The spirit of giving takes centre stage this weekend as the Brisbane Oratory Community launches its first-ever Christmas Market in Annerley, bringing together local artisans and community members while supporting those in need.
Set for Sunday, November 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm at the grounds of Mary Immaculate Church in Annerley, the market promises an array of unique handcrafted items perfect for thoughtful Christmas giving. All proceeds from the event will benefit Rosies homeless outreach, embodying the true meaning of the festive season.
Photo credit: Rosies/Facebook
For organiser Ella Leach, the market represents more than just a shopping opportunity – it’s a celebration of community talents and divine gifts. She shares her inspiration, drawing from Mother Teresa’s wisdom: “The talents God has given you are not yours – they have been given to you for your use, for the glory of God.”
“Helping put together the first Oratory Christmas Market has brought me much joy and excitement,” Leach said. “This market is an opportunity for us to celebrate the many talents that God has given us and I hope it will give and bring much joy leading up to the Christmas Season.”
Mary Immaculate Church (Photo credit: Brendan McBain/Google Maps)
Fr Adrian Sharp, Moderator of the Brisbane Oratory and parish priest, echoes this enthusiasm. “The inaugural market day promises to be a great community event, showcasing local talent; and with Christmas just around the corner gives a great opportunity to do some Christmas gift shopping,” he said.
Visitors to the market will discover a carefully curated selection of stalls featuring unique items including repurposed dolls, Catholic art, and handcrafted leather and linen goods. While primarily a cash-based event, the marketplace offers something for everyone seeking meaningful Christmas gifts while supporting a worthy cause.
The combination of local craftsmanship, community spirit, and charitable giving makes this inaugural market a promising addition to Brisbane’s pre-Christmas calendar, offering shoppers a chance to make their holiday purchases more meaningful by supporting both local artisans and homeless outreach services.
AFL Queensland has secured eleven nominations for the 2024 Queensland Sport Awards, with the Yeronga-based U17 QLD Boys team’s historic victory earning them a Junior Sport Team of the Year nomination.
The nomination follows a groundbreaking victory over Victoria Metro in Melbourne, where Queensland’s finest young talent demonstrated their prowess with a convincing 20-point win. The achievement marks the first time the Queensland junior team has overcome the Victorian powerhouse.
Under the strategic guidance of coach John Deitz, the team’s success exemplifies the growing strength of Queensland’s football development programs. The victory, ending in the U17 QLD Boys 12.8 (80) defeating Vic Metro 8.2 (60), showcases the depth of talent emerging from local pathways—with the twelve Queensland goals being scored by eleven different goalkickers.
The nomination acknowledges the successful partnership between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns academies, with standout performances from academy products including Daniel Annable, Jared Moss, Cooper Collins, Harry Grills, Benjamin Lillico, and Koby Coulson. Their achievements highlight the effectiveness of Queensland’s development system.
The winners will be announced at the 2024 Queensland Sport Awards and Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, 21 November at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This recognition positions Queensland football among the state’s elite sporting programs.
The nomination, backed by on-field success, signals Queensland’s emergence as a significant force in Australian rules football.
Parents and the P&C Association at Dutton Park State School are raising concerns about asbestos removal at the neighbouring Boggo Road Village site, where construction is underway less than 100 metres from school grounds.
The school community became aware of the planned asbestos works on 21 October, after which many parents sought further safety details from Stockwell, the project developer, and Education Queensland. The removal work will continue until early November, causing some parents to consider withdrawing their children from school.
Parents asked why the removal could not be scheduled outside of school hours or during holidays to mitigate potential risks. At least 20 parents initially contacted the school’s principal, expressing dissatisfaction with the limited information and voicing an intention to seek alternate schooling if the situation was not addressed.
During a meeting on 23 October, Stockwell initially agreed to delay the asbestos removal to allow for more communication and community engagement and to provide daily air quality reports to parents.
Parents have noted that workers on-site are equipped with safety gear, while children in the nearby school have no such protection. Some parents have even considered temporarily transferring their children to other schools if more safety measures are not taken.
Photo Credit: Stockwell
Requests for Clear Communication and Protection Measures
However, by 25 October, Stockwell retracted its previous offer for a community meeting and ceased sharing further updates with the school. According to the P&C, Stockwell cited compliance with legal requirements and resumed work without additional community consultation.
Education Queensland echoed Stockwell’s assurance, noting it had determined the work met safety standards. A licensed asbestos removalist would conduct the work in compliance with health and safety legislation, with the necessary controls to reduce risks to surrounding areas.
The Department also informed the P&C that it would not provide alternate schooling arrangements for concerned families during the removal of asbestos.
Parents have continued to call for further protective measures and clear, ongoing communication, stating that while safety measures are being applied to workers, nearby children and their families also deserve transparent information and assurances.
Furthermore, the P&C has formally requested access to risk assessments and more details on air quality monitoring to ensure minimal asbestos exposure risks to students and staff. The P&C highlighted several queries, including whether the asbestos is “friable,” a term indicating a higher risk for fibre release, and whether the removal area will be fully enclosed.
Seeking further assurances, the P&C lodged a complaint with Workplace Health and Safety, demanding clarity on the Department’s adherence to its duty of care under the Workplace Health and Safety Act and querying the asbestos control measures in place. They are particularly concerned that, without proper communication and precautions, student health could be at risk due to exposure to airborne asbestos.
A new bus service, Route 127, will connect Indooroopilly to Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centre as part of comprehensive changes to Brisbane’s public transport network. The route comes in response to community concerns about maintaining direct connections between the western suburbs.
The new service emerged from an extensive public consultation process that attracted thousands of responses from Brisbane residents.
Photo credit: Google Street View
“We received more than 5,000 responses during consultation on Brisbane’s bus network and today we’re closing the loop by announcing our new network,” Cr Adrian Schrinner said.
The introduction of Route 127 responds to community feedback regarding the removal of the direct connection between Yeronga and Indooroopilly on the existing Route 105. The service will operate on a two-year trial basis, with TransLink conducting regular reviews of its performance.
Key Features of Route 127
Photo credit: Brisbane Interactive Map Portal
– Direct service between Indooroopilly and Fairfield Gardens Shopping Centres
– Coverage of Cansdale Street, Brisbane Corso, Turner Avenue, and Ashby Street in Yeronga
– Maintained access to local schools and shops in Indooroopilly
Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au
BCC plans to implement these changes alongside the launch of Brisbane Metro services, which recently began testing along the 169 route between Eight Mile Plains and UQ Lakes. The complete rollout will include Metro 1 (Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street) and Metro 2 (Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to UQ Lakes Station) routes.
While an exact implementation date remains pending, BCC indicated plans to meet with Queensland’s new transport minister David Crisafulli to discuss timing.
The broader network redesign will modify Brisbane’s 12 bus routes to better integrate with metro and busway stations, reflecting analysed data on customer patronage and popular travel patterns.
For detailed information about the new bus routes and network changes, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Annerley couple Sarah Margot Davis, 30, and Dale Philip Usher, 39, have been charged with manufacturing explosives following alleged pipe bomb detonations at their Laurier Street property.
The charges result from coordinated police raids at properties in Annerley and Burbank, following two separate incidents where pipe bombs were allegedly detonated during the early hours of June 10 and August 31, causing property damage.
During Monday’s search of the Laurier Street residence, investigators from the Dutton Park Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), supported by the Explosives Ordinance Response Team, discovered what they allege to be precursor materials and equipment for manufacturing explosives in the couple’s garage. The search also reportedly uncovered multiple illegal substances, including methylamphetamine, GHB, and cannabis.
The couple appeared before the Brisbane Arrest Court on Tuesday, facing multiple charges including:
Two counts of manufacturing explosives without authority
Five counts of possessing dangerous drugs
Multiple explosives-related offenses
Usher faces additional charges related to the alleged detonations, including destroying or damaging premises by explosion.
Defense lawyer Andrew Owens, representing Davis, stated that evidence linking his client to the explosive materials was circumstantial, noting that while Usher’s fingerprints were found on relevant items, Davis’s connection was limited to property ownership. Davis, who has a limited criminal history, secured bail under strict conditions, including:
Mandatory residence with her parents in Forest Lake
No contact with Usher
Twice-weekly reporting to Inala Police Station
Usher made no application for bail and remains in custody. Both cases are scheduled to resume on November 18.
Can you believe it? Hidden away in Yeronga Memorial Park, a club has been around for over a century! Stephens Croquet Club is turning 101, and they have a story to tell.
Established in 1923, the club has witnessed the sport’s fascinating evolution from its genteel beginnings to the dynamic and inclusive game enjoyed today.
The club’s story began with a horse and plough, turning the first sod for the croquet lawns in Yeronga Park thanks to the efforts of Mr. F. Stimpson, Chairman of Stephens Shire Council. The founding members, prominent women of Stephens Shire, played Association Croquet in traditional white attire, their skills honed by mentors from the East Brisbane Croquet Club. A small clubhouse was erected, and the club commenced with a membership of 18, with Mrs. Stimpson taking the helm as the first president.
The early years were not without their challenges. The Great Depression significantly impacted the club, leaving it in debt to its founders by the end of the 1930s. Despite financial constraints, the club persevered, even installing a septic tank! Membership steadily grew, reaching 94 by 1939.
Post-war Australia saw croquet flourish at Stephens. Clubhouse improvements, like new curtains and paint, enhanced the members’ experience. Interestingly, a ban on dark-coloured cardigans was implemented in the 1950s, highlighting the importance of maintaining a certain aesthetic. While the idea of admitting men into the club was discussed in 1961, it wasn’t until sometime before 1976 that they were finally welcomed as players.
The 1980s marked a period of significant growth and transformation for Stephens Croquet Club. Men became active members, the dress code relaxed, and mallet technology advanced. The 1990s heralded the rise of Golf Croquet, which quickly gained popularity and now flourishes at a highly competitive level. The club also expanded its repertoire to include Ricochet and Gateball, catering to diverse interests and skill levels.
Through all the changes, Stephens Croquet Club has remained a constant in the Yeronga community. It has provided a welcoming space for individuals to forge lasting friendships, enjoy healthy competition, and achieve personal satisfaction through casual games, interclub pennants, or even representation at state and world championships.
Today, this is a testament to this captivating sport’s enduring appeal. It continues to attract players of all ages and abilities, offering a unique blend of skill, strategy, and social interaction in the idyllic setting of Yeronga Memorial Park. As the club embarks on its next century, it remains committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of croquet.
On December 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, this vibrant market is the perfect opportunity to support local small businesses and find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
A Hub for Local Artisans
Photo credit: Vend_Annerley/Facebook
At Vend, every stall showcases the creativity and passion of local artisans. Each shop is owned by a small business, ensuring that your purchases contribute directly to the community.
Photo credit: Vend_Annerley/Facebook
If you’re looking for locally sourced, handmade items that you won’t find in big-box stores, Vend Annerley is your one-stop destination. From stylish designer clothes to delightful homewares and delicious handmade goodies, you’re sure to discover treasures that reflect the heart and soul of Annerley.
What to Expect
Photo credit: Vend_Annerley/Facebook
The Christmas Twilight Market promises an enchanting evening filled with festivities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:
Pop-Up Stalls: Browse a variety of stalls featuring unique gifts and goodies that cater to everyone on your “nice” list.
Late-Night Trade: Enjoy extended shopping hours to explore at your leisure.
Cocktails and Christmas Dinner: Indulge in delightful drinks and festive treats that will tantalise your taste buds.
Face Painting: Bring the kids along for some creative fun with face painting to get them into the holiday spirit.
Pet-Friendly Fun: Don’t leave your furry friends at home! Bring them along for a day of holiday fun and treats.
Kids Playground: Let the little ones enjoy a playground while you finish your shopping.
Easy Parking: Convenient on-site and street parking options make your visit hassle-free.
A Celebration of Community
Photo credit: Vend_Annerley/Facebook
Dubbed Brisbane’s biggest seven-day-a-week permanent indoor market, Vend Annerley is dedicated to showcasing the best local talent. This pop-up market is not just an event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the true essence of Christmas. Explore thousands of one-of-a-kind items, from decor and fashion to accessories and art—all under one roof.
Join Vend for the Christmas Twilight Pop-Up Market in Annerley and celebrate the season of giving with a delightful array of unique gifts and experiences. Support local businesses while finding that perfect item that will bring joy to your loved ones this Christmas. Mark your calendars for December 7, and don’t miss this festive occasion!
In a bold move that signals the growing demand for science-based wellness solutions, recovery and longevity group TH7 has opened its most advanced clinic to date in Yeerongpilly.
Nestled within the bustling YG Riverside Village retail precinct at Yeerongpilly Green, this world-class hub opened its doors on Saturday, October 5, promising to revolutionise the way Brisbane residents approach health and wellness.
Photo credit: TH7 Yeerongpilly/Google Maps
The new 250-square-metre facility, secured under a 10-year lease, showcases TH7’s commitment to providing comprehensive recovery and wellness protocols. As you step inside, you’re greeted by an impressive array of cutting-edge equipment designed to cater to various aspects of physical and mental well-being.
Photo credit: TH7 Yeerongpilly/Google Maps
From traditional and infrared saunas to steam rooms, the clinic offers a range of heat therapy options. For those seeking the benefits of contrast therapy, ice and cold pools stand ready alongside a soothing hot pool. The inclusion of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber and red light therapy stations underscores TH7’s focus on leveraging the latest advancements in wellness technology.
What sets TH7 apart is its approach to wellness through carefully crafted “protocols.” Take, for instance, their “Express” protocol, a time-efficient option for busy individuals looking to boost circulation and mobility.
Photo credit: TH7 Yeerongpilly/Google Maps
This 25-minute session combines the detoxifying effects of a 20-minute traditional sauna experience with the invigorating shock of a 5-minute cold plunge. It’s just one of seven science-backed protocols offered at the clinic, each designed to address specific wellness goals.
The strategic location of TH7’s new flagship within YG Riverside Village is no coincidence. This local shopping destination, anchored by a full-line Woolworths supermarket, offers a mix of specialty retail and dining options, making it a convenient one-stop shop for health-conscious consumers.
With its blend of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science, this new wellness hub is poised to become a cornerstone of the community’s health and longevity efforts.
Annerley Junction Fest is set to once again transform the streets of Annerley into a vibrant celebration of local culture, featuring an eclectic mix of music, food, and market stalls. This community-focused event promises a day filled with diverse entertainment for all ages, showcasing the suburb’s rich tapestry of talent and creativity.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 12, when Dudley Street East will be transformed into a bustling festival ground. The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and continues throughout the day, offering a full schedule of performances, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
Accessibility Information: Drop-Off Points and Assistance
For visitors with accessibility needs, Annerley Junction Fest is ensuring easy access with two designated drop-off points. You can find one at Blacket Street (near the Dudley Street East road closure) and the other at Lambton Street, located behind the Ubuntu / Kath Chown stage near the Woolworths car park. If you need assistance navigating the festival, our friendly volunteers at the pink information stall will be happy to help.
Here are the talented artists who will be bringing their unique sounds and energy to Annerley’s streets:
Larrikin Puppets
Photo credit: junctionfest.com.au
Larrikin Puppets will captivate young audiences with their colourful, fast-paced puppet shows. Featuring characters like Troggg, Marina, Frizzby, and Flossy, their performances celebrate fun, joy, and diversity while encouraging audience participation through talking, dancing, and singing along.
Listen Up!
Listen Up! brings a fresh sound to the festival with their nine-piece Ska-Jazz ensemble. Drawing inspiration from the European Ska scene, they blend brass, guitar, bass, drums, and keys to create a unique fusion of Ska and Jazz that promises to energise the crowd with its explosive mix.
WHALEHOUSE
WHALEHOUSE will unleash their ferocious new wave-inspired punk onto the festival. Known for their energetic live shows, they combine elements of Devo, The B-52’s, and The Beastie Boys to create a sound that merges riot grrl with New Wave, leaving audiences in a sweaty frenzy.
Sellma Soul
Sellma Soul, a returning favourite since 2022, will host the Fashion Parade. This Voice Australia alumnus has become one of Australia’s most important performers, bringing their star power and crowd-pleasing charisma to multiple roles throughout the festival.
The Phosphenes
Photo credit: junctionfest.com.au
The Phosphenes, a Caboolture-based indie alt rock band, will showcase their unique “New 90’s” sound. Blending garage rock, punk, grunge, and power pop, this trio has been making waves since their formation in 2022, recently releasing new music and preparing for their sophomore EP “Cletus” in August.
The Faders
The Faders promise to deliver high-energy rock with their original music featuring fast chord changes and lightning-quick lead guitar. Their punchy, tight sound and fresh take on alternative and indie rock sets them apart in the Brisbane music scene.
Annabel Scott
Annabel Scott, a grade 5 student from Dutton Park State School, will bring her award-winning songwriting talents to the stage. This young multi-instrumentalist, influenced by artists like Kate Miller-Heidke and Vance Joy, will perform a mix of covers and originals.
Free Solo
Free Solo, a newly formed four-piece indie rock band, will bring their electrifying covers to the Off The Beaten Track stage. Drawing inspiration from rock legends, they promise epic solos and high-energy performances that showcase their raw talent and passion.
Deaf Hamsters
Photo credit: junctionfest.com.au
Deaf Hamsters, a Colombian-Australian rock band formed in 2022, will offer a unique cultural blend of rock classics in both English and Spanish. Led by Juan Arandia on vocals and guitar, the band’s multicultural lineup creates a distinctive sound that bridges diverse musical heritages.
Rexy
Rexy, an up-and-coming indie singer/songwriter and guitarist, will bring his easy-listening style to the festival. Currently studying at the Queensland Conservatorium, this award-winning artist’s incredible vocals and skilled guitar playing span multiple genres, primarily focusing on indie-pop.
With such a diverse lineup of talented performers, Annerley Junction Fest promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community and culture. From puppet shows to punk rock, and from young prodigies to seasoned performers, there’s something for everyone at this year’s event.
For more information on the festival, including the full schedule of performances, market stalls, and other activities, visit the official Annerley Junction Fest website.
JLL’s Ned McKendry, Jacob Swan, and Liam Cox managed the sale, which attracted intense interest and resulted in six bids during a competitive Expressions of Interest campaign.
Located at 429 Fairfield Rd, Yeronga Village has become integral to the local community, offering a diverse mix of essential services and everyday conveniences.
JLL’s Ned McKendry attributed the centre’s appeal to its prime location and strong tenant mix, catering to daily needs, which make it a beautiful investment. He emphasised that retail assets in metro areas are still highly sought after due to consistent tenant demand and the underlying land value they represent.
He added that the overwhelming response to the EOI campaign underscores this appetite’s enduring strength.
In the current economic climate, Jacob Swan highlighted the trend of private investors seeking assets anchored by resilient retailers capable of navigating upcoming rent reviews. He pointed out that construction challenges limit new developments, making retail assets increasingly scarce and creating a significant demand-supply imbalance across south east Queensland’s retail investment market.
Liam Cox expressed optimism about the future of the retail sector. He noted that the lack of new supply drives income growth for existing assets, as strong population growth fuels leasing demand and rental increases.
The sale of Yeronga Village indicates the ongoing strength of Brisbane’s retail property market. Investors recognise the value of well-located assets offering diverse services to the community.
