Since June, Dendy Cinemas has been treating audiences to ‘Music at the Movies,’ a winter array of music documentaries, concerts, and films. This August, catch ANDRÉ RIEU’S MAASTRICHT CONCERT: LOVE IS ALL AROUND.
In June, audiences got to see LONG STORY SHORT: WILLIE NELSON 90 — a two-hour concert film featuring his most memorable performances plus a star-studded list of performances.
K-pop fans were also treated to a must-see BTS documentary which follows two of the band members as they forge solo careers in J-HOPE IN THE BOX and SUGA: ROAD TO D-DAY.
Then there was the Grateful Dead’s annual concert, GRATEFUL DEAD MEET UP AT THE MOVIES 2023 and a one-off screening of OKLAHOMA! STARRING HIGH JACKMAN which was recorded during its record-breaking 1998 run on London’s West End.
If you missed these amazing features, there is still time to waltz the evening away with André Rieu, as he rounds out this music feast with ANDRÉ RIEU’S MAASTRICHT CONCERT: LOVE IS ALL AROUND.
Screening this 27 and 27 August, witness this annual event from André’s hometown as he covers classics, popular sing-alongs and waltzes. André teams up with surprise guests including the Gospel Choir for a party of music, dance and love.
And if you’re curious about what else is in store at the cinemas, there is definitely more to explore this August with a slew of must-see presentations from animation to spine-tingling thrillers, and action-packed adventure films.
DRJ Investments has submitted a development application for a project in Albion. The application seeks approval for a Multiple dwelling with 199 units and a Food and drink outlet.
The site is located on a 2,569 sqm block at 4 Higgs Street and 11 Sandgate Road. It’s a strategic gateway between Brisbane Airport and the Centre. The surrounding area has a mix of industry, commercial, and entertainment developments.
The proposed multiple dwelling development’s Gross Floor Area is 20,485.5 sqm. It has a cover of 1,824.5 sqm, around 74.5 per cent of the total area with the building height towing up to 17 storeys.
Breakfast Creek Hotel interface | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council /developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The units include 45 one-bedroom apartments along with 117 two-bedroom units and 16 three-bedroom. Additionally, there will be 21 two and three-bedroom SOHO apartments. These apartments offer light and views to the north, with balconies for outdoor spaces.
The application stated that the SOHO apartments are a modern response to the demand for home offices. The development will have a rooftop recreation area with a 20-metre lap pool, spa, cabanas, gym, yoga deck, cinema room, business centre, private dining space, and communal recreation area.
Public art is also planned throughout the site to beautify the area and connect residents and visitors to its unique location. The artwork aims to enliven spaces with high visibility and pedestrian traffic flow from Breakfast Creek and the public plaza.
Breakfast Creek Hotel interface | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council /developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
“The proposed development has been designed to respond to the character and form of the nearby Breakfast Creek Hotel. In particular, the podium form is a contemporary response, which interprets, but does not replicate the materials and design elements of the hotel (such as veranda forms, arches, posts etc),” the proposal stated.
“The podium form will result in a sympathetic visual reference to the context of the area but won’t directly visually compete with the hotel, adding to the landmark qualities of the development.”
Effective 1 July 2023, motorists travelling across the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, commonly known as the Gateway bridges in Brisbane will see an increase in toll fees.
The toll for a car journey will rise by 38 cents, bringing the total to $5.45. Similarly, drivers passing through the Legacy Way will experience a toll increase of 46 cents, raising the fee to $6.60.
Transurban, the company responsible for operating most of Australia’s toll roads, manages assets such as Brisbane’s Gateway bridges and Logan motorways, the Clem7, the Legacy Way, Toowoomba Bypass, and Airport Link tunnels.
Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0/Gaz/Wikimedia Commons
Similar to the situation in Brisbane, Transurban operates numerous toll roads in Sydney and Melbourne. Due to the nature of their long-term contracts, toll prices on these roads are set to increase. The specific details of the price hikes, including the amounts and effective dates, will depend on the terms outlined in the contracts.
Toll prices typically adjust in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reflecting the overall cost of living. The government regulates the extent and frequency of toll price increases each year. However, the specific rate and timing of these increases vary across different toll roads and are determined by the government.
The Linkt Assist team, available to assist drivers, offers various services, including payment plans, extended payment deadlines, and toll credits. Motorists in need can reach out to this team for assistance.
You can visit Linkt’s website to find out more about the eligibility criteria for toll credit support and how to apply.
Upon completing his studies at the esteemed University of Queensland, Alexander Bell, the mastermind behind Australia’s newest boutique rum distillery, charted an unconventional course. Departing from the traditional path in his field, he embarked on a venture to establish his own distillery, driven by the historical legacy of the long-lost Milton Rum Distillery, once an illustrious rum producer.
Leveraging his engineering skills, Bell ingeniously devised a compact continuous-column still that harmoniously merges seven distinct stills into a singular apparatus, bestowing the distillery with the remarkable ability to craft exceptional rum of unparalleled quality at a fraction of the cost borne by its counterparts.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Milton Rum Distillery
Whilst traditional distilleries dutifully uphold artisanal methods, this visionary establishment pioneers novel production techniques and harnesses cutting-edge technology to replicate the phenomenal outcomes yielded by time-honoured practices. Consequently, it breathes life into a diverse array of locally concocted rum expressions, transcending geographical boundaries, and competes valiantly with industry giants, all whilst fostering affordability.
In addition to its awe-inspiring output capabilities, the distillery remains firm in its unwavering commitment to energy conservation and resource efficiency. Its meticulously tailored still operates with remarkable efficiency, consuming considerably diminished volumes of water and electricity when compared with traditional counterparts.
As an inspired touch, the distillery ingeniously harnesses the potential of food waste, utilising discarded fruit skins within its distillation process. These sustainable endeavours not only curtail operational costs but also minimise waste.
The fruits of their labour have not gone unnoticed. Milton Rum Distillery has been the recipient of a multitude of esteemed awards, including the coveted Melbourne International Spirits Competition prize for Australian Rum Distillery of the Year in 2020. Bell’s vision extends far beyond the confines of the distillery as he passionately sources ingredients from the surrounding Brisbane suburbs, thereby forging vital bonds with the local community.
Integral to the distillery’s triumph lies its active involvement in the Future Food Initiative, an empowering initiative spearheaded by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency. Through this transformative program, the distillery secures invaluable access to discerning investors, experienced mentors, and influential contacts within the expansive food industry, propelling its accelerated growth.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Milton Rum Distillery
Collaborative partnerships with esteemed social enterprises, exemplified by HELP Enterprises, empower the distillery to achieve scalability whilst concurrently affording individuals with disabilities meaningful employment opportunities.
Bolstered by the unwavering support of BEDA, Milton Rum Distillery has successfully permeated the shelves of renowned chain liquor stores, including the likes of Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, and Vintage Cellars. And as Brisbane gears up to claim the spotlight in the countdown to 2032, Alexander Bell urges aspiring enterprises to seize the plethora of opportunities that await.
Regarding the market trends indicating rum as the next prominent spirit, Bell expresses confidence in their position to seize this opportunity. However, Bell also recognizes that sustainability and quality will be crucial drivers of value in the future, and as a result, they are committed to continuously improving their processes and value chain to enhance sustainability.
We all know that winter and comfort food tend to go together, yet we are swamped with weight-loss advice and Dr Google has 1,001 variations for losing weight. Then there are the influencers and the gurus who dispense strategies based on the simplicity of more exercise, less food. Most of us have tried unsustainable diets but a new weight loss clinic has arrived in Ascot, offering qualified medical advice and treatments focused on weight loss. It’s called Alevia.
Clare’s story is one that many people will relate to. Her clothes no longer fitted her.
“I knew how great I felt when my body was at a comfortable weight,” she said.
“I knew I needed some real help to find a way to not only lose the weight again but to keep it off for good.”
“I reached my goal weight within three months and have stayed within a 3-kg range for over 15 months which is the longest I have managed to maintain. I have regular checkups regarding my weight and health, as I am one of those people that need support to make sure I stay on track. Unfortunately, I am fighting my gene pool on this one and have had to accept that it will never be easy for me but I have also learned that it can be done, and it is ok to ask for help.”
The medical world knows that weight loss is not just about the aesthetic pleasure derived.
“As doctors who have treated patients with complex medical problems for many years, we know that many conditions are improved by weight loss,” says Dr Catherine Bacus MBBS,FRACGP of Alevia.
“Alevia sees a wide range of clients from 18 years of age to 80 years of age! The most common demographic being women aged 45-65 who may have medical conditions related to excess weight and has tried many lifestyle changes on her own before reaching out for medical assistance.”
At Alevia, an initial assessment with the clinic’s doctor includes a body composition analysis and then seeks to understand the causes of weight gain – including medical, biological, genetic and lifestyle factors.
Obesity is a largely genetic condition. Between 40% and 70% of an individual’s weight is due to genetics and overcoming a persons’ hunger hormones can assist with long term weight control.
During the initial assessment, the doctor will also discuss all the relevant treatment options.
Dr Christine Bacus, Alevia
Dr Bachus was kind enough to answer some questions about Alevia’s approach to medical weight loss, that many people would have.
What are your most common treatments?
The most common treatments we provide at Alevia Medical Weight Loss Clinic are Body composition analysis; provision of evidence-based diet plans and exercise plans; prescribing weight loss medications, where appropriate, to help with hunger and cravings; as well as referral to psychologists and bariatric surgeons, when needed. This broad range of treatments we provide allows us to cater to everyone’s unique needs to be able to provide the best possible treatment. Alevia is conveniently co-located in Ascot with Kieser strength and physiotherapy group and has both face-to-face and telehealth options available for clients to see their medical doctors and dietitians.
Is there any technology involved in your services?
We use state-of-the art body composition analysis to determine a person’s body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat and basal metabolic rate, which assists us in tailoring a weight-loss program to the individual’s needs.
When was Alevia born? When did your Ascot clinic open?
Alevia Medical Weight Loss began to serve patients living with excess weight in April 2018. Since then, Alevia has grown to serve patients in five locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Adelaide and now Brisbane.
The Alevia Ascot facility opened on the 10th of May 2023, enabling us to help more patients in Australia with trusted medical care for weight management.
Alevia’s clinic is at 1 Zillman Road in Hendra. Find out more at their website.
Alevia is a proud Sponsor of Ascot News in 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always seek the guidance of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional on any questions you may have about your health or any medical condition.
Brisbane’s architectural landscape has been invigorated with the remarkable transformation of Craft’d Grounds in Albion, earning it the prestigious ‘John Dalton Award for Building of the Year’ at the Australian Institute of Architects regional awards.
The ceremony, held in Fortitude Valley in May 2023, recognised the conversion of an old warehouse into a bustling hub for food enthusiasts and lifestyle aficionados. Craft’d Grounds will now advance to the state finals which will be held in late June 2023, along with other noteworthy winners.
The building was designed by renowned architectural firm Conrad Gargett, known for their cutting-edge designs and visionary approach.
Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
Developed in collaboration with Craft’d Grounds co-founder James Rennell, Conrad Gargett director John Flynn spearheaded the transformation, drawing inspiration from renowned cultural enclaves such as Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, laid-back strips of Byron Bay, and the iconic Grounds of Alexandria.
The design also showcases a unique ‘Made in Brisbane’ essence, incorporating raw industrial elements and rustic architectural features.
“The architectural design is a sustainable exemplar for building reuse, reflecting the ethos of its owner and considering financial viability. The existing significant steel portal framed structure with its distinctive sawtooth roofscape is retained, whilst many of the intrusive later additions that were incrementally added over time, have been removed with layers carefully peeled back to reveal the industrial story of the building beneath,” Conrad Gargett said in its website.
The judges at the Australian Institute of Architects were captivated by the building’s ability to revitalise the light industrial inner-city suburb where it stands. They applauded the robust design, which enabled the building to house a diverse range of businesses, thus underscoring its commercial success.
Photo credit: Conrad Gargett
The converted warehouse has quickly become a thriving destination, attracting locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.
Craft’d Grounds in Albion has successfully melded the old and the new, breathing new life into the neighbourhood and elevating it to new heights. This recognition by the Australian Institute of Architects serves as a testament to the project’s visionary design and its significant impact on the community.
Around Ascot is a vibrant collection of artworks on traffic signal boxes made by local artists depicting various themes. Part of the Artforce Brisbane program, the initiative started in 1999 and continues to showcase local creativity and diversity.
This artwork from the students of Ascot State School depicts a lazy Sunday afternoon scene where cats leisurely float down the Brisbane River in a handmade boat. The design showcases the juxtaposition of modern high-rise buildings, lush green trees, and diverse residents, all adorned with magical vines and flowers.
From artist Corina Hibberd, “Spring Racing Blooms” embellishes the Energex Padmount Transformer located on Racecourse Road, adjacent to the Eagle Farm racecourse. The vibrant floral arrangement pays homage to the iconic Spring Racing Carnival at the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses while injecting colour and life into the surrounding garden bed.
The “Flocking Ibis,” another captivating piece, presents a colourful and playful interpretation of the Australian ibis, a bird that has become a familiar sight in suburban areas. The artwork from Karla Morris and Kate Slaughter challenges the bird’s commonly-held negative reputation and encourages viewers to appreciate its unique presence.
Location: Nudgee Rd & Lamington Ave
Photo Credit: Google Maps street viewPhoto Credit: Artforce Brisbane
Race Like a Girl
“Race Like a Girl” is a particularly inspiring project involving five young girls aged between 6 and 10 years old: India McConnell, Eva Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, Millicent McConnell, and Violet Jackson. Drawing inspiration from the nearby racecourse, the girls aimed to celebrate female heroes in horse racing. The artwork features bold colours symbolizing tenacity, striking racing silks representing resilience in a male-dominated sport, and horseshoes as symbols of luck and hope. The main jockey portrayed in the artwork is Michelle J. Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015.
Location: Nudgee Road & Racecourse Village Shopping Centre
The Ascot community has embraced these Artforce Brisbane creations, recognizing their contribution to the neighbourhood’s identity and sense of belonging. These artistic endeavours not only beautify public spaces but also foster connections, inspire creativity, and promote inclusivity among residents of all backgrounds.
Plans have been unveiled for the construction of the five-storey, aged care facility in the Doomben precinct. Lodged by Opal Health Care, one of Australia’s leading aged care providers, the proposal is part of an ambitious $1.5 billion master plan by the Brisbane Racing Club.
The 154-bed Ascot Grove Care Community will sit on a 4,600-sqm site at 52 Hampden Street in Ascot.
This project aims to solidify the BRC’s position as the premier destination for thoroughbred horse racing and training in Brisbane, whilst also unlocking the potential for diverse entertainment, commercial, and residential offerings in the area.
Ascot Grove Care Community has been masterfully designed in an ‘H’-shape, maximising efficiency and providing each room with a balcony for natural light, ventilation, and scenic views.
The upper floors consist of two wings, with 18 bedrooms in one wing and 15 bedrooms in the other, resulting in a total of 151 bedrooms and 154 beds. Each generously sized room includes a private ensuite, prioritising comfort and privacy for residents.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Architectural Design and Features
The Ascot Grove Care Community will feature a bold and contemporary design, aligning with Opal Health Care’s vision for an upmarket facility. The H-shaped building will consist of two wings surrounding internal courtyards, creating private inner-garden sanctuaries.
The architectural plan includes featured framed balconies on the northern and southern facades, breaking down the bulk and scale of the structure while providing inviting outdoor spaces for residents and visitors.
“The proposal responds to community and economic need for additional housing options for older persons in the locality and importantly will support the ability for residents within the locality to ‘age in place’ as their housing needs change.
Ageing in place enabled through the co-location of the existing approved Retirement facility on the adjoining land 36 Hampden Street, which allows residents to transition to a higher level of care when required.” – Town Planning Alliance
The facility will offer a range of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life. The ground floor will feature a central entry foyer and reception area, alongside ancillary facilities including a dining area and café.
Moreover, recreational and health facilities, including a theatre, function room, terrace, consulting rooms, and wellness centre, will be available to residents. Internal communal open spaces will incorporate dining and lounge areas that open out to two outdoor terraces, totalling 320sq m. Additionally, each residential room above the ground level will have a private terrace.
Milton Rum Distillery, now based in Albion after its Milton home was inundated by floods, is on a mission to redefine the world of rum in Australia. Get to know how their cutting-edge technology, novel innovations, and strategic partnerships are helping them towards that goal.
Their objective is to bring a fresh approach to the Australian rum scene by creating beverages that blend time-honoured distillation methods with cutting-edge innovations, resulting in a distinctive and unparalleled drinking experience.
Alexander Bell, Director at Milton Rum emphasises that being based in Brisbane has provided them with countless opportunities for growth. The city’s reputation as one of the world’s most innovative cities, owing to its cutting-edge technological advancements, has allowed the distillery to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Photo credit: Milton Rum Distillery/Facebook
Mr Bell, the creative force behind the company, has also designed a remarkable four-metre-high hybrid continuous column still. This extraordinary creation, comprising seven stills-in-one, has revolutionised the company’s rum production.
It can produce over 300,000 bottles per year whilst utilising a fraction of the raw materials and energy required by traditional pot stills. With this cutting-edge apparatus, the distillery has set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the distilling world.
Since 2018, the Future Food Initiative has supported the ambitions of more than 400 businesses, providing them with the means to expand globally and accelerate their pathways to success.
Photo credit: Fraser mckenzie/Google Maps
For the distillery, this partnership has been a game-changer, enabling them to scale their operations, access new markets, and secure necessary funding to fuel their growth.
With a combination of technological prowess, innovative thinking, and strategic partnerships, the distillery is reimagining the rum experience for Australians.
Gone are the days when rum was viewed as a conventional spirit. Today, it represents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity, crafted with care and precision.
Between 9.10 am and 9.20 am on Monday, 17 April 2023, two homeowners on Kitchener Road and Yabba Street in Ascot were notified by their CCTV systems of attempted break-ins by unknown individuals.
At both of these addresses, the residents noticed a white Nissan X-trail that had been stolen from an address in Grange. CCTV footage also showed the same offenders attempting to break in. Fortunately, the residents were able to notify the authorities, and as a result, the offenders left without taking any property.
In a separate incident, at around 9.25 pm on the same night, offenders attempted to enter a residence in Henry Street, Ascot but were unsuccessful. The resident was able to provide police with CCTV footage of the suspects. The white Nissan X-trail was located by police and crashed at Enoggera.
The attempted break-ins in Ascot emphasise the significance of implementing security measures to safeguard your home. The police suggest that installing alarm and CCTV systems that comply with the Australian Standards for domestic use to help in identifying offenders.
As evidenced by the incidents in question, residents in Ascot were able to promptly notify law enforcement and furnish them with valuable evidence of the attempted break-ins, thanks to the aid of such systems.
Aside from security systems, it’s also important to remember to lock your doors with a key, even while you’re at home. This extra security measure provides an additional hurdle for potential offenders attempting to enter your home.
Moreover, to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property, it’s advisable to have a well-lit exterior, particularly around your home’s entrance. Sufficient lighting can discourage potential intruders since it makes it more visible to others if someone is approaching the house.
