Bayside & Northern Suburbs Star

Street art covers underpass

Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:15:11 +0000

A GROUP of local people will show there is a place for spray cans and graffiti when they reveal a massive street art mural during the Bracken Ridge Backyard Bonanza on Sunday.
Last year 757 tagging offences were recorded in Bald Hills and Bracken Ridge including tags at the pedestrian underpass, linking Bald Hills Railway Station with Stanley Day Park, under Gympie Road.
This tagging hotspot has been rejuvenated by Jabiru Community College, Jugglers Art Space and Brisbane City Council’s Walls and Colours program.
They worked together with Indigenous Elders to create something the entire community can be proud of.
Jabiru Community College teacher Rebecca Evans said they used elements of the old mural which had been defaced, got creative and learned something in the process.
“We’ve got about 15 young people and we’ve been involved in talking with the artists about the culture of street art and the positive sides, not just how it can be illegal,” she said.
“We also had a bit to do in talking about the design and they collated our ideas and we also had a stencil workshop.
“At Jabiru Community College we try to find where young people focus and find what they’re into and find opportunities (for learning).
“This actually links in with our curriculum. Any project we do, we write planning and reflection.”
Daemon Hancock from the school said it was good to express his feelings through paint and pictures.
“Lots of people think that all young kids are going to do is steal their money and cars but when they find out that kids are doing all this (the mural) they’ll know they (young people) are getting better,” he said.
Melissa Haining said she felt like she was getting a lot out of this sort of schooling environment.
“When I came to Jabiru if felt so different to mainstream schools, where you get judged for your appearance … here you get to be yourself without being told how to fit in a box,” she said.
Jugglers Art Space cofounder and chair Peter Breen said they worked around the principles of informed choice, talking about harm minimisation and risks, to enrich the community visually.
“This is a wonderful project and I think the reason it’s successful is because there are so many people thinking on the same page,” he said.
The mural will be officially launched at the Backyard Bonanza which will be held on Sunday, May 26, 10.30am-2.30pm in McPherson Park, Denham Street, Bracken Ridge.
-Renee Subacius

Groups support annual Bonanza

Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:12:44 +0000

THE biggest Bracken Ridge Backyard Bonanza is planned for this Sunday, May 26 in McPherson Park from 10.30am-2.30pm.
The event will see entertainment across two stages as well as workshops, Lions miniature stream trains, amusement rides, stalls, demonstrations and give-aways.
Cr Amanda Cooper (Bracken Ridge ward) said the annual event was definitely one to mark on the calendar.
“This year we’ve got as many stalls as we can possibly fit, so it’ll be a great event. The only thing to worry about is the weather.
“Community support is once again very strong. More people than ever before are involved – I’m pleased that community groups will be so well represented.”
Featuring on stage will be a beautiful performance by Billie Shanks, 14, and Mitchell McKavanagh, 15, from Bracken Ridge State High School.
“We were seen at the Bracken Ridge talent show and (an important guest at the event) told me to ask Billy to play music together,” Mitchell said.
“Since around last year we have been doing this duo thing,” Billie added. “We’re just looking to have a good time and hope everyone will get into this and enjoy the Bracken Ridge Bonanza.”
Other free entertainment on offer is Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked Live Show, Ronald McDonald’s Magic Show, school choirs, the Jabiru Showcase, Brisbane band Phoenix, and the Sandgate PCYC games trailer.
The event has been made possible by sponsors Ekkopoint Properties, Bracken Ridge Tavern and Bracken Ridge McDonald’s.
- Renee Subacius

Brendan puts in marathon effort on Great Wall

Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:11:36 +0000

IT took just 5,164 steps for Shorncliffe resident Brendan Smith to became one of only 18 competitors to complete the 2013 Great Wall Marathon earlier this month.
Mr Smith said it was not a typical endurance marathon, it was an endurance challenge.
“On a marathon you start slow and get into a rhythm but on the Great Wall Marathon, there is no rhythm,” he said.
“Parts of the track were on a 70 degree angle and had to be tackled on all-fours.
“Experienced runners couldn’t complete the marathon, 140 competitors began the race and only 18 finished.
“A competitor who called himself Endorphin Dude has completed 96 marathons but could not finish the Great Wall Marathon.”
Normally completing a full marathon in less than four hours, Mr Smith took nine hours to run the arduous ascent and descents of the Great Wall and lost more than four and a half kilograms.
“The winner took six hours to complete the marathon and would usually take three hours.”
Mr Smith hasn’t decided which adventure marathon he will tackle next.
“The adventure marathon community is getting bigger. Marathon runners don’t just want to run around city streets.
“With adventure marathons you can combine the love of marathon with a family holiday because they’re held in some of the most amazing places in the world.”
Doing the Great Wall Marathon has been a while in the planning.
“I did the North Pole Adventure Marathon in 2006 and I’ve wanted to do this since then,” Mr Smith said.
- Jacqueline Husson

Sandgate Apex needs more members to keep charter

Editor — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:01:38 +0000

SERVICE clubs across north Brisbane are trying to boost their membership during Join the Club month in May and one group in particular needs new members.
For more than 55 years Sandgate Apex has been a key contributor in the community, however if they do not boost their membership they will have to hand in their charter.
Apex District Governor Sandie Collins said the Sandgate Club only had seven members at the moment and was looking for more young people to join because they want to keep going.

Cycle links improved around railway station

Editor — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:59:59 +0000

BRISBANE City Council has started works to improve the cycle and pedestrian pathways to Carseldine railway station and the surrounding Fitzgibbon area.
Cr Amanda Cooper (Bracken Ridge ward) said the Lilly Pilly pedestrian and cyclist pathway would involve constructing a 200 metre long, three metre wide shared pathway from Lilly Pilly Crescent to Odense Street, with a link to Caribou Crescent.
Cr Cooper said the $400,000 project was about recognising the benefits active transport had on health, congestion reduction and the environment.

Early works begin on crossing project

Editor — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:58:38 +0000

EARLY works have started on the $199 million Robinson Road open level crossing project, ensuring the upgrade remains on track to remove the rail crossing by late 2014.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson met on site with Member for Nudgee Jason Woodforth last Wednesday.
The Lord Mayor said the beginning of early works included building removals, service relocations and site preparations.
Major construction is scheduled to start in the coming months.
Cr Quirk said,

Picnic race day and track upgrade set for Deagon

Editor — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:57:15 +0000

THE announcement of the first race meeting at Deagon in more than 70 years coincides with a $60,000 track upgrade for the thoroughbred training facility.
Racing Minister Steve Dickson said the local community had been a driving force behind the race day, to be held on Sunday, September 15, the first public meeting at Deagon since 1941.

Events raise domestic violence awareness

Editor — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:54:38 +0000

A PEACEFUL walk and candle lighting ceremony in Sandgate and a tree planting ceremony in Bald Hills are being held to raise community awareness during domestic and family violence prevention month.
The tree planting ceremony will be held today (May 8) at 10am at the Keith Murray Bikeway at the back of Kyeema Court and Gladdon Street north of Bracken Ridge Road, Bald Hills.
A Peaceful Walk and Candle Lighting Ceremony will be held at 10am on Thursday, May 16 through the Sandgate commercial area, followed by a ceremony including guest speakers and personal stories from people who have experienced domestic and family violence.
SANDBAG (Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group), Queensland Police Service and Brisbane City Council are supporting a new State Government campaign

Festival celebrates cultural diversity around Zillmere

Editor — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:52:44 +0000

MANY vibrant, exciting and flavoursome cultures will be celebrated at Zillmere Festival held at a new venue this year on Saturday, June 1.
The event has moved to Zillmere State School on Murphy Road and organisers are inviting stallholders, volunteers and performers to register their interest by this Friday, May 10.
The aim of the Zillmere Festival – one place, many cultures – is to celebrate the rich cultural background of the Zillmere and surrounding community in a free family event.
Attendees can expect a broad range of unique experiences weaving through the school grounds, with a highlight performance in the swimming pool by internationally-renowned Leweton Women

Community rallies to support family

Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 04:15:19 +0000

THE local community has rallied to offer support and donations to Kimberley and Kayla Fry after a fire destroyed their Bracken Ridge home and the deaths of their father and stepmother on Friday.
Kayla received significant burns to her face, chest, arms and airway and remains in hospital. Her sister Kim was treated for a broken foot and burns to her arms and legs, and Kim