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How AI Improves Bowel Cancer Diagnosis At Chermside Day Hospital

Photo credit: Chermside Day Hospital/Google Maps

Gastroenterologists at Chermside Day Hospital have started a trial of the latest endoscopy equipment utilising artificial intelligence, designed to detect early signs of bowel cancer.

The doctors used ENDO-AID CADe, a computer-assisted imaging system made by renowned Japanese technology brand Olympus. By deploying the said technology, Chermside Day Hospital aims to improve clinical outcome and key colonoscopy quality indicators such as polyp and adenoma detection rate of bowel cancer.

This new technology works like the facial recognition feature commonly found in cameras or smartphones. It flashes and informs the doctor when there’s a lesion on the screen.

Chermside Day Hospital, part of the Cura Day Hospitals Group, helped in the trial by contributing videos to Olympus which will be used to develop an algorithm in detecting polyps. It was led by gastroenterologist and therapeutic colonoscopist Dr David Hewett, who is also an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine.

This new AI platform enables real-time display of automatically detected suspicious lesions and works in combination with the recently introduced EVIS X1, Olympus’ most advanced endoscopy system to date, says Olympus in its website.

Read: Queensland Welcomes 776 New Junior Doctors at Prince Charles Hospital, 44 Other Sites

In Australia, there were around 15,494 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2020, based on a report by Cancer Australia. Around 8,340 of these cases were men whilst 7,154 were women.

According to Cancer Australia, colorectal cancer was the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia and it is estimated that it will remain the second most common cause of death from cancer in 2020.

Through AI technology, the chances of missing anything during a medical procedure is reduced, because it promises a 10 percent increase in the detection rate.

Andrew Currie, CEO of Cura Day Hospitals Group, said patients do not only have a great procedural specialist, but an additional technology in place that allows the doctor to identify smaller and earlier potential issues with polyps and cancers.

Mr Curried added that the technology may also give the specialist confidence that they can lengthen the time between colonoscopies for those patients requiring frequent monitoring procedures.

“In the future, AI looks like it is going to support doctors in a whole range of healthcare procedures, such as generation of reports and measuring the quality of procedures,” Mr Currie said.

Westfield Chermside Most Difficult Place to Park in Brisbane: Survey

Westfield Chermside has been deemed the most difficult place to park in Brisbane in a new survey conducted among Australian users from the popular parking marketplace app, Parkhound.

The shopping centre on Gympie road has over 7,200 spots but Parkhound users said they experience a lot of their parking pet peeves on this site. The users also named Bondi Junction in Sydney and Woolworths Marden in Adelaide as the top places in Australia where parking is challenging.

About 58 percent of Parkhound users said that parallel parking is their biggest pet peeve followed by reverse parking with 21 percent. Some 12 percent of the users said that they do not like front-to-curb perpendicular parking, whilst eight percent said that they hated angled parking the most.

Photo Credit: Ashley Hughest/Google Maps

Parkhound users also said that they dread hitting cars when they try to parallel park. Surprisingly, some of the respondents said that would much prefer “getting swooped by a magpie” than reverse park on a tight space. There are users who also said they strongly dislike cars that take up two parking spaces or drivers who swoop in and steal the space they’ve been eyeing on.

Meanwhile, one in 10 survey respondents said that they actually love cruising parking spaces for a spot regardless if it’s time-consuming. However, 72 percent said they don’t enjoy looking for a parking space at all.

In mid-2020, Westfield Chermside changed its parking policy and cut the free parking hours for customers who do not use the store’s new phone app. Scentre Group, which manages all Westfield shopping centres said that they had to make the changes in response to the risks posed by COVID-19 and to ensure customers can park easily and quickly when they visit the stores.

To know more about how to avail of four hours of free parking on Westfield Chermside, visit their official site.

Why Kids Will Enjoy Bush Kindy at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre

Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Looking for a free, fun, and simple activity with your kids? If you live in the area, join a bush kindy class at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre in McDowall from March to April 2021.

Bushy kindy class is suitable for kids ages 0-5 years. It allows children to connect directly with nature through nature-based sensory play and activities. During a bush kindy session, your little ones will not only take part in outdoor experiences or nature play because they will also be doing art ‘n’ craft, bushwalks, and story-time.

The Downfall Creek Bushland Centre is a lovely hidden gem located at the Raven Street Reserve, part of the Chermside Hills Reserves. It features nice and well-maintained playgrounds, covered picnic areas, bike tracks, a half-court basketball court, and an informative bush-walk for all ages.

Why enrol in a bush kindy class? The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare said preschool programs can help children acquire school readiness by developing learning-related skills, such as the ability to:

express thoughts
adapt appropriate behaviours
control impulsivity
remain concentrated
show curiosity, persistence and develop social competence

Brisbane City Council launched the bush kindy program in 2019, to teach young children about the environment that match their tender years. It all started when they discovered there was a gap in programs catering to this age group.

In 2021, Council will also introduce the Creek Neighbours program, which is intended for slightly older kids, currently being delivered to Grade 4 and 5 students across Brisbane. This program helps create an awareness of the importance of bushland reserves, the schoolyard and the student’s own back yard.

According to Brisbane City Council’s Creek Neighbours and Bush Kindy co-ordinator Jo Fryer, the demand for these programs is high. In fact, in 2020, around 4,000 toddlers joined the weekly bush kindly class, whilst over 700 kids participated in the Creek Neighbours trial.

At present, Brisbane has three nature centres running bush kindy programs: the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre at McDowall, the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre near Stretton, and Boondall Wetlands.

Those who would love to join are encouraged to bring a wide-brimmed hat, secure, fully enclosed walking shoes, sun-smart clothing, sunscreen and insect repellent. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

For bookings and dates of bush kindy class at Downfall Creek Bushland Centre, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Luxe Fashion Brand Billini Opens New Boutique In Westfield Chermside

Renowned Australian fashion brand Billini has opened two new stores in Queensland — the first one at the Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre and a second one at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

Billini boutiques feature sleek and modern designs befitting of its place in the fashion industry, sporting elegant and chic marble flooring and furniture lined with gold-and-rose-colored accents. Billini also offers a variety of trendy and feminine footwear to their customers, selling lavish yet affordable products ranging from sandals, to heels, to boots.

Photo credit: Facebook/Westfield Chermside

Accessories that sport Billini’s signature luxe look such as bags, headwear, jewelry, and sunglasses are also available for purchase at each boutique. Like their footwear, the designs of Billini accessories draw inspiration from fashion capitals all across the world.

Billini Chermside can be found in the Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre at Gymple Rd, whereas Billini Broadbeach can be found at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre at Hooker Blvd. Both centres open at 9:00AM every day from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the centres open at 10:00AM.

Westfield Chermside Shopping Centre

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

One Of Council’s Tip Shops Is Now Geebung Treasure Trove

Photo credit: adrianschrinner.com.au

Where do locals go for a good, old-fashioned, satisfying bargain hunt? In Geebung, the most common option is the tip shop on Prosperity Place, which has heaps of useful, pre-loved, second-hand and vintage items with great quality at absolutely reasonabe prices.

Geebung Treasure Trove is the new moniker for what was known around the community as the “Brisbane tip shop.” In February 2021, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner decided on the name change, along with an information campaign to encourage locals to visit their community tip shops for useful items they might need.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

“These great quality, near-new items have found their way to our tip shops and we’ve received more than 700 bikes and 24 fishing rods – both nearly doubling in numbers from the year before – as well as a 30 per cent increase in golf club sets,” Lord Mayor Schrinner stated in a media announcement.

He added that more than 93 tonnes of items were saved from landfill across the past two months through donations to Council’s tip shops, that’s the equivalent of more than 2000 wheelie bins of rubbish.

Photo credit: Geebung Treasure Trove/Facebook

“There’s something for everyone, from rare collectibles and antiques to peculiar items like a church alter, trumpets and telescopes, as well as traditional upcycling treasures such as tables, chairs, couches and beds,” the Lord Mayor said.

Read: Fiverr To Support Small Businesses With New $250K Giveaway Campaign

This Treasure Trove in Geebung is operated by Endeavour Foundation on behalf of the Council. All funds go back to The Endeavour Foundation, one of the largest non-government organisations in Australia supporting people with a disability.

Geebung Treasure Trove is located at 27a Prosperity Place, Geebung. Opening hours are only on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Do note that cashless transactions have been implemented at this site. Payment for goods are only accepted via credit/debit card (preferably contactless tap).

For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on 07 3403 8888.

Fiverr To Support Small Businesses With New $250K Giveaway Campaign

With Fiverr’s new billboard campaign, five lucky businesses have the opportunity to win some much-needed exposure in high-visibility areas all across Brisbane — Chermside included.

Fiverr’s latest Australian campaign, “Bill’s Billboard”, was conceptualized by their lead creative agency By All Means in an attempt to revitalize Australian businesses recovering from the devastation brought about by COVID-19. According to Fiverr research, 66% of small businesses have suffered financial losses during the pandemic.

“At Fiverr, we’re committed to helping small businesses thrive on their road to recovery, which is why we are providing them with the opportunity to win a share in $250,000 worth of free advertising space.” says Fiverr Senior Director of Global Brand Marketing Liron Smadja.

Fiverr’s very first campaign in Australia, aptly named “It Starts Here” was also dedicated towards giving small businesses the spotlight by featuring Australian freelancers, telling a series of optimistic stories about businesses who’ve adapted to the internet following the pandemic.

With over two million small businesses affected, Fiverr’s new campaign Bill’s Billboards intends to help the economy get back on its feet by giving five lucky winners the opportunity to place their advertisements on billboards established in high-visibility areas in Brisbane such as South Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, Palm Beach, Fortitude Valley, Chermside and Coorparoo.

The campaign itself is a competition between small businesses where the winners will receive a share in $250,000 in free outdoor billboard advertising space. As for the competition and how to enter, all a business has to do to partake is click on the link provided below and fill out the form. Five lucky winners will be selected from the pool, which means $50,000 per winning business.

Bill’s Billboards will run until Friday 12:00PM AEDT, 26th of February, 2021, and it will be promoted across digital and out-of-home platforms. Small businesses can enter the competition by clicking here.

New Korean Cafe with a Unique Name Opens in Geebung

A unique name helps an establishment stand out from the competition. Amidst a handful of eateries in Geebung, a new Korean cafe with a trendy name could soon be on your list of favourites.

Cafe Un:named Dining launched on 20 Jan 2021 and it’s slowly proving to be more than just a restaurant with a remarkable name. Following its first week of trading, the restaurant soon changed its opening and closing hours to cater to more guests.

It’s also set to become the locals’ top choice for the best Bibimbap. This warm bowl of steamed rice with sauteed vegetables, marinated beef, bean sprouts, gochujang (chilli paste) with fried eggs is already a crowd-drawer. It’s so flavourful and good that you’ll forget your own name!

The cafe also serves Bulgogi Rice, Korean Sweet & Chilli Chicken, and choices of pasta and sandwiches. As a new business, Cafe Un:named Dining’s menu is simple and concise but you also need to try out their version of the croffle (croissant waffles) – it’s a good marriage of two breakfast hits.

Cafe Un:named Dining has a spacious outdoor area for guests with dogs. They also offer takeaway and delivery.

Follow the store’s Facebook or Instagram for updates on new food to try and trading hours.

“This is a brand new business that has opened up within walking distance of my home. I thought I would give it a try with my wife for Valentine’s Day and to say I was impressed would be an understatement the food was lovely and fresh very well priced, service exceptional. So for anybody who lives in the area or surrounds and you want a nice cafe that is not overpriced and serves wonderful food then this is it.”
Steve Brown, Google Reviews

“A new cafe in Geebung. Jayden – the staff member we spoke to, was very friendly & the food was delicious. We ate of the small, but lovely Korean menu. They have burgers & pasta also. Dog friendly outside. Open 7 days.”
Bne C Oliver, Facebook

H & M Tipped to Close Multiple Australian Stores, Including Chermside

Fashion retailer H & M is closing down multiple stores in Australia, including Chermside, due to the economic impact of the pandemic and the massive shift of people’s shopping habits to online platforms.

H & M has already quietly shut down its outlet in Chatswood, NSW in January and industry insiders said that four more NSW stores are due to fold. In Queensland, at least three stores have been identified as underperforming and could close their doors as well: Chermside, Townsville and Rockhampton.

H & M outlets lease over 2,000 square metre spaces at various shopping centres and its closure will also impact the landlords who will need to find new tenants or come up with an alternative usage for the empty space.

In Chermside, the store is at Westfield Chermside on Gympie Road, owned by the Scentre Group.

According to reports, H & M’s sales fell by 18 percent in 2020, prompting its operations to consider closing 250 stores around the world. In October 2020, the retailer debuted its online store in Australia and said that it will pour more investments into its digital properties.

H & M has not released a statement regarding the closures. The company first opened its Australian store in Melbourne in 2014 and soon expanded to 49 outlets across the country.

Queensland Welcomes 776 New Junior Doctors at Prince Charles Hospital, 44 Other Sites

Queensland Health welcomed 776 new junior doctors in a special meeting with Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and other local officials at the Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside.

Of these new doctors, 163 medical interns will be taking up residence in Brisbane northside facilities, including Prince Charles Hospital. The rest will be assigned to 44 public hospitals for a full year.

“Best of luck to all of Queensland’s new medical graduates as they embark on this next stage in their medical career!” Member for Aspley Bart Mellish posted on Facebook.

“It’s great to see these new recruits at Prince Charles Hospital out there on the frontline, delivering the services northside residents need,” Mr Mellish said in a separate statement. “I’m proud to be a member of a government that’s investing in a record $21.8 billion health budget that’s delivering exceptional services for Queenslanders.”

These new interns will be joining training programs covering various clinical procedures and practices. The doctors will be under three rotations between Emergency Medicine, General Medicine and General Survey, as well as two elective specialised areas to safely and effectively transition into their chosen path.

“These medical interns and graduate nurses have worked extremely hard to get to this stage of their career and I congratulate them on their achievement,” Ms D’Ath said.

“I’m especially grateful they are joining Queensland’s health system during a global pandemic, where they will no doubt face extra challenges they may not have anticipated when they commenced their study.

“Queensland’s doctors and nurses have kept us safe during COVID and these new health workers will help that work continue.”

It comes as the State Government aims to have 9,475 medical and health practitioners providing services in Queensland in the next four years.

Chermside West Tipped for Property Growth in 2021

For the last five years, Chermside has achieved more than 30 percent growth in Brisbane’s property market. This has apparently created a ripple effect on its neighbouring suburb, Chermside West, which has been projected to grow in 2021.

According to AusProperty Professionals Director and Founder Lloyd Edge, Chermside West is one of 10 suburbs with a huge potential for growth this year following “a high level of gentrification” in recent years.

Mr Edge said that Chermside West, located 12 kilometres off the CBD, has been building up and is now at its prime as the “markets really heat up” in Brisbane, despite the economic impact of COVID-19.

Apart from its proximity to Chermside, the suburb has two hospitals providing employment for the locals and has the popular Craigslea State School. The improvements in Westfield has provided accessibility and convenience without the busyness of a city hub.

The top 10 Brisbane suburbs with a huge potential for market growth in 2021 are:

1 Mansfield
2 Indooroopilly
3 Moorooka
4 Logan Central
5 Mt Gravatt
6 Chermside West
7 Stafford and Everton Park
8 Wishart
9 Woolloongabba
10 Hemmant

A profile of Chermside West showed that property investments for this suburb have had a capital gain of 2.71 percent for the period ending 2020 October. The median price of a Chermside West house is $625,000 with a gross rental yield of 3.91 percent.

Post-COVID, homebuyers have been looking into suburbs in Brisbane for affordability, education and migration. Brisbane has heaps of the most sought-after catchment area, with surging demand from the Asian community.