Indigenous Australian sporting legends came to visit the students at Forest Lake High School as part of a Brisbane Broncos event to inspire indigenous children.
On Tuesday the 11th of May 2021, roughly 30 indigenous students from Forest Lake High School were able to meet with Australian sporting legends at an event hosted by the Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy.
Justin Hodges and Beryl Friday, of the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland Firebirds respectively, ran interactive workshops throughout the day to inspire and encourage indigenous students to work hard and aspire for greatness.
Justin Hodges and Beryl Friday. Photo credit: CC BY/Anke/Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA/Sheba_Also/Wikimedia Commons
The Brisbane Broncos program, which was created to assist indigenous girls in schools all over Australia by providing them with educational opportunities, was first launched in Forest Lake in 2020. Currently, the program is assisting over 1,700 girls across Queensland and New South Wales between Year 7 and Year 12.
Following the program’s launch in late 2020, the school has seen a sharp increase in the attendance rate of indigenous students, especially after they received visits from Australian sporting legends who endorse the program and its goals.
One such example includes the former ANZ champion and Beyond the Broncos ambassador Beryl Friday, who played for the Queensland Firebirds. Beryl, a proud Nyungkul woman, stated that education is “…one of the most important things women can have” as it allows them to make informed decisions which can benefit them now, as well as future generations.
“Through the Broncos Girls Academy, we have a unique opportunity to make Australia better for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and give them the tools to pave a successful path for their futures,” said Ms Friday.
The Beyond the Broncos Girls Academy was first established in 2016 and it has supported more than 4,000 students since then, inspiring children by recognising the vital role young indigenous women play in influencing future generations.
For more information, visit their website here. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning the program.
Ready to get back into the groove of things and return to that active, healthy lifestyle? Stay in shape at the newly-opened Goodlife Health Clubs outlet in Richlands.
Goodlife Richlands, which opened its doors to the public on the 8th of April 2021, had a significantly stronger start than anticipated as Australians rushed to return to an active and healthy lifestyle after the complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This location is one of the first five new branches lined up nationally in 2021, including an all-new club in West End.
Among the programs offered at the health club include Arena Fitness and Reform Pilates.
Arena Fitness, the health club’s own coach-led boxing program, focuses on burning fat, building strength, and improving fitness. Reform Pilates improves posture and flexibility whilst simultaneously toning muscles.
Goodlife Richlands provides dedicated group exercise studios, cycling areas, saunas, and a functional training zone with sled track, high-quality cardio equipment, strength and weights sections, and squat racks.
All facilities provided by the health club are available to Goodlife members 24/7, meaning those interested in getting into shape can drop by at any time on any day of the week and start exercising — whether it be before work, after, or even both.
Goodlife Health Clubs Richlands can be found at 144 Pine Rd, Richlands, open 24 hours a day for seven days a week. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and special announcements concerning the health club.
Forest Lake’s housing market joins Durack, Ellen Grove and Fitzgibbon as the suburbs nearing the half a million club. Inala, Wacol and Richlands are still trailing behind with an average house price between $355,000 to $410,000.
In Forest Lake, it’s also cheaper to buy a house than to rent because of low interest rates and a first-home buyer’s grant. Some buyers could end up luckier than most because there are houses less than $500,00 that will not need heavy refurbishments or renovations.
However, some industry experts warn of the downsides amidst the property boom, record sales, and packed auctions and open houses as new investors, young and first-home buyers only have these suburbs as options based on the house price listing they could afford.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
A robust Brisbane housing market, which has been projected to have a five to eight percent increase every quarter in 2021, could leave out just Inara and Wacol for new buyers considering to invest in Brisbane by the end of the year.
But life in Forest Lake may still be a worthy investment for young families despite a looming median price increase as it’s a quiet, green and clean town with many public parks. There are also fewer broken down or dilapidated houses compared to other suburbs nearby. First-time buyers could acquire a house with a spacious backyard compared to living in a shoebox in suburbs closer to the CBD, according to a longtime resident.
A collaborative event between the police and members of the local Men’s Shed at Forest Lake, appropriately titled “Turning the Screws on Crime”, led to a total of 92 number plates being changed and secured with one-way screws.
Members and volunteers from the South Brisbane District Crime Prevention Unit worked alongside handymen from the Men’s Shed at Forest Lake on the 13th of February to secure a series of automobile number plates with one-way screws to prevent theft.
Members of Forest Lake Men’s Shed posing with handmade possum and bat boxes. Photo credit: Supplied
“Turning the Screws on Crime” ran for a total of three hours, with 92 turnups all in all. Members of the Men’s Shed, in tandem with the police, worked hard under the sun to guarantee the safety of the Forest Lake populace. Fortunately, the event came with free food, as well as free coffee supplied by a coffee van from Cafe2U.
Cafe2U coffee van supplying attendants and volunteers Photo credit: Facebook
What makes license plates a prime target for thieves is the fact that offenders can attach stolen plates to stolen cars, allowing them to drive through tolls, evade fines, and speed away after committing other crimes such as petrol drive-offs without being caught. All fines and offences will be traced to the victim, causing them a great deal of grief and difficulty.
With the installation of one-way screws, thieves are greatly deterred for they’ll have a significantly more difficult time trying to steal license plates from vehicles. With the event’s sizable turn-out, coupled with the presence of the police, many would-be offenders in Forest Lake would think twice.
Did you know that the Council has a mobile library that visits eight spots across Brisbane, including Forest Lake, regularly? The custom-built vehicle provides locals access to a collection of more than 1.4 million books or magazines to read and DVDs to watch.
The mobile library does not require a membership so interested individuals may simply come down and browse, show their ID, sign up and check out a book. A librarian and staff drive and set up at these locations during the fixed schedules below:
SUBURB
LOCATION
OPENING HOURS *excluding public holidays
Aspley
Corner Gayford and Albany Creek Roads, Aspley
Monday fortnightly from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bellbowrie
Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza carpark, off Birkin Road, Bellbowrie
Thursday weekly – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Brighton
Decker Park car park, 25th Avenue, Brighton
Monday fortnightly from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ellen Grove
Carole Park State School, 260 Waterford Road, Carol Park
Wednesday fortnightly from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Forest Lake
Forest Lake Village Shopping Centre, Forest Lake – outside Australia Post
Tuesday weekly – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Manly West
Mayfair Village Shopping Centre, Manly Road, Manly West
Friday fortnightly from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Mt Crosby
outside Mt Crosby State School, Mt Crosby Road, Mt Crosby
Wednesday fortnightly from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Gap
Ashgrove Golf Course main car park, 863 Waterworks Road, The Gap
Friday fortnightly from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Visitors may stay for the duration of the service as the mobile library has a covered deck, extension pod, a lift for wheelchairs and prams, solar panels, internet computers and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The Council’s mobile library has been by around since the 1970s and has had several incarnations. As before, the custom-built vehicle is a single aisle with ample lighting and works just like a typical city library, albeit smaller.
Grand Avenue State School impressed the judges at the annual Wakakirri, Australia’s largest performing arts festival for schools. The students won Best Diversity Story with their original, inspirational and well-executed dance routine.
The Wakakirri Head Panel said Grand Avenue State School‘s story-dance had “great performance energy balanced with moments of focus and stillness, to create effective dramatisation.” The routine was commended for its “excellent opening scenes to establish character, context,” and the dancers had “lovely expressive skills.”
The primary school’s presentation also had a fantastic story and a great soundtrack to deliver a strong emotional message: “Whether your disability is invisible like autism, or visible like a wheelchair, everyone needs to be valued for their differences, not seen as less.”
Established 28 years ago, the Wakakirri Challenge traditionally takes place in professional theatres across the country. However, the 2020 festival was restructured into an online-only format due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Photo Credit: Facebook
“In a year like this one, it’s incredible that students and teachers have created such solid stories and performances. Despite all of the unexpected obstacles this year, these Story-Dances are every bit as moving and inspiring as the ones performed in theatres at previous Wakakirri Festivals,” Kat Hoyos of the panel said.
Wakakirri helps the students develop their skills, wellbeing and confidence by participating in performing arts. Every year, schools across the country spend months on their routines to covet that prestigious National Story of the Year Award.
A worker from Forest Lake is now $150,000 richer after she decided to swing by the Nextra Forest Lake News shop at the Forest Lake Village Shopping Centre for a quick $10 Jumbo Crossword scratch ticket during her lunch break.
She didn’t expect to win the top prize as she worked on scratching the ticket at the office lunchroom whilst her co-workers watched.
The winner said that she thought she won $15,000, which was already a thrilling surprise.
But her co-workers told her she apparently missed out scratching one of the letters, which eventually turned out to be $150,000!
The woman said that winning in mid-September was “a very big shock” that she could not stop shaking.
She plans to use the money to pay off her car loan.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
“Then I will use the rest of my prize to put a deposit down on a house. And I will hopefully be able to help out some family members as well,” the winner said. “It’s all very exciting!”
Nextra Forest Lake News staff Emma Jesberg said it’s great to know that another one customer is going to have such a life-changing experience. The store has sold winning tickets over the years, while the local woman is now one of the over 150 instant scratch top prize winner since July 2019.
Social distancing, contactless payment and take aways only — these are part of the new normal amidst the pandemic crisis. These safety practices will also be observed as the Food Truck Pop Ups return to Forest Lake on Friday, 14 Aug 2020.
Held at the parking lot opposite the Forest Lake State School in Woogaroo Street, the food trucks will be ready to serve diners from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitors may choose from six tasty selections:
Micasa Burger Truck
Serving American-style burger since 2014, the Micasa Burger Truck team has been in the food truck business since the late 1990s. Their menu choices are inspired by the movie Pulp Fiction. The concept is fun and the food is filling!
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
Rolls Pho Mi
Specializing in Vietnamese street food, Rolls Pho Mi is run by the husband and wife team of Duy and Steph. Their menu is a collection of recipes acquired by Duy’s mum, Dung. Don’t forget to try their signature dish, the 24-hour Pho.
Savor these freshly baked, light and fluffy pillows of sweet dough. Choose from jams, chocolate sauce or custards as fillers. Donut Kitchen has vegan, gluten free and dairy free options.
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
Rolling Stone Pizza
This small food truck has a mobile authentic wood-fired pizza oven serving 9 to 11 inches of warm pizza goodness. Rolling Stone Pizza has a broad menu of flavourful comfort food, including gluten-free and vegan choices.
Tender Calamari
Tasty and tender calamari, what more is there to ask for? The calamari is freshly cooked on-site so you get only the best. The Tender Calamari food truck has been around Brisbane since 2014.
Ruby the Little Red Ice Cream Van has been serving colourful and flavourful ice creams for 14 years. The food truck is a 1973 ice cream van imported from Southampton, England. The ice cream is churned using an Italian Carpigiani ice cream machine and comes out “fully dairy based, halal certified and gluten free.”
Photo Credit: Food Truck Pop Ups/Facebook
The Food Truck initiative helps small businesses during this pandemic. With the permission of the Council, vendors can reach more markets by setting up shop at temporary Council-controlled sites across Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council is currently in the midst of a $1.1 million investment into the implementation of long-term solutions to address the issues and improve the health of Forest Lake, as part of an overall Forest Lake management plan.
Stage One : Desilting & Reducing the Nutrient Load
The Forest Lake Management Plan provides an evidence-based solution in two stages. Stage One involves strategic desilting at both of the lake’s inlet areas of the lake, aiming to reduce nutrient loads where the nutrient and sediment levels are highest. This will ensure control and management of algal blooms across the lake.
Algal Blooms
Over the summer months, both heat and rainfall have contributed to some significant changes in Forest Lake.
Council has cleaned up debris from lake inlets and from various stormwater quality improvement device units, after storm events in late 2019 and early 2020. Rainfall has resulted in a runoff, introducing additional nutrients into the lake.
Increased water temperature due to the summer weather, coupled with the runoff, constitute ideal conditions for the growth of blue-green and green algae, leading to an observable decrease in water clarity in the lake, and the musty odour that residents and visitors have characteristically observed.
As a result, Council has been extracting pockets of algal build-up in the pockets near Santorini Place and Freshwater Circuit. Likewise, suction trucks are on standby to remove algal blooms as they occur in accessible areas of the lake.
Photo Credit: Enya2008/Wikimedia Commons
Harvesting Salvinia growth
Salvinia, an invasive plant, has continued to grow at Forest Lake. This growth has actually been helping to minimise blue-green algal blooms at the lake by reducing the nutrient levels in the water.
To prevent Salvinia, overgrowth, Council has been conducting regular monitoring and harvesting. A trial harvest was done in March 2020, using a small machine which was deemed inadequate. Larger equipment has been allocated and harvesting has been planned to ensure that over half of the current Salvinia growth remains in the lake, to make sure that nutrients are kept at a level that does not encourage algal growth.
Drainage Maintenance
As part of Council’s drainage and creek rehabilitation maintenance program, drainage maintenance works have been performed from Jindabyne Circuit to Illawarra Close, along the table drain that leads into Forest Lake at Seabrook Crescent, Forest Lake.
Ongoing maintenance works include desilting of existing sediment ponds, removal of undesirable tree species, clearing of existing drainage infrastructure, channel reinstatement, and stabilisation of the lake’s banks to reduce bed scour and erosion. Maintenance are expected to be completed by mid-2020.
Routine inspection and maintenance procedures are in place to ensure collection of litter, clearing of traps, treatment of weeds, testing of the lake water and monitoring the overall health of the lake.
Management of the Ibis Population
Ibises in Bird Island a.k.a. “Bin Chicken Island” on Forest Lake
In February 2020, 42 ibises were observed to be roosting at Forest Lake. Waste droppings from the ibis population on the lake has led to excess nutrients which also contributed to algal bloom in the past. The 2020 population is already a significant decline from over 400 ibises observed in 2018.
Wildlife consultants have recommended egg and nest movement, along with vegetation management to further manage the ibis population and prevent it from increasing again.
Vegetation management will ensure that reeds and rushes where ibises roost will be replaced with something less suitable for them to inhabit. Council has announced that the planting of alternate vegetation will be determined by the cattle egret bird breeding season, from September to March.
Stage Two : Replanting Program
Stage Two involves introducing 70,000 new plants in the desilted areas of the lake and also, more broadly around it to further reduce the nutrient levels in the lake. Activities for the first half of 2020 include sourcing of seeds and soil, plus beginning to grow the plants for the lake, according to their life cycles.
Overall Solution
Overall, the Forest Lake Expert Working Group has divided its lake management options into four categories:
reducing nutrient levels by controlling contributing factors entering the lake and within it;
managing light availability;
recreating a more ‘plant-based’ lake system; and
potentially increasing water movement in the lake to reduce stagnation.
The sunny weather opens opportunities for a lot of playtimes outdoors this school holiday. In Forest Lake, there are two exciting activities lined up at The Lake Parklands, which won’t cost a penny and it’s pretty easy to book.
These FREE school holiday activities provide a few hours of fun that will enrich your children’s summer. They also learn new skills even whilst school is out.
What
LONGBOARD LESSONS
Where
The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: playground
When
Monday, 6th of Jan 2020 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This activity is suitable for children between the ages of 10 to 17. Qualified ASF coaches will be teaching the kids the basics for beginners but those who have some experience with longboarding may also pick up advanced techniques from the trainers. Boards and helmets will be provided but it’s advisable for participants to bring their own, including knee pads, gloves and other form of protection.
Registration is required for this session. Book here or phone Anna at 0434 882 982 for reservations.
The Lake Parklands 5 Alexandrina Circuit, Forest Lake Meeting point: car park
When
Monday, 17th of Jan 2020 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Would you like your child to become a team player? This activity allows your son or daughter to learn skills like teamwork, strategizing, coordination and collaboration. This session is for eight 10 to 15-year-old children.
Registration is required. Phone Glenn of Life. Be in It. at 0403 221 676 to reserve a slot.
Grab this chance for your kids to be engaged in something really exciting besides fiddling on their gadgets or mobile phones. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the session starts so that your children may have a chance to break the ice with the other participants.
