storey residence that was built in the 1900s for John Lamb by builder W Anthony and designed by Brisbane architect Alexander Brown Wilson. The house was entered in the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992.

The Council was prompted to seek approval of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument and save “Home” from any development after learning that a developer is currently eyeing the property.

The approval of the TLPI means that the Lamb House and its grounds will be protected from any infill development for a period of up to two years beginning 11 June 2019.

“During this time, we will continue to work with council to ensure the right planning protections are in place to prevent future development on the site,” Mr Dick said.

“Places like Lamb House allow Queenslanders to reflect on their built history,” Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said.

“They hold stories of another era within their structure, and as our state evolves it’s important we have these landmarks to remind us of the past.”

Brisbane Central State School to Receive Funding for Upgrade

Heritage-listed Brisbane Central State School is among the eight state schools that will receive State Government funding, as part of the record $1.464-billion budget allocated for the government’s education infrastructure projects.

“Over the past 12 months, my department has undertaken master planning of 35 inner city schools in Brisbane to ensure they have the infrastructure they need for the future,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.

“I am pleased that this year’s budget includes funding to start bringing these master plans to fruition at eight schools – Toowong, Newmarket, Brisbane Central, New Farm, Morningside, Ithaca Creek, Windsor and Petrie Terrace state schools,” Minister Grace said.

Brisbane Central State School is set to receive $3.5 million in 2019-20 out of the $14.1 million total spend to construct a new building with 12 general learning spaces, library, canteen, and administration.

“This will see new and enhanced classrooms, libraries, canteens and administration areas built at these schools, which will make these great schools even better.

“State schools in regional Queensland are also in line for an infrastructure boost, with the Budget providing funding for a range of projects at schools from the tip of Cape York and West to Mount Isa.”

*Photo Credit:The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2019 / brisbanecentralss.eq.edu.au*

Four new schools to be built across the state

The State Government 2019-20 Budget also includes funding for the construction of four additional new schools which will also be built across the state, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“New primary and special schools will be built at Palmview and a new secondary school will be built at Caloundra South on the Sunshine Coast, and a new primary school will be built at Pimpama on the Gold Coast,” Premier Palaszczuk said.

“These new state schools will enrol students for day 1, 2021 along with the new Inner City South State Secondary College, which we’re delivering in Dutton Park for Brisbane’s inner southern suburbs.

“This investment will see the total number of new schools opened by my government since 2015 increase to 26.”

Comfortable learning environment

The state will also invest an additional $100 million, spread over four years, for priority state school air-conditioning projects. This will bring the government’s total investment to $191 million over five years.

“This will include urgent replacement of air-conditioning units in schools in the Cooler Schools Zone and other priority school air-conditioning projects as identified through a review of state school air-conditioning needs,” Ms Grace said.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Central State School / Facebook*

Additional teachers and teacher aides

The Budget also ensures that the Government will be able to fulfill its commitment to employ an additional 3,700 teachers over four years.

Ms Grace further said that included in the budget is the funding to employ 1,000 additional teachers and over 200 extra teacher aides to meet growing enrolment in Qld state schools. This also includes a boost of at least 240 teachers and teacher aides to support the educational needs of children with a disability.

“Since March 2015, we have employed an additional 4,800 full-time equivalent teachers and around 1400 teacher aides to ensure students have the support they need to become the global citizens of tomorrow. Our significant investment in new and enhanced educational facilities and additional teachers and teacher aides will ensure all Queensland children receive a world-class education wherever they live.”

Learn City Night Photography with the Brisbane Photography Group in Kangaroo Point

Budding photographers who want to learn a new skill, here’s an interesting event in Kangaroo Point as the Brisbane Photography Group will hold a City Night Photography session with professional photographer Catherine Ramsay.

Happening on Sunday, the 23rd of June 2019, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., this event will be an excellent opportunity for photo-hobbyists to improve their creative output.

The city looks quite different when the sun is down and the street and building lights are on so Ms Ramsay will teach the correct settings to take amazing photos in these scenarios.

The professional photographer will also teach motion blur light painting with the camera, as well as low light photography techniques. She will be on hand to answer questions and provide feedback to the photographers.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Photography Group/Facebook*

Although open to any skill level, this creative session is ideal for photographers who are more keen on using manual or semi-manual settings on their camera. Participants to this City Night Photography are required to bring a tripod.

Book a spot for this creative activity for $35. The meeting place will be detailed with your booking confirmation.

The Brisbane Photography Club meets every two weeks to take photos based on the assigned team. The lectures are informal as this is also a chance to meet-up and make friends with people who share the same passion or hobby.