Some of the little ones have already tested out the new equipment at the ‘Brush Turkey Place,’ a great new spot for families which is right next door to the existing barbeque and picnic area and the Raven Street Reserve walking trails.
Photo credit: Cr Tracy Davis/Facebook
“My kids loved the new playground and little nature walk – a 200m easy track where even the littlest people can enjoy. Really well done, with toilets and BBQ facilities and a basketball hoop for the older kids,” shared local guide Danielle Morton.
Aside from the playground, other facilities at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre include bike tracks, educational trail, native plants program nursery, half-court basketball court, car park, and sheltered picnic tables.
Photo credit: Cr Tracy Davis/Facebook
After playing at the new playground, kids can view environmental and cultural displays, learn about the reserve’s flora and fauna, and discover the importance of preserving the natural areas of the environment at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre.
Situated within the Raven Street Reserve, Downfall Creek Bushland Centre is open to the public to allow individuals to learn and explore the natural environment.
Photo credit: Zeglar Fergus/Google Maps
Downfall Creek Bushland Centre makes up three of the natural areas in Chermside West and McDowall, along with Milne Hill Reserve and Chermside Hills Reserve. It’s an important part of the Mountains to Mangroves Corridor which is a wildlife corridor that extends from the D’Aguilar Ranges to Boondall Wetlands and Moreton Bay.
The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The 2022 public health report by the Australian Medical Association revealed Queensland’s public hospitals are performing well overall, but more than a third of Category 3 emergency department patients are not seen within the recommended 30 minutes.
In Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital has recorded a median waiting time of 39 minutes for Category 3 or potentially life-threatening cases, where a patient should be seen by a treating doctor or nurse within half an hour of arriving.
The hospital has a total median wait time of 27 minutes for all categories as of the last quarter of 2021. The numbers are considered out of range of the latest national performance, but not in the poorest performing group of hospitals.
Photo credit: Mohammed Khairy Abdelaty/Google Maps
The Prince Charles Hospital, whose emergency department is the second biggest in the state, also recorded a total of 2418 minutes or 40.3 hours of patient off-stretcher time based on records from August 2021 to January 2022.
The target is to get most patients off stretchers and into EDs within 30 minutes but Queensland Audit Office noted that it has not been met across the state for the past seven years.
Patient off stretcher time (POST) is the amount of time it takes to transfer patients off ambulance stretchers, with a completed clinical handover, to EDs. For POST, Queensland’s target is to transfer 90 per cent of patients within 30 minutes.
Based on data from Queensland Health Emergency Department Information System, TPCH transfers 55 per cent of its patients off stretchers within 30 minutes.
Recommendations to Improve Services
Prof Chris Perry, President of AMA Queensland recommended short, medium and long-term actions to address the hospital bed block that is leading to emergency department ramping.
“We need 1,500 more beds, extended hours for non-ED hospital functions like pharmacy, and different ways for patients to access hospital care other than through the ED,” said Prof Perry.
Photo credit: RODNAE Productions/Pexels
He said hospitals in Queensland must run at less than 90 per cent occupancy so there is surge capacity, and Hospital and Health Services must conduct a detailed analysis of patient flow within the hospital and report against that analysis.
“This can work if it is underpinned by strong effective leadership, innovation, and appropriate investment by the State and Federal Governments,” he added.
Budget Issues
Despite efforts to improve the quality of public health care, this year’s budget papers, which was delivered on 29 March 2022, revealed there will be a $21 million cut from Queensland public hospitals next financial year.
The State Government wanted the federal government to meet it halfway with 50:50 funding for healthcare for Queenslanders in the federal budget but the LNP’s Federal Budget failed to deliver Queensland its fair share of funding.
The 2021–22 Budget provides a record $20.885 billion in operating funding, as well as a $1.35 billion capital program to continue to deliver first-class health services to Queenslanders.
A key focus of the record funding will be to continue the state’s response to the ongoing health impacts from COVID-19 and the vaccination roll-out.
A Chermside man in his early 20s has found himself on the receiving end of some unexpected good fortune. He was in the middle of work when he received the welcome news, particularly since he had been feeling particularly stressed over the rising cost of living.
“Everything is getting so much more expensive, and wages aren’t matching the changes, so I’ve been stressed lately,” the young man said.
At first, he didn’t believe the call informing him that he will pocket $1,146,608.15.
“I’m taken aback by this! I’m a millionaire. What the hell? I think it’s starting to hit me now. I’m starting to shake! This is amazing!”
The Chermside man holds one of the five division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4225, drawn Saturday 26 March 2022. He purchased the ticket online at The Lott.
“I’m at work right now, and I haven’t checked my Gold Lotto ticket yet. I rarely check my tickets after buying them,” he said.
Photo Credit: Peggy Marco/Pixabay
“I’ll keep working for the rest of the day. I can’t leave now and let my boss and my team down, but I’ll do some celebrating this evening.
“I’ll pop a few beers. I’m not sure if I’ll tell anyone just yet. It still doesn’t feel 100% real.
“I’m only in my early 20s, so this prize will set me up for the rest of my life.”
Meanwhile, Across Australia, there were five division one winning entries during the draw — two each from Queensland and Victoria and one from Western Australia.
The Saturday Gold Lotto has made 210 Australians millionaires in 2021.
Chinese automaker ‘Build Your Dreams’ or BYD has just launched a new competitor in the Australian electric vehicle market: the Atto 3. Did you know that you can order online and then collect it like takeaway?
Yes, it’s true. Brisbane customers can order the car online and collect it from the Mycar workshop in Stafford.
On 19 February, the first SUV built on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 was launched. ATTO 3, or Yuan Plus as it is called in China, is set to become one of the cheapest options in the Australian passenger vehicle market and will come with a seven-year battery and vehicle warranty.
Measuring 4,455 mm in length and 1,875 mm in width, the midsize SUV will be offered in two configurations:
Standard Range with a 52.5-kWh battery pack, front-mounted 201-hp (150 kW), 229 lb-ft (310-Nm) electric motor, acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds and 400-km range
Extended Range with a 63-kWh battery pack and a 480-km range.
Atto 3 comes with BYD’s patented Blade Battery technology | Photo Credit: EV Direct / evdirect.com.au/atto-3
At the heart of Atto 3 is BYD’s revolutionary Blade Battery technology offering industry-leading safety levels and an extended single-charge range capability. Blade Battery boasts of being the only battery in the market that has successfully passed the rigorous nail penetration test. The Atto 3 offers an 80-kW DC fast-charging enabling it to be charged in about 45 minutes.
Apart from a range of safety features, it also comes with 12.8-inch infotainment, 8-speaker audio system, wireless phone charger, keyless entry and start, portable card key, Bluetooth connectivity and 60/40 split-fold rear seats.
“2022 will see the accelerated evolution of new energy vehicles and a new start for BYD’s development in the Australian market. This year, BYD will introduce several new energy passenger vehicles to the Australian market,” Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited, said.
Photo Credit: EV Direct / evdirect.com.au/atto-3
BYD’s local distributor, EV Direct, has partnered with Mycar for the handing over and servicing of these electric cars. Customers can order online and then pick up their new vehicle from Mycar in South Melbourne, Chatswood in Sydney or in Stafford in Brisbane. Deliveries to regional areas carry an additional $495.
New orders are estimated to be delivered in August 2022.
Police officers are handing out leaflets at the Chermside shopping and public transport precinct to remind the public to take some preventative measures to increase their personal safety when out in public spaces.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) has partnered with Westfield Security and BCC security to create a safe environment for members of the public, by handing out more than 3,000 Safer Living for Queenslanders booklets.
The booklets cover core personal safety strategies; dealing with confrontation; and situational strategies for in the home, online, out and about, public transport, in the car, for children, for seniors, in the workplace, and in the social scene.
Whilst we all have the right to be safe and it is important for people to be aware of it and exercise this right, QPS reminds the public that they also have responsibility for their own safety.
“Adopting practical safety strategies can help reduce the risk of victimisation and assist you to respond effectively if your safety is threatened,” QPS stated.
When out and about, these are some things people can do to appear confident in their surroundings:
Always exhibit strong and positive body language to appear self-assured.
Be aware of your surroundings and alert to what is going on around you.
Listen to, trust, and act on your instincts and if you sense danger from someone, something or a place, immediately remove yourself from the situation
Remove headphones or use of your mobile phone while out walking or crossing the road – distraction reduces your awareness of what is happening around you and can make you more vulnerable to a potential offender.
Wherever possible, walk in well-lit areas and face oncoming traffic.
Ensure you inform someone where you are going and an ETA for your return.
According to QPS’ Online Crime Map from 16 September 2021 to 15 March 2022, Chermside has recorded 62 cases of assault, 10 cases of robbery, and 9 cases categorised as ‘other offences against the person.’
Authorities are reminding the public to take precautions and clean up stagnant water to remove breeding grounds of mosquitoes, as a woman with confirmed case of Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is being treated in Chermside.
Doctors at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside are now treating the patient who has been in a critical condition and on life support after having contracted the virus. The patient, a woman in her 60s, reportedly travelled in regional southern Queensland.
The case is the first confirmed Queensland case in 24 years. The last cases were recorded in 1998, involving a 12-year-old boy on Badu Island and a man working at Cape York.
Clinicians at Queensland hospitals have been asked to be alert to the possibility of JEV in people presenting with encephalitis or a similar illness.
“We encourage Queenslanders to take necessary steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, especially given the recent flooding event which may lead to an increase in mosquito numbers in coming weeks,” the Department of Health has stated in a media release.
What is Japanese Encephalitis?
Photo credit: 41330/Pixabay
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease that mostly occurs in pigs and horses but can also spread on people and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
In humans, Japanese encephalitis presents from little to no symptoms. In most instances, the symptoms are only headache or fever. However, patients with severe disease may suffer from inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), characterised by sudden onset of vomiting, high fever and chills, severe headache, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and nausea/vomiting.
It’s worth noting that children aged under five years of age and older people who are infected with JEV are at a higher risk of developing more severe illness.
According to the World Health Organization, there is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving severe clinical signs and supporting the patient to overcome the infection.
Patients suspected to have JEV should be admitted to hospital so they can be given fluids, oxygen and medication to treat any symptoms.
Preventive Measures
Photo credit: mosquito1/Pixabay
Whilst there is currently no cure for JEV, there are things the general public can do to prevent it. Here are some preventive measures to prevent mosquito bites:
Regularly apply insect repellent containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
Wear loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet
Use other insecticide-based mosquito control devices where possible when outside.
Inspect for common mosquito breeding sites around the home
Clean up debris and make sure that any outdoor containers are stored in a dry place.
Ensure flyscreens are in good order so mosquitoes can’t enter your home easily.
National Emergency
Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, has declared the Japanese encephalitis virus situation a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
“I have declared the JEV situation a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance after determining a national approach is required in relation to coordination of health policy, interventions and public messaging,” Dr Bennett said.
“A national working group of communicable disease, vaccine and arbovirus experts has been established to support the response, including mosquito surveillance and control measures and identification of those at direct risk, and for the rollout of vaccines. Public health communications regarding mosquito protection will target affected communities.”
Photo credit: Barbara Barbosa/Pexels
The human case follows a detection at a piggery in southern Queensland last week. There have also been detections in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
The State Government also ensures there is no risk to humans from consuming pork or pig products and that pork products are safe to eat. The virus isn’t also contagious or cannot be spread directly from person to person.
Queensland Health is working collaboratively with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and industry, as well as state, territory and national counterparts to discuss a national response. Support is also being provided to intensive livestock industry workers.
Evacuation facilities are available at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club in Chermside and the Chandler Arena at the Sleeman Sports Complex. Do you know what to bring if you have to evacuate? Where do you go if you have pets? Find out below.
North Brisbane residents who are evacuating to safety can seek temporary shelter at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club on Kittyhawk Drive in Chermside.
Brisbane City Council Emergency Management Team has opened the facility for evacuees as of Sunday, 27 Feb 2022, 2:00 p.m. The operators of Kedron-Wavell Services Club have also issued a statement confirming that they are operating as a Level 1 Evacuation Centre thus normal activities will have to pause.
Make an Evacuation Kit
Evacuees are advised to bring the following items to the temporary shelter:
Mobile phone and charger
Spare clothing
Toiletries
Important documents (e.g. insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, backup of computer files)
Necessary medication and prescriptions
Needs for infants such as formula or nappies
Bedding, pillow, and blankets
The facility may also accept trained service animals, provided they are leashed, muzzled, and securely transported. Pet owners must pack their dog or cat’s food and litter tray as well.
Families with Pets
Only service dogs are accepted at the Kedron-Wavell Services Club.
For families who have pets, they may check for spaces at the Chandler Arena at Sleeman Sports Complex located at Old Cleveland Road and Tilley Road in Chandler.
For further assistance, residents may phone the evacuation team via 07 3403 8888.
Everyone must also take note to avoid entering flood water, either by walking or driving through, as there could be dangerous debris from the Brisbane river.
Sabo Skirt, a popular fashion retailer in Westfield Chermside, is changing how consumers shop by adopting a new self-checkout system developed by TAGR that eliminates long queues and contacts at the counter.
George Kouzoukas, the store’s general manager, said that the self-checkout system has elevated the customers’ experience as they could easily use the technology to browse, scan and tag items they like.
“Our staff have moved away from traditional ‘service counters’ to be available to those customers who require assistance while in store,” Mr Kouzoukas said.
Checking out to finalise their purchases is convenient as well as customers have various options for paying through their devices. Their purchases are confirmed with an electronic receipt.
The technology, TAGR, is a homegrown invention that has been in development for 18 months. Customers also do not need to download an app to self-checkout because everything is in a web-based “Scan, Shop and Go” system using a QR code.
The TAGR team believes that their service will bolster retailers’ services, especially in this new normal. More retailers will be added to the TAGR list of merchants, including Australia’s biggest chain stores, in the coming months.
Photo Credit: TAGR
Meanwhile, Sabo Skirt started off as a fashion blog in 2010. The following year, its owners launched the store, featuring high-street brands, and soon became one of Australia’s most sought-after retailers.
In the last five years, Sabo Skirt launched an exclusive label, Sabo Skirt + Sabo Luxe, with a collection showcase at the New York Fashion Week. Across the brand’s social media platforms, Sabo Skirt has a following of over two million fashionistas.
Did you know that Chermside is among the suburbs chosen to participate in the pilot run of the FOGO initiative, a trial that will reduce food waste in a pilot batch of 6,000 households across 30 suburbs in Brisbane.
What is FOGO (food organics garden organics) pilot?
The FOGO pilot is a food waste recycling initiative of the Brisbane City Council aimed at diverting food waste from landfills.
Council selected eight existing green waste collection routes to be part of the pilot: four from Brisbane north and four from Brisbane south. Beginning 1 March 2022, Council will collect food scraps from participating households from routes one and two. And then from 8 March for routes three and four, including parts of Chermside, Geebung and Wavell Heights.
Collection route four map – Brisbane North | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Why participate in the FOGO?
Here are some troubling facts about food waste in Australia as noted by NFWS Feasibility Study:
An estimated $20 billion is lost to the Australian economy each year due to food waste.
Apart from the economic costs, over 5.3 million tonnes of food intended for human consumption is wasted from households and the commercial and industrial sectors each year.
Households throw away 3.1 million tonnes of edible food, equivalent to almost 17,000 grounded 747 jumbo jets.
Food waste costs Australian households between $2,200 and $3,800 each year.
National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study Launch Video Credit: Admin FIAL / YouTube
What we can gain from minimising food waste:
Food waste can be converted into valuable compost for use by farmers and in gardens both big and small
Reduce food waste, reduce food costs
Reduce foul odour coming from rotting food and reduce the potential source of disease and vermin infestation.
Reduce food wastes in Brisbane where around 80,000 tonnes are thrown each year.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner
What the pilot program entails
A letter will be sent to households in the pilot suburbs inviting them to participate in the free service. Before the service commences, each participating household will then receive a six-litre kitchen caddy and an education pack.
Food scraps will go to the kitchen caddy, before and after meals. It is important to line the caddy with a newspaper, paper bag or paper towel and then store it in a place where flies can’t swarm over it; but don’t use plastic bags.
Every one or two days, residents will empty their caddy of their food waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, along with their garden waste into their green waste recycling bin. Take your green bin out for collection as part of the regular fortnightly bin collection process.
But don’t put these in your green bin
Food waste
dairy products (yoghurt, cheese, ice cream, all milk types)
Food wastes will be collected and taken to a resource recovery centre and will hand it over to a Council partner’s green waste recycling facility. The food wastes will then be converted into compost according to Australian standards to be used by local farmers, urban growers and businesses.
A resident of Chermside has entered a plea of guilty to animal cruelty and will be barred from having a pet for three years after he mistreated Sam, his American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Andrew Vlaisan, 42, was charged for animal cruelty after he failed to care for Sam and physically abused the dog by kicking, punching, and hitting the animal with objects.
Videos of the abuse were apparently caught on camera in 2020, according to Sophie Taylor, the RSPCA prosecutor. Though Mr Vlaisan had no prior convictions, his use of brute force against an animal resulted in one-year probation and the order barring him from pet ownership for three years. However, the magistrate allowed Mr Vlaisan to keep his current household cat.
Mr Vlaisan told the magistrate that he was “embarrassed and ashamed” of his actions. He said he had no intentions to purposely hurt the dog but admitted that he took out his frustrations on the animal because of his personal circumstances and his poor health.
Photo Credit: geralt/Pixabay
The news comes as Queensland Government is in the middle of reviewing the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) after 20 years of enforcement. Community consultation was undertaken in April 2021, which received 1439 survey responses and 914 written submissions.
