Tucked away on Bardon’s shopping strip, a shop called Woodblock Cheese recently opened, churning good cheese that mixes the flavours of Australia and Europe.
Photo credit: Woodblock Cheese / Facebook
The little artisan shop is owned by Margie Parsons, who is passionate about all things cheese. It all started with a local cheese making course a few years ago. From then, she started to learn more about cheeses. Ms Parsons studied at the Artisan Cheesemaking Academy in South Australia and packed up on the knowledge. Today, she is now a qualified cheesemaker.
She offers a wide variety of cheeses from Australia cheeses to European ones that you can’t find elsewhere in Brisbane but here.
Check out their semi-hard and washed rind cheeses. There are also haloumi, buffalo mozzarella, and gorgonzola piccante.
Photo credit: Woodblock Cheese / Facebook
This is also THE shop to find quite a selection of hard-to-find sheep’s and goat’s cheese.
Woodblock is the perfect place to hit if you are throwing a wine and cheese party and want to have a varied and sophisticated cheese board for your guests. Aside from cheese, they also offer pates, fruit pastes, prosciutto, pancetta, and many more.
If you want to get to know more about cheese, they also offer a small selection of cheese books and cookbooks in the store.
Unbeknownst to some, the Faber Centre of Ignatian Spirituality in Bardon used to be the home of what is considered to be the best potato chips in Brisbane, Freer’s Red Seal Potato Chips.
It All Started With a Mr Freer
Most people would say that Gerard James Freer had bleak beginnings. Born during the Great Depression in 1926 to a family who scarcely had money to live, Mr Freer’s younger years were very tough. When his father died, his mother had to find ways to support them. For her then, drastic times called for drastic measures. Mr Freer, along with his two siblings, had to be sent away to relatives and orphanages to survive. Throughout his life, he would only see his mother several times a year.
Not one to be let down by life’s challenges, Mr Freer’s hope to be successful became very apparent even during his younger years. He was determined to succeed, so he made sure to learn as much as he could and acquire useful skills. After junior year, he started to work during the day and continue his education by night. By 1945-1950, he was a food chemist for Queensland Country Traders on Coronation Drive. At night, he would attend classes in Industrial Chemistry. It was during this time when he noticed symptoms of deafness but that didn’t stop him from learning.
Photo credit: Photo credit: Freer’s Red Seal Chips / Facebook
By 1950, he started working as a production manager at Mynor, a company that manufactures potato crisps. Over the years, his hearing impairment grew worse until he became completely deaf.
Still, life went on for him. He found solace in the arms of Maureen Evans, who became his wife. She played a huge role in his success. Mr Freer always had dreams of owning his own business. Luckily, they were able to acquire an asset, an Austen A40 that they sold to acquire their new home, a five-acre bushland. He was still working with Mynor at this time. After ten years of employment, he resigned and started his own business under the name Superfoods.
The Beginning of a Legacy
Photo credit: Freer’s Red Seal Chips / Facebook
At Superfoods, Mr Greer produced 84 lines of snacks. Later on, he was able to build his own factory where he started developing various flavours for his snacks. Red Seal was born during this time, a snack which won a taste-testing competition held by Queensland Chamber of Manufacturers.
However, his business took a huge blow when the world stock market crashed in 1987. He had to sell to Arnott’s. Mr Freer was hesitant at first but being left with no choice, he decided to sell to Arnott’s, but only under certain conditions. Arnott’s, however, didn’t live up to their end of the deal and they stopped the production of Red Seal goods. Mr Freer, disappointed, attempted to buy back all his equipment along with his staff but Arnott’s didn’t budge.
Quite undeterred and full of determination, he went to the bank to get a loan. He refurbished his factory and proceeded to get Freer Foods back on its feet again. After six months, his factory was operational again, with his old staff.
Sadly, some things just don’t last. In 1998, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Mr Freer sold Freer Foods to a group of Queenslanders. Later on, the factory and land were bought by the Stuartholme School, marking the end of “Mr Chips” and his legacy.
Bring Back Red Seal Chips
Such a legacy is hard to forget, though. Today, Queenslanders still remember the delicious Red Seal potato chips and have expressed their desire to bring it back on social media. The Old Brisbane Album Group on Facebook sheds light on the chips through a Facebook post by a resident. It has garnered quite a huge number of reactions. A Facebook page was even created in 2013 as a way to remember the chips that people have grown to love.
For now, there is no news about the revival of the potato chips but who knows? Someone who has Mr Freer’s determination might be up for the challenge of continuing a delicious and crunchy legacy that is etched in the minds of Queenslanders even until today.
The leafy suburb of Bardon is also home to several beautifully-constructed heritage homes that delight and charm passersby. Have you stumbled into a uniquely-structured house in the area? If you do, then it might have been a part of the area’s heritage homes that holds so much history.
Oogarding: Mediterranean Style villa
Address:100 Simpsons Road
Just when you’re about to make that sharp bend in Simpsons Road, you will notice a Mediterranean house against the tall gum trees. The Oogarding home was built in 1940 by architect Melvyn Rylance who was commissioned by James Gervase and Edith Joyce. Gerb (Mr Joyce’s nickname) Joyce is the owner of the Helidon Spa soft drink company, where the name of the house was derived from as “oorgarding” is its Aboriginal name.
The Oorgarding home sits on a perfect location in Bardon as it’s safe from flood and has sweeping views of the city.
Bardon House:Victorian-style, stone structured home
Address: 41 The Drive
Photo credit: mustdobrisbane.com
Joshua Jeays, the early mayor of Brisbane constructed this house between 1864 and 1926. He sourced stone from a quarry at Woogaroo which he also developed to use for the house. The two-storey Victorian Gothic structure, with a pitched roof, gables and dormer windows was passed on to his daughter. Mr Jeays never lived in the house. Some say that it was because his wife died even before the construction was finished.
In 1911, the Exleys bought the house from the Jeays. After years of living in the house, the Catholic church bought the house in 1925. I(t served as a temporary church until an actual church was built in the suburb. In 1937, the Franciscan Sisters moved into the house to run St. Joseph’s, a school. Today, the house is still part of the school.
The Fairy House
Address: McGregor Terrace
Photo credit: www.homehound.com.au
A magical home can be spotted along McGregor Terrace. The Fairy House was built shortly after the World War II by Russian artist and architect Grigori Mekhonoshin. The uniquely designed home was intended for his daughter. When walking along the busy street, the apex of the attic is visible. When you come closer, you will see several sculptures adorning the house.
The house actually has three levels. Each level, as well as each room, has outside access. The upper level is the most interesting. It has a trap door with a ladder that provides access to the room below. Its external access is accessible via a charming walk bridge.
Vital to the evolution of Queensland’s history, the house is an example of an 1860s vernacular dwelling. The house was built by Sir Augustus Charles Gregory KCMG CMG FRGS MLC, a famous explorer and surveyor-general of Queensland in 1862. He built the house to serve as a peaceful place where he can retreat to regroup his thoughts, create, write, and invent.
Each house in Bardon has a story to tell, but what makes these Bardon heritage homes special is that they have played a huge part in the suburb’s history and served as a bridge to a time long gone but fondly reminisced.
Donna and Nic Condon came up with a brilliant idea to expand their hair salon in Bardon by building a cafe just outside. If you think about it, it’s just the perfect pair.
Their business first started out as a hair styling salon. Known as Miss Audrey Hair, it soon became one of the suburb’s go-to place for their hair fixes. One day, Mr Condon, wanting to give more to the community, decided to build a cafe just outside of the salon, and Miss Audrey Coffee was born.
Mr Condon himself serves as the barista of the cafe, something which he enjoys very much. His presence provides such a warm welcome to the community.
Every morning, Mr Condon chats with the customers as if they’re old friends (and most of them are), “It’s a really supportive community. Very locally minded,” he says.
The quaint cafe sits at the entrance of the salon adorned with fresh flowers, hanging baskets, and lush green plants. Customers can enjoy their morning coffee on the timber tables and chairs surrounded by plants, overlooking the street.
They source their coffee beans from Padre Coffee Roastery in Noosaville whilst their teas are from Larsen and Thompson. For those who want to have a refreshing drink during those hot summer days will be delighted with the available juices from Noah’s.
Aside from their caffeine fixes, they also serve tasty treats from Outlook Catering. They have an assortment of muffins, brownies, and cakes.
Just around the corner lies the Bardon State School, which makes the cafe a popular spot for parents and their children as well as cyclists and joggers who need some energy boost to start their journeys. Pets are also welcome.
Did you know that Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that nearly sixty percent of the $1-billion worth of state renovation approvals for the 2016-2017 financial year is in Brisbane? Last year, Paddington/Milton topped the list of Brisbane’s suburbs with the highest number of home renovations. This year, the number one suburb in terms of home renovation is leafy Bardon, with Paddington/Milton in second place. Bardon has recorded $17.375 million in renovation spending.
According to LocalAgentFinder chief executive Matt McCann, these renovation projects allow homeowners to get closer to their dream homes especially now that the property prices are increasing significantly, urging Australians to turn to homes that need a modern update and renovating them.
In 2016, buyers of renovated properties went up in Bardon, with 70% of interested home buyers rooting for renovated homes. Although renovations can take a lot of time and stress, it looks like home buyers nowadays would pay a premium for a renovated home instead of doing it on their own, particularly for suburbs with a demographic that strongly leans towards young, working professionals and families whose circumstances allow them little time to focus on home alterations and conversions.
A Queenslander Home with a Twist
Photo credit: https://www.realestate.com.au
Last year, one pre-war Queenslander home at 167 Simpsons Road in the suburb caught the attention of the public when the 70-year-old home was transformed into a Hamptons-style property within just 18 months of renovation. The owners, Sueanne and Chris McCahon, originally planned to knock the house down. Instead, the couple decided to preserve the street appeal and the character of the home. They transformed the house into a five-bedroom, three-bathroom, two-car space property, along with sprawling entertaining spaces and a swimming pool.
An Award-Winning Renovated Home at Hebe St.
Photo credit: http://www.realestate.com.au/
Another eye-catching home renovation in Bardon can be found at 28 Hebe St. The Bardon home won the National Master Builder’s award for the best renovation in Australia. It also won an award for the Best Pool in the State and a renovation award at the Queensland Master Builder’s Awards in 2016.
Owned and built by builder Craig Brown and his wife Ella of Corella Construction, the house was completely rundown before they decided to do a makeover. Again, this couple decided to keep the house’s its street presence. Today, the house clearly represents Queensland living with features such as the pool and an open floor design.
With the way that house prices are increasing in many parts of Australia, many homeowners are resorting to renovating their homes to keep up with growing or changing requirements, instead of moving or purchasing property. Renovating is certainly a good way to increase their property values. It has also become good fodder for the “fix and flip” market.
Every year, Bardon State School holds an annual fair called The Bardon Mayfair. Now in its 37th year, this much-anticipated event will be on the 28th May. Plenty of stalls with great food and awesome entertainment will be around, along with exciting auctions that will transform the school into a action-packed wonderland.
Photo credit: Bardon Mayfair / Facebook
The Bardon Mayfair is held to raise money for the school. Funds go directly toward the improvement of the school’s facilities. For the auction, the school reaches out to business and organisations in the community to donate an item or vouchers for services. The school also offers sponsorship for the rides, equipment or services used for the fair. They also accept cash.
In return, the sponsors and donations are featured on the Mayfair’s website, blog, and Facebook pages in the months leading up to event, and up to the entire year. They are also featured in the school’s eNewsletters and in the Mayfair flyers that are delivered to over 5,000 people.
Photo credit: Bardon Mayfair / Facebook
Have fun on the amazing rides. Treat yourself to delicious homemade treats. Get creative at the arts and crafts stalls, which cater to both adults and children. Don’t miss out on the auctions because items like luxury hotel accommodation, and even children’s tuition, are up for grabs.
A terrier was found dead by his owners at their house in Northam Avenue on 21 April in Bardon. The dog, it seems, was brutally strangled using a towel from the owners’ clothes line. The dog was found dead, with a towel tied around his neck, and then bound to a plant at the rear of the dwelling.
The 17-year-old dog Scruffy, a West Highland terrier who has been a beloved member of Cath and Liam Proberts’ family since their daughter was six, was believed to be attacked some time between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday. The Proberts were at a wedding when they got the phone call from their son saying that Scruffy was attacked.
Mr Proberts recalled how distraught his son was when he rang. Mr Proberts described their initial reaction as disbelief, which later grew to anger at the “unfathomable” crime. The family couldn’t help but wonder how and who could do such a horrible thing to a helpless dog. Blood was also found at the scene and the Proberts are hoping that the blood could be from the attacker.
Detectives have announced an animal cruelty investigation on Monday, seeking assistance from anyone who may have seen what happened in the Bardon residence. Police are now looking for the person responsible for the dog’s cruel death. Any related information may be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or to Policelink on 13 14 44.
Yarran Jenkins, owner of 24-hour book shed Logical Unsanity, sells books in Bardon the way his family used to sell fruit at his childhood home in Mt. Tamborine. People come in and select what they want, and then just pay whatever they can.
Customers who pass by this book shed along Morgan Terrace will see an eclectic collection of books in a shop that lets them browse freely, and then just put their payment in the store’s cashbox before they leave.
Photo credit: The Weekend Notes
The shop runs on an honesty system that, while risky, seems to be turning out well for them. Mr Jenkins said that he’s been running the system for a year already and he sees money in the box everyday. However, he does know that there are some people who just take the books and don’t pay. Still, he has faith that there are more people who actually pay for the books than those who take advantage and just leave with a book in hand without putting cash in the till.
“They come in at night, browse through the books and nobody disturbs them, nobody asks if they need a hand. They can just get whatever they want, put a few dollars in the box and be on their way without having to talk to anyone,” Mr Jenkins said. No frills. No fuss. No questions asked.
Photo credit: The Weekend Notes
Mr Jenkins has been collecting books for nine years now and he said that he really doesn’t put expensive books in the book shed. He said that he can only recall one incident when someone pried open the cash box with the intention of stealing the day’s earnings. Fortunately, there was no cash inside the box at the time. After that incident, he decided to move the cash box to a different location, making it a bit harder to access and open. Since then, there have been no untoward incidents.
Yarra Jenkins (owner) with Neil Gaiman Photo credit: Logical Unsanity / Facebook
Mr Jenkins also sells books in music festivals up and down the East Coast. His unique selling method is a tribute to the “honesty system” that he experienced as a child. “We had avocados at the end of the gate that we used to sell like that. I knew how that worked – driving in the country, you see it all the time – and with the books it was just a natural progression,” he said.
Indeed, faith in the system and a belief that people are inherently good are the secrets to Logical Unsanity’s success.
Sundays at the Bardon Community Market bustles with organic food, fresh produce, and bread and pastries. Aside from food, the market also caters to artists, hobbyists, and photographers. Choose from many handmade, unique or quaint finds, such as a line of beautiful coffee mugs for your home. Your children will marvel at the massive selection of toys on sale.
Reserve your Sundays and make sure you’re up before the sun rises. As early as 6:00 a.m., stall owners have already set up their areas, ready to welcome the early-bird shoppers with their fresh produce and other wares. The market closes at 12 p.m.
Start your Sunday morning with a strong cup of joe. Wiley Fox Coffee currently offers two blends of coffee to give you that much-needed caffeine boost.
Photo credit: Wiley Fox Coffee / Facebook
If you are looking for something fresh and nutritious, check out these delicious looking fruits offered by some of the market’s regulars.
Photo credit: Bardon Community Market / Facebook
If you have a green thumb, check out George’s collection of indoor plants and succulents.
Photo credit: Bardon Community Market / Facebook
The Bardon Community Market is also a great place to enjoy a beautiful Sunday morning with your loved ones. Go on, grab a sausage roll, enjoy a cup of coffee, people watch or just simply immerse yourself in what it has to offer. Enjoy the weekly performances that entertain the crowd whilst selling and shopping.
Photo credit: Bardon Community Market / Facebook
This growing market still has room for more stalls. If you’re thinking of setting up your stall every Sunday at the market, whether you plan to sell some of your old stuff, or market your business products, you are welcome to join the growing community of stall owners in the market.
If Sunday is market day in your household, then the Bardon Community Market is exactly where you should be every Sunday morning.
Creativity is one of the strongest traits of the Jubilee Parish in West Brisbane. Recognising the challenge that young families, in particular, go through with first-time home ownership, a West Brisbane Catholic came up with a brilliant solution to help them acquire their own house. In 2008, they launched the Head Start Program. By 2017, the parish has already helped three families and aspires to help more in the coming years.
A Fateful Donation
The Head Start Program is all about giving people a head start in home ownership. It all started with Mrs Quinn, a Bardon parishioner who endowed her house to the parish in 2008. The eponymously named Quinn house has since become a haven for families seeking living assistance, as they struggle to find a place to stay, while saving up to find a home within their means.
How Does it Work?
The Head Start Program allows a family to move into Quinn house for a certain period of time, paying rent within their means. There may be an optional rent increase, depending on the family’s budget. Once the rent is up, the family gets back everything they paid for, which they can use as a deposit to buy their own house.
The Catch
While in the program, the family must nurture and preserve a relationship with the parish community. The parish covers Bardon and other nearby suburbs such as Ashgrove, Paddington, Newmarket, Petrie Terrace, Red Hill and Herston.
Alex and Yenny Malaver with 4-year-old son, Alex, are grateful to finally have a home of their own. Photo Credit: Emilie Ng / catholicleader.com.au
Alex and Yenny Malaver plus Gabriel, their son, are the third family from Colombia who has taken advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Alex, who is still studying, really thought at first that it would be impossible for them to get their own house right away. All of that changed when they came across the parish newsletter that contained details about the Quinn House. They spent three years in the house and finally, last month, they were able to pay the downpayment for a house in Herston.
The Malavers with Fr Peter Brannelly. Photo Credit: Emilie Ng / catholicleader.com.au
Fr Peter Brannelly, the Jubilee parish priest stresses that they do not only accommodate young families. Refugees, pensioners, overseas students, and asylum seekers are welcome.
“The most valuable asset we have as a parish in this part of Brisbane is accommodation and we have consciously tried to be creative with what we have and how we use it,” Fr Brannelly said.
Next month, the parish will start the process of looking for a new family again, to use the Quinn House. Fr Brannelly said that while they honour Mrs Quinn’s generosity, they see the use of her house as an act done “in services of the Gospel.” Mrs Quinn would definitely agree.
