Yeronga Archives - Page 4 of 6

Cavoodle Scares Off Would-Be Burglars in Yeronga

A group of criminals attempting to break into a Yeronga home earlier this week were thwarted by an unlikely defender – a vigilant Cavoodle. The recent incident has brought attention to rising break-in concerns in the area while highlighting the protective nature of household pets.

Read: Controversy and Correction: Sgt William Percival Sparkes and the Yeronga Memorial Tablet Dispute

The homeowner was roused by her dog’s uncharacteristically frantic barking, which she described as sounding like “he was losing his mind.” Prompted by the commotion, she checked her security camera footage on her phone, revealing a troubling scene: one intruder entering the front yard, with three accomplices waiting by a getaway car on the street.

The would-be burglar’s plans were quickly derailed by the Cavoodle’s fierce barking. Startled by the noise, the perpetrator hastily retreated. The homeowner also used her smart home technology, activating interior lights via Google Home, which she believes further deterred the intruders.

Upon arrival, law enforcement found the Cavoodle still on high alert, reluctant to let officers through the gate – a testament to the dog’s protective instincts.

The homeowner shared her pet’s heroic act on local neighbourhood Facebook groups, where it quickly garnered attention. The post has sparked discussions among residents about a recent uptick in break-ins around Yeronga.

According to the Queensland Police Service online crime map, Yeronga has recorded 46 unlawful entries in the past six months, from 10 January to 9 July 2024. Additionally, two cases of trespassing and vagrancy were reported during the same period.

Cavoodles, a crossbreed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, are not typically known for aggression. However, they can display protective behaviours, often barking to alert their owners of visitors or potential threats. The Poodle lineage may contribute to their effectiveness as guard dogs, making them more likely to bark at unwanted guests rather than greet them amiably.

Read: Vandals Target 17 Vehicles in Annerley Overnight Rampage

As investigations continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected roles our pets can play in home security, and the ongoing need for community vigilance in the face of rising property crimes.

Published 10-July-2024

Yeronga Loses Landmark Cafe Amidst Lease Dispute

Photo Credit: Google Map/ Paul Raynis

Yeronga is saying farewell to a beloved local institution as Andonis Cafe and Bar, a cornerstone of the community, closes its doors after a six-year tenure.

Owner Anthony Kekkou, who launched the cafe in 2017 as his inaugural venture, cited a disagreement over operating hours as the primary reason for the closure.

Kekkou expressed his displeasure with the $16,000 fine the Brisbane City Council imposed for violating the permitted trading hours. The cafe was permitted to open at 7:00 a.m., but Kekkou claims he was unaware of this restriction when signing the lease, believing the opening time to be 6:00 a.m.

Subsequent attempts to negotiate a change in hours with the Council were unsuccessful.

Adonis Cafe in Yeronga — *Photo Credit: Google Map/* *Kamila Mendonca*

Following appeals from locals worried about noise and other disruptions, a Brisbane City Council spokesperson clarified that a court order set the cafe’s operating hours. Any modifications to these hours would necessitate court approval, not simply Council consent.

Despite the unfortunate closure, Kekkou reflected fondly on the Yeronga location, acknowledging its significance as the longest-standing cafe in the area and the birthplace of the Andonis brand.

He expressed deep gratitude to the loyal staff and customers who supported the cafe through challenging times.

The closure of the Yeronga branch is not the end for Andonis. The cafe group, with seven existing locations across Brisbane, has ambitious plans for expansion.

Their latest venture in Mount Gravatt is set to open in the coming weeks, and an additional 13 locations are slated for development over the next two years.

Published Date 20-May-2024

Petrol Iron Showcase at Yeronga Community Centre Gives Glimpse to the Past

Photo Credit: Annerley-Stephens History Group

Did you know that a captivating 20th-century petrol iron relic sits on display at the Yeronga Community Centre, offering an insightful glimpse into the suburb’s rich history?

The petrol iron, showcased in the ASHG history room of the Yeronga Community Centre, is a portal to the past, illuminating the daily lives of Yeronga residents in the early 1900s.

Originating from when electricity was not a household staple, these irons used fuel such as petrol, alcohol, methylated spirits, and kerosene to generate heat. The innovation represented by these irons includes a built-in pump to pressurize the fuel, a significant advancement over the traditional flat irons heated on stoves.

Personal Stories from Villa Street

The historical significance of the petrol iron is further deepened by its mentions in the autobiographical works of two former Villa Street residents in Yeronga — Jessica Anderson and Ivy May Lydia Marsh.

Ms Anderson, a notable Australian writer who grew up in Yeronga during the 1920s and 1930s, reflects on the iron’s perceived dangers in her award-winning stories.

Jessica Anderson's house in Yeronga — *Photo Credit: Ms Anderson’s former home in Yeronga/Google Maps*

In contrast, Ms Marsh’s autobiographical notes celebrate the petrol iron as a significant improvement over the arduous “Mother Pots” irons, praising its convenience and the relief it brought from the heat generated by wood-fired stoves.

The Petrol Iron in Yeronga — *Photo Credit: from Ms Anderson’s short stories/Google Books*

A Petrol Iron Backstory

The backstory of the petrol iron intersects with the industrial growth of Brisbane.

Initially associated with James Colquhoun and Sons and later with the Gloria Light Co., the iron’s history traces through various ownerships, including significant corporate transitions and the economic ebb and flow of the early to mid-20th century.

The Gloria Light Co., initially involved in lighting, began to diversify its product range to include household items such as the petrol iron.

Although the company was not based in Brisbane initially, it expanded into various Australian cities, including Brisbane, especially under the influence of figures like Sir John Beals Chandler, the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane.

“This petrol iron was made by the Gloria Light Company Pty Ltd (Australia) in the 1930s. It has a Patent Applied for date of 1936. The Patent was applied for on 1 May 1936 and granted in early 1937. The basis for the Patent is the design of the pricker/fuel control mechanism. The patent was applied for by John Beals Chandler, who at the time was Managing Director of the Gloria Light Company Pty Ltd.”
Collections WA Ltd

By 1916, Mr Chandler, from England, had set up an office in Charlotte Street, Brisbane, as a local agent for the Gloria Light Co. His involvement brought the products, including petrol irons, closer to the Brisbane market.

J B Chandler — *Photo Credit: Mr JB Chandler/Wikimedia*

Eventually, Mr Chandler took over the Gloria Light Co., influencing its operations and product distribution from Brisbane. This local management helped integrate the petrol iron and other products into the Brisbane and broader Queensland markets, establishing a more direct connection between the product and the city.

The presence of such appliances in Brisbane homes, as indicated by personal accounts and historical records, shows that these items were part of everyday life and contributed to Brisbane’s historical and cultural fabric.

Community and Connection

Ros Watson loaned the petrol iron relic to the ASHG history room to preserve and share its history. The display not only educates visitors about the technological innovations of the past but also celebrates the communal spirit of Yeronga.

Published 8-May-2024

Controversy and Correction: Sgt William Percival Sparkes and the Yeronga Memorial Tablet Dispute

The Yeronga Memorial Park, with its solemn cenotaph, has long stood as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served from the Stephens Shire during World War I. However, the memorial’s integrity was challenged when the community discovered that the tablet included the names of civic officials instead of solely honouring the soldiers.

In 1922, the community was stirred into action upon learning that the Memorial Tablet at Yeronga Memorial Park listed not just the soldiers who had given their lives but also several local councillors, including the Chairman and members of the Stephens Shire Council.

A heated debate ensued at local meetings over including councillors’ names, deemed insulting to service members. The public demanded their removal.

The Campaign for Justice

Central to the dispute was the campaign led by the family of Sgt William Percival Sparkes, a Gallipoli veteran and war hero, whose name was initially excluded from the tablet due to bureaucratic stipulations that he did not die overseas.

The relentless efforts of Sparkes’ mother and sister highlighted the perceived inequity in the tablet’s inscriptions, putting pressure on the local government to amend this oversight.

The controversy reached a turning point when the Governor of Queensland intervened, suggesting at a public ceremony that the councillors’ contributions paled in comparison to the sacrifices made by the soldiers.

Subsequently, the council agreed to remove the non-military names, aligning the memorial solely with those who fought and died in the war.

Yeronga Memorial Park Cenotaph — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Who was Sgt William Percival Sparkes?

Sgt William Percival Sparkes was a distinguished soldier and a significant figure in the local community of Stephens Shire. Before the war, he lived in his,”Glen View” home on Annerley Road. His life and military service shed light on the bravery of those who fought and the complexities of post-war recognition.

Born in 1882, Sparkes was an advertising manager for the Allan & Stark department store in Brisbane before the war. Well-known in local musical, sporting, and horticultural circles, he enlisted as a gunner in the 3rd Brigade Field Artillery on 20 August 1914, just as World War I began.

Military Service

Rapid advancements and commendations marked Sparkes’ military career. After training, he was deployed to Egypt with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (MEF). His exceptional skills in artillery earned him a promotion to bombardier, followed by further promotions due to his gallantry and leadership at Gallipoli.

Sgt William Percival Sparkes — *Photo Credit: NAA*

He landed with the first Anzacs in April 1915 and was soon Mentioned in Despatches for his acts of bravery under fire. Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds in May 1915, he returned to the front lines after recovering.

The physical toll of the war significantly impacted Sparkes. He developed a heart murmur attributed to the stress of his service, leading to his discharge in October 1917 as permanently unfit for military duty.

Returning to Brisbane, he rejoined Allan & Stark and ventured into politics, standing for the Buranda seat in the State Legislative Assembly in 1918. Despite his efforts, he was defeated, a campaign marred by personal attacks on his military record.

Advocacy for Recognition

In the post-war years, Sparkes was involved in another battle, this time for recognition at the Yeronga Memorial Park. His initial exclusion from the Memorial Tablet due to not dying overseas sparked a campaign by his family, emphasising the inconsistency in the memorial’s criteria, given that non-military personnel were included.

Death and Legacy

William Percival Sparkes passed away on 15 December 1921, from an aortic aneurysm, which doctors attributed to his war service. His papers, including war diaries, were later acquired by the State Library of New South Wales, preserving his legacy.

Meanwhile, the Yeronga Memorial Park now stands corrected, reflecting only the names of those soldiers from the Stephens Shire who served their country with valour.

Yeronga Memorial Park Tablet — *Photo Credit: Monuments of Australia*

Published 28-April-2024

Jardinia by Pradella Sets A New Standard In Yeronga Living

Photo Credit: Website/ Urban

With the launch of Pradella’s newest residential project, Jardinia, for 2024, Brisbane’s thriving real estate market is a hive of activity. Tucked away in the energetic Yeronga suburb, Jardinia is a stunning new urban living space with lots of greenery, modern conveniences, and exquisite design.

The name Jardinia comes from the Spanish word for garden. This building is a great example of how modern design and nature can live together. This five-story building at 26–36 Shottery Street has 87 well-designed flats and is in a great spot, close to Yeronga Station and all the great things to do on Fairfield Road.

The well-known architecture company Wiltshire Stevens made Jardinia. Its unique living green facade makes it blend in perfectly with its surroundings. Private foyers welcome visitors as they enter their homes and lead to sizable, open-plan living rooms that effortlessly flow onto sizable terraces. This creates a sense of community and openness.

The flats at Jardinia have the best SMEG appliances on the market and have sleek stone countertops with sinks set into island benches. The large master suites have walk-in closets that are a good size and luxurious baths with double vanities, freestanding bathtubs, and separate showers. If you have different living needs, the extra bedrooms can fit them with built-in closets and easy access to the main bathroom.

Some homes also have rooms that can be used for more than one thing, like an office, a media room, or an extra bedroom, based on what a modern family needs.

Residents of Jardinia can choose from two current colour schemes that let them express themselves and make their homes unique.

The rooftop terrace at Jardinia, which draws inspiration from the riad gardens of exotic palaces, makes life even better. With entertainment areas, chairs, and a resort-style pool, it’s a peaceful haven in the middle of the city’s chaos.

Health and well-being are important to Jardinia, so they have features like a fully-stocked gym and a media room that can be used for different things. These let residents stay busy and calm in the comfort of their own homes.

Position Property is in charge of Jardinia’s marketing effort. At $559,900, it’s a great choice for picky buyers who want to live in style in Brisbane’s inner-ring areas.

Pradella has been an important part of Brisbane’s growth since its start in 1956, when Kim Pradella was in charge. The company is known for big projects like the $1 billion Montague Markets area in the West End. They are excited about their newest project in Toowong and are working on a development application right now.

Jardinia is the best example of Pradella’s commitment to quality. It is a lush oasis in the middle of the city where people can live, work, and enjoy a refined and peaceful way of life.

Published Date 04-April-2024

Million-Dollar Pledge to Enhance Brisbane’s Sports Clubs in Yeronga, Other Suburbs

A million-dollar commitment to upgrade facilities at various sporting grounds and parks in Brisbane, including Yeronga, has been unveiled amidst the city’s increasing demand for quality sporting infrastructure.

The $1.8-million plan will include replacing outdated halogen lights with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient LED lights at seven key parks utilized by 11 sporting clubs citywide.

This strategic investment not only promises to modernise lighting infrastructure but also holds the potential to yield substantial financial savings for community clubs. With estimated annual electricity bill savings of up to $4000 per club, the initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, empowering clubs to direct resources towards enhancing grassroots sporting initiatives and community engagement.

Moreover, the transition to LED bulbs is projected to deliver significant environmental benefits, with a staggering 70 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per location. This substantial decrease translates to an equivalent of emissions from an average Brisbane household over a year, underlining the initiative’s contribution toward the city’s broader sustainability goals.

Leyshon Park, Yeronga

Among the prominent locations slated for lighting upgrades is Leyshon Park, nestled in the heart of Yeronga and serving as the cherished home ground for the esteemed Yeronga Eagles Football Club (YEFC). This green space holds a special place in the hearts of residents and sporting enthusiasts alike.

Beyond its lush fields and pristine facilities, Leyshon Park is a melting pot of camaraderie, diversity, and sporting excellence, where individuals from all walks of life converge to celebrate the joy of football.

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A post shared by Yeronga Eagles Football Club (@yerongaefc)

YEFC has been synonymous with passion, dedication, and sporting prowess for decades, nurturing generations of athletes and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. Guided by a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and opportunity, the club’s mission is to provide football pathways for both seasoned players and eager newcomers.

The rest of the parks included in this initiative are:

Bill Cash Memorial Park, Cannon Hill
D.M. Henderson Park, Sunnybank
Gibson Park, Stafford
Giffin Park, Coorparoo
Keperra Picnic Ground Park, Ferny Grove
Mitchelton Park, Mitchelton

Commitment to Sporting Communities

The announcement of this comprehensive sports infrastructure overhaul reflects the local council’s unwavering commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Brisbane’s diverse sporting community.

Re-elected Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, spearheading this initiative, reiterated its significance in empowering clubs to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. By providing essential support and modernizing facilities, the Better Sports Lighting Program is poised to catalyse positive change, ensuring that sports clubs can continue serving as vibrant community activity and well-being hubs.

Published 18-March-2024

A Yeronga Heritage: Family Home Hits the Market After 67 Years

Photo Credit: LJHookerAnnerley-Yeronga/YouTube

A historic mid-century home in Yeronga, a fixture in the community for nearly seventy years, has recently been listed for sale.

This property is distinguished by its architectural significance and the deep familial history it harbours. Once the residence of the Winsen family, it represents a blend of time-honored design and cherished family memories.

Owned by the Winsen family for 67 years, this home, nestled at 102 Rome Street South, symbolises more than bricks and mortar.

102 Rome Street South Yeronga — Photo Credit: LJHookerAnnerley-Yeronga/YouTube

Jane Thompson, the daughter of the Winsen family, now 65, reminisces about a childhood framed by the walls of this house. She reflects on the nostalgia, reverence, and gratitude embedded within the home’s walls.

Designed by the acclaimed architect Don Winsen, the house not only represents the era’s architectural elegance but also embodies the family’s heart and soul. The Winsen children, now preparing to bid farewell to their family heirloom, carry a mix of emotions – from nostalgia to profound gratitude.

The listed property has attracted offers of up to $1,795,000. It’s a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence, boasting 2 parking spaces and all the character of its time. Its estimated value hovers around $2.33 million, with a price range stretching from $2.01 million to $2.65 million.

Published 29-Nov-2023

Bring Your Electronic and Electrical Waste to eWaste Connection Yeronga!

Yeronga’s eWaste Connection, a community-driven initiative has been nominated for the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award. This award recognises the remarkable efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses in Brisbane who have made significant contributions to making the city cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

eWaste Connection stands out as an exceptional nominee, providing a safe and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities to actively reduce e-waste and promote sustainability. Their workshop program operates six days a week, involving around 160 people with disabilities and 69 dedicated volunteers in the recycling, repair, and refurbishment of electronic and electrical waste. Refurbished items are then donated to domestic violence refuges and other charities, offering affordable solutions to those in need.

In the previous financial year, eWaste Connection’s dedicated community volunteered an impressive total of 4,914 hours, resulting in the diversion of a remarkable 114,642 kilograms of e-waste from ending up in landfills. Their commitment to sustainability and community service has earned them the prestigious WasteSMART Community Award in 2020 and the WasteSMART Business Award in 2022.

Recognizing Waste Reduction Champions

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted the importance of such initiatives.

“Brisbane is recognised as Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city, and I want to make sure it gets even better for future generations,” he said.

The WasteSMART People’s Choice Award is a commendable initiative by the Brisbane City Council to acknowledge the relentless efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses committed to waste reduction and sustainability. This accolade not only serves as recognition but also provides a platform for these unsung heroes to inspire others.

Among this year’s finalists are not just eWaste Connection but also charity and not-for-profit groups tirelessly working to divert various types of waste from landfills, including food, clothing, textiles, and medical waste. Furthermore, innovative businesses have been nominated for utilising practices such as worm farms, establishing their produce gardens, and creating dedicated in-house sustainability teams.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Brisbane City Council to foster sustainability and environmental consciousness within the community. Measures like food waste recycling trials, compost and worm farm rebates, and affordable green waste disposal options are already in place to support these objectives.

The WasteSMART Awards are administered by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of the Brisbane City Council and are proudly sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway, and The University of Queensland.

The much-anticipated award ceremony will be held at Brisbane City Hall in November to announce the winners across 12 WasteSMART Award categories, which boast a combined prize pool exceeding $4,000.

For further information on the awards and to cast your vote, please visit the official WasteSMART Awards website: www.wastesmartawards.com.au.

Published 26-Oct-2023

Old Taubmans Paint Factory in Yeronga to be Reborn as ‘The Paint Factory Arts Village’

An iconic part of Brisbane’s industrial history could soon be revived as ‘The Paint Factory Arts Village’ if plans lodged by a local development team gain approval.

Read: New Affordable Housing Development Underway at Former TAFE Site in Yeronga

The old Taubmans Paint Factory at 115 Hyde Road in Yeronga, which closed its doors in 2015 after over 60 years of paint production, could soon become the city’s leading creative hub.

The proposed mixed-use precinct would cater to creatives and art-lovers by combining architecturally designed residences with galleries, studios, and communal creative spaces.

Photo credit: The Paint Factory Yeronga/Facebook

The 3.4 hectare site was purchased in 2015 for $10 million by development company Hyde Road Pty. The company’s director Paul Hey who has long dreamt of transforming the site, has now lodged a development application with Brisbane City Council to rezone the former factory from industrial to mixed use.

“The vision for the proposed development is for a vibrant mixed use community, comprising artist studios, art gallery, artistic training, catering, food and drink outlets, event space, office space, performance space and storage space, as well as residential uses that support the creative arts,” the planning documents read.

If approved, The Paint Factory Arts Village would be Australia’s first precinct tailored specifically for those working in the creative industries, as well as those wanting an arts-immersed lifestyle. Features will include outdoor performance spaces, green spaces, and expansive street art murals.

“The proposal seeks to increase the minimum acceptable outcome for building height from 15 metres to 8 storeys (with a height transition along Hyde Road as shown on the Building Height Variation Plan). The proposed building height will enable mixed use development to occur whilst maintaining a transition to the lower density development across the site,” planners at Wolter Consulting Group added.

Read: ‘Rocklawn’: Historic Queenslander on Chester Rd Goes on the Market for First Time Ever

Currently, The Paint Factory is home to a community of local and international visual artists with studios on site. Artworks created at The Paint Factory have been exhibited at home and abroad and can be found in internationally renowned galleries such as Tate Modern (UK), the Art Institute of Chicago (US), The National Gallery of Canada and The National Gallery of Australia.

The old factory, which opened its doors in 1952 as a Taubmans paint production facility, has also been used as a filming location for productions like Netflix’s adaptation of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe.

Published 17-August-2023

New Affordable Housing Development Underway at Former TAFE Site in Yeronga

Construction has begun on a major new residential development at the former TAFE college site in Yeronga. The $185 million project will deliver 281 new homes, including affordable housing units and retirement living apartments.

Read: Urban Renewal Project Breathes New Life Into Former TAFE Site

The 3.1-hectare site will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct with residential, retail, community facilities and public green spaces. The development is a public-private partnership between the state government, Brisbane Housing Company, Retire Australia and property developer JGL.

Designed by Archipelago, the project will feature 169 retirement living apartments, 37 townhomes, 75 affordable housing units and over 4,000 sqm of public open space. The precinct will also include a new Yeronga Community Centre funded by the state government to the tune of $40 million.

former tafe site — Artist’s impression of commercial building along with a new community centre (Photo credit: Archipelago)

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hailed the development as a model example of government and the private sector working together.

“This project will deliver a range of important housing options for the community, including private, social and retirement homes,” she said.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the development aligns with the government’s record $3.9 billion investment into social and affordable housing across the state.

Yeronga Heart Director Bill Bennett announced details of the new Parkside Yeronga development.

“Economic Development Queensland and Yeronga Heart are working together to deliver the new community envisaged in the Parkside Yeronga Master Plan,” he said.

Mr Bennett emphasised the development’s prime location, adding that future residents will benefit from established road and public transport access as well as new facilities within the precinct.

He stated the diverse housing options will allow the development to serve a broad spectrum of residents.

The project is expected to create 532 construction jobs over four years. The mixed-use community aims to revitalise the former TAFE site and meet diverse housing needs in the growing suburb.

Read: New Childcare Centre Proposed in Annerley to Address Growing Demand

Published 21-July-2023