- Things that make your area special
- Pick up milk, bread and paper
- Get the kids out of the house
- Take a break from your routine
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Release your mind
- Get more information
Snapshot
In 1967 the Leslie Harrison Dam was completed, creating Tingalpa Reservoir. It took until 1970 before the dam was full and water flowed over the spillway. The catchment for this dam is home to one of the largest koala populations in the state. Chandler is best known as one of the sites for the 1982 Commonwealth Games. The theatre/sports hall (seating 15,000), aquatic centre, and velodrome all occupy the 40-hectare site, which became the Sleeman Centre. Chandler was named after Sir John Beale Chandler who migrated from England and established the Chandlers electrical business that still flourishes. In 1930, he started Brisbane's first commercial radio station, was Lord Mayor from 1940 to 1952 and was also in State Parliament as the MLA for Hamilton. Every Sunday is market day at the Chandler Markets at the Sleeman Centre in Belmont. You'll find fresh produce, plants and crafts with a separate flea market alongside.
Shopping
Carindale Shopping Centre and Cannon Hill Plaza are the major shopping centres in your area. Carindale is one of Brisbane's largest malls and includes a cinema complex.
Family fun
For kids: check your local playground - parks in Brisbane have anything from skatebowls to toddler play. In your area, try Gainsborough Park in MacKenzie for family fun. Or try any of the local bushlands areas and enjoy the walking tracks, wildlife spotting or fishing.
Take a break
Discover the secrets of your local area which is dominated by the natural environment. Tingalpa Creek Reserve's 81 hectares of natural bushland is bordered by one of Brisbane's better fishing creeks - saltwater species are found close to the creek mouth. This bushland, wetland and recreation space includes walking trails, a viewing platform, BBQs and picnic tables. Or why not paddle a canoe along Bulimba or Tingalpa Creek? The Brisbane Koala Bushlands, also in your area, are a series of conservation parks that form part of the extensive koala habitats in South-East Queensland. The park is a 600-hectare eucalypt forest reserve protecting part of one of Australia's largest koala populations, estimated at 3000-5000.
Exercise
Who's got time? Everyone, if you make exercise part of your everyday life. 3 x 10 mins daily exercise is recommended for good health. For sport and entertainment for the whole family you can't beat the Sleeman Centre on the corner of Old Cleveland and Tilley Roads, Chandler. Facilities include the Chandler Aquatic Centre, Arena, Velodrome, Gymnastics Training Hall, Dry Diving Training Hall and Leisure Water Fun Park. Sports lovers and active people are also well catered for at the nearby Clem Jones Centre. There's also the Belmont Shooting Complex that includes 11 ranges. The Plantation is another sports complex close to your area and features six purpose built beach volleyball courts.
Learn
Release your mind at nearby Carindale Library, where you'll find not only books but also CDs, DVDs, videos, free internet access, even storytelling sessions for children (phone the library for details).
Useful info
Carindale Library 3407 1940 Call Council 24 hours 7 days 3403 8888.
Redland Shire Further information on neighbouring suburbs may also be found on the Redland Shire website.
