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5 Beautiful Parks In Bardon To Enjoy Social Distancing

Big, wide-open spaces like public parks are great for social distancing. In these trying times, when public health is a critical global issue, experts said that it’s better to be outdoors, in Bardon parks, than indoors only if you’re planning to enjoy some time for recreation.

Bardon is fortunate to have heaps of public parks where you can relax, embrace the scenery in peace and lower your stress levels. Here are five beautiful parks in this suburb to visit and enjoy some social distancing.

1. Norman Buchan Park

Location: 53 Rainworth Road 

This is a dog-friendly park with plenty of shade trees, a large grassy area and a cemented path for disability access. There is a set of play equipment for children (be sure to sanitise with alcohol!) and ample amenities like clean toilets, undercover seating, water stations and parking. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

2. Rainworth Park

Location: 67 Main Ave

This is a smaller park with an abundance of shaded areas. It’s perhaps the best place to do your daily exercises or read a book in a cool setting, while social distancing, as this park isn’t designed for big get-togethers. There is, however, a small jungle gym for kids. 

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Read: Swimply, Airbnb of Pools, Now in Australia

3. Colorado Avenue Park

Location: 81 Fifth Avenue

This is another tiny park with a single walking track next to a creek. If you’d like to enjoy a morning walk or a late afternoon romp without fear of getting lost in the bushland, check this site out. There are no other facilities in this park.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

4. Sunset Park

Location: 105 Barnett Road

An off-leash dog area (for small dogs only), this park also has a BMX facility for teens and kids. It’s close to Bardon Esplanade Park by the road reserve, where there are plenty of trees but no facilities. Thus, you can walk and exercise to your heart’s delight around these sites.

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Read: Two Bardon Women Are 2020 Order of Australia Honourees

5. Purtell Park

57 Carwoola Street

Sports activities dominate this park but it’s big and spacious so you can enjoy the scenery in peace, especially during the early evenings. Occasionally, you may spot some kookaburras here. Dogs are welcome, too. 

Meanwhile, for information on COVID-19 Health Alerts, visit Queensland Health’s official site and Brisbane City Council’s Coronavirus: Council Updates and Impacts page. 

Begonias-A-Plenty 2020 Brings the Largest Unique Showcase In Queensland

The largest begonia display in Queensland is back for another year at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Begonias-A-Plenty 2020 is a great opportunity for gardeners, horticulturists and green fingers to find a wide variety of begonias, including new hybrids, rare and endangered species.

Hosted by the Queensland Begonia Society, Begonias-A-Plenty will be underway on Saturday, the 29th of February 2020 at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium. The plant showcase will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This will be the best time to buy begonia varieties that are not available at most nurseries.  Did you know that begonias do not grow naturally in Australia? Well, on display at this event are hundreds of begonia varieties created by Queensland and Australian growers. 

Photo Credit: Queensland Begonia Society

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Aside from admiring the quality and variety of the begonias on display, guests may meet and talk to members of the Queensland Begonia Society for tips and advice on caring and growing begonias. 

By 10:00 a.m., a full-hour plant workshop will be underway, which will be followed by a “Name This Begonia” competition and a raffle draw. Guests may also peruse books for sale, as authored by local begonia experts. 

Begonias-A-Plenty is guaranteed to be an enjoyable and enriching full day for plant lovers. 

For further details about this event, phone (07) 5502 2579 or email shevi71b@gmail.com (Shevanti Seneviratne).   

Read: Ongoing Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs Happening at Jubilee Park

Two Bardon Women Are 2020 Order of Australia Honourees

At the recently held 2020 Australia Day Awards, almost half, the highest percentage so far, of the recipients were women, including two distinguished women from Bardon.

A total of 1,099 awards were announced on 26 January 2020 by the Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). 

There were 837 recipients of awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia, 26 recipients in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, and 236 recipients of meritorious awards. 

Almost 45 percent or 375 were awarded for outstanding service or achievement in the community. The oldest recipient is 97 years old whilst the youngest is 19.

Read: State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

A record 41.6 percent of the award recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia were women — the highest ever. Included were Bardon’s very own Ms Sarah Bradley – for distinguished service to the law, and to the judiciary, to women in the legal profession, and to the community; and Ms Marita Louise Cowie – for significant service to community health in rural and remote areas. 

Judge Sarah Bradley was honoured Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She has served as a judge of the District Court of Queensland (Cairns, 1999-2009, Ipswich 2010-2016). She was also a Member (2000-2009) then Chair (2009-2012) of the District Court Judges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee.

Her awards and recognition include Woman in Excellence Award, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland, 2016; and Honorary Life Member, Queensland Law Society

Ms Marita Louise Cowie was appointed Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. She served at the Asthma Foundation of Queensland as Director (2013-2015) and Chairman (2014-2015).

She has been the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, since 1998; Director and Deputy Chair of Asthma Foundation Queensland and New South Wales, since 2015; and Director and Deputy Chairman of Asthma Australia since 2014. 

Her awards and recognition include Honorary Doctor of Medicine, James Cook University, 2018; Honorary Member, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, 2009; Distinguished Service Medal, Rural Doctors Association of Australia, 2007; and  Honorary Member, Rural Doctors Association Queensland.

See for the full list of Australia Day 2020 Honours List.

Read: Rainworth State School Now on the Queensland Heritage List

State Government Installs Solar Panels at Bardon State School, More Qld Schools on the Way

The State Government ends 2019 with Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program reaching another milestone as Bardon State School and several other Qld schools saw solar panels installed over their rooftops.

State schools are one of the State Government’s largest energy consumers, spending more than $71 million each year. Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) Program is the State Government’s initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption at 1,241 state schools through a $97-million investment in solar panels and energy efficiency measures, which may include LED lighting, timers on hot water systems, and additional solar systems.

Ten thousand new solar panels have already been installed on 76 state school buildings and classrooms, Education Minister Grace Grace announced last 17 December 2019. As installation work ramped up over the Christmas holiday period, additional 2,000 panels would have already been installed in 14 Qld state schools entering the year 2020.

“We’re making great progress in making our state schools more energy efficient,” she said, adding that the ACES program is expected to support 320 jobs and 58,000 hours of apprentice work.

“Not only are we going to save millions of dollars, we’re also helping reduce our impact on the environment and support local jobs in the process,” she said.

The ACES Program is expected to help the state achieve its 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030, with approximately $10 million savings realised per year. 

Almost 3,000 kW of solar power is being generated, so far, from the installed panels across the state and almost 34,000 solar panels would have been installed by the end of June 2020.

Of the 1,241 state schools, more than 800 across the Department of Education’s 7 regions are being assessed for possible inclusion in program which will be based on the potential for a return on investment, current levels of energy use, student numbers and site conditions.

The Department of Education has identified the first 210 schools (30 from each region) to have solar panels installed by the end of the financial  year. Phase 2 of the program will be implemented during 2020-21 followed by Phase 3 during 2021-22.

The first 30 schools in Metropolitan region to benefit from the ACES program include:

  1. Acacia Ridge State School
  2. Ascot State School
  3. Ashgrove State School
  4. Aviation High
  5. Balmoral State High School
  6. Bardon State School
  7. Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School
  8. Cannon Hill State School
  9. Coorparoo Secondary College
  10. Coorparoo State School
  11. Eagle Junction State School
  12. Graceville State School
  13. Ithaca Creek State School
  14. Kedron State School
  15. Marshall Road State School
  16. Milton State School
  17. Moorooka State School
  18. Morningside State School
  19. New Farm State School
  20. Norman Park State School
  21. Petrie Terrace State School
  22. Rainworth State School
  23. Toowong State School
  24. Wellers Hill State School
  25. West End State School
  26. Whites Hill State College
  27. Wilston State School
  28. Windsor State School
  29. Wooloowin State School
  30. Yeronga State High School

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Ongoing Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs Happening at Jubilee Park

Brisbane City Council’s Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs is on a roll again! Movie buffs looking for a change in scenery can look forward to a series of family movies to be screened for FREE in Jubilee Park. 

For 2020, the family event will kick off on Saturday, the 18th of January, in Bardon. Succeeding screenings are also scheduled on the 15th of February and the 4th of April.

Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs opens at 4:00 p.m. with some pre-movie activities since there’s still a bit of daylight at this hour. The screening will officially start at 6:30 p.m. when the sky is darker. 

Read: Burger Urge Brings Sustainable Dining to Kelvin Grove

Previous outdoor cinema events presented family-friendly films like “Peter Rabbit,” “Incredibles 2,” “Hotel Transylvania 3” and “Goosebumps.” The Council has yet to confirm what Bardon locals will get to see. To get the updates, follow the Council’s Facebook event page.

Photo Credit: David McLean/Google Maps

There’s more to enjoy at this event as you’re already there in Jubilee Park. The children can have fun at the playground whilst the older kids could play frisbee, board games and cards by their picnic spot.

Needless to say, movie night in the park is easily the most inexpensive enjoyment you can have in the company of the people you love!

Here’s where the rest of the free Outdoor Cinema in the Suburbs screenings will be taking place around Brisbane: 

DATEPLACE
Sat 18 Jan
Fri 14 Feb 		Decker Park, 18 Twenty-Fifth Avenue, Brighton
Sat 25 Jan
Sat 15 Feb 		Whites Hill Reserve, 205 Jones Road, Camp Hill
Sat 1 Feb
Sat 2 May		Lanham Park, 75 Sellheim Street, Grange
Fri 14 FebHeathwood Park, 140 Parkwood Drive, Heathwood
Sat 15 Feb
Sat 16 May		George Clayton Park, 298 The Esplanade, Manly
Sat 22 Feb
Sat 4 April		Williams Park, 79 Ervatamia Street, Runcorn
Sat 22 Feb7th Brigade Park, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Sat 29 Feb Murarrie Recreation Ground, 1238 Wynnum Rd, Murarrie
Sat 7 MarHuxtable Park, Chermside West
Sat 21 MarKianawah Park, Tingalpa

Registrations are not needed at this event. Just bring your whole family or group at Jubilee Park and set your picnic blankets or cushions. Share your food or buy from the food stall and then enjoy the film!

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Swimply, Airbnb of Pools, Now in Australia

The difficulty of finding a private place to cool off for Bardon residents and visitors is now a thing of the past, as the world’s first online marketplace for pool sharing has finally splashed its way to Australia.

Touted as the “Airbnb for pools,” Swimply is an online platform for pool sharing, providing a convenient way for private pool owners wanting to earn extra cash and people looking for an affordable pool to hire, to connect. 

Swimply app was launched in the U.S. back in 2017. Owner Bunim Laskin came up with the idea at the height of summer in 2016 when they asked their next-door neighbour to let him and his siblings use the under utilised pool at certain days; in return, they will pay for a portion of the pool costs. The idea spawned this “Airbnb for pools” concept.

Swimply app works by providing a way for user to rent pools by the hour; rates range from $20 to $50 an hour. Through the app, users can check the pool’s description, amenities, host rules, and the number of guests it can accommodate. Prior to listing, pools are vetted to ensure that they meet health and safety standards

Airbnb of Pools Is Now in Australia
Photo credit: Swimply / swimply.com

Swimply operates in the United States and Canada and has now expanded to Australia — NSW, Queensland, and Victoria — just in time for summer. Mr Laskin said Australian’s enjoy long summers and that Swimply’s entry will help democratise the pool experience and make access to pools more affordable.

Australia will be Swimply’s first international expansion and for all the right reasons. Roy Morgan’s latest research shows that almost 2.7 million Australians live in a house with a swimming pool as of September 2018. Swimming pool owners make up 13 percent of the country’s population, with 18 percent of Brisbane residents owning a pool, Perth 19 percent, and Sydney 15 percent.

The platform, no doubt is a success in the U.S. with some pool owners earning by the thousands every month. Considering Swimply’s fast rise to success and Australia’s love of the outdoors, it may not be long before this pool-sharing concept catches on.

Read: Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Goodfolk Cafe Takes Over Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Site in Bardon, Serving Same Roasted Coffee

Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters may have left this historic general store space on Rainworth Road in Bardon but their delicious, locally roasted coffee is still available on site, at Goodfolk Cafe, where the good folks in the neighbourhood can still get their favourite brew along with some new brunch options.

Goodfolk Cafe is owned by Adam Murphy and Nick Turner, who also run the Gramps Cafe in Red Hill. The partners grabbed the rare chance to acquire this charming Bardon space to open a dining establishment that has an inviting community feel.

Read: Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Opens at Former Flower Shop’s Site

Adam and Nick repainted the walls and added a few share tables, including a large 16-seater, for communal dining. Now, over 100 patrons can be accommodated for breakfast or brunch and the children may also play at the spacious garden in the backyard. 

Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook

The restaurant’s menu is still changing and growing as Goodfolk Cafe gets into the swing of things. For now, customers may enjoy the classics like toasts, poached eggs, a bowl of seasonal fruits and vegan specialties, which are prepared with ingredients coming from the on-site garden. 

Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook
Photo Credit: Goodfolk Cafe/Facebook

Aside from growing most of its ingredients and making its own hot chocolate, chai syrup and almond milk, this place is a sustainable establishment. Its owners have adapted an efficient waste-management system that makes use of its kitchen wastes as compost for the garden. Goodfolk Cafe also makes us of biodegradable straws and takeaway cups are recyclable.

Goodfolk Cafe is open from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily. By mid-2020, the restaurant could obtain its liquor licence. 

Read: Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Ceases Brewing in Bardon

“Gorgeous coffee and chai. They make their own almond milk and it’s divine. The place has an overall nice feel to it. We started with breakfast (amazing avo on toast) and ordered a chai because we didn’t want to leave! Staff super friendly. My favourite spot in Brisbane!”

~ Mini Lolo, Google Review

“On the way to the Bardon Shed, I drove past this cafe. Remember I had an impressive brekkie here last time so parked my car and checked it out. When I approached the cafe, I then realized that it has changed the name as the Goodfolk Cafe. Walked in and the first thing attracted my gaze was the plain croissants sitting on top of the counter. They looked great and tempted me to give it a go. Took a seat at the corner and I could not wait to see how my visual appraisal was. When the passionate barista brought me the croissant, the episode that I had my best croissant a few weeks ago in Pairs appeared in my mind. The first cut by the knife reflected the flaky and layered texture of this croissant. Ha! I found another place who serves real croissant in Brisbane! Not only that, the coffee of Neighbourhood brew was perfectly matched my palate. Tell you a secret tip of its croissant, they get as frozen produce from France and baked them in house. No wonder it is so good.” 

~ Ronnielui2003, Zomato

Published 9 December 2019

Burger Urge Brings Sustainable Dining to Kelvin Grove

Sustainable dining is now the top priority at Burger Urge Kelvin Grove as it becomes the first-ever food retailer in Australia to partner with The Good Food Revolution.

Earlier in November 2019, Burger Urge announced its partnership with social enterprise, The Good Food Revolution, which aims to guide businesses to bring positive impact on the environment, animal welfare, and human health.

With this partnership, Burger Urge is transforming the way they operate. Some of the critical actions that Burger Urge pledged to do include:

  • Eliminating plastic from all Burger Urge’s restaurants
  • Sourcing ethically produced animal products
  • Providing a greater offering that contributes positively to the health and wellbeing of the community
  • Implementing robust recycling practices
  • Increasing plant-based menu items
Photo credit: Burger Urge/ Facebook

The Burger Urge shows its full commitment to sustainability first by signing up to The Good Food Revolution’s six-year plan. Here’s a quick rundown of the timeline they agreed upon:

December 2020

  • Recycle all glass, plastic and aluminium drink and containers across our network
  • Compost all food waste
  • Reduce waste that goes to landfill by 40%
  • Replace all single-use plastic with recycled and biodegradable plastics
  • Implement reporting and track impact through measurable data, which will be communicated to the public via Burger Urge website, to ensure transparency

December 2023

  • Offer free-range, organic and plant-based alternatives for every menu item
  • Reduce waste that goes into landfill by a further 30%
  • Use 50%  renewable energy across network
  • Convert all corporate restaurants to solar power
  • All animal products to be completely free-range

December 2025

  • Eliminate all general waste and landfill
  • Use all recycled materials after use
  • Use 75% renewable energy across network
  • Remove high-sugar and artificially sweetened products from menu
  • Make all animal products completely free-range organic

Read: Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Opens at Former Flower Shop’s Site

Richard Randall Art Studio in Mount Coot-Tha Highlights an All-Watercolours Art Exhibition

Neville Logan was an electrical engineer and his wife Barbara was an English professor when they decided to heed a different calling. Based in Brisbane’s western suburbs for over 40 years, Pinjarra Hills native Mr Logan has had several art exhibitions in and around the country with his wife in pursuit of their common passion for watercolour art.

An all-watercolours art exhibit will showcase their works along with that of other talented local artists at the Richard Randall Art Studio in Mt Coot-tha.

Neville and Barbara will join four of their Iranian friends, Ferie Sadeghi, Samaneh Mohtadi, Bahar Shahrestanaki and Parvaneh Shayegh, in an art showcase called “Mainly Watercolours,” from Thursday to Sunday, the 21st to the 24th of Nov 2019.

Their artworks at the Richard Randall Art Studio will feature a variety of subjects to include local and overseas settings and sceneries set against Barbara’s acrylic fabric collages. The Logans are avid travelers and their experiences are reflected in their creative works. 

Photo Credit: Neville Logan/Facebook

Read: Peach Cafe in Auchenflower Opens at Former Flower Shop’s Site

Admission to the exhibit is free and it will be open to the public from noontime to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the weekend.  Whilst you’re there, you may also visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens nearby. 

Read: Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Ceases Brewing in Bardon

Brisbane City Council Opens Creative and History Grant Applications for 2019-2020 For Artists

A great opportunity has opened up for Bardon artists and innovators as the Brisbane City Council recently announced it is accepting applications from individuals who may benefit from the Creative and History Grant for 2019-2020. 

For this particular phase, three Creative and History Grants have been opened: 

GRANTDEADLINE of APPLICATION
Creative Sparks Grants Program 
Funding: $10,000		For creatives whose initiatives will help enrich Brisbane’s cultural, social and economic status.Monday 
9th of Dec 2019
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships
Funding: $20,000		For budding creatives who want a career in the arts. Age limit: 17 to 30 years oldMonday
9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program
Funding: $30,000		For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.Monday
16th of Dec 2019

Read: Why Bardon Dad Scott Rimington Is Joining a Sea of Purple for the National Walk for Pancreatic Cancer in Brisbane

However, if you or someone you know could use the grant for a creative project, a unique product or profitable idea, consider attending the Creative Grant Information Sessions first at one of six sites around Brisbane:

Date/TimeLocation
Monday, 4 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.		Brisbane Square Library
266 George Street, Brisbane City

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.		Nundah Library 
1 Bage Street via Primrose Lane, Nundah

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 7 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.		Seven Hills Hub
28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills
* near Ron Hurley Theatre

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.		Indooroopilly Library
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly
* inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.		Garden City Library
Level R4 – Yellow Car Park Garden City Shopping Centre Corner Logan Road &, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt

BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 14 Nov 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.		Visible Ink
5 Green Square Cl, Fortitude Valley

BOOK YOUR TICKET

Read: Community, Convenience, and Comfort at The Bardon Shed

Designed to help artists and innovators craft an impressive application, these sessions, hosted by the Council, are free-of-charge. However, you have to register for a ticket as the slots are limited. 

The Creative Grant Information Sessions will provide you with ideas on:

  • the different creative grant programs available
  • grant guidelines and application forms
  • advice on project eligibility and
  • tips on making an application
Photo Credit: rawpixel/Pixabay

About Creative and History Grants

Every year, Brisbane City Council sets up these grants to encourage local artists, innovators, historians and organizations to flourish in their chosen field of expertise. Funding their projects is a stepping stone that should open bigger opportunities for progress and change to benefit the  local community.