One of the local favourites when it comes to vegan food, MooFree Burgers serves juicy burgers that are 100% plant-based.
The vegan restaurant offers a wide variety of burgers, sliders, nachos, and loaded fries. Teaming up with Charlie’s Raw Squeeze, the restaurant also serves fresh juices, smoothies, and “nice creams”.
Photo credit: MooFree Burgers/Facebook
Their revamped menu includes the crowd favourite Messy Mexican that comes with a black bean patty, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, rustic tomato relish, and corn chips.
Photo credit: MooFree Burgers/Facebook
More salad choices are also added to their new menu including Our Ceasar with crispy chicken, smokey rasher, lettuce, croutons, nutritional yeast, and aioli; Wandering Waldorf with green pea, broccoli and spinach bites, apple, cherry tomatoes, super slaw, walnuts, goji berries, and pesto dressing; and the Super Salad with hemp patty, cherry tomatoes, avocado, capsicum, lettuce, coconut chips and supergreen dressing.
MooFree Burgers is open from 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily. If you are on the lookout for a hearty meal that’s good for you, visit the store at 53 Endeavour Blvd, North Lakes.
After the successful opening of their store in Annerley, the US fast food giant is set to expand across Southeast Queensland. Their plan is open more Taco Bell fast-food outlets in the area.
Photo credit: Facebook/Taco Bell Australia
Plans for Taco Bell North Lakes include a drive-through, parking for 18 vehicles, a 35-sqm outdoor dining area, and 250 sqm of internal dining.
Tenders for the new outlet were closed on 4 July 2018, and according to an online notice board which called for tenders for the fast food chain, the cost for the construction of the store may reach up to $3 million.
Photo credit: Facebook/Taco Bell Australia
Taco Bell in Annerley has been a huge hit to locals as the tex-mex fast-food outlet offers free WiFi, charging ports at each table, and unlimited drink refills.
For North Lakes residents eager to find out when the store will open, there is no timeline yet for the project.
Robert Rey and his wife, Donna, will be the Mighty Maroon. The air race is a GPS-based navigation time trial throughout the Australian outback. This year, there will be 102 competitors in 42 aircraft. Pilots will nominate an elapsed time between two visual waypoints and they will receive points for both time and location accuracy.
This year’s air race will be from Archerfield in Brisbane to Broome in Western Australia. There are only under 40 aircraft that have been nominated. The 12-day outback air route will go through Bundaberg, Longreach, Mount Isa, Adels Grove, Daly Waters, Katherine/Tindal and Kununurra.
Racers will have to raise $4,000 before they can take part in the race whilst the event aims to raise $500,000 this year. The participants will raise money at the places that they will stop at along the way.
Since 1996, this race has garnered over $2.1 million. All of the funds that have been raised will go to the RFDS to outfit their aircraft and to help fund better medical equipment. The race is held every three years.
The RFDS is one of the biggest aeromedical organisations in the world. They provide extensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency service to people over an area of 7.69 million square kilometres.
Mighty In The Sky
Luckily, Mr Rey is no stranger to flying — aside from being the principal of the CPRM Property Group, he is also an experienced pilot. He has been flying for 13 years and for the past six years or so, he is a pilot for Angel Flights in Queensland and New South Wales where he helps get sick children and adults in remote areas to and from medical visits.
He will be using his Beechcraft Bonanza with hopes to win this race and raise funds for the organisation he has long been a firm supporter of.
Wyndham Hotel Group has announced that TRYP North Lakes will be a part of the 1.7 hectare Laguna North Lakes development. This marks their second property in Australia, with the first one located in Fortitude Valley.
TRYP by Wyndham, which is set to open in 2021, will have 138 rooms, a huge resort-style swimming pool, restaurant, bar, gym, and health facility.
There will also be a 5,000 square metres of curated fashion retail stores and eaters. It can also accommodate large function and events. The hotel will also offer A-grade commercial office space.
Matt Taplin, Senior Vice President Hotel and Resort Operations and Property Development of the Wyndham Hotel Group in South East Asia and Pacific Rim is thrilled to announce this new development in the upcoming Laguna North Lakes.
“Located in Queensland’s Moreton Bay Region, 25 km north of Brisbane, Laguna North Lakes has been designed to be a vibrant and active destination offering its visitors access to cafes, restaurants, events spaces, retail offerings and family friendly pool throughout the day and into the night. it is an ideal new location for TRYP as we expand into destinations travellers want to discover,” he said.
The decision to build a hotel in one of the fastest growing areas and promising developments in Queensland seems like a good idea. These upcoming developments are expected to boost population growth and allow northsiders to be in close proximity to commercial establishments.
The vision for the Laguna North Lakes is to make it a must-visit destination for leisure, events, and conferencing thus making the hotel development a great fit.
Just like the TRYP Hotel in Fortitude Valley which syncs with the pulse of the city, the North Lakes hotel promises to give off the same vibe.
North Lakes continues to be a family-friendly suburb as revealed by recent data from CoreLogic via Your Investment Property shows that the suburb is among the most popular neighbourhoods among homebuyers looking in the outer Brisbane areas.
The attractiveness of living in the suburb is primarily due to the relatively low real estate prices. The median price of the houses is less than $500,000. As a result, the suburb has a recorded 436 houses sold in the past 12 months.
However, aside from the property price, homebuyers are lured in by the North Lakes lifestyle that is ideal for families with children.
Newly-developed homes around the North Lakes Golf Course form one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the suburb. Notable schools such as the North Lakes State College and The Lakes College as well as a good number of childcare and early learning centres are among the appealing factors for families.
The new development, Laguna North Lakes, is also a bright spot in the property scene in the suburb. The mixed-use development within the North Lakes town centre, includes a 138-room hotel, commercial office spaces, health and wellness facilities, aquatic centre, restaurant and bar, and a lagoon-style pool. It is being hailed as Brisbane’s new world-class mixed-use precinct.
Bounty Boulevard State School, the largest state primary school, has recently opened its much awaited multi-purpose hall.
After years of campaigning, with the help of a $5-million funding from the Queensland government, the school was finally able to build the multi-purpose hall that it badly needs.
Constructed between May and December 2017, the new facility was officially opened in 18 April 2018.
The new school hall is a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting the school’s musical and sporting events. Not only that, the school community also benefits from the additional 46 parking spaces which have also been included in the project.
According to Education Minister Grace Grace, the government is pleased to deliver the project to support the school community for many years to come.
“I know this wonderful new hall has been a welcome addition for the school,” Ms Grace said.
“Bounty Boulevard State School has grown in step with the surrounding local community, opening with 130 students in 2009 and growing to an enrolment today of more than 1,400,” she added.
Education Minister Grace Grace and Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting at the Official Opening of the New Hall Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
Member for Murrumba Chris Whiting was the one who helped to secure the $5 million funding for the Bounty Boulevard State School.
Together with the school leadership, the P&C, and school community, their efforts in campaigning for the school hall were finally rewarded as the project successfully became a part of the Government’s $200 million Advancing Queensland Schools Fund.
“It has been a privilege to work with the Bounty Boulevard school community to secure this much-needed hall for them,” Mr Whiting said.
“It was clear that Queensland’s largest primary school needed a hall, and it is great the current Education Minister Grace Grace was able to open it,” he added.
Photo credit: chriswhiting.com.au
The new hall currently houses a multipurpose sports court, stage area, storage rooms, amenities, and change rooms. It also includes kitchen facilities, a multi-purpose area, and an outside school hours care office and activity area.
According to Bounty Boulevard State School principal Paul McSwiney, they have been using the hall since February 2018.
The facility is perfect for wet weather play and PE lessons. It also enhances music, drama, and sport in the school.
“This is a fabulous addition both for our school and for the local community,” Mr McSwiney said.
“Already the community is on board, with basketball being played here two nights a week and the hall acting as a venue for church services on Sundays,” he added.
The school is very excited as the latest addition to their facilities was officially opened. Certainly, the new school hall will be a great asset not only for the school but also for the local community for years to come.
The veterinary hospital’s post on Facebook was quickly shared by several people more than 300 times since the search for the cat’s owner started on 18 April 2018.
The three-legged cat does not have a microchip or collar which has made the search quite difficult and the efforts of finding the owner have relied mostly on the Facebook post.
Luckily, the photo of this cranky-looking cat (which reminded people of the famous Grumpy Cat) became an internet sensation.
Photo credit: Twitter/RealGrumpyCat
Contrary to its looks in the photo, the cat is actually sweet and gentle, according to the veterinary nurse who took care of her in the hospital.
In Round One of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, $450,000 has been granted by the Australian Government to North Lakes for its Smart Parking project.
Following Moreton Bay Regional Council‘s calls for tenders for the design, installation, and operation of the system, a total of three tenders were received by the Council for the project. The tender process closed on 12 December 2017.
The tender for the North Lakes Activity Centre Smart Car Parking Trial Design, Implement, and Operate project was discussed in a coordination committee meeting held on 27 February 2018.
In the report of the coordination committee meeting endorsed to the council, officers have recommended that the contract for the project be awarded to Telstra Pty Ltd for the sum of $479,865.80 (excluding GST).
Smart Parking Trial Area Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Tender process
Amongst the three tenders submitted to the council, Telstra was the only one who submitted a comprehensive tender. Given their relevant experience in providing the technology needed for the smart parking project, it is no surprise that they were chosen to deliver the project.
Other companies who submitted a tender but were deemed non-conforming were Frogparking Pty Ltd who was deemed non-conforming due to incomplete submission and Smarter Technology Solutions Pty Ltd (STS) who were not invited to submit a full tender following the Expression of Interest process.
Two more aspects of this project will be delivered under separate contracts to ensure the accuracy of the technology. These are the CCTV of the smart car parking spots and the establishment of a Smart City data platform.
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / chrisjmit / Pixabay
Project funding
The total value of the project as stated in the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program is $900,000 where $450,000 was granted by the Australian government and the remaining $450,000 will be co-contributed by the local government.
So far, the tender price for the project is $ 479,865.80 with contingency funds of five percent and a QLeave of $2,800.00. The total project cost is currently at $ 506,659.09. The remaining budget is set to be used for CCTV installation and the development of a Smart City Data Platform.
Benefits of the Project
Once completed, the project will improve traffic congestion associated with the introduction of pay parking at the North Lakes shopping centre. It will free up short-term parking spots, allowing residents easier access to parking for surrounding businesses. The proposed app and signage will also make it much simpler to navigate to a free parking spot.
The goal of the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program is to build active, engaged, and inclusive communities by motivating people to move and value their health more no matter what their age is. Similarly, North Lakes Table Tennis Association’s newest addition to their programs also has the same value.
The Girlpower Through Generations program that started in October 2017 was initially funded by the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing. The program caters to young girls, mothers, and grandmothers who want to have a unique experience of getting active together and engaging in a sport that they can share for a lifetime.
This program is a great way for the young and older generations to reconnect and spend quality time together while staying active and having fun. Table tennis is suitable for all ages since it is a non-contact, low impact sport that does not require a particular skill or fitness level.
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / Huskyherz / Pixabay
A specialised training program has been developed for adults and the elderly, as well as participants with a disability or limited mobility.
The Girlpower Through Generations is specifically designed for family members who want to get active together. Girls who wish to join the program have to register with both or either of their mother and grandmother.
The program is scheduled every Friday, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and runs for 10 weeks. Only a fee of $20 will be paid for registration. No need to pay more for the succeeding games, however, do take note that spaces are limited.
To learn more about the program and updates on game schedules, visit the North Lakes Table Tennis Association Facebook page and official website or email info@nltt.org.au.
Venue: Hall of The Lakes College, 2 College Street, North Lakes
Evania (Vani) Pelite has proven herself worthy of competing in the Commonwealth Games after her incredible performance in the Sydney Sevens.
There is no stopping Australian sevens star Vani Pelite in performing well in every game she plays, not even a kick in the head that required three stitches. Pelite has been under the radar for several years but her performance in their game against the Russians in the Sydney Sevens was a standout.
Photo credit: RUGBY.com.au
After taking a vicious kick to the head from Russian captain Alena Mikhaltsova, Pelite was still able to help Australia maintain their incredible defensive record in the 31-0 win. World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, cited the Russian and slapped an eight-game ban for the incident. Although the kick to her head didn’t seem intentional, authorities cited that it was reckless and unnecessary.
It may have been a bloody game for Pelite but the injury didn’t stop her from making a try-saving tackle to stop the Russian captain. Pelite said that at first, she was shocked and her teammates were worried but winning the game is more important.
Such passion for the game and incredible performance is what made her become one of the elite Australian Sevens players. Pelite is now set to represent Australia in the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane along with her Australian Sevens peers.
From Touch Football to the Australian Sevens
Photo credit: Facebook/Evania Pelite
Pelite has been playing (and excelling) in touch football since she was 12 years old. Her inspiration for joining the sport was older girls playing touch, particularly Emilee Cherry who is now her teammate in Australian Sevens. Pelite would watch the then 15-year-old Cherry and say “I want to be as good as Emilee Cherry.”
Pelite has an unusual story about how she started playing rugby sevens in 2012. She was steered into the Sevens by her family. After attending a tryout clinic put on by the Queensland Rugby Union (QRU), she was told about upcoming schools tournament.
After hearing the news, she went back to school and asked if she and her friends can play. However, she was told that they can only play if she can find 12 girls who would want to play. She went on recruiting in her school. Luckily, she managed to persuade 11 other players to play. Her unusual team, which consisted of a few touch footballers, gymnasts, and some dancers, represented St Columbans in Caboolture. They made it all the way to the finals in their first tournament.
In 2013, a big year for Pelite, she played for Australia at the Touch Football Trans-Tasman series and won gold at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival Rugby Sevens (AYOF). That was when she, at the age of 17, was discovered by Australian coach Tim Walsh.
By 2016, Pelite became a member of the Australian team that won Gold at the Rio Olympics in August 2016. She was able to score a try that gave her country the advantage in the final against New Zealand.
Being a Role Model
Photo credit: Facebook/Australian Womens 7s Team
Pelite grew up being inspired by fellow Rugby Sevens player Emily Cherry in her younger age. Now, she was the one being looked up to by younger girls aspiring to be Rugby Sevens player someday.
Pelite was a bit surprised when young girls came up to her at the Sydney event. She realised that it is now her turn to inspire the younger generation to get into the sport.
Event Schedules
Don’t miss the chance to see the first appearance of Pelite in the Commonwealth Games and watch how the Australian Sevens perform their unbeatable defence in the following schedules.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs Wales
Friday, 13 April 2018
5:37 p.m.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs England
Friday, 13 April 2018
8:17 p.m.
Women Pool Round – Pool B
Australia vs Fiji
Saturday, 14 April 2018
7:21 p.m.
The Rugby Sevens will be held at the Robina Stadium. Plan your route to the venue with the help of the official Journey Planner from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
