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Brisbane Emergency Services Expo Draws Thousands to Chermside

Over 10,000 people gathered at 7th Brigade Park in Chermside for the Brisbane Emergency Services Expo, an annual event designed to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies.

Held on Saturday, October 12, the event was organised by the Brisbane City Council, with a focus on storm season preparedness and providing the community with crucial information on handling natural disasters. The expo featured multiple emergency service units, including the Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Crime Stoppers, Police Recruiting, Crime Prevention Unit, and Highway Patrol.

Community Engagement

This year marked the first time the expo was held at Chermside’s 7th Brigade Park, after previously being hosted at Victoria Park in Brisbane City. The new venue proved successful, with a large turnout from the local community. Attendees were able to interact with different units of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and learn more about their work.

Brisbane Emergency Services Chermside — *Photo Credit: QPS*

The Mounted Unit and Dog Unit were particular crowd favourites, with demonstrations from the Dog Unit showcasing their skills in police operations. The event also provided an opportunity for Crime Prevention officers and Community Supporting Police to share tips on staying safe during emergencies and ways to report crimes.

Career Opportunities Highlighted

The expo also placed a spotlight on recruiting efforts for the Queensland Police Service. Representatives from the Police Recruiting team were present to inform visitors about the wide variety of roles available within the service. They highlighted that a career in policing offers numerous paths, from responding to emergencies to investigating crimes and engaging with the community. Officers described the work as both challenging and rewarding, encouraging those interested to explore career opportunities by visiting the official recruitment website.

Success of the Event

The overall success of the event demonstrated the value of connecting emergency services with the community. It provided a platform for local residents to learn important safety information while also fostering positive relationships between the public and emergency service personnel. The large turnout and enthusiastic response from attendees showed strong support for events of this kind in the future.

For more information about joining the Queensland Police Service, interested individuals can visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au.

Published 21-Oct-2024

Chermside Community Leader Jodi Traves Wins $20,000 Westfield Local Hero Grant

Westfield Chermside has awarded Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Limited, a $20,000 grant to expand her organisation’s services that support homeless individuals and people facing challenges in the local community.

Expanding Services for the Homeless

Jodi leads Bridgecare Limited, an organisation that provides judgement-free assistance, including weekly food hampers, help with gardening, and odd jobs for those in need. With a team of 80 volunteers and two part-time employees, the group focuses on aiding the homeless and vulnerable in the Chermside area.

She plans to use the grant to purchase a commercial fridge and freezer to increase the organisation’s food storage capacity, enabling them to launch a new community pantry. This pantry will be stocked with fresh and frozen food, provided in part by OzHarvest, to help feed locals.

The grant will also allow Bridgecare to use additional storage space at a nearby church, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community.

Local Heroes Program Marks Seventh Year

The Westfield Local Heroes program, now in its seventh year, recognises individuals and organisations that positively impact their communities. This year, over 71,500 votes were cast by the public across Australia and New Zealand to select local heroes from each of the 42 Westfield destinations.

Westfield Chermside Centre Manager, Pietta Lacey, expressed her enthusiasm for the program and the contributions of Traves and her team. She noted how the initiative continues highlighting the extraordinary efforts of community members like Traves, who directly support those in need.

Other Grant Recipients in Chermside

In addition to Jodi, two other finalists from the Chermside area received $5,000 grants.

Benjamin Bjarnesen, founder of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, was recognised for his work in providing education and resources to support victims of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community. Benjamin’s organisation has reached over 7.3 million people through its awareness campaigns, which aim to promote safer, more inclusive support systems.

Bianca Campling, the Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life Ltd, also received $5,000 for her efforts in supporting vulnerable new mothers facing domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health challenges. Through her work, Campling provides essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers each year, helping them care for themselves and their newborns during difficult times.

Westfield’s Ongoing Community Support

Since 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program has contributed $8.6 million to over 860 community organisations across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s program awarded 126 grants, totalling $1.25 million. The initiative continues to grow, with nominations for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes now open.

Residents can visit the website of their local Westfield centre for more information on the program and this year’s recipients.

Published 18-Oct-2024

Chermside and Carindale Fruit Shop Owner Crowned Mango King at Brisbane Auction

John Nicolaou, owner of Fresh Sensations at Chermside and Carindale, placed a winning bid of $32,000 to be crowned the Mango King at the 2024 Brisbane Markets Mango Auction.

The auction took place in October 2024, where Nicolaou won the symbolic first tray of mangoes, supplied by the Northern Territory Mango Industry Association. This was his second time winning the title, having previously been named Mango King in 2013.

Funds Raised for Charity

The auction raised a total of over $44,000, with proceeds benefiting two key charities. Redkite, which supports families of children with cancer, and The Lady Musgrave Trust, which provides assistance to young women at risk of homelessness, will receive the funds. Nicolaou’s winning bid alone contributed A$32,000 to this total.

Brisbane Markets Limited chair, Anthony Kelly, emphasised the importance of the event in helping local families facing hardship. He highlighted that the auction provides a chance for the mango industry to give back to the community.

Promising Mango Season Ahead

Kelly also commented on the outlook for this year’s mango season, noting an expected increase in the quantity and quality of mangoes compared to last year. He said consumers could look forward to more affordable prices and a better product overall.

The event was celebrated by many in the community, with Nicolaou’s achievement shared across social media, where he was praised for his generosity and crowned the “Mango Monarch” by followers.

About Fresh Sensations

Fresh Sensations is a family-owned gourmet grocery business based in Brisbane, with stores located in Capalaba Park, Westfield Chermside, and Westfield Carindale. Established in 1993 by brother-in-laws John Nicolaou and Jim Mousikos, the business has grown over the years and now offers both in-store shopping and online delivery to selected suburbs. John and Jim, both originally from Cyprus, immigrated to Australia at different times and found their passion for fresh produce through various jobs in the supermarket and fruit shop industries before teaming up.

John and Jim opened their first store together in Capalaba, and over time, expanded the business to four stores throughout Brisbane. Their focus on customer service and quality products, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and deli items, has helped them grow into a well-loved local brand. With support from their sons, who are now involved in the business, they continue to work closely with staff and suppliers to ensure the best for their customers. Fresh Sensations is built on strong family values and a commitment to the community.

Published 17-Oct-2024

Jack’s Law Milestone in Queensland: 1000 Weapons Seized in Police Operations

In a significant development for public safety in Queensland, police wanding operations conducted under Jack’s Law have resulted in the removal of 1,000 weapons from the streets, since it came into effect last year.

Read: Violent Assault in Huxtable Park Under Investigation

North Brisbane Operation

Last month, Queensland Police conducted a major wanding operation in North Brisbane, demonstrating the expanded reach of Jack’s Law. On September 19, officers wanded 120 people and seized a pocketknife during the operation.

A 16-year-old girl from New South Wales was charged with one count of possession of a dangerous article after being found with a pocketknife in a Brisbane City shopping precinct.

This recent operation contributes to the impressive total for North Brisbane in 2024:

53 weapons seized
Over 6,500 people wanded

The array of confiscated weapons includes kitchen knives, butcher’s knives, knuckle dusters, and pocket knives, highlighting the diverse nature of potential threats being addressed.

Jack’s Law: Expanding Scope and Impact

Jack’s Law was initially introduced in response to the tragic stabbing death of 17-year-old Jack Beasley in Surfers Paradise in 2019. In September 2024, the law’s scope was broadened to allow wanding in additional high-risk public locations, including shopping centres, licensed premises, and sporting precincts.

Complementing the expanded wanding powers, Queensland has implemented a ban on the sale of blades to individuals under 18 years of age. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce access to potential weapons and further discourage knife possession among young people.

Youth Crime Taskforce Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Massingham praised the law’s impact, stating, “The response from shop owners, businesses, and stakeholders has been incredibly positive, with a number of knives and other weapons seized in busy shopping centres, potentially preventing a tragedy.”

He added, “To reach more than 1000 dangerous weapons is an outstanding achievement, and representative of our commitment to proactive efforts to disrupt knife crime and protect our communities.”

The Beasley Family’s Continued Advocacy

Photo credit: Jack Beasley Foundation/Facebook

Belinda Beasley, Jack’s mother, expressed pride in her son’s enduring legacy through the law named in his honor. “To see Jack’s Law grow from Surfers Paradise to across Queensland and now into other states across Australia is incredible, and we know it will save lives,” she said.

The Beasley family, through the Jack Beasley Foundation, continues to work closely with police to prevent knife crime and educate young people about the dangers of knife violence.

Read: Chermside Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle

As Jack’s Law continues to make a significant impact on public safety in Queensland, its success serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, community stakeholders, and dedicated families working to create safer public spaces for all.

Published 9-October-2024

Emergency Services Expo to Prepare Chermside for Summer Storms

Photo Credit: My Unsplash

Residents of Chermside and the nearby suburbs are invited to 7th Brigade Park to learn about vital summer storm preparation tips from emergency services at the Brisbane Emergency Services Expo.

The free community event, running from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12 October, will feature a range of activities for all ages, including educational sessions with emergency crews, live music, food trucks, and entertainment like Paw Patrol and jumping castles. It aims to help Brisbane locals create emergency plans to safeguard their homes and families ahead of Queensland’s notorious summer storm season.

Preparing for Storm Season

With severe weather events such as storms, floods, and bushfires common in Queensland during summer, local emergency services are urging families to make early preparations. Representatives from the Public Safety Training & Response Group will be on hand to discuss practical ways to prepare for emergencies. They will also showcase their Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter, which can assist in rescue, disaster response, and firefighting operations.

In addition to safety presentations, the expo will include family-friendly activities such as live music, food trucks, and Paw Patrol appearances, making it an engaging event for all age groups. The expo aims to balance fun with essential safety information, making it easier for attendees to take away valuable lessons while enjoying the day out.

Summer Storms in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Get Ready Queensland*

A Storm-Ready Brisbane

The Brisbane City Council, which is hosting the event, is partnering with the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program to ensure that locals are informed about the importance of being storm-ready. The program promotes creating emergency plans, assembling disaster kits, and securing homes to minimise damage during extreme weather.

No bookings are required to attend the event, which will be held at 7th Brigade Park, located at the corner of Newman Road and Delaware Street in Chermside.

For more information about how to prepare for summer storm season, attendees are encouraged to visit the Get Ready Queensland website.

Published 4-Oct-2024

Chermside Paramedic: Finalist in QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards

Photo Credit: QBank

Zak Tilbury, a highly skilled healthcare professional from Chermside, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.

Mr Tilbury’s dedication to patient care and diverse expertise across multiple roles have earned him recognition in the “ownership” category. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Queenslanders working in essential services such as police, fire, health, ambulance, corrections, public service, education, and volunteer organisations.

A Triple Threat in Healthcare

His impressive career trajectory shows Mr Tilbury’s commitment to serving the community. He is a qualified Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), a registered Nurse at The Prince Charles Hospital, and a Midwife with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

He explained that his motivation stems from a desire to ensure patient safety and make their experience with the healthcare system as smooth as possible, acknowledging that it can be stressful for many.

Going Above and Beyond

In his various roles, Mr Tilbury takes on a range of responsibilities. As an Advanced Care Paramedic, he works in the Clinical Hub, assessing patients and determining the best healthcare pathway for them. He also acts as an Operations Supervisor, focusing on the well-being of ambulance crews and ensuring ambulances are efficiently dispatched back into the community.

QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards — *Photo Credit:* *QBank*

At The Prince Charles Hospital, he serves as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, supporting staff, advocating for patient safety, and managing patients experiencing health deterioration. Furthermore, he contributes to the RFDS as a Flight Nurse and Midwife on their Network Support Team.

Reaching Remote Communities

While on secondment in North West Queensland with the RFDS in late 2023, Mr Tilbury participated in several critical rescues. One notable instance involved an inter-agency retrieval of a patient injured in a motorcycle accident in a remote area three hours North West of Mount Isa.

He worked alongside a LifeFlight helicopter crew, a local paramedic ground crew, and an RFDS doctor to stabilise the patients and transport them to a hospital equipped to handle their injuries. Mr Tilbury highlighted the crucial role of the RFDS in delivering intensive care level healthcare to isolated communities with limited resources.

Honoured to be Recognised

Mr Tilbury expressed his surprise and gratitude at being nominated for a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award. He stated that he enjoys his work and is driven by a desire to positively impact people’s lives.

On 11 October, a ceremony at the W Hotel Brisbane will announce the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards winners. Each winner will receive $2,000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2,000 donated to their chosen charity.

Published 1-Oct-2024

Culinary Sensation RecipeTin Eats Coming to Westfield Chermside

Brisbane foodies, get ready for a treat! Internet cooking star Nagi Maehashi, better known as RecipeTin Eats, is set to make a special appearance at Westfield Chermside. This exclusive event is part of her national book tour celebrating the launch of her latest cookbook, “Tonight.”

Read: Knauf Supplies Key Materials for $355M Westfield Chermside Expansion

Maehashi, whose online recipes have garnered millions of followers worldwide, will be at Westfield Chermside near Big W at 10:00 a.m. on 2 November 2024. This free event offers a unique opportunity for local fans to meet the culinary sensation in person, discuss her new cookbook, and even get their copies signed.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be going on tour with Westfield!” Maehashi expressed. “Meeting my readers is one of my favourite parts of my work, and I’m so excited to discuss all things ‘Tonight’ in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra soon.”

The “Tonight” cookbook promises to deliver Maehashi’s signature style of accessible, flavour-packed recipes designed for busy weeknights. Fans can expect to find inspiration for quick, delicious meals that don’t compromise on taste or quality.

This event at Westfield Chermside is more than just a book signing; it’s a celebration of home cooking and the joy of sharing meals. Attendees will have the chance to chat with Maehashi about cooking tips, recipe inspiration, and the stories behind her culinary creations.

For those unable to make it to the Chermside event, Maehashi will also be appearing at Westfield Mt Gravatt on November 3 at 12:00 p.m. near QBD Books.

Don’t miss this chance to meet one of Australia’s most beloved food personalities and get inspired for your next home-cooked meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of RecipeTin Eats, this event promises to be a treat for all food enthusiasts in Brisbane.

Read: Westfield Chermside to Host Disney Princess ‘Spark Magic’ Event

Remember, the event is free, but arrive early to secure your spot. Copies of “Tonight” will be available for purchase on-site, giving you the perfect opportunity to start your culinary journey with a personally signed cookbook from Nagi Maehashi herself.

Published 29-September-2024

Nextra Express Chermside Sells Another Major Prize-Winning Ticket

Photo Credit: The Lott

Nextra Express Chermside has once again sold a major prize-winning ticket worth $2.5 million. This recent success follows the store’s sale of a $100 million winning entry in August, cementing its reputation as a lucky location for players.

The latest winner, a father from Bundaberg who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the ticket during a visit to Brisbane for an NRL game. He discovered his win nearly two weeks later while waiting for a takeaway order.

Shannon Hickey, owner of Nextra Express Chermside, commented on the store’s remarkable run of luck. “If we’re not the luckiest store in Brisbane this year, I can’t imagine who could be,” Hickey said. “We’re so pleased to have sold another major prize-winning entry to one of our customers.”

The recent string of wins has turned Nextra Express Chermside into a local point of interest. Hickey noted an increase in foot traffic, with many customers visiting to take photos and soak in the lucky atmosphere.

The $2.5 million winner, a small business owner, plans to use his windfall wisely. His intentions include potentially purchasing houses for his daughters and setting aside funds for retirement.

Published 23-September-2024

Knauf Supplies Key Materials for $355M Westfield Chermside Expansion

Photo Credit: Knauf AU

Knauf, a leading construction materials company, played a crucial role in the $355 million expansion of Westfield Chermside, by supplying essential materials for the project’s ceilings and partitions.

The redevelopment completed in mid-2017, has expanded the shopping centre to become the largest in the Scentre Group’s portfolio. Located 10 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, the project added 33,000 square meters of retail space, including 95 new stores.

North Australian Contracting (NAC), engaged by Scentre Group, used 25,000 square meters of Knauf’s 13 mm plasterboard and compounds throughout the redevelopment.

A notable feature of the Westfield Chermside expansion is the ceiling in the new upper floor using small segments of Knauf plasterboard, creating an illusion of a continuous curve through the use of glancing light.

The project faced logistical challenges, including maintaining normal operations for existing retailers during construction and managing large material deliveries. NAC reported that Knauf successfully met the high demand for materials throughout the project.

Meeting tight deadlines was critical, with the construction team working double shifts towards the end to ensure timely completion.

The expanded Westfield Chermside now features top Australian retailers such as David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe, Big W, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths, and Apple. New additions include Brisbane’s first Sephora, along with H&M and Zara. The redevelopment also incorporates a new resort-style landscaped leisure and dining area with cafés and restaurants.

Published 17-September-2024

Chermside Strikes Gold Again: $5M in Unclaimed Wins

Chermside residents are urged to rummage through their belongings as two unclaimed prizes worth $5 million remain up for grabs.

The winning tickets, each valued at a life-altering $2.5 million, were purchased in recent draws and could languish unnoticed in someone’s possession.

One of these elusive division one winning entries was sold at Nextra Express Chermside, adding another chapter to the store’s recent winning streak. This marks the outlet’s second major win in recent weeks, following the sale of a $100 million Powerball ticket last month.

The other unclaimed division one entry was purchased at The Store on Eagle in Brisbane. As both winning entries are unregistered, lottery officials cannot directly contact the ticketholders and must rely on them to come forward and claim their prizes.

The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell expressed her excitement for the two mystery winners, who are likely unaware of their newfound fortune. She encouraged everyone to check their tickets, as they could be among the two lucky Brisbane residents they were searching for.

Nextra Express Chermside owner Shannon Hickey was delighted to sell another multi-million-dollar winning entry. He stated they were thrilled to have sold another division-one winning ticket to one of their customers. The atmosphere in the store has been electric since they sold the $100 million Powerball ticket, and they’re hoping their latest mystery winner comes forward soon to claim their prise.

The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4501 on 7 September were 16, 38, 7, 15, 20 and 13, with supplementary numbers 26 and 41. Across Australia, there were four division one winning entries in this draw—two each in Queensland and Victoria.

Lottery officials are reminding all players to register their tickets to ensure they can be easily contacted in the event of a win. If you believe you may be holding one of the winning tickets, contact The Lott on 131 868 to begin the claims process.

Published Date 11-September-2024