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Thrill-Seekers Rejoice: Plans for an Indoor Skydiving Facility in Chermside are Now Underway

A new Indoor Skydiving Facility will soon be landing in Westfield Chermside, if the development application submitted to the Brisbane City Council last July is approved.

The facility, planned as part of Westfield Chermside’s expansion, is designed by Stantec Inc., an international professional services company in the design and consulting industry. iFly is proposed to be housed in a single storey building between the Event Cinemas, Gympie Road, and new Westfield upgrades.

What is iFly?

iFly started in 1998 as SkyVenture, LLC, a company which was established to develop a technology that will create a stable and safe environment for a realistic skydiving experience. The company’s indoor skydiving facilities use a technology that simulates the free-fall experience of sky-diving through use of a vertical wind tunnel and a flight chamber.

Their first indoor skydiving facility was opened in 1999 at Orlando, Florida, USA. In 2005, SkyVenture was rebranded as iFly. Different facilities were built throughout USA. The company has since expanded to Europe, Asia, and Australia. Over 5.5 million people have already tried iFly’s Indoor Skydiving facilities worldwide.

Source: iFly Downunder/Youtube

iFly Australia

The first indoor skydiving centres in Australia opened in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Perth. iFly Australia is owned and operated by a team of passionate Australian fliers. The three Aussie facilities are subsidiaries of the publicly listed Indoor Skydive Australia Group, a company formed to handle the network of skydiving centres in Australia.

Indoor Skydiving in Australia is now a part of an exciting, new sports trend. iFly Australia has just launched their “Be A Superhero” campaign, which aims to encourage children aged 3-15 years to fly. The school holds holiday classes to teach basic flying to children.

Source: iFly Downunder/Youtube

The Proposed Facility in Chermside

Photo credit: DA Ref. No. A004699391, Brisbane City Council

Thirty established car spaces will be demolished as part of the plan to make way for a new building and mechanical yard at the proposed iFly facility in Westfield Chermside.

To make sure that the surroundings blend harmoniously with the existing environment and to enhance traffic and frontage requirements, landscaping plans along the pedestrian frontage and the footpath on the Gympie Road were accomplished by Urbis Pty. Ltd., a public policy evaluation and consultation firm.

The development details submitted to Council also include a glass wind tunnel for skydiving, a viewing area, preparation classrooms, party rooms, and reception and amenities areas for visitors.

Chermside daredevils now have one more item to add to their bucket lists as they keep their fingers crossed on the outcome of the DA for the facility. Visit iFly Australia’s website to be updated with their other future developments and programs.

What’s On @ Chermside This First Week of August

Here are the events in Chermside to watch for this first week of August.

1-14 August

Mecca Maxima Launch

Tickets: FREE

Venue: Mecca Maxima Chermside, Westfield Chermside, 377 Hamilton Road

Mecca Maxima, purveyor of global beauty, is finally in Chermside. During its two-week launch, customers can enjoy various promos and freebies.

For a minimum purchase of $50, customers can get a deluxe Mecca Maxx sample.

There will be a “Mecca Max Claw Machine” filled with freebies from the 4th to 6th of August.

1-16 August

The Carousel

Tickets: FREE

Venue: Centre Court Level 1, Westfield Chermside

Photo credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook

Westfield Chermside is still giving free rides on the Carousel until the 16th of August. This is a fantasy and fairytale-like Carousel ride that is the creative collaboration of artist and jewellery designer Paula Walden, Creative Productions Company, Stage ONE, and Westfield Chermside.

Riders must be at least 105 centimetres tall. The inner horses can only hold 60 kilograms of weight, while the outer horses can hold 100 kilograms.

Thursday – Saturday, 3-5 August

Festival of Lights

Tickets: FREE

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Venue: The Urchin, Westfield Chermside

The Urchin will be filled with wonderfully choreographed, live light shows created by the audio-visual artist Kit Webster.

Each night, there will be fireworks, live DJs, free glow-in-the-dark face painting, and LED robot stilt walkers that will roam around the dining precinct.

Thusday, 3 August

Ironlak Pump Action Paint Marker Session

Tickets: FREE

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Venue: Ironlak Art & Design Chermside

Photo credit: Ironlak School of Art/Eventbrite

This month, the Ironlak School of Art will hold another evening of arts and drawing that is open to everyone. All materials are supplied at no cost.

Thursday, 3 August.

ENVY Spring/Summer 2017 Showcase

Tickets: FREE via RSVP

Time: 7:00 p.m

Venue: Kedron-Wavell Services Club, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

ENVY Jewellery will showcase their Spring/Summer 2017 Collection. Every guest will receive a glass of champagne upon arrival, a copy of the new ENVY Lookbook and My Moments Lookbook for Spring/Summer 2017, and a $100 gift card.

Chermside’s TPCH Exploring Hospital Car Park Expansion; $7.5M Set Aside for Queensland Hospital Parking

Car parking at public hospitals in Queensland may soon be less burdensome as the state government plans to spend up to $7.5 million in the next four years to make car parking at public hospitals more affordable and accessible.

The budget is part of the state government’s four-point action plan, which will include expansion of car park facilities at public hospitals such as The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) in Chermside.

“I know the cost of car parking is a real concern for many patients, carers and their families,” said Health Minister Cameron Dick.

To address the parking needs at public hospitals, the state government will take the following actions as part of its four-point action plan.

Develop car parking concessions policies at all hospital and health services with paid parking.
Increase the number of concessional parking slots at public hospitals.
Develop future public hospital car parks.
Consider new parking options at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital.

Government Directive

The cost of parking at public hospitals has been a major issue and burden to patients, their families and carers. The complaints had led to a petition signed by nearly 17,000 supporters, followed by a directive from the state government ordering public hospitals to make parking more affordable and accessible.

The state government issued a directive on 1 July 2017, requiring all public hospitals and health services in Queensland to come up with local policies to make car parking more accessible, safer and more affordable.

Hospitals and health services with paid parking must come up with a car parking concessions policy by 1 October 2017.

In addition, the public health facilities are also directed to develop a local staff car parking policy by 31 December 2017. This policy is intended to make parking safer on-call hospital staff or hospital employees completing or commencing shifts between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Read the state Health Service Directive here.

Car Parking Expansion at Public Hospitals

Part of the solution to parking issues at public hospitals is the expansion of car parking facilities. This is already being done in some facilities across Queensland, including Rockhampton Hospital, which will soon see the construction of an almost 600-space multi-storey car park. The carpark will be owned and operated by the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

Caboolture Hospital will be providing up to 300 new car spaces, while 500 car parks will be added at Logan Hospital.

At The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside, the government is looking at options to expand car park availability. One option being considered is a proposal from the current operator under the Market-Led Proposals program of the Queensland Treasury.

“Our preferred approach for new multi-storey hospital car parks is to develop a Government Portfolio Model, financed by the Queensland Treasury Corporation,” said Mr Dick.

“However, private public partnerships will be retained as an option for circumstances where it can deliver a better outcome, for example, when we are developing a large ‘greenfield’ hospital site.”

Tips to Rock the Little Mix Concert @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Little Mix are thrilled to visit Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall for their “Glory Days World Tour 2017” on Friday, 28th of July at 7:30 p.m.

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall formed the girl group under the name “Rhythmix”, but later changed to Little Mix, to avoid confusion with a children’s charity with that name. They are the first group to win the X Factor UK in 2011.

Their album “Glory Days” is UK’s top selling album by a girl group, since “Destiny’s Child: Survivor” in 2001. They already have $12 million global sales and three UK number one hits.

Important Things to Remember to Avoid Hassles

This promises to be a big event and tickets are almost sold out. It is important to take note of the rules and regulations of the venue.

Tickets

Ticketek is the authorised ticketing agent of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Do not buy from unauthorised resellers to avoid invalid and fraudulent tickets.

Little Mix Concert tickets range from $101.75 to $305.45, depending on the seating area. For this event, there is a one-off service and handling fee of $6.70 per transaction. Children 2 years of age and older are required to have a ticket to enter the event.

Only few tickets are left. Contact Ticketek or visit their website to buy tickets and view the venue map.

Claiming of Tickets

The only person eligible to collect the pre-paid tickets is the credit card holder. The credit card used for the transaction and a valid ID should be presented when claiming the tickets.

On the event day, tickets will be collected at the Ticketek Box Office. It is open two hours prior to the start time of the concert.

Transport

For public transport from Chermside, contact Translink for information. The Boondall Station is 600 metres walk from the centre, with bus services at the station.

After the concert, a dedicated taxi rank can be found adjacent to the Ticketek Box Office.

Parking

Car park attendants will direct the guests to the drop-off and pick-up zone located through Gate A, accessible via Sandgate Road. Cars, oversized vehicles, and accessible parking is charged $15. Charter bus and coach parking is available for free.

Dress Code

All guests are required to be fully-dressed (wear shoes). The centre reserves the right to deny entry of guests wearing offensive and foul statement shirts. Everyone is expected to get properly dressed for the concert.

Camera Policy

Professional cameras, tablets, selfie sticks, and tripods are not allowed inside the venue.

ATMs

There are ATMs at the opposite of Doors five and 10 in the Main Concourse on Level 2.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited within the building premises. There are designated smoking areas, including the car parks.

Lost Property

Lost properties are held at the Security Office in Administration on Level 1.

Have fun! Little Mix is not always in Brisbane. Visit Little Mix’s official website or the event page for updates.

What’s On @ Chermside This Week

Mark your calendars! Here are the events to watch out for this week.

Thursday, 13 July

FIFA Tourney IV

Tickets: $10 for registration

Registration will close on 12 July.

Time: 10 p.m.

Venue: The Sporting Globe Chermside

XP Gaming Community invites everyone to join their fourth FIFA E’Sport Tournament. This year, there will be more Xbox Ones in use and more slots are available for more players to join.

Gamers can also enjoy the 7 day lineup of Burgers & Chips.

XP Gaming is a community group that focuses on becoming Brisbane’s largest gaming events group.

Tuesday, 11 July.

Chermside West Mummy & Me Yoga Course

Tickets: $131.62

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m

Venue: Relax Yoga, Chermside West

Starting 11th of July, Yogababy will be hosting a five-week yoga classes until 8th of August.Mummy & Me Yoga Classes will focus on helping mums on their postnatal months to regain their strength and tone through yoga postures.

Tuesday, 11 July.

Maintenance Class

Tickets: FREE

Time: 6:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m

Venue: 99 Bikes – Chermside

Club 99 Bikes is inviting everyone to attend their free basic maintenance class. The class will cover assessing bikes for a safe ride, cleaning, and changing tyres and lubes.

Note: Do not bring your bikes due to limited space; however, everyone will be able to get hands-on with tasks.

Wednesday – Saturday, 12-15 July

Taekwondo for Kids Free Trial

Tickets: Free

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Chermside

Kids aged 7-12 years old are invited to join the Traditional Taekwondo trial week. The lessons will improve fitness, flexibility, muscle tone, and defense skills. It will also boost their confidence, self-discipline, and determination.

After the trial classes, participants will have options to continue or quit the program.

Saturday, 15 July

Natural Health Solutions: Essential Oils for Beginners

Tickets: $10

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Venue: Back Door Studio, Chermside

Photo credit: Spoilt by Nature/Eventbrite

Spoilt by Nature will host their beginner classes for everyone to learn about essential oils and their benefits, including household and health benefits.

Saturday, 15 July

Chermside Parkrun

Tickets: FREE

Time: 7:00 a.m.

Venue: Kidspace Playground, 7th Brigade Park, Chermside

Chermside Parkrun is a weekly five-kilometre run for anyone at any fitness level. It promotes fitness, health, and well-being. Children are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by their guardian.

Temporary Bus Stop Relocation to Take Effect to Give Way to Chermside-Aspley Bikeway Construction

The bus stop Gympie Road at Marchant Park, Stop 40, Chermside is temporarily closed until the end of August. Bus routes 335, 338, 680, and P341 will be transferred at Gympie Road near Murphy Road, Stop 39, Aspley.

The closure and re-routing are part of the temporary adjustments being made due to the ongoing North Brisbane Bikeway – Chermside to Aspley project. View the timetable here.

The North Brisbane Bikeway – Chermside to Aspley project is a part of the $100 million Better Bikeways 4 Brisbane program. It is a four-year program that aims to extend the Brisbane’s network of bikeways that was launched in 2016.

The bikeway extension on Gympie Road, between Webster Road, Aspley and Murphy Road, Chermside, will complete an important link in the North Brisbane Bikeway. It will also complete a circuit link around the cricket fields at the Marchant Park.

The ongoing construction will include:

875 metre-wide pathway along Gympie Road
15 metre-long path over the drainage line at Marchant Park
Linkages off the main shared pathway for bus connections; and
Installing overhead LED bikeway lighting.

After the construction, there will be a connected commuter route for people from the Northern suburbs to the Central Business District (CBD). The project will also bring secured connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians and safe off-road link between the existing shared pathways.

Other Impacts of the Construction

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Apart from the bus stop relocation in the area, the community can expect to experience other inconveniences, including construction noise, dust, and increased truck movements.

Pedestrians and cyclists around the area will also be affected as there will be temporary access changes between the two bus stops southbound on Gympie Road, near Marchant Park.

For motorists, there will be access changes to some parking areas around Marchant Park. The speed limit may also be reduced for the safety of everyone: motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and workers.

Environmental Offsets

7th Brigade Park, Chermside
(Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr)

The biggest impact of the construction on the environment is the removal of 18 trees from the area, and the relocation of 12 trees from the bikeway, for ensured safety of both cyclists and pedestrians.

The Queensland Environment Offsets Act (QEOA) of 2014 requires infrastructure projects to offset their impacts to the environment through activities such as revegetation and planting. Native trees and shrubs will be planted on Marchant Park and on 7th Brigade Park.

Full details about the North Brisbane Bikeway – Chermside to Aspley can be viewed on the Brisbane City Council’s website.

New Adolescent Extended Treatment Facility to be Constructed in Chermside’s Prince Charles Hospital

The Palaszczuk Government has allocated a budget of $8.7 million for 2017-2018 for the construction of the new Adolescent Extended Treatment Facility at The Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside. The total proposed investment for the facility construction is $68.9 million.

New Hope After the Barrett Closure

Photo credit: www.savebarrett.wordpress.com

The construction of the Adolescent Extended Facility was an alternative care plan after the closure of the Barrett Adolescent Centre three years ago. Barrett was the only long-term residential unit for young people with severe mental illness in Queensland, but the former Health Minister Lawrence Springborg closed this institution in January 2014.

Criticisms rose upon the closure of the centre. Commissioner Margaret Wilson stated that there were no analysis of the needs of the young patients and no consultation with specialists before the closure.

Project Launch
(Photo credit: www.health.qld.gov.au)

As part of the solution, a new facility will be constructed under the Palaszczuk Government by the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that the facility will be constructed in 2017 and will meet the community’s needs.

“We will now work with consumers and families, including those directly associated with the former Barrett Adolescent Centre to ensure we are delivering care that meets the community’s current and future needs. Over the coming months, we will work closely with experts, families and consumers to define the specific design of the facility. The LNP Government was told by patients, by families, by experts that it needed to build this facility, but they did not listen. We are listening and we are delivering for young Queenslanders who need this facility,” Ms. Palaszczuk said.

The Prince Charles Hospital

The Prince Charles Hospital is a major teaching hospital in Chermside and around the North Brisbane area with emphasis in cardiac, respiratory, and in-patient psychiatric unit.

It was first opened as “Brisbane Chest Hospital” in 1954 as a treatment centre for tuberculosis. Later in 1961, it was renamed as “The Chermside Hospital” due to its expanding expertise in treating other ailments.

To honour the visitation of His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, in Brisbane, the hospital was renamed as “The Prince Charles Hospital” in 1974.

In 2007, the hospital underwent a major upgrade, followed by the introduction of general medical and general surgical services. State-of-the-art facilities continuously developed and constructed in its premises, including this year’s Adolescent Extended Treatment Facility.

The Prince Charles Hospital — Mental Health Care Provider

The Prince Charles Hospital has a reputation for providing integrated community and in-patient services that support the recovery of people with mental illness. Their facilities and services focuses on the provision of recovery and a consumer-centered approach through acute and extended care and community rehabilitations.

“We promised to implement the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry regarding a new facility, and the campus of Prince Charles Hospital is the ideal location, near schools, transport and recreation. The Prince Charles Hospital is one of Queensland’s best, with a strong research culture and long history of providing mental health services,” Ms. Palaszczuk said.

“This new facility is essential, but it’s just one part of a broader plan to reform and improve services for young people. We are allocating 25 per cent of our $350 million five year plan for mental health, alcohol and drug services, Connecting Care to Recovery towards new services for children and young people,” Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said.

The new facility will add to Palaszczuk Government’s vision for health, “My health, Queensland’s Future: Advancing Health 2026” that is committed in making Queensland the healthiest place in the world by 2026.

Free Treats, Chardon and Concert at Grand Opening of Westfield Chermside’s New Dining Precinct

There’s no stopping Westfield Chermside from becoming the biggest Westfield in all of Australia.

After the opening of Level 2 back in April, the shopping centre is pumped up for the grand opening of its dining precinct on Thursday, 22 June 2017. The grand opening will be a fun-filled event to celebrate the opening of what Westfield describes as a first-class dining experience.

Betty’s Burgers, 4Fingers Crispy Chicken and Bootlegger by top restaurateur Tom Chidiac are just some of the top dining retailers opening on Thursday, 22 June.

Betty’s Burgers is popular with its burgers as well as its Concretes. Opening at the dining precinct at Westfield Chermside. (Photo credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook)

Zeus Street Greek is opening its second Queensland branch at Westfield Chermside. (Photo credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook)

Also opening for the first time at the Chermside shopping centre are fashion and lifestyle stores such as Milk Bar Candle Co., TotalFusion and Sidestreet Boutique. Click here to see the complete list of restaurants and shops opening on 22 June.

Heaps of fun, great food and giveaways await shoppers going to the opening of the new dining precinct at Westfield Chermside.

Here are just some of the events happening on Opening Day.

The Urchin ribbon cutting. Join Elle Magazine Editor Justine Cullen host the opening of The Urchin. Shaped like a dome and resembling a sea urchin, The Urchin will be the centrepiece of dining precinct. There will be a smoking ceremony and dance performance by the Yerongpan Aboriginal Dancers.
Concert at the Green. Starting 6:00 p.m., there will be a party under The Urchin to celebrate the opening of the dining precinct. Young Franco will entertain the crowd. A live light show will also be featured, plus free popcorn for everyone who will attend.
Chocolate treats. Get some complimentary chocolate treats from the centre’s ambassadors on Level 1 and Level 2. They’ll be giving away goodies from Thursday, 22 June up to Sunday, 25 June.
Photo credit: Westfield Chermside/Facebook

David Jones Chardon Bar. David Jones will be offering a glass of Chardon to shoppers passing by their bubbles bar from Thursday, 22 June up to Sunday, 25 June. There is a limit of one glass per person, 18 years and above only.
Special ice cream flavour. Gelatissimo is celebrating its store opening in Chermside with a special ice cream flavour. They are also giving away a free scoop to the first 200 customers on opening day.
Pop up valet. Starting Thursday, 22 June, Westfield Chermside will offer pop up valet for $5. Take the car into Banfield St. and turn right at the lights. Valet service will be available from Thursday to Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., subject to weather.

The dining precinct boasts stunning architectural design and interiors sure to make every shopping experience at Westfield Chermside something to look forward to.

Get a preview of how the dining precinct will look like.

Bust Termites Out With Chermside Developer’s Phone App

Working together, Chermside’s Nick Akroyd, Teneriffe’s Chris Kirk, and New Farm’s Keiron Liddle developed a mobile application called Termite Buster. This innovative app can detect termites simply by placing the smartphone close to the wall. By doing so, the app can help prevent further damages.

The Silent Destructive Crawlies

Termite damage
(Photo credit: Apple Realty/Flickr)

Termites are the “silent destroyers” that secretly hide and thrive in our homes, without showing immediate damages. They consume cellulose that can be found in wood and plant matter. They also consume paper, plastic, and drywall. Houses, regardless of the construction type, can provide a habitat for termite infestation.

There are different types of termites that can live in house foundations, furniture, and shelves. Spring is the time that the winged termites mate, and then locate a new breeding site to create another colony that will eventually spread in your homes. The queen termite can lay millions of eggs each year.

Early Prevention by Detection

Termites bang their heads when distracted. Pest-control professionals bang walls and other parts of your home and place their devices near it. The disturbed termites will send out signals that spread throughout the colony by vibrating their heads and making sounds that the pest-control professional’s devices can detect.

The Termite Buster app can do the same. It can detect the sounds that the termites make through the smartphone’s built-in microphone. In just a few minutes, you will know if there is a potential termite activity in your home.

“The app takes those recordings to a cloud and analyses them to distinguish whether there are sounds of termites,” Chris said.

The phone app is designed to help the householder to monitor their houses at any time of the day, preventing more damages.

“We are not trying replace a termite inspector or pest controller. We are making (the app) so people can check for termites as often as they want,” Chris said.

Other ways to prevent termites from invading your homes are eliminating moisture problems and removing termite food sources, such as placing screens on outside vents and getting rid of stumps and debris near your home.

Learn More Download for Android Devices Download for Apple Devices

Brisbane’s Biggest Sustainability Festival is Back at Chermside

The biggest sustainability fair in Brisbane promises to be bigger and better on its 16th year.

Brisbane City Council is once again bringing its bi-annual Green Heart Fair to Chermside as a way of encouraging locals to get into green and sustainable living. There will be loads of activities for people of all ages. It is expected to be the biggest gathering of recyclers, eco-warriors, green thumbs, conservationists, cyclists and anyone wanting to improve their carbon footprint.

More than 100 exhibitors will be at the event. Anything from recycled artwork, green building design, organic food and bike safety will be featured at the event.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, 4 June 2017
Venue: at 7th Brigade Park in Chermside
Cost: FREE

(Source: CitySmart/YouTube)

What to Expect

Workshops – Sustainability workshops and discussions will be hosted by experts in the field. Brisbane City Council will provide valuable information on waste management and recycling, biosecurity and invasive species.
Free Plants – Around 2,000 native plants will be given away at the fair on a first in, first served basis.
Celebrity Chefs – Learn to cook tasty dishes courtesy of My Kitchen Rules duo Dello and Tully. Valerie Pearson from Green Living Australia will show attendees how to make cheese and kimchi.
Biking Tips – RACQ will be at the fair to share some biking safety tips.
Recycled Products – Top artists will be put their recycled creations on display. Prepare to be amazed at how trash items can be turned into something useful or decorative.
Kids Activities – Children can have fun while learning about the environment. There will be face-painting, wildlife interaction, jumping castle, rock climbing and Reverse Garbage interactive art projects. Ice Age Show will be on the main stage. Kids can get to meet Sid and his friends.
Live Music – There will be all-day entertainment at the event.

*(Photo credit: Green Heart Fair/Facebook)*

Brisbane City Council hopes that with the help of the Green Heart Fair, locals will be able to change some aspects of their everyday routine to achieve sustainability. People going to the event are also encouraged to go to the venue by walking, biking or taking public transport as they develop a sustainable lifestyle.

Visit the Green Heart Fair website at www.greenheartfair.com.au or head over to their Facebook page to find out more.

Get directions to 7th Brigade Park, Chermside.