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Suffer from Chronic Back Pain or Osteoporosis? A Newly Launched Service in Ascot Offers New Treatments

Photo Credit: Supplied

Chronic back pain has become endemic in society and so the recent Brisbane launch of a brand new service called Kieser, at 1 Zillman Rd in Ascot, will bring relief to many.

From golfers, gardeners, and sports people, to those lifting and carrying heavy items and to people who harm their back with bad posture or poor technique in the gym, Kieser has developed a process combining physio with specially developed machines to strengthen the support structure and enable an injury to be treated.

“Nearly half of all Australians have one or more chronic health conditions. At Kieser, our Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology team is well equipped to help individuals manage their chronic health conditions. In particular, our strength training programs are ideal for those with osteoporosis or low bone density as progressive strength training in a safe environment is one of the best things you can do to maintain your bone mineral density,” says Clinic Leader, Jedd Michell.

Training at Kieser — Photo Credit: Supplied

For the next four weeks following the launch in Ascot, Kieser is offering a 50 per cent discount on their initial assessment to encourage locals to give it a go. They deal with all private health funds as well.

The company already has 23 centres mainly in the southern states of Australia, having opened its first clinic in 2006. The growth of the service has enabled thousands of people to live a pain-free life.

So, what’s different about Kieser?

The physios have been trained in the Kieser fundamentals and fully understand how a wide range of musco-skeletal conditions can be treated with a combination of manipulation and targeted muscular strengthening, enabling the treatment to sustain improvement rather than a quick fix that re-occurs later.

The equipment in the gym enables most people to get what they need from a 30-minute session, twice per week.

The gym has been designed to remove distractions like music and juice bars so that clients can use the specially designed machines that focus heavily on technique, with support available, as well as one-on-one training for those that need it.

Kieser Exercise Physiologists also specialise in both the prevention of chronic conditions as well as rehab recovery following surgery.

Who should see an Exercise Physiologist?

Royal QLD Golf Club in Eagle Farm Eyeing New Short Courses, Practice Facilities

Royal Queensland Golf Club is planning to develop its premises in Eagle Farm, a multimillion-dollar expansion that would include par-3 short courses and practice facilities.

Read: World-Class Hypersonic Precinct Opens in Eagle Farm

After considering a range of options, the Club announced, through a circular sent to members, its plans to invest in short courses and practice facilities to cater to members such as business executives who don’t have much time to play their favourite sport.

Short courses are defined as anything under 6,000 yards. They are divided into three categories: 9-hole courses, par-3 courses and sub-6k-yard courses of any number of holes.

Photo credit: Royal Queensland Golf Club/Facebook

Although short courses still provide plenty of challenge, they don’t require players to hit the ball excessively, allowing them to score better whilst saving time and developing their golf skills.

The club did not reveal much about the expansion plans but will conduct an online poll by October 2022 to allow members to have their say on the recommendation.

They previously recommended the establishment of a Top Golf facility, but members opposed the plans, believing that it would diminish the brand of Royal Queensland.

Top Golf does not have a dress code whereas Royal Queensland’s dress code states that members are required to dress and present themselves both on the course and in the clubhouse in a manner respectful of each other and consistent with the club’s standards.

Read: Tattersalls Lodge: A Heritage-Listed Ascot Asset With Ties to Queensland Racing

In the golf and tennis areas, for instance, men’s shirts must be collared and tucked in, short socks must be mainly white, and shoes must be soft spikes only.

Royal Queensland Golf Club believes the interest in the club will remain strong, especially after their successful delivery of the Australian PGA Championship earlier this year.

The expansion also comes ahead of the anticipated Brisbane 2032 Olympics, where the elite club has been confirmed as host of golf competitions.

Tattersalls Lodge: A Heritage-Listed Ascot Asset With Ties to Queensland Racing

The history of Tattersalls Lodge, a 19th-century, heritage-listed cottage found at the corner of Oriel Road and Yabba Street in Ascot, is closely associated with the development of Queensland’s racing industry. Find out how.

In the late 1800s, bookmaker Charles Burton purchased four allotments of land in Ascot, owned by The Federal Building Land and Investment Society Limited, to build the Tattersalls Stables. Given its proximity to Eagle Farm Racecourse, Burton seized the opportunity to lease the site to horse trainers.

Tattersall's Estate — Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Two years later, Burton sold the property to the “Pearl King” James Clark, who was a horse-racing enthusiast and bred training horses. Mr Clark built the Federation-style Tattersalls Lodge on his newly-acquired property as a private training facility with houses for the horse trainers and their families.

Tattersalls Lodge earned a reputation for its prize-winning horses until Clark’s death.

Pearl King James Clark death notice — Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

From Tattersalls Lodge to Fitzgrafton Lodge

Gilbert Powell Wyndham Heathcote, a hotelkeeper from New South Wales, bought Tattersalls Lodge from Clark. However, following Heathcote’s death in 1901, the property was auctioned off.

Grazier James McGill, known as the “Squire of Blacklands”, acquired Tattersalls Lodge and moved in with his family in 1903. Mr McGill was well-respected in the racing community, described as “one of the most honourable, straight-going sportsmen in the history of racing in Queensland.” He changed the name of the house to “Fitzgrafton Lodge,” after his prize-winning horse. McGill Avenue, adjacent to Lancaster Road in Ascot, was named after him.

Tattersalls Lodge horses — Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

Fitzgrafton Lodge — Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

When McGill died in 1918, his son James Charles McGill, inherited the property and held it until 1925. Countless owners have since acquired the property, turning the stables into private residences.

Tattersalls Lodge at Present

In January 2004, the property was entered into Brisbane’s local Heritage Listing.

The present-day Tattersalls Lodge has been refurbished as a country-style home with Colonial French doors and wrap-around latticed verandahs.

It was valued at $300,000 in 1989 and $467,000 in 2001. The property last changed hands in early 2021 when it sold for $1.4 million.

‘Townhouses in the Sky’ Coming to Albion

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

A 42-unit, eight-storey residential development with units dubbed “the townhouses in the sky” will soon rise in Albion.

The news comes following a recent approval granted by the Council to boutique property developer Pyco Group, who is set to develop the 2,114-sqm site located at 8-12 Anstey Street and 16 Lever Street in Albion.

“Nouveau” comprises 42 sub-tropical residential units across eight levels with each unit containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open plan living area, kitchen, dining area, and an outdoor balcony/terrace. Units 37 – 42 will have an outdoor private roof terrace.

View from Anstey Street and Lever Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Designed by DAH Architecture, the “townhouses in the sky” will have two basement levels that can accommodate 95 car parking spaces: 84 resident spaces and 11 visitor spaces. Also, 87 bicycle parking spaces will be provided along with a dedicated bike storage area located at the ground level.

The development will feature arched terraces and a brick foundation with a landscaped communal open space at ground level and on the roof with a total of 200sqm and will include seating areas, outdoor dining, and a pool.

*View from Lever Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au*

“The proposed development has been designed to respond to Brisbane’s subtropical climate and lifestyle. All units benefit from being oriented to the street frontages and well-proportioned living areas and private open spaces that create an indoor/outdoor living space and maximise access to natural light and ventilation. The development also includes naturally ventilated foyers,” the assessment report noted.

With a portfolio of developments in West End, Chermside, New Market, and Cannon Hills, the developers are targeting downsizers and professionals for their Albion project.

Pyco Group also has a project underway in West End called “The Bailey” which comprises 26 boutique apartment units as well as other upcoming developments on Vulture Street; 36-residence, two-storey townhouses also in West End; and 2-storey maisonette homes in Sydney.

The upcoming Albion development at a glance:

Site Area: 2,114sqm
Height: 8 storeys
Total Units: 42 two-storey units
Site Cover: 56.37%
Communal Open Space: 200 sqm
Deep Planting and Landscaping: Landscape = 506sqm, Deep planting = 326sqm
Car Parking: 95 car parking space: 84 resident, 11 visitor
Architectural Design: DAH Architecture

Tracking the History of Eagle Farm as Farmland, Penal Settlement, and Airport Hub

Did you know that the development of Eagle Farm began sometime around 1829, when Captain Patrick Logan was tasked to expand food production in what was then a penal colony? Before it became an industrial site, Eagle Farm was once land for cultivation belonging to the Moreton Bay penal settlement.

Capt Logan accepted the assignment from then-Governor Ralph Darling and upon the recommendations of Colonial Botanist Charles Frazer, Capt Logan picked a fertile site between the Brisbane River and Serpentine Creek.

Around 150 male prisoners cultivated the land and built slabs and structures in the area. Corn was mostly grown in the farm, along with cabbages, potatoes, carrots, and yams.

The name Eagle Farm was derived from the eagles that were observed around the place.

A Good Start Turned Problematic

Following its establishment, Eagle Farm had much success in providing food for the colony, including Sydney. Buildings were then established to improve the farming operations.

However, the area was soon plagued with problems like flooding and drought, which impacted food production. In 1832, Eagle Farm also experienced a malaria outbreak. This prompted the government to reconsider abandoning the site which was notorious for its swampy and unhealthy conditions.

Despite these unfortunate circumstances, Eagle Farm was not closed. Instead, the male convicts were replaced with 40 female convicts, who worked in the Female Factory to wash and mend the clothes of the male prisoners. By 1837, the site became an all-female penal settlement.

Eagle Farm Factory — *Photo Credit: National Libray of Australia*

The women were protected within a fenced property separate from the male prisoners. Despite the fences, however, the women were often visited by the men. They hid from the guards among the tall grasses surrounding the area. This became even more difficult to oversee.

Female Factory fences — *These are replicas of the original fence and gates made of eucalypt poles measuring 5.2 metres high which doubled as both an enclosure and defensive measures.*
*Photo Credit:* TradeCoast Central Heritage Park/Facebook

Eagle Farm Prison location — Prison location
Photo Credit: Paul Newman/Facebook

In 1839, all the female convicts were shipped to Sydney and the Eagle Farm settlement was permanently closed. Two years later, Eagle Farm’s settlement was revived as a cattle station and then surveyed for public auction for white settlers.

Cattle and meat workers on a picnic
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

With the arrival of the settlers, some mixed farming of citrus fruits, small crops, dairy, and cattle was then undertaken on the land but it was always the target of raids for the Aborigines.

Eagle Farm Cotton Ginnery — Cotton ginnery
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Aerial View — Aerial view 1940s
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

It’s unclear when the former women’s prison was completely demolished but by the 1890s, only the superintendent’s house survived before everything was completely gone due to redevelopments.

The Eagle Farm Airfield

By the early 1900s, the Commonwealth used Eagle Farm as an airfield as the development of aviation progressed. A hangar was built on the site, where Bert Hinkler and Amy Johnson had their first solo flights to the United States.

However, Eagle Farm was eventually deemed unsuitable as an airfield due to problems with its drainage. The Commonwealth had no choice but to lease the land back to farming for many years until the site was reactivated for World War II.

during World War II — During World War II
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

The Royal Australian Air Force used Eagle Farm as its training school and it soon became a strategic site, given its proximity to Camp Ascot.

Eagle Farm Airport Drive — *Airport Drive and Lamington Street Intersection 1953*
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

After the war, the site became Brisbane’s principal aviation hub until it was closed in 1988 with the establishment of a new airport in Brisbane.

Universal Store Unveils Plan for New Warehouse and Corporate Headquarters at Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: Universal Store / Facebook

Leading Australian youth fashion retailer Universal Store will soon open its corporate headquarters and distribution centre at TradeCoast Central in Eagle Farm.

Universal Store has partnered with supply chain consultants TMX to review their supply chain operation and has secured a 10-year lease of its Eagle Farm site. The fashion retailer is establishing a 5,000-sqm high-bay warehouse and 2,200-sqm headquarters. TMX will also manage the project which is slated to be fully operational by Q3 of 2022.

TradeCoast Central is situated on the former site of Brisbane Airport next to the Gateway Arterial Motorway. The centre houses major brands including Subway, EB Games, Autonexus and Carrier.

Universal Store’s Chief Executive Officer said that the company has experienced impressive growth with both its digital channel and physical stores performing exceptionally well. The new warehouse, she said, will boost their fulfilment capacity and strengthen their supply chain operation.

Apart from the warehouse and new headquarters, up to eight Universal Store shops are also planned for this year, adding to their current 78 outlets across Australia and New Zealand, along with Perfect Stranger stand-alone shops which are also set to roll out in 2022.

Established in 1999, Universal Store has become a leading fashion retailer in Australia, catering to 16 to 35-year-old customers with a range of specially curated selections of trendy youth apparel.

According to Universal Store’s 2021 Annual Report, its sales grew by 36 per cent to $210.8 million as compared to FY2020 despite numerous lockdowns and store closures. Online sales grew to an astounding 90.3 per cent or $25.8 million thanks to their investment in digital marketing and scaled-up digital and eCommerce capability and services.

Cafe Wisteria Bne Reopens in Ascot

Artist impression | Photo Credit: Cafe Wisteria Bne / Facebookf

The long wait is over! Cafe Wisteria Bne is back after a major makeover. Sporting a fresh, new look, the cafe is now ready to serve locals from Ascot and surrounds, with its well-loved dishes and some new items on the menu, all in a bigger, more vibrant space.

The cafe just completed a major renovation that has breathed new life to the nearly two-decade-old space. After closing in early October 2021 to give way to the Ascot Plaza refurbishment. Cafe Wisteria Bne has finally resumed operations just four months after renovation work started, with brand-new equipment and double its former capacity.

The coffee shop has become a favourite spot among the locals since owner Yong Zhang acquired the site some two years ago. Like many other Brisbane businesses, Cafe Wisteria had to overcome the challenges brought by COVID-induced lockdowns and is now making its way back to the Ascot cafe scene with a promise to serve the community with the “best quality food and service.”

“Really enjoyed the pulled pork burger. Plentiful and delicious. Speedy service, great coffee and orange juice.” – C. O’Sullivan

“Great food & quick service, Coffees really tasty.” – D. Copley

New High-End Development on Racecourse Road Planned

“INCREDIBLE FOOD! And the people are so lovey. Our drinks were forgotten on an Uber eats order & the staff personally dropped them to our door. Kindness goes along away & we have definitely found our Sunday brunch place.” – M. Laycock

Whilst frequenters and new customers may expect some new additions to the menu, old breakfast favourites will still headline the cafe’s offerings including fresh smashed avocado served with grilled halloumi, tomato and sourdough bread.

Meanwhile, after breakfast offerings include Japanese karaage chicken burger and grass-fed rump steak served with chips and Caesar. A special kids menu is also available.

Cafe Wisteria Bne is located at 111 Racecourse Rd, Ascot. Check out their social media page for updated hours of operation.

Cafe Wisteria Bne | 111 Racecourse Rd, Ascot

Ride Through History On Board the Ascot Taxi Service, QLD’s First Motorised Fleet

Did you know that the first taxi service in Queensland was established on Racecourse Road in Ascot? Once a quiet street with a handful of houses in the 1880s, Racecourse Road became a busy hub when the Ascot Taxi Service opened in 1919.

Two mechanics, Edmund William Henry Beckham and Edward Roland Videan, only had one vehicle and a common dream when they started the Ascot Taxi Service.

Within five years, their fleet had grown to four cars: three Willys Knight tourers and an Overland, the first sedan taxi in Brisbane.

The motorised vehicles completely replaced the hansom cab, the popular form of horse-drawn carriers from the previous century.

Motorised taxi services during this time didn’t have any way of checking the mileage for each trip other than for the driver to calculate the fare manually based on a fare scale. Despite the challenges, the birth of the state’s first motorised taxi service was a welcome and exciting change.

Moving to Fortitude Valley, Thriving Through Changes

As the business progressed, the Ascot Taxi Service moved to a new site in Fortitude Valley in the 1930s, where the company flourished despite the arrival of the Yellow Cab Company from Chicago in the United States.

Ascot Taxi Service and its new owners opened a two-storey, art-deco headquarters on Barry Parade, displaying its fleet of black taxi limousines. Its focus was on “taxi-tourist” trade and they were a popular choice for wedding hiring and similar events.

Drivers were required to wear uniforms, enhancing the prestige of the service. It was also the first company to introduce two-way radio in taxis in Queensland in the 1950s.

Ascot Taxi Service headquarters — Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Barry Parade had other motor businesses, all built prior to World War II, such as the Phillip Frank and Co, New England Motor Company, and the OK Rubber Company.

The businesses became the centre of the motor trade in the city but over the years, as the city developed and infrastructure grew, people’s needs changed.

In the 1990s, Ascot Taxi Service became Q Cabs before merging with and becoming part of Black & White Cabs, which continues to operate from its head office at the Brisbane Airport.

In 2017, the Ascot Taxi Service building was demolished to make way for apartment development. The building’s last known occupant was Valley Radiator Services.

From Ascot Taxi Service to Ascot Motor Garage: The Evolution of Racecourse Road

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

The Ascot Motor Garage was a landmark and such a big part of the evolution of Racecourse Road in the early 20th century. It was set amidst some of the most expensive houses in Brisbane in large blocks of land are found.

By the time the taxi service moved out, however, Racecourse Road’s business landscape had changed, with general stores, fresh food supplies, and establishments for butchers, bakers, confectioners, chemists, and a laundry shop now dotting the neighbourhood.

Eventually, other modern establishments set up shop on the busy boulevard with lovely Poinciana trees that bloom beautiful red flowers at Christmas time. Here, medical and dental clinics, salons, banks, and boutiques, as well as dozens of eateries, have made the area a high-end lifestyle hub.

More than 130 retail shops have graced Racecourse Road. Blocks of land have been redeveloped in the neighbourhood that the Ascot Taxi Service’s vehicles once traversed.

New High-End Development on Racecourse Road Planned

77 Racecourse Road (2019) Photo Credit: Google Maps

A four-storey, $70-million, mixed-use development is planned for the former Woolworths site on Racecourse Road in Ascot.

The 3,126-sqm property at 77 Racecourse Road on the corner of Kent Street in Ascot is presently the site of a 1960s building previously occupied by Woolworths before IGA and BWS took over. Silverstone acquired the site through an Expression of Interest in late 2021 for $9.75 million on which a high-end development is now being eyed.

Silverstone‘s $70-million project will contain ground-floor retail, medical and allied health spaces, two-level parking, and three-level office space across the four-storey building.

The Racecourse Road site is in proximity to the master-planned Eagle Farm Racecourse community as well as Hamilton’s Olympic Village. These locations along with other surrounding suburbs provide a ready and growing market for the future tenancies of the project.

PDT Architects has been tapped to breathe life into the envisioned building’s design which will have sustainability at the heart of its overall look incorporating green infrastructure, plenty of greens, low-emitting materials and natural light.

The proposal is set to be lodged this July and commencement of construction is targeted by late 2022.

Silverstone Developments’ ongoing projects include the $90-million Spring Hill Day Hospital which is an 11-level private hospital facility with a rooftop terrace on Boundary Street in Spring Hill and the Herston Commercial Car Park near the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Silverstone also recently completed the $122-million Stratton Commercial Building and the E–Co boutique building in Newstead.

Pullman Brisbane Airport Honoured as Best Airport Hotel in Australia/Pacific

They’ve done it again! Pullman Brisbane Airport has again been recognised as the Best Airport Hotel in Australia/Pacific at the Skytrax World Airport Awards held in Paris, France.

Pullman Brisbane Airport was also able to secure the 6th top spot as one of the World’s Best Airport Hotels for 2022.

Alex Penklis, Chief Operating Officer of Brisbane Airport Hotels Group (BAHG), acknowledged that these honours would not be possible if not for an incredibly talented hospitality team that has thrived under the pandemic.

Ascot Pullman Brisbane Airport — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

“The entire team at Pullman Brisbane Airport is extremely proud of these Skytrax accolades, especially maintaining our position as the number one airport hotel in the Australia/Pacific region for the second time in four years – with two of those awards years impacted by a global pandemic,” Mr Penklis said.

“I am incredibly proud of what our dedicated team has been able to achieve for both our guests and owners given the challenging couple of years we have had, and we’ve never stopped working hard to maintain and deliver our world-class Pullman service.”

Here are the rankings:

Best Airport Hotels in Australia/Pacific 2022

Pullman Brisbane Airport
Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel
Novotel Auckland Airport
Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport

World’s Best Airport Hotels 2022

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport
Pullman Guangzhou Airport
Hilton Munich Airport
Fairmont Vancouver Airport
Pullman Brisbane Airport
Sofitel London Heathrow Airport
Hilton Frankfurt Airport
Cordis Beijing Capital Airport
TWA Hotel New York JFK

Pullman Brisbane Airport was part of the $150-million project to transform 1,800sqm Brisbane Airport Conference Centre with a 243-room airport hotel.

Anthony and Scott Flynn, of Flynn Property Group and Scott Flynn Properties, ushered in the development. The Flynn brothers have also delivered a quality 4.5-star hotel at Brisbane Airport’s Skygate precinct, the Novotel Brisbane Airport. The three hotels with a combined total of 532 guest rooms see Flynn’s as the largest franchisee partner for Accor in the region.

Pullman Brisbane Airport welcomed its first guests in October 2017. Aside from the luxury accommodation, the hotel offers guests a premium transit experience while awaiting their next flight. Guests can enjoy a bite to eat in Apron Restaurant and Bar, relax by the pool or unwind in the Executive Club Lounge.

Meanwhile, Skytrax World Airport Awards is the global benchmark for excellence. The independent survey for the World’s Best Airport Hotels is evaluated on key performance indicators including overall experience at the hotel, access to and from the airport, service at reception, cleanliness, restaurant quality, value for money and quality of customer service. Learn more about it here.