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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:

Acacia Ridge State School
Ascot State School
Ashgrove State School
Aviation High
Balmoral State High School
Bardon State School
Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School
Cannon Hill State School
Coorparoo Secondary College
Coorparoo State School
Eagle Junction State School
Graceville State School
Ithaca Creek State School
Kedron State School
Marshall Road State School
Milton State School
Moorooka State School
Morningside State School
New Farm State School
Norman Park State School
Petrie Terrace State School
Rainworth State School
Toowong State School
Wellers Hill State School
West End State School
Whites Hill State College
Wilston State School
Windsor State School
Wooloowin State School
Yeronga State High School

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.

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:

DATE	PLACE
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 Feb	Heathwood 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 Feb	7th Brigade Park, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
Sat 29 Feb	Murarrie Recreation Ground, 1238 Wynnum Rd, Murarrie
Sat 7 Mar	Huxtable Park, Chermside West
Sat 21 Mar	Kianawah 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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

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

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.

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.

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:

GRANT		DEADLINE 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 old	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program Funding: $30,000	For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.	Monday 16th of Dec 2019

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/Time	Location
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

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

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.

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

A charming, new cafe has opened at the site of the former flower shop on 97 Haig Road and it will likely become your next favourite brunch place in AuchenFlower. Standing next to a children’s playground, the Peach Cafe serves freshly-baked goodies, satisfying meals and a selection of excellent coffee.

Peach Cafe‘s all-day breakfast choices, such as smash avocado toast, hotcakes, or bacon and eggs, might seem familiar but this restaurant also serves fusion food inspired by Asian cuisine. If you’re not up for the usual toast and eggs, you cannot go wrong with its rich-tasting Kimchi fried rice with pork belly.

This restaurant’s dishes go perfectly well with Peach Cafe’s coffee, chai latte and hot chocolate drinks.

You’ll find Peach Cafe’s ambiance appealing with its dainty peach and white theme. This dining spot also has an alfresco dining area for families with kids and dogs coming from the nearby park.

Since this restaurant is still fairly new, there’s still room for growth and adjustment. But it won’t be surprising if Peach Cafe becomes your place of choice for catching up and relaxing with friends and family!

“Had such a wonderful breakfast at Peach Cafe! Beautiful light atmosphere, best coffee in Brisbane and delicious food. Great service and a great vibe. The avo toast is divine and don’t forget to try the delish pastries on offer! 10/10 would return!”
~ Franchesca Chorengel, Facebook

“Have been there twice now, and both times I’ve been incredibly pleased with the whole experience – delicious coffee, mocha comes sprinkled with real chocolate, kind staff and lovely (dog-friendly) seating out the back. So glad to have another local cafe pop up and will definitely be back.”
~ Pia Richardson, Google Review

“Came here for coffee on a Saturday morning, so many people queuing up, coffee must be good. And yes it is also got a little kid park next to it. No wonder it’s popular.”
~ Misscharlot, Zomato

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

When Bardon local Scott Rimington and his family join a sea of purple for the annual National Walk for Pancreatic Cancer in Brisbane, on Sunday, the 20th Oct 2019, they will be hoping that pancreatic cancer will get the same attention as breast cancer.

“I may need to update my information but when I last looked more people die of pancreatic cancer in Australia than of breast cancer,” Scott said. “Still [there are] lots more women diagnosed with breast cancer but through research funding, improving identification and treatments, the survival rates have improved remarkably [for breast cancer patients].”

Scott lost his wife of 35 years, Annie Cridland, to an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer in 2016. Since Annie’s diagnosis, he has been supporting the research to help improve pancreatic cancer detection and treatments. He has been sharing his time and resources to the foundation more so after his wife passed away.

The Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Scott hopes that the same progress will happen to pancreatic cancer research. Thus, he has been urging family members and friends to raise awareness and participate in the Put Your Foot Down Walk for Pancreatic Cancer.

Joining Scott at Teralba Park at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday are his daughters Emily and Evie, Annie’s friends and even Annie’s dog, Nell. They will be amongst other families throwing their support for pancreatic cancer patients and the institutions that ensure there will one day be an end to this deadly disease.

“There is something very special about sharing with other families and treading the same path we have,” Scott said.

Whilst he looks forward to the yearly walk for a cause to be with the families and meet the actual experts who have been working on finding a cure, Scott still has mixed emotions about this fundraiser.

“In some ways, I wish it wasn’t on as it is such a potent reminder of how pernicious this particular cancer is,” he said. “Every year you meet people and families that have been down the same or even tougher pathways than our family.”

“But in truth for me, the most important thing is to entice people to donate to Avner pancreatic cancer research as it is only funding that is going to keep the research momentum up in this seemingly intractable cancer area.”

*Photo Credit: Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation/Facebook*

Supporting the Walk for Pancreatic Cancer

If you’re keen on joining Scott, you may still register for the Walk. On-site registration will take place on the day of the event if you can’t do the online registration. Just be there at 8:30 a.m. or earlier.

The Walk is open for any age but participants above 16 years old will need to sign up for $25 as part of the fundraising efforts. Don’t forget to wear anything purple!

You don’t need to be present at the Walk to support the cause. You may still donate online from among the participant’s profiles. As of press time, $16,586.00 has been raised in the days leading up to the big event.

Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters Ceases Brewing in Bardon

The local hub aptly named Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters, located at 58 Rainworth Road in Bardon, will cease brewing after the 22nd of Sept 2019.

Owners Alex and Stephanie Ridgway announced their decision to their loyal customers in a Facebook post, citing their need to create a work and life balance for their young and growing children. The Bardon location opened in 2015.

Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters regulars, however, may still find their delicious roasted coffee and cafe meals at its Albion location on Sandgate Road. The Ridgway couple plan to lease their store in Bardon whilst ensuring that the Albion site will get the focus and attention it needs.

*Photo Credit: Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters/Facebook*

“It is a great space and we would love to continue serving you there if you come to that side of town,” the couple stated, adding that they would want to continue building a sense of connectedness in the community, which they have experienced while running the Bardon store.

“It is incredibly heart-warming when we observe: children exploring the back garden with wonder; elderly members of our community reporting their sense of nostalgia in the shop; people finding a little pause from the busyness of their day; newborn babies becoming a part of the community; a neighbour tending so lovingly to the side garden; and regular customers coming down to the cafe to meet with their neighbours every day.”

Trading hours at the Albion site, which may be found at the back of the Albion Fine Trades, is from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Meanwhile, their online store will still be up so Bardon locals who regularly buy their blends may also arrange for delivery.