Vietnamese cuisine is all about intense flavours and fresh ingredients and this is evident in the menu of Cafe O-Mai, a restaurant in Annerley.
Take your tastebuds on a journey to Vietnam with a serving of the comforting Pho soup, freshly baked Banh Mi, or the veggie-packed spring rolls.
For lunch, the cafe serves a mix of light snacks and heartier dishes: a vegetarian Pho topped with tofu, mushroom, carrot, and seasonal Asian greens; beef wrapped in betel leaf; and pork meatballs in rich tomato sauce.
The cafe pumps out a heap of delicious dishes, but if savoury isn’t your thing, the toasted fruit and nut bread or their housemade granola is sure to satisfy.
Drinks come courtesy of Toby’s Estate Woolloomooloo, a smooth spicy blend excellent for milk coffees. But if you want to discover more of Vietnam’s coffee culture, taste their ca phe phin (iced coffee) or Vietnamese Coffee Affogato.
The restaurant follows the hawker style, which means all their food is cooked to order and wait times may be up to 30 minutes during peak times. The well-lit ambience and the colourful mural gives the place a retro-chic vibe.
Cafe O-Mai is located at 15 Cracknell Rd Annerley and serves breakfast and lunch six days a week.
The cafe opens Tuesday to Friday from 6:30 am – 3:00 pm and on weekends, from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. For more information about them, check out their Facebook page.
The concept master plan and design for the new Inner City South State Secondary College in Dutton Park, which is slated to commence construction in late 2019, has been released for community feedback.
Deputy Premier and Member for South Brisbane Jackie Trad released on 29 March the new high school’s concept master plan and designs developed by BVN architects.
“The concept master plan for the new state high school is a key milestone, bringing this project to life through the design of contemporary learning centres set around an inspiring outdoor learning plaza that will form the heart of the school site,” Ms Trad said.
New Inner City South State Secondary College Master Plan
Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) / yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au
“The learning plaza will become the central gathering space at the school and provides a strong sense of community in this inner-urban context.
“This game-changing project is part of the Queensland Government’s $800 million Building Future Schools Fund,” she said.
The site of the new Inner City South State Secondary College sits on land bounded by Gladstone Road, Annerley Road, and Grantham Street.
The master plan includes six elements:
Creative hub – will include facilities like visual arts, music, performing arts, multimedia and enterprise as well as an information hub.
Learning Hubs – will include classrooms and specialised facilities for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics), communication and humanities and social sciences.
Health and wellbeing hub – located adjacent to the multipurpose hall and will include the canteen, food science facilities, and hospitality facilities.
Administration hub – will include student services, staff areas and offices, and the lecture theatre.
Sports – a multi-purpose hall that will include two indoor multipurpose sports courts; an additional outdoor sports court located adjacent to the hall.
Green space – will provide outdoor space for learning and social interaction. Additional green space will also be provided along Gladstone Road with an active park adjacent to Gair Park.
Artist impression of the New Inner City South State Secondary College from Annerley Road
Photo Credit: The State of Queensland (Department of Education) / yoursay.buildingfutureschools.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au
“I am really impressed by the concept master plan and I encourage local residents to visit the Building Future Schools website for their first look at the designs and provide valuable feedback.”
“The community have been great advocates for this much-needed school and have already provided excellent ideas and suggestions which have guided these concepts and designs.
“I encourage the local community to take the time to look at the concept drawings and images and provide their thoughts and feedback. This will shape the detailed design that the design team will finalise in coming months,” Ms Trad said.
Community feedback sessions were held last 23 and 27 April, with another one scheduled 4 May 2019 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Gair Park. Feedback can also be lodged online until Sunday 12 May 2019.
Construction of Stage One is expected to be completed in time for foundation Year 7 students to commence in Term 1, 2021. The school will grow a year level each year, offering Year 7 to Year 12, through 2026.
The very first Braille House Week is happening at Annerley and everyone in the community is invited!
Set for Tuesday, the 7th of May 2019, until Saturday, the 11th of May, Braille House Week would be an opportunity for families to understand, learn and enjoy what this 122-year-old institution has been doing to help children and adults with impaired vision.
The different activities planned for this event include the following:
Braille House aims to empower the blind and those with low-vision by providing them with Braille and Moon instructions as well as access to different materials of learning. The facility, which is run by volunteers, promote inclusiveness and support innovation to bring a positive impact to those who need it.
Families may sign up to be a member of the Braille House to use the facilities, as well as receive the quarterly magazine and various invitations to events.
Landlords may now breathe a sigh of relief as weekly rental rates in Brisbane, including the suburbs of Annerly and Yeronga, have begun to rise after years of stagnation, the latest report from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland shows.
Latest figures show that weekly rents in some Brisbane suburbs are seeing increases by as much as $100. Yeronga and Annerley, both with a median rent per week of $500 showed a 14.6 and 13.6 percent change over the past 12 months up to December 2018, respectively.
Ashgrove registered the biggest gain with a house median rent per week of $550, up by 28.5 percent or $122 per week more expensive. Other top suburbs for annual rent change are Gumdale/Wakerley with a 12.9 percent increase and Hemmant with 11.4 percent change.
Street view from Yeronga
Latest data from realestate.com.au showed the median unit rent per week in Annerley and Yeronga at $345 and $400, respectively, as compared to the state average of $370.
Street view from Annerley
Median house rent per week, on the other hand, is $460 in Annerley and $484 in Yeronga, more expensive than the QLD average rent per week of $400. Data was based on house and units listings from 1 April 2018 – 11 April 2019.
For most homes in Brisbane, leasing has become $10 to $20 per week more expensive than it was at the start of 2018, according to the latest data from REIQ.
A three-bedroom house commands a median rent of $435 or an increase of 3.6 percent, whilst a two-bedroom house now has a median rent of $420 per week, up by five percent from 2018. New Farm and Teneriffe are the most expensive suburbs in Brisbane LGA to rent a three-bedroom house with a weekly median rent at $700.
Despite the two percent and 2.5 increase in vacancy rates in September and December 2018, respectively, house gross rental yields in Brisbane LGA reached 3.3 percent whilst unit gross rental yield was at 5.1 percent in December.
In a bid to prevent incidents of cyberbullying, Yeronga State High School is actively engaging in the youth-led #endcyberbullying campaign, which was officially launched at the school in March 2019.
The launch coincided with National Day
of Action Against Bullying and Violence and Hon. Grace Grace, Minister of
Education and Minister of Industrial Relations, was at the event to support the
campaign as part of the government’s commitment to end cyberbullying.
The event featured a 30-second video
starring 14 Yeronga students.
“The social media video has a
thought-provoking message designed by students for students, including language
and emoji icons commonly used by teenagers,” Ms. Grace said.
The video will be shared across all
Department of Education social media platforms.“On today’s National Day of
Action Against Bullying and Violence, we’re sending a strong message to
Queensland school students to ‘Report it. Block it. No more bullying’,” Ms.
Grace said.
Photo credit: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au
Yeronga SHS was deemed as the natural
choice to help develop and launch the campaign because of its zero-tolerance
policy for bullying of any kind. With about 70 countries represented in the
school, the school strives to promote the value of harmony through tolerance of
diversity.
School Principal Terry Heath said that the school was thrilled to be involved in the #endcyberbullying campaign.
“Our students believe passionately in
social justice and promote harmony as a core ingredient to living in safe
environments where bullying has no place,” he said.
#endcyberbullying Queensland Department of Education YouTube Channel
Cyberbullying
A cyberbully uses technology to
repeatedly hurt, embarrass or frighten individuals.
Cyberbullying can take the form of
threatening or abusive texts, tweets, emails or Facebook posts from someone you
know or from a stranger. You are being cyberbullied when someone shares
embarrassing information about you or when they post unflattering or private
videos and photos to humiliate you. Being trolled, stalked online or even left
out of online games or social forums are other forms of cyberbullying.
Photo credit: Image by May Pahlke from Pixabay
Cyberbullying has become more dangerous
than offline bullying because an online post can now reach many people with one
click.
Also, since bullies can set up fake
profiles with fake names, they are not easily identified. So the lack of
immediate feedback or consequences makes bullies more daring.
And unlike offline bullying where the
victim can escape his tormentors within the confines of the home, cyberbullying
can be invasive, putting pressure on the victim 24 hours a day through his
gadget.
Photo credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
How to Stop Cyberbullying
The #endcyberbullying
campaign wants to let students, teachers and parents know that there are
actions that they can take to end incidents of cyberbullying.
The Queensland government came up with a list of resources on their website to help each of them deal with cyberbullying. The resources seek to enlighten students on how to respond and create an anti-cyberbullying action plan.
Parents are provided
with valuable information, tips and advice on how to keep their child safe
online. Teachers can also have guidance on a range of classroom materials to
instruct students about the campaign and ensure that kids have a safe and
disciplined school environment.
Among the actions that children and adults can do include deleting, blocking or reporting posts that look like cyberbullying.
On 5th March 2019, Hardings 24-Hour Pharmacy in Annerley was declared the category winner of Excellence in Professional Innovation, making it one of four category winners of the 2019 Pharmacy of the Year award. The overall winner was chosen by Pharmacy Guild of Australia from the four category winners.
The award was presented by Minister of Health, Greg Hunt, at the Australian Pharmacy Professional conference on the Gold Coast on Thursday, 7th March 2019.
Hardings 24-Hour Phamacy’s main achievement was that they overcame competition from two discount pharmacies by extending operating hours and being passionate about offering professional health services.
Commitment to service and patient needs are exactly what enables Hardings to compete effectively with two discount pharmacies in the area.
By operating for 24 hours, the pharmacy is able to provide round-the-clock service for the community.
But beyond the working hours, what makes the pharmacy unique is their professional services-based model. They have introduced a number of new professional services within the community that have made them a one-stop health hub.
Hardings also reaches out to the community by participating in community events, particularly those that focus on health promotion.
The pharmacy’s credentialed diabetes educator regularly presents at local patient seminars too. A second pharmacist is now undergoing training to become a diabetes educator.
Besides these services, Hardings supports a variety of charities. The pharmacy has developed a loyalty program that allows customers to donate their rewards to CanTeen Australia, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support, develop, and empower young people, aged 12 to 25 years old, with cancer.
Photo credit: Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition/Facebook
Each year, three category winners are usually named by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. But since this year’s nominated pharmacies were of exceptional quality, the judges decided to announce four winners instead, splitting the Excellence in Community Engagement award into two components.
Aside from Hardings 24 hour Pharmacy of Annerley QLD who won Excellence in Professional Innovation, other category winners are:
Flannery’s Pharmacy, Forbes NSW: Excellence in Business Management (named Pharmacy of the Year 2019 on 7th March 2019)
Pharmacy 777 Glengarry, Duncraig WA: Excellence in Community Engagement, Collaboration and Partnerships
Wilkinson’s Pharmacy, Burnie TAS: Excellence in Community Engagement, Health Services
Spokesperson for the judging group, Nick Panayiaris, President of the South Australian Branch of the Guild, described the four category winners as “great examples to the profession and the direction community pharmacy is heading into the future.”
The Guild Pharmacy of the Year Awards is conducted annually by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. It recognises pharmacies that are leading the way in providing innovative and optimal healthcare for members of their community.
You are invited to join and experience a one-of-a-kind puppy yoga session with the cuddly fur babies at the Indigo Soul Wellness, Yeronga.
This 3rd and 10th March, Karmably in partnership with RSPCA and Indigo Soul Wellness will be bringing in cute rescue puppies to inspire attendees to “paws and stretch.”
Video Credit: Karmably / Facebook
There will a 45-minute beginner yoga for those who will be trying it for first time. Then there is a 15-minute sound healing meditation, plus an extra 15-minute session, so you can take time-out to take photos with the puppies and drink some refreshing Chai Tea.
There is a good chance that you’ll want to take home and provide one of the lovable pups from RSPCA, its forever home. The great news is, these pups will also be available for adoption. So, check out the RSPCA’s Pop-up Adoption at the front of the studio.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Queensland (RSPCA Qld) is the State’s leading non-government based animal welfare charity with the power to prosecute animal cruelty and neglect offenders.
RSPCA believes animal’s welfare should be considered in terms of freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress.
Tickets for the March 3 event have already sold out. So, hurry and book your tickets now for the 10 March slot of Puppy Yoga – Paws and Stretch.
Mary Immaculate Primary School of Annerley supports Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion 2019, an annual Lenten fundraising activity that aims to raise the awareness of and unite Australians to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
About
The Catholic Overseas Relief Committee was founded in Australia in 1964 and its name was changed to Caritas in 1996.
Caritas Australia is the international aid and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. It is part of an international network of over 200 countries who help the poorest of the poor in over 27 countries around the world.
Photo credit: billycm/Pixabay
Values
Caritas means love and compassion in Latin, two qualities that are central to the work of the agency.
Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Caritas Australia support people to help themselves out of poverty, hunger and injustice. Also, they empower these people to be agents of their own change.
2019 Theme
Project Compassion is a yearly fundraising activity held in preparation for Lent, the season that reminds us of the importance of doing good work and acting selflessly.
The theme for Project Compassion 2019 is based around giving 100% in the name of hope. The campaign presents six stories that show how Caritas Australia is able to change the lives of communities in Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Australia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
Photo credit: skeeze/Pixabay
Annerley Catholic School
Mary Immaculate Primary School of Annerley is an inner city school providing Catholic education for children from a variety of social, cultural and faith backgrounds. Each year, the school commits to supporting social action and justice by participating in fundraising appeals.
Recently, the Year 5 students launched Project Compassion 2019 in support of Caritas Australia. They presented the story of 16-year-old Peter from Solomon Islands who, despite his disability, had to walk several kilometres in search of unsafe water sources. Through Project Compassion, Peter is now able to have clean water on tap at his school and is now able to focus on his studies.
Photo credit: lent.caritas.org.au
At the end of the presentation, the students were each given a project compassion box to collect money for children like Peter.
Project Compassion gives students the opportunity to get involved and create lasting change in vulnerable communities.
If children are willing to make the world a little less heartless, let’s do our part and give generously to Project Compassion today.
Did you love watching Surfing the Menu — Chef Ben O’Donoghue and his food adventures with Curtis Stone? Whether you are a fan of the lifestyle show or you just want to know what it’s like being served by a world-class chef, here’s your chance to turn a vicarious thrill into your own personal gastronomic adventure. Visit Chef Ben’s Billy Kart Kitchen in Annerley!
Billy Kart Kitchen is Chef Ben’s project with his wife, Dee. It’s actually the first time the couple has teamed up for a business. The restaurant’s location at 1 Eric Cres was a hotspot for kids to race billy carts down the hills during the ‘50s, hence the name.
Stepping inside, the cafe has the look and feel of a “traditional Queenslander.” The fit-out was designed by Marc&Co, who incorporated vintage style quirky elements such as graffiti autumn leaves and bush flora on the concrete floors. Trendy meets old-school in this cafe as the pastel wall add modern pops of color to the place.
The place used to be the Clifton Hill Store where locals pick up a paper and a loaf of Banneton bread. The couple have revived the tradition of the old-fashioned local store with their charming 80-seater eatery. The old store’s signage can be seen at the restaurant.
“The decision to open up a suburban café close to home was made just as much for the enviable lifestyle choices it presents for us and the family, as well as the perfect setting for cooking my favourite style of food – simple yet distinctive cuisine using fresh, local and seasonal produce in funky yet accessible surrounds,” Chef Ben said in his website.
Billy Kart Kitchen may not be able to serve dinner on Monday and Tuesday nights but that is because they started trading their Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night in June 2018 to serve beautiful food from around the world three times a week.
Breakfast lovers who delight in their free range poached eggs on delicious sourdough bread with their house-made butter should not fret. They are still serving their famous breakfast and lunch menu Wednesday to Sunday.
In February 2019, guests could feast on Italian dishes without ever leaving Annerley, as Chef Ben offers all Italian dishes for the whole month. As expected there will be pasta and starters like the Carpaccio of Genoa fig, Farinata, and Prosciutto and melon.
The menu will keep on changing because they are inspired by seasons and produce available. For bookings and updates on upcoming menu, follow Billy Kart Kitchen on Facebook.
Billy Kart Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm and for night dinners on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 6:00 pm. They highly suggest bookings especially during the weekends.
Following the announcement that The Trustee For Main St Medical Trust is considering an aged care and wellness centre at 52-64 Annerley Rd Woolloongabba, locals could not help but express their concerns regarding the proposed facility.
The plan, based on DA A004827412 was to construct two 10-12 storey buildings forming one combined tower for a residential care and retirement facility with a health care service, shop, and office, as well as food and drink outlet.
A submission from the Corah House Body Corporate Committee says the proposed development is a “major overdevelopment of the site, and will have irreversible impacts on residential amenity, streetscape character and the built form character of the area.”
The locals also cited that the proposed development creates a building bulk that is overbearing and unsuitable for the intended type and form of building in Annerley.
Simon Grace, Senior Urban Planner of the Brisbane City Council requested the developers, the Pikos Group, to provide amended plans that will provide an adequate interface to the adjoining uses and surrounding streetscape.
In response, The Trustee For Main St Medical Trust in behalf of Cardno has amended the proposed development to reduce the podium height from five storeys to four storeys. The fifth storey of the podium has been integrated into the tower of the proposed development.
“The reduction in the scale of the proposed development has resulted in a more proportionate built form outcome along Annerley Road and provides an appropriate interface to the adjacent existing multiple dwelling buildings (and noting that the adjoining sites also have a further development opportunity under the Dutton-Park Fairfield Neighbourhood Plan) and the Character Residential area partly opposite the site on Lockhart Street,” Frances Cassaniti, Senior Town Planner at Cardno wrote in the response in behalf of the applicant.
Cassaniti added the The Trustee For Main St Medical Trust proposes to remove the Retirement Facility and Aged Care Facility uses from the 64 Annerley Road component of the development, and accommodate health care service and office uses in its place, consistent with the balance of the proposed development.
“Furthermore, the Retirement Facility and Aged Care Facility uses are only proposed to be removed following ongoing concerns expressed by Council as part of the statutory assessment process,” Cassaniti said.
Part of the amendments is to increase the depth of the central deep planting area, along Annerley Road, to be the full extent of the basement. It will address the lack of appropriate provision and appropriately located landscaping and deep planting.
Consequently, the development assessment process does not stop or restart. Cardno said the proposed change will not impact on the development’s compliance with the Overall Outcomes for the Dutton Park Fairfield Neighbourhood Plan area.
The centre, designed by Kris Kowalski Architects, would be Collective Health & Wellness, “Australia’s most advanced medical centre” if approved.
