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.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
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”
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.
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.”
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.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.”
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.
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.
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.
The first Miss Voluptuous International pageant, held in Nashville U.S., has crowned its queen and it is none other than Chermside beauty, Amber Jane Powson.
Ms Powson bested several gorgeous plus-size women and role models over 14UK/AU from all over the world, including U.S., Greece, Wales and Ireland, during the April competition. Country representatives competed in the following areas: Panel Style Interview (40%), Personal Introduction (10%), National Wear (25%) and Evening Gown/Formal Wear (25%).
The pageant, however, was also about showcasing how these women are making a difference in their communities. The 25-year-old is an advocate for mental health support, after having been diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and depression in 2017.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Ms Powson has been raising awareness about mental health and body positivity after she overcame her own struggles, including a previous attempt to take her own life. The young advocate decided to join Miss Voluptuous as she knows the platform will help reach more people to break down the stigma associated with mental health.
“Around 30% of young Australians say they’re extremely, or very, concerned about their body image. This creates a higher risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health problems,” Ms Powson said.
“Only with awareness and support about body positivity and mental health was I able to graduate with a university degree, while working a part time job at a hotel, acting as an extra on blockbuster film sets, and be a plus size runway and print model.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Apart from her new achievement as Miss Voluptuous International, Ms Powson is also an ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation Australia and Women’s Mentoring Foundation.
“The advice I give during these talks includes having compassion for yourself like you do for those you love.
“I would never tell my own sister the things I tell myself. I would never say she is a waste of space – so why on earth did I say that to myself?
“I’ve had countless women around the world reach out to me lately after hearing this message and reminding them to be more compassionate to themselves and their bodies.
“I’m truly hoping to share this message as much as possible.
Natalie Carley, the Director of Miss Voluptuous Pageants, said that the candidates were judged not so much on their beautiful face but also on their “passion for making a difference, a willingness to work hard and a determination to be heard.”
Whilst a beauty contest, Miss Voluptuous is also focused on platforms, volunteerism, hard work and efforts to build confidence from within. The pageant is open to all ladies aged 18 and above, size 14+, married, divorced, single, with or without children.
Meanwhile, Ms Powson’s next public appearance will be on the runway for award-winning Australian Designer Sonia Stradiotto at the Spring Fashion Show on the 28th of September 2022 in aid of The Carers Foundation Australia.
Make your pick known for the 2022 Westfield Local Heroes and shine the spotlight on the inspiring individuals who make such a positive impact in their communities. Here are the nominees from Chermside.
The 2022 Westfield Local Heroes awards program recognises the people whose work and advocacy contributes to the upliftment of the community. About 126 grants will be given across Westfield outlets in Australia and New Zealand.
These individuals, and their organisation, are recognised for their work in in areas like family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, community resilience, and environmental sustainability.
Here are the nominees from Chermside.
Kerry Gordon
Photo Credit: Westfield Local Heroes
Kerry, a paediatric nurse practitioner, is also the founder of Precious Wings, which helps families and educates the healthcare staff of those caring for the bereaved. If Kerry is successful, Precious Wings will use its funds to set up its new premises with storage racking, furniture, and IT equipment.
Rebecca Adams
Photo Credit: Westfield Local Heroes
Rebecca founded the First Light Widowed Association, which offers practical and emotional support for widows, especially those who have lost their spouses at a young age. If Rebecca is successful, the First Light Widowed Association will use its funds to cover the cost of producing information packs and running support events.
Uncle Gary Cobbo
Uncle Gary, a respected Aboriginal Elder runs the Kurbingui Youth and Family Development, which mentors hundreds of young locals. If Uncle Gary is successful, Kurbingui Youth and Family Development will use its funds to run programs that provide assistance and linkages to employment and training for the youth.
Winners of this recognition per centre will receive a $20,000 grant that will support their work for the organisation they represent. Each of the finalists, on the other hand, will get $5,000.
After two years of construction, The Salvation Army welcomes residents who could be at risk of homelessness at the new Salvos Housing in Chermside. The beautiful facility is funded by philanthropist Doug Cory.
The Cory Centre, located at the former Glenhaven complex, is a three-storey apartment with 21 two-bedroom units and five three-bedroom units for single parents with kids or families of vulnerable households. It has its own basketball and tennis court, a rebound wall, vegetable and flower gardens, a children’s playground, a common room indoors, and a library.
The Salvos Housing in Chermside was designed as a contemporary residential complex that blends well with its neighbours. It is meant to be an inner sanctuary where the kids can enjoy their childhood.
Photo Credit: DA A005168702/Developmenti/BCCPhoto Credit: DA A005168702/Developmenti/BCC
Mr Cory donated $5.5 million so that The Salvation Army can rebuild the Glenhaven complex for families. The businessman will never forget how the Salvos helped him, his eight siblings, and his single mum, Irene, when their family arrived in Brisbane.
Photo Credit: The Cory FoundationPhoto Credit: Google Maps
Before this complex became a women’s centre, it was a motel with 13 units. In 1988, the Salvos bought the property for its charitable work.
Mr Lambert said the housing complex will no longer be called Glenhaven.
“Internally, we’ve been calling it the Cory Centre because of the donor’s relationship with the project but there hasn’t been a designated name for it,” Tim Lambert, the Army’s senior development manager with the property department in Queensland, said.
Photo Credit: DA A005168702/Developmenti/BCC
“If you are an average person with an average job and you’re walking down an average street…you couldn’t tell the difference between us and anyone else. You should be able to live in the same street and have the same rules and show the same respect as everyone else. It’s meant to be a true blended community.
“It will have a mixture of men and women and it’s not a women’s crisis centre. It’s not a domestic abuse centre. It certainly will have people who have suffered all those things, but there will be enough separation and security for people coming out of those situations … but will have the ability to feel safe and secure within the complex itself.”
Soon, Ethel Street in Chermside will be part of the largest investment in affordable housing in Queensland, where 118 new, social dwelling options to suit the needs of a typical Brisbane family will be built.
The homes are aimed at downsizing seniors or empty nesters. Chermside is getting around 28 one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. Redcliffe will have 84 single-bedroom apartments.
The projects for Chermside and Redcliffe are part of the largest concentrated investment in social housing in Queensland’s history – $2.9 billion in funding, including $1.9 billion over four years for the new Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative.
Construction in Ethel Street in Chermside is expected to start at the end of 2022 with tenants ready to move in by September 2023.
Photo Credit: Queensland Govt
“These projects will also generate more construction jobs for our state, with the two builds to support a combined 128 jobs,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said.
He confirmed the housing initiatives for Ethel Street in Chermside and Sutton Street in Redcliffe in a recent press release.
“These developments at Redcliffe and Chermside are just the first of many that will be delivered under the Housing Investment Fund and the HIF will keep delivering funding every year through its management by the Queensland Investment Corporation.”
He said that this will deliver social and affordable housing through a range of fit-for-purpose initiatives.
“Locating developments like this in communities such as Chermside will help alleviate the housing supply pressures we’re currently facing,” Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan said.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch confirmed that the leading community housing provider, BHC, will deliver the houses.
“BHC has a proven track record developing secure and affordable homes in Queensland for two decades,” Ms Enoch said.
“Our strong working partnerships like this are vital for providing Queenslanders with more affordable housing options.
BREAKING: We’re building 118 new social & affordable homes on Brisbane’s northside, at Sutton St, Redcliffe & Ethel street, Chermside.
These housing projects are the first of many that will be delivered from my government’s $1 billion Housing Investment Fund. pic.twitter.com/tLL6jMrpxC
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) May 4, 2022
The Queensland Housing Investment Growth Initiative will deliver accelerated supply of 7,400 social and affordable housing homes, as part of an overall Action Plan.
Some residents are appealing to the Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield Chermside, to temporarily remove their boom gates and allow free parking during weekends. If granted, residents hope the move will help ease the increasing traffic issues in the area exacerbated by the closure of Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah.
As a result of the closure of the Toombul Shopping Centre in Nundah, traffic has become such a nightmare for those who live in the Chermside, Stafford and Lutwyche areas.
Customers have experienced more snarls than ever before as Toombul regulars flock to the surrounding retail precincts for alternative options.
Toombul had more than 1,700 car parking spaces at its premises but the shopping centre has permanently closed due to significant damages caused by the February floods.
Four-Hour Traffic Snarls in Westfield Chermside Area
Over the past weekends of May 2022, Westfield Chermside shoppers have complained about the nightmare traffic situation in the area, particularly instances of some locals taking up to four hours just to exit the car park.
Some motorists had been forced to ditch their cars for the day because they could no longer get out of the area. Those that managed to get out also ended up stuck in horrific bumper-to-bumper traffic outside.
Some said that this situation will become like the holiday rush traffic every weekend if no solutions are set in place.
“I was caught up in the madness on the weekend of Mother’s Day,” Glenda Macklin said. “I was stuck in the actual centre for two hours. The problem on that day was not that the boom gates were down, they were up, but there was that much traffic trying to get out of the centre and very very few exit points from the actual car park spots to down ramps.”
“I was on the second level and really there was only one exit to try and get down on to Kitty Hawk drive this was also joined by three or four other exits from different levels creating a mess on Kitty Hawk Drive,” she added.
“This is my local shopping centre and I have never seen it like this was the first time I’ve ever been caught in traffic like that at the centre.”
Asking for Help
In a statement, MP Anika Wells said that she has written to the Scentre Group concerning the boom gates and the free parking. The MP also said that she will ask the Federal Government to “commission a Gympie Road/Hamilton Road planning study to investigate the best solution to this notorious intersection.”
The Scentre Group has not made any comments about the traffic issues. Westfield Chermside has around 7,200 car parking spaces. In 2020, shoppers were upset when the Scentre Group cut the hours for free parking and the traffic issues did not improve.
