Crowds flocked at the South Bank markets, despite the rain Photo: Phoebe Clark

Markets across Brisbane, both produce and vintage, have significantly increased in number, which market organisers say is very good for the south-east Queensland city.

Among the regular markets, such as South Bank’s Lifestyle market, the Rocklea Twilight markets and the Riverside markets (which has been running for 25 years), new markets have begun to develop this year.

Vintage markets rising

Markets like A Frock Affair, Marky Markets, the Valley laneway markets and the Suitcase Rummage are all vintage markets that began this year.

The Valley markets on Brunswick Street are one of the longest running markets of this kind in Brisbane and have become more design focused.

Valley Market co-ordinator Irene Pollak says vintage markets are becoming a cheaper way for designers to be financially successful.

“Real estate is so expensive, and there’s such a big risk factor for young people who want to start a business,” she says.

“A lot of people aren’t business savvy enough to have a retail space … they can kind of work the weekends at the markets and then go home and still have a life.”

West End’s A Frock Affair co-organiser Amy Stewart says vintage markets have increased because of demand, and her market attracts nearly 300 people.

“I think people like purchasing something special or unique, or just purchasing something for a great price,” she says.

“You’re always going to find something different at each market, so I don’t think there’s a concern that people will lose interest.”

Ms Pollak says social networking has caused a lot of the success designers have had at these markets.

“It’s so expensive to advertise, it’s so hard to get free press – when you’re a small business person, you don’t have the time or the capital,” she says.

“Social media is the way of the future.”

Benefitting Brisbane

Ms Pollak says markets are a different way of shopping that is appealing to more people.

“Markets offer such diversity, it’s like a shopping centre that changes every week,” she says.

“It’s a fresh way of shopping and it’s a way of getting something that no-one else has.”

West End Marky Markets co-ordinator Sophie Johnston says the large variety of markets is a really good thing for Brisbane.

“It gets people out and about, it encourages young artists and crafters to share their work,” she says.

“You can also fill your wardrobe for less than if you were shopping at a clothes store in the city.”

Marky Markets began in June this year and Ms Johnston says vintage markets like this are really good for local designers in Brisbane.

“These people work really hard in creating a vibe around their wares and they predominantly sell out of markets,” she says.

Designer Annie Boake, who is based in Melbourne, recently sold her wares at the Valley Markets, and says she was impressed by the amount of interest her designs received.

“I was selling scarves from op shops that have been revamped … my stuff’s a bit different, and a lot of people were interested and asked a lot of questions,” she says.

Ms Boake says she researched the market culture in Brisbane, and found Brisbane people are really interested in vintage design.

“There’s quite a culture for it, people enjoy the market up there [in Brisbane],” she says.

Farmer’s markets iIncreasing

Rocklea Twilight produce markets are thriving. Photo: Phoebe Clark

It is not only vintage markets on the rise – produce and farmers markets are also growing in popularity.

Established markets such as the Rocklea markets and Northey Street organic markets still continue, and many other produce markets have opened up as well.

Kelvin Grove Market co-ordinator Peter Hackworth says the increased popularity has a lot to do with increasing health and environmental concerns.

“A lot of families are buying organic – especially families with young children, who don’t want to buy things with chemicals,” she says.

“Produce markets are the thing of now … people are able to buy food that is much cheaper and fresher.”

Many produce markets take place most weekends across Brisbane, and Rocklea holds a twilight market every Wednesday night.

Check Our Brisbane for more information on most markets held across the city.

Related Links:

• Related Subtropic story: Fees blamed for vendors’ snub of laneway markets – by Dominique Wiehahn
• Related Subtropic story: Brisbane embraces Suitcase Rummage – by Sophie Howe
• Annie Boake’s designs

The service provides subsidised taxi fares to elderly residents, allowing them to travel between their home and the shops each week.

The scheme was introduced for an initial six month trial in May this year and has since serviced more than 1000 residents.

The scheme is open to disabled residents or those over the age of 60.

Carers or minors of eligible customers are also able to accompany customers but they must hold a Carers or Companion Card.

Councillor Anna Grosskreutz said the program is “fabulous” and is encouraging residents to express their opinion on the scheme in time for the program review.

The program currently runs Monday to Thursday between Noosaville and Glasshouse Mountains.

Plans to extend the service are being considered.

“At the moment it [Council Cabs] does not operate in all areas of the Sunshine Coast” said Councillor Anna Grosskreutz.

“[The] Council has received a large number of suggestions for improvement to the program including extensions into other areas such as Beerburrum,” Councillor Grosskreutz said.

Elderly residents are thrilled with the initiative but have concerns regarding the limitations set on how many shopping bags are allowed per customer.

The taxis carry up to 5 customers per trip and each person is limited to three bags each to prevent overcrowding.

John MacKintosh uses the services often and appreciates the freedom it allows but he believes the bag restrictions are a concern.

“While I think this is a really great program because it allows me to get around easily without having to worry about how much it’s costing me, I think it’s a bit ridiculous to limit the number of shopping bags on the way home,” Mr MacKintosh said.

“This is the only grocery shopping I am able to do all week so I think maybe five bags would be a little more appropriate.”

The review is expected to conclude in December.

Any questions or suggestions can be sent to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council at councilcabs@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

A Sunshine Coast "Council Cab" Photo: Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Tourism and Indigenous experts believe Australia needs a better Aboriginal or Indigenous theme to the tourist industry.  

This Indigenous memorial in Cairns is popular with tourists. Source: Jennie Adams

 At the conference later this month, the key topic will be how to provide travellers with an authentic Aboriginal experience. 

 Kym Cheatham, CEO of Ecotourism Australia said the conference will be important to people who want to learn more about Indigenous culture. 

“The conference is to give operators and people involved in Indigenous tourism an opportunity to extend their knowledge,” she said.

“At the same time they can gain experience by talking to others who have experiences in Indigenous tourism.”

Ms Cheatham said more and more there’s a higher demand from international travellers for an authentic Aboriginal culture.

“From an international point of view, Indigenous cultural experiences are incredibly important,” she said.

“It’s important that the experiences are ethical and culturally appropriate.”

Natalie Stoeckl, an associate professor in economics at James Cook University has done surveys on how important Indigenous culture is to travellers.

A randomly chosen group of travellers in Alice Springs was surveyed, with the research showing Indigenous culture is a big factor.

“The visitors might not have come to Uluru, or may have spent less time there, if they didn’t think they were going to experience some Aboriginal culture and heritage,” she said.

Aborginial rock paintings are very popular among tourists. Source: Jennie Adams

Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a lecturer in tourism at the University of South Australia, agreed Indigenous orientated tourism attracts a lot of international travellers.

“The international community, particularly Europeans, have a very keen interest because Indigenous cultures are quite fascinating for international visitors,” she said.

The domestic market has been the hardest to tap in Australia but Dr Higgins-Desbiolles believes it can be fixed through more Aboriginal orientated holidays.

“One example is Desert Tracks, which takes people out in Central Australia, for a very intensive engagement with the Anangu community,” she said.

“It teaches non-Indigenous people to value and respect Indigenous cultures.”

“I call it reconciliation through tourism.”

The Global Eco Asia Pacific Conference will run from 25-28 of October.

Attacks on Queensland bus drivers have increased over the past years. Source: Alicia Ng

Mr Williams is the brains behind Brisbane’s new bus driver safety committee.

The idea came to him after noticing an increasing amount of attacks on Queensland bus drivers.

In the past financial year there were 79 recorded physical assaults.

“It’s unfortunate just how regular these attacks are,” said a bus driver who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Sadly it’s only the physical incidents that really get any notice.

“Most of us put up with verbal abuse on a daily basis and it’s not right.”

Mr Williams saw the rising attack rate to be an important issue.

“There is quite a considerable amount of bus drivers who have been assaulted, some quite seriously,” he said.

“And unfortunately it’s becoming too common for these assaults to be taking place, particularly on drivers in the Sunshine Coast area.”

Government involvement

Mr Williams pitched the idea to government representatives.

“It’s something that I thought would be important that we involve and inform people on a higher level,” he said.

Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan agreed with him.

“It’s a figure of concern and one which deserves the co-ordinated attention of government departments and the Transport Workers Union,” she said.

“The new committee will have a common purpose as the safety of bus drivers and staff is a priority for the government and union.”

First Meeting

The committee is partly made up of Ms Nolan, major bus company representatives, drivers, Translink representatives, police and the Transport Workers Union.

They recently held their first committee meeting in Parliament House.

The committee discussed their concerns and are looking at ways to prevent attacks.

“The thing I’m very concerned about is if a bus driver is assaulted while driving a bus,” Mr Williams said.

“He could be assaulted from behind, and we have had these attacks.

“The driver could swerve off the road into oncoming traffic or down an embankment and a lot of people could be seriously injured of for that matter killed.”

One idea that the committee is currently discussing is the reintroduction of conductors.

“I know it’s an extra cost but you can’t compare that extra cost against the lives of many people,” Mr Williams said.

Spokesman for Community Action for Sustainable Transport Tristan Peach says he supports the committee and their ideas.

“I think this could be one of many improvements that should be made into the working conditions for bus drivers,” he said.

Aims

The committee has only had one meeting so far, but Mr Williams is eagerly looking forward to the end results.

“The aim is to make sure we have input and we work together to put in place some sort of procedure to make life easier and safer for all concerned,” he said.

“We want to make sure that we try to eliminate these accidents.

“We’ve got to make the place safe for them (passengers and drivers) and we’ll work continuously with all those people on the committee to make sure it’s a safe situation.”

A student run project which comprises 30 members from throughout the university, QUT Motorsport groups together students in engineering, design, business and journalism, who all share a similar passion in the automotive industry.

With the FSAE competition less than two months away QUT Motorsport has a brand new car with modified designs from previous models and a brand new eagerness to outperform their successful fourth placing last year.

After his first year of being in Motorsport Damian Rawle a second year engineering student, says he has no plan on quitting describing the FSAE competition as the highlight of his Motorsport experience.

After discovering he had common ground with QUT, Mr Rawle joined the team in April 2009 and is now in a leading role as chassis team head.

“A massive interest in cars and a hunger to know all about how they worked was my main motivation and it sounded like the perfect way to do exactly what I wanted while also relating it to my degree,” he said.

“But it’s all the little things that you learn in the process that you would never learn doing a degree.”

Academic Advisor Dennis De Pellegrin says that as a member of staff for mechanical engineering, joining Motorsport was an ideal way to use his experience and knowledge to help students strive in their studies.

“The greatest reward for me is to be part of a successful team enterprise,” he said.

“I also get to witness the development of students through their participation in QUT Motorsport from fresh-faced teens, to competent young professionals.”

The behind the scenes work which goes into completing the car keeps the team well preoccupied throughout the year and with competition looming, the pressure builds as everyone races to get the job done.

Juggling their university studies along with work and motorsport is one of the struggles that they face being a part of the team.

“Combining motorsport, work and a university degree isn’t easy…it takes a lot of organisation and the ability to anticipate when work is going to start coming up,” Mr Rawle said.

“It’s very easy to put all of your effort into motorsport and forget about your degree because you have all the motivation in the world for it.”

The satisfaction of seeing a design modelled on a computer evolve into a real object and then being able to race the final product in Melbourne, is what fuels their success.

“It really is amazing how things get done, everyone pitches in to help when asked…giving up is never an option for fear of letting down the team,” Mr De Pellegrin said.

Technical support staff Anthony Morris agrees describing the project as an accelerated learning experience not only developing the students’ education, but also their leadership and team work skills.

“Whether the team are in the middle of a fierce disagreement or celebrating a breakthrough, the feeling is usually electric,” he said.

The car can be described as a mini Formula One or Formula Ford car which uses the engine from a motorcycle and will compete in a series of tests against 23 other universities.

The SAE is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote automotive-related technologies to the public, while providing the development of self improvement and education to its members.

Being his fourth year of judging at FSAE Simon Holt says the competition is fiercely competitive, but important to those who are pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

“It shows the basic elements of what is required to work within the motorsport environment,” he said.

“Working long hours, solving technical issues where there may be no precedent and essentially devoting your life to the cause.”

With all the opportunities that Motorsport presents the students who participate, Mr Rawle has said there is one downfall.

“We’re mostly studying engineers, so naturally we love explaining all about how things work, but we don’t know many female specimen,” he said.

Cyclists hope Wednesday's ride will encourage investment in more cycling facilities similar to the RBWH cycle centre. Photo: Jessica Uhlmann.

Ride to Work Day will proceed this Wednesday despite wet weather, and is expected to top last year’s national record-breaking attendance by 55,000.

Ride to Work Program Manager Elysia Delaine says an unprecedented number of people are riding to improve the environment and traffic congestion.

“We have seen a big jump in registrations this year so this is expected to be our biggest Ride to Work Day yet,” Ms Delaine says.

“We want to top last year’s effort in which our registered riders pedalled enough to ride around the world 17 times,” she says.

Manager of Bicycle Queensland Ben Wilson says the surge in registrations is proof that Brisbane residents are embracing cycling.

“On average, (Ride to Work Day) sees an increase of 20% of new people getting into cycling and our research shows us that many of these people do keep cycling afterwards,” Mr Wilson says.

Mr Wilson says this is a significant achievement because it often takes time for people to change their habits.

Safety warning for riders

But while cyclists are looking forward to the festivities, the Brisbane City Council has urged riders to take caution in the wet weather.

A spokesperson for the Brisbane City Council warned that paths may be slippery and has advised cyclists to avoid using bike paths in floodplains, such as Kedron Brook.

The spokesperson also said there may be debris on paths due to strong winds.

What to expect on the day

Mr Wilson says Ride to Work Day is ultimately about encouraging people to have fun with cyling and make good use of their local bike riding facilities.

He says the event is not restricted to “serious riders dressed in lycra” and cyclists of all capabilities can make the ride a social occasion by getting a group of friends or workmates together.

Novice riders can arrange an experienced “bike buddy” to cycle with them for support.

Cyclists will meet up for free breakfasts from seven to nine o’clock at the RBWH Cycle Centre and at Emma Miller Place in the city.

Organisers hope that high levels of support will help in campaigning for better cycling facilities. 

Cyclists can support the case by registering their ride for free until October 20.

Cyclists are responsible for less than half the crashes involving motorists. Source: Kayla Brereton.

Queensland motorists will have to stop blaming cyclists for their crashes.

A new study providing the first real insight into bicycle crashes has found motorists are largely at fault.

The extensive study by The Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety (Carrs-Q), found motorists are to blame for over half the accidents involving bicycles.

Carrs-Q looked at more than 6000 bicycle crashes reported to police between January 2000 and December 2008.

They found cyclists were only responsible for 44 per cent.

Carrs-Q Senior Researcher Amy Schramm said lack of due care from both cyclists and motorists cause the accidents.

“Both riders and drivers need to be more understanding and accommodating,” she said.

“Cyclists need to be aware of the impact they’re having on car drivers and need to be aware of the impact that they can have on cyclists.”

Mrs Schramm said most accidents occurred because drivers failed to look out for cyclists and have been taught to only watch out for cars.

“If you are only looking for cars then more often than not you will only see cars,” she said.

“Whereas if you are looking for motorbikes, cyclists and pedestrians then you are more likely to see them if they’re there.”

However, when cyclists were responsible for the crashes, it was mainly because riders knowingly took risks.

Earlier this year, Queensland Transport found many cyclists avoided road rules and chose not to wear a helmet.

Road Rage

Aami Insurance Spokesman Mike Sopinski said motorists’ constant anger towards cyclists is a major concern.

“The interaction between cars and bicycles continues to be a source of conflict for riders and drivers alike,” he said.

Mr Sopinski said a recent study by Aami Insurance, which also looked into bicycle crashes, found motorists were also largely to blame.

“Many of the responses we received highlight that motorists tend to see cyclists as a nuisance and are not always willing to share the road,” he said.

“This attitude causes many accidents for motorists and cyclists.”

Cycling Boom

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman recently dropped speed limits within the CBD to protect cyclists and pedestrians.

Mr Campbell told Brisbane Times the council is considering reducing speed limits again to make the CBD more pedestrian friendly.

“We don’t want our CBD to be a place where people roar through in their cars.’’

‘‘Ultimately, like with other world CBDs, the Brisbane CBD has to be particularly about the dominance of pedestrians and cyclists,’’ he said.

With Brisbane’s CityCycle scheme just launched, the CBD now has 2,000 more bikes.

With Brisbane experiencing a cycling boom, experts are urging motorists to slow down and pay attention.

Construction for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 is underway. Source: Kayla Brereton

The set-up for next month’s V8 Supercar race on the Gold Coast has just begun and despite last year’s drama, organisers are staying positive.

Organisers have taken a new approach this year, after spectator numbers dropped when international cars pulled out a week before last year’s race.

The newly-named Armor All Gold Coast 600 is set to be a hit, with a three-night music festival joining the motoring spectacular.

Cole Hitchcock from V8 Supercars Australia said the race has generated a positive response.

“The response this year has been really positive,” he said.

“We are going through a re-building stage after the issues from last year, particularly with the collapse of the A1 grand prix.”

“But we have started turning things around; the Queensland government have commissioned us to take the race back to its glory days.”

However, Daniel Gschwind, CEO of Tourism Council Queensland said last year’s drama has caused some damage.

“The drama last year was certainly not something that was welcomed by anybody,” he said.

“It was most unfortunate the way things developed. It’s never a good thing and has obviously done some damage to their reputation.”

The New Approach

Mr Gschwind says V8 Supercars’ new domestic approach, which focuses on the Australian market, is the reason they are back on track.

“I think this year is much more focused on the cars rather than the international race format that we have had in the past,” he said.

“This new approach will give better opportunities to promote the domestic market.”

With a domestically-focused approach, the event is likely to see more Gold Coast residents and families attend.

Rebecca Frizelle from the event’s major sponsor Audi, says the race now appeals to the entire community.

“You will see a lot of local people going. The Gold Coast needs an event that appeals to the entire community and this one does,” she said.

“They are building it so there is something for everyone including families, couples and individuals.”

The Armor Gold Coast 600 is expected to be viewed on television by millions of people around the world.

It is also expected to attract more than 200 thousand fans over the three days (October 22 – October 24, 2010), with tickets available online.

Former P&C Treasurer and the mother of three children who have attended Clontarf Primary, Patrice Pile, said that parents and the P&C committee have wanted to change the speed limit for around 15 years.

Traffic constantly flows past the school, along Elizabeth Avenue. Source: Caitlin Adams

Mrs Pile said the school has managed to get one new drop off zone at the front, which many parents like to use.

 ”I think lowering the speed limit is a good idea. It’s an extremely busy road and I know of one child that has been hit,” she said.

“A lot of other parents would agree that a lower speed limit would be a good idea.”

Mrs Pile said the school has put forward the idea of writing on the road saying ‘crossing ahead’, or flashing lights, but nothing has come through.

A lot of parents prefer to use the school's drop off zone Source: Caitlin Adams

“Because the speed doesn’t drop, then it’s not marked on the road,” she said.

“It would be different if it was marked on the road that there is a school crossing ahead.”

Mrs Carter agrees, saying there could also be increased police patrols or radars or even an overpass could be built.

“There are plenty more ideas though, even another drop off zone at the rear of the school,” she said.

In an interview with the Redcliffe Herald, Redcliffe District Traffic Branch Senior-Sergeant Garth Peake said it was not practical to have a 40km/h school zone or a lollypop supervisor because Elizabeth Avenue is a major road.

“This is a big picture issue and I think it would be more dangerous than practical,” he said.

“We perform regular patrols around the schools in the area in marked and unmarked vehicles.”

Mrs Pile said the school has a big majority of kids who walk to school and still have to get across Elizabeth Avenue.

“They say they can’t drop the speed because it’s a main road, but if it was marked on the road it would help,” she said.

“You just need that extra bit there, so that people are careful.”

Commuters will able to purchase subscriptions which enable them to rent a bike from stations around the city.

Once complete, CityCycle will boast 2,000 bikes and 150 stations in inner city suburbs such as Newstead, West End and Toowong.

CityCycle Scheme. Source: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stations will open in seven of Brisbane’s busiest suburbs on its launch with three more suburbs gaining stations next year.

The scheme is available for use by residents and visitors to Brisbane who are over 17 years old.

CityCycle is operated by JCDecaux, the same company behind the Paris bicycle revolution.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Stephen O’Connor, said the goal of the scheme is to change people’s transport habits and for it to complement current public transport.

“To get them to use the scheme for short trips from wherever they may be going whether that from home to work or from work out to lunch.

“Also for it to be intermodal so for it to connect with other forms of transport that people can use to get from A to B.”

A health manager for the Heart Foundation Brisbane, Sheree Hughes, said the scheme is a fantastic initiative as it promotes exercise in people’s daily lives.

“At the heart foundation we are encouraging people to accumulate at least thirty minutes a day for decreasing their heart health risk so it’s perfect.

“It fits in with our guidelines.”

She said the initiative, which is a huge success in cities around the world, will be well received in Brisbane.

“It’s very affordable and the first stage of the scheme has plenty of stations for people to traverse across the city.

“So I think it will be well used.”

The scheme is not a new concept for Australia, with Melbourne already taking part in the international trend.

But Melbourne Bike Share hasn’t been as successful as was anticipated, with fewer than 70 trips a day being made on Melbourne’s 600-bike system.

Sydney filmmaker and bicycle blogger Mike Rubbo blames compulsory helmet laws and questions how they have been able to retain the laws when other countries have not.

Compulsory helmet laws have not been adopted in other countries after Australia introduced them in the 1990s.

Mr Rubbo said “good ideas tend to travel and this idea, that you simply must wear a helmet when you cycle has not.

“What does that tell you?”

But Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has pledged to provide helmets at an economical cost.

He said to Brisbane Times recently “we’re looking at a target price point to be able to provide helmets to customers of the scheme for around $20 to $25 a helmet, that’s a pretty good deal.”

Councillor Newman hopes helmets will be available from local coffee shops and newsagencies near cycle stations.

Mr O’Connor said for those wishing to get involved as soon as possible, subscriptions are now open at the CityCycle website.

Annual, quarterly and daily subscriptions are available for purchase, with the scheme being considered one of the cheapest transport options available.