Chermside Archives - Page 11 of 18

Aboriginal Artist’s Mural Transforms St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane’s Entrance

Visitors to St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane will now be welcomed by a vibrant mural, ‘Original Healer,’ by contemporary Aboriginal artist Xoe Mazzoni.

Read: 90-Year-Old Chermside Local Defies Odds, Continues to Beat Australia’s Deadliest Female Cancer

This remarkable artwork, a sister mural to the artist’s earlier installation at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside in Chermside, serves as a powerful visual connection between traditional healing practices and western medicine.

Mazzoni, an art student at Griffith University, has skillfully incorporated the healing power of medicinal native flora into Original Healer.

Through her artistic vision, she has beautifully bridged the gap between the hospital’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care and the traditional knowledge of Aboriginal healing.

St Vincent's Private Hospital — Photo credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside/Facebook

The mural showcases traditional Aboriginal symbolism, depicting the gathering places surrounding the Brisbane hospital, where people come together and connect. Its purpose is to gently guide visitors to the heart of the hospital, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The Arts in Health Program, spearheaded by the hospital, received a generous grant from the Queensland State Government in early 2022 to support this extraordinary project.

The grant aimed to provide an opportunity for the professional development of an emerging Aboriginal artist. Xoe Mazzoni’s talent and dedication have culminated in the completion of both the murals at the two hospitals, enriching the hospital’s spaces and fostering a sense of community and cultural diversity.

Read: Companies Shortlisted For QLD’s New Hospitals, Expansion Of Major Hospitals Including Prince Charles Hospital

Expressing gratitude for Mazzoni’s contribution, hospital representatives commended her for sharing her cultural and artistic gifts with the St Vincent’s community.

These captivating murals stand as testaments to the hospital’s commitment to embracing and celebrating Aboriginal culture whilst providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients, their families, and staff members.

Published 7-July-2023

Westfield Chermside Welcomes New Fashion Stores

Great news for local fashionistas! Several new fashion stores have just opened at Westfield Chermside, expanding the range of options available to fashion-forward shoppers at the centre. Let’s take a closer look at some of the new additions.

Read: Get Cheesy With Melt Brothers at Westfield Chermside

Aje Athletica

If you’re in search of fashion-forward and consciously designed active and leisurewear, Aje Athletica is the place to go. With only three locations in Queensland, including Carindale and Pacific Fair, this store offers a unique selection that combines style with comfort.

AS Colour

For men, women, and even children, AS Colour is a one-stop-shop for quality threads. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or stylish pieces to enhance your wardrobe, this store has you covered.

Calvin Klein

Westfield Chermside is now home to the first Calvin Klein multi-brand lifestyle store in Brisbane. Experience the renowned brand’s diverse range of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products, all in one convenient location.

Dr Martens

Known for their iconic footwear, Dr Martens is a beloved brand among fashion enthusiasts. Explore their range of classic boots and other stylish footwear options, and add a touch of edge to your outfits.

Glue Store

Offering a diverse range of local and international fashion brands, Glue Store is a go-to destination for trendsetters. Explore their extensive collection and find the perfect pieces to express your individuality.

Industrie

With its focus on contemporary men’s fashion, Industrie brings a touch of sophistication to Westfield Chermside. Discover a range of stylish and timeless clothing options designed to elevate your wardrobe.

LSKD

For those seeking high-performance gear, LSKD is the place to be. Discover a range of athletic apparel designed to enhance your performance and keep you comfortable during intense workouts.

Nude Lucy

If you’re in search of contemporary women’s fashion, Nude Lucy is a must-visit store. Discover a range of effortlessly chic clothing that combines comfort with style, allowing you to stay fashionable in any setting.

Stylerunner

Perfect for those who prioritise fashion while working out, Stylerunner offers a curated selection of women’s activewear, footwear, and fashion. Stay on-trend and feel confident during your fitness routines with their fashionable offerings.

Thrills

Vintage enthusiasts will rejoice at the addition of Thrills to the shopping centre. Uncover unique vintage finds that add a touch of nostalgia and individuality to your wardrobe.

Tommy Hilfiger

Known for its iconic American style, Tommy Hilfiger has become synonymous with timeless fashion. Experience the brand’s high-quality garments and accessories, reflecting their signature blend of classic and modern designs.

Read: Chermside Retailer Sabo Skirt Adopts TAGR Self-Checkout System, Scraps Queues and Contact

With these new fashion stores at Westfield Chermside, shoppers have an even wider selection of options to explore. Whether you’re looking for activewear, timeless classics, or unique pieces to express your personal style, these stores are sure to have something for everyone.

Westfield Chermside is open daily at Gympie Rd, Chermside.

Published 19-June-2023

No Breaches Found in Chermside Indoor Skydiving Centre Following Beloved Officer’s Death

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has found no evidence of breaches into the tragic death of Senior Sergeant Michelle “Mully” Mullen, a beloved Queensland Police officer who lost her life in a Chermside indoor skydiving incident.

Following a thorough investigation, the agency stated that the operator of the facility, Chermside iFly Indoor Skydiving Centre, had not breached any workplace health and safety guidelines. Similarly, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded its investigation into the incident.

The incident occurred in January 2023 at the Chermside indoor skydiving centre, leaving the law enforcement community and her loved ones devastated.

A coronial report has been prepared and is set to be submitted to Coroner Donald MacKenzie. However, the coroner is waiting to receive “critical” reports from Queensland Health, QPS, and the Office of Industrial Relations. This will determine the length of the investigation and whether an inquest will be conducted.

Unfortunately, an estimated time frame for completion cannot be provided at this stage, according to a spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland.

Ms Mullen, aged 52, collided with the side of the wind tunnel during the indoor skydiving activity, resulting in severe head and spinal injuries. Despite receiving medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries a few days later while in the hospital.

Her death has left a significant void in the South Brisbane Crime Prevention Unit, where she was highly respected and served as an inspiration to her colleagues. Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Senior Sergeant Mullen, remembering her as “an inspiration” and the epitome of “kindness itself.”

She was known for her caring nature and contagious sense of fun, leaving a lasting impact on those she encountered during her career in law enforcement.

Published 22-May-2023

Ferny Grove Markets Relocates to Chermside

Did you know that after 40 years in Ferny Grove, the Ferny Grove Markets has relocated to Chermside? The popular bargain hunters’ destination has moved to the Kedron-Wavell Club Services Club on Kittyhawk Drive amidst the ongoing development at the Ferny Grove Train Station.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the convenor explained that they could not accept the new location offered on the top floor of the Ferny Grove Railway Station as it did not offer convenient access for the market customers and stall holders.

“Unfortunately the new location being offered by the Ferny Grove Railway Station, was to be on the roof of the new multi-story carpark and vans, trucks & trailers are unable to access,” Colin, the convenor, stated.

The market had its last day of operation on the 9th of April 2023 and has been trading at Chermside since the 16th of April 2023.

“We do apologise to all our regular customers and stall holders and appreciate the support that you have given us over the past 40 years. Thank you!”

Ferny Grove Markets Flyer — Photo Credit: Ferny Grove Neighbourhood Watch

The Ferny Grove Markets is known for its abundant sources of affordable fruits and vegetables, great coffee for breakfast or brunch, as well as hidden gems of preloved items.

Now that the Chermside operation is in full swing, Colin is also looking for new stallholders. Phone 0418 721 751 for enquiries.

Follow Ferny Grove Markets on Facebook for updates.

Published 27-April-2023

90-Year-Old Chermside Local Defies Odds, Continues to Beat Australia’s Deadliest Female Cancer

Claire Schultz, a 90-year-old Chermside local, was diagnosed with Australia’s deadliest female cancer and given only two months to live; yet she has defied the odds and continues to beat the disease six years on.

With a 5-yr survival rate of only 49%, ovarian cancer may be diagnosed at any age but the highest rates occur among women between the ages of 85 to 89 years old. Sadly, the survivability of this disease also dwindles with age.

In 2017, Claire consulted with a GP about pain in her leg but was soon told that it was cancer and she only had two months left to live. With such as short timeframe, Claire was determined to find the best help she could given the challenges of cancer procedures. She wanted a top oncologist who could guide her through her diagnosis and treatment.

Claire found the right team at the Icon Cancer Centre Chermside with Dr Jeffrey Goh as her medical oncologist.

“In Australia, nearly a third (28%) of cancer patients don’t feel they are informed enough about their treatment process, which may explain why half (52%) of patients believe that finding a specialist with the right expertise improves their patient experience,” Dr Goh said.

“Patient communication is a two-way interaction between the health care professional and the patient. Patients both rely on us to support them through the treatment process and we also need to be attentive to understand the unique needs of each patient.

“We’ve worked closely with Claire to help her to understand her treatment options, stay informed on how the cancer is progressing and to just be a familiar face who she knows has her back. It has been hugely rewarding to see Claire continue treatment years after her initial diagnosis. It’s her cancer journey, but she hasn’t been travelling alone, we’re a team.”

Icon Cancer Centre Chermside — Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google

Through the team’s help, Claire was able to celebrate her 90th birthday and her 68th anniversary with her 94-year-old husband Merv, who has been her companion through her chemotherapy sessions.

“The most valuable support I received, other than the actual treatment would be the emotional support. I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr Goh as my medical oncologist, it was the best decision I have ever made. He has guided me through a very severe and traumatic period to where I am today.

“I always tell him, you fixed me, and he says: ‘No, it’s a team effort, you did 50 per cent and I did 50 per cent.’ I can’t thank him enough. The whole team at Icon are also very supportive and friendly, which really helped to put me at ease when I was going through treatment.

“I’ve also found a great deal of support from my family, in particular my partner Merv, who has accompanied me to every appointment and treatment session. He’s a great source of my strength and optimism. When I received my 2-month prognosis, I told myself that I would just try my best to be around for as long as I can for my family and 6 years on I’m still going! I couldn’t feel more blessed.”

Ovarian Cancer Australia believes that a holistic support program can help many women battling ovarian cancer. As such, they’ve launched the Teal Support Program in 2019.

“We often hear from women that while the physical effects of an ovarian cancer diagnosis can be devastating, it’s the mental toll that can weigh on them the most,” Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia, said.

“Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Support Program offers a holistic service that caters directly to these unmet needs that so many women with an ovarian cancer diagnosis are facing. We help our women to navigate the healthcare system, answer questions regarding their treatment and provide emotional and psychological support to assist with the mental toll of the disease. The level of care we offer is something that cannot be accessed elsewhere. Since launching in 2019, Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Support program has provided crucial support to over 750 women across the country.”

Published 14 March 2023

Woman in Critical Condition After a Head Injury at iFly Indoor Skydiving in Chermside

A female guest ended up in critical condition at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after incurring a head injury at Chermside’s iFly Indoor Skydiving facility.

The incident happened at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 19 January 2023. Paramedics were immediately called to the site to attend to the woman and bring her to the hospital.

However, doctors at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital said that the woman in her ’50s is in stable condition even as she remains in critical care.

Queensland WorkSafe has visited the facility to make enquiries into the accident.

The iFly Indoor Skydiving in Chermside is the first in Brisbane, which opened in 2019. Across the country, the facility has four more locations and 80 around the world. The company stated on its official site that indoor skydiving is safe for all ages and abilities. Their guests are guided by world-class instructors.

The experience lasts about an hour and 45 minutes, which includes the training sessions, the actual flight time, and the wearing and removal of the gear and flight suit. The flight on the wind tunnel, however, takes about 60 seconds.

“There’s no jumping, no falling, and no experience is needed. You simply float on a column of air. There is no sensation of falling or anything that would make you feel motion sickness,” iFly stated in its FAQ.

“Your safety is our primary concern. Our unique design with its wall-to-wall air column, along with our certified and highly-trained instructors, allows you to safely enjoy your flight session. Your flight instructor is with you through your entire flight experience regardless of your level of experience.”

Prior to their sessions, guests will need to sign a waiver stating that they are aware of the “inherently dangerous activity involving strenuous physical exertion”

Brisbane Bird Vet Does Feather Transplants in Chermside

Did you know that Brisbane Bird Vet does feather ‘transplants’ for impaired birds relearning to fly? Dr Adrian Gallagher likens the procedure to people getting hair extensions or fake nails. He even has a feather bank at his Chermside clinic to support his transplant work.

According to Dr Gallagher, a feather transplant is a much-needed intervention for native birds that have been injured or have incurred trauma on their wings. The procedure, known as “imping,” allows the birds to fly quicker, especially if they have to be returned to the wild.

Brisbane Bird Vet, located at the corner of Hamilton Rd and Pfingst Rd, is also a feather bank for the doctor’s transplant needs. He uses donor feathers to glue the clipped wings with medical-grade materials. However, Dr Gallagher said that sourcing donor feathers have its many challenges as well because there are not enough sources for matching feathers.

Whilst he has worked on native birds, the veterinarian has also done transplants on a pet or domesticated bird as some owners still ascribe to the practice of clipping wings to prevent a bird’s escape. However, wing clipping or trimming often raises the chances of the birds falling and hurting themselves.

Dr Gallagher has also treated pet birds that have experienced mutilation by their owners who have gone too far. Unfortunately, the Animal Care and Protection Act in Queensland lacks the stipulations that would address this distressing problem.

The veterinarian advises pet bird owners who still believe in wing clipping or trimming to do a proper consultation with the experts before they hurt their pets. It needs to be done in a safe and proper way.

Chermside Grandpa to Share $875,000 Windfall with Family

A Chermside grandpa plans to surprise his family and give them their share of his $875,000 windfall to express his gratitude for this unexpected stroke of good fortune.

The grandfather admitted that he could not believe his luck because he has been playing the same numbers “for more than 20 years” and had not won anything until this year.

The Chermside local took home one of the six division one winning entries during the Saturday draw last 8th October 2022, which amounted to $875,660.18. After getting confirmation that he was indeed a winner, he could only think of one thing: to surprise his family.

“I’ll definitely share it with my family,” the Chermside grandpa said. “I can’t wait to surprise them and see the shocked looks on their faces.”

“I feel incredibly grateful at the moment.

“It also gives me security moving forward.

“That’s all I can really ask for, to live my life the way I want to from now on.

“Thanks so much. This is amazing.”

The Brisbane local bought his winning entry at Nextra Chermside Newsagency at Westfield on Gympie Road and the store’s general manager, Shannon Hickey, was equally thrilled to have another winner from their outlet.

“We’ll be celebrating in-store all week and letting our customers know of this incredible news. We wish our lucky customer all the very best for their future.”

Chermside Lass Appeals for Gift of Dignity, Choice and Independence for People With Disabilities

Mikaela Norris, a 21-year-old Chermside woman with a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is appealing for the gift of dignity, choice and independence for people with disabilities this Christmas season.

As a disability advocate and the 2022 Youngcare Christmas Appeal Ambassador, Mikaela is looking forward to spending her first Christmas in a Specialist Disability Accommodation unit in Chermside after years of living with her parents. She is also hoping that more young people with disability will have access to appropriate housing so they could also enjoy a special Christmas with their friends and loved ones.

Over 3,100 young people with disabilities are living in aged care across Australia and nearly half of them are ready to be moved to a Specialist Disability Accommodation.

“I previously lived with my parents, who I have always had a great relationship with, but they were acting as my carers as well which wasn’t fair, so now they can just be my parents,” Mikaela said when asked why she advocated living independently despite her condition.

“As a young woman and a strong advocate for disability rights, I think it’s critical everybody has the opportunity to have a say in what they do, because, at the end of the day, it’s your life, it’s your choice.”

Youngcare has helped Mikaela and thousands of other Australians live their lives with the same opportunities that other young people enjoy through the delivery of At Home Care Grants, Home Support Grants and high-quality, purpose-built accessible housing tailored to a younger lifestyle.

Youngcare Head of Development and Housing Tim Lambert said the Christmas Appeal goes a long way to providing much-needed accessible housing to young people living with high physical support needs.

“The Christmas Appeal contributes to Youngcare’s housing, directly supporting young people’s choice to live young lives in high-quality Specialist Disability Accommodation,” Tim said.

“We are extremely proud to offer premium residential options, like the apartment Mikaela is living in, and have many more homes in the planning and construction stages across Australia.

“Our team are experts in development best practice, working every day to ensure our residents are living with freedom, choice and control.”

Youngcare also offers its At Home Care Grants program, which funds up to $10,000 for young people with high physical support needs to help buy essential items and services that can’t be funded elsewhere. To date, Youngcare has provided more than 370 At Home Care Grants throughout Queensland alone since the program’s inception in 2009.

For Mikaela, the program funded essential respite that allowed her to attend schoolies — her first outing away from her family — and a modified door in her family home to prevent Mikaela from injuring herself when entering and exiting.

Youngcare also operates ‘Youngcare Connect’, a free support line for young people with high physical support needs, their families and carers, offering information and advice on navigating the NDIS, as well as available housing, funding and care options.

All funds raised during Youngcare’s Christmas Appeal will help the organisation continue to develop aspirational Specialist Disability Accommodation, advocate for much-needed policy change, deliver its vital grants programs, and provide education, advice and pathways through its Youngcare Connect support line.

“I am thrilled to be Youngcare’s Christmas Appeal Ambassador for 2022 and encourage people across Brisbane to get involved. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference to beneficiaries like me.”

Donate to Youngcare’s Christmas Appeal

Prepare to be BOOed! Halloween Activities for Chermside Families

Photo Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

As the spooky season unfolds, here are some frightfully fun Halloween things to do in Chermside with the family.

Bands in Parks – Trick or Treat

When: Sunday, 16 October 2022
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Let the Brisbane Symphonic Band rouse your Halloween spirit as you listen to some of your favourite scary movie soundtracks at the 7th Brigade Park, along Kittyhawk Drive. Delight in a fang-tastic afternoon of spellbinding music that could also serve as a costume inspiration for trick or treating.

This is a FREE event for all ages and won’t require any booking, just drop by the park and find a spot to listen to the band.

Along Came a Spider

When: Sunday, 30 October 2022
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Geared for the under-5 kids and over 60s grandparents, this Halloween event is being held in celebration of Grandparents Day. Participants can expect to play games with their family members and create their very own dangly spider to add to their Halloween decorations at home.

Participants should dress in Halloween costumes. The session encourages active, healthy outdoor fun so bring a picnic rug and water bottles, along with essentials for sun protection.

Booking and a $5 payment are needed for this activity by phoning 0411 246 487 or signing up online. The meeting place is at the playground area of the 7th Brigade Park.

Halloween activities — Photo Credit: Freestocks Photos/Pixabay

Halloween Makerspace

Date: Monday, 31 October 2022
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Do you prefer quiet but productive Halloween activities? Creative children between 4 to 12 years old will enjoy this free spooky makerspace session at the Chermside Library along Hamilton Road.

Allow the kids to unleash their creativity by calling 07 3403 7200 to reserve.