We know that more than 17,000 visitors come to New Farm Park every week. These glorious summer days that the whole of SE Queensland is currently enjoying/tolerating, will extend that figure, and we look forward to the next assessment. Groups are appearing as "first-timers", couples just seeking a unique and quiet paper reading experience, well prepared families looking for some genuine out of doors exertions; for them, the Park is simply ready made for all of their expectations.

ITEMS JUST ON......

Inclement weather persists and the last fortnight has produced some record rainfalls to many parts of Brisbane. NFP had its fair share with good autumn growth and Park development now guaranteed. Visibility became an option earlier in the week, with bleak very heavy overcast skies being the source of quite torrential rain. Large buildings were difficult to pick up.

Two weekend events have now passed, both with important links to the Site. You can read all about the Sunday launch of "Tom Hurstbourne or a Squatters Life" in the LIBRARY section. It was a great day, attended by large numbers with an appropriate sprinkling of "celebrities". The full story can be sourced from ggbooks.wordpress.com  The NF Historical Society  hosted the expose of ABBOTT STREET, on the Saturday, again with large and enthusiastic numbers. More details in the HISTORY section.

We are constantly getting images sent to us, with suggestions as to how best to feature them. This part of Brisbane creates some spectacular opportunities. One reader has sent in a folio of pics, said to be  "....taken from my back window" . We've included a few here. Any further material you would like loaded, please send it to nfp@newfarmpark.com.au .

Australia Day in the Park was a go-to necessity for so many. Crowds were huge, ranging from small family groups to big and even bigger gatherings. There are plenty of highlights to be seen on the WEEKEND GALLERY segment. NFP itself, was in superb condition, considering all of the extremes of weather we've endured in the last month or so. It handles and responds to these vagaries very well.

 Near full movie houses and near empty recreation facilities are the more obvious consequences of the Festive Season rainfall. It has to be said, that beneficiaries of quality rain will be many, but to see it falling on a deserted New Farm Park was exhilarating. NFP just responds so quickly to good steady rain and there will be some great sights to see in coming weeks. 

January "Tree of the Month" is now installed and the New Year gets under way with a delightfully informative review of the Buckinghamia celsissima. Likely not to be too recognizable by this tag, but at this time of the year,  a lot of Brisbane footpaths are carrying this species, now in full bloom. You  will readlily recognize them.

Our 2009 in Review publication was distributed earlier this week, with some great feedback already in the system. 

Council notice on Playground upgrade

Councillor, David Hinchliffe has updated the status of the proposed new work at the NFP Playground He said that funds have been made available for a major upgrade of the Playground and the work will be carried out in two stages. Firstly there will be a temporary closure of half of the playground for approximately 3 weeks in Oct-Nov. This is for construction of a boardwalk in the playground. The playground upgrade will need a full closure of the playground and will begin in late January (after the school holidays) and will be closed for approximately 4 weeks. (more on October Newsletter)

 The plaque presentation at the Mary Ryan Bookshop, commemorating the sale of the 1000th copy of "Reflections of New Farm" - go to Library & Reviews.

 Another swag of Gallery highlights - go to Weekend Gallery.

Our local Councillor, by the way, has recently launched his own website. Like many others, it's a must read ! www.davidhinchliffe.com Coupled with his demanding City Hall responsibilities, David H. is in the middle of a very impressive Exhibition at the Neo Gallery in Fortitude Valley. It features some great new work by our very versatile local man, with some NFP work featured. Reviews of the Exhibition will soon be posted on the Arts & Entertainment nodule.

Stay tuned for an update on some new exciting material in our new sister-site www.merthyrpark.com.au

There has been some movement at River Heads. You will recall that "Cracklin' Rosie" was being prepared for a extended jaunt through NQ waters, after the winter comforts and security of the Susan River. Go to "... a Quick Insight" for a most insightful view of what goes on in "getting ready " for such a voyage. Our intrepid sailng duo left last month. Regular reports will be seen here.