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Hendra Club Veterinarian Tracking New Strain of Deadly ’90s Horse Virus

A founding member of the Hendra Club, a group of Australian veterinarians and medical experts, is tracking and studying a new and potentially lethal strain of a horse virus known to transfer to humans. This virus was first discovered in the country at the Doomben and Eagle Farm racetracks in the 1990s.

Dr Peter Reid of the Australian Veterinary Association encouraged horse owners and breeders to get their animals vaccinated as soon as possible from the Hendra virus amid concerns that the new strain could progress “very quickly,” especially in areas considered as “low risk.”

The doctor experienced first-hand the fatal effects of the Hendra virus in 1994 after he was called on to the Doomben and Eagle Farm stables to check on Drama Series, the racehorse of his friend, stable owner Vic Rail.

Initially diagnosed as an infection, Drama Series’ condition worsened quickly and affected a dozen more horses at the stables in a matter of days. Mr Rail also became seriously ill, prompting the equine veterinarian to seek the help of pathologists from the University of Queensland.

Following Mr Rail’s death and three more funerals for human victims, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, Victoria, was able to pinpoint the deadly culprit as the Hendra virus. Dr Reid then made it his mission to focus on learning about this strain by speaking with the survivors, the other veterinarians and the families who have been raising horses.

In his studies, Dr Reid learned that all animals could catch the Hendra virus but it’s only horses that could pass on the strain to humans. However, it is not airborne and it’s dangerous only if the person comes in contact with bodily fluids. This explains why the risks are higher to personnel working at the stables.

Since the 1994 outbreak, the AAHL has also prioritised studies on the Hendra virus. The Hendra Club was born soon after the 9/11 terrorist attack as there were concerns the virus could be used as a bioterrorism agent.

Today, the Hendra Club with Dr Reid has been training and teaching up-and-coming virologists to curb future outbreaks. Samples of the new strain have been discovered in Queensland but with vaccination efforts, the expert said there are strong chances of preventing deaths and sickness.

Bernborough Ascot in Doomben Racecourse Gets Green Star Rating

Bernborough Ascot in Doomben Racecourse has received its first 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia in recognition of its sustainable and eco-friendly development.

The $270 million Leadlease retirement facility, featuring strategic and sustainable designs from Marchese Partners, completed its first stage in October 2020 and has been seen as a benchmark for green community living in Brisbane.

Bernborough Ascot has been envisioned in a well-positioned section of the Doomben Racecourse, which will take advantage of the cool air and natural ventilation of the environment. Before the construction, the developers had to carefully relocate and preserve a 140-tonne weeping fig tree.

Upon the completion of the project, this residential site will have “300 large luxury independent living apartments and penthouse-style homes.” Some parts of the dwellings are already open to residents.

The buildings will feature a number of connected walkways and green spaces or communal gardens, with carefully selected plants, that will be immensely enjoyed by its residents. The facility’s main energy supply will come from solar panels and its water sources feature have been engineered to lessen the needless consumption of potable water.

Green Building Council of Australia CEO Davina Rooney commended the developers behind Bernborough Ascot for achieving such a feat and it certifies the retirement facility’s topnotch standards.

Bernborough Ascot is part of Brisbane Racing Club’s master plan to turn the Doomben and Eagle Farm racecourse into an integrated community. To learn more about this development, visit the official site.

Brisbane Eyed for Olympics 2032, Possible New Stadium in Albion

Brisbane is being eyed as the city that will host the 2032 Olympic Games, with plans in the works to construct a stadium capable of housing 50,000 people in Albion, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from residents.

Officials from the International Olympics Committee (IOC) have drawn up plans to host the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, Australia, which the committee has announced to be the “preferred candidate city”.

The Queensland Government believes that the Games will play a vital role in the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery as it would provide people with new jobs and extra facilities as the Olympic Games will lead to the creation of seven new venues and stadiums.

Photo credit: Australian Olympics Committee

Potential White Elephant?

Albion residents are concerned about these new venues becoming useless ‘white elephants’ much like the Olympics stadiums in certain cities. Rio de Janeiro’s, for instance, found little use after the Games in 2016, and this is particularly problematic as constructing these stadiums is a costly endeavor.

The prospect of having a new stadium in Albion Park has raised many concerns among Brisbane locals. In a Neil Breen interview, Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates said that it is preferable to avoid constructing a stadium specifically for the Olympics. Instead, the Games should be held in already-existing venues, to avoid further pressure to allocate new funds which they think can be used elsewhere.

In response to this, the IOC has also expressed interest in utilising the Metricon Stadium, the venue that staged the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in Carrara instead, with the ceremonies hosted at either the Gabba in Woolloongabba or the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.

The Metricon Stadium in Nerang Broadbeach, Carrara
Photo credit: CC-BY-SA/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons

Dreaming of the Olympics

Not all of Albion’s residents are wary of hosting the Games in 2032. Many find themselves excited at the prospect, such as local schoolgirl Isabella Harte, a middle distance athlete from the St. Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School who aspires to become an Olympic athlete by the time the stadium comes online 11 years down the line.

Harte, the current Under 16 3k and Cross-country 4km National Champion, will be 26 and in her athletic prime by the time the 2032 Olympics roll into town.

Is It Worth It?

It is estimated that the Brisbane Olympics, which will run from July 23 to August 8, 2032, will cost approximately $4.45 billion to operate and run. Of this, $2.27 billion will be provided by the IOC, whilst the rest of the sum will be made from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships.

Despite valid concerns from the locals, Brisbane has much to gain from hosting the games and the city can take a leaf from Sydney’s experience in the 2000 Olympics.

In Sydney, approximately 160 hectares of badly degraded land were put to good use, becoming one of the largest urban parklands in Australia. Now that the Sydney Olympic Park is out of use and its land repurposed, the local community can now enjoy 35 kilometre tracks as well as open-air BBQ and picnic facilities.

Leftover venues from the Sydney Games have also been transformed. The Olympic Park, for instance, has become a commercial, residential, and sporting precinct that hosts a variety of events and facilities.

With proper planning, organisers think it is likely that Brisbane, including Albion, has the potential to gain significant welcome additions which can be used long after the Games have ended.

For the latest news and updates concerning the Olympic Games in Australia, visit the Australian Olympics Team’s website here, and follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and developments.

Gino’s Restaurant to Celebrate 40 Successful Years in Hamilton

Photo credit: ginosrestaurant.com.au>

One thing’s for sure. Hamilton and Ascot foodies would most certainly not be strangers to Gino’s Restaurant. This popular family-owned restaurant celebrates 40 years in business in 2021, making it a local fixture on Kingsford Smith Drive and everyone’s favourite Italian haunt.

Gino Fiorini first opened his eponymous restaurant in 1975, serving pizza and pasta in a casual format reminiscent of traditional Italian home cooking.

Gino Fiorini during a visit to Gino’s in 2019. The stove is the only part of the kitchen that has been standing since 1975.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant

Six years later, in 1981, Sayed and Deborah Barakat took over running the business, continuing the traditional Italian menu and ambience, whilst ensuring the quality of food remains the same.

Gino Fiorini and the Doueihis, during a 2019 visit.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant

Over the last decade, the reins of the business have been passed to the next generation. Sayed and Deborah’s children – Simon, Charlotte, and Dominique, have been overseeing the business. Their cousin Eddie has also spent many years working in the restaurant.

Except for the addition of a few dishes, nothing much has changed over the last four decades. People order their pizza while others are enjoying their oysters.

Schnitzel and Spaghetti
Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant

Customers craving for their Italian fix come to enjoy the popular schnitzel and spaghetti, which is composed of crumbed veal served with spaghetti bolognese, best enjoyed with chips, napolitana sauce, or a choice of pasta sauce.

Simon’s Special
Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant

Ladies who lunch also find themselves setting their diets aside to enjoy Simon’s Special, fettuccini served with fresh chilli, bacon & prawns in napolitana sauce.

As a fully licensed restaurant, Gino’s also serves a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits. Patrons can also opt for BYO for their favourite bottled wines.

“Just the smell alone of the food, walking past the restaurant is enough to draw you in and you won’t be disappointed when you do go in. The food is authentic, fresh, and amazing,” said one of their regulars.

Homemade tiramisu available for dine-in and take-out.
Photo Credit: Facebook/Gino’s Restaurant

With authentic recipes curated and developed over the past four decades, this family restaurant’s menu hasn’t had to make many adjustments in order to maintain its relevance over the years.

Gino’s is also known for its excellent service and the place’s friendly vibe, attentive staff, and swift order times.

Gino’s Italian Restaurant is conveniently located at 468 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton. They are open for dinner Tuesday to Friday and on weekends, the kitchen remains open for pickup or delivery. Customers can order for pickup or have their food delivered through UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash. Visit their website for more information or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on special deals, promotions, and their business hours.

The Coffee Club Ascot to Close After 22 Years

Plan your last coffee meet-ups at The Coffee Club Ascot now because this popular cafe and favourite hang-out along an equally popular shopping strip will be ceasing operations soon, after 22 years.

The Coffee Club Ascot, located on Racecourse Road, is shutting down in March 2021 but a new tenant is expected to take over the premier location.

“For many years, this site has enjoyed ‘first option’ status for breakfast, lunches and a central meeting place for coffee. Situated only a skip from Eagle Farm Racecourse, the site enjoys abundant walk by traffic and is nestled amongst many boutique stores,” Commercial Brisbane stated in the listing.

The Coffee Club was established in Australia in 1989 as a cafe/restaurant with full table service. The first store was built on Eagle Street Pier in Brisbane CBD.

Five years later, the business became a franchise and has reached over 400 stores in nine countries, with most outlets in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. The Ascot outlet was the 37th store to open.

In early 2020, The Coffee Club rebranded to cater to the younger market but COVID-19 struck and affected the usual stream of customers.

In December 2020, two other outlets also shut down in Queensland. A liquidator for The Coffee Club said that rents have been unsustainable during this uncertain period.

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School #5 in Top 10 Most Expensive QLD Schools

Did you know that St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School ranks #5 in the list of the Top 10 most expensive schools in Queensland?

Here’s a rundown of the State’s priciest schools.

School	Fees	Extra	Total
Brisbane Grammar School	$28,230	$1,220	$29,450
Brisbane Boys College	$24,724	$2,444	$27,168
Brisbane Girls Grammar School	$26,555	$0	$26,555
Anglican Church Grammar School	$23,944	$1,990	$25,934
St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School	$24,560	$0	$24,560
The Southport School	$24,438	$0	$24,438
Somerville House	$23,940	$0	$23,940
St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School	$22,120	$1,735	$23,855
Clayfield College	$19,165	$2,665	$21,830
St Peter’s Lutheran College	$20,360	$516	$20,876

A 2021 National School Fees Report from Edstart showed that 40 percent of private schools across the country did not increase fees for the incoming school term whilst Queensland’s average school fees increase for 2021 was down to 1.19 percent compared to 1.87 percent for 2020

Despite the annual trend of increasing fees, around 7 percent of Queensland schools also had a minimal increase for 2021 as a relief to families.

Such was the case of St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School. In a statement to enrollees, the administrative officers said that families will receive discounted rates for 2021’s first semester for full payments made before the start of Term 1.

Photo Credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

“The effect of this discount is that all families will be issued tuition fees based on 2020 levels for the first half of 2021,” the statement read.

“This does not apply to boarding fees or any other charges. The School has an all-inclusive fee policy. The fee covers the cost of all compulsory activities including tuition, QGSSSA sport, technology, year level camps, class excursions and a range of facilities used in the course of a normal school day.”

However, Edstart CEO Jack Stevens said that non-government schools wouldn’t be able to sustain flat fees or lowered fees in the long run due to mounting expenses like administration compliance, increased staff and facilities upkeep. Mr Stevens said that these factors will more than likely drive school fees up in 2022.

Edstart, launched in 2016, is a payment provider helping families and students manage the cost of education.

Sirianni’s in Ascot Turns Over Business After 5 Decades

A popular grocery store in Ascot has changed hands five decades after it opened. Sirianni’s on Alexandra Road, which was managed by a family of immigrants from Italy, has been turned over to the Hopper Group.

The new owners run various IGA stores in suburbs like Maroochydore, Milton, New Farm and St Lucia. Hopper Group also owns Greenslopes’ bRED bakery and the Hawthorne Garage grocery.

Tony and Rose Sirianni officially ceased to be the owners and operators on the first week of December 2020.

Tony’s parents, Napoleone and Elisa Sirianni, opened the grocery shop in 1965, and introduced produce like zucchini and artichokes to their customers.

Tony and Rose, as well as Tony’s brother Ugo, expanded the business in the 1990s with a deli, pies and Italian ready-to-eat meals prepared in the store’s kitchen.

Ugo, sadly, passed away two years ago.

“From humble beginnings, the Sirianni Family worked together over the past five decades to create a family-owned grocery store that prides itself on quality food and personal customer service,” the family said in a Facebook post to announce the turnover. “It is now time for our family hand over this unique business to new owners.”

“We know that a lot of you have been customers for many years and some even who recall the original store,” Mr Sirianni added.

” Although the store was rebranded a number of times over the past 55 years…our customers have always referred to this store as Sirriani’s. We have been endeared by so many members in our local community and as such, we have a lifetime of memories.”

Meanwhile, Tony and Rose will help out their son, Leo, who runs another Ascot grocery store on Racecourse Road but he is also planning to retire from the business in a few years.

New Cafe and Catering on Racecourse Rd in Ascot to Open Doors in 2021

Photo Credit: Frigg Cafe & Catering / Facebook

An award-winning cafe is coming to Ascot’s Racecourse Rd in 2021.

Frigg Cafe Racecourse Rd will be twin owners Maria Elita & Toula Scott’s third Frigg venue after Labrador and Manly West. Taking over the former site of Journey Cafe & Bar, the cafe is set to bring to Ascot its well-loved healthy breakfast and lunch. And if you have any upcoming event, Frigg Cafe has got you covered with their catering service, delivery and pick-up.

Photo Credit: Frigg Cafe & Catering / Facebook

Frigg Cafe takes pride in turning simple breakfast and lunch into something that reminds you of home. Their breakfast menu includes the classics such as Hickory Smoked Bacon burger (Big brioche bun with hickory smoked bacon, melted cheese, and BBQ sauce), The Big Frigg (hickory smoked bacon, two eggs your way, pork sausage, grilled mushrooms,baked beans, and grilled tomato), Allo Avo (a mountain lightly smashed fresh avocado served with lemon and olive oil, topped with soft Danish feta), and Mighty Thor (Frigg’s own savoury grass fed beef mince, piled on sourdough toast and served with two fried eggs and Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce).

Mighty Thor – Photo Credit: Frigg Cafe & Catering / Facebook

If you decide to drop by for a satisfying lunch, some of the hearty meals includes the Classic Cheeseburger (100% Australian grass fed beef patty on a brioche bun, melted cheese, lettuce and tomato sauce), Big Fat Club sandwich (grilled chicken, melted cheese, hickory bacon, cos and tomato double decker on tasted light rye with Aioli), and Chicken Parmi (classic chicken Schnitzel with tomato passata, hand cut leg ham and melted cheese, served with chips and side salad).

The cafe also offers healthy bowls Acai Lover (served with granola and fresh fruit, and topped with coconut and chia seeds) and Choc Yoghurt Protein Bowl (fresh Greek yoghurt blended with chocolate protein powder and served with granola, seasonal fruit, coconut, and a hint of local honey).

Frigg Cafe which can accommodate up to 80 customers is slated to open either at the end of January or early February.

Dandelion & Driftwood to Reopen at a New Location in 2021

Have you missed dining at Dandelion & Driftwood? Following its closure in Hendra two years ago, the cafe is all set to mark its return in 2021!

Owners Peter and Penny Wolff have not revealed the new location but they’ve confirmed the reopening in a Facebook post.

“We bring good news to you all. Our beloved D&D will be opening a new location in 2021. In this glorious big space!” the post stated.

Reports disclosed that the new site will not be far off from the pair’s Wolff Coffee Roasters site on Gerler Road. The wait will not be too long as the new D&D could open its doors by February 2021.

Dandelion & Driftwood opened its specialty coffee and tea shop in 2010. As it consistently provided great-tasting food and drinks, as well as excellent customer service, locals flocked to the cafe regularly. Weekend lines and crowds were ever-present as the Wolff’s built their reputation with awards and recognitions.

Some say Dandelion & Driftwood significantly influenced and changed Brisbane’s cafe scene. Its closure in 2018, however, wasn’t the end.

Dandelion & Driftwood branched out at the Brisbane International Airport. Due to COVID-19, however, operations have been temporarily halted on site with the decline of travellers. Whilst this was a blow to the Wolff’s, they were also in the midst of planning their new cafe.

Penny shares how the new site is coming together in the video post below and you can likely spot the cafe’s new location.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dandelion & Driftwood (@dandeliondriftwood)

Meanwhile, Dandelion & Driftwood continues trading via Uber and at the company’s headquarters on Gerler Road.

For updates on the cafe’s progress and reopening, follow their Instagram page.

Nyrambla: Learn the History of the Ascot House Used as a WWII Intelligence Base

Along the tree-lined Henry Street in Ascot stands Nyrambla, the hillside house which was formerly used as a United States-Australian intelligence base for codebreakers during the Second World War. The house is drawing much interest today because it just hit the market following the death of its owner, Brisbane socialite Andree Daws, in August 2020.

But the gorgeous structure hidden amongst tall trees next to some of the most expensive houses in Brisbane has such a rich history. Here’s the story of the historic house called Nyrambla.

The Owners and Dwellers

Built in 1885 for Henry P Abbot, the manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, the original property was over 15 acres, which stretched across Henry and Yabba Streets and had separate stables and servants quarters.

When Mr Abbot retired to Sydney, he rented out his imposing two-storey home to Patrick Perkins, the Queensland brewer. By 1925, Mr George Willoughby Whatmore, the manager of the Austin cars automotive group, bought the Nyrambla.

Mr Whatmore, a member of the Council and a champion cyclist, was the grandfather of Ms Daws. But his death in 1929 saw Nyrambla’s transformation as a large house, which was converted into six flats.

Its front side used to be alongside Yabba Street but as the house split off, the Henry Street side became the main entrance even today.

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

There were more additions to Nyrambla over the years. In place of stables and servants quarters were the swimming pool and tennis court.

Other famous inhabitants of the Nyrambla flats included ABC presenter Blair Edmonds, farmers market operator Jan Power and Queensland actor, director and writer Bille Brown until Ms Daws acquired the property.

Today, Nyrambla is a nine-bedroom, six-car garage site with seven bathrooms, two sunrooms and a guest wing with a spacious living room area on the second floor.

Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Ray White Real Estate/Facebook

In 2013, Ms Daws converted part of the house into an art studio for her husband, Lawrence, whose paintings are displayed at art galleries across the country as well as in London, Scotland and China. He still continues to paint today at 93 years old.

Ms Daws’ son Rick Roberts has lived in this house since the 1980s and has decided to put Nyrambla in the market.

The Allies’ Intelligence Base

In 1942, the Allies requisitioned the Nyrambla as a top-secret facility after U.S. General Douglas MacArthur made Brisbane their headquarters. MacArthur, along with Australian General Thomas Blamey, made frequent visits to this house at the height of the war in the Pacific.

For the next three years, the 18 enlisted servicemen and six officers of U.S. 837th Signal Service Detachment and members of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) and cryptanalyst from the Australian Cypher Section worked in the back garage to decipher intercepted Japanese codes using a Typex machine and IBM tabulators. The decoded messages were transmitted to Allied bases from all over the world.

Historical accounts stated that one of these intercepted messages was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto’s itinerary to Rabaul in 1943. The Allies were able to intercept his aircraft, killing the commander of the Japanese fleet.

Following this feat, Colonel Harold Doud renamed the 837th Signal Service Detachment to the Special Intelligence Service.

In 1988, former U.S. servicemen returned to Nyrambla for the unveiling of the plaque by the front entrance.