Hummingbird House, Queensland’s lone children’s palliative care centre in Chermside, has relied on generous donors and patrons to sustain the services they provide to families. However, launching a new program called Hummingbird House at Home has required added resources to ensure that support reaches more children.
In early 2021, Hummingbird House at Home was activated, providing families in regional towns the vital care and support for their terminally ill children without the need for travelling to Chermside. The services also extended to connecting families with local providers or community groups who are more equipped and logistically prepared to provide support.
Yet rural and remote areas of Queensland are quite isolated and limited in supplies, services and expertise so team members of Hummingbird House at Home stay for some days with the families that need crucial end-of-life care for their kids. Many of these families prefer their child or baby to spend their final days at home, surrounded by familiar people in a familiar place.
Unfortunately, General Manager Dr Fiona Hawthorne said that the home care program for regional families has yet to establish a long-term plan due to a lack of funding. Though Hummingbird House receives grant money from the government, Ms Hawthorne said that they are looking for ways to supplement their resources to keep the regional home care program up and running.
More than a year ago, recommendations have been made for the State Government to build a children’s hospice to cater to the regional areas. Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed that funding was allocated between 2019-20 and 2020-21 for these services but its implementation has been left hanging.
According to Hummingbird House, operating this free service to Queenslanders costs $5.4 million a year for at least 5,000 families. Visit the official site to know more about supporting the hospice centre, whether as a donor or volunteer.
Westfield Chermside has announced the names of the six individuals nominated for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes. Now on its fourth year, the program provides a $10,000 grant to help these nominees pursue their advocacies and the community can help decide who shall receive the funding by casting their votes.
Under the Westfield Local Heroes program, 42 Westfield centres in Australia and New Zealand will name three local heroes or role models who have made significant and positive contributions to benefit the community. For this year, the finalists come from a broad range of sectors, including not-for-profit groups, registered community groups, sporting clubs, emergency services, and environmental advocates.
The voting period, which started on 10 Aug 2021, will close on Monday, 30 Aug 2021. Here are the nominees for Westfield Chermside:
Why She’s Nominated: “Eileen is a Westfield Local Hero because whilst battling cancer, she still found the strength and courage to help parents of preterm babies. She helped those who had lost hope or were just simply overcome by the financial stress of NICU. Eileen was there right by their side.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Veteran volunteer Eileen Mary Jane Cooke is the driving force behind support for Queensland parents of premature babies. Eileen has been volunteering with the Preterm Infants Parents Association (PIPA) for over 20 years and has helped many parents in that time. It is her way of giving back for the support she received from PIPA when she needed it. Eileen was a Westfield Local Hero finalist in 2019 and 2020 and appreciates being nominated for a third time.
Primary suburbs: Arana Hills, Geebung, Brisbane metro North
Local Westfield: Chermside
Why She’s Nominated: “Amy is a Westfield Local Hero because she has the strength to face her own trauma every day and use her experience to raise the profile of birth-related trauma to create a community of support and she works to prevent others having the same experience.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Amy is an effective advocate for bringing consumers, clinicians, and researchers together to support women, birthing people, and families affected by birth-related trauma. In 2016, Amy founded the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), is a charity focused on the recognition and understanding of birth-related trauma. Her vision is for safer births, better healing.
Why She’s Nominated: Jodie is a Westfield Local Hero because, in the darkest moments of life, she brings warmth, happiness, and light to people in our community who need it most.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Jodie Frisch is on a mission to ensure families fleeing domestic violence have everything they need to rebuild their lives. As Homes Manager at RizeUp Australia, Jodie works tirelessly to furnish new accommodation, provide clothing for children, and source critical items at a moment’s notice. She is known for being strong, loyal, and kind.
Why He’s Nominated: “Garry is a Westfield Local Hero because he has impacted the lives of thousands of people directly through his service. He is a role model who inspires many others. The 4017 area wouldn’t be what it is today without the selfless contribution Garry has made for more than a decade at SANDBAG.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Garry Hunt is a hard-working community worker dedicated to providing practical support to people in need. The volunteer turned staff member at Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group (SANDBAG), Garry has supported thousands of people facing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and discrimination. Garry always treats people equally and is known for his inclusive, welcoming, and respectful nature.
Why He’s Nominated: “Sammy is a Westfield Local Hero because he noticed there was a need for a program for young people within the local community. Through The Boss Boxing, Sammy has been able to engage through physical activity, which is making a big difference and changing lives.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Former boxing champion Sammy Leone is a proud Aboriginal man who has supported the Zillmere community for more than a decade, using his sport to transform the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sammy is passionate about using the skills developed in boxing to keep people away from substance abuse and crime. A few years ago, he founded The Boss Boxing, where he is head coach.
Why He’s Nominated: “Len is a Westfield Local Hero because he has been through so many of his own challenges but still wants to give back to those in need. He knows that a kind word spoken at the right time can truly change someone’s life.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Len McCandless is an empathetic community worker who uses his own experience of living on the street to help homeless people or those living with a disability. He is the team leader at Rosie’s – Friends on the Street Brisbane North Branch, where he is known for his big heart – always greeting patrons with a smile, a cup of tea, and a chat.
“Now in its fourth year, the Westfield Local Heroes Program has been an instrument for change and support for deserving organisations,” Westfield Carindale Centre Manager, Matt Powis, said. “It’s with great pleasure that we announce our six 2021 finalists and call upon the local community to vote and help us determine our three Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients.”
Since 2018, Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program has invested in over 489 community organisations. The contribution represents the ongoing support to connect and enrich the local communities in which Westfield Living Centres operate.
Grants provided to the winners total $1.2 million. The winners will be announced on 21 Oct 2021.
The Gateway Patrol Group has advised Chermside residents to properly secure their vehicles after instances of thieves targeting a number of cars in Brisbane North in July 2021.
Over the past month, there were 29 offences in the North Brisbane District. Six of these reported crimes happened in Chermside. These offences included enter with intent, unlawful entry of motor vehicle, and unlawful use of motor vehicle. Thieves have mostly targeted secure basement car parks of unit complexes.
North Brisbane District Crime Prevention Coordinator Sergeant Jodie Murray said most offences were committed overnight (between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.) and were most commonly between Thursday and Sunday.
“Car parks were entered by offenders following residents’ vehicles through gates, forced entry of security or fire doors, manipulation of gate mechanisms and forcing open key boxes,” Sgt Murray said.
“Property targeted included bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, skateboards, sporting equipment, garage remotes, tools, cash, household items, firearms, two motorcycles and two vehicles,” he added.
The latest data from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council revealed there were a total of 50 motor vehicle thefts in Chermside in 2020. Around 68-percent of these were stolen from residence.
What You Can Do
If you’re an owner of a vehicle, here are some things you can do to help prevent car break-ins:
Always lock doors and close windows when your vehicle is unattended
Do not to leave keys hanging visibly on key hooks and store your keys out of sight and in a safe place
Make a note when suspicious persons or vehicles are observed in your neighbourhood. Write down a description of the person or vehicle including registration number, make, model, colour, with date and time observed
Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Group.
Crime Watch Logan & Queensland is a page providing information and crime updates for the community covered by all the Logan Policing areas and by all Queensland Police Service’s areas for the whole of Queensland.
North Brisbane Police urges residents to report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Locals may call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au
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.
Chermside Health Hub render/Supplied
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.
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.
Photo Credit: Queensland Government
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.
Photo Credit: Cfansworth/Pixabay
“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.”
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
