Opportunities Continue to Grow in North Lakes Amidst Booming Developments

North Lakes continues to offer more job opportunities to its residents as it continues to grow economically. More business opportunities are set to open in the area with the help of the recently approved retail, dining, and lifestyle precinct Laguna North Lakes.

North Lakes, located in one of Queensland’s fastest growing area, is already home to some of the biggest retailers like Ikea, Target, Coles, Dan Murphy and Big W which are under the roof of the newly built Westfield.


Read also:  Laguna North Lakes Development Hailed as Brisbane’s New, World-Class, Mixed-Use Precinct


More Jobs in Moreton Bay

With the addition of Laguna North Lakes, more than 5,000 jobs can be created in the next years as the precinct attracts more business investments in the area.

Photo credit: Facebook/ Laguna North Lakes

 

The Moreton Bay Regional Council economic development is now focused on driving more job opportunities in the area through its economic development action plan.

The Council’s plan includes investment attraction and business development which helps in unlocking thousands of job opportunities.

It was estimated that the currently available jobs in North Lakes can double from 7,700 to 13,000 by 2023. This is can be attributed to the Council’s effective master planning and major investment in infrastructure like the Redcliffe Peninsula Line, as well as high residential densities.

In 2017 alone, 900 new retail jobs opened for the community as big retailers and specialty stores flocked to Westfield North Lakes.

Photo credit: www.lagunanorthlakes.com.au

The addition of the $250 million Laguna North Lakes development in the area is sure to unlock more jobs for the community. Upon completion, the commercial development will feature 5,000 sqm of boutique retail, 10,000 sqm of commercial office space, a regionally significant function and events centre, a 140-room hotel, and a new aquatic centre. The commercial precinct opens up major employment opportunities for various industries.

New Commercial Building

Plan for the new commercial building. Photo credit: Moreton Bay Regional Council PD Online

Another application for a commercial building at 30 Torres Crescent, North Lakes is pending approval from the council. Once approved, the commercial building is set to open a hardware centre, commercial services, contractor’s depot, indoor recreation, office, technology industry, vehicle hire depot, vehicle sales yard and warehouse. That means more available jobs for the community.

Rapidly Growing Suburb

North Lakes has been named as Australia’s best master planned community last May 2017, and Queensland’s fastest growing region in the 2016 Census. There is no doubt that the region will continue to grow as more residents, job seekers, and investors are attracted to the area.


Read also : North Lakes Continues to Bloom

Explore Books Banned in Australia During 20th Century at North Lakes Library

When it came to reading material, Australia was one of the strictest censors in the world during the 20th century. Some books that were widely read across other continents were banned here. The books, however, remained in the keeping of different libraries across Australia up until this day.

Some collections are still banned, whilst others were previously prohibited but are now available for public consumption. There are also libraries across the country which still have restricted sections and where limited access are strictly reinforced.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

This period of Australian book history will be discussed during a free session at the North Lakes Library on the 13th of March, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The history of Australia’s strict censorship initially gained attention in 2012 when Professor Nicole Moore, a literary historian, published a book detailing how she uncovered thousands of banned books stashed underground in the National Archives of Australia building in Sydney. Her discovery actually happened in 2005. She found a total of 793 boxes.

According to the professor, these books were particularly illegal between the 1920’s and the 1980’s. The materials commonly dealt with topics on sexuality, politics, birth control, race, and romantic relationships that were taboo in the earlier decades. However, more than 90 percent of them were banned for obscenity, sedition, and blasphemy.

More about the history of Australia’s banned books will be explored at the North Lakes Library. Places are limited and therefore registrations are essential. To reserve your place, please click here.

Rediscover Inspiration, Explore New Connections with These Enriching Activities in North Lakes

Amidst the demanding modern lifestyle that Australians have, it’s easy to feel lost and out of touch with nature. Here are some activities in and around North Lakes to bring renewed inspiration.

Reflect at Lake Eden


Credit: Michael Barrett YouTube

Lake Eden is a pristine body of water in the town centre. Other parks and some cafes are within the surrounds. An early morning walk at Lake Eden can take a person to the surprising discovery of a thriving wildlife. Breathe the fresh air in while watching the swans and ducks playing in the water. In the afternoon, take the route to the Lake Eden Trail. Rediscover the freedom of being alone as time slowly passes by. The whole 1,676 metres walkway is just 20-minute walk.

Walk More at North Lakes Environmental Park


Credit: Karl Vanderveldt YouTube

Re-experience the bush land once again. How long has it been when you had your last bush walk? Start from Woodside Lake to Lacebart St, or at Whitebeech Lakes around the Whitebeech Court. Take pleasure in the wildlife. You’ll be surprised to find that North Lakes Environmental Park is connected to several other parks and lakes around North Lakes.

Hang out at the North Lakes Library

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

The local library regularly hosts enrichment activities, talks, and club meetings to welcome new members. Here are some of them:

New Year New You

Credit: Moreton bay region Libraries
15 February 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Professional Kinesiology Practitioner, Ms Molly Brumm, will discuss how to clear own personal space, own personal energy, and work environment from negative elements.

Knitting for the Needy

Credit: CoCo Parisienne/Pixabay
Every 3rd Monday of the month 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

New members are welcome anytime to the Knitting for the Needy Group. Members knit blankets, scarves, beanies, socks, children’s baby wear to be distributed to the needy. Wool donations are gladly accepted..

Current Affairs Discussion Group

Credit: Stock Snap/Pixabay
Every 3rd Thursday of every month 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Every 1st Saturday of every month 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join a group of people, from all walks of life, who exchange opinions on current affairs, from local to international issues.

Writers’ Group

Credit: Pexels/Pixabay
Every Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Joining this group will give anyone an opportunity to meet others who aspire to be writers. The group has members who are already experienced writers but anyone interested in writing is invited to attend.

The Passion Project: February 2018

Credit: Atlas health Australia Facebook

“The Passion Project: February 2018” is a community club which aims to connect people who believe that life is better when there is inspiration and passion. The Atlas Health Australia, an institution which provides upper cervical care, founded the group.

The group meets every 3rd Thursday of each month at the North Lakes Community Centre at Boardroom 10 The Corso, North Lakes. Members watch video presentations of the most influential people every assembly.

On 15 February, the group is inviting those interested to watch the video of John Gray, the famous author of the “Mars Brain, Venus Brain”.

Click here to know more about the The Passion Project: February 2018.

Brisbane’s Only Walking Football Competition Is On Again in North Lakes

Brisbane’s first and only walking football competition has commenced this year and has been taking place at the iPlaySports indoor sports centre in North Lakes. The exceptional sports activity will continue to take place in North Lakes from the 14th of January until the next three weeks. By then, it will transfer location to Deception Bay.

Credit: Walking Football Facebook

As the name suggests, walking football, founded by former Redcliffe PCYC player Alan Templeton, does not involve any running. The 63-year-old former football player came up with the idea when his old age eventually prevented him from playing the game which he is mostly passionate about. Hence, “walking” football, which is targeted primarily to people ages 50 to 70 years who could no longer play the game that they love due to the risk of running injury, common to aged players.

Before he stopped, Templeton did community football with the Brisbane Roar for 10 years. The 63-year-old football lover has been involved with kids during his time with the Brisbane Roar. He now thinks it’s time to give back and do something for people in the older age group who love football.

  • Templeton says that walking football has the following health benefits:
  • Keeps you fit & healthy
  • Reduces stress
  • Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease & strokes
  • Improves blood pressure & blood sugar levels
  • Improves balance & strength
  • Improves reaction times
  • Boosts self-esteem & confidence

In future, Templeton hopes that he can open the competition to women. Right now, women who are interested to participate in the game are welcome to compete against or join the men’s team. He hopes to have at least 10-14 teams consisting of four to six ladies’ team and eight to 10 men’s team. He also hopes that sponsors and fundraisers will give the game a chance.

About iPlaySports

iPlaySports & Fitness is the first indoor sports centre in North Lakes. It runs indoor netball, indoor soccer, indoor cricket, dodgeball, and beach volleyball. It is open seven days a week and can be rented for functions and parties.

iPlaySports & Fitness is located at 17 Flinders Parade, North Lakes

North Lakes Library Presents Free School Holiday Fun Activities

Parents need not fret about keeping their children and teenagers busy whilst out of school. North Lakes Library is hosting a series of free workshops to keep students occupied and entertained. So hurry and register for these free workshops and activities at the North Lakes Library.

Make a Leather Phone Case on 5th of January at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Grades 7 to 12 children can bring their phone with them at the North Lakes Library and learn how to handcraft a stylish leather case for their mobiles phones. They will learn the basics of leather making which include hand cutting, shaping, and painting leather into personalised designs.

The workshop is to be facilitated by Nadine Schmoll, a Brisbane-based environmental artist who is famous for her accessory designs brimming with her passion for sustainability. Ms Schmoll is also an educator who imparts her knowledge about collaborative and sustainable arts learning experiences for children and young adults.

Ms Schmoll personal designs are distinct for their focused on the environment and used of natural resources. She repurposed and recycled her materials, particularly plastics to create wearable arts, sculpture, and other art forms. In fact, her first brush with sustainable arts was while working at Reverse Garbage Queensland, a centre that transforms industrial waste from landfills into useful materials.

For reservations, please click here.

Crack the Code on 5th of January at 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 5 to 6 children will be taught to make their own online puzzle hunt by first learning the basics of web design. Participants of the workshop will be testing each and other online puzzles to know if they are “well-coded” enough to be safe from anyone’s ability to crack the codes.

For reservations, please click here.

Makey Makey Magic on 8th of January at 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 3 to 6 children will be taught to transform mundane objects into electronic circuits using pom poms, play doh, and other similar toys.

For reservations, please click here.

Ghost Hunt on 9th of January at 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 5 to 6 children will be treated to an activity involving augmented reality ghost hunt. But, the most exciting part is that they will be taught to develop cutting edge skills and create their own augmented reality experience.

For reservations, please click here.

Mario Kart Tournament on 10th January at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 7 to 12 children will race against each other at the Mario Kart Track. The fastest racer will win a $20 EB Games voucher.

For reservations, please click here.

Sew a Summer Top on 12th of January at 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 7 to 12 children will be taught to create a summer top with drawstring neckline by using a sewing machine.

For reservations, please click here.

Wackiest Wizard Wares on 15th of January at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 3 to 6 children will have the time of their lives as they imbibe the personalities of Fred and George Weasley when they create and pitch their own practical joke materials and concepts. Fred and George Weasley are beloved twin characters from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series who are known for their adorable mischief.

Although Fred and George Weasley are considered minor characters in the novel, their greatest contribution has been showing Harry the Marauder’s Map which became useful to them in many challenges. The two characters are also best remembered for their escape from the Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher, Professor Umbridge. The twins is also known for setting a new joke shop which specialises with joke supplies in the beginning of the “Half-blood Prince”. Sadly, fans have been left heartbroken when Fred gets killed in “Deathly Hallows” because of an explosion suspected to be instigated by Augustus Rookwood.

For reservations, please click here.

Board Game Olympics on 17th of January at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries Facebook

Grades 7 to 12 children are invited to compete in different board games, particularly in the Jenga Challenge where the winner will be given a $20 EB games voucher.

For reservations, please click here.

Minecraft Zoo on 18th of January at 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Credit: Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Grades two to six will be entertained and learn at the same time as they make a Minecraft zoo together with staff at the North lakes Library.

For reservations, please click here.

North Lakes Library
10 The Corso
North Lakes, QLD 4509

Revolution Sports Park to Launch in January in North Lakes

A 2,000-square metre trampoline centre is being constructed in North Lakes. Called Revolution Sports Park, the place is expected to open its doors by mid-January 2018. By then, it will become a ground-breaking addition to the recreational scene in the suburb.

The trampoline park will have a main arena with 40 interconnected trampolines, two Olympic-style trampolines, and a 16-metre tumbling mat and airbag. The size of this area makes the park one of the largest trampoline places across Australia.

Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook

The Revolution Sports Park also has a performance arena that consists of six high performance Olympic-grade mats, two parkour running walls, and a huge airbag upon which to practice kinaesthetic activities.

Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook

If trampoline alone sounds not enough, there is a basketball arena consisting of three long trampoline mats underneath three basketball hoops at three varying heights. The tallest hoop is the regular 10-foot type used in regular basketball hoops.

The Revolution Sports Park may sound like an extreme-game destination with all the high jumpings involved, parents may rest assured that children are safe at the kiddies’ arena that is suited for kids under 120 centimetres. The area has 12 interconnected trampolines in an open format and huge kids playground with obstacles to climb, slides, and a ball pit.

Credit: Revolution Sports Park Facebook

More to come in mid-2018!

The Revolution Sports Park in North Lakes may just be opening its doors early in the year but management already has everything planned out. By mid-2018 it will be launching the rock climbing and high ropes arena.

“Learn to Fly” classes will also be held where North Lakes residents will be taught skills and tricks to use basic gymnastics to jump on trampoline, to tumble, and the most interesting of all, to do the parkour.

In February 2018, Revolution Sports Park will also introduce to North Lakes its event dubbed as “Under 18’s Dance Party”. It is a three-hour party intended for 13-17 years old where they can dance along with the music from live DJs but still keeping things appropriate for their age.

Revolution Sports Park Facebook

For more updates on Revolution Sports Park, click here.

3 Flinders Parade, North Lakes

North Lakes’ FlowBiz Working for Better Mobile Coverage across Moreton Bay

The Moreton Bay Regional Council has teamed up with FlowBiz, a small-to-medium enterprise based in North Lakes, to identify which areas across Moreton Bay have problematic mobile coverage. Through this partnership, the council aims to provide better mobile infrastructure across the region’s rural and remote areas.

Mayor Allan Sutherland explained that most of the residents and workers in remote areas are experiencing blackspots despite previous budgets that have been allocated to address the problem.

“We have more than 25,000 businesses in Moreton Bay, and it’s simply unfair for those businesses in rural areas – our farmers and agri-businesses – to have to put up with sub-par mobile connections. It’s also not just businesses that suffer, it’s local residents who struggle to get a phone signal to make important calls or stay in touch with loved ones”, Mayor Sutherland said during the announcement.

Flowbiz is a company that provides unique and customisable technological solutions. For its partnership with the Moreton Bay Regional Council, the company will utilise mobile app technology.

This mobile app will be installed on the phones and tablet devices of council maintenance crews. The crews shall then periodically test the mobile signal strength in the area, relay their information to Flowbiz which will later on use the data to categorize and mapped out the areas with the sub-par connections. This map will be made available for the public.

Flowbiz CEO Terry Sinkinson explained that all members of the community can in fact participate in this initiative. All they have to do is download the free app from SigMap. The app will get accurate data from mobile telephone carriers as it records changes in signals whilst the users go from one place to another. In an instant that the app detects a low signal, it automatically sends this data to the SigMap server. All data retrieved will be utilised for the initiative and subsequently for officials to decide either to troubleshoot the existing mobile infrastructure or build an entirely new mobile tower.

Stop With the Gadgets and Let Kids Enjoy LEGO Workshops in North Lakes

Bricks 4 Kidz, an institution which prides itself as the world’s leading provider of educational play programs with LEGO, fills the December month with creative and educational activities for the kids. Children can learn the basics of STEM, even robotics, while they are completely having fun.

Credit: Bricks 4 Kidz AU North Lakes

Bricks 4 Kidz promises to provide kids with flexible learning environment, “away from screen”. They will socialize with kids their age while exploring STEM concepts, enhancing their problem solving skills, and spatial awareness.

“We believe that kids learn best through FUN activities that engage their curiosity and creativity.”

Bricks 4 Kidz has locations in North Lakes, Redcliffe, and Albany Creek. The team in North Lakes is headed by Lily Moegelberg, a registered teacher from the Queensland College of Teachers. Her credentials include First Aid qualifications, CPR training, and management of asthma and anaphylaxis from St John Ambulance.

The series of LEGO workshops will be held at the Woodside Community Centre. Here is the detailed schedule and information of each of the workshops.

All participating kids will get to take home a custom built LEGO mini-figures.

Workshop Date & Time Ticket Price
Movie Mania

Recommended age: 5 years old and above

Kids will build different characters, vehicles and interesting machines inspired by movies such as LEGO Movie, LEGO Batman Movie, LEGO Ninjago Movie, Jurassic World, Finding Dory and Frozen

11th December, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. $45
Junior Robotics 101

Recommended age: 7 years old and above

An introduction into computer programming and robotics, using characters built with LEGO

18th of December, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $85
Mining and Crafting

Recommended age: 5 years old and above

Kids will build with LEGO motors, gears, and axles to craft elements from the Minecraft game.

18th of December 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $75
Despicable Christmas

Recommended age: 5 years old and above

Kids will build Christmas-themed Minion characters from the madcap world

19th of December

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

$45

$75

Drop and Shop

Recommended age: 5 years old and above

Kids can be drop off at the North Lakes Community Centre to just play and enjoy all the available LEGOs at the place

22nd of December

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

1 hour – $15

2 hours – $25

3 hours – $35

4 hours – $45

For bookings, please click here.

Woodside Community Centre is at Cnr Gardenia Pde & Discovery Dr, North Lakes

Westfield North Lakes Hosts Free Christmas Activities

Visitors and regulars at Westfield North Lakes are excited about the upcoming festive celebration as it treats children and adults to fun-filled activities that are scheduled in the weeks leading to Christmas. There will be free Christmas Carols serenading shoppers every Friday of the week, for both parents and kids to enjoy, whilst free Christmas Workshops are being held from the 6th until the 14th of December for ages 16 years old and above.

On top of all that, Santa is in town and it isn’t even Christmas yet!

Free Christmas Carols on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of December at the Laneway

Credit: Westfield North Lakes Facebook

There will also be roaming Christmas characters, including an appearance by both Santa Claus and Mrs Claus.

These events are FREE. Those who are interested to attend should simply BOOK SEATS at any of the restaurants in the Laneway to secure a favourable spot for the whole family for the night.

These are the participating restaurants:

Restaurant Menu
Beach House Bar & Grill Steaks & seafood to burgers & salad, beer, wine, spirits & delicious cocktails from the bar
Grill’d Healthy burgers with only the highest quality and premium ingredients from local suppliers
Guzman Y Gomez Latin food
Kinn Thai Restaurant Thai food and cocktails, and wines
Movenpick Ice Cream Creamy ice cream, smooth sorbets, homemade cornets, hot drinks, and refreshing smoothies
Noodle Haus Traditional rice and noodle Chinese dishes
Oi Sushi Japanese food
San Churro Best of Spanish chocolate and Hot Chocolate, Churros, and other traditional Spanish sweets.
Schnitz Real schnitzels made fresh-to-order, hand dipped in egg wash, coated in crumbs, and pan cooked until golden brown
The Groove Train Local breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert
Lone Star Rib House Slow-cooked ribs, burgers or hot dogs

BOOK SEATS NOW

 Christmas Craft Workshops

Credit: Westfield North Lakes Facebook

Participants can take advantage of the event by crafting their very own Christmas gifts for friends and families. Workshops range from crafting hand lettered tags, hand lettered greeting cards, and hand lettered wooden ornaments. Please note however that links on how to books for each of the workshop are being released a day before the following dates. It is highly advisable to check from the website from time to time.

Date Workshop Time
6 December Hand-Lettered Gift Tags

Note*

Only 20 people per session

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

7 December Hand-Lettered Wooden Ornaments 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

11 December Hand-Lettered Gift Tags 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

12 December Hand-Lettered Greeting Cards 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 am, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
13 December Hand-Lettered Wooden Ornaments 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 am, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
14 December Vanilla Peppermint Sugar Scrub 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 am, 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

CHECK BOOKING

Australian Tennis Star Jelena Dokic in North Lakes to Tell Story Of Survival

Yugoslavian-born Australian tennis luminary Jelena Dokic will be in North Lakes Community Centre Hall on the 30th November. She will discuss her autobiographical book, “Unbreakable”, which she wrote with Jess Halloran, an award-winning senior sports writer of News Corp.

The doors will open at 12:00 noon and Ms Dokic’s talk starts at 12:30 p.m. She will be signing books after her talk. Everyone can buy a book at the event or they can bring their own copies to be signed.

“Unbreakable” narrates how Ms Dokic endured her status as a refugee twice, coming from war-torn Yugoslavia, and making Australia her home. It recounts how she successfully emerged as a tennis star. But the one thing poignant and resonating, albeit controversial, about this autobiography is that it is the only time that she has spoken about the years of abuse she suffered in the hands of her father, Damir Dokic.


Credit: The Shark Boi YouTube

Ms Dokic is now busy mentoring and coaching young tennis players after a shoulder and wrist injury required her to retire from tennis in 2013.

Australia will always know Ms Dokic for her exceptional athletic skills. At 16, she already made it to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals by 17. By 18 years old, she was already in the world’s top 10 and by 19, she was number 4.  She was the world’s number 9 in doubles. She received her first WTA singles title at the Rome Masters in 2001. She was also a French Open doubles finalist the same year.

All throughout her success, it would appear that her father was a strong foundation of her triumphant career. The “Unbreakable”, however, reveals otherwise.

The book recounts how she suffered both verbal abuse and physical beating at the hands of her father. At one point, during her semi-final loss in 2000, her father kicked her out of the hotel room and she was forced to sleep at the Wimbledon courts. There had also been a time when she was kicked in the head until she lost consciousness, all because she lost another game.


Credit: Jupjupz YouTube

In support of Ms Dokic, Tennis Australia has released the following statement:

“All of us at Tennis Australia applaud Jelena’s courage in telling her story and will continue to support her in any way we can. There were many in tennis at the time who were concerned for Jelena’s welfare, and many who tried to assist with what was a difficult family situation. Some officials even went as far as lodging police complaints, which without cooperation from those directly involved, unfortunately could not be fully investigated. Over the past ten years tennis has been constantly improving and updating policies to increase protection for children. Tennis Australia is working closely with the Australian Childhood Foundation to strengthen the safeguarding of children across the sport”.

Elsewhere, other popular personalities are united in praising Ms Dokic for her bravery in writing the book. Australian basketballer Andrew Bogu, co-host of Channel 10’s “The Project” Carrie Bickmore, and Aussie tennis coach Darren Cahill, have all taken to Twitter to praise her.

For more details about her talk at the North Lakes Community Centre Hall, click here. The event is free but booking is required. Please click here to attend.