Chinese New Year is one of those occasions for Brisbane to celebrate the influence of Asian culture. As always, the celebration will be marked by about 80 different events across the city. There will be Asian dancing, theatre, music, food, film, and visual arts.
In Ascot, Australian Goju Kai Karate will be conducting a free session of basic karate and self defence for everyone on the 10th of February.
Credit: Australian Goju Kai Karate YouTube
Karate has a rich Asian history that dates back from Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotukan Karate who brought the practice on the main islands of Japan in the early 20th century.
Through the years, karate has evolved to become a form of discipline and self defence. Australian Goju Kai Karate offers classes that teach self defence skills that can be easily applied in real life situations.
For its free session in Ascot, Australian Goju Kai Karate will teach specific karate movements with aerobics benefits. The session will show everyone that karate can also be a form of exercise that can tone muscles, improve balance and coordination, and enhance cardiovascular strength.
Credit: Australian Goju Kai Karate YouTube
The free karate and self defence session for all is to be conducted at Oriel Park, 14 Alexandra Road. Bookings are essential to reserve spot, please click here.
BrisAsia Festival 2018 is now in its sixth year. The festival will start on the 10th of February until 4th of March 2018. To know more about festival activities, please click here.
Lendlease is set to build a retirement and aged care precinct in Ascot as part of its collaboration with the Brisbane Racing Club. The facility will overlook the Doomben racecourse.
The racing club is currently developing a $1.5 billion masterplan, which will include its 89-hectare site in Ascot. The club is currently transforming their Eagle Farm precinct whilst this recent announced development with the property giant will be the first project on their Doomben part.
The aged care project also marks Lendlease’s return to the aged-care business after departing it in 2013. They re-entered the industry last year.
The development will undergo five stages and will be set on a two-hectare site. It will consist of 300 independent living units and 108 full service high-care aged beds. To ensure that the older folks enjoy the space, they will equip it with resort-style facilities such as a restaurant, a cafe, and a new bowls club.
The BRC’s Eagle Farm upgrades will also see the Racecourse Village Shopping Centre, which is set to open mid-2018. It will feature a Woolworth’s Supermarket and ten specialty stores.
With exciting BRC developments, the new aged care facility will be on the right spot. The site is also in close proximity to the CBD, the Royal Queensland Golf Course, Hamilton Wharf, Racecourse Road, and the Brisbane International Airport.
Annie Muller is a beautiful 7-year-old whose life has not been easy from the start. Born with hydrocephalus resulting in cerebral palsy and epilepsy, doctors have told her parents that Annie will grow up not recognising them.
Her parents, Cara and Dean, nevertheless showered her with love and care. At age four, like a lot of kids, she loved watching Olaf from Frozen. Today, Annie is able to walk short distances and actively attends a special school. This shows that her family’s dedication allowed her to exceed her doctor’s expectations.
Life, however, continues to be challenging. The now 7-year-old girl has impaired vision and learning. She has ongoing medical needs which include surgery to improve her hip position and ability to walk. The surgery needs to be done in Melbourne. Rehabilitation and therapy will follow.
Credit: Go Fund Me Website
Annie, and other children like her, are what have inspired One Fifty Ascot to host a post-valentine fundraiser on 17 February. Ms Karni Liddell, one of Australia’s most successful and well-respected paralympic swimmers, will be attending as the speaker for the night.
Tickets include drinks and canapés with fifty percent of the price going to the Muller family. Here’s the actual invitation for the event:
Annie’s family has been through a lot the last few years. In 2015, doctors have found that her mother, Cara, has bowel cancer. The cancer has been contained after surgery and chemo that lasted for six months.
Those who cannot make it to the event may donate any amount through Annie’s GoFundMe page.
Beer lovers unite! Check out The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen, which introduced beer from known Salisbury brewer, the Ballistic Beer Co. with a night of good beer and good times to jumpstart 2018.
In mid-January, Ascot locals got a taste of craft beer from the topnotch Queensland’s brewery Ballistic Brewer as they took over the taps at The Stables.
Just when Brisbane beer lovers thought they’ve tried it all, they’re in for some good beer times ahead as Ballistic Beer presents their drinks that come with such unique names as “Australian Psycho, “Dirty Word,” “Pilot Light”, and “The Grandfather”. Have fun guessing what’s behind these witty and “pun”-ny names!
The special occasion was part of an event called “tap takeover”, an event where bars feature beers from local brewers for a night.
The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen had been holding “tap takeover” every month, featuring different local brewers each time.
Credit: The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen Facebook
Ballistic Beer
Lachy Crothers, a passionate young brewer from London, is the man behind Ballistic Beer. Lachy moved to Brisbane in 2014 for the job at Ballistic Beer and could not wait to share his passion about high-quality craft beers. In 2017, they won four medals for their beers and released 20 different beers of which two of the best selling beers are now sold in cans. The rest, as they say, is history.
Credit: Ballistic Beer Facebook
The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen
Mates who are thirsty for beer, old whiskey, and craft beers have always preferred The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen for its many types of beer. The assortment of drinks has consistently earned high praise from Brisbane’s discriminating beer drinkers.
“Stopped by in this place on a recent Brisbane trip. Superb selection of craft beers that should cater to everyone’s taste and price range. The food was outstanding too… Highly recommended!” – Darren T, TripAdvisor
“…their selection of beer is first class and definitely a cab trip to truly enjoy as some of the beers are rocket fuel grade. Worth a second, third and fourth visit.” – Matthews, TripAdvisor.
“Closet Cleanout” at the Eagle Farm Markets at Doomben Racecourse offers the perfect opportunity for shoppers to snatch a huge bargain. Drop by on the 28th of January between 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and choose from their preloved branded apparel and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, all up for grabs at great prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallets.
Credit: Eagle Farm Markets at Doomben Racecourse Facebook
There are many compassionate reasons and benefits why participating in rummage sales such as the “Closet Cleanout” is being encouraged. The platform can drive the local economy, save the environment, promote ethical issues, and personally help save money for shoppers.
Shoppers can save as much as 50 to 80 percent when buying second-hand items, particularly when buying branded apparel that are otherwise at double or triple prices at the mall. Vintage clothing and high-end labels, which are otherwise expensive for the common buyers, will finally be affordable. Shopping budgets can be maximised with the excess money being put towards other necessities.
Buying at rummage sales can also benefit the local economy as the community’s money stay within the community. Local entrepreneurs will thrive while local buyers get the most bang out of their buck.
When shoppers patronise second-hand apparel, they also help with the global objective of making the environment greener. When people buy second-hand items, they reduce their carbon footprint because it lessens the demand for new items from the factories. Saving old clothes and other possessions from being thrown away also promotes recycling.
Become a stallholder!
Those who are keen to be on the other side of the table can sell and take the “Closet Cleanout” as an opportunity for the perfect Spring closet cleaning of old wardrobes. Earn from unused clothes that are otherwise stored uselessly inside the cabinets. Those old favourites will find new owners that will love them just as the same. For those who are interested to take advantage of the event as a stallholder, please click here.
The “Closet Cleanout” will be held at the Doomben Racecourse at 75 Hampden St, Ascot
Brisbane Racing Club will make everyone experience the thrill of live racing at Doomben Racecourse on Australia Day on the 26th of January. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. and everyone is welcome to dress comfortably as they enjoy exquisite food and drinks and live entertainment. General admission is free but different packages corresponding to one’s proximity to the track are available.
Credit: Brisbane Racing Club Facebook
Those who will purchase the Great Aussie Group Package for $15 per person will enjoy the race on the trackside with reserved seating positions at the Champions Bar Courtyard.
For $45 per person, on the other hand, BRC Members have closer access to the Winning Post as they take up seats at the Falvelon Bar. The same seats are available for non-BRC Members for $52.50 per person. The location allows anyone to both view the horses before the race as they make their way to the track and get a closer look of the winning horses after the race. Those who will opt for this package will have the opportunity to enjoy tapas-style lunch delivered straight to their reserved tables.
Couples, meanwhile, are given the option to have a picnic at the track for $45 per couple. The package includes a delicious picnic hamper for two. Menu options are available here. The hamper already includes disposable crockery, cutlery, and napkins.
Couples are advised to bring a picnic blanket. In any case that they suddenly decided to have seats at the bar, they would have to additionally pay the tickets for whichever locations they choose.
Lastly, starting at $75 per person, one can enjoy a prime spot at the Private Suites where there are premiere facilities as well as self-service terminals for that optimum racing day experience. The package already includes the Private Suite Deal Menu which consists of welcome meal, lunch, and afternoon snack. There are different options to upgrade these meals and other beverages, with additional charges. The complete menu options can be viewed here.
For complete information on packages and bookings, please click here.
The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen at 1/121 Racecourse Road, Ascot will serve beer from known Salisbury brewer, the Ballistic Beer Co, on the 16th of January from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event promises a night of good beer and good times to jumpstart 2018 with just the right note.
Ballistic Beer meet the Brewer/Tap takeover Credit: The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen Facebook
Ascot’s The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen has thought about serving Ballistic Beer over their taps on that particular night to give the local neighbourhood a taste of the topnotch Queensland’s brewery. The people behind Ballistic Beer will also be talking about their passion for crafting their own beer instead of serving up commercially produced ones. At the end of the night, The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen hopes that everyone will develop a taste for locally brewed Australian beer.
Credit: Ballistic Beer Facebook
Ballistic Beer is the brainchild of David Kitchen and a friend who formerly played in a Hong Kong Rugby team with him. The two friends have built a shiny new brewery in an old WW2 shed on the outskirts of Brisbane. In two years’ time, David found himself alone in managing the place and realised the need of hiring someone who really knew about beer brewing. This is when he has come to know Lachy Crothers, a passionate young brewer from London. Lachy immediately moved to Brisbane for the job as he could not wait to share his passion about high-quality craft beer.
“When you try a Ballistic beer, you’ll notice something familiar but also something different, a meeting of old and new. So enjoy a Ballistic beer, but don’t expect it to taste like any other craft beer– it really depends on who won the latest ‘discussion’ [between David and Lachy]”
As all Ascot residents know, The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen is the place to go when thirsty for beer, old whiskey, and craft beers from local breweries around Australia and even from as far away as Sierra Nevada, USA. On any given day or night, the bar serves seven types of beer and one cider, Willie Smith’s Organic Cider from Tasmania. There are also varieties of options for someone who prefers bottled beers. Among the options are Moon Bay Bjorn Again, Fortitude Toasted Lager, and Feral Hop Hog IGA. All beers can be paired with light meals, such as Rosemary and Chorizo, Rustic Fries, Croquettes with Mustard Creme Fraiche, Steak Wrap, Raw Veges, and Nut Salad with lime dressing or Salami.
“One Fifty provides a modern take on an old classic, designed to be a stylish yet casual relaxed eatery making use of natural light, timber and glass to bring the outdoors in to create a garden atrium atmosphere”.
One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery is inviting everyone to celebrate their Christmas and New Year’s Eve with them. The place has created a specialised set of menu to make the celebration stress-free.
Formerly known as Baguette, One Fifty Ascot at Racecourse Road underwent a transformation in 2016 and has since became a relaxed bar, offering fresh and light dishes. It also has added more variety to its cocktail list.
Renovations to the place includes maximising natural lighting during daytime, and a magical lighting set-up in the magnificent fig tree in its garden to give the place a romantic, homey feel in the evening.
A White Christmas Eve Dinner on 24th of December from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
White Christmas Eve Dinner Credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery Facebook
A Christmas style menu awaits those who will spend the Christmas Eve at One Fifty Ascot. They can choose a two course menu for $45 or a 3 course menu for $60. Booking is essential, please click here.
New Year’s Eve Dinner on 31st of December at 5:30 p.m. to 1st of January 2018 at 12:30 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Credit: One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery Facebook
One Fifty Ascot welcomes families, peers, co-workers, even little tots, to ring in 2018 at the place. Appetisers will be served under the eatery’s fig tree while the rest of the meal will be served inside. The two-course meal is available for $55 whilst the three-course meal is available for $75. Children’s menu is available for $12. Live entertainment takes place from 7:00 p.m. onwards.
Every $5 from the adult meal is being donated to a local school chosen by the guest.
Bookings are essential and seating is limited, so please click here.
One Fifty Ascot Bar & Eatery also has a private dining room which can be rented for events and intimate gatherings. It can accommodate 135 seated guests or 250 guests for standing cocktail or party events.
The annual free movie series at the Big Screen on the Green Trackside Open-air Cinema returns on the 18th until 22nd of December. The screenings will be held at the Brisbane Racing Club’s heritage-listed Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to arrive earlier to set up picnic blankets and to claim their free frozen Coke, an offer that only happens this year. Coming before the movie starts will also allow children to enjoy the Christmas carols, free face painting, and a surprise visit from Santa. They can also have a meet-and-greet with Giddy Up Club’s mascot, Lucky George.
Heads up, though. Bringing one’s own food is not allowed. The Brisbane Racing Club Food Truck will sell snack and drinks at the site. Another option is to pre-purchase a Christmas Hamper at $40 per couple.
What’s included inside the Christmas Hamper:
1 x baked ham and seeded mustard w dried tomato, cress in a crusty baguette (cut in half)
1 x oven roasted chicken w oak leaf, shaved radish, cucumber and red onion, mild roasted garlic aioli in a crusty baguette (cut in half)
Vegetarian quiche
Side salad to share
Christmas pavlova with berries and passionfruit
Farmhouse cheese and cherries
Movie List, Information and Schedule:
“Elf” on 18th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs, a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Credit: Movie Clips Trailer Vault YouTube
“Home Alone” on 19th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother (Catherine O’Hara) makes him sleep in the attic. After the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin, he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) plan to rob the McCallister residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.
Credit: John Erler YouTube
“Santa Clause” on 20th December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he’s dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn’t a dream after all – and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
Credit: Sky TV YouTube
“The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” on 21st December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen).
Credit: YouTube Movies YouTube
“Polar Express” on 22nd December at 6:30 p.m.
About the film:
An inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Credit: TVJ41262 YouTube
Eagle Farm Racecourse is at 230 Lancaster Road, Ascot
Mirvac, the real estate group behind Ascot House, announced that the construction of Ascot Green’s pioneer residential tower is on track for completion by mid-2018. Various fixtures in both interiors and exteriors had been successfully in place.
The firm had just finished the rooftop slab and had been in the process of installing high level services, which includes fire protection, hydraulics/plumbing, and electrical. The ceilings and partitions on Level 4 had commenced. Cladding has started on Level 3, including columns which extend down to the ground floor.
Meanwhile, laying of asphalt to the internal road had been completed in the first weeks of October. The roadway that would link Lancaster Road with Nudgee Road is supposed open by the time that Ascot House opens. The widening of Nudgee Road is expected to be finished before Christmas.
Credit: Mirvac YouTube
The $950-million worth Ascot House will be the first Ascot Green project that will benefit from Mirvac’s pioneering sustainability initiative developed under Hatch. Solar panels and batteries were installed on the rooftop of the residential building. With this, future residents would reduce their electricity bills by up to 70 per cent.
Hatch had been Mirvac’s award-winning internal innovation program, which uses customer insights to drive innovative ideas in the property space for development.
Credit: Mirvac YouTube
Future residents of Ascot House will also enjoy the view of the Eagle Farm, along with the nearby parks and recreational places. The riverfront in Hamilton is just a short walk down the Racecourse Road. Clayfield and Hendra is also just within walking distance.
Completion of the Racecourse Village, a two-storey shopping centre just next to the Eagle Farm Racecourse, was also set to be completed by mid-2018, just in time for the first residents to be moving in to Ascot House. The complex would have Woolworths store and other eleven retail stores at ground level, including an open car park with 297 parking spaces.
Credit: Brisbane Racing Club YouTube
For those who wished to express their interest, please click here.
