The man, who works from home, discovered his good fortune on Thursday, the 4th of April, and was understandably ecstatic.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Officials contacted the winner after the draw, and his reaction was one of pure surprise.
“Wow! That’s fantastic!” he exclaimed. Working remotely proved fortuitous, as he admitted he wouldn’t have been able to contain his excitement in the office.
Sharing his good news with his partner was a priority. He playfully acknowledged her history of good luck, hoping it had finally rubbed off on him.
Plans are already brewing for the newfound wealth. Investment is a key part of the strategy, with the ultimate goal of homeownership. A celebratory dinner, complete with indulging in some luxuries, is also on the agenda.
Malvene Dicker (nee Cornwell), an 80-year-old former Australian Women’s Air Force teleprinter operator and Chermside West resident, had a vital and top-secret role during the Vietnam War.
Stationed in the Lower Blue Mountains, Ms Dicker spent about eight months handling sensitive communications from Australian forces in Vietnam. Her work involved processing critical information, ranging from battle strategies to air strike plans, disseminated across Australia’s military network.
This crucial role was bound by strict secrecy, with severe penalties for any breach.
Women as Teleprinter Operators During the War
In 1941, due to shortages in RAAF ground staff, women were recruited as wireless and teleprinter operators. The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was formed to address this issue. The War Cabinet had been considering this since July 1940, but approval was only granted on February 4, 1941, with the Advisory War Council concurring the following day.
Due to legal uncertainties, women were recruited as auxiliaries on renewable 12-month terms under the Air Force Act. This decision soon prompted other armed services to establish similar women’s units. By October 1944, the WAAAF had expanded to a peak strength of 18,664.
The WAAAF was disbanded in 1947 after World War II. Its role was taken over by the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF), which was established in 1950. The WRAAF continued in operation during the Vietnam War era.
Back row L-R: Richard (Dick) Pick, Jack Spratt, Howard Marsh, Andrew (Shorty) Dearman, Barry Kirwin, Dennis Henstridge, Bob Snedden. Front Row L-R: Yvonne (Yogi) Yow Yew, Joan Madson, Betty Harding, Pattie Stout, Carole Martin, Malvene Cornwell, Jenny Finn. Photo Credit: Radschool.Org
During the Vietnam War, members of the WRAAF were not deployed to Vietnam, but they played critical roles within Australia and at overseas bases where Australian forces were stationed, such as in Malaysia and Singapore. Their contributions included clerical, administrative, and support roles, which were essential to the operations of the Royal Australian Air Force during this period.
Malvene Dicker, Post-Service
Despite the high stakes of her military role, Dicker viewed her contributions as part of a broader effort, a mere cog in the expansive machinery of war.
Born in Toowoomba a day after the D-Day landing in 1944, the path taken by Malvene Dicker seemed aligned with military service from an early age. Initially working as a copy girl for Brisbane’s Courier Mail, her career took a decisive turn when she joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1962, training as a teleprint officer at Signals.
Photo Credit: Radschool.Org
Post-service, her engagement with a fellow serviceman, who returned profoundly changed from Vietnam, led to a cancelled marriage.
Photo Credit: Radschool.Org
Dicker then pursued a career as an air hostess, eventually settling down to raise a family that includes two daughters and six grandchildren.
Now residing at the TriCare aged care facility, Dicker reflects on her service with a mixture of pride and disillusionment regarding the Vietnam War, which she regards as a futile conflict. Yet, nearly six decades later, she holds no fear of retribution for her once-classified work, even as she steps back from the physical demands of the Anzac Day march.
Westfield and Disney have joined forces to transport Star Wars fans at Westfield Chermside into the heart of the galaxy with a series of immersive and interactive experiences, marking a stellar celebration of the iconic franchise in Australia and New Zealand.
This collaborative campaign introduces “A Star Wars Experience,” created exclusively for Westfield, alongside large-scale May the Fourth fan celebrations, aiming to connect fans with the beloved saga in the most authentic ways possible.
A Portal to the Galaxy
Running from 15 April to 9 May 2024, “A Star Wars Experience” at Westfield Chermside offers an immersive tour of the planet Batuu, as seen at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, California.
This exclusive event invites fans to explore a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge, further deepening their connection to the Star Wars universe.
Additionally, thanks to a partnership between Westfield, Disney, and Flight Centre, visitors can enter a competition to win one of 10 family vacations to the amusement park in California.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Competition Details
Westfield Members can enter to win 1 of 10 family holidays to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California thanks to Westfield, Disney and Flight Centre.
Entries open 28 March to 24 April inclusive, with winners announced on 4 May 2024.
Must be a Westfield member with access to the Westfield App. Ends: 29 April, 2024. Max 1 entry permitted p/person p/day p/centre (max 5 entries per day). Draw: 3 Amy Cl Wyong NSW 2259 at 12pm (noon) AEST on 2/5/24. Winners’ names published in the App on 4/5/24.
Spark Stations and More
To combat school holiday boredom, Westfield Chermside and other centres have introduced “Spark Stations,” featuring Star Wars-inspired activities to entertain families and fans, ensuring the Force is strong with visitors of all ages:
Balloon bending to create iconic characters, spaceships and lightsabers
Arts and crafts activities
Face painting of iconic Star Wars characters
And more surprise and delight moments
Photo Credit: Supplied
A Universe of Excitement
Jacqui Waine, Westfield’s General Manager of Marketing and Community, and Tim Everett, Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Products at The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand, expressed their thrill at bringing such a rich tapestry of Star Wars experiences to fans.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing a slice of the Star Wars universe to Westfield destinations with ‘Spark Excitement,’” Ms Waine said. “Through our unique collaboration with Disney, we’re proud to offer experiences for fans and customers of all ages to celebrate the Star Wars universe. It’s going to be a fantastic couple of months, and we know our customers are going to love it.”
“We are so thrilled to continue our collaboration with Westfield, sparking excitement, adventure and bringing the Disney magic to their customers and our fans throughout 2024,” Mr Everett said.
This collaboration is just the beginning. Plans to “Spark Joy in the Everyday at Westfield” throughout 2024 are underway, also celebrating Marvel (“Spark Adventure”) and Disney Princess (“Spark Magic”) franchises.
Police have identified multi-residential complexes in Chermside and Hamilton as prime targets for theft. Numerous reports of stolen property from storage cages and vehicles, primarily occurring overnight, underscore an escalating concern.
The latest breach occurred overnight on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, when thieves infiltrated an underground car park on Kittyhawk Street, Chermside. Several storage cages were emptied of their contents in a brazen act of theft
Similarly, on the night of Friday, March 29, intruders broke into a car park on Harbour Road, Hamilton, and stole tools and clothing from a parked vehicle. Chermside saw additional offences that night, with two separate unit complexes on Curwen Terrace reporting break-ins and thefts.
Photo Credit: QPS
Alarming Crime Statistics
From January 8 to April 7, 2024, Chermside has witnessed a staggering 731 offences, with 78 cases of unlawful entry and 354 instances of other thefts. This category encompasses property theft without force or unlawful entry, revealing a concerning pattern of criminal behaviour in the area.
Photo Credit: QPS
Photo Credit: QPS
Authorities urge residents to adopt stringent security measures and maintain vigilance. Key recommendations include establishing robust personal security routines, liaising closely with building management, ensuring familiarity with building evacuation and safety protocols, and employing physical security enhancements such as quality door and window locks.
Theft clusters Photo Credit: QPS
Residents are also advised to minimise the storage of valuables in accessible areas, secure bicycles and motorcycles effectively, and exercise caution with car security, including the use of anti-theft screws for registration plates.
Residents who have information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. To report crime information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Please quote the reference numbers QP2400579472, QP2400553992, QP2400556990, or QP2400562298 when providing information.
The former store manager of a Lego store in Chermside has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing $60,000 in cash and merchandise, and causing $70,000 in fire damage to conceal the theft.
In 2020, the store manager of a Westfield Chermside Lego outlet misappropriated 40 boxes of Lego and nearly $60,000 from the store to support a gambling addiction. The theft led to an elaborate cover-up attempt, where the manager set fire to the shopping centre’s stockroom, significantly damaging stock from Lego and neighbouring stores, Specsavers and Macpac.
Upon discovering the theft and subsequent arson, an investigation quickly focused on the manager. The escalation of the case resulted in the manager’s attempt to evade consequences by committing further thefts in Longreach while on bail. These actions led to an additional $10,000 stolen from a new employer.
Presented before the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the Chermside Lego store manager pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated fraud, endangering property by fire, and stealing by a clerk or servant.
The court handed down a sentence of five years for aggravated fraud, with concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentences for the other charges, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crimes and the breach of trust involved.
The prosecution and defence addressed the court on the impact of the manager’s actions and her personal circumstances, including mental health issues tied to her gambling addiction.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 5:15 am at the intersection.
The pedestrian involved in the crash was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene, and police are currently searching for the suspect.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.
Information can be provided to Policelink using the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
When providing information, please quote the reference number QP2400499386.
Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels) is expanding its Adina apartment hotel brand into the fast-growing Chermside with the signing of the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside.
The 148-key hotel is being developed in partnership with local firm Limitless Developments and is slated to open in 2025.
Designed by WMK Architecture, the new-build hotel will be centrally located in the heart of Chermside, about a 20-minute drive north of Brisbane’s central business district.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The hotel aims to offer a modern experience for guests with amenities like an all-day dining restaurant, cafe/bar, lobby lounge, meeting room, gym, rainwater harvesting, and on-site parking.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE Hotels, providing an opportunity for them to expand their Adina footprint from two hotels to three in the powerhouse state of Queensland.
“Adina Chermside brings a homegrown hotel brand to this important suburb, filling a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital,” the company website stated.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
The new hotel is being developed in anticipation of the transformative decade ahead as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chermside itself is one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburban areas, with the population projected to nearly double by 2036 as it emerges as a secondary CBD for the northern suburbs.
The Adina will be owned by local developer Limitless Developments, which has over $150 million of completed projects in its portfolio and another $160 million in active developments underway in Southeast Queensland.
Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture
Owner Nick Barr has more than 25 years of experience in the Brisbane market and is deeply involved in community philanthropy, including an annual 1,000km charity cycle to raise funds for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.
With its prime suburban location and community-minded ownership, the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside Brisbane looks to be an exciting addition to the booming Brisbane hospitality scene in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.
The plans, designed by architectural firm Telha Clarke, would see the current single-storey dwellings at 10-18 Kelso Street demolished to make way for the large-scale housing project.
The proposed development would have a total gross floor area of 21,567 sqm, with 12,338 sqm dedicated to residential spaces.
Photo credit: Telha Clarke
It would feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, including 60 studios, 107 one-bedrooms, 56 two-bedrooms and 3 three-bedrooms.
The design incorporates a number of amenities for residents, including 813 sqm of communal space spread throughout the floors. There would also be 296 sqm of deep planting or green space, meeting the 10 percent site coverage requirement.
Photo credit: Nearmap
Parking and transportation provisions have been made with 167 car parking spaces and 284 secured bicycle spaces. Vehicle access would be from a new crossover on Kelso Street, while separate pedestrian access would lead to the main lobby.
According to planning documents, the building has been designed to appear as two separate forms with strategic breaks along the facade and recessed balconies to reduce visual bulk. A central spine would connect the two sides of the development and would be significantly set back from the street.
Photo credit: Telha Clarke
“The site provides a great opportunity for Brisbane, as a growing World City, to advocate housing quality in medium and high-density apartment living in the form of a 10-storey purpose built build to rent residential development,” said planners about the development.
“Furthermore, due to much-needed housing supply, the proposal will deliver an alternate housing product (of an appropriate scale) in a location with great access to jobs, services, amenities, public transport, critical care lightweight appearance and highlight the balconies.”
The development application is currently under assessment by Brisbane City Council. If approved, it would mark a major increase in housing density for the area.
Chermside resident Ryan McVeigh clocked up an impressive 400 blood, plasma, and platelet donations when he turned 40 last February 17, making him the youngest donor in Australia to reach this significant milestone.
Ryan McVeigh, a paramedic and volunteer firefighter, first started donating at age 16 when that was the minimum eligible age under Red Cross guidelines, and has been donating regularly as a form of volunteering ever since.
He did not even realise he was approaching his 400th lifetime donation until Lifeblood informed him. Now Mr McVeigh hopes to one day reach 1,000 total donations.
Photo credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Instagram
Lifeblood, which is responsible for providing blood, blood products, and services to the Australian community, was celebrating Ryan’s achievement and encouraged others to follow his lead.
“The van came around to my high school and I was already very involved in volunteering, so I just took every opportunity do something good. It was only after donating for some time that I became very passionate and regular,” said Mr McVeigh.
Lifeblood spokesperson Liam Richardson praised him as an incredible example of someone making a meaningful difference to people who need blood and the loved ones who support them.
He added that because one whole blood or plasma donation can save up to three lives, Mr McVeigh has saved an astounding 1,200 lives over the years with his donations, dubbing him a real-life superhero.
Photo credit: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood/Instagram
Mr Richardson noted that every week, Lifeblood needs approximately 33,000 blood product donations across Australia to meet patient needs.
Whilst 400 donations is not feasible for most people, the key message is that every single donation counts and is appreciated. He expressed gratitude to donors who give the gift of life by visiting Lifeblood centres.
According to Lifeblood, blood and plasma donations help save the lives of people suffering from cancer, trauma injuries, chronic illnesses, and complications during childbirth. Plasma donations were in high demand, with plasma able to be used in 18 different life-sustaining medical treatments.
To donate blood, you can book an appointment by calling 13 14 95, going online to lifeblood.com.au, or using the DonateBlood app. This applies whether you are a regular donor who hasn’t donated in a while, or you are considering donating for the first time.
The Chermside Lifeblood Donor Centre is open six days a week (Monday, Thursday and Friday from 7am-6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. and Sunday from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) for whole blood donations.
The Instagram-famous eatery quietly opened the doors of its newest outlet on February 5, bringing its signature overloaded dishes and photogenic desserts to the Health Hub complex on Gympie Road.
Fans can expect the same signature Andonis fare: fluffy omelettes, towers of French toast, loaded milkshakes, and the piece de resistance – those gravity-defying desserts capped with sparklers that set social media alight.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
Between the all-day breakfast creations, burgers bursting at the seams, and the gravity-defying stacks of waffles adorned with everything from Nutella to Oreos, Andonis earned a reputation for being as delightful to photograph as it was to devour.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
“At Andonis Cafe, we understand the importance of presentation. Our chefs take great care to create dishes that are not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing. Each dish is carefully crafted and arranged to ensure that it looks as good as it tastes,” they stated on their website.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
The Chermside opening represents continued growth for founder Anthony Kekkou’s dining empire after launching his first venue in 2018 and adding five more popular southside locations over the past six years. They have locations in Fortitude Valley, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Upper Mt Gravatt, and Cornubia.
Photo credit: Andonis Cafe & Bar/Instagram
Kekkou also confirmed plans to open additional locations at Mt Gravatt in March and Browns Plains later this year, with potential for more growth on the horizon.
An added bonus for visitors: The Chermside venue offers three floors of convenient onsite parking. The cafe is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for dine-in service at 3/621 Gympie Road.
