Hi Everyone

I hope you had a wonderful break over Easter with your family and friends. I was so happy that the new playground at Lucock Park, Oxley was open in time for the school holidays. There's still a shade sail to come but the playground is open for tots and junior ninja warriors alike. Thank you to all the families who provided feedback during the design process and who attend the party in the park on Saturday. I know this will be a fabulous local playground for many years to come.

Congratulations to all the children who participated in this year's Easter colouring competition. It was so hard to choose the winners. I'm pictured here with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters and Highly Commended. There were 3D designs, bright and colourful, sparkly, bedazzled and collages. Really wonderful creative and beautiful artwork. Check out all the wonderful artwork on the window of my office at Fairfield Gardens. They look so amazing and I'll leave them up until the end of April. Winners will be notified by email.

Regards, Nicole.

Fairfield Park, Fairfield Survey Outcome

I recently circulated a survey among Fairfield residents to determine what the priorities are for an upgrade to Fairfield Park, Fairfield. The Budget for the coming financial year will only allow 1 or 2 projects to be completed at Fairfield Park with a Budget of around $120,000.

The top three priorities were upgrade/new public toilets (30); additional lighting and all-weather shelters (29); and additional native tree plantings (27). Preserving open space (15) and creating an adjoining small DOLA (14) were next requested. An upgrade to the toilet block has been listed for capital funding for some years now, and I have asked again. I have also requested our arborist to look at planting plans for additional native trees in the Park.

The toilets were listed for upgrade several years ago in the Council Budget and are awaiting funding on Council's capital works list. 

Planting more native trees was strongly supported and I have a request into Council's regional arborist for a planting plan. Many park sites in our district are fomer tip sites, known as contaminated land, and Council has restrictions on tree plantings in these areas. I will keep you updated about this and hopefully we can have a community tree planting event in the Park. 

The children's playground is older but in fair condition. I have asked that it be listed for a future upgrade as well. The focus has been on replacing playgrounds that have been removed for age and safety reasons, like at nearby Turley St Park. The new playground that opened last year is fantastic and I encourage you to try it out.

Additional lighting and shelters were clearly supported, so this will be the priority along with funding for an adjoining small DOLA (that maximises open space) should funding permit. 

I will circulate plan for the Park upgrade in coming months for consultation and feedback.

Thank you to the Fairfield residents who took the time to fill out the survey and let me know their priorities.

Hyde Rd Dog Park, Yeronga

The $110,000 of upgrade works at the Hyde Rd dog park are due to commence in May and should be completed by the end of June, weather permitting. Works will include:

• a new small dog park;
• new lighting;
• bubblers with dog bowls in both the small and large dog areas; and
• bench seats in both the small and large dog areas.

George Scarlett Park Dog Park, Corinda

Works have started for the $110,000 upgrade at the Corinda dog park in George Scarlett Park, with the fencing up this week. Works will include:

• a new small dog park;
• new lighting;
• a bubbler and dog bowl in the large dog area; and
• bench seats in the large dog area.

I hope you will be able to make it to one of the following local ANZAC Day services on April 25 to honour the courage of our service men and women:

Yeronga Memorial Park Service - Stephens RSL Sub Branch

• 6:50am - Assemble outside Yeronga State School, Park Rd, Yeronga
• 7:00am - March off to Yeronga Memorial Park
• 7:30am - Service at Yeronga Memorial Park, Honour Ave, Yeronga

Graceville Memorial Park Service - Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch

• 7:00am Assemble at cnr Appel St and Verney Rd E
• 7:15am March down Verney Rd E onto Oxley Rd to Graceville Memorial Park
• 7:30am - Service at Graceville War Memorial, Graceville Memorial Park, 173 Oxley Rd, Graceville

Tennyson Service - Pamphlett Tennyson Sea Scouts

• 8.30am - Service at Myla Tce Memorial, Tennyson 

Dutton Park Service - Yeronga-Dutton Park RSL Sub Branch

• 8:30am - Service at Gair Park, Gladstone Rd, Dutton Park

Following the success of the recent Bands in the Park event, Game, Set Swing, Brisbane City Council is continuing its creative partnership with the Tennis Centre through April and May. Upcoming concerts include:

• Saturday 17 April, 6-8pm, Tennis Centre, We'll Meet Again   wartime swing of Glen Miller and Duke Ellington by Windsor Brass.
• Saturday 22 May, 6-8pm, Tennis Centre, Love, Set, Match  pop music from the decades featuring Peter Vance and Rachael Pearse accompanied by Brass Roots Live.

Register via Eventbrite to meet COVID safe requirements. Entry is free with some seating provided and grassed areas available. Baseline Bar and Café is open to purchase for wine and food.

Brisbane Airport Corporation Giving Fund

The Brisbane Airport Communtiy Giving Fund is currently open and accepting applications from community groups offering wellbeing, safety, sport, education, environmental and other community benefit intiatives for cash grants of $1000. To apply, complete the online application form by 30 April, 2021.

Brisbane Airport Corporation are also accepting applications from young entrepreneurs and students with a great business idea for a  'Lunch and Learn' opportunity. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to go to lunch with a Brisbane AIrport Senior Manager and gain advice on a business plan.

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme

Applications are now open for the 2021 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme. A variety of business course scholarships are on offer for members of multicultural communities with an interest in gaining skills in business administration and management. To apply, complete the online application form relevant to the course you are interested in by 30 April, 2021.

Fairfield Library is getting smarter with new technology being installed to provide better services to our community.

The upgrade, commencing in March, includes SmartBlades, high tech shelves that automatically check in your book upon return. The old return counter will be removed and a new wi-fi reading and work nook established in the front window.   A new adult and children's Fastback display are being established to help improve access to popular new releases and the front counter and automated check-out are being relocate to improve access and functionality.   There will also be a new lick of paint and murals for the front walls to enhance the library's atmosphere. 

Ten years on from the Library's reopening after the floods this is a welcome upgrade. However, Council is still refusing to extend the Library opening days to Sunday and Monday. A few years ago the Lord Mayor said no to opening the Library seven days a week but I believe we should continue pushing for this valuable community hub to be open at least six days per week to better serve our community. Sign the petition and send a message to the Lord Mayor and City Hall that we love our local Library and want it open longer. 

The Half Dozen Group of Artists (HDG-Artists) founded on 9th April 1941, has recently celebrated its 80th Birthday. The Group's 80th Annual Exhibition is scheduled for 4 - 8 June as well as ongoing celebrations throughout the year.

HDG-Artists has evolved from humble beginnings. A group of 6 founding members wanted to create an environment where artists could develop their skills and techniques. Today, participants and its Members attend weekly untutored, or artist led workshops. Members also have the opportunity to exhibit their artworks in exhibitions and events that are organised by the Group.

One of the reasons for HDG-Artists 80 year success is that it embraces everyone, from beginners through to the many professional artists who make up its Membership. Weekly workshops are held at its 37 Quarry Road, Sherwood studio.

More on the HDG-Artists remarkable 80 year history can be found on their website.

Council are collecting donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries such as face washers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant for those who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, in our community. You can drop off donations to my office at Fairfield Gardens until Friday, 14 May.

The 2021 Homeless Connect will be held on 20 May, 2021 at the Brisbane Showgrounds. The event provides free services to people experiencing homelessness, or those at risk of homelessness, and has helped more than 17,920 people since it began in 2006. 

Most members of the Annerley Conference of St. Vincent de Paul visit needy people in their homes on a weekly or fortnightly basis. We often bring a bag of groceries and food cards. Our aim is always to provide more than temporary assistance. We always strive to empower those we visit to take control of their own lives.

When we recently responded to an urgent call from Jennifer, we listened to her sad story. She had been homeless several times, including recently when she was forced to leave a violent partner and her four children. We could see her bruises and her tears which showed how much she missed her children. Every day she continued ot search for more affordable accommodation.

Fortunately, an ex-homeless couple living in the same motel worked with her and found permanent accommodaiton with a cheaper rent. She was lucky to avoid living on the street.

You are welcome to join us and help improve the lives of those who struggle. Please phone 0410 767 407 for more information.

Great news for Yeronga State School active travellers! Council has extended the school zone on Park Rd all the way to Villa St and installed a new permanent SAM sign on the northern side of Yeronga State School on Park Rd for southbound traffic. 

The new sign will compliment the existing rotational signs southbound on Park Rd and eastbound on School Rd. Please keep an eye out for the new SAM sign and the school zone extension when school goes back next week, and remember to slow down and keep Yeronga State School students safe.

Council is offering free immunisation clinics throughout 2021. Clinics are held at the Corinda Bowls Club, 58 Hall Avenue, Corinda from 9-11am every second Friday (excluding public holidays). The next clinic is scheduled for April 23.

For more information, including immunisation fact sheets, visit the Council website here.

Jack Pesch Bridge Maintenance Works
Investigation works on the cable stays of the Jack Pesch Bridge will take place from Sunday, 7 March until late April 2021, between 9pm to 5am, Sunday to Friday. The Jack Pesch Bridge will be closed to pedetsrians and cyclists during this time.

Bus Stop Accessibility Improvement Programme Upgrades
Council will be upgrading bus stop 54, Thomas St near Blackwood St, Sherwood over the coming months. Works include:

• upgrading  and repositioning bus stop boarding area;
• replacing existing seat and positioning it back from the kerb;
• installing new tactile ground surface indicators;
• installing new kerb;
• installing new bus zone signs; and
• trimming surrounding vegetation.

Works will take place from 7am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Ipswich Rd and Ponsonby St bus stop upgrade works extended
Works are underway to upgrade bus stop 18/21 Ipswich Rd at Waldheim St, Annerley. The bus sotp will remain temporarily closed until Friday 16 April with works taking place between 7pm to 5am, sunday to Thursday.

Please use bus stop 17a to the north at Junction Tce or bus stop 22 to the south at Annerley Junction while these works are being completed.

Footpath Reconstruction Cornwall St, Annerley
Footpath reconstruction works are due to commence on 30 April in Cornwall St, Annerley. Works are scheduled for completion by 17 May, weather permitting.

Road Maintenance Patching Intersection of Clive St and Ipswich Rd, Annerley
Interim patch repair work of 200m2 in area at the intersection of Clive St and Ipswich Rd, Annerley is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2021. 

Tree Trimming Yeronga Memorial Park
Council are undertaking tree trimming works in Yeronga Memorial Park as part of tree risk management. Trees with a blue dot will be trimmed and works will be completed by 30 June 2021.

Cross River Rail
Yeronga Station will be closed from mid-April 2021 for approximately six months to facilitate station upgrade works. A new bus route (109 StationLink) will be introduced to replace the train during this time. Five temporary bus stops will be installed between Moorooka and Boggo Rd Stations, including one at Fairfield Rd, Yeerongpilly; one on Wilkie St, Yeerongpilly; and two on Fairfield Rd, Yeronga.

Indooroopilly Riverwalk Works
Construction of the Indooroopilly Riverwalk has commenced, with works taking place Monday to Saturday, 7am to 5pm. Two barges have been installed along the river to support a large crane and drill rig for piling works. Residents and businesses may experience an increase in noise and low-level vibration during piling works, but Council will monitor noise and vibration levels to ensure they do not exceed reasonable limits. A temporary jetty has been built to offer access to the barges, and I am still pressuring Council to convert the temporary works pontoon into a permanent public pontoon at the end of construction.

As part of the Indooroopilly Riverwalk project, Council will upgrade the intersection at Foxton St and Radnor St, Indooroopilly. Radnor St is currently closed between Riverview Tce and Foxton St. Until Saturday 17 April, Westbound traffic is diverted via Coonan St or Riverview Tce onto Station Rd, Finley St, Usher St, Isles Rd and Kate St. Eastbound traffic is diverted via Twigg St or Witton Rd onto Kate St, Isles Rd, Usher St and Finney St.