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Major Residential Project Proposed for Kelso Street

A 10-storey development featuring 226 residential units has been proposed for Kelso Street in Chermside.

Read: Affordable and Social Housing Project Underway in Chermside

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

Read: ‘Gram-Worthy Brunch Spot Andonis Cafe & Bar Chermside Now Open

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.

Published 26-February-2024

400 Donations and Counting: Chermside Local Ryan McVeigh Sets Record as Youngest Australian Donor

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.

Read: Expanding Horizons: Stepping Stone Clubhouse Opens in Chermside

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.

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.

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.

Read: St Vincent’s Private Hospital to Open Advanced Radiation Centre in Chermside

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.

Published 24-February-2024

‘Gram-Worthy Brunch Spot Andonis Cafe & Bar Chermside Now Open

Andonis Cafe & Bar Chermside is now open, marking the first northside location for the rapidly expanding cafe chain.

Read: Ralph Lauren Announces Expansion With New Store in Chermside

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Read: Get Cheesy With Melt Brothers at Westfield Chermside

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.

Published 15-February-2024

Easing Traffic in Chermside: Over 900m of Gympie Road Transitway Completed

Over 900 metres of the Gympie Road transitway have been completed in both directions as part of efforts to alleviate congestion and enhance travel efficiency for commuters in Chermside and other areas in North Brisbane.

The Northern Transitway, stretching from Sadlier Street to Rode Road, is slated for full opening in April 2024, marking a milestone in the ongoing project’s completion. These dedicated bus lanes are designed to facilitate more efficient bus travel, thereby separating buses from general traffic and resulting in substantial travel time savings.

Whilst progress is commendable, attention is now shifting towards the remaining section of the project, from Rode Road to Hamilton Road. This segment will change to better integrate with the proposed Gympie Road Bypass project.

Northern Transitway Chermside — Photo Credit: Translink

Anticipated to align with the release of the Gympie Road Bypass Investment proposal later this year, this shift aims to enhance the integration of the transitway with the broader transportation infrastructure, including proposed upgrades to the Chermside Bus Interchange.

Undoubtedly, the delivery of the Northern Transitway project has not been without its challenges, with considerable cost pressures and unexpected complexities, particularly in replacing old underground stormwater drainage structures. Nonetheless, efforts to mitigate these issues are already underway, ensuring the project’s completion aligns with the broader vision of enhancing transportation networks in the region.

The impact of these developments on the community is substantial, as articulated by Member for Stafford, Jimmy Sullivan.

“More than 9,000 people currently use buses to travel along Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside each weekday,” Mr Sullivan said.

“By separating buses from general traffic, the Northern Transitway is reducing congestion, delivering higher frequency services, improving service reliability and bonus travel time savings during peak periods.

As the project progresses, all Gympie Road bus stops from Stafford Road to Rode Road are set to open in April, further alleviating congestion and improving traffic times along this critical corridor. With completion milestones reached in April 2023 and December 2023, the project continues to forge ahead, with the next section to Rode Road anticipated for completion in April.

For commuters seeking information and planning their journeys, resources such as the MyTranslink app, the Translink website, and customer service helpline 13 12 30 remain invaluable tools

Published 13-Feb-2024

Expanding Horizons: Stepping Stone Clubhouse Opens in Chermside

Stepping Stone Clubhouse has opened a new clubhouse in Chermside, servicing locals within the suburbs of North Brisbane, including Wavell Heights and Geebung.

Stepping Stone Clubhouse was founded in 1994, born out of a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support services in Brisbane. Its establishment was driven by the philosophy of the Clubhouse model, which emphasises the value of a supportive community environment for individuals recovering from mental illness.

For over a decade, the dream of having a Clubhouse in the northside has been nurtured by Stepping Stone, and this dream has finally come true in 2024.

Members of the Stepping Stone Clubhouse hail from the entire Brisbane region and adjacent catchments. A substantial 29 per cent of Stepping Stone’s membership resides in the northern suburbs, with only one-fifth of them attending the current Clubhouse located in Coorparoo for more than 10 hours in the last calendar year.

Distance has been a major barrier for Northside members, hindering consistent participation. This new venture aims to bridge this gap and provide support to individuals living with mental illness in the Northside communities.

Finding the Perfect Spot

A meticulous analysis was conducted by a business consultant to determine the ideal location for the new Clubhouse. The assessment took into account existing services in the north and identified crucial gaps that needed addressing.

Additionally, proximity to public transport and employment opportunities was a key consideration. Chermside emerged as the chosen location, owing to its vibrant atmosphere and potential for collaboration with local businesses and services.

Stepping Stone Clubhouse Chermside — Photo Credit: Stepping Stone Clubhouse

Overcoming Challenges

Securing recurring funding posed the most significant challenge in establishing the northside clubhouse. However, earlier this year, Stepping Stone received promising news as Queensland Health committed funding to kickstart this transformative initiative.

The new Clubhouse promises to foster a sense of community, belonging, and fulfilment for individuals grappling with mental health concerns. Operating in a non-clinical, psychosocial environment, it aims to facilitate members’ journey towards rebuilding their lives.

This approach not only enhances the well-being of members but also reduces reliance on clinical support services, including hospitalization. As members regain confidence, reintegrate into the workforce, and actively engage with the local community, the benefits ripple outwards, positively impacting families and the broader community.

Programs and Progress

Similar programs to those offered at the existing Clubhouse, such as the Work Ordered Day and the Healthy Active Lifestyle Program (HALP), will be available at the new facility.

The Work Ordered Day program focuses on collaborative efforts between members and staff to manage daily tasks and share meals. HALP will initially offer lunchtime options like walks, meditation sessions, and swimming, gradually expanding to include evening and weekend activities. Social recreation programs will also be emphasized, recognizing the importance of community engagement in fostering friendships and a sense of connection.

Membership at Stepping Stone has been instrumental in transforming lives across various domains, including health, social interactions, employment, and education. The supportive and non-judgmental community provided by the Clubhouse empowers individuals to achieve their goals and integrate into their local communities with newfound confidence and skills.

Published 9-Feb-2024

St Vincent’s Private Hospital to Open Advanced Radiation Centre in Chermside

St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Chermside is set to inaugurate a state-of-the-art radiation therapy centre in collaboration with the Icon Cancer Centre.

For a comprehensive and seamless cancer care experience, the new facility is expected to eliminate the need for patients to seek radiation therapy services elsewhere, underscoring a commitment to providing integrated, high-quality cancer care to the local community.

This groundbreaking initiative comes as a response to the evolving needs of cancer patients, where treatment often involves a combination of therapies ranging from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation.

Around 50 per cent of all patients diagnosed with cancer require radiation oncology treatment, and until now, they haven’t had access to these services at St Vincent’s Northside.

Icon Cancer Centre’s selection as a partner stems from its reputation in designing and constructing world-class radiation oncology centres and delivering top-tier cancer care.

Chermside — Photo Credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside/Google Maps

The new radiation therapy centre will offer a range of advanced treatment options, including Varian’s HyperArc for advanced brain cancer, Surface Guided Radiation Therapy, and tattoo-free advanced radiation therapy. The Varian linear accelerator, capable of delivering 18,000 radiation therapy treatments annually, represents a significant leap forward in treatment technology.

“Many patients going through chemotherapy are quite unwell, and with those patients that also require radiation treatment, it’s extremely beneficial to provide on-site, integrated cancer care,” St Vincent’s Northside medical oncologist, Dr. Rick Abraham, emphasised the positive impact of an on-site radiation facility on patient care.

The collaborative effort promises a multidisciplinary approach, excellent facilities, and robust collaboration to create a service that will make a difference to patients in Brisbane’s northside.

The new radiation therapy centre is expected to commence operations in late 2024.

Tragic Incident in Chermside Park: Pet Dog Fatally Mauled

A pet dog, incapacitated and resting in a pram, was viciously dragged out and mauled to death in a deeply disturbing incident at the 7th Brigade Park in Chermside, raising serious concerns about public safety and animal control in the area.

Per reports, a pig dog, unaccompanied and unleashed, perpetrated the shocking attack. It dragged a 14-year-old arthritic Maltese named Phoenix from its pram, leading to the pet’s tragic demise despite desperate efforts to save it.

This horrific incident unfolded amid the park’s tranquil setting, a stark contrast to the violent act that transpired.

The residents of Chermside have expressed deep distress and fear following this incident.

With a history of similar attacks in the area, the community is increasingly worried about the safety of their children and pets. The fact that Phoenix was extracted from a pram adds a chilling dimension to the threat, highlighting the potential danger to even the most vulnerable park-goers.

Chermside 7th Brigade Park — Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt/Unsplash

In the wake of the attack, immediate measures were taken. The pig dog was restrained and subsequently seized by authorities. The local Council has been urged to intensify patrols and consider additional safety measures in the park, frequented by families and pet owners.

Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards, Kim Marx, has underscored the Council’s serious approach to animal attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and the incident has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of dog attacks in the region.

With over 300 recorded attacks in Queensland in the latter half of 2023 alone, the urgency for effective solutions is needed.

Published 19-Jan-2024

Stay Caffeinated In Style With The New Thrills x Allpress Collection

Westfield Chermside clothing retailer Thrills Co and specialty coffee company Allpress Espresso are brewing up something exciting. The two brands have come together to launch an exclusive, limited-edition collaboration celebrating the fusion of fashion and coffee culture.

Read: Westfield Chermside Welcomes Ella Baché Revival

Dubbed “Great Minds Drink Alike,” the collection brings Thrills’ contemporary aesthetic together with Allpress’ artisanal approach to coffee.

The Thrills x Allpress lineup includes T-shirts, hats, reusable coffee cups, and diner-style mugs, all showcasing custom co-branding that merges the brands’ distinctive visual identities.

The collection also includes sleek white diner-style mugs for that retro coffee shop vibe and Project Pargo reusable cups, especially designed for conscientious caffeine addicts.

Thrills expressed excitement to present its latest collaborative capsule collection with longtime partners Allpress Espresso.

“Blending contemporary style with the refined world of artisanal coffee, this thoughtfully curated capsule seamlessly merges our design ethos with an unwavering commitment to quality,” Thrills wrote in their Instagram page.

The full Thrills x Allpress collection will launch at Thrills’ Pacific Fair and Chermside stores, featuring an Allpress coffee cart pop-up shop for the ultimate physical fusion. Select pieces will also be available online for fashion meets coffee enthusiasts near and far seeking to elevate their everyday style and their daily cup of joe.

As Thrills succinctly put it, this exclusive collab “not only embodies the slow-living philosophy but also serves as a means to elevate your everyday routine.”

Read: Make Time for Kate and Gemma’s Bestie Brunch at Westfield Chermside!

On December 16, Thrills Co in Westfield Chermside will host a special pop-up event spotlighting Allpress’ latest lineup of iced coffee specialties. Coffee lovers can stop in to enjoy free samples and tastings of Allpress’ newly launched iced drinks menu.

Published 14-December-2023

Westfield Chermside Welcomes Ella Baché Revival

Photo Credit: Ella Baché

Facing the looming possibility of closure earlier this year, the fate of Westfield Chermside Ella Baché hung in the balance. That has changed, thanks to beauty enthusiast Jenny Gibson the woman behind the launch of the beauty brand’s largest salon yet, located in Westfield Chermside

Jenny Gibson, renowned for her success in spas across Ipswich, Brookside, and Springfield, stepped in to save the beleaguered salon, breathing new life into the brand.

Ella Baché embodies a tradition steeped in beauty for over 70 illustrious years. Gibson reveres this legacy, fostering a familial environment within the salon. It’s a celebration of diversity, with a team predominantly comprising women from various age groups.

Ella Bache Chermside — Photo Credit: Ella Bache/Facebook

The dynamic businesswoman finds immense delight in witnessing heartwarming connections take place in the salon everyday. Mothers pamper daughters, sisters bond, and friends revel in shared spa experiences. Ella Bache Chermside has transformed into more than a salon—it’s a sanctuary for cherished moments.

Central to Ella Baché Chermside’s ethos is their dedication to providing an unparalleled skincare experience. Education, personalised service, and a touch of emotional support—akin to counselling—are the pillars upon which they’ve built their reputation.

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A post shared by Ella Bache Chermside (@ellabachechermside)

Amidst the allure and rejuvenation, Ms Gibson imparts a crucial skincare tip to all residents: prioritise sun protection. Understanding Queensland’s high skin cancer rates, she emphasises the significance of investing in skincare and advocates for the use of SPF products.

With a team of 38 dedicated Skin Therapists, Gibson is geared to elevate the skincare journey for Chermside’s discerning residents. Ella Baché’s reopening isn’t just about business—it’s a celebration of empowerment, bonding, and the art of skincare.

Residents of Chermside can anticipate not just a beauty salon but an experience crafted to foster happiness and confidence through radiant, healthy skin.

Published 2-December-2023

Chermside’s Myer Store Unveils Major Revamp

The landmark Myer store in Chermside, a familiar destination for shoppers since 1959, has undergone a significant transformation, re-emerging with a fresh, modern design.

The store, located in Westfield Chermside, opened its doors to the public after a comprehensive refurbishment process that started in 2022.

The refurbishment has introduced a raft of changes aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. New lighting, flooring, and fixtures have been installed, and the store’s layout has been opened up by removing many existing walls.

Myer Chermside — Photo Credit: Si Vi/Google Maps

The entrance and customer amenities, including modern change rooms, have also received upgrades. These improvements aim to present Myer’s brands and extensive offerings in a new light.

The store now features 27 new brands, including popular names like Mimco, American Eagle, Witchery, Jo Malone, Country Road, and Politix. This expansion has been well received by customers who appreciate the new lighting and vibrant colours. Patrons are also expressing excitement about the new brands. Younger customers have noticed more options catering to their tastes.

With its fresh look and expanded brand offering, Chermside Myer is poised to provide a revitalised shopping experience, maintaining its long-standing presence in the community and evolving with the changing retail landscape.

Whilst the Chermside store’s revamp marks a significant milestone, the future of Myer’s iconic CBD store remains uncertain after its recent closure. Myer CEO John King confirmed the search for a new location in Brisbane CBD, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to its customers and the local community.

Published 24-Nov-2023