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90-Year-Old Chermside Local Defies Odds, Continues to Beat Australia’s Deadliest Female Cancer

Claire Schultz, a 90-year-old Chermside local, was diagnosed with Australia’s deadliest female cancer and given only two months to live; yet she has defied the odds and continues to beat the disease six years on.

With a 5-yr survival rate of only 49%, ovarian cancer may be diagnosed at any age but the highest rates occur among women between the ages of 85 to 89 years old. Sadly, the survivability of this disease also dwindles with age.

In 2017, Claire consulted with a GP about pain in her leg but was soon told that it was cancer and she only had two months left to live. With such as short timeframe, Claire was determined to find the best help she could given the challenges of cancer procedures. She wanted a top oncologist who could guide her through her diagnosis and treatment.

Claire found the right team at the Icon Cancer Centre Chermside with Dr Jeffrey Goh as her medical oncologist.

“In Australia, nearly a third (28%) of cancer patients don’t feel they are informed enough about their treatment process, which may explain why half (52%) of patients believe that finding a specialist with the right expertise improves their patient experience,” Dr Goh said.

“Patient communication is a two-way interaction between the health care professional and the patient. Patients both rely on us to support them through the treatment process and we also need to be attentive to understand the unique needs of each patient.

“We’ve worked closely with Claire to help her to understand her treatment options, stay informed on how the cancer is progressing and to just be a familiar face who she knows has her back. It has been hugely rewarding to see Claire continue treatment years after her initial diagnosis. It’s her cancer journey, but she hasn’t been travelling alone, we’re a team.”

Icon Cancer Centre Chermside — Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google

Through the team’s help, Claire was able to celebrate her 90th birthday and her 68th anniversary with her 94-year-old husband Merv, who has been her companion through her chemotherapy sessions.

“The most valuable support I received, other than the actual treatment would be the emotional support. I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr Goh as my medical oncologist, it was the best decision I have ever made. He has guided me through a very severe and traumatic period to where I am today.

“I always tell him, you fixed me, and he says: ‘No, it’s a team effort, you did 50 per cent and I did 50 per cent.’ I can’t thank him enough. The whole team at Icon are also very supportive and friendly, which really helped to put me at ease when I was going through treatment.

“I’ve also found a great deal of support from my family, in particular my partner Merv, who has accompanied me to every appointment and treatment session. He’s a great source of my strength and optimism. When I received my 2-month prognosis, I told myself that I would just try my best to be around for as long as I can for my family and 6 years on I’m still going! I couldn’t feel more blessed.”

Ovarian Cancer Australia believes that a holistic support program can help many women battling ovarian cancer. As such, they’ve launched the Teal Support Program in 2019.

“We often hear from women that while the physical effects of an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be devastating, it’s the mental toll that can weigh on them the most,” Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, said.

“Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Support Program offers a holistic service that caters directly to these unmet needs that so many women with an ovarian cancer diagnosis are facing. We help our women to navigate the healthcare system, answer questions regarding their treatment and provide emotional and psychological support to assist with the mental toll of the disease. The level of care we offer is something that cannot be accessed elsewhere. Since launching in 2019, Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Support program has provided crucial support to over 750 women across the country.”

Published 14 March 2023

Get Cheesy With Melt Brothers at Westfield Chermside

Photo credit: Facebook / Melt Brothers

Westfield Chermside gets cheesy with the arrival of Melt Brothers. The new venue is now serving deliciously gooey gourmet grilled cheese toasties with a modern twist.

The toastie-focused eatery, which also has venues at Myer Centre and Post Office Square, is the latest to join Westfield Chermside, opening its doors in early January 2023. Chermside locals are now able to enjoy one of Australia’s favourite comfort foods: cheese toasties.

Made from fresh ingredients, Melt Brothers offer cheesy toasties on fresh artisan sourdoughs including Mouse Trap (two cheeses) made with mozzarella, aged cheddar, thyme and dijon mustard; NY Bagel with Spread which is toasted New York Bagel with a choice of cream cheese, peanut butter and vegemite or strawberry jam; and Holy Cheesus made with ham of the bone, tomato chutney, mozzarella and aged cheddar.

Also on offer are M.C. Cheesy with macaroni and cheese, bacon bits, smokey BBQ sauce, aioli, mozzarella and aged cheddar; Morning Glory with maple bacon, one fried egg, sriracha mayo, mozzarella and aged cheddar; and Porky Pig made with smokey BBQ sauce, caramelised onion ham, maple bacon, aged cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Morning Glory toastie | Photo credit: Facebook / Melt Brothers

But if you are more into avo on toasts, you surely have to try Caprese or smashed avo with tomato, bocconcini and balsamic glaze; smashed avo with Smoked Salmon, feta and pepper; and the classic Smashed avo with Feta and dukkah spices.

Smoked Salmon Avo on Toast and Smoothies | Photo credit: Facebook / Melt Brothers

Google Reviews:

“Just came back from Canada and saw this place pop up. Thank god I gave it a go cuz them toasties are beautiful. Customer service was great. Chips are lovely too. Come check this place out!” – McLaren Péan (Gaming_Diamond)

“Very good customer service. Food came quick and staffs were friendly. Looking forward to coming back.” – Kai Low

“I had the pleasure of being one of the first customers to check out the new Melt Brothers store at Westfield Chermside today. What a refreshing change to fast food. The store is bright and extremely clean. The toastie and coffee were on point, heaps of flavour and the service was great. The staff were excited to be part of something new and exciting. Well down Melt Brothers I will be coming back for more cheesy delights 🧀” – Robyn Bradford

Melt Brothers is located at Shop Food Court 3 / 395 Hamilto Road, Chermside. For more information, check out their website here.

Published 8-March-2023

Hero Teen Recognised for Saving 6-Year-Old Child at the Chermside Aquatic Centre

Photo Credit: moerschy/Pixabay

A 14-year-old student from Bray Park State High School has reunited with the 6-year-old boy he saved from drowning at the Chermside Aquatic Centre early this summer.

Kruz Greensill thought quickly and sprung into action after he noticed that the little child, Kaiden Hyde, was floating face down and appeared to be lifeless as he went under the deep end of the pool. The teenager knew something was wrong so he dove for Kaiden and brought him out of the water.

An older man also assisted Kruz and then alerted the lifeguards, who did the CPR. Thankfully, water came out of Kaiden’s mouth so he could breathe again.

Kruz was with his family at the Chermside Aquatic Centre on the 28th of January 2023. Kaiden was with his mom and they were celebrating a friend’s birthday party.

The teenager said that he initially thought the child was playing underwater before he realized that he was in trouble. He said Kaiden felt like a dead weight when he brought him up to the ground.

Though he was able to save his life, Kruz said the experience was frightening. However, once he saw Kaiden breathing he was very relieved and happy. The boy’s mom was able to thank him before they went to the hospital. Kaiden made a full recovery.

Kruz and Kaiden have remained in contact following the accident and the younger child now regards his rescuer as his best friend. Needless to say, Kruz’s parents are very proud of him. If he wasn’t watchful and alert, the outcome would have been different for Kaiden.

Meanwhile, the Chermside Aquatic Centre als acknowledged Kruz’s heroic act with a Certificate of Appreciation, alongside the local leaders.

Published on 3 March 2023.

Companies Shortlisted For QLD’s New Hospitals, Expansion Of Major Hospitals Including Prince Charles Hospital

Around 12 companies have been shortlisted for the delivery of three new hospitals and the expansion of nine major hospitals, including The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside.

Read: Budget Allocated for the Completion of Adolescent Extended Treatment Centre at The Prince Charles Hospital

The building contractor shortlist was established based on an expression of interest process and through Queensland Health’s broader engagement with industry.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the shortlisted contractors had already demonstrated their commitment to partnering with the government to deliver for growing communities across the state.

The Prince Charles Hospital — Photo credit: Peter Baskerville/Google Maps

“Queensland Health has set high standards for the contractors, based on sound design principles that focus on people, place, value add and technology,” the Minister said.

“Successful tenderers will need to meet these standards as they finalise the designs, working in collaboration with the newly formed Health Capital Division in the Department of Health and in partnership with the local Hospital and Health Services,” she added.

TPCH is among the six hospitals in the South East Queensland region set to receive a major expansion, alongside Redcliffe, Ipswich, Logan, QEII, and Princess Alexandra hospitals.

Under the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan, the State is about to get three new hospitals to be located at Toowoomba, Coomera, and Bundaberg. All these new hospitals, estimated to cost at least $1 billion each, are estimated to be complete by the second half of 2027.

The expansion of Prince Charles Hospital will add 93 more beds and is estimated to cost around $300 million. It’s set for completion during the second half of 2027.

Read: Data Reveals Ramping Times At The Prince Charles Hospital

The construction of these three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions will also provide a significant economic boost and support local businesses, creating around 19,947 construction jobs.

Insurers to Assist Flood-Impacted Customers, In-Person Meetings to Be Held at Geebung RSL, 3 Other Qld Locations

Photo credit: bertholdbrodersen / Pixabay

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and insurers are scheduled to visit Geebung RSL and three other locations in Queensland this February 2023 to conduct in-person meetings with customers that were impacted by the devastation of last year’s floods.

The in-person meetings follow the second community information session by the ICA and insurers that was held in Rochester to assist policyholders that were affected by the October floods.

Four locations in southeast Queensland and another four locations in northern New South Wales will host the latest in-person meetings as part of the Australian insurance industry’s continuing efforts to assist policyholders that were affected by the floods and help them with their flood-related claims.

ICA and insurers’ in-person customer meetings to be held in SEQ are set to take place from midday to 8 pm, at the following locations:

February 20 (Monday): North Brisbane at Geebung RSL (323 Newman Rd, Geebung);
February 21 (Tuesday): Sunshine Coast at Maroochydore RSL (105 Memorial Ave, Maroochydore);
February 22 (Wednesday): South Brisbane at Coorparoo RSL (45 Holdsworth St, Coorparoo); and
February 23 (Thursday): Caboolture at Caboolture Sports Centre (Hasking St & Beerburrum Rd, Caboolture).

ICA CEO Andrew Hall said that 78 per cent of the more than 230,000 claims have so far been closed with the help of insurers by providing customers assistance in finalising assessments, repairs, rebuilds and completing claims.

The February-March 2022 is the country’s costliest flood in terms of insurance cost with an estimated total of $5.7 billion.

“As the one-year mark approaches, insurers are once again undertaking in-person consultations,” Mr Hall said.

“This will be the industry’s fourth visit to some locations, and each time the ICA and insurers return for these in-person meetings, we help people navigate the claim process and their recovery.”

Published 17-February-2023

Event Cinemas Chermside Features New Bar, Updated Gold Class Cinemas

Event Cinemas Chermside takes the moviegoing experience to the next level following the opening of their new bar and upgraded Gold Class cinemas.

Read: Get Ready to Par-tee! Mini Golf Course and Bar Opens in Chermside

The Gold Class Cinemas at Event Cinemas Chermside feature wall-to-wall screens, fully reclining arm chairs and food and drinks delivered to seats throughout the movie, so moviegoers can relax and enjoy the best cinema has to offer without interruptions.

For added convenience, moviegoers can already order food from the Gold Class experience, with options such as their famous sliders served with their signature fries, woodfired pizza, buffalo chicken wings, crispy fried chicken, and an eclectic mix of cocktails, beer and wine.

Meanwhile, the glam bar allows moviegoers to grab a drink before or after watching the movie. The newly added venue is part of Event Cinemas Chermside’s major revamp, which would also include the first next-level Event Boutique cinema in Queensland.

New glam bar the at Event Cinema Chermside (Photo credit: Claire Bear/Google Maps)

The interiors of Event Cinema Chermside’s boutique cinema have not been unveiled yet, but it’s expected to have some of the features like those in the Event cinemas of Sydney. There will be roomy spaces, designer boutique recliners with footrest, and the best cinema sound and picture.

Event Cinemas George St Sydney boutique cinema (Photo credit: eventcinemas.com.au)

At George St, Sydney’s boutique cinema, for instance, there’s ‘The Library,’ where movie buffs can learn about the art of storytelling and the many stories that come to life on the big screen. It also features the 46-seat ‘Paparazzi’ room, where guests can feel like superstars as it celebrates the glamour of the red carpet.

Read: Expect Great Burgers With a Side of Snide As Karen’s Diner Opens at Westfield Chermside

Those who often visit the northside venue will also be able to spot the new lolly tree in the marketplace, where they can grab their favourite snacks.

To learn more about Event Cinema Chermside’s features, visit https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/.

Woman in Critical Condition After a Head Injury at iFly Indoor Skydiving in Chermside

A female guest ended up in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after incurring a head injury at Chermside’s iFly Indoor Skydiving facility.

The incident happened at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 19 January 2023. Paramedics were immediately called to the site to attend to the woman and bring her to the hospital.

However, doctors at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital said that the woman in her ’50s is in stable condition even as she remains in critical care.

Queensland WorkSafe has visited the facility to make enquiries into the accident.

The iFly Indoor Skydiving in Chermside is the first in Brisbane, which opened in 2019. Across the country, the facility has four more locations and 80 around the world. The company stated on its official site that indoor skydiving is safe for all ages and abilities. Their guests are guided by world-class instructors.

The experience lasts about an hour and 45 minutes, which includes the training sessions, the actual flight time, and the wearing and removal of the gear and flight suit. The flight on the wind tunnel, however, takes about 60 seconds.

“There’s no jumping, no falling, and no experience is needed. You simply float on a column of air. There is no sensation of falling or anything that would make you feel motion sickness,” iFly stated in its FAQ.

“Your safety is our primary concern. Our unique design with its wall-to-wall air column, along with our certified and highly-trained instructors, allows you to safely enjoy your flight session. Your flight instructor is with you through your entire flight experience regardless of your level of experience.”

Prior to their sessions, guests will need to sign a waiver stating that they are aware of the “inherently dangerous activity involving strenuous physical exertion”

Brisbane Bird Vet Does Feather Transplants in Chermside

Did you know that Brisbane Bird Vet does feather ‘transplants’ for impaired birds relearning to fly? Dr Adrian Gallagher likens the procedure to people getting hair extensions or fake nails. He even has a feather bank at his Chermside clinic to support his transplant work.

According to Dr Gallagher, a feather transplant is a much-needed intervention for native birds that have been injured or have incurred trauma on their wings. The procedure, known as “imping,” allows the birds to fly quicker, especially if they have to be returned to the wild.

Brisbane Bird Vet, located at the corner of Hamilton Rd and Pfingst Rd, is also a feather bank for the doctor’s transplant needs. He uses donor feathers to glue the clipped wings with medical-grade materials. However, Dr Gallagher said that sourcing donor feathers have its many challenges as well because there are not enough sources for matching feathers.

Whilst he has worked on native birds, the veterinarian has also done transplants on a pet or domesticated bird as some owners still ascribe to the practice of clipping wings to prevent a bird’s escape. However, wing clipping or trimming often raises the chances of the birds falling and hurting themselves.

Dr Gallagher has also treated pet birds that have experienced mutilation by their owners who have gone too far. Unfortunately, the Animal Care and Protection Act in Queensland lacks the stipulations that would address this distressing problem.

The veterinarian advises pet bird owners who still believe in wing clipping or trimming to do a proper consultation with the experts before they hurt their pets. It needs to be done in a safe and proper way.

Healthcare-Focused Development Proposed in Chermside

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A development application seeking to establish a nine-storey health, retail and office building in Chermside is currently being assessed. The proposed healthcare-focused development is projected to create a range of employment and activation opportunities.

L&A Maccheron Property lodged the application last November 2022 proposing a healthcare-focused development that will house a medical centre/specialist consulting suites, commercial office and ground floor active retail at 690-706 Gympie Road, 11-15 Wallace Street and 10 Norman Drive, Chermside.

“The development is of a scale and form that provides a positive contribution to the streetscape and is consistent with the planning intent for development within the Chermside locality. The proposed development presents high quality building design features modulation of the building form, material variation, landscaping at ground, podium and tower levels and balconies oriented to Gympie Road.” – Mewing Planning Consultants

Healthcare-Focused Development Proposed in Chermside — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The subject site sits just a few hundred metres away from Westfield Chermside and is expected to complement the nearby medical services providers, particularly Prince Charles Hospital, St Vincent’s Private Hospital and Brisbane North Eye Centre.

The proposed development will consist of a podium and tower form with an overall height of 9 storeys within the Gympie Road sub-precinct and 5 storeys within the Mixed-Use sub-precinct. Likewise, a podium height of 4 storeys is proposed within the Gympie Road sub-precinct and 3 storeys within the Mixed Use sub-precinct.

It includes ground-level activation with health care and retail spaces along with outdoor dining and landscaping oriented to Gympie Road. There is also a mix of healthcare facilities at levels 4 and 5 and offices at levels 7 and 8. For the purpose of emergency fire egress from the proposed development, the plans also include an access easement over 10 Norman Drive.

A total of 182 car parking spaces plus 20 motorbike spaces will be provided. The car park design includes ambulance and van bays with provision for on-site servicing (with all vehicle manoeuvres to be undertaken on-site).

All access including car parking and servicing is obtained from Wallace Street.

Published 11-January-2023

Approved: Two New Social Housing Projects Including One on Ethel Street in Chermside

Photo credit: Brisbane Housing Company / bhcl.com.au

Not-for-profit developer Brisbane Housing Company has secured Council approval for its two new social and affordable housing projects, one on Ethel Street, Chermside and another in Stones Corner.

Brisbane City Council has approved BHC’s development plans which will provide a combined 116 apartments, supporting the company’s strategy to increase the supply of affordable rental homes for Queenslanders.

BHC caters to a variety of people in need with affordable and stable accommodation including people eligible for social housing, with rents usually set at 25-30 per cent of household weekly income. The affordable housing component of BHC’s developments provides rental opportunities for lower-income earners at 75 per cent of the average market rent.

One of the projects will be located on Brisbane’s northside and the other one will be in the inner south with construction slated to commence in early 2023.

A five-storey build-to-rent development will rise at 5 and 9 Ethel Street, Chermside – close to local transport and major health and retail precincts. The Ultralinea-designed housing tower will comprise a mix of 34 (28 x one-bedroom and 6 x two-bedroom) homes.

The project, likewise, will deliver an equal mix of 17 social housing and 17 affordable homes targeting those at risk of homelessness, particularly low-income workers and people on the social housing register. It will feature multiple spaces where residents could meet and connect including an alfresco rooftop and ground floor common space.

A total of 31 car parking spaces will be provided including 22 resident car parks and 9 visitor car parks as well as 43 bicycle spaces.

Render of an approved residential tower at 23-27 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner | Photo credit: Brisbane Housing Company / bhcl.com.au

The Brisbane inner-south 10-storey development, meanwhile, will deliver a mix of 82 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments on a site located on Cleveland Street in Stones Corner. Designed by award-winning Ellivo Architects, the project will comprise 50 social housing and 32 affordable homes.

The Chermside and Stones Corner projects will target a 7+star NatHERS rating, offering rainwater collection and storage for landscape irrigation, a solar array to power the communal spaces and lifts, and naturally cross-ventilated apartments and communal spaces.

BHC’s vision is to create vibrant developments that provide essential workers, and Queenslanders in housing need, with safe, quality homes located close to local transport and services,” BHC Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Oelkers said.

“These community-centric housing options will be brought to life by thoughtful architecture, providing the peace of mind for residents that comes with the stability of long-term rental tenure.

“Our new Chermside development is within walking distance of the Prince Charles and St Vincent’s hospitals and the retail hub of Chermside Shopping Centre and will provide much needed accommodation to essential workers in these precincts.

“Similarly, our Stones Corner development is centrally located close to public transport, retail, parklands, and employment and education opportunities in the inner-city.”

BHC marked its 20th anniversary last November 2022 with a provision of more than 2,000 affordable and high-quality homes for Queenslanders in need. BHC targets a further 2,000 homes over the next five years.