Albion Archives - Ascot News

Rain Wreaks Havoc as Brisbane Heat Fall Short in WBBL10 Final

Brisbane Heat’s quest for a third premiership ended in heartbreak at the MCG, falling seven runs short against the Melbourne Renegades in a rain-affected WBBL10 final. Captain Jess Jonassen’s heroic unbeaten innings of 44 went in vain as Brisbane fell just short of the revised target.

Read: Street Name: Crosby Rd, Ascot

Early setbacks and weather disruption

After winning the toss and electing to field, the Heat’s bowlers applied consistent pressure early on. Charli Knott (3-26) and Grace Parsons (2-29) kept the Renegades in check, but West Indies star Hayley Matthews was the standout performer. Matthews crafted a masterful 69 off 61 balls—the highest individual score in WBBL final history—propelling her side to a competitive total.

Brisbane’s chase began disastrously. Power-hitter Grace Harris fell for a second-ball duck, followed soon after by the in-form Jemimah Rodrigues. The situation worsened when rain caused a 40-minute delay, leaving Brisbane with a reduced target of 98 runs from 12 overs.

A captain’s valiant effort

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In a display of remarkable resilience, skipper Jess Jonassen nearly pulled off the impossible with an unbeaten 44 from 28 deliveries. Her late assault included a six and a four in the Power Surge over against Deandra Dottin, bringing the equation down to 30 off the final two overs. However, the experience of Renegades’ international spinners, Matthews and Sophie Molineux, proved decisive in the closing stages.

Read: A New Star Shines: Elvis Smylie Wins at Royal Queensland

While the result marks a second consecutive final defeat for the Heat, their consistent presence in the championship decider underscores their status as one of the WBBL’s powerhouses. Emerging talents like Knott and Parsons, combined with Jonassen’s seasoned leadership, leave Brisbane well-positioned for future campaigns.

This loss will sting for the Heat faithful, but the team’s journey to the final—including dominant performances throughout the tournament—provides hope for the seasons ahead. As the dust settles on another WBBL campaign, the focus will now shift to regrouping and coming back stronger for WBBL11.

Published 01-December-2024

Match preview published on 29-November-2024.

Brisbane Heat’s Hot Streak Burns Bright: WBBL10 Final Showdown Awaits

The Brisbane Heat’s remarkable late-season surge shows no signs of slowing as they prepare to face minor premiers Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL10 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, 1 December.

Riding a six-match winning streak, the Heat secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over the Sydney Thunder in Friday’s Challenger, booking their place in the premiership decider for a second consecutive season.

Read: Last Undeveloped Site in Hendra Earmarked for Major Housing Project

Dominant display sets stage for WBBL10 Final

The Heat’s dominant performance at Allan Border Field showcased why they’re genuine contenders for the title. Georgia Redmayne’s masterful unbeaten 51 off 41 balls, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues’ elegant 43, highlighted the team’s batting depth. However, Rodrigues retired hurt due to a hand injury, raising concerns about her availability for the final.

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In the bowling department, Grace Parsons emerged as the standout performer, claiming an impressive 3-10 in three overs. Her spell, supported by Jess Jonassen’s sharp tactics, limited the Thunder to 7-133 despite late resistance from Hannah Darlington and Taneale Peschel.

History and form point to epic battle

The Heat enter the final with momentum on their side, but the Renegades, as minor premiers, present a formidable challenge. The teams’ only encounter this season resulted in a 28-run victory for the Heat, though much has changed since that early-season clash.

Sunday’s final at the MCG promises a thrilling contest between the competition’s most consistent side and the team carrying the hottest form. For Heat supporters, the prospect of their team lifting the trophy seems increasingly possible, given their recent dominant performances and the confidence flowing through the squad.

Read: Street Spotlight: Kidston Street, Ascot

The decider begins at 12:20 p.m. on Sunday, with Brisbane seeking to convert their late-season momentum into championship glory. After dismantling the Thunder with such efficiency, the Heat have sent a clear message to the Renegades: they’re ready for the ultimate challenge.

Albion Reaches New Heights with Proposed Twin Tower Development

Photo Credit: DA A006619616

A striking new development featuring twin 20-storey towers is set to redefine Albion’s skyline. Proposed for 60-78 Hudson Road, the mixed-use project will bring 456 new apartments to the suburb, along with a Woolworths supermarket, commercial office space, and an additional retail tenancy at ground and plaza levels.

Designed by Cottee Parker Architects, the development will feature a shared podium level for the towers and an elevated pedestrian link seamlessly integrated with the upgraded Albion train station. This connection aims to enhance accessibility and encourage public transport use.

The proposed development boasts a range of amenities for residents and the wider community. A plaza level will offer green space, landscaping, a swimming pool, a gym, and a wellness centre. Rooftop spaces atop the towers will provide seating and dining areas with impressive views.

To address parking needs, the development will include four basement levels with 463 car spaces—263 allocated for residents and 200 for retail use. Vehicle access will be conveniently located off Albion Road.

The project is underpinned by a Preliminary Approval for Material Change of Use granted in 2015, which allows for various uses on the site, including residential and commercial activities. Planners at Plan A Town Planning have emphasised the development’s alignment with the intent of the District Centre Zone, highlighting its potential to stimulate economic activity and cater to the growing population in the surrounding area.

Sustainability is a key focus, and the design incorporates climate-responsive elements to minimise environmental impact. The development also prioritises pedestrian movement, with a publicly accessible ground plane designed to encourage walkability.

With its significant residential component, retail offerings, and integrated transport connections, the proposed development has the potential to significantly enhance Albion’s urban fabric and provide a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.

Published Date 03-October-2024

Queensland Health Inquest After Albion Woman’s Death

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Queensland Health and the state’s Opioid Treatment Program will face scrutiny in an upcoming inquest into the fatal prescription drug overdose of an Albion woman. The inquiry, scheduled to begin on December 9, will examine the death of Alexandria Catherine Forrester, 39, who succumbed to methadone toxicity in September 2021.

Forrester was found unresponsive in her Albion home on September 20, 2021, and passed away in hospital the following day. A pre-inquest conference at the Brisbane Coroner’s Court revealed that Peter Morrow, a friend of Forrester’s, had collected her prescribed methadone doses from Brisbane Compounding Pharmacy on the morning of the incident, despite not being authorised to do so.

The inquest will delve into several crucial aspects of Forrester’s case, including:

The appropriateness of her treatment under the Queensland Opioid Treatment Program
The dispensation of methadone to Forrester and Morrow
The adequacy of Queensland Health measures in addressing concerns or non-compliance between health service providers and pharmacists
Whether any individual’s actions contributed to Forrester’s death

Forrester’s complex medical history, including asthma, Hepatitis C, chronic pain, and a history of heroin abuse, will be considered. The court heard that she had been flagged as “a doctor shopper” and was allowed to self-administer six methadone doses per week, with one dose to be taken under supervision.

Concerns about Forrester’s medication regimen had been raised previously. In May 2020, following a hospital admission, staff alerted Queensland Health’s monitored medicines unit and Forrester’s GP about the number and combination of her medications, as well as her access to takeaway methadone doses.

The four-day inquest is expected to call up to 10 witnesses, including Morrow, Forrester’s current and former GPs, and the pharmacists who dispensed her medication.

Published 9-October-2024

Preliminary Design of New Albion Station Hub Revealed to Brisbane Community

The preliminary designs for the new Albion station hub, aimed at transforming transit and community infrastructure in Brisbane’s inner north, have been released.

Set to rebuild and upgrade the existing Albion train station, the New Albion Station Project is designed to meet the expected rise in passenger traffic from the upcoming Cross River Rail project. With four updated, wider platforms, the design caters to increased interchange activity. This development is closely integrated with housing, retail, and commercial spaces, creating a vibrant community hub around the station.

The project is tied with the ‘Albion Exchange’ initiative, a significant Transit Orientated Development led by Geon Property. This development will introduce up to 1,200 new residences, along with commercial, retail, and entertainment facilities, marking a major urban renewal for the Albion area.

The revamped station will feature an array of modern amenities, including new lifts, stairs, a ticket office, accessible toilets, and enhanced wayfinding and signage. Security will also be improved with updated lighting and CCTV systems. Moreover, the station design includes a new pedestrian overbridge and a southern concourse that promises better connectivity across the rail corridor, thus making it easier for people to access the station from different parts of Albion.

“This will be the key piece of infrastructure for the creation of a genuine Transit Oriented Development, providing for up to 1200 new residences, commercial, retail, lifestyle, and entertainment uses,” GEON Executive Director and CEO, Ben Griffin said.

“It will advance the suburb’s renewal by providing a high level of convenience for residents and workers in the community.”

Community Engagement and Feedback

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will host information sessions to engage the community, offering a platform for feedback and further insights into the project plans.

Details on these sessions, along with opportunities for online feedback, are available on the TMR website, ensuring community members have ample opportunity to contribute to the project’s final design.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Submissions will remain open until 20 September.

New Albion Station Key Features

Four straighter, wider and raised platforms, with shade cover;
An elevated concourse at the southern end of the platforms, providing opportunities for a high-quality public domain and accessibility across the rail corridor;
A new station building with customer facilities including lifts, stairs, ticket office, accessible toilets, wayfinding and signage, lighting and CCTV;
A new pedestrian overbridge at the northern end of the platforms and cross corridor connection to Hudson Road and Mawarra Street;
Reconfiguration of the rail corridor, infrastructure and systems;
A kiss ‘n’ ride; and
Bicycle storage facilities.

Published 29-Aug-2024

Albion Precinct Set for Major Upgrade as Brothers Rugby Club Secures 25-Year Lease

A new 25-year lease has been granted to Brothers Rugby Club for their Albion base, paving the way for a significant upgrade to the community’s sporting facilities.

The agreement comes after changes to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue plan, which previously earmarked the area for redevelopment. Under the new arrangement, Brothers Rugby Club will spearhead a comprehensive overhaul of Crosby Park, transforming it into a modern sports and community hub.

Planned Improvements

The master plan for the 5.5-hectare precinct includes several key developments:

1. Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre

A new indoor facility will be constructed to accommodate various sporting activities.

2. Enhanced Parking and Learn-to-Swim Classes

Additional car parking will be provided, along with the introduction of learn-to-swim classes for local families.

3. Community-Focused Amenities

Plans include a new clubhouse, café, gym, function room, and public seating areas.

4. Upgraded Change Rooms

New change rooms will be built to cater for the growing number of female players, which now make up over 40% of the club’s membership.

5. Allied Health Services

The final stage of development may include on-site allied health services to benefit both facility users and the broader community.

Community Impact

Brothers Rugby Club president Geoff Rodgers highlighted the need for modernisation, noting that the club’s amenities had not seen major additions since the early 1980s. He expressed the club’s aim to become a hub for the local community, catering to sporting, social, leisure, and recreational needs.

The upgrade aligns with the city’s vision for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While the original plans for a Breakfast Creek Sports Precinct have changed, with Racing Queensland retaining its raceway at Albion Park, the Brothers Rugby Club development ensures the local community will still benefit from improved facilities ahead of the Games.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasised the importance of investing in grassroots sports. He stated that the development would help make Brisbane an even better lifestyle capital for years to come.

As the Brothers Rugby Club project moves forward, the state government is yet to decide whether the previously planned Brisbane Indoor Sport Centre will be built at Zillmere or Boondall. Meanwhile, Racing Queensland is planning a mixed-use development around its raceway, complementing new residential towers planned for the Breakfast Creek area.

Published 13-Aug-2024

Albion Mourns the Loss of ‘Loveable Rogue’ Danny Carr

Photo Credit: Swanborough Funerals

The Albion community came together to honour Danny Carr, a cherished grandfather who tragically perished in a suspicious fire.

Family, friends, and former coworkers paid tribute to the 67-year-old on Friday, 5 July 2024, during an emotional service at Mount Gravatt Cemetery. He was known for his kind nature and unfiltered humour.

Emergency services responded to a fire at a small apartment complex on Amelia Street, Albion, around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 13 June. Carr was discovered deceased in his living room, while Jasmin Boyd, 33, managed to escape the blaze and collapsed on the street.

Boyd, identified as Carr’s carer and friend, was later hospitalised in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital’s burns unit. She remained in critical but stable condition for several days before being released.

Peter McCarthy, the funeral celebrant, highlighted Carr’s life and character. McCarthy described Carr as a “loveable rogue” who had a unique bond with his grandchildren and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Carr’s straightforward nature and penchant for storytelling were also remembered fondly.

Clint, a close friend of Carr, recounted the significant impact Carr had on his life since he was 18. Known as “Wheels” during his youth, Carr left school in Year 10 to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic, a profession he passionately followed until health issues forced him into retirement. Despite being legally blind due to an eye stroke 15 years ago, Carr remained active and involved in his family’s lives.

Carr’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his mother Val, his three children Belinda, Shontelle, and Jay, his eight grandchildren, and his great-grandchild, Storm. The service was a poignant reminder of the joy and support he brought to those around him, encapsulating the sentiment that “Danny did it his way until the very end.”

Boyd’s absence from the funeral was notable, but there is no implication of wrongdoing on her part. The Queensland Police have declared the unit a crime scene and are continuing their investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Shontelle Robinson, Carr’s daughter, expressed frustration at the lack of answers three weeks after the incident, clarifying that media reports of her father being wheelchair-bound were incorrect. Instead, he used a walking stick to aid his mobility.

The community of Albion remains in mourning, united in their memories of Danny Carr, a man who will be dearly missed for his robust personality and enduring kindness. As investigations continue, the legacy of this “loveable rogue” lives on through the stories and affection of those who knew him best.

Published Date 10-July-2024

Bathhouse Albion to Open Doors, Transforming Brisbane’s Spa Experience

Bathhouse Albion is opening its doors next month, promising to be Brisbane’s premier urban wellness destination. This luxurious new spa and bathhouse is bringing the ancient concept of European bathing into the modern era with stunning opulence.

Read: Luxury Shoptop Apartments Set to Transform Ascot Landscape

Designed by award-winning architects Hogg & Lamb, the gorgeous, light-filled space features soaring ceilings, atmospheric lighting, and an abundance of travertine stone. But it’s the lineup of rejuvenating wellness experiences that is truly remarkable.

At the heart is a heated vitality pool, complemented by euphoric heating and cooling experiences like an invigorating six-degree ice bath, multiple infrared and traditional saunas (including a Finnish sauna with fireplace), a steamy tiered steam room, and refreshing 12-degree cold pool.

When you need a break from the thermotherapy, bliss out in the float room or restorative relaxation lounge surrounded by calming fragrances and meditative sounds. This phone- and alcohol-free oasis is devoted to helping guests unwind, re-energize and restore balance.

“Intimate session sizes, Sans[ceuticals] body products, calming fragrances, meditative sounds, unlimited cotton towels, and a phone free environment all create an unrivalled wellness experience,” owners stated.

The owners said their aim is to transcend the standard spa experience and create a space where guests can truly escape, as part of a balanced lifestyle in an unmatched wellness setting.

Read: American Airlines Launches Longest Nonstop Flight to Brisbane

The Bathhouse Albion is joining the Albion Fine Trades Precinct in June at 64 Nariel Street. Albion Fine Trades, Brisbane’s freshest upscale lifestyle hub, emerges from the minds behind James St. It hosts renowned names like BLOW, Botanica, Joeclyn’s Provisions, Raw Power Yoga, and the latest addition, The Bathhouse Albion.

Visitors can book casual sessions starting from $59 or inquire about memberships to secure regular access to this premier new sanctuary. Check out their website for more details.

Published 3-May-2024

Albion to Welcome the Queensland Fire Department in 2025

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is gearing up to transition into the Queensland Fire Department in June 2024 and will relocate to a new headquarters in Albion in 2025.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new headquarters will consolidate more than 500 Queensland Fire Department (QFD) state-level executives and corporate staff, currently spread across four locations including Kedron, Albion, and Brisbane City. This strategic consolidation aims to foster greater efficiency, collaboration, and return on investment, ensuring that the QFD is positioned for future success.

This site is located at the former TAB building, now known as Hudson Common, along 240 Sandgate Road in Albion. This move signifies a fresh chapter for the department and promises a significant economic boost and urban renewal for the Albion community.

The decision to relocate responds to various internal and external reviews, including the Inspector General Emergency Management review and the necessity of accommodating organizational growth and improving operational efficiency.

Architectural and Environmental Vision

The Hudson Common building, undergoing extensive refurbishment by Alceon Queensland with Nettleton Tribe as project architects and Graystone as the construction contractor, is set to become a contemporary, 5-Star NABERS energy-rated green space. This transformation underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability and marks a significant upgrade from its original 1970s architecture.

Queensland Fire Department 240 Sandgate Road Albion — *Photo Credit: Hudsoncommon.com.au*

The project is part of a broader vision for urban renewal in Albion, aligning with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure developments.

Economic and Community Impact

The move is anticipated to inject a new lease of life into the Albion area, providing a massive economic boost and enhancing service delivery to the community. Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery Nikki Boyd highlighted the significance of this move for both the QFD and the Albion community, noting the benefits of bringing over 500 personnel together in this vibrant location.

The development is seen as a key component of Albion’s urban renewal, promising to modernise the area and support its growth as a bustling community hub. It represents a significant investment in Brisbane’s social infrastructure, reflecting confidence in the region’s growth and the demand for high-quality, sustainable office spaces in suburban locations.

The comprehensive plan aims to establish a new focal point for Albion, contributing to its evolution as a critical urban precinct in Brisbane.

Published 18-March-2024

Craft’d Grounds in Albion Wins Prestigious Architecture Award

Brisbane’s architectural landscape has been invigorated with the remarkable transformation of Craft’d Grounds in Albion, earning it the prestigious ‘John Dalton Award for Building of the Year’ at the Australian Institute of Architects regional awards.

Read: Craft’d Grounds, Tenants: How Are They Holding up After the Albion Floods?

The ceremony, held in Fortitude Valley in May 2023, recognised the conversion of an old warehouse into a bustling hub for food enthusiasts and lifestyle aficionados. Craft’d Grounds will now advance to the state finals which will be held in late June 2023, along with other noteworthy winners.

The building was designed by renowned architectural firm Conrad Gargett, known for their cutting-edge designs and visionary approach.

Craft'd Grounds in Albion — Photo credit: Conrad Gargett

Developed in collaboration with Craft’d Grounds co-founder James Rennell, Conrad Gargett director John Flynn spearheaded the transformation, drawing inspiration from renowned cultural enclaves such as Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, laid-back strips of Byron Bay, and the iconic Grounds of Alexandria.

The design also showcases a unique ‘Made in Brisbane’ essence, incorporating raw industrial elements and rustic architectural features.

“The architectural design is a sustainable exemplar for building reuse, reflecting the ethos of its owner and considering financial viability. The existing significant steel portal framed structure with its distinctive sawtooth roofscape is retained, whilst many of the intrusive later additions that were incrementally added over time, have been removed with layers carefully peeled back to reveal the industrial story of the building beneath,” Conrad Gargett said in its website.

The judges at the Australian Institute of Architects were captivated by the building’s ability to revitalise the light industrial inner-city suburb where it stands. They applauded the robust design, which enabled the building to house a diverse range of businesses, thus underscoring its commercial success.

The converted warehouse has quickly become a thriving destination, attracting locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Read: Esteemed Brisbane Architect E.P. Trewern: the Man Behind Notable Homes in Ascot and Nearby Suburbs

Craft’d Grounds in Albion has successfully melded the old and the new, breathing new life into the neighbourhood and elevating it to new heights. This recognition by the Australian Institute of Architects serves as a testament to the project’s visionary design and its significant impact on the community.

Published 9-June-2023

Inside Doughcraft, Home Of European Pastries In Albion

Albion’s newest food hub Craft’d Grounds is home to Doughcraft, an artisan bakery where you can grab French and Italian bread and pastries.

Read: Artisanal French-inspired Food and Wine Experiences at Craft’d Grounds

One of the must-tries here is their panino, an artisanal sourdough served with salame, caramelised mushrooms infused with truffles and spinach. It also comes with a fully vegan version, made of focaccia stuffed with Mediterranean style grilled zucchini and eggplant, rocket, roasted tomato relish, confit garlic and herbs.

Doughcraft is the place to go for a range of unique, flavourful, and flaky pastries such as the Pizza Mini Danish, which is a perfect mix of sweet and savoury and the mouthwatering Eggplant Parmigiana Danish.

Cheese lovers shouldn’t leave without trying their croissant stuffed with blue vein Gorgonzola, a rich and strong-flavoured cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy.

Behind the European-style bakery is a group of chefs and bakers who took their love for food to the next level by opening an eatery.

Steven Chevalier, one of the owners, was born in Normandy, France, and came from a long line of boulangers. In French, boulanger is a person whose job is to bake and sell bread and cakes.

Chevalier has over 15 years experience making artisan bread. He is joined by Italian chef Marco Conti, who has over a decade working in top restaurants across London, Sardinia, and Liverpool; and Samantha Taverner, former Head Chef of Collingwood Black also known as the Donut Queen.

Everything is made onsite by their sibling wholesale company Farine & Co, including an array of artisan loaves, and delicious sweet and savoury donuts.

Read: Ascot: A Look Back in Time at One of Brisbane’s Premier Suburbs

Doughcraft is open from 6:00 am, Wednesday to Sunday. Visit their Facebook page for more details.