Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has found no evidence of breaches into the tragic death of Senior Sergeant Michelle “Mully” Mullen, a beloved Queensland Police officer who lost her life in a Chermside indoor skydiving incident.
Following a thorough investigation, the agency stated that the operator of the facility, Chermside iFly Indoor Skydiving Centre, had not breached any workplace health and safety guidelines. Similarly, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded its investigation into the incident.
The incident occurred in January 2023 at the Chermside indoor skydiving centre, leaving the law enforcement community and her loved ones devastated.
A coronial report has been prepared and is set to be submitted to Coroner Donald MacKenzie. However, the coroner is waiting to receive “critical” reports from Queensland Health, QPS, and the Office of Industrial Relations. This will determine the length of the investigation and whether an inquest will be conducted.
Unfortunately, an estimated time frame for completion cannot be provided at this stage, according to a spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland.
Ms Mullen, aged 52, collided with the side of the wind tunnel during the indoor skydiving activity, resulting in severe head and spinal injuries. Despite receiving medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries a few days later while in the hospital.
Her death has left a significant void in the South Brisbane Crime Prevention Unit, where she was highly respected and served as an inspiration to her colleagues. Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Senior Sergeant Mullen, remembering her as “an inspiration” and the epitome of “kindness itself.”
She was known for her caring nature and contagious sense of fun, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered during her career in law enforcement.
On Mother’s Day, Westfield Chermside is going all out with a variety of events, free gift bundles and unique gifts for all the wonderful mothers out there.
On Saturday, 13 May 2023, local artist Chloe Joy will be at Level 2 outside Seed to create unique cards for beautiful mums. Customers can choose a card with one of her original designs and have it personalised by Chloe, adding that finishing touch to Mother’s Day gift that is as unique as she is.
For Westfield Plus members, the calligrapher can design at least three personalised cards, which they can give on Mother’s Day. To claim the complimentary Mother’s Day calligraphy card, follow the instructions on the Westfield Plus App.
Westfield Chermside is also giving away Mother’s Day bundled gifts from Mecca, Bed Bath N Table, David Jones, Adairs, Harry Hartog, Habitania, Godfrey’s, Furla, Pandora, Camilla, Seafolly, AJE Athletica, and the Westfield department store until 14 May 2023.
To get this chance, shoppers may register on the app, scan and locate the Westfield Plus Mother’s Day competition offer. The winners’ names will be published on the app by 16 May 2023.
Did you know that after 40 years in Ferny Grove, the Ferny Grove Markets has relocated to Chermside? The popular bargain hunters’ destination has moved to the Kedron-Wavell Club Services Club on Kittyhawk Drive amidst the ongoing development at the Ferny Grove Train Station.
In a post on its official Facebook page, the convenor explained that they could not accept the new location offered on the top floor of the Ferny Grove Railway Station as it did not offer convenient access for the market customers and stall holders.
“Unfortunately the new location being offered by the Ferny Grove Railway Station, was to be on the roof of the new multi-story carpark and vans, trucks & trailers are unable to access,” Colin, the convenor, stated.
The market had its last day of operation on the 9th of April 2023 and has been trading at Chermside since the 16th of April 2023.
“We do apologise to all our regular customers and stall holders and appreciate the support that you have given us over the past 40 years. Thank you!”
Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Neighbourhood Watch
The Ferny Grove Markets is known for its abundant sources of affordable fruits and vegetables, great coffee for breakfast or brunch, as well as hidden gems of preloved items.
Now that the Chermside operation is in full swing, Colin is also looking for new stallholders. Phone 0418 721 751 for enquiries.
Funlab, the company behind popular entertainment venues like Holey Moley and Archie Brothers, has opened its latest offering in Chermside. Hijinx Hotel is a multi-level challenge room paradise, offering a fun twist on the popular trend of escape rooms.
Opened in March, the adult-focused venue invites patrons to play and sip their way through a variety of immersive game rooms.
The venue offers 10 different quick-play game rooms, designed to test the skills of two to six players in four-minute rounds. The Big-style piano room with a giant keyboard across the floor, ball pits, and a giant version of Scrabble are all highlights of the venue.
In addition to the ten quick-play immersive game rooms available, the Brisbane location offers two unique spaces: Battleship, where players can earn points by sinking ships, and Cute as a Button, a new version of the popular Who Meme game.
The unique and playful setting of the venue provides visitors with plenty of immersive experiences and Instagram-worthy moments, all with clever nods to movies and board games from the 80s and 90s.
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or two, the bars at Hijinx Hotel have got you covered with a wide range of options, including shareable drinks and non-alcoholic alternatives.
Some of the tipples are designed to be shared, while most of them will look great on your Instagram feed. Along with the drinks, the venue also offers a range of non-alcoholic beverages and tasty food options to keep your stomach happy.
Hijinx Hotel provides a distinctive and enjoyable experience for adults seeking to relive some playful nostalgia. The venue’s immersive game rooms, creative cocktails, and themed decor are sure to impress both locals and tourists alike. Overall, the venue is an exciting destination that guarantees a memorable experience.
Visit Hijinx Hotel at Westfield Shopping Centre, Gympie Road, Chermside. Check out their website here to book an experience.
Karen’s Diner Chermside may not be one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in town, remember, it’s not like Disneyland at Karen’s! But Karen is smart and she knows parents will pay just to have their kids entertained for hours, like signing up for the Kids Club in time for April School Holidays.
At Karen’s Kids Club, parents will be in for a treat, because children will be taught how to be a real Karen. Kidding aside, for just $25 per head, they will be able to have some fun activities, like games, colouring sheets, and of course, dining with their delicious burger and fries.
Karen’s Diner Chermside and other Karen’s venues throughout Australia will be rolling out the Kids Club in time for Easter, so little ones get to experience what it’s like “working”at Karen’s whilst on a school holiday. Plus, kids will get that to have that infamous Karen’s insult hat, too!
Whilst the kids are occupied, parents could eat their dinner in peace (or not, since it’s Karen’s) with menu options like burgers, loaded fries, and chicken wings. There are also vegan and vegetarian burgers, served with plant-based patties and vegan cheese for the conscious eaters.
Photo credit: Alexander DRYDEN/Google Maps
Karen’s welcomes all ages, though under 16’s must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. As they said, they promise “not to be nice, but will guarantee a whole lot of fun.”
To book for Karen’s Kids Club, request at your local Karen’s or see their website for more details.
Attention, Chermside! Looking for fun and free activities that the whole family can enjoy over the school holidays? Join these upcoming events for all ages at Westfield Chermside this Easter 2023.
On Saturday 1 April, dress in your best pastels and “hop” on down to their free Hip-Hop Easter Disco. Plus, there will be a face painting booth on the day to complete your outfit! A live DJ will be playing all your favourite tunes, so get ready to whip out your best moves. Bookings are not required in this free event.
Exclusive for Easter 2023, Westfield Plus members will be able to enjoy some giveaways such as a free pair of bunny ears, which can be redeemed at the giveaway cart.
When
Saturday 1 April 2023
Time
4:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Where
Under the Dome (Level 2 Outdoor Dining Precinct)
Meet the Easter Bunny at Westfield Chermside
Photo credit: Tim Gouw/Pexels
The Easter Bunny is hopping in for visits to Westfield Chermside. Find them bringing smiles (and delicious chocolate) to everyone.
When
Thursday 6 April, Saturday 8 April, Sunday 9 April
Time
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where
Bouncing around the Centre
Westfield Centres Easter Key Trading Hours
Please note that in observance of Good Friday on 7 April 2023, all Westfield centres throughout Queensland will be closed.
All stores will be open from Saturday, 8 April, so you could shop for fresh produce, delicious Easter treats, and the annual stock up of chocolate eggs for an epic hunt for the kids.
Take control of your financial future and learn how to manage your superannuation and join the free financial literacy workshop at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Chermside.
Two events to teach Queenslanders how to be moneywise will take place on Tuesday, 28 March 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. One workshop is for members providing a fund and investment update and a second event for all residents over the age of 50 on getting set for retirement.
Interested participants at this Brighter Super event are expected to sign up and register for a slot.
A recent survey by Finder revealed that just 16% of Australians sought financial advice in 2022*. The most common reasons the majority of the country gave for not seeking financial advice was that they preferred to manage their own money, closely followed by the cost of advice being too expensive.
Brighter Super Chief Experience Officer Lisa Kay said that Brighter Super’s mission was to open the doors for Queenslanders to be equipped with financial literacy regardless of their financial situation.
“We are finding these events to be really successful in supporting our members to access additional personal advice to help them with decision making for a brighter future,” she said.
With the federal government looking at making legislative changes to make good financial advice more accessible, the superannuation industry has a greater opportunity to provide more Australians affordable comprehensive advice, and Brighter Super is already thinking ahead.
Brighter Super Head of Advice Steven O’Donoghue said that amidst market change and inflation, it was more crucial than ever that Queenslanders enhanced their financial literacy and sought professional financial advice.
“We believe that every Queenslander deserves high quality, accessible and affordable financial advice regardless of their funds,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
“Many Australians underestimate how much money they will need for retirement. Once you have retired (or semi-retired), your main income will diminish. With the cost-of-living increases foremost on our minds, now is the time to take ownership over your financial planning as the market changes settle.
“This is why, in addition to general advice and super health checks, Brighter Super offers all members an annual session with a trained financial advisor where they can receive specific, limited advice on a single issue related to super, at no additional cost.
“Quality advice is not always, and perhaps not often, comprehensive advice – it is advice that responds to the needs of consumers which makes this the best value for our members,” he said.
*16% of Australian adults have a financial advisor or planner, according to Finder’s 2022 Financial Advisor Report
Nine years after it was launched, popular dessert cocktail bar business Cowch, with venues in Chermside, South Bank, Mt Gravatt and Broadbeach, announced that it has entered into voluntary administration.
“Dear valued Cowchies, we write to you today with a heavy heart to inform you of the difficult decision we have made to put the Cowch Group of entities into Voluntary Administration,” their social media post announcing the sad news reads.
“As the founders of Cowch, we have poured our hearts and souls into creating a fun, safe and inclusive space for families to make cherished memories since we first opened our doors in South Bank in 2014”
Photo credit: Facebook / Cowch
“Seeing Cowch grow into a beloved brand with multiple venues and a manufacturing business has been an incredible journey, and we could not have done it without the support of our wonderful community.
“However, like many other small businesses, we have been faced with challenges beyond our control, including COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and ongoing economic difficulties.”
In the announcement made 14 March 2023, SV Partners were appointed Administrators with Terry van der Velde and Terry Rose leading the appointment.
SV Partners said that Cowch is a well-known and loved brand and working with management, staff, creditors, and other stakeholders, they are committed to exploring all options to ensure the business’s future success.
The Administrators have already commenced an immediate assessment of the business operations and financial position and will be liaising with all stakeholders in the coming days and weeks to explore all available options.
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.”
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.”
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.
MC Cheesy | Photo credit: Facebook / Melt Brothers
Also on offer are M.C. Cheesy with macaroni and cheese, bacon bits, smokey BBQ sauce, aioli, mozzarella and aged cheddar; Morning Glorywith 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.
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
“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.
