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Domino’s Pizza CEO Sells Ascot Home for $11 Million

Don Meij, CEO of Domino’s Pizza, Australia’s largest pizza chain, has sold his home in Ascot for a record-breaking $11 million in an off-market deal.

The luxurious home is located in Sutherland Avenue, one of Ascot’s most prestigious streets. The sale beat the street’s previous record of $10.2 million.

Mr Meij reportedly made a $2,385,000 profit after selling the property since he originally bought the house for $8,615,000 in March 2016.

Interestingly, the sale came a few weeks after the Australian Financial Review reported that Mr Meij had taken out a mortgage on the house last January.

Patrick McKinnon, an agent of Coronis Hamilton, brokered the deal and told the Domain Group that Mr Meij was able to sell the house after receiving an off-market offer from a buyer.

According to Mr McKinnon, Mr Meij decided to sell the house because he travels a lot. Though the CEO loves his house, he has not spent much time there, so he chose to let it go and have a home that requires less maintenance instead.

Mr Meij had reportedly spent a considerable amount of money in upgrading the extravagant home that sits on 2,024 square metres of land. The house has six bedrooms with marble ensuites, resort-style gardens, an infinity pool, a pool house with an outdoor kitchen, and expansive verandas.

The customisations that Mr Meij had done added more value to the house, making it look even more amazing and desirable than it already was previously. The higher property value can be also attributed to value-added details like the high-class furniture and full electronics upgrade, as well as the addition of a wine room, and extra architectural detailing.

Given property sales such as this, industry watchers observe some serious wealth investing in Brisbane in recent months. According to real estate experts, more property sales in this price range are expected in Brisbane throughout the year.

Raise the Guiness with Biggest St Patrick’s Day Celebration in Ascot

Photo Credit: Paddyfest Brisbane Facebook

St. Patrick Day is here again and Eagle Farm Racecourse in Ascot now claims bragging rights for having the biggest celebration in Brisbane with its Paddyfest event on 17 March.

Paddyfest is a proud celebration of all things Irish, from beer to food, culture and entertainment.

The fun kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and will run until 10:00 p.m. It’s going to be an all-day and a family-friendly affair.

For one day, the racecourse will be transformed into a busy Irish village with pop-up bars selling the popular Guinness, Magner’s Irish Cider, and one of Paddyfests’ very own signature cocktail, the Shamrock Juice.

City of Brisbane Wing Pipe Band
Credit: Paddyfest Brisbane Facebook

Food stalls and food trucks will be offering the best of the Irish cuisine. There’s Mac from Way Back, IndieMex, and the Diddly Dee Food Truck.

The whole programme on the main stage is jam-packed with everything Irish as well. There will be Irish dancers and traditional Irish pipe bands. There will also be music from classic rock bands and other performers such as Tartan Shamrock, the City of Brisbane Wing Pipe Band, Shanon Watkins Band, and the Ukelele Death Squad Band.

Plus, legendary Irish stand up comedian Jimeoin will be bringing the house down with his own brand of humour.

Irish Dancing
Credit: Paddyfest Brisbane Facebook

Included in the fun-filled programme are two exciting competitions. A Wing Eating Contest will be held. A Paddyfest Merch Pack is at stake.

There will also be a best-dressed competition where all Irish-inspired costumes are accepted. Those who will be joining are allowed to be as creative as they would like to be. Costumes can range from the traditional to fictional as long as they are inspired by Irish fashion. For the complete mechanics for the Wing Eating and Best-Dressed competitions click here.

Here’s the schedule to guide you through for the day.

Kids are welcome to this event as there will be a designated Kids’ Zone with free rides, craft activities, and face painting.

The event has just released its second batch of tickets. To purchase tickets, click here.

Welcome Autumn with Ascot’s First Longest Dinner Under the Stars

Photo Credit: Brisbane Racing Club Facebook

With the evenings becoming longer and the air bringing extra chill, autumn is definitely just around the corner. Nothing can be better than welcoming the weather by dining amidst a luxurious al fresco setting at the Brisbane Racing Club.

What

The Brisbane Racing Club will be hosting the inaugural Ascot Green Longest Dinner Under the Stars, an evening of fine food and wine to delight even a discriminating connoisseur.

The night will be the gathering of social butterflies and lovers of live entertainment. There will be free-flowing beverages, canapés upon arrival, and memorable gastronomic experiences. The dinner will feature a two-course meal curated by a topnotch culinary team.

Where

The bespoke menu will showcase the finest food and wines from across South East Queensland. It will be uniquely presented at the event’s Longest Table, winding through the breathtaking view of the heritage-listed Eagle Farm Racecourse.

The well-preserved Victorian and Federation heritage buildings, complete with the stately wrought iron and timber grandstands of 1913, will be the backdrop of the festivities on this lovely evening. The night will also be an opportunity to stroll by the restored betting auditoriums, taking pleasure in the ornate iron gates and pillars of the historic structure.

The Eagle Farm Racecourse was established in 1856 and has remained standing for more than 150 years. The place is brimming with nostalgia that will surely make the night a magical one to remember.

When

The first Ascot Green Longest Dinner Under the Stars will be held on the 10th of March at 9:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Mirvac Residential for the benefit of The Smith Family.

Mirvac Residential, a leading Australian property developer, is also the name behind the upcoming Ascot Green residential apartments.

The Smith Family, meanwhile, is a national and independent children’s charity whose primary aim is to help educate disadvantaged Australian children.

Glamorous Girls’ Day Out in Ascot to Benefit Gynaecological Cancer Research

Call the girlfriends, doll up, and get ready for a day of catching up and unwinding over bottles of Champagne, all for a good cause.

Sofitel’s Girls’ Day Out is happening at the Doomben Racecourse in Ascot on the 24th of February 2018. For every General Admission ticket, organisers will donate $5 to the Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation.

The glamorous girls’ event is not exclusive for the gals. There will also be lots of gentlemen invited to make the socializing more inclusive.

Girls should better be sure that they dress up to the occasion because after all, they are the star of the show! This year, Sofitel partners with Dress Hire AU for the Fashions on the Field competition.

Dress Hire AU has been the go to destination for Aussie women wanting to wear the most fashionable designer pieces since 2015.

Choose the best outfit – floaty florals and feminine designs complete with the perfect headpiece – from Dress Hire AU. Strut your stuff at the main stage because the best dressed gal will win as much as $500 Dress Hire AU voucher. Click here to know the mechanics of the competition.

Indeed, the day is going to be crazy. But for those who opt to give themselves a little peace and quiet with the company of the girlfriends or ‘THE’ boyfriends, there are many VIP options to choose from. Even the men would enjoy the different exclusive packages available. Click here to view all options.

Gynaecological Cancer Research

Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation based in Brisbane. The organisation generates funding for research and clinical trials to treat women with gynaecological cancer.

There are 5000 women in Australia diagnosed with the disease and according to the institution these women are almost forgotten because the society does not give much attention to their treatment.

By supporting the Sofitel’s Day Out at the Doomben Racecourse, women can bring a difference to the lives of their fellow women suffering with gynaecological cancer.

To know more about the event and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Revive Romance by Watching “10 Things I Hate About You” Under the Stars On Valentine’s Day

I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car, I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big, dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick — It even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right. I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh — Even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around. And the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you — Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

– Kat’s poem to Patrick

Nineteen years ago, everyone fell in love with an American romantic comedy film that modernised William Shakespeare’s late 16th century comedy “The Taming of the Shrew.” Everyone rooted for bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) when he wooed uptight Kat (Julia Stiles) to be his date for the prom.

At the time, everyone was reciting the poem that Kat recited for Patrick.

Credit: Raphaella Grego YouTube

Before Heath Ledger became the appalling Joker in The Dark Knight, he was once this high school heartthrob and the brooding type who sang “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”

Credit: Raphaella Grego YouTube

On the 14th of February, everyone will have a chance to relive the romantic thrill of the film together with their loved ones as Big Screen on the Green presents “10 Things I Hate About You.”

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:00 p.m. People are advised to bring picnic blankets. After all, nothing could be dreamier than watching Kat and Patrick’s romantic banter once again whilst under the stars, sitting hand in hand with one’s sweethearts.

Different package options are available for the event. One of these includes reserved seating at a romantic styled table in a private area, bottled red wine, and a long stem rose. To choose from the different dating options, click here.

Big Screen on the Green is located at 230 Lancaster Road.

BrisAsia Festival 2018 Presents Free Karate and Self Defence For All in Ascot

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.

A New Aged Care Facility Is Coming To Ascot

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.

Celebrate Post-Valentine for a Cause with “An Evening With Annie” at One Fifty Ascot

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.

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:

Tickets can be purchased here.

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.

One Fifty Ascot is located at 150 Racecourse Road

Tap Takeover Brings Night of Good Beer at The Stables Craft Bar & Kitchen in Ascot

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.

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.

Hunt for Bargains, Help Save the Environment at ‘Closet Cleanout’ in Ascot

“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