Chermside Archives - Page 15 of 17

3 Reasons To Join The Multicultural Taste Of The World Festival

Multicultural Taste Of The World Festival is back to celebrate another year of harmony in diversity. The annual cultural event is a must-never-miss as it reflects the true essence of Australia’s heterogeneity.

For 2020, the Multicultural Taste Of The World Festival will be taking place on the 14th of March at the 7th Brigade Park’s Kidspace Playground in Chermside. Here are three reasons why you have to join this celebration:

Variety of Food

The festival is a chance for you and your family to try out and experience the flavours of different food and delicacies. There will be no shortage of choices from the food stalls. Similar to the festival from previous years, expect to taste Asian, European and Mediterranean dishes, along with Australian delights.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Malayalee Association Inc./Facebook

Heaps of Entertainment and Activities

Visitors will be treated to all-day entertainment and activities whilst they hop from one food stall to the next. Local communities, groups and bands have prepared special numbers to showcase the beauty of their culture or home country. There will also be free workshops from local experts.

These musical numbers, performances and workshops serve as a bridging tool for people to see the uniqueness of Brisbane’s residents. To be more organised, the park will be divided into different zones so that everyone can enjoy their favourite areas. Kids and teenagers will also have their special zones for youth-centred activities.

Community and Fellowship

The Multicultural Taste Of The World Festival was organised by the Brisbane Malayalee Association (BMA) to foster goodwill and enhance the tradition and culture of the city’s diverse communities.

“We want to emphasize and celebrate our difference,” says BMA. “By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it.”

There’s no need to register to attend the festival. The party starts at 2:00 p.m. and by 8:00 p.m., a fireworks display will be capping off the celebration.

How To Spice Things Up For An Amazing National Chilli Day

It’s National Chilli Day on Thursday, the 27th of February 2020, and El Camino Cantina in Chermside is turning things up to bring you a spicy good time. Whether you like your spicy food hot or mild, here’s how you can spice things up for the foodie holiday.

1. Ensure your seat.

Book a table at El Camino Cantina for the 27th to secure your seats. If you’re coming with a group, an advanced reservation online is better so you won’t have problems finding a spot if the place is packed.

2. Sign up for the games.

At 7:00 p.m. El Camino Cantina will run its hot wings competition. If you’re the ultimate chilli head and you want to win a $50 voucher, then sign up for the games and beat the rest to of the contestants.

*Photo Credit: El Camino Cantina/Facebook*

3. Order the Wing Roulette.

For National Chilli Day, the Mexican cantina will let you play with your food! Order the Wing Roulette (for 10, 30 to 50 wings) and take a chance. A serving has three levels of hot sauce, including the super extra spicy Facemelter Hot Sauce. From the sound of its name alone, you better be prepared!

Incidentally, El Camino Cantina will have the Facemelter Hot Sauce available until Sunday, the 1st of March.

National Chilli Day is celebrated every fourth Thursday of February. This holiday was established in the U.S. to celebrate the state of Texas’ official dish: chili con carne.

El Camino Cantina is proudly a Tex-Mex inspired restaurant with other outlets in NSW, VIC and QLD. In Chermside, it’s found on the second level of Westfield.

For enquiries or requests, phone the restaurant’s Chermside location at (07) 3053 5632 +61 7 3053 5632.

How to Grab Hold of Free Froyo at Yo-Get-It Chermside

What’s a great way to beat a scorching summer day? How about with a heaping bowl of delicious frozen yoghurt filled with all the toppings you want? Yo-Get-It recently opened a permanent home in Westfield Chermside. Did you know that you can get a tub of its frozen yoghurt for free?

Yo-Get-It is no stranger to the Queensland food scene, with its ever-present food truck frequently seen in various market events and expos. But now, you can easily grab hold of a dessert healthier than ice cream, with the opening of its shop at the second level of Westfield Chermside. They’re open every day!

At Yo-Get-It, you can create your own healthy or indulgent bowl. Eight different froyo flavours, from a rotation of 30 selections, are available at the store on any given day. On some days, you’ll find classics like vanilla, strawberry or cookies ‘n’ cream and on other days, you’ll get unique flavours like pina colada or burnt caramel.

After you’ve chosen your flavour, move on to the topping bar and fill your tub with delish choices from a veritable smorgasbord of toppings. Go healthy with fresh fruits, nuts and chia seeds, or load up on the sugar with gummy bears, M&Ms and drizzles of syrup — it’s all up to you!

When you’re satisfied with your yoghurt concoction, here’s where it gets even more fun. Get your tub weighed at the checkout counter and if you’ve guessed the correct weight you’ll get your froyo for FREE!

Yo-Get-It also serves yoghurt smoothies and soft-serve in a waffle cone. The dessert bar has gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly options as well.

The store opens from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. On Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it’s lights off at 9:00 p.m.

Westfield Chermside to Open 34 Hours Straight This Christmas, $10K Gift Cards Up for Grabs

Not yet done with your Christmas shopping? Brace yourselves, ready your wallets and take out your most comfortable shoes to wear as Westfield Chermside sets an unbelievable 34 hours of straight shopping time for you to complete your gift list.

On Monday, the 23rd of Dec 2019, set your alarm clock early for Westfield Chermside’s Shop ‘Til You Drop. The doors will promptly open at 8:00 a.m. and won’t close until the eve of Christmas, the 24th of Dec, at 6:00 p.m.

You’ve got plenty of time to look for that perfect gift for your loved ones with 2,040 shopping minutes to take advantage of. Whilst you could literally shop till you drop, Westfield Chermside will keep the joyful and lively Christmas spirit high with free entertainment, Christmas carols, live music, and a chance for the kids to meet Santa Claus if you’ve got the little ones in tow.

Take note of the schedule of activities happening during the 34-hour shopping extravaganza below:

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE
*23rd December*
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.	Meet the Elf	Level 2, Under the Dome
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.	Kids Face Painting	Level 2, Outdoor Dining
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.	Christmas tunes with the UQ Big Band	Level 2, Under the Dome
9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.	Party Away with the DJ	Level 2, Under the Dome
10:00 p.m.	Fireworks Display	Level 2, Outdoor Dining
*24th December*
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.	Meet the Elf	Level 2, Indoor Playworld

$10,000 Gift Cards and Other Giveaways

Since Christmas is also the season for giving, Westfield Chermside has $10,000 worth of gift cards for lucky shoppers. Look for the Non-Stop Shop HIT 105’s Black Thunders outside of Rebel on Level 2 for the hourly draw.

To qualify, you must spend a minimum of $20 during these special shopping hours. Aside from Westfield Gift Cards, customers may also win prizes from Goodlife Health Clubs, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and Target.

Visit the area outside of Nespresso between 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for your personalised Christmas calligraphy card. At 6:00 a.m. the next day, some cafes inside the shopping centre are going to give cups of coffee for free. You’ll need that buzz as there are still some more hours left for shopping!

Don’t go home once you’re done with shopping, though. If you have a few more minutes to spare, go to the second level outside of Myer’s to have your gifts beautifully wrapped. Proceeds of this service will go to Wesley’s Mission Red Bag Appeal.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook*

Everything you need and even more is at Westfield Chermside. This place provides heaps of things to enjoy and experience — from trying out the latest food trends or shopping for fashion items, to relaxing at the cinema or playing bowling or laser tag.

The second level has all the trendy eateries and retail stores. The first level houses major store chains like Woolworths, K-Mart, Coles, Myers, David Jones and Big W.

The 34-hour shopping event is not a first for Westfield Chermside. Retailers are also not obligated to follow the Christmas non-stop shopping hours. Follow the updates of this event at the Westfield Chermside’s Facebook page.

Support Local Small Businesses at Chermside Christmas Craft Markets

It’s that wonderful time of the year again in Chermside as talented local artists and crafters are setting up shop at the All Saints Anglican Church for the Chermside Christmas Craft Markets.

The annual event will be held on Saturday, the 16th of Nov 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 501 Hamilton Road. It will take place inside a covered venue so you can shop to your heart’s content come rain or shine.

Featured at the Chermside Christmas Craft Markets are 20 unique craft stalls, plants for sale, as well as a selection of baked goods and cakes. BBQ and afternoon tea will be served if you want to take a break from checking out the stalls.

*Photo Credit: All Saints Anglican Church*

The All Saints Anglican Church’s Op Shop will also be open nearby for those who would like to score pre-loved and quality second-hand goods.

Off-street parking will be open for guests who will be bringing their vehicles to the market.

There will be no entry fee for this event so tap your group for a brief but fun afternoon of shopping for Christmas gifts!

Score Chic Finds on a Budget at Boudoir Bazaar Fashion Market in Chermside

Boudoir Bazaar Fashion Market will be hosting another shopping event featuring pre-loved designer items and quality vintage finds on Sunday, the 13th of Oct 2019, at the Chermside Bowls Club. If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, you’ll enjoy rummaging through heaps of second-hand fashionable pieces at bargain prices.

Need a fashion make-over or a wardrobe update? Boudoir Bazaar Fashion Market will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. With an extensive choice of clothes, shoes and accessories, you’ll have enough haul to wear for the summer.

Pieces sold at this event have been carefully curated and cleaned to look good as brand new. Expect to find brand names like Kate Spade, Zimmerman, Mimco, Ginger and Smart in various sizes.

*Photo Credit: Boudoir Bazaar Fashion Market/Facebook*

Whether this is your first vintage hunt or you’re a regular at the Boudoir Bazaar Fashion Market, you will find clothing you don’t normally see sold at any store. Comfortable worn-in second-hand clothes aren’t necessarily second-best because you’re helping curb clothing waste at the landfills and sustaining the recycling community in Brisbane by patronising pre-loved items.

Come prepared with cash, though. Whilst you’ll be able to score a designer dress for half the price (or perhaps even more), most stallholders won’t be able to accept credit or debit payment. There will be on-site ATMs at the venue but save yourself some time by having enough to spend instead of lining up for cash. Someone else could purchase that elegant Alex Perry strapless you’ve been planning to wear at a holiday party.

Whilst shopping at amidst the comforts of an air-conditioned venue, you may also rest and have a snack at the Chermside Bowls Club bar and restaurant.

If you’re interested in unloading your pre-loved stuff at the next market, you may apply for a stall. Look for Dale at the event or phone +61 400 006 623.

Avoid Illegal Dumping Fines and Get Ready for September Kerbside Collection in Chermside

Do you know that over $110,000 in fines was collected from Brisbane residents for illegal dumping in the last financial year? Unfortunately, Chermside has the most number of illegal dumping incidents, despite Council’s kerbside collection, along with Forest Lake, Sunnybank Hills, Carindale, Willawong and Inala.

As a result, the Council is keeping a sharp eye on Chermside to prevent illegal dumping. While the fines collected have been substantial, it is still not enough to cover for Council expenses for cleaning up the rubbish residents dump anywhere.

On average, Council spends $500,000 a year to clean up sites where illegal dumping is rampant.

“Every dollar spent cleaning up their mess is money that could be invested back into the community and spent on things like footpaths, parks or roads,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“I encourage residents to correctly dispose of their rubbish and warn them that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught, and fined.

*Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner/Facebook*

Mr Schrinner also reminded residents that Council provides free kerbside collections regularly and there are avenues for which hazardous waste can be disposed of.

“There really is no excuse for residents to be illegally dumping anywhere in Brisbane.”

On Monday, the 2nd of Sept 2019, at 6:00 a.m. the Council will once again have its kerbside collection in Chermside. As of this writing, residents still have a few more days to gather acceptable items to be picked up by collectors.

If you include unacceptable items on your kerbside pile, the collectors will leave these behind. You could be fined if these are not removed within a week after the kerbside collection. So, be careful NOT to put these out for the pick-up:

bricks and concrete
commercial builders waste
car parts and tyres, including car batteries
dirt and stones
garden waste (e.g. trees, grass, potted plants)
gas bottles
general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
glass and mirrors
hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos)
household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin
liquids

Instead, make arrangements with waste reduction and recycling facilities to dispose of these unacceptable items properly. Phone Council at 07 3403 8888 for enquiries

All Saints’ Anglican Church in Chermside Opens Weekly Soup Kitchen

Did you know that the All Saints’ Anglican Church, located at 501 Hamilton Road in Chermside, now has a soup kitchen and may soon have other facilities to help the homeless? The new feeding program takes place once a week to supplement their hamper donation drive and other programs that the church members deliver to the community.

Organized by Fr Daniel Jayaraj, the soup kitchen is open every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s held at the church halls and welcomes the homeless, the needy and the lonely to partake in a meal of vegetables, meat, coffee and cake.

Since the soup kitchen started over a month ago, the volunteers said that they saw people coming back.

*Photo Credit: All Saints’ Anglican Church, Chermside/Facebook*

“They feel comfortable, welcome and accepted,” Margaret Coombs said. “[The soup kitchen] reaches out to those in the community who need care, who need a meal, a time for fellowship with other people in the community.”

Fr Daniel, who arrived from Gladstone to Chermside sometime before Christmas in 2018, saw the need to open the soup kitchen when he realized that there are people sleeping outside the church. He also learned that the Chermside community has plenty of old people who dine alone in their homes.

“We want to fight against hunger and loneliness. The congregation is really excited about it and willing to help,” Fr Daniel said.

The soup kitchen complements the church’s grocery hamper donations to struggling families. This has been the practice since 30 years ago.

The church also plans to set up a charity shop, as well as a laundry and shower facility. Once installed, the needy may get coffee or second-hand clothes at the shop for $5, or take a shower and wash their clothes.

Find Old Treasures to Collect at Albion Antiques and Collectables Fair

You’ll be surprised at what you could find at an antique fair and if you love vintage stuff and old things, the Kedron-Wavell Services Club will be mounting the Albion Antiques and Collectables Fair this July.

Now in its fourth year, the Albion Antiques and Collectables Fair will run from Friday, the 19th, to Sunday, the 21st of July 2019. Kittyhawk Drive will be filled with a treasure trove of silverware, homeware, jewellery, furniture, and other interesting pieces.

*Photo Credit: Albion Antique and Collectables Fair/Facebook*

Antique dealers from all over Australia will be at this major antique fair in Brisbane. But aside from scoring deals on some prized items, visitors may also get a chance to talk to antique experts like Paolo Bertelli of Albion Antique Auctions and Rob Neilson or Roundabaout Antiques.

Tickets are at $8 to $10 to be paid at the entrance of the warehouse. Food stalls will be at the venue to serve snacks, refreshments or light meals.

Chermside: Top Brisbane Suburb for Unit Asking Price Discounting

Chermside unit vendors are the most generous when it comes to asking price discounting, a recent property market study revealed.

The latest report by Domain analysed the average rate of vendor discounting across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. The analysis covered six months data to March 2019 and used a minimum of 30 observations whilst excluding properties that were sold through auction or were without a listed price

The report shows that in some suburbs, asking prices have dropped by as much as 12 percent. For units, Chermside was the top suburb where vendors provide the biggest discount on their unit asking price with an average of 8.90 percent whilst Carindale gave the largest percentage of discount with 8.50 percent

According to Domain, the median price of a two-bedroom unit in Chermside, based on sales within 12 months, is $370,000 or a decline of 4.6 percent from 2018. The average days on market for the same period was 177 days with a total of 70 units sold.

The unit median sale price in Chermside has been dropping since 2015, according the realestate.com.au data says. From $461,000 in 2015 and $389,000 in 2018, the median unit price further dropped to $384,085, based 100 units sold from 1 May 2018 – 28 May 2019.

Other suburbs on the list with the highest average price discount for units are Redcliffe (8.60%), New Farm (8.10%), South Brisbane and Coorparoo (8.00%), Annerley (7.70%) Fortitude Valley (7.50%). Kangaroo Point, St Lucia, and Brisbane City round out the list with a unit price discount average of 7.20%.

Clontarf, on the other hand, followed Carindale as top suburb for house sale asking price discounting with 7.70%. Rounding out the list are Redcliffe (7.60%),Rochedale South (7.40%), Cleveland (7.30%), Kippa-Ring (7.20%), Banksia Beach (7.10%), Margate and Redbank Plains (7.00%), and Scarborough (6.90%).

Whilst the average price discounting provides a good glimpse of how a suburb’s housing market is doing, several factors could trigger discounting despite good buyer demand, experts say. Some suburbs, for example, saw vendors eventually discounting their price because expectations were unrealistic which eventually led to overpriced house or unit or even longer days on market.