St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School is once again proving its mettle, appearing as one of the finalists in three different categories of the prestigious Australian Education Awards 2020.
The elite Ascot school has made it to the finals for Best STEM Program and has made a repeat appearance in the roster of finalists for Boarding School of the Year, which it won in 2019.
Photo Credit: Facebook/St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
Its popular principal, Ros Curtis, is also a finalist for Principal of the Year (non-government category) for the second consecutive year.
Photo Credit: Facebook/St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School
St Margaret’s has annually flexed its academic muscles as it proves itself to be one of Queenslands top schools. From 2017 to 2019, the school has placed within the Top 15 schools in the state across all four NAPLAN categories (Years 3, 5, 7, and 9). Its students topped the Year 3 category of the 2019 NAPLAN in Queensland, no mean feat indeed.
The school has also been given Innovative School awards for 2018 and 2019, for its leading academic advising program and for a program called St Margaret’s Plus, created to recognise and develop students’ skills beyond just the normal academic assessment track.
“To be a finalist in three categories truly speaks to the good work being done by all members of staff, as well as the contribution the girls and their families make to the overall fabric of the school,” Principal Curtis said.
The winners will be announced on the 6th of November at a gala awards ceremony in Sydney.
Thirty Brisbane suburbs join three others in Logan in the list of areas covered by Telstra’s latest batch of sites for its much-awaited and long-discussed 5G rollout.
In Southeast Queensland, the rollout covers high-value areas such as Brisbane CBD, Ascot, and Brisbane airport; inner city suburbs such as Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill, Milton, and South Brisbane; and even southside suburbs such as Sunnybank, Eight Mile Plains, Carina, and Murrarie.
This development comes in as welcome news, following previous safety concerns about 5G technology. In a report prepared by the House Standing Committee on Communication and the Arts, federal Parliament has given Telstra’s 5G network clearance to proceed, citing the “safe and transformative” nature of its 5G mobile infrastructure.
Photo Credit : Telstra
The latest rollout of sites comes at an opportune time, when schoolchildren more home computer and device usages are expected, as households and tackle homeschooling or online curricula, with many families upgrading to the latest 5G devices.
At present, the rollout for 33 suburbs on the list are halfway done, and steps are being taken to complete the rollout in the soonest possible schedule.
Telstra chief May Boisen assures subscribers that the upgrade will deliver greater network capacity, lower latency, and faster download speeds.
While 5G service advertises that its 100Mbps minimum download speed is equivalent to what is considered to be today’s fastest NBN speed, the network is actually capable of a blazingly fast 20Gbps.
Photo Credit: iTNews
However, the actual download speed that 5G network users will experience depends upon the network configuration, the device being used, and the number of devices in use on the network.
Telstra is also quick to point out that the network upgrade will also benefit present 4G users, as increasing the 5G capacity for other users means greater capacity for 4G users as well.
In greater Brisbane, 33 suburbs are already halfway to being fully covered by the technology and some have full coverage.
Here are the areas covered by the present rollout.
Brisbane Airport has announced a projected opening date of July 2020 for its new runway and residents in Ascot and other suburbs are wondering how (and if) aircraft noise from the projected runway traffic will affect their suburb.
The new runway, which has taken eight years to build due to the need to pile sand onto the river delta, will seemingly double the capacity of the present airport, bringing it closer to the capacity of those in Melbourne and Sydney.
Coming in under its $1.3 billion budget by around $200 million, the runway will be able to accommodate widebody aircraft, with its 3,300-metre length. The current short second runway which is exclusively for smaller aircraft.
Brisbane Airport and its runways. Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport
“It’s surreal to think we are just months away from seeing the first aircraft land and depart on this infrastructure masterpiece,” said Brisbane Airport Chief Gert-Jan de Graaff.
New Runway Noise
Based on Brisbane’s new runway flight path tool, Ascot does not directly fall under a flight path. However, it should be noted that since flight paths do not precisely follow a single line and can be more accurately called flight path ‘swathes,’ the flight path can vary up to several kilometres. So it is highly possible that aircraft will fly over the suburb.
Through the flight path tool, users can also get an overview of the noise level that the suburb will experience. The following is a comparison of the noise level with the existing runway versus noise level when the new runway is in use, with the green pin placed on Ascot.
Noise level with the existing runway Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.auNoise level with new runway Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.au
The flight path tool indicates that aircraft flying near Ascot are
likely to be at an altitude where the aircraft noise level will be less
than 70 decibels.
According to Australian standards, a noise level of 70 decibels is
likely to interfere with people speaking indoors (with the windows
open).
Since Ascot is only a few kilometres from an arrival flight path, it will experience noise from 36 average flights and a maximum of 74 flights.
Average and maximum flights near Ascot Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.au
Analysing 25 years of data, the QUT research highlighted that:
“housing and units in Brisbane located under designated flight paths
have their value and price determined by a range of factors and these
factors are not detrimentally impacted by aircraft noise.”
“The location of a property under a flight path will have minimal if any impact on the price, saleability, investment performance and capital growth of that property,” the study concluded.
Reporting Noise Issues
Meanwhile, the Australian aviation industry assured they will help
identify issues of concern and possible opportunities for improvements
through Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS).
The service will be managed by Airservices Australia, who will be
responsible for Australia’s airspace management, flight paths, providing
noise information and managing complaints.
For any questions or concerns about current aircraft activity, lodge a complaint or make an enquiry:
Property development company Poly Australia has received development approval from Brisbane City Council for its major residential project, ‘Ascot Aurora.’
Council has given the green light for the 234-dwelling in December 2019, less than six months since the application was lodged. Poly Australia noted that they engaged the community throughout the process to ensure the application positively reflected the needs of the community.
Around 209 of these units will be two, three and four-bedroom townhouses, 10 will be freestanding, four-bedroom townhomes, and 15 are one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Vehicular access will be via Lamington Avenue whilst pedestrian access will be at Lamington Avenue and Mordant Street.
The subject site is at 104 Lamington Avenue, Eagle Farm, a 62,090-sqm vacant lot located 7 km away from Brisbane CBD and 500m from Doomben Train Station. In addition to new housing, Poly Australia will deliver a new public park and significant landscaping throughout the site.
“The development proposal for this site harnesses an opportunity to transition this site, the last remaining vacant/disused site north of the rail line on Lamington Avenue, to provide additional residential development, community assets and infrastructure in this central part of Brisbane,” Urbis said in a report on behalf of Poly Australia.
Designed by Arkhefield, the application noted that the “proposal presents a high-quality contemporary design that will contribute significantly to the desired subtropical character of this vacant brownfield site in Eagle Farm.”
The reconfiguration of the lot will be undertaken in three stages. The staging will involve the following:
Stage 1A – The future public park;
Stage 1B – the detached dwellings and multiple dwellings on the western side of the site;
Stage 2 – the apartment building and multiple dwellings in the northern part of the site; and
Stage 3 – the multiple dwellings in the south of the site
Construction of Ascot Aurora is expected to commence in mid-2020. Depending on weather and site conditions, it should be complete by mid-2022.
Can you sacrifice your diet for climate change? Lifestyle changes may not be enough to save the planet, but for every person going vegan each month, that’s equivalent to 30 animals not eaten, 126,739 liters of water saved, and 913 square feet of forest conserved.
These numbers came from Animal Liberation Queensland which recently launched a new billboard campaign urging Queenslanders to “fight climate change with diet change.” This campaign, done with the support of Brisbane Animal Save, has gone up in various Brisbane suburbs since February 2020 and will be up until this April.
It’s the highlight of Vegan4Life, an initiative of Brisbane Animal Save & Animal Liberation Queensland. The group believes it’s the single biggest way that individuals can reduce their impact on the planet.
To keep the billboard up for another three months, the organisation encourages the public to chip in via a crowdfunding platform. As of March, the campaign raised $6,204, almost reaching its $6,500 target. If the target exceeded, Animal Liberation Queensland will use the funds to invest in more billboards and other advertising opportunities.
“Our campaign aims at highlighting the detrimental impact that animal agriculture is having on our environment. We are already seeing the devastating effects of climate change in Australia – drought, bush fires & floods! There’s never been a more important time to push for massive change, and the single biggest way an individual can reduce their impact on the planet is by going vegan,” the group wrote via Chuffed.org.
The animal rights organisation also sends a free veg kit for people interested in going vegan but don’t know where to start.To get yours and to help spread the word, visit vegan4life.org.au or check out Animal Liberation Queensland’s website.
A new childcare centre could take over a low-set brick house and unused stables at 294 Nudgee Road in Hendra, according to a development application lodged with Brisbane City Council.
The proposal seeks a childcare centre with capacity for 65 children. Plans rendered by Focus Architecture showed the centre will feature an associated outdoor play area and 13 parking spaces on-site, with seven spaces designated for staff.
One of the buildings, which will be one to two storeys in height, will accommodate infants and will feature reception and staff rooms. The other one will be for older children and will have a large undercover and outdoor play area. An internal pathway will be built to link the two buildings, which will also facilitate pedestrian access between the childcare entrance and on-site visitor parking.
Whilst it’s in a Character Residential zone, the property is situated within a cluster of community facilities and does not currently house an existing pre-1946 character residential home.
Based on a report provided by Lee Development Planning, the proposed development scale, design and location is comparable to the reasonable expectations of the surrounding residential environment.
“The proposed development is for a childcare centre use in a location with other related uses that can reduce individual car trips, yet no other childcare centre is established within 1 kilometre of the site,” the application noted.
The site is within the immediate vicinity of Hendra State Primary School and is close to other community facilities such as bus stops along Nudgee Road and local convenience shopping.
If approved, the childcare centre will operate from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday. The existing brick house and unused stables will have to be removed to proceed with the development. For further information about the proposed childcare centre in Hendra, see A005365428.
There’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the most popular and most romantic Valentine date movies ever made. But if you’re up for a walk down memory lane — with your partner, friends, or teenage kids — pack a picnic blanket and some pillows, and then head down to the Eagle Farm Racecourse for Big Screen on the Green on Friday, the 14th of February 2020.
“Pretty Woman,” the blockbuster film that catapulted Julia Roberts to international stardom, will be screening at Big Screen on the Green for Valentine’s. There’s no better way to enjoy this ultimate ’90s romantic comedy but on the biggest screen in the Southern Hemisphere during the most romantic night of the year!
For an unforgettable Valentine’s, don’t stress over packing some picnic snacks for Big Screen on the Green.
You can dine under the stars, treat your loved one, or share a wonderful night with your best friend with a set of food packages for a relaxing and filling night. Each food package is good for two people.
Charcuterie Hamper Package
Gourmet hamper including artisan charcuterie, cured & smoked salumeria, farmhouse cheeses, potted pâté, homemade dip, lavosh, breads, espresso martini chocolate opera cake, French-style macaron & chocolate dipped strawberries
Gourmet hamper including three-cheese pumpkin & chive Portuguese savoury tartlet, ribbon New York deli sandwich w Dijon mustard & cress, prosciutto-wrapped strawberry, smoked salmon, triple crème brie, espresso martini chocolate opera, French-style macaron, Turkish delight
Alternatively, you can go big on your romantic gesture with a decadent three-course meal, which comes with a bottle of wine and a long-stemmed rose. You and your date will be seated at a premiere romantic spot with a good view of the movie.
Book your seats to this fun, romantic evening via Brisbane Racing Club. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. but the movie will begin as soon as it gets dark. In the event of a shower or thunderstorm, there are covered seatings available with good vantage points of the screen as well.
This summer, prepare to have your most glamorous time at the races yet! The ultimate raceday event, Girls’ Day Out, is returning for another popping party at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Ring your girlfriends and prepare your floral dress with matching fascinators as Girls’ Day Out gets underway on Saturday, the 22nd of February 2020. The party begins at 10:30 a.m. with a lot of exciting activities to experience until 6:00 p.m.
Fancy the latest trends? Then be at the all-new Stradbroke Plaza Precinct for Fashions on the Field. While you’re there, sample some mouthwatering tasty treats or quench your thirst at the pop-up bars and gourmet restaurants.
Within the same area, you can enjoy some lavish pampering at the complimentary Pamper Bar and Henna Tattooists section. For some thrills, get a peek into your future by consulting with tarot card readers.
If you’d like some tête-à-tête with your best friend, opt for the Royal High Tea from Sirromet Wine or chill out together at My Mexican Deck from Sauza Tequila Gold.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Racing Club
A number of live entertainment will be underway across the racecourse, headed by the award-winning Timotomatic, who will dish out his danceable hits on the Main Stage. Roving circus performers will be dazzling guests along with the impressive Queens of the Track.
A crew made up of “Gentlemen To Help” will be going around the racecourse to assist guests. Speaking of which, gents are welcome to tag along with their wives, girlfriends or gal pals even as this party is catered for women. They may also enjoy the same activities as the girls or watch the races live.
To wrap up Girls’ Day Out, an after-party will be taking place at the Society Rooftop Bar.
There will be plenty to do at Girls’ Day Out with everything happening in one place. To check the packages and score tickets, visit the event page online.
After seven years in the Gold Coast, the Australian PGA Championship recently announced its return to Brisbane. The move back to the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm later this year is a huge deal for three reasons.
1. Brisbane will host again after 19 years.
The last time Brisbane hosted the Australian PGA Championship was in 2001, which was also at the Royal Queensland Golf Club. Robert Allenby won this tournament, as well as the previous year’s championship (2000).
The one other time the tournament was held in Brisbane was in 1956 at the Indooroopilly Golf Club.
2. 2020 marks Royal Queensland Golf Club’s 100th year.
Incidentally, the Royal Queensland Golf Club will mark its 100th year in 2020. Established in 1920, the original course in Hamilton was designed by Australian Open Champion Carnegie Clark.
Royal Queensland Golf Club has been touted as the breeding ground for PGA Professionals, including the iconic Greg Norman, who trained at this Eagle Farm green from 1975 to 1976. Its other notable members include Charlie Earp and Adam Scott.
3. Royal Queensland Golf Club will be host for three years.
As part of its agreement with the Australian PGA Championship, Royal Queensland Golf Club holds the rights to carry the tournament until 2022. Thus, Brisbane golf fans will be able to watch the sporting event for three summers.
Photo Credit: Australian PGA Championship/Facebook
“We know Brisbane loves its live sporting events and we look forward to seeing the crowds come out to cheer on our home-grown and international golfers, while enjoying the party atmosphere of the Championship, which will continue to deliver exciting, vibrant and fan-friendly entertainment precincts on course,” PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman said.
“We’re incredibly excited to return to Brisbane and the Royal Queensland Golf Club to celebrate a milestone anniversary of one of the country’s most treasured golf courses.”
The Australian PGA Championship is expected to welcome PGA and European Tour pros and visitors. The sporting event is pegged to boost Brisbane’s economy and tourism.
Momo Fest, Melbourne’s popular dumpling festival, is set to roll into Brisbane’s food scene for the very first time this year. Lovers of food wrapped in dough made of thin sheets of flour and water may expect to sample 30 different varieties once the festival drops in Ascot.
Brisbane locals may finally experience the flavourful taste and goodness of this unique festival that Melbourne folks have enjoyed for the last three years. Set for Sunday, the 12th of April, Momo Fest in Ascot will take place at the Doomben Racecourse from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The announcement comes early as the event recently opened slots for interested stall holders, festival sponsors, and media partners.
A delicacy that comes from the regions of Nepal, Tibet and Northeast India, momo is similar to the Chinese jiaozi, Japanese Gyoza and Korean mandu. Traditionally, momo is prepared with simple ground meat filling packed with region’s spices and herbs, and then steamed to lock in its flavours.
Photo Credit: Momo Fest/Facebook
More elaborate momos have emerged over the years as style and taste changed. Some momos are filled with paneer cheese, tofu, vegetables, milk solids and sugar, as well as and other interesting combinations.
Aside from the dumpling feast, Momo Fest is also going to feature live music, multicultural performances, workshops, competitions and entertainment for the kids. It doesn’t cost a lot to check out what’s in this food fest as the entry fee is only $2 and kids under the age of 12 can come in for free.
