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Healthcare Group Turns Sod on New Health Hub in Chermside

North Lakes-based Cornerstone Healthcare Property Group led the sod-turning of the $42-million Chermside Health Hub which is set to open next year.

Read: Vaccination at Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside Open to All Ages

Strategically placed in the heart of the thriving north Brisbane business district, the Chermside Health Hub is set to meet the rising demand for healthcare in north Brisbane. It is situated at the intersection of Gympie Road and Rode Road.

Research suggests that there will be significant predicted growth in demand for medical specialities in Chermside. According to a study by Hardes & Associates, the increase of demand for services in 14 years or by 2035 are as follows:

Ophthalmology – 94% increase
General Medicine – 83% increase
Diagnostic GI Endoscopy – 68% increase
Orthopaedics – 64% increase
Chemotherapy – 61% increase
Renal Dialysis – 59% increase
Acute Psychiatry – 45% increase

*Drone image of the site showing proximity to the Prince Charles and St Vincent’s Hospitals.*

Chermside Health Hub is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to deliver integrated patient care under one roof. The hub is designed and constructed specifically for medical use and offers flexible tenancies from 100-sqm to 1750-sqm with options for turnkey tenancy fit outs.

The health hub, accessible via public transport routes, is purpose-built to facilitate collaborative patient centred care. Its key elements include strong local medical referral pathways, abundant basement car parking, and flexible tenancy options.

The sod-turning ceremony was joined by Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie and Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services and local Councillors Adam Allan and Fiona Hammond.

*From L to R: Local Cr Adam Allan, Simon Heazlewood, Director, Cornerstone Healthcare Property Fund (CHP Fund), Cr Fiona Hammond and Luke Howarth MP*

“I’m delighted to join my fellow dignitaries to turn the sod on the Chermside Health Hub today and would like to congratulate CHP Fund on this great initiative which will deliver essential services to the local community,” Mr Howarth said.

“Today is not only exciting regarding the Chermside Health Hub addressing the increasing need for health care in our local community, but also as a catalyst to generate new jobs and the positive impact it will have on our local economy,” he added.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said as Brisbane’s population continued to grow, the Chermside Health Hub would cater for a need for more healthcare services by conveniently combining a suite of specialities in one facility.

“This $42 million fully-integrated health care facility will help meet the growing demand for health care services in the region and will provide the north Brisbane community with access to quality health care services, located within walking distance of both Prince Charles and St Vincent’s Private Hospital,” Mayor Schrinner said.

Depending on weather and construction conditions, the health hub is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Careful, Chermside! Secret Cameras Catching People on Phones Whilst Driving to Stay Permanently

Did you know that Chermside is among Brisbane’s worst crash hotspots, with most accidents caused by people using their mobile phones whilst driving? Queensland drivers need to avoid distracted driving as the state permanently implements camera detection technology to catch errant drivers.

Following the camera’s trial in 2020, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced that this scheme will be rolled out permanently beginning 26 July 2021 across the state.

“Some of the cameras will be mobile, and we won’t be telling people where they are either,” the minister stated. “Drivers should expect to be caught anywhere, anytime, whether they’re driving in the city or on a regional highway.”

The cameras work to capture high-resolution images of the front driver and passenger seat, which are scanned by AI detection technology. These devices, developed by Alex Jannink of Acusensus, who lost a friend in a road crash due to a distracted driver in the U.S., work day and night in all weather conditions and can spot drivers on their mobile who are trying to evade the cameras.

In a statement, Mr Bailey said that drivers will be notified of their driving violations without any fines until 31 October. From 1 November, erring drivers caught by the cameras will have to pay a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points.

Drivers captured by the camera with a mobile phone in their hand, including when they’re stopped at traffic lights or in a congested area, will also be penalised. Double demerit points will apply for repeat offenders within the year of the offence.

“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said.

“Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.”

Top 10 Crash Hotspots in Brisbane

In a survey of accident insurance claims made between July 2019 to July 2020 from the Australian Associated Motor Insurers (AAMI), Gympie Road in Chermside emerged as the spot with the most accidents among the 350,000 claims filed for that period. The thoroughfare has been “notorious for congestion and collisions,” especially during peak hours.

Gympie Road on the stretch of Aspley also landed as the sixth-worst crash hotspot in Brisbane. Per the data, nose-to-tail crashes were the most common accidents in this highly congested area, where drivers apparently attempt to multi-task on their phones.

Gympie Road, Chermside
Logan Road, Mount Gravatt
Morayfield Road, Morayfield
Ipswich Road, Annerley
Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains
Gympie Road, Aspley
Sandgate Road, Clayfield
Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains
Waterworks Road, Ashgrove
Bruce Highway, Caboolture

No Seatbelt Fine Increased

The cameras will also catch drivers without their seatbelts on. The penalty for this driving violation is $413, up from $391 in 2019, with three demerit points.

“One in four people killed on Queensland roads aren’t wearing a seat belt – it’s deadly and the penalties for not belting up reflect that,” Mr Bailey said.

“Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, the risk is the same and so are the penalties. Drivers can also be fined and lose points for every passenger in the vehicle who isn’t buckled up, regardless of their age.”

“So far in 2021, 136 people have died on Queensland roads – 12 more than at the same time last year,” Mr Bailey remarked about distracted driving.

“The numbers are shocking, particularly when you consider that for every life lost, another 27 people are treated in hospital.

“These deaths and injuries have a shattering impact on communities across the state.”

Queensland/TMR Driving Violations Facts

The cameras will start operating on Queensland roads on Monday 26 July 2021.
There will be a three-month period where warning notices will be given to offenders before fines start being issued.
Fines will start being issued to anyone caught by the cameras from 1 November 2021.
The cameras will be in operation anywhere, anytime.
The current penalty for using a mobile phone is $1033 and four demerit points.
The current penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is $413 and three demerit points.
From July to December 2020, the cameras were trialled in Queensland.
During the trial, more than 15,000 people were detected illegally using a mobile phone and more than 2200 not wearing a seat belt.
Two-thirds of Queenslanders admit to using their mobile phones illegally while driving.
Driver distraction contributes to almost 20 per cent of serious injuries and 12 per cent of all lives lost on Queensland roads.

Time for a Hike! Milne Hill Reserve Upgrades Now Complete

The next time you need to take a relaxing and healthy scenic walk in Chermside West, hike up to the Milne Hill Reserve, where a wonderful upgrade of the lookout has been completed.

Constructed in March 2021, the site now boasts of a convenient viewing deck with new seats and paths so visitors can have a better experience looking out towards the breathtaking view.

“This project is part of Council’s commitment to creating more to see and do in a city that is clean and green, so residents and visitors can enjoy Brisbane’s beautiful climate while connecting with the people and places that make our city great,” the Council stated.

Councillor Tracy Davis was up on the Milne Hill Reserve lookout to check the viewing deck and shared a video of her visit.

“I really encourage you to come for the walk up here, to the lookout, and see our beautiful area from this vantage point,” she said.

“Upgrades like this are just one of the many ways the Schrinner Administration is creating more to see and do in our suburbs, and help make sure we can all enjoy our great outdoor Brisbane lifestyle.”

To get to the lookout, find the signage for the Pomax Track walking trail at the Water Reservoir. New stairs have been installed in the area for easy access.

Kedron-Wavell 2021 Community Grants Now Accepting Applications

Kedron-Wavell presented $5,000 to Gunyah Lapidary Club, one of the recipients of its 2020 Community Grants Program (Photo credit: Kedron-Wavell/Facebook)

Kedron-Wavell, a services club located in the vibrant Chermside precinct, is now accepting applications for its 2021 Community Grants Program.

Small community-based organisations, community support groups, community-based sporting organisations, and charitable organisations are welcome to apply.

Local community groups can apply for whatever amount their project requires, given that the amount they are applying for is justified in the application. The club will be giving out grants up to $10,000.

Applicants should fill out the Community Grants Program application form supplied by Kedron-Wavell. Interested groups are also encouraged to be very specific about what the funding will be used for.

Read: Grab your cameras! The Selfie Lab Pop-up Installation is Opening in Chermside

In 2020, one of the recipients was The Nest Community, a self-funded organisation designed to create and nurture a sustainable and connected community for women. The Nest received $7,500 that they used to help fund their flagship program, “The Exchange Program.

Another recipient was the Gunyah Lapidary Club in Wavell Heights, which will use a $5,000 grant to update their Club house with new showcases to display the large collection of rocks, gems and crystals that they have.

Meanwhile, Kedron-Wavell’s Board of Directors will be in charge of reviewing, assessing, and approving all the applications. The process can take up to six weeks, but the club assures they will contact the applicants regardless of the outcome.

Applications will close on 31 July 2021. Applications can be directed to Club’s General Manager, sent via email to rants@kedron-wavell.com.au or submitted electronically on the Community Grants website. Further details about the application process can be found at grants.kedron-wavell.com.au.

Read: How AI Improves Bowel Cancer Diagnosis At Chermside Day Hospital

About Kedron-Wavell

Kedron-Wavell is a grassroots organisation encouraging both former and current members of the defence service to join the sub-branch and be part of the development of the next generation while caring for and remembering those who have come before them.

The organisation supports numerous charity organisations and community-based projects.

Vaccination at Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside Open to All Ages

Did you know that the vaccination hub at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside is open to all ages? The facility’s Education Centre conducts the vaccinations during weekdays following the aggressive rollout of 50 vaccine hubs across Queensland.

However, those who plan on lining up for the jab have to comply with the latest guidelines. According to Queensland Health, individuals under 60 years old are highly recommended to receive the Pfizer vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine to avoid side effects like blood clots, which has been evident in a number of cases.

“The increase in the number of cases correlates with an increase in the number of doses of AstraZeneca vaccine administered during the reporting period,” the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said in a statement.

If you are between the ages of 50 to 59 with a booking for AstraZeneca, you are advised to discuss your options and concerns with your GP first. Queensland Health also recommends that you receive your vaccine from your GP or a Commonwealth respiratory clinic instead of a public vaccination hub.

The public hubs will prioritise high-risk individuals like frontline health workers, aged and disability care staff, people with disabilities, people with specific medical conditions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults above 50 years old. The health department also advises against walk-ins as they may not be vaccinated.

Ideally, the vaccination appointment will be at least 45 minutes long, which will include screening prior to the vaccination and observation after the injection. It would help to read up on what to expect before, during and after you get your COVID-19 vaccine.

Photo Credit: The Prince Charles Hospital

Here are the schedules for vaccinations for all ages at The Prince Charles Hospital Education Centre on 627 Rode Road in Chermside:

DAY	TIME
Monday and Wednesday	8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday	8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Grab your cameras! The Selfie Lab Pop-up Installation is Opening in Chermside

Editor’s Note (as of 30 June 2021): Due to the three-day lockdown in South East Queensland, bookings for The Selfie Lab from 30 June to 2 July 2021 will be moved to later dates. Read their updates here and monitor their Facebook page.

Grab your cameras! The Selfie Lab, the latest selfie installation from the Sugar Republic is coming to Chermside.

From the minds behind vibrant and candy-inspired photo taking Instagrammable-site Sugar Republic comes an all-new installation in Chermside dubbed The Selfie Lab — a pop-up experience that will allow Brisbane residents to explore up to 16 themed rooms that make for some exciting scenery for picture-taking (and selfies!).

Though much of the installation’s finer details are being kept under wraps, people can expect to run into interactive props such as swings and giant teddy bears. Event-goers will be able to explore rooms with themes like the Palm Springs motel, a 1950s diner, and a bedroom with a retro 80s aesthetic.

Except to see themed rooms similar to the ones in the Sugar Republic’s standard pop-ups.
Photo credit: Facebook/Sugar Republic

Sugar Republic’s previous pop-up installations featured extremely colourful and neon-lit venues with candy-inspired motifs that made for excellent backdrops for people looking to take pictures of themselves, or to simply fill their Instagram feeds with pictures of exciting scenery.

To learn more about the installation, which will open on the 24th of June 2021, visit their website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, dates, new details, and other special announcements concerning the event. Tickets will go on sale on the 16th of June 2021.

The Selfie Lab can be found at Westfield, Chermside.

Sports Retailer rebel Opens New Concept Store in Chermside

At the new rebel sport concept store in Chermside, customers will be able to trial their kicks by shooting hoops and running on treadmills before finalising their purchases.

The new rebel concept store in Westfield Chermside, which opened on Thursday the 6th of May 2021, comes with a designated running zone and a small basketball court for customers to sample the gear before buying them, all while experts on hand ensure that people walk away with goods that fit them perfectly.

Their front of house team is composed of passionate experts knowledgeable across numerous sports, equipped with the knowhow necessary for offering advice in running, football, basketball, and general training. The team brings insider knowledge and expertise to the table, and aims to help customers make the most suitable purchases for themselves in order to achieve their fitness goals.

One of rebel’s priorities is helping smaller, more local brands such as Nimble and L’urv by selling their products at the store while simultaneously offering globally tried and tested products from major labels that Brisbane has become familiar with. Despite supporting local, rebel also offers products from the classics like Nike and adidas.

Photo credit: Facebook/Westfield Chermside

Following the opening of their new branch in Chermside, this marks the fourth concept store the company has launched in Australia, with the first in Doncaster, VIC, the second in Parramatta, NSW, and the third in Miranda, NSW.

rebel Chermside can be found at Gympie Rd, Chermside, open every day from 9:00 a.m. onwards with the exception of Sunday, in which the store opens at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit the rebel website here. Follow their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on deals, new stock, and other special announcements concerning the company and their sportswear.

Months of Disruptions Expected as Northern Transitway Improvements Start

Commuters on Gympie Road from Chermside to Kedron are expected to experience months of disruption as improvements to the safety and capacity of the Northern Transitway start.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed in a community update released in April 2021 that those main construction activities on the Northern Transitway will take place from May 2021 to early 2023. Most of the construction will be conducted at night, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Once completed, the project is expected to deliver the following outcome:

A dedicated bus lane for buses, both inbound and outbound, along Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside benefiting over 5,000 people during peak periods each weekday.
Travel time savings of up to 6 minutes on some services during peak periods.
Higher frequency of services at bus stops within the project corridor, increasing from every 15 minutes to every 5 minutes or better during peak periods.
More local residents with greater access to high frequency bus services.
Bus stops that are accessible and compliant with disability access requirements.
Improved pathways along the alignment for cyclists and pedestrians.
Removal of unsignalised right-turn movements within the project corridor to improve the safety for all road users.
A new set of traffic signals at the intersection of Gympie Road and Boothby Street, including dedicated right-turn lane and U-turn facility, to provide safe access for locals and businesses.

However, local business owners, have opposed the project since the announcement as the loss of on-street parking will impact trading. They are calling on the State Government to monitor the traffic movement as this development might need additional options and work.

“We held a series of community information sessions last year and received 185 pieces of individual feedback on the proposed Northern Transitway plan,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said during the project’s announcement in early 2020. “The main issues raised by the community were the removal of the bus stops and on-street parking.

“The changes mean commuters will still enjoy quicker travel during the high demand peak periods, while Gympie Road businesses will keep on-street parking for their customers for large parts of the day and all day on weekends.”

Photo Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads

With work now in progress, TMR issued a statement saying that the project team “will continue to update the community about the Northern Transitway project via distributing notifications to residents, businesses and the community along the project alignment, via email, and updating the web page.”

For concerns, the public is encouraged to contact the project team at northerntransitway@tmr.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 328 972 during business hours.

Residents to Get Free Native Plants at the Green Heart Fair in Chermside

Achieving a more eco-friendly life and adapting to practical and sustainable ways of living are just some of the objectives of this year’s Green Heart Fair in Chermside, where the residents may also get free native plants from the Brisbane City Council.

The popular event, to be held on Sunday, 30 May 2021, at the 7th Brigade Park, Newman Road, is an opportunity for both homes and businesses to become “waste warriors.” The activities designed for all ages and abilities will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Over 3,000 plants will be distributed to guests on a first-in, first-served basis.

“When it comes to sustainability, we all have to start somewhere, and small, everyday decisions by households will continue to have a big impact on our city’s sustainability,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Some of the Green Heart Fair highlights include a session from Green Living Australia and Bee One Third on maintaining a green home and garden. The kids will also be entertained at the Dirt Girl show, where they can participate in various nature play and craft workshops.

A special Waste Zone will also be established, where every member of the family could learn how to reduce wastes whilst the children could have the chance to see how a garbage truck operates.

The Grow Zone will feature a hands-on workshop for the participants to work with plants or bees, as guided by the experts. There will also be showcases from Brisbane’s best artisans, who will demonstrate how to make trinkets and other handmade pieces from recycled items. Celebrities from Channel 7 will also grace the activities whilst the guests may also test-drive electric scooters and vehicles for sustainable travel.

“From composting tips to how to keep bees at home, Green Heart Fair will feature more than 120 of Brisbane’s leading experts with innovative environmentally-friendly products and services, as well as a whole day of talks covering a range of sustainable living topics,” Mr Schinner said.

“Attendees will also be invited to enjoy some of Brisbane’s best local food trucks with more plant-based food options than ever before and take home two native plants to grow at home or in the local community.”

The Green Heart Fair is a COVID-save event. To learn more about this event, visit the official site.

Chermside Family Plans to Take a Vacation, Buy House With Lucky Win

An extremely fortunate Chermside military family won the 1st prize of $200,000 after purchasing the winning Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot numbers online. With their new-found fortune, they intend to buy themselves a house and go on a vacation abroad.

At the end of April 2021, a lucky military family from Chermside managed to take home the first prize in Draw 1530 of The Lott’s Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot — a grand total of $200,000. The family, who has opted to remain anonymous, was dumbfounded at the win.

“I haven’t cried this much in ages!” says the jubilant mum, who added that the money couldn’t have come at a better time as life has been especially difficult for the family lately.

“This will make a huge difference to our lives. I could die — I’m so happy,” she added.

To celebrate their lucky break, the family intends to buy themselves a home, and possibly even take a trip overseas. “I can’t wait to break the news to the rest of my family tonight,” she adds. “We will definitely be celebrating this incredible win.”

The family had purchased their winning set of numbers from The Lott’s website. The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is currently set at $8.69 million for Draw 1531. The Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is set at $4.66 million for Draw 10458.

What are Lucky Lotteries?

Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot is among one of the many lotto games offered by The Lott, giving players the chance to take home a large sum of money by reserving. A total of 200,000 numbers will be available to pick in each draw, and once the numbers have all been reserved, the winning numbers will be selected at random.

Each Mega Jackpot ticket is priced at $5.50 per number, and each draw offers a 1st prize of $200,000. What distinguishes Lucky Lotteries from other games of its kind is the fact that rewards are not shared as each number drawn is unique.
Those interested in playing for a chance to win $200,000 can purchase numbers here.