Ascot Archives - Page 5 of 11

Frigg Cafe Owners, With Store in Ascot, Announce Voluntary Liquidation

The twin sisters behind Frigg Cafe, a well-known eatery and catering business in Gold Coast and Brisbane, including one outlet in Ascot, have gone into voluntary liquidation “with a heavy heart.”

Maria Elita and Toula Scott of the Frigg Group opened their first cafe in Labrador on the Gold Coast in 2017. Over the years, they expanded their presence with cafes at Nerang, Ascot and Manly, and then relocated from Labrador to Southport in 2022.

Frigg Group was not just known for its exceptional food and beverages; it also had a special menu catering to customers who had undergone weight loss surgery. Moreover, the business actively collected donations for victims of the devastating 2020 bushfires, demonstrating its commitment to the community.

The pair successfully weathered the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, but they were unable to overcome the overwhelming financial burden of skyrocketing operational costs. These mounting costs not only stretched their business thin but also adversely affected customer spending.

But on 21 January 2024, Terry van der Velde of SV Partners was appointed to oversee three Frigg companies, marking the beginning of the liquidation process. Frigg Group, once a regular feature on the list of top cafes and brunch spots on the Gold Coast, faced an uncertain future.

In a heartfelt statement posted a few days later, the sisters expressed their gratitude towards their team, suppliers, and loyal customers who had supported the Frigg Brand throughout its seven-year journey. They acknowledged the adversities they faced but emphasised their love for what they had created and the Frigg family they built.

“It is beyond devastating especially since we gave it our all & then some, it is a sign of the times. We feel very sad for our staff as well, it’s been very tough for everyone,” Ms Elita wrote and official shared their statement on her social media.

Despite the closure, the twin sisters expressed their hope that the Frigg brand would find a new owner, ensuring its legacy lives on.

Published 24-Jan-2024

Luxury Shoptop Apartments Set to Transform Ascot Landscape

South East Queensland developer Silverstone has set its sights on an ambitious residential project poised to redefine Ascot, one of Brisbane’s most affluent suburbs.

The proposed five-storey edifice, artfully crafted by PDT Architects, is poised to introduce 30 opulent two and three-bedroom apartments to the charming enclave on a 1,250 sqm expanse at 77 Racecourse Road.

Ascot Racecourse Road — Photo Credit: DA A006428025

Astonishingly, this parcel of prime real estate was once home to Woolworths, which has now made way for a grander vision.

A Grand Vision Takes Root

Silverstone’s journey to this transformative endeavour commenced in December 2021, with the acquisition of the site for a substantial $9.75 million. In 2022, preliminary designs indicated the site’s future as a commercial establishment.

However, Silverstone’s Managing Director, Troy Daffy, has since unveiled a refined vision – an Ascot-centric village, harmoniously blending retail and dining spaces with upscale apartments tailored to the discerning owner-occupier market. The development application (DA A006428025) was filed in December 2023.

“As an Ascot resident, I see a fantastic opportunity to create a special precinct that will invigorate Ascot and Racecourse Road,” stated Daffy. “We believe this project has the ability to satisfy the demand for exclusive, owner-occupier living spaces, as well as a luxury retail experience outside the city.”

Thoughtful Integration and Aesthetic Appeal

Central to the project’s vision is an unwavering commitment to seamlessly integrate with the existing Racecourse Road streetscape. Planning documents affirm that the design prioritises a sympathetic coexistence with the surroundings.

Three residential levels will gracefully ascend above a ground-floor dining precinct, culminating in a rooftop adorned with an infinity-edge pool and outdoor oasis, exclusive to residents.

The architectural statement intends to leverage the building’s prominent corner position at Kent Street, breathing new life into the area’s shopping and dining offerings. Notably, the structure will boast deep planting and vertical atriums, crafting an articulated façade adorned with concrete, trellis, and timber soffits.

Silverstone’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in this development, emphasising sustainability. The project will incorporate low-waste services, a solar energy system, low-emission construction materials, and a dedication to harnessing natural light and ventilation throughout its expanse.

A Glimpse into the Future

The timeline for this transformative project indicates construction commencement by mid-2024, contingent on development approval of the code-assessable project. Silverstone’s remarkable track record includes the construction of over 500 residential apartments in inner-city Brisbane, notably the Alto apartments at Toowong.

The developer has an impressive portfolio, having delivered more than $900 million worth of developments spanning healthcare, commercial, residential, and retail domains.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Student from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot Takes Top Prize at 2023 IEU-QNT Literary Competition

Photo Credit: IEUQNT

Ellouise Tkaczyk from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School in Ascot stood out as a shining star at the 2023 IEU-QNT Literary Competition, winning the Year 9 and Year 10 category with her short story, “Blood and Ribbon.”

Now in its 64th year, the IEU-QNT Literary Competition is the longest-running writing competition in Queensland.

Organised in partnership with the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ), the competition seeks to inspire and recognise the talents of students and staff from state and non-government schools, promoting the growth of literary development and creative expression in young minds.

St Margaret Anglican School Ellouise Tkaczyk — Photo Credit: IEU-QNT

Terry Burke, the IEU-QNT Branch Secretary, highlighted the value of the Literary Competition in fostering young writers’ creativity and honing their writing skills.

He expressed his delight at the diversity and exceptional quality of this year’s submissions from all across the state, affirming that the judges were greatly impressed by the exceptional talent on display.

“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all the recipients who entered the 2023 Literary Competition,” Mr Burke said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a love for literature and creative expression among the youth.

List of Literary Competition winners for 2023

Open

• Short story: David Coleman-Mann, Chancellor State College, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Cost

Year 11 and 12

• Short story: Milli Gornik, St Thomas More College, Sunnybank

• Poem: Salem Williams, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove

• Non-fiction prose: Felicity Williams, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac

Year 9 and 10

• Short story: Ellouise Tkaczyk, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, Ascot

• Poem: Huntar Paterson, St Thomas More College, Sunnybank

Year 7 and 8

• Short story: Estella Dobbins, St Patrick’s College Townsville, The Strand, North Ward

• Poem: Dominic Palmani, St Thomas More College, Sunnybank

Year 5 and 6

• Short story: Isaac Furlong, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove

• Poem: Lawson Plumbe, Toowoomba East State School, East Toowoomba

Published 25-Aug-2023

Community Engagement and Crime Prevention Take Center Stage in Ascot

Photo Credit: QPS

High-visibility policing is being carried out by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in Ascot and other areas of North Brisbane, with residents and even children interacting with and getting to know law enforcement officers in their neighbourhood, as part of a focused initiative to prevent and diminish property crime.

Beginning the second week of August, officers from various QPS units, including the Highway Patrol, Tactical Crime Squad, General Duties, and Crime Prevention, collaborated to undertake patrols aimed at deterring potential offenders and engaging with the community to discuss crime prevention and safety strategies.

Ascot residents gathered around police motorcycles, engaging in discussions about crime prevention and community safety. Children were particularly enthusiastic, with some even taking turns pretending to ride the police motorcycles under the watchful eyes of officers.

Ascot Queensland Police Service — Photo Credit: QPS

This interaction sparked excitement among the young ones, with the police emphasizing that it’s never too early to instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the law.

Ascot and its neighbouring suburbs have often fallen victim to high-end motor vehicle thefts, which prompted the QPS to offer a range of practical tips to mitigate the risk of such incidents.

Data from the QPS Crime Map show that there were 52 Unlawful Entry offences, or breaking into a property without consent, and 42 Theft incidents, or taking a person’s property with intention, in Ascot in the last six months.

Officers advised vehicle owners to utilise off-street parking, locked gates, or garages whenever possible, as parking on the street increases the vulnerability to theft. Basic measures, such as locking doors, closing windows, and keeping valuables out of sight, were emphasised as well as effective deterrents to opportunistic thefts.

To bolster protection, the QPS encouraged the installation of engine immobilisers that adhere to Australian Standard 4601:1999. These devices provide a robust defence against opportunistic vehicle thefts, but their effectiveness is compromised if car keys are easily accessible to thieves.

The community’s active participation and dedication to safety were commended by the police. Residents, particularly children, were recognized for wearing safety helmets while cycling around the area, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being.

Meanwhile, for individuals with information relevant to ongoing theft investigations, Policelink can be contacted through the online suspicious activity form available 24/7 on the Queensland Police website. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Published 14-Aug-2023

Local Talents Brighten Ascot Streets With Colourful Artworks for Artforce Brisbane

Around Ascot is a vibrant collection of artworks on traffic signal boxes made by local artists depicting various themes. Part of the Artforce Brisbane program, the initiative started in 1999 and continues to showcase local creativity and diversity.

Here are some of the artworks and where you can find them.

Brisbane Cats’ River Ride

This artwork from the students of Ascot State School depicts a lazy Sunday afternoon scene where cats leisurely float down the Brisbane River in a handmade boat. The design showcases the juxtaposition of modern high-rise buildings, lush green trees, and diverse residents, all adorned with magical vines and flowers.

Location: Racecourse Rd & Kent St

Spring Racing Blooms

From artist Corina Hibberd, “Spring Racing Blooms” embellishes the Energex Padmount Transformer located on Racecourse Road, adjacent to the Eagle Farm racecourse. The vibrant floral arrangement pays homage to the iconic Spring Racing Carnival at the Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses while injecting colour and life into the surrounding garden bed.

Location: 85 Racecourse Rd

Spring Racing Artforce Brisbane — Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane

Flocking Ibis

The “Flocking Ibis,” another captivating piece, presents a colourful and playful interpretation of the Australian ibis, a bird that has become a familiar sight in suburban areas. The artwork from Karla Morris and Kate Slaughter challenges the bird’s commonly-held negative reputation and encourages viewers to appreciate its unique presence.

Location: Nudgee Rd & Lamington Ave

Flocking Ibis Artforce Bribane — *Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane*

Race Like a Girl

“Race Like a Girl” is a particularly inspiring project involving five young girls aged between 6 and 10 years old: India McConnell, Eva Jackson, Charlotte Jackson, Millicent McConnell, and Violet Jackson. Drawing inspiration from the nearby racecourse, the girls aimed to celebrate female heroes in horse racing. The artwork features bold colours symbolizing tenacity, striking racing silks representing resilience in a male-dominated sport, and horseshoes as symbols of luck and hope. The main jockey portrayed in the artwork is Michelle J. Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015.

Location: Nudgee Road & Racecourse Village Shopping Centre

Race Like A Girl Artforce Brisbane — Photo Credit: Google Maps street view

The Ascot community has embraced these Artforce Brisbane creations, recognizing their contribution to the neighbourhood’s identity and sense of belonging. These artistic endeavours not only beautify public spaces but also foster connections, inspire creativity, and promote inclusivity among residents of all backgrounds.

Published 8-June-2023

Ascot Attempted Break-in Incidents Highlight Importance of Home Security

Photo credit: Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Two separate incidents in Ascot have underscored the benefits of installing home security systems to make one’s home less vulnerable to intruders.

Between 9.10 am and 9.20 am on Monday, 17 April 2023, two homeowners on Kitchener Road and Yabba Street in Ascot were notified by their CCTV systems of attempted break-ins by unknown individuals.

At both of these addresses, the residents noticed a white Nissan X-trail that had been stolen from an address in Grange. CCTV footage also showed the same offenders attempting to break in. Fortunately, the residents were able to notify the authorities, and as a result, the offenders left without taking any property.

In a separate incident, at around 9.25 pm on the same night, offenders attempted to enter a residence in Henry Street, Ascot but were unsuccessful. The resident was able to provide police with CCTV footage of the suspects. The white Nissan X-trail was located by police and crashed at Enoggera.

The attempted break-ins in Ascot emphasise the significance of implementing security measures to safeguard your home. The police suggest that installing alarm and CCTV systems that comply with the Australian Standards for domestic use to help in identifying offenders.

As evidenced by the incidents in question, residents in Ascot were able to promptly notify law enforcement and furnish them with valuable evidence of the attempted break-ins, thanks to the aid of such systems.

Aside from security systems, it’s also important to remember to lock your doors with a key, even while you’re at home. This extra security measure provides an additional hurdle for potential offenders attempting to enter your home.

Moreover, to ensure the safety of your loved ones and property, it’s advisable to have a well-lit exterior, particularly around your home’s entrance. Sufficient lighting can discourage potential intruders since it makes it more visible to others if someone is approaching the house.

For more information on home security, follow this link: Home and multi-residential security | QPS (police.qld.gov.au)

Published 3-May-2023

New Fine-Dining Destination Victory Lane To Open At Racecourse Rd

Did you know that Victory Lane, a high-end, winery-inspired gourmet dining destination will soon open on Racecourse Road in Ascot?

Read: IGA Marketplace Ascot Goes On the Market After Extensive Renovation

The establishment will be located at 150 Racecourse Rd, in the former spot of One Fifty Ascot bar and eatery, which has now undergone a complete transformation.

Photo credit: Victory Lane Ascot/Facebook

Scheduled to open in May 2023, the restaurant will offer lunch and dinner services from Wednesday to Sunday, catering to food enthusiasts in the area.

The restaurant emphasises the use of fresh, local produce to produce delicious gourmet fare. Its menu will feature a range of innovative and sophisticated dishes that showcase the best of modern culinary techniques.

The menu will also offer an array of wine options to complement the food, with a focus on local and international labels. Keep tabs on their menu offerings when they become available here.

The new restaurant will feature an outdoor dining area as well as a distinct bar area, complete with a glass roof and a stunning waterfall feature. In addition to its indoor dining and bar spaces, Victory Lane will feature a charming courtyard that will serve as an ideal function area for occasions.

It’s the latest offering from Muragh Operations, the company behind popular Brisbane restaurants such as Newstead’s Botany Restaurant and South Bank’s The Jetty.

Despite its fine dining credentials, it aims to create an inviting and approachable atmosphere that exudes relaxed vibes. The restaurant’s design will be sleek and modern, with an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

Read: Da Biuso Hits the Road With Ascot as Its First Stop

Follow Victory Lane on Facebook or on Instagram @victorylaneascot for news and updates.

Published 24-April-2023

IGA Marketplace Ascot Goes On the Market After Extensive Renovation

Did you know that IGA Marketplace Ascot is now up for auction, with a brand-new, 20-year lease?

In 2022, HG Retail relaunched IGA Marketplace Ascot after taking over the old supermarket, following an extensive $4-million renovation. The location was previously the site of the long-standing Sirrani’s, the popular Ascot supermarket that closed business after 55 years.

The IGA relaunch entailed refitting the supermarket and adopting a state-of-the-art facility, complementing the suburb’s demographic.

Located five kilometres from the CBD in one of Brisbane’s most upmarket suburbs, IGA Marketplace Ascot is near four in-demand schools thus guaranteeing a significant number of traffic regularly.

“This is an ultra-rare opportunity to purchase a prestigious freestanding supermarket investment with a brand new 20-year lease,” Michael Feltoe of Ray White Commercial said.

“The long-term guaranteed income growth, combined with the prized location and site’s long supermarket history, will give buyers great confidence in this trophy asset.”

The auction is set for Wednesday, 19 April 2023, at 10:00 am, at 111 Eagle Street, CBD.

Published 11-April-2023

Surviving WWII Codebreakers in Ascot Honoured With Australian Intelligence Medal After 80 Years

Eighty years after their service to the Australian military, three of the clandestine band of female codebreakers in Ascot who helped Allied Forces win World War II in the Pacific were honoured with the Australian Intelligence Medal on Australia Day 2023.

The surviving Ascot codebreakers, Joyce Grace, Coral Hinds and Ailsa Hale, were recognised for their top-secret work as Typex Operators with the Central Bureau Headquarters, which was established at a garage inside Nyrambla, a house in Ascot.

These women were collecting and decoding Japanese military communications to help the Allied Forces but they were not able to tell anyone, even their own families, of their highly-sensitive role in the Australian military.

Known as the “Garage Girls” because they operated from the basement of Nyrambla, an Ascot mansion that served as a secret intelligence base, the Ascot codebreakers were vital to Operation Vengeance. Cracking secret communications helped the Allies take down Japanese naval chief Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in 1943, essentially ending the war in the Pacific.

Admiral Yamamoto was the commander-in-chief of the Japanese Imperial Navy’s Combined Fleet during the Battle of Midway and the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Congratulations to the ‘Garage Girls’, Coral Hinds, Joyce Grace & Ailsa Hale for being awarded Australian Intelligence Medals. These exceptional women were critical to Allied victories in WWII. Their efforts shortened the war, saved many lives & paved the way for women in sigint. pic.twitter.com/AwsJaajBmz
— Australian Signals Directorate (@ASDGovAu) January 25, 2023

Australian Signals Directorate Director-General Rachel Noble hailed the medal honourees as the “modern-day heroines” who have inspired Australians. Their recognition has been long overdue.

Ms Grace, who is celebrating her 100th birthday in March 2023, said she is proud of the honour. She recalls receiving a letter from the government asking her to leave her job at a draper store to help with the war effort.

She didn’t fully see the impact of her work as a codebreaker until 30 years later when they were finally allowed to divulge their top-secret roles in various features and documentaries. During the war, every one of the Garage Girls thought it was simply a job they had to do.

Aircraft Noise Level in Ascot Ranks 4th Highest Among 55 Brisbane Suburbs

Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Did you know that Ascot has the fourth-highest aircraft noise level among 55 Brisbane suburbs based on measurements taken from uploaded recordings of a user-based, Dutch phone app?

The latest ExPlane app report showed that the average decibel levels in Ascot is 76 based on 1,081 recordings made since 2020, when Brisbane Airport’s new flightpaths were implemented.

According to Audiology, a decibel level above 70 may be comparable to busy traffic or a vacuum cleaner and could result in permanent hearing loss when extended over a long period.

Here are the 10 suburbs with the highest plane noise levels based on uploaded recordings from ExPlane app users:

SUBURB	AVERAGE DECIBELS	RECORDINGS
Cannon Hill	80dB	84
Murarrie	80dB	25
Norman Park	78dB	377
Ascot	76dB	1,081
Kangaroo Point	76dB	72
Albany Creek	75dB	6
Clayfield	75dB	89
Tingalpa	75dB	25
Keperra	75dB	8
Hendra	74dB	1,229

Brisbane locals have been uploading aircraft noise recordings on the ExPlane app, becoming the second most active users next to the Dutch since 2020. However, the Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) said that the mobile service was inaccurate.

The ExpPlane app has been tracking aircraft noise levels from airports across the world and was created by Roelof Meijer of SchipholWatch, a group of residents in Holland who opposed the expansion of Schiphol airport.

Schiphol Airport is owned by the Royal Schiphol Group, a shareholder of the Brisbane Airport.

A message from Brisbane Airport: pic.twitter.com/hvoo38lXDt
— Brisbane Airport ✈️ (@BrisbaneAirport) September 30, 2022

The report comes after BAC issued an apology for failing to comply with its Noise Abatement Procedures when Qatar airline took off at 11:00 p.m., adversely impacting residents in Hamilton and New Farm.

A move to permanently impose a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. has been introduced in the Parliament. However, BAC CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff is against the curfews and caps as these could affect the job security of 9,000 workers. Whilst Mr Graaff acknowledges the aircraft noise issues, he believes that curfews and caps are not the answers.

Meanwhile, Airservices Australia, the federal aviation industry regulator, is currently trialing Noise Improvement Trials, coursing planes to take off and land in the opposite direction to reduce the noise. Final changes to the flight path will not be adopted without community consultations thus these issues will still take more time to be resolved.