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New Childcare Centre For 65 Children Proposed In Hendra

Aerial view of Hendra childcare centre (Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au)

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.

Photo Credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

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.

Big Screen on the Green to Feature the Most Romantic Valentine Date Movie

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!

*Photo Credit: Big Screen on the Green/Facebook*

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
Seafood Hamper Package	Gourmet hamper including fresh Noosa prawns, 8 Tassie natural oysters, gin & kaffir lime-cured salmon, crusty baguette, farmhouse cheese, piccalilli, espresso martini chocolate opera cake, French-style macaron & chocolate dipped strawberries
Galentine’s Hamper Package	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.

Girls’ Day Out: Most Glamorous, Ultimate Raceday Event Is Back

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.

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.

The event is presented by Priceline Pharmacy Ascot and James Street.

3 Big Reasons Why Australian PGA Championship 2020 Is Special

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.

Brisbane’s First ‘Momo Fest’ Dumpling Event from Melbourne Coming to Ascot

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.

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.

Pool-Sharing App Swimply Launches In Australia with Various Brisbane Listings

You’d like nothing more than to dip in cool water in this scorching summer heat. The only problem? The public pool is too busy or a trip to the beach is simply not possible. Fortunately, there’s now a way for you and your family to enjoy the comforts of a pool in Ascot or elsewhere in Brisbane, in a private home of your choosing, via a pool-sharing app called Swimply.

Since its late November launch in Australia, Swimply has come to be regarded as the AirBnB for pools. The latest innovation in the sharing economy platform, Swimply affords groups the opportunity to book a few hours of someone’s private pool, whilst also letting pool owners earn some cash for their unused pools.

How Swimply Started

Swimply is the brainchild of 23-year-old Bunim Laskin of the United States. In 2017, he was inspired to create a pool-sharing app, after negotiating a successful agreement with a New York neighbour who hardly used their pool. Coming from a large family, Bunim arranged for him and his brothers and sisters to use the pool in exchange for contributing to its upkeep and maintenance expenses.

Mr Larkin had had a goal to make the pool experience accessible and affordable for all. The app quickly made waves, especially in states with warmer climates like California, Florida and Texas.

Swimply’s chief marketing officer Asher Weinberger then travelled to Australia to look into the market’s potential and was encouraged by the feedback from the industry.

Pool Ownership in Australia

Research from Roy Morgan shows that pool ownership has increased in Australia in the last three years. Now, 13 percent or 2.7 million Australians have a swimming pool in their house.

The average cost of pool maintenance is about $1,000 to $1,500 a year. However, Swimply learned that most pool owners averagely use their pools about 15 percent of the time. Renting out the facility could make pool ownership a better investment.

How Swimply Operates

Currently, Swimply has 29 pool listings in the Brisbane area.

Pools listed on the app initially have to undergo a thorough inspection by Poolwerx to ensure compliance with the local health and safety standards. Once verified, pool owners have full control over the listing and could even set their personal rules or exercise their right to refuse a would-be renter.

Swimply has a team in charge of host care. They guide pool owners into the process, including setting up the price points for the facility they’d like to rent out. As a commission, the company takes 15 percent of the fee

Much like the AirBnB model, the hosts and guests are also rated and those with a rating below four stars are removed from the platform. This guarantees the security and quality of the transactions.

Swimply is available for both iOS and Android users.

Dine in Style at One Fifty Ascot Bar and Eatery

Photo Credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery/Facebook

Ascot has its fair share of Instagram-worthy restaurants and amongst them is One Fifty Ascot, a bar and eatery located in the tightly held dining precinct of Racecourse Road.

One Fifty Ascot breathed new life into the former Baguette location by incorporating timber and glass into the interiors. Black lines dominate the place, but natural light, wooden furniture, and a multitude of hanging plants soften the vibe, creating a relaxed setting for beautifully decorated dishes.

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It’s Friday night, and that means treat yourself to the most perfectly cooked, tender and juicy steak paired with your favourite wine of course.. 🍴🍷⁠ ⁠ Call us to book a table 07 3123 7123⁠ or head to our website to view our menu onefiftyascot.com.au⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #onefiftyascot #venue #functions #engagement #party #instayum #gourmet #ascotbrisbane #brisbanefood #brisbaneweekender⁠ #wedding #birthday #event #styling⁠ #onefiftyascot #foodie #headchef #lunch #dinner #instayum #gourmet #delicious⁠ #weekender #beautifuldesserts

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Interiors aside, they currently offer generous servings of flavoursome dishes such as Stradbroke king prawns, truffled spatchcock and Darling Downs Beef mignon. The restaurant embraces a seasonal menu, but they make sure the food is delightfully fresh and simple, regardless of the season. There is also an impressive collection of carefully curated wines or cocktails to wash it all down.

Photo credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery/Facebook

If you have a weakness for sweets, it will be hard to say no to One Fifty Ascot’s delicious array of desserts like the lemon tartlet, chocolate cake with double cream and raspberries, and a selection of ice cream and sorbet. Those who are heading for a meal with their little ones can order from the kids menu, which already includes a meal and a dessert.

When you’re looking for a venue or a private dining room for birthdays, wedding, or even corporate functions, the restaurant also offers a range of function spaces available for your special event, like the courtyard, which has a semi open-air space and a private bar access.

One Fifty Ascot is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 11:30 am until late. For more information and to make a booking, visit One Fifty Ascot’s website.

Big Screen on the Green in Ascot Lines Up 4 Christmas Movies

Did you know that watching Christmas movies produce “feel good” hormones that shift your mental state from sad to happy? If you’re fond of viewing classic holiday films you’ve loved as a child over and over, then you’ll likely enjoy it more on a 44-metre-long outdoor screen at the Big Screen on the Green in Ascot.

This Christmas season, Brisbane’s best open-air entertainment site at the Eagle Farm Racecourse is lining up four Christmas movies you can enjoy with your family and friends. Cuddle up on the ground with your kids, relive the nostalgia and relish in the company as you get into Christmas spirit with these films:

WHEN	WHAT
Monday, 16 Dec	Elf Starring Will Ferrell, Zoey Deschanel A human adopted by Santa Claus meets his biological father in New York.
Tuesday, 17 Dec	Polar Express Featuring the voice of Tom Hanks Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the film is about a young boy who discovers a mysterious train heading to the North Pole.
Wednesday, 18 Dec	How the Grinch Stole Christmas Starring Jim Carrey A vengeful green being plots an elaborate plan to destroy Christmas for one whole town.
Thursday, 19 Dec	Home Alone Starring Macaulay Caulkin An 8-year-old boy accidentally left by his family for the holidays must protect his home from intruders.

Movie time promptly starts at 7:00 p.m., but if you get to the venue by 5:30 p.m., you’ll be treated to heaps of fun activities like a Christmas sing-a-long and face painting. Santa Claus is also set to make a special appearance before the movie starts.

Each pre-registered ticket to Big Screen on the Green comes with a FREE Frozen Fanta and Santa’s helpful elves will bring your pre-ordered snacks or dinner.

For an even cosier time watching the movie on the big screen, you may bring your own picnic blankets, cushions or seats to set up your best spot at the lawn. However, you may also rent out these items at the venue on a first-in, first-served basis.

Public Feedback Sought on 2018 Private Property Towing Reforms

The State Government is now seeking feedback on the private property towing reforms implemented in 2018, following rising complaints from residents in Ascot and several other suburbs about unfair and intimidatory practices of some towing operators.

“Your say on Queensland’s Tow Truck Scheme,” is a two-part discussion paper released recently to seek feedback on the private property towing changes introduced last year, as well as gather suggestions on how the government can improve the tow truck scheme.

The Government introduced tow truck reforms to address community concerns about private property towing including the “intimidatory and threatening behaviour of tow truck operators and excessive fees for towing and storage of vehicles,” and following independent investigation into the towing industry.

Since its 2018 implementation, TMR has received 197 tow truck complaints, including 79 complaints about private property towing. This is a marked improvement from the 515 complaints recorded in the 12 months prior to the reforms, including concerns about driver conduct, authority to tow, and fees charged.

These complaints have resulted in the issuance of infringement notices, licence holder education, and even the cancellation of some tow truck driver accreditations.

“The legislation regulates private property and crash towing. It ensures all tow truck drivers are accredited, all trucks are licensed, and fees are capped, protecting motorists from unscrupulous tow truck operators,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“We committed to reviewing these reforms within two years to ensure they adequately addressed community concerns and improved industry practices.”

Currently, the scheme is implemented in the following regulated areas:

The Shires of – Beaudesert, Boonah, Caboolture, Esk, Gatton, Kilcoy, Laidley, Maroochy, Noosa, Pine Rivers and Redland.
The Cities of – Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Caloundra, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Ipswich, Logan, Mackay, Maryborough, Redcliffe, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
The areas made up of the parishes of:
- Clement and Hinchinbrook in the county of Gray
- Beor, Bohle, Coonambelah, Ettrick, Halifax, Hervey, Lansdowne, Magnetic, Margenta, Rokeby, Ross, Stuart and Wyoming in the county of Elphinstone.

Visit www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au to have your say on the future of the tow truck scheme. Deadline is on 24 November 2019.

Ascot’s Big Screen On the Green to Run ‘The Shining’ for Halloween Night

Dare your friends or family to watch a horror flick on Halloween night at the Big Screen on The Green in Ascot. For a frightful but fun evening, this open-air entertainment site at the Brisbane Racing Club is going to run Stephen King’s “The Shining,” on Thursday, the 31st of Oct 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

If you haven’t seen this film before, then prepare to be scared out of wits. “The Shining” and its star Jack Nicholson, as the villain Jack Torrence, have been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top thrilling movies and intimidating villains in 100 years of film history.

If you’ve watched “The Shining” before, relieve the experience as it is featured in one of the largest screens in the southern hemisphere. The movie’s scenes and villain are sure to raise the hair on your back or leave your heart beating fast.

Bring your own blankets or bean bags so you’ll be comfortable while watching the film at Big Screen on the Green. Alternatively, you may also hire picnic blankets, warm blankets or bean bags ranging from $5 to $12.

Food and drinks will be sold at the venue including alcoholic beverages and wine, as you can’t bring or pack your own.

To book your tickets to this Halloween Big Screen on the Green event, visit the official site and select the package most suited for your preference.