Woolloongabba-based Brisbane Catholic Education welcomes Dr Sally Towns as its new executive director, following the retirement of Ms Pam Betts, who spent over three decades teaching and leading Catholic schools.
Dr Sally Towns will replace Ms Betts as head of Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) starting May 2022. Dr Towns is currently director of Catholic Schools and Chief Executive Officer of Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited.
Dr Towns holds two Master’s Degrees, in Education and Educational Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.
She started her professional career in the Canberra-Goulburn Diocese and has taught in a number of schools in the Diocese of Lismore.
BCE went through an extensive national recruitment process in finding a new person to fill the role. The appointment of the new executive director was chaired by Bishop Ken Howell, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, supported by Jenny Parker, chair of the Brisbane Catholic Education Council.
First Woman Executive Director of BCE
On her retirement in December 2021, Ms Betts expressed her optimism for the crop of students at Catholic schools. She has great faith and hope in the young people in the schools today, because they are ‘articulate, intelligent, and are real about the world they live in.’
Photo credit: Mt Maria College/Facebook
Prior to retiring, Ms Pam Betts spent the last nine years of her professional life as the first woman Executive Director of BCE. She was the fourth person appointed to the role, following Fr Bernard O’Shea, Vince O’Rourke and David Hutton.
Before taking the role as a director for Administrative Services at Brisbane Catholic Education in 2010 and as executive director in 2013, she worked with the Christian Brothers schools in Queensland.
Ms Pam Betts (Photo credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook)
Ms Betts has completed a science degree at Griffith University and a Diploma of Education at the University of Queensland.
The community wished Ms Betts all the best and congratulated her for a well-deserved retirement.
Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is an agency of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. It is committed to high-quality teaching and learning for almost 75,000 young people from Prep to Year 12 enrolled in over 144 schools and colleges.
The BCE office in Queensland is located at 2A Burke Street, Woolloongabba.
Some Dutton Park residents are concerned about how plans to install vehicle charging infrastructure within the Dutton Park Recreation Reserve could impact the parkland and its established native trees.
As part of the Brisbane Metro project, a vehicle charging infrastructure to be situated in an area near Eleanor Schonell Bridge and TJ Doyle Memorial Drive will be installed in Dutton Park. The infrastructure will service electric vehicles stopping at the UQ Lakes station.
Proposed location for the charging containers | Photo credit: Jonathan Sri / .jonathansri.com
Ideally, the charging station should be located near the UQ Lakes bus stop, However, UQ.seemed to have refused the idea to host the structure within the campus. As a result, the Council opted to use a location within the parkland instead.
The charging infrastructure will consist of three large containers (12m x 3m x 3m) that will contain the converters, the power source for Metro buses. The plan does not sit well with the locals because the project will require removal of established native trees to accommodate such a large structure.
Locals are also frustrated with the lack of consultation and little information available regarding the plan. They wanted to know why the Council opted for a location that’s hundreds of metres away from the UQ Lakes station and how it will impact the cost of construction and maintenance of the project.
Proposed access for the charging containers | Photo credit: Jonathan Sri / .jonathansri.com
“It seems that rather than negotiating with UQ to get charging infrastructure installed close to the bus stop, council has instead gone for the easy option of cutting down trees and taking away parkland, even though the Dutton Park location is quite a long way from where the charging actually occurs,” Gabba Ward Councillor Jonathan Sri said in echoing the locals’ concerns.
“So far, we have very little information from the Council about exactly why BCC failed to get UQ to agree to host the charging infrastructure on the university’s side of the river. We also don’t know exactly which trees would be removed, but we have a rough idea based on the indicative location the council has nominated.”
For his part, Member for Maiwar, Michael Berkman said that he proposed the structure to be located in UQ’s multi-storey car park situated on Thynne Road, but this idea was rejected by UQ as well.
On its website, Council stated that whilst it understands the “value and importance of our green spaces” and despite considering several other locations within Dutton Park, the identified location appears to be the most appropriate location for the charging structure “to minimise impacts to residents, park users and vegetation”.
Also known as Ekibin Park South, Jessica Andrews Place is one of Brisbane City Council’s parks in Annerley, located at 24 Arnwood Place.
The playground commemorates the late Jessica Andrews, who was a teacher at the Our Lady’s College. As a mother herself, Ms Andrews helped design the new children’s playground at this park for her children and those throughout the district.
Facilities at the Jessica Andrews Place include a rehabilitation site (Greenslopes Demonstration Catchment Project), soccer field, and the Scout clubhouse.
The planned redevelopment of the former Yeronga TAFE site is now a step closer to realisation as the Parkside Yeronga development plans have been released for community feedback.
The development application (DEV2021/1221) that aims to transform the 3.3ha site, that includes parts of Villa Street and Park Road in Yeronga, into a new mixed-use community centre has been lodged. The public has been given 20 business days to review and comment on the proposed master plan which ends close of business 17 December 2021.
On 10 August 2018, the former Yeronga TAFE location was declared a Priority Development Area (PDA) to help accelerate the planned transformation of the site.The redevelopment is part of State Government’s eight key projects which were identified for fast-tracking with a total investment of $66 million.
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning) 2011–2021 /statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
Private sector partners, including Brisbane Housing Company, JGL Properties, Children Health Queensland, and Retire Australia, are expected to contribute around $159 million for the Parkside Yeronga development project.
The Parkside Yeronga vision
The Parkside Yeronga development master plan proposes a new two-storey Yeronga Community Centre with a GFA of 730sqm. The community centre will be the new home of Annerley-Stephens History Group Inc and All Gauge Model Railway Club Inc.
Photo Credit: Development Application/EDQ
Meanwhile, a 5,500sqm graduating purpose-built Children’s Health Queensland services hub is also proposed and to be located along Villa Street. The development plan likewise proposes a Retirement living facility comprising 178 units, rising eight-storeys high and will be constructed by Retire Australia.
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning) 2011–2021 /statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
Brisbane Housing Company, on the other hand, will build 78 social and affordable apartment units along Park Road graduating from three storeys to six storeys. Moreover, JGL Properties will deliver 38 custom-designed townhouse units spread across four buildings of up to three storeys high.
Lastly, a publicly accessible open space next to the Beenleigh-Gold Coast rail line is also proposed along with a public plaza near Villa Street plus a green spine to serve as a visual connection between these public spaces.
An additional 2 hectares of the proposed development site was handed over to Yeronga State High Schools prior to the site being declared a Priority Development Area.
Binni has long, beautiful red hair that she has grown over the last seven years. Next year, she is planning to shave it all for a cause. Helios Brewery in Yeerongpilly has agreed to host the event which will be witnessed by her family, friends, and other guests.
Binni Lee will participate in the World’s Greatest Shave on 20 March 2022 at Helios Brewery and will part with her over 70-centimetres of red locks. She has been keeping her hair long and healthy for the last seven years and has decided that it could be turned into a wig for someone who needs it more.
“I have a lot of people asking if I can donate my hair for a wig or not as it’s coloured…The answer is YES!” Binni shared. “This makes me so happy that my hair donation can be made into a wig for someone else (maybe more than one because there’s so much hair).”
It only takes a minimum of 20-centimetres of hair for wig donations, regardless of age, gender, hair type, and colour. Binni has confirmed that chemically processed hair may be donated as well.
Photo Credit: BinniUntamed/Facebook
In line with her bold initiative, Binni is also helping raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation with a goal of reaching $20,000 before the shave-off.
“Sponsoring me gives families facing blood cancer the emotional and practical support they need. You’ll also fund vital research to help more people survive blood cancers while improving their quality of life,” she said.
According to Leukaemia.Org, one Australian per 28 minutes will be diagnosed with some form of blood cancer, the second most diagnose cancer in the country. Whilst research on treatments has been improving, the disease continues to impact more patients and families every year.
“On the day, we will be doing gold coin donation per guess & the closest guess will be winning a prize pack. How long do you think my hair will be in March next year?”
Follow Binni on her Facebook Page for updates about the World’s Greatest Shave. Prior to the March event, Helios Brewery is also hosting monthly meet-ups with Binni to boost the fundraiser.
Construction has already begun on Stage 1 of the $850-million Yeerongpilly Green Riverside community, which will deliver a total of 83 apartments, 10 luxury terrace homes and a retail precinct that includes a new Woolworths store.
The Yeerongpilly Green Riverside community is part of a bigger master plan, which includes up to 1,200 homes, and will generate around 6,600 construction jobs, including 335 apprentice jobs and 1,000 full-time long-term jobs on completion.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles turned the sod in November 2021, together with Consolidated Properties Group and CVS Land Capital Partners who will deliver the project.
Don O’Rorke, CEO and Group Chairman at Consolidated Properties Group revealed the start of construction follows years of hard work on approvals, design and community consultation.
“Yeerongpilly Green Riverside has been holistically designed to include everything a community could want from health and wellness services through to shopping, public transport, parkland and premium homes that complement the local environment,” Mr O’Rorke said.
CVS Lane Chief Executive Officer Lee Centra was pleased to see that the vision for Yeeronpilly, which is to transform the underutilised 14-ha site into a major residential, retail and commercial destination, is taking shape.
Meanwhile, Mr Miles said projects such as Yeerongpilly Green Riverside help address land supply challenges, catering for Queensland’s booming population whilst creating local jobs. The first stage of the project will support up to 631 jobs throughout construction.
Member for Miller Mark Bailey said Economic Development Queensland (EDQ), in partnership with the developer, invested over $30 million to deliver the parks and public infrastructure.
“We have created a pedestrian spine between the Yeerongpilly Railway Station and the Pat Rafter Tennis Arena and parks as well as other infrastructure including roads, verges, landscaped public spaces and all services necessary for a modern master planned community,” said Mr Bailey.
Did you know that the Cross River Rail will transform Dutton Park Station, one of Brisbane’s oldest and most outdated train stations, into a more modern facility?
Concept designs for the Dutton Park Station were released in October 2021, which will include new entry points along Noble Street, Kent Street. and Annerley Road. There will be two raised platforms for easier boarding and disembarkment and a new pedestrian overpass with a lift to the platforms. The rebuild is expected to fix the old station’s long-standing issues and improve public transport use to benefit the community.
The transport hub will also have plenty of shade canopies, drinking fountains, and a section for bike storage for the commuters.
New station entry points on Noble Street, Kent Street and Annerley Road including shade canopies, seating, drinking fountains and accessible entry points and footpaths
Two new high-level platforms for improved customer accessibility
An overpass providing connectivity between Noble Street and Annerley Road including one lift and a staircase to each platform
Station buildings including ticket office, staff facilities and a public accessible toilet
Platform canopies for weather protection, seating, bins and improved wayfinding signage
Integrated transport connection at the Noble Street entry with an adjacent bus stop
Provision for Kent Street accessible parking and Kiss ‘n’ Ride facilities
Enclosed bicycle storage facilities and outdoor racks
Relocation of the heritage shelter to the Annerley Road station entry to become a waiting shelter.
“This will not only benefit the local community but will mean access to the nearby Princess Alexandra Hospital will be more convenient for more people as well,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said.
“It’s another important part of our COVID-19 recovery plan which is strengthening our economy and creating jobs.
“We’ve worked closely with key groups to plan the upgrade, with a focus on making the station easier to access for people using wheelchairs or walking frames, and parents with prams.
“In consultation with Cross River Rail’s accessibility reference group and the Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council, we’re delivering what the local community needs and deserves.”
This is one of seven stations that will undergo a complete rebuild before the Cross River Rail opens in 2025. Once completed, the Dutton Park Station will link to the rail corridor and the new underground station at Boggo Road.
A number of dead magpies have been found with meat still in their mouths, and concerned residents of O’Loan Street and surrounding areas in Yeerongpilly have alerted Brisbane wildlife officials about possible meat-bating in their suburb.
As of press time, 16 birds have been found dead whilst four were rushed to the vets and then later euthanised, all within a period of one week.
Wildlife officials have received reports alleging that someone in the neighbourhood may be poisoning the magpies. A number of birds were found with meat in their mouths, raising suspicions of meat baiting.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said that an investigation is underway. They are also reminding the public regarding the risks of distributing meat baits to wildlife and pets.
Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, it is an offence to administer, feed or lay a bait, or a harmful or poisonous substance, with the intention of injuring or killing an animal.
The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of these offences is $41,355 or one year imprisonment.
Brisbane City Council also discourages feeding magpies or leaving scraps of food or rubbish for them to eat. Feeding magpies will likely cause them to nest in your yard.
About the Magpies’ Behaviour
Photo credit: Buntysmum/Pixabay
Magpies are actually among the most intelligent birds. Research has shown that magpies will remember facial features and target those individuals.
Magpies are known for attacking people but there is one big reason behind their ‘swooping’ behaviour. It could be because of their highly protective nature, which usually happens when they are mating and trying to protect their offspring. Their breeding season is between July and December, with the peak swooping month in September.
Despite being notorious for attacking humans, magpies should not be harmed or killed as they are protected under the State Wildlife Legislation (Nature Conservation Act 1992).
Magpies also play an important role in natural pest management. They prey on small insects such as mosquitoes and midges. Magpies can be beneficial to agriculture and gardens too, because they feed on pest insects.
In a property market once dominated by its neighbouring suburbs, Annerley has become a market to watch as the median house price hit the double digits for the 12-month period ending September 2021, nearly doubling its performance year-on-year for the same period in 2020.
Highlights
Annerley has been undergoing an urban renewal phase over the last few years, favourably impacting its property market and attracting new home buyer interest.
The median house price has risen to $880,000 — up by 11.82 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021.
However, the unit market is down by 9.28 per cent with a median unit price of $425,000, with buyers opting for smaller, more affordable, two-bedroom builds.
House Price Growth
Times have been changing for Annerley, as the median home price continues its upward trajectory over the past few years. The last 12 months have seen continued urban renewal, low vacancy rates, and brisk house sales.
Invigorated by a growing interest from young professionals and families who have taken a closer look at this suburb which has very good access to schools, employment opportunities, and hospitals.
Amidst a number of rebuilding and restoration projects in the suburb, Annerley’s property market grew by 11.82 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021, pulling the median house price up to $880,000, per figures from Property Market Update.
This southeast suburb, found four kilometres away from the city, has been attracting second home buyers and high-income earners from interstate, who are getting into the market with only the benefit of an online inspection via Facetime because of the border lockdowns. The eagerness and excitement, however, have resulted in the sale of 128 properties during this period with an average market listing of 32 days.
In July, a five-bedroom renovated beauty with brick and white picket fences, spotted gum floors, high ceilings, and a timeless interior, received multiple offers as it went under the hammer. It closed with the highest price for the period at $2,360,000. Boasting of a spacious open plan, the property on Cavan Street is in the school catchment areas and close to numerous parks and reserves.
Unit Price Growth
On the other hand, Annerley’s unit market shows a strong buyer preference for the more affordable two-bedroom builds, with 99 units sold over a total sales of 183 units. As a result, the median unit price dropped by 9.28 per cent down to $425,000. Turnover remained healthy, however, with units spending just an average of 45 days on market before being snapped up by buyers.
Most of the buyers are first-home buyers wanting to get their foot in the door, attracted by Annerley’s convenient public transport and a short commute to the CBD. Apartments in Annerley are largely under low- to medium-zoning areas, giving new owners some wiggle room for home improvements.
About Annerley
Over the years, Annerley has transformed from a “rundown“ suburb into one of the most liveable places in Brisbane, offering an eclectic mix of refurbished colonial homes and modern apartments. Emerging from this vibrant community are a new generation of satisfied residents who know the true value of their homes. The outlook is also positive for this suburb.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Detached housing is more commonly found in this suburb but apartment dwelling options are slowly catching up as more than 50 per cent of Annerley residents are renters. With a diverse selection of local businesses, this area is perfect for those who want easy access to essentials like schools (Mary Immaculate Primary School or Yeronga State School), parks and sports club (Souths Rugby Union Club), restaurants and cafes, banks, bakeries, post office, and hospitals (Princess Alexandra, Greenslopes Private Hospital).
Ipswich Road is the main shopping or dining strip but all around the suburb are a range of activity hubs for kids and families. Regardless of their interests, they are bound to find something fun to do, and it’s all accessible via a number of road and rail transport options.
“Wonderful location and close to everything from Southbank, CBD and all the restaurants around the area. Great medical hubs around also including PA hospital, Greenslopes hospital and the Qld Children’s Hospital.”
Mayb2
“The food in Annerley is amazing. There’s a good mix of people, from families to students. I definitely recommend this suburb for students, it is well connected to public transport and not as pricey as suburbs closer to the CBD. Live anywhere but Ipswich Rd and you wont have a problem with parking. Plenty of shopping options plus cute cafes. Nice and quiet, a couple of cute parks around.”
TC
“We absolutely love living in Annerley. It was not an area we had previously considered because of distance from family but it is so convenient to everything. We can access Indooroopilly, Carindale and Garden City shopping centre in 15 minutes. We can access the city in 10 minutes and have excellent public transport. We are very close to the PA Hospital and the Mater and so many health/medical professionals are moving into the area.”
