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Asbestos Found In Brisbane South State Secondary College

Photo credit: Brisbane South State Secondary College/Facebook

Certain areas of the Brisbane South State Secondary College have been closed to protect students and staff from the potential risks of materials with asbestos found in the premises in August 2021.

Read: Study Finds Alarming Levels of Toxic Soil in Yeronga Vegetable Gardens

At present, there are already more than 200 Year 7 students enrolled at the state school but significant works have yet to be done in some of the buildings. After workers spotted potential asbestos material within a crushed fill, a test was performed on the same day, which confirmed the presence of the hazardous material.

Because of this, workers refused to carry on with the job until assurances were made that no other materials were contaminated.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and can typically be found in rock, sediment or soil. Because it’s either ‘non-friable or ‘friable’, asbestos was seen as very useful for building products. However, the substance becomes a health risk when its fibres are released into the air and inhaled by those around it.

According to Safe Work Australia, breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma and those who develop health problems from inhaling the substance may have been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. Symptoms don’t usually appear until 20 to 30 years after initial exposure.

Regarding the matter, the Department of Education confirmed that the material was in a construction area where students and staff could not access. They also conducted airborne testing to assure that there was no airborne asbestos that could risk the health of students, staff, and visitors.

Read: New Memorial Wall to Mark Centenary of WW1 Cenotaph at Yeronga Memorial Park

In April 2021, Education Minister Grace Grace revealed that the state government has spent more than $6.5 million to extract the hazardous material from over 100 state schools across Queensland.

For the safety and well-being of students and staff, the Department has launched the asbestos policy and plan, which aims to manage risks relating to asbestos-containing material (ACM).

Condition of ACM in department-owned facilities is managed through:

an extensive awareness program amongst staff and the school community
maintenance condition assessments
3-yearly asbestos audits conducted by industry professionals

If you have any concerns about asbestos in department-owned facilities or require any further information, please contact the facility school principal or early childhood education centre director.

Billykart Kitchen Annerley Has New Owners

Photo credit: Billykart Kitchen/ Facebook

Billykart Kitchen in Annerley will now be under new management after owners celebrity chef Ben O’Donoghue and wife De-Arne Wicks (Dee) agreed to sell their beloved restaurant to focus on their family.

Read: Annerley’s Billykart Kitchen Is Chosen among Brisbane’s Top Cafés

Loyal customers of Billykart Kitchen Annerley need not worry because nothing much will change with the restaurant except for the days of operation. The new owners, a young couple from Victoria, want to open the restaurant on Sundays but close on Friday nights.

It may be hard for Chef Ben to say goodbye to his Annerley restaurant, after almost eight years of running it. But juggling business and family during the pandemic wasn’t an easy feat. He and wife Dee realised the past year highlighted the importance of family. They also thought about the sacrifices they had been making to run the business.

The couple opened Billykart Kitchen in 2013, with hopes of transforming Annerley into a “foodie hub”, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Now, the celebrity chef is planning to focus on rebranding Billykart West End, with thoughts of moving away from breakfasts and into a bistro-style lunch and dinner offering.

Chef Ben O’Donoghue (Photo credit: Billykart Kitchen/ Facebook)

Whilst Chef Ben will be busy rebranding the West End location, Dee will take on a part-time admin and events coordinator role with local neuroprotective developmental care business Possums & Co, an organisation that specialises in postpartum care.

Billykart Kitchen in Annerley will remain open for both dine-in and takeaway. Starting 8 August 2021, they will reopen Sunday service and will stop Friday night dinner to focus on providing the best weekend services. Follow them on Facebook for further updates.

Study Finds Alarming Levels of Toxic Soil in Yeronga Vegetable Gardens

Edible-looking backyard vegetable patches in Yeronga have high levels of toxic lead, according to a study published in the journal Environment International from the experts at Macquarie University.

The research found traces of lead in 19 percent of Brisbane’s backyard gardens with the highest readings in Yeronga and Holland Park. In one of the most extensive studies to be conducted in the country, Professor Mark Taylor’s team analysed 17,256 soil samples across 3,600 homes.

The experts learned that 35 percent of the soil samples exceeded the Australian guidelines for lead content at more than 300 milligrams per kilogram. Most of these soil samples were collected from old properties, inner-city locations, and areas with much traffic congestion.

Highlights

About 35 percent of backyard garden soil in Australia contains high levels of lead, based on a study from Macquarie University.
In Brisbane, Yeronga and Holland Park have the highest reading of traces of lead in the soil.
Experts at Macquarie University suggested workarounds for gardeners to prevent contamination.

Over time, a build-up of lead in the body, from eating contaminated produce, can bring serious health impacts, especially in children.

“The effects would include developmental delays, ADHD behaviours, increased irritability, and poorer executive functioning,” the experts noted in their research.

However, Prof Taylor said that they released the study to help gardeners find a workaround instead of discouraging the public to tend to a garden.

The experts recommend planting on raised garden beds with clean and fresh soil using compost and mulch to lessen the amount of lead. Leafy green vegetables tend to absorb more of the soil’s content and if the gardeners are growing these in their backyard, consumption should be lessened among kids or pregnant women.

Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables plucked from the backyard garden before eating. The play area for the children and animals should be far away from the vegetable patch so that contaminated soil cannot be transported inside the house.

Macquarie University runs a VegeSafe program to test the level of lead on the soil and they are encouraging residents to send soil samples if they want to know if the condition of their backyard garden.

New Memorial Wall to Mark Centenary of WW1 Cenotaph at Yeronga Memorial Park

Did you know that the WW1 Cenotaph at the Yeronga Memorial Park was erected one hundred years ago, in July 1921? To celebrate its centenary, a new memorial wall adjacent to the cenotaph will be unveiled.

Happening Saturday, 31 July 2021, the All Conflicts Memorial Wall dedication will take place at 10:00 a.m. near the Bridge Club and it’s open to the public. A special one-hour service will take place to honour all the men and women in all wars and conflicts who have bravely served and sacrificed their lives for the country.

Expected to attend the event are:

Lt Col Ross Thomas CO of 7CSSB, on behalf of the 7th Brigade Commanding Officer
Delegates from the Airforce & Navy
Councillor Nicole Johnston
Councillor and Steve Griffiths
State MP Mark Bailey
Federal MP Graham Perrett

Stephens Sub Branch Inc helped with the building of the new All Conflicts Memorial Wall.

Stephens Sub Branch, formed in 1922, is one of the oldest RSL Sub Branches in Brisbane and caters to the activities of various members of the Defence Force, including reservists, peacekeepers, National Servicemen, and veterans.

Meanwhile, the WW1 Cenotaph was originally designed by Sgt Henry Hayward Priest, a veteran of the Australian Imperial Force. His design was picked during a competition in 1919. Architect George Trotter Jr was tasked to improve the design during the construction phase.

Photo Credit: http://indicatorloops.com/yeronga/

“The form of the cenotaph could probably be described as a rotunda or pavilion. Not unique in Australia but a little unusual – it would have been very expensive for a small community. It’s a fine piece of work,” Professor John Stephens, a specialist in War Commemoration and Architectural History said.

The cenotaph underwent a major refurbishment in 2015.

Trailer Trash Tattoo to Host a Flash Day with a Fundraiser in Annerley

Mimsy and Pony Gleeson, the husband and wife duo running Trailer Trash Tattoo in Annerley since 2008, are hosting a Flash Day with eight resident artists and three guest artists for a special fundraiser for the Brisbane City Rollers (BCR).

A Flash Day is similar to flash sales at fashion stores with huge discounts and promotions available for a limited period. Except with tattoos, you will have to wear what you choose for the rest of your life!

Trailer Trash Tattoo Flash Day will run on 24 July 2021 beginning at 10 a.m. at Mimsy’s establishment on Fanny Street.

The Annerley tattoo establishment has evolved as a bustling hub of art and creativity where the artists are known for their great attention to detail and excellent customer service.

Mimsy, who started doing tattoos inside a 1959 trailer (hence the name!), will lead the following artists covering various styles for Flash Day:

Guest Artists

Resident Artists

The artists’ stalls will be set at the back of Mimsy’s place, where visitors may also chill out and have fun with some lawn games that will be prepared for the event.

Sausage Sizzle, drinks, and a bake sale with vegan options will also be hosted at the back by the Brisbane City Roller Roller Derby League. The BCR was invited to run the sausage sizzle fundraiser for their travel teams.

“Our Shop Manager, Stevie, skates with BCR and knows how heavily the league relies on these opportunities to help support their competitive teams with travel expenses. Brisbane City Rollers are an inclusive all-gender league whose core values we respect and appreciate.”

“Come along and support our small business, get a fun tattoo, enjoy the sausage sizzle, buy some art, and have a good time!” Mimsy said.

Trailer Trash Tattoo Flash Day will be a COVID safe event with social distancing, sanitation and face mask. Booking for a tattoo will be on a first-in, first-served basis. Payment is cash only.

“We’re super excited to open the doors to our first Flash Day of 2021. We’re keeping a close eye on the ever-evolving Covid-19 recommendations from the government and will be monitoring the event to ensure it’s Covid-19 safe & enjoyable for everyone!” Stevie said.

Using Your Phone When Driving? Fine Awaits If Cameras Catch You

Photo credit: StockSnap/Pixabay

Ipswich Road, Annerley is named as the fourth worst crash hotspot in Brisbane, mostly due to phone use whilst driving. To help detect mobile phone usage and other traffic violations, cameras will be permanently rolled out on Queensland roads starting 26 July 2021.

Read: Plans Announced for New Woolloongabba Veloway Cycle Bridge

It’s a key part of the Palaszczuk Government’s record $1.69 billion road safety plan which aims to reduce the burden of road trauma on communities.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey likened distracted driving to drunk driving as silent killers on the state’s roads.

“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey added: “Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.”

The trial for the cameras has been going on since last year and during the trial, where 15,000 people were detected illegally using a mobile phone and more than 2,200 were not wearing a seat belt.

Interestingly, Mr Alex Jannink, founder of Acusensus who developed the algorithm that made the camera detection possible, had a biker friend who was killed by an impaired and distracted driver. Since then, he sought to develop solutions to try and reduce this problem

How Does It Work

Artificial Intelligence (AI) software makes it possible to detect actions such as distracted driving and not wearing a seatbelt. The cameras take high-resolution images of the front seat of the car and scan them through AI.

These cameras are capable of operating in all weather conditions and any time of the day. It can watch vehicles across multi-traffic lanes, regardless if installed on overpasses and bridges, or operating from trailers by the roadside.

Read: 94-Year-Old House in Dutton Park to be Demolished

Mobile Phones and Driving Safety

In Queensland, those who have an open or P2 licence can use a phone hands-free, for example, in a cradle attached to the vehicle. However, the driver should have proper control of the vehicle and drive with due care and attention at all times.

Learners and P1 drivers under 25 years old are not allowed to use a phone in any way whilst driving, including using maps, Bluetooth, and handsfree. Passengers of these drivers also cannot use phones on loudspeakers. Likewise, it is illegal for bike riders to use a phone in their hand when riding or when stopped at the traffic lights.

No seatbelts and other violations

The camera does not only detect who’s using their phone whilst driving. It can also detect if motorists are not wearing a seatbelt. Currently, the penalty for this violation is $413 and three demerit points.

Demerit points are points added to a motorist’s traffic record when they commit certain offences. The fine and demerit points apply to all drivers who use their phone illegally including car, truck drivers and motorcycle riders.

Starting 1 November 2021, any driver caught by the cameras can expect to receive a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points. a three-month period where warning notices will be given to offenders before fines start being issued. The penalties are tough, but Mr Bailey said they are necessary to stamp out driver distraction.

Yeronga State School Refurbishment to Deliver New Classrooms, Resource Centre

Refurbishments at the Yeronga State School are underway at the existing Dental Building that will soon turn to more classrooms, a Resource Centre, and the new administration building.

In June 2021, members of the Yeronga State School P & C Association visited the construction site to check on the progress with Principal Eunice Webb and MP Mark Bailey. Construction work is expected to be completed before the end of 2021.

“The school has been growing at more young families move into the area and we need to make sure the students have the room they need to learn in a comfortable and modern learning environment,” Mr Bailey said.

Photo Credit: Yeronga State School/Facebook

Whilst the construction is ongoing, students did a project to discover the history of the Yeronga State School Dental Building and were surprised to learn that it used to be a farmhouse for chickens and cows.

“Some of the ideas for our future building are rather exciting! We are curious about what the future brings.”

The $8.5 million transformations has been made possible with funding from the State Government’s Renewing Our Schools program.

“As our state begins to recover from the COVID-19 global health pandemic we must continue to invest in school infrastructure to continue supporting local jobs,” Education Minister Grace Grace said.

“Since 2015, we have built and opened 13 new schools with another nine to be delivered in the next four years. Through the Renewing Our Schools program, we’re investing $235 million to upgrade education infrastructure across the State, delivering 44 projects at 26 state schools including new and refurbished learning spaces, multi-purpose halls and performing arts centres.”

The Popular Restaurant Red and Green Offers Woolloongabba a Korean BBQ Buffet

Looking to treat yourself to an authentic all-you-can-eat Korean buffet? Restaurant Red and Green provides Woolloongabba locals and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy some bulgogi and share a bucket of soju with friends.

Restaurant Red and Green offers the Woolloongabba community the chance to treat themselves with a vast selection of meat, hot food, sauces and salads to choose from. The restaurant’s barbecue buffet selection includes beef bulgogi, pork belly, frank sausages, prawns, baby octopus, and pork skin.

As part of the restaurant’s 3rd Anniversary, customers who make reservations for their buffet for any date before the 4th of July can receive a free plate of Wagyu beef. Reservations made within the day are not applicable.

Those in search of lighter meals, though not too light, can also opt out of the buffet in favour of ordering from the restaurant’s à la carte menu. One of the restaurant’s signature meal sets is their sizzling plate barbecue, which consists of a variety of meat options like marinated pork shoulder, la galbi, or beef cube roll steaks served with side-options including rice, spring rolls, and beer-battered steak chips. Entrees are also available with options such as vegetable spring rolls, Korean fried chicken wings, and potato chips.

Photo credit: Facebook/Restaurant RED and GREEN

Korean charcoal barbecue aside, customers can also indulge themselves with liquor of their choice, partnering their buffets with delicious flavoured soju, as well as korean fruit wines such as plum wine or black raspberry wine. Bucket specials are also a part of their drink menu, with sets that offer buckets of soju, buckets of beer, and even buckets of both combined.

Restaurant Red and Green can be found at 14 Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates on meals, deals, dates, and other special announcements concerning the restaurant.

“맛있는 Best Korean buffet BBQ around! Tasty galbi, pork belly & a broad selection of banchan (side dishes). Staff were friendly & booking was easy. Seoul food to feed the soul – good to rediscover this little gem again!”
Peta B

“Best Korean BBQ I have had in Australia! Very Friendly service. Great value for money. Buffet is such good value. Even with covid restrictions they happily provide you with more food when you need. Compared to many other Korean BBQ restaurants they are very generous, very well priced and food is delicious! Extremely happy customer here.”
Wailupe

Art Alert! Come Check Out the Paint Factory in Yeronga

Here’s a visual treat! Visit The Paint Factory, a repurposed factory in Yeronga that has become a haven for artists to express themselves.

The Paint Factory, a new venue that’s shaping up to become one of the biggest hotspots in the art community, provides local artists with avenues to create art in a free and spacious environment. The site has even become a focal point for Yeronga locals, with markets springing up alongside tours and other community events for people to take part in.

Purchased by the Brisbane-based developer Montague Developments in 2015, the site of The Paint Factory was developed by Stockwell in 2019 to become the thriving venue it is today. Invited artists are free to use the site, which is made up of a grand total of 34,000 square metres of old factories and offices, to broaden their horizons and work on a significantly larger scale.

Photo credit: Instagram/paint_factory_yeronga

One artist in particular, Gordon Hookey, had remarked that he was working on a large piece that required him to roll it up and unfurl it every time he worked on it before he was invited to come do his work at The Paint Factory. Now, he’s free to staple the canvas to giant walls and begin painting.

Gordon Hookey.
Photo credit: Instagram/paint_factory_yeronga

As of June 2021, over 20 artists are now based in The Paint Factory, creating a small but tightly-knit community of local artists within the area where they’re free to make masterpieces with spaces to call their own. Photographers and filmmakers would flock to the site to take pictures and record in lively and artistic backdrops for music videos.

The Paint Factory Yeronga can be found at 115 Hyde Rd, Yeronga. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the factory and its artists.

BSSSC in Dutton Park Recognised at the Australian Education Awards

Despite the delays in the completion of construction of Brisbane South State Secondary College, this Dutton Park school has received the most noteworthy validation from the Australian Education Awards as one of the finalists for their Excellence Award.

The award-giving body recognises the top-performing schools in the country for “their outstanding achievements and transformative work,” that significantly impacts the lives of young Australians. BSSSC has been nominated under the Innovation in Curriculum Design category. The winners will be announced on 27 Aug 2021.

The school has remained open amidst the $130-million construction work, funded by the State Government, which started in mid-2020 and will continue until the end of 2021. Despite the disruption, BSSSC students have already been benefitting from the school’s improved curriculum and partnership with universities, biomedical providers, and sports communities, such as the University of Queensland (UQ), the Translational Research Institute (Princess Alexandra Hospital), and the Brisbane Lions AFL Academy.

Perhaps one day, BSSSC will produce the scientists who will be able to unlock the mysteries of the Sars-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19) or become the chief of a successful start-up that will be solving the next pandemic as the school has provided the students with the right tools, training and environment to pursue studies in medicine, science, as well as sports and the arts.

Executive principal Kirsten Ferdinands said that 20 percent of the students are focusing on studies in biomedicine, sports and nutrition, whilst 80 percent are taking the standard curriculum. Regardless, all classes at BSSSC are similar to a university environment because of the programs and facilities.

BSSSC has “ideation rooms” with 3D lounges for presenting projects and a lectorium for brainstorming or learning new ideas. It has dance rooms with a theatre stage and large trade rooms for various school activities.

Photo Credit: Brisbane South State Secondary College/Facebook

Under the Mini-Masters program, the students are enjoined to do digs with actual archaeology experts, whilst some are coached into managing and producing a YouTube channel on sports, or guided into writing or directing the school play.

All these programs are conducted into the various hubs around the campus for learning, creativity, health and wellbeing, and the outdoor green space called The Oasis.

BSSSC’s current student body is 204 but the school is expecting 250 in 2022, and grow to to 1,500 in five years. Most of the graduating class are planning to enter UQ.