Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 30 of 41

Mental Health Facility for Young People to Open in April

Australia’s first-of-its-kind mental health extended treatment centre for young people located in Chermside is now complete and is slated to open its doors in April 2020.

The $27-million “Jacaranda Place” replaces the former Barrett Adolescent Centre and will provide a 12-bed residential service and a 10-place day program. Former residents of the Barrett Centre and families of former patients helped out with the design of the new facility and naming process, along with clinicians, educators and Traditional Owners.

“What happened after the Barrett Centre closed was an absolute tragedy which should never have happened,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. The Premier, along with Minister for Health Steven Miles and Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham visited the 12-bed adolescent mental health treatment centre last 14 February.

Mental Health Facility for Young People to Open in April

Photo credit: Annastacia Palaszczuk / Twitter.com@Annastacia

“I remember meeting with the families involved and being deeply moved by their stories, that’s why I made a commitment that we would build a new centre.

“I thank them for their time, their selflessness and their bravery in discussing what must have been times of terrible trial and suffering for them and their loved ones. Their input has been valuable, and will no doubt prove life-saving for future patients.

“I’m so proud to stand here today at the new Jacaranda Place which will ensure young people in need of mental health services get the very best possible care.”

The new facility, Health Minister Steven Miles said, will see upwards of 40 young people annually across both residential care and non-residential day programs. Education Minister Grace Grace, for her part, said that the young patients could still continue schooling whilst receiving treatment through the project’s partnership with Education Queensland.

“Recovering from mental illness can be hard enough, we needed to make sure we could build education supports around them so they can keep up their school-work and maintain those social links,” Ms Grace added.

Jacaranda Place is located on the campus of The Prince Charles Hospital and will deliver 24-hour service providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for young people across Queensland.

The centre is designed to cater for young people aged 13 to 19, who are suffering from severe and complex mental illness with associated functional decline. However, young people up to 21 years old with developmental needs that are more effectively managed within an adolescent model, may also be treated at the centre.

“The name Jacaranda Place reflects the strength and resilience of the iconic Jacaranda Tree, which is considered by many as a symbol of wisdom, rebirth and good luck,” Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey explained.

“The Jacaranda is a hardy tree that can grow in difficult conditions, blooming once a year, when its true beauty is shown in full colour.

“This symbology connects nicely with the challenges and recovery journeys of the young people who will be cared for at the centre.”

Photo credit: Annastacia Palaszczuk / Twitter.com@Annastacia

Jacaranda Place is accessible to young people who are:

Currently receiving treatment from a public child and youth mental health service or a private psychiatrist in Queensland.
Aged between 13 and 18 years (young people up to the age of 21 will be considered if developmentally appropriate).
Presenting with serious and complex mental health needs.
Not having their needs met in their current continuum of mental health care, education and social support, and less restrictive treatment options have been considered and explored.
Willing to consider engaging with a recovery model of care.

How To Spice Things Up For An Amazing National Chilli Day

It’s National Chilli Day on Thursday, the 27th of February 2020, and El Camino Cantina in Chermside is turning things up to bring you a spicy good time. Whether you like your spicy food hot or mild, here’s how you can spice things up for the foodie holiday.

1. Ensure your seat.

Book a table at El Camino Cantina for the 27th to secure your seats. If you’re coming with a group, an advanced reservation online is better so you won’t have problems finding a spot if the place is packed.

2. Sign up for the games.

At 7:00 p.m. El Camino Cantina will run its hot wings competition. If you’re the ultimate chilli head and you want to win a $50 voucher, then sign up for the games and beat the rest to of the contestants.

*Photo Credit: El Camino Cantina/Facebook*

3. Order the Wing Roulette.

For National Chilli Day, the Mexican cantina will let you play with your food! Order the Wing Roulette (for 10, 30 to 50 wings) and take a chance. A serving has three levels of hot sauce, including the super extra spicy Facemelter Hot Sauce. From the sound of its name alone, you better be prepared!

Incidentally, El Camino Cantina will have the Facemelter Hot Sauce available until Sunday, the 1st of March.

National Chilli Day is celebrated every fourth Thursday of February. This holiday was established in the U.S. to celebrate the state of Texas’ official dish: chili con carne.

El Camino Cantina is proudly a Tex-Mex inspired restaurant with other outlets in NSW, VIC and QLD. In Chermside, it’s found on the second level of Westfield.

For enquiries or requests, phone the restaurant’s Chermside location at (07) 3053 5632 +61 7 3053 5632.

New Community Partnerships Target Youth Anti-Social Behaviour

Shopping centres in North Lakes, Townsville, Rockhampton, Chermside, Coomera, and Helensvale have joined in the Queensland Youth Partnership Initiative to connect young people with youth services and police.

The new community partnership with retailers, local community groups, state government services, and police delivered over the summer holidays a range of activities including sport, art, and music, in an effort to reconnect the youth with health services and education, training, and employment opportunities.

The Queensland Youth Partnership Initiative is just one of the 51 new initiatives delivered through the State Government’s half a billion dollar investment into youth justice reform.

“Shopping centres are places where everybody expects to feel safe, and that’s how it should be,” Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said.

“Young people who don’t have a safe place to go often gravitate to shopping centres, which can be a bit of a problem sometimes.

“This initiative is a fantastic way for police, government services and community leaders to connect with young people, offer support, guidance and advice in a way that makes them feel like part of the community.

“Youth workers and police have been really positive about the program, and they say they’ve seen significant behaviour changes for the better.

The program also resulted in some retailers offering young people work experience, Mr Whiting added.

New Community Partnerships Target Youth Anti-Social Behaviour — *Photo credit: Queensland Youth / Facebook*

For her part, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said that community safety was the government’s top priority, which includes the feeling of being safe at shopping centres, at home, and in the community.

“Boredom can sometimes lead to trouble in our shopping centres, but this program provides positive and constructive things for young people to do which has had a positive impact inside and outside the shopping centres.”

“It’s a great demonstration of what can be achieved when communities work together to provide young people with structured activities and an alternative place to congregate and hang out.”

Everything Must Go: Bardot Launches Closing Down Sale In Chermside

Photo Credit: westfield.com.au

Fashion retailer Bardot has launched a massive clearance sale in 42 locations across the country, including its Westfield Chermside store. This offers customers up to 80 percent off accessories and clothing, like dresses, tops, and denim.

The sale comes after Bardot announced that it will shut down almost 58 stores across Australia in March 2020 as it undergoes reconstruction. In November 2019, the company lurched into voluntary administration and appointed Ryan Eagle and Brendan Richards of KPMG as its administrators.

This means Bardot will continue to trade on as business as usual but the administrators now control the business and its operations as turnaround and recapitalisation opportunities are being assessed.

Gift cards and credit notes will still be honoured but on a dollar-for-dollar basis only. For example, if a customer intends to redeem a $100 gift card, they will need to purchase a product of $200 in value and pay $100 in cash, by card or using AfterPay. This applies to all stock including sale items.

Store Closure

Aside from their location in Westfield Chermside, Bardot announced it will close eight other Queensland locations in just a matter of weeks. These stores are in:

Cairns
Indooroopilly
Kawana
North Lakes
Pacific Fair
Sunshine Plaza
Toowoomba
Townsville

The store closures were unfortunate but they are deemed necessary to help Bardot redefine their local market presence. KPMG is now in the process of securing a buyer to obtain new funds into the fashion chain. The appointed administrators will come up with a company-wide restructure, which will ensure that Australia will always remain the heart of the Bardot business.

About Bardot

Bardot was founded in 1996 with a focus on “the hottest fashion styles for women every year.” In just two years, the company expanded and opened its Highpoint, Bridge Rd and Chapel St stores in Victoria. Bardot launched its denim range in 2001 and Bardot Junior, sold in Myer stores in 2005.

Bardot Chermside is located at Level 1 of Westfield Chermside, corner Gympie and Hamilton Road. The store opens at 9:00 am from Monday to Saturday and 10:00 am on Sundays. See other participating stores at bardot-clearance website.

How to Grab Hold of Free Froyo at Yo-Get-It Chermside

What’s a great way to beat a scorching summer day? How about with a heaping bowl of delicious frozen yoghurt filled with all the toppings you want? Yo-Get-It recently opened a permanent home in Westfield Chermside. Did you know that you can get a tub of its frozen yoghurt for free?

Yo-Get-It is no stranger to the Queensland food scene, with its ever-present food truck frequently seen in various market events and expos. But now, you can easily grab hold of a dessert healthier than ice cream, with the opening of its shop at the second level of Westfield Chermside. They’re open every day!

At Yo-Get-It, you can create your own healthy or indulgent bowl. Eight different froyo flavours, from a rotation of 30 selections, are available at the store on any given day. On some days, you’ll find classics like vanilla, strawberry or cookies ‘n’ cream and on other days, you’ll get unique flavours like pina colada or burnt caramel.

After you’ve chosen your flavour, move on to the topping bar and fill your tub with delish choices from a veritable smorgasbord of toppings. Go healthy with fresh fruits, nuts and chia seeds, or load up on the sugar with gummy bears, M&Ms and drizzles of syrup — it’s all up to you!

When you’re satisfied with your yoghurt concoction, here’s where it gets even more fun. Get your tub weighed at the checkout counter and if you’ve guessed the correct weight you’ll get your froyo for FREE!

Yo-Get-It also serves yoghurt smoothies and soft-serve in a waffle cone. The dessert bar has gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly options as well.

The store opens from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. On Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it’s lights off at 9:00 p.m.

Gelatissimo Chermside is Bringing 3 New Aussie Family Favourites for a Limited Time Only

It’s the throwback you’ll keep coming back for! Gelatissimo, Chermside is going deliciously nostalgic this summer with its Aussie Family Favourites offering, available until the end of January 2020.

Beat the heat and drop by Gelatissimo at Westfield Chermside and enjoy three new exciting gelato flavours. But you need to hurry, because these yummy frozen desserts will be gone soon!

Choc Crackle

Inspired by the iconic Aussie party treat, Choc Crackle is a chocolate flavoured gelato mixed with classic chocolate crackle clusters made with chocolate puffs, coconut oil, cocoa powder, and desiccated coconut, drizzled with chocolate sauce. That’s a yummy choco overload!

Fairy Bread

Fairy Bread is a buttery vanilla gelato — and we’re talking New Zealand butter here — generously sprinkled with colourful 100s and 1000s, and chunks of golden toasted fairy bread. Feeling nostalgic yet?

Weet-Bix™ With Honey and Banana

Gelatissimo and Australia’s #1 breakfast cereal — Weet-Bix™, join forces to bring to life this delicious breakfast treat that the family will definitely love. A banana gelato with Weet-Bix™ plus a generous drizzle of Australian wildflower honey.

Gelatissimo Aussie Family Favourites range is available at Gelatissimo Chermside and rest of Gelatissimo stores nationwide until the end of January!

Shop FC613, Level 2, Westfield Chermside, Corner of Gympie & Hamilton Rds, Chermside Qld 4032

Westfield Chermside to Open 34 Hours Straight This Christmas, $10K Gift Cards Up for Grabs

Not yet done with your Christmas shopping? Brace yourselves, ready your wallets and take out your most comfortable shoes to wear as Westfield Chermside sets an unbelievable 34 hours of straight shopping time for you to complete your gift list.

On Monday, the 23rd of Dec 2019, set your alarm clock early for Westfield Chermside’s Shop ‘Til You Drop. The doors will promptly open at 8:00 a.m. and won’t close until the eve of Christmas, the 24th of Dec, at 6:00 p.m.

You’ve got plenty of time to look for that perfect gift for your loved ones with 2,040 shopping minutes to take advantage of. Whilst you could literally shop till you drop, Westfield Chermside will keep the joyful and lively Christmas spirit high with free entertainment, Christmas carols, live music, and a chance for the kids to meet Santa Claus if you’ve got the little ones in tow.

Take note of the schedule of activities happening during the 34-hour shopping extravaganza below:

WHEN	WHAT	WHERE
*23rd December*
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.	Meet the Elf	Level 2, Under the Dome
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.	Kids Face Painting	Level 2, Outdoor Dining
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.	Christmas tunes with the UQ Big Band	Level 2, Under the Dome
9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.	Party Away with the DJ	Level 2, Under the Dome
10:00 p.m.	Fireworks Display	Level 2, Outdoor Dining
*24th December*
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.	Meet the Elf	Level 2, Indoor Playworld

$10,000 Gift Cards and Other Giveaways

Since Christmas is also the season for giving, Westfield Chermside has $10,000 worth of gift cards for lucky shoppers. Look for the Non-Stop Shop HIT 105’s Black Thunders outside of Rebel on Level 2 for the hourly draw.

To qualify, you must spend a minimum of $20 during these special shopping hours. Aside from Westfield Gift Cards, customers may also win prizes from Goodlife Health Clubs, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and Target.

Visit the area outside of Nespresso between 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for your personalised Christmas calligraphy card. At 6:00 a.m. the next day, some cafes inside the shopping centre are going to give cups of coffee for free. You’ll need that buzz as there are still some more hours left for shopping!

Don’t go home once you’re done with shopping, though. If you have a few more minutes to spare, go to the second level outside of Myer’s to have your gifts beautifully wrapped. Proceeds of this service will go to Wesley’s Mission Red Bag Appeal.

*Photo Credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook*

Everything you need and even more is at Westfield Chermside. This place provides heaps of things to enjoy and experience — from trying out the latest food trends or shopping for fashion items, to relaxing at the cinema or playing bowling or laser tag.

The second level has all the trendy eateries and retail stores. The first level houses major store chains like Woolworths, K-Mart, Coles, Myers, David Jones and Big W.

The 34-hour shopping event is not a first for Westfield Chermside. Retailers are also not obligated to follow the Christmas non-stop shopping hours. Follow the updates of this event at the Westfield Chermside’s Facebook page.

Best 4KQ Christmas Lights Displays to See in North Brisbane, Including Overall Winner

There are plenty of reasons to round up the kids and board the bus to join the 4KQ Christmas Lights tour around Brisbane’s northern suburbs this year. The most impressive reason of all is to see the best in the competition as the overall winner’s house happens to be from this side of the city!

Jeanette Meyer, a grandmother from 4 Huron Street in Banyo, was adjudged as the champion of this year’s 4KQ contest. She and her whole family have been joining this event since 2011 and they prepare everything by hand and by sheer passion for sparkling Christmas joy.

To catch Ms Meyer’s Christmas lights display, as well as the showcase of the other houses around North Brisbane, the council has arranged a tour from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on 16th up to 20th of Dec 2019.

Those who want to join the tour from the north may take the Brisbane City stop at Ann Street, (Anzac Square Stop 7) or the bus at the Chermside Shopping Centre (Stop D). Ticket reservations are available online.

These are the other stops for those interested in touring east, south or west Brisbane:

Carindale Shopping Centre (Stop H) to eastern suburbs
Garden City Shopping Centre (Stop J & K) to southern suburbs
Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (Stop C) to western suburbs

Best North Brisbane Christmas Lights Display

Chermide West’s St Gerard Majella Catholic Church also won the Community Award from one of the sponsors, whilst Michael Turnbull’s home in Clontarf is one of the finalists for the People’s Choice.

Here is the list of the winners for North Brisbane:

WHO	WHERE	AWARD
John & Kaye Baker	12 Elm Street, Murrumba Downs	Best Lights Display – Runner-Up, North
Alex Rolfe	123 Dorrington Drive, Ashgrove	Judges Commendations
Carolyn & Troy Ebsworth	81 Froude Street, Banyo	Judges Commendations
Michael Turnbull	1 Long Street, Clontarf	Judges Commendations
Iris Gillingham	116 Board Street Deagon	Judges Commendations
Michael & Vanessa Saccasan	26 Cockatiel Court, Deception Bay	Judges Commendations
Jeremy Ward	8 Hughes Street, McDowall	Judges Commendations Best New Entrant
McLights Petrie	11 Eachman Street, Petrie	Judges Commendations
Matt & Kat Barwick	27 Minimise Street, Stafford	Judges Commendations
St Gerard Majella Catholic Church	146 Maundrell Terrace, Chermside West	Winner 7 News Church and Community Award
Sarah Crawford	23 Bonnet Parade, Mango Hill	Runner-Up Neighbourhood
Emma Bromage	25 Bonnet Parade, Mango Hill	Runner-Up Neighbourhood

North Brisbane Participants

SUBURB	HOME
Albany Creek	Ron and Barb Vincent, 16 Kosta Place
Arana Hills	Ingrid Moyle, 4 Ironwood Court
Aspley	Glenys Richards, 54 Kildonan Street
Banyo	Richard Martin, 24 Ellamark Street
Beachmere	Debbie Hancock, 25 Murray Court
Bellmere	Tracy Taylor, 3 Parkwood Place
Boondall	Philip Greg, 86 College Way
Bracken Ridge	Ann Jeffery, 72 Gawain Road Larry & Thyra Browning, 78 Greenore Street
Bray Park	Dan Broxham, 122 Sparkes Road
Burpengary	Karen Doneman, 56-58 Rosehill Drive Patty Hayward, 1-9 Lilly Pilly Court
Caboolture	Darryl & Karen Cini, 25 Tullawong Drive Dale Heron, 11 Hazelwood Court
Carseldine	Terri Corey, 34 Dannenberg Street
Chermside West	Jonathan Albury, 34 Ashley Road Brendon Withers, 27 Allamanda Place
Eatons Hill	Joy Boyd, 60 Drapers Road
Griffin	Wayne Charrington, 18 Ultramarine Parade
Kallangur	Peter Jackson, 22 Azalea Court
Mango Hill	Christopher Rickard, 16 Freshwater Creek
McDowall	David Flood, 62 Sinatra Crescent
Mitchelton	Nick Boucher, 6 Greenview Close
Murrumba Downs	John & Kaye Baker, 12 Elm Stree
Narangba	Aaron Ryan, 15 Blaxland Plac
Redcliffe	Ian Russell, 1 Richens Stre
Rothwell	Jesse Ryan, 6 Dobell Street
Sandgate	Sharon Carroll-Mullins, Shop 9 Second Avenue Anastasia Holmes, 1 Loudon Street
Strathpine	Chrystal Cox, 19 Jasmine Street
Warner	Krystal Corley, 3 Oakwood Road Christine Carroll, 31 Thorrold Street

Can’t make it to the bus tour? If you’d like to arrange your own drive to see the magical houses, download the following and map out your destinations properly:

Mobile App Christmas Lights 2019
Full List of Participants’ Houses
Full List of Winners’ Houses

Hummingbird House: Discover the Heartening Start of the Only Children’s Hospice in Queensland

Caring for a child and raising a family were the farthest things in the minds of Paul and Gabrielle Quilliams before they founded the Hummingbird House in Chermside. It took one child for them to have a change of heart and be inspired to build a world-class facility for families struggling with a sick child.

Gabrielle shared in her TED Talk that she didn’t get a chance to be attached to the babies and their families whilst she was in South Sudan and Angola working as a nurse and midwife. At the time, her mindset was focused on getting in, doing a good job and getting out to work on the next family.

Changing the World as Foster Parents

Returning to Australia after her medical mission in Africa, Gabrielle realized she had this drive to change the world and help. She and Paul agreed to become foster parents when they weren’t yet ready to start a family.

*Photo Credit: Australian of the Year Awards*

The Quilliams had the opportunity to look after a tiny baby with life-limiting conditions. But the whole time the baby was in their care, Gabrielle still pressed on with this mindset that she was not the child’s mum. She and Paul were just the temporary carers even if their whole lives changed for this baby and they were already in love with her sound, her smell and her general presence in their lives.

Only when their foster baby was finally adopted by a new family did the Quilliam couple feel her impact. They had become a family caring and growing with each other all along that Gabrielle said she regrettably missed the opportunity to fully embrace becoming a mum with this sick child.

A Life-Changing Experience

The experience with this baby made the Quilliams quite aware of the struggles of many other parents and families who had to quit their jobs, adjust their lives and dedicate a chunk of their time to make sure their sick child has a good life, in spite of everything.

“We started to wonder if families like ours could find respite, regular high-quality care in their greatest moments of needs,” Gabrielle said.

Statistics show that there are 3,700 families in Queensland with children suffering from life-limiting conditions. Many of these children won’t survive past their 18th birthday due to the quality of their life.

Feeling compelled to do something, Paul and Gabrielle decided to build a hospice for kids with life-limiting conditions and their families by 2011. With funds and support received from the Federal and State governments, Hummingbird House thrived to give thousands of children medical support whilst their families are also cared for.

Hummingbird House Officially Opens

After working with several sponsors and donors, a bigger Hummingbird House officially opened on Curwen Terrace in Chermside in 2016. This spacious house has eight bedrooms for the patients, five family suites, playrooms, a rock-climbing wall, an indoor garden, a memory room for photo moments, and a rooftop terrace.

This facility has been designed for families to relax away from home whilst still receiving the best care for their sick child. There’s even a gourmet chef to provide the temporary residents nutritious and delicious meals they want to enjoy.

Of course, Hummingbird House has several trained clinical staff and experts in paediatric palliative care. They also have an art and play therapist, family counsellors and volunteers.

*Photo Credit: Hummingbird House/Facebook*

“It’s an incredibly happy place where families can reconnect and kids can just be kids and treasured moments can be made,” Gabrielle said during the unveiling of the house to the press.

“Whether it’s for five hours, five days, five weeks or five years we want to fill the child’s time with us with joy and fun while providing maximum support to their families,” Paul said of their work whilst receiving an alumni award from QUT.

As a paediatric palliative care facility, Hummingbird House is also an option for families who don’t want to stay at the hospital or their own home on their child’s final days. A suite is prepared upon the child’s death to allow the families to grieve and say their final goodbyes.

Funding Boost from Queensland

The award-winning facility recently received a funding boost from the State Government, ensuring its high-quality operation for the next five years.

“The continuation of funding from the Queensland Government for the next five years, means we can continue to provide care for children affected by life-limiting conditions and their families, at no cost to them personally,” Hummingbird House General Manager Dr Fiona Hawthorne said.

Support Local Small Businesses at Chermside Christmas Craft Markets

It’s that wonderful time of the year again in Chermside as talented local artists and crafters are setting up shop at the All Saints Anglican Church for the Chermside Christmas Craft Markets.

The annual event will be held on Saturday, the 16th of Nov 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 501 Hamilton Road. It will take place inside a covered venue so you can shop to your heart’s content come rain or shine.

Featured at the Chermside Christmas Craft Markets are 20 unique craft stalls, plants for sale, as well as a selection of baked goods and cakes. BBQ and afternoon tea will be served if you want to take a break from checking out the stalls.

*Photo Credit: All Saints Anglican Church*

The All Saints Anglican Church’s Op Shop will also be open nearby for those who would like to score pre-loved and quality second-hand goods.

Off-street parking will be open for guests who will be bringing their vehicles to the market.

There will be no entry fee for this event so tap your group for a brief but fun afternoon of shopping for Christmas gifts!