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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

Beach Kindy at Prince Charles: Combining Play and Environmental Care

Children at The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre, part of Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS), are taking learning to the shores to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day.

The Beach Kindy program marries play with environmental education, encouraging young learners to engage with nature while cleaning up Decker Park beach.

Engaging Early Learning

Beach Kindy at Prince Charles offers a dynamic learning environment where children are encouraged to use nature’s resources to initiate learning and explore their surroundings.

This initiative promotes physical, social, and cognitive growth through structured play and environmental interaction and aligns with the goals of International Coastal Cleanup Day on 21 September by instilling a sense of environmental stewardship among participants.

The Beach Kindy program provides manifold benefits. It equips children with an understanding of conservation and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, integrating activities such as shell collecting, observing local wildlife, and exploring tidal ecosystems.

These activities foster a love for the outdoors and enhance critical thinking and creativity. Research indicates that engaging in nature play reduces stress, bolsters the immune system, and improves emotional well-being.

Building Community and Awareness

The vital aspect of Beach Kindy is its community involvement. Engaging in activities that are connected to a worldwide occasion, such as International Coastal Cleanup Day, helps children understand the value of working together and taking responsibility for the environment. This initiative fosters a sense of community among the young learners and guarantees that they develop the ability to have positive interactions with their peers and teachers in a nurturing outdoor environment.

Looking ahead, The Prince Charles Hospital Early Education Centre continues to enrich their nature-based learning with their well-established Bush Kindy program, which runs fortnightly. This initiative, already a key component of their curriculum, provides up to three hours of uninterrupted play in natural bush settings, offering diverse learning opportunities essential for healthy development.

The centre has created a calendar to alternate between Bush Kindy and Beach Kindy bi-monthly, ensuring all children benefit from and are exposed to these innovative outdoor education programs.

Published 9-Sept-2024

Violent Assault in Huxtable Park Under Investigation

Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch are seeking public assistance following a violent assault that occurred last night, September 5, in Huxtable Park.

According to police reports, a 29-year-old man from Bracken Ridge was attacked while sitting in his parked vehicle at approximately 11 PM on September 5. The victim was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals who fled the scene in a white car, heading towards Hamilton Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the man to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have declared the area a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or dashcam video that may have captured the white car in the vicinity of Huxtable Park around 11 PM last night, the time of the assault.

They are asking anyone with information to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The case reference number for this incident is QP2401531516.

Published 6-September-2024

Half a Million Visits: How Chermside Library Became Brisbane’s Second-Favourite Library

Did you know that Chermside Library is the second most visited library in Brisbane? This fact emerged from the BCC’s data for 2023/2024, revealing an impressive 484,869 visits to this library.

Read: Check Out the Chermside Library at the North Regional Business Centre

In the rankings of library popularity, Chermside was outpaced only by Brisbane Square Library, which recorded around 539,525 visits in the same period.

Located at the North Regional Business Centre, Chermside Library has quickly become a favourite among Brisbane residents since its opening in 2017. Its rapid rise to become the second most visited library in the city showcases the enduring appeal of public libraries in the digital age.

More Than Just Books

Chermside Library offers more than just a vast collection of books. The library is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring it’s open to all members of the community. It also boasts community meeting rooms available for hire, complete with kitchenette access, making it a hub for local gatherings and events.

Adding to its unique offerings, Chermside Library houses specialised Italian and Chinese, Tagalog, and Punjabi language collections, catering to Brisbane’s diverse population and reflecting the city’s multicultural character.

Brisbane’s Love Affair with Libraries

The popularity of Chermside Library is part of a larger trend in Brisbane, where libraries continue to play a vital role in community life. Council announced that residents made more than 10 million loans from Council’s extensive library collection of books, CDs, DVDs and online resources throughout 2023/24, which equals almost 27,400 loans every single day.

Among the most borrowed books were bestsellers like “The Secret” by Lee Child, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han, and “The 169-Storey Treehouse” by Andy Griffiths, highlighting the diverse reading interests of Brisbane’s residents.

BCC has also been proactive in making library services more accessible. In the past year, six new 24/7 library lockers were installed across the city in locations such as Carina, Holland Park, New Farm, Mitchelton, The Grange, and Bracken Ridge. These lockers have already facilitated over 10,000 collections, making borrowing even more convenient for residents.

There were more than 12,000 free library events that attracted over 340,000 attendees. The popular early literacy program alone saw more than 200,000 participants, underscoring the important role libraries play in early childhood education.

Read: A Tale of 4 Children and the Hummingbird House

Digital Age and Libraries

Despite the digital revolution, Brisbane’s libraries remain relevant by adapting to modern needs. More than 1.1 million residents have logged on to Brisbane libraries’ free Wi-Fi since July 2023, demonstrating how these institutions have evolved to become digital hubs for the community. This seamless blend of traditional library services with modern technology ensures that libraries continue to meet the changing needs of Brisbane’s residents.

Published 5-September-2024