Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 35 of 43

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.

View this post on Instagram

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

A post shared by One Fifty Bar & Eatery (@onefiftyascot) on Dec 12, 2019 at 4:55pm PST

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.

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

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.

A Software Retailer in Eagle Farm is Among Best in Brisbane

An Eagle Farm-based company has been included in the “Best in AU” list of the best software retailers in Brisbane.

To help consumers find the best service providers or retailers, near or in their area, Best in Australia puts out its list of top and leading businesses per category, which gets updated every three to four months.

The lists rank candidates — businesses, people, or places in certain industry and/or geographic area — based on rating checklist. The rating checklist considers the candidate’s business history, services, pictures or media, opening hours, social media, website quality, awards and acknowledgements, and feedback and reviews among other factors.

The top rated Software Retailers in Brisbane according to Best in AU are:

Idealpos Solutions – 1/212 Curtin Ave W, Eagle Farm
Retail Express – 320 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Fedelta Point of Sale – Suite 1B, Level 1/52 McDougall St, Milton

*Idealpos Solutions Hardware Product*
*Photo credit: 2019 Idealpos / idealpos.co*

About Idealpos Solutions

As a Point of Sale company, Idealpos Solutions, currently operates in seven countries with its headquarters situated in Eagle Farm, employing more than 30 employees.

Idealpos has been around for more than 30 years, creating adaptable, easy to use Point of Sale system. Idealpos offers hardware products such as terminals, printers, scales, scanners and more depending on the client requirement.

They also offer cloud services and software products, including a selection of mobile apps and software modules that can complement other Idealpos products.

Currently, Idealpos software is being used within and across 15 industries:

Bar
Bottle Shops
Cafe
Convenience Stores
Dry Cleaning Services
Franchise & Head Office Control
Fruit & Vegetable Shops
Hotel, Gaming & Clubs
Landscape & Nursery
Quick Service & Fast Food
Restaurant
Retail
School Shops
Service Stations
Tourist Attractions

Inside Chateau Nous: A Historical Art Deco Home in Ascot

Photo Credit: Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons

At a glance, the Chateau Nous in Ascot looks like a typical two-storey masonry house. But this villa has an interesting story to tell, which is why it was included in the Queensland Heritage List in 1992.

Derivative domestic architecture was in full swing in Queensland when this home was built from 1937 until 1940. This classic, which can be seen at 1 Rupert Terrace, is located in a prime position in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after locales.

Chateau Nous, a five-bedroom villa complete with entertaining spaces and a lawn tennis court, is a wonderful blend of Functionalist architecture and Art Deco design. Such influences can still be seen throughout Brisbane, as art deco houses sprang up all across the city during the 1930s.

It was designed by architect Douglas F.W. Roberts, who is also behind the Ayr Court House, a heritage-listed courthouse at 163 Queen Street in Burdekin. His design was touted as ultra modern at the time and the house even won the House of the Year award in 1939.

Art Deco elements are carried through interior design including its nautical design outlined in brass strips in the main bathroom’s aggregate floor and is depicted on the chrome hood of the fireplace. The facade is decorated with brick banding, curved corner walls and windows, glass bricks and contrasting vertical and horizontal elements.

This striking residence served as home to Brisbane dentist George Stewart and his wife Eileen for almost three decades. Come World War II, the Stewarts decided to build a reinforced concrete air raid shelter which they shared with their neighbours. The air raid shelter leads to a secret tunnel that runs underneath the house.

The building was rented following Dr Stewart’s demise in 1962 and was sold to an architect named Noel Robinson in 1979. An adjoining block of land was later sold and more features, including a family room, terrace, garage, and an ensuite were added by the new owners come 1986.

The original interior included a servant’s quarter used for sewing and storage and an electric dumb waiter used for delivering food to an upstairs breakfast room. In 2017, the property was sold at $4.2 million, almost twice its price when it hit the market in 2003.

Welcome Spring with the First-Ever Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch in Ascot

Springtime and brunches go well together and it’s even more delightful if you could enjoy this with a glass of espresso martini. If you’re in Ascot, look no further because you can welcome a lovely spring with a mid-morning meal and a caffeine-filled drink at the Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch this Saturday, the 28th of Sept 2019.

Brisbane Racing Club and Ketel One, along with The Society and Billy J Boutique, are mounting the first-ever Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch in Ascot, which should hopefully become a yearly tradition.

This event takes points from previous parties celebrated at the social venue and combines people’s love for brunches, coffee and boozy drinks.

Ketel One will be serving up freshly-brewed concoctions and food at the club’s Espresso Yourself! Bar. So, go ahead and indulge with a serving of cinnamon & coffee waffles or coffee-smoked brisket burger whilst you sip your drink of choice.

Running from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch will also feature creative activities like ceramic painting, flower-crown making and “Design Your Own” ice block. Guests may also shop at the Billy J Boutique Pop-Up, as well as browse the heaps of market stalls that will be set up during the event.

Live entertainment will be provided by a jazz band and a DJ whilst drag queens Vollie La Vont & Chocolate Boxx will keep the party vibe high as the hosts the event. Aside from socialising, brunching and taking photos, you may also win exciting giveaways and prizes during the program.

Dress your best and most comfortable summer outfit to enjoy this breezy brunch amidst the gorgeous greens of the Eagle Farm Racecourse.

Tickets go for $65 for the brunch package and $100 for the VIP rooftop package.