A resident of Chermside has entered a plea of guilty to animal cruelty and will be barred from having a pet for three years after he mistreated Sam, his American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Andrew Vlaisan, 42, was charged for animal cruelty after he failed to care for Sam and physically abused the dog by kicking, punching, and hitting the animal with objects.
Videos of the abuse were apparently caught on camera in 2020, according to Sophie Taylor, the RSPCA prosecutor. Though Mr Vlaisan had no prior convictions, his use of brute force against an animal resulted in one-year probation and the order barring him from pet ownership for three years. However, the magistrate allowed Mr Vlaisan to keep his current household cat.
Mr Vlaisan told the magistrate that he was “embarrassed and ashamed” of his actions. He said he had no intentions to purposely hurt the dog but admitted that he took out his frustrations on the animal because of his personal circumstances and his poor health.
Photo Credit: geralt/Pixabay
The news comes as Queensland Government is in the middle of reviewing the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) after 20 years of enforcement. Community consultation was undertaken in April 2021, which received 1439 survey responses and 914 written submissions.
House prices in the Chermside property market continue their upward trajectory, with the median house price increasing by 14.28% for the period covering October 2020 to September 2021. Despite a shortage of stocks and the imbalance between supply and demand, the competition among buyers with urgent demands has been putting much pressure on prices to scale up.
Highlights
The property market in Chermside has increased by 14.28 per cent for October 2020 to September 2021.
House prices have settled at a median price of $746,250 whilst the median unit price is at $630,000.
In Chermside, the imbalance between demand and supply has contributed to the rise in property prices.
House Price Growth
For the said 12-month period, Chermside’s property growth is up by 14.28 per cent compared to the same period in 2020 and the median house price has settled at $746,250, up from $653,000 last year, according to Property Market Updates.
From October 2020 to September 2021, market transactions in Chermside have been fast-moving at 61 days with 79 houses sold. More than half of these were three-bedroom homes with an average house price of $718,750.
A three-bedroom, one-bathroom house on Henry St sold for the highest price in July 2021. Though largely without any renovations or upgrades, this transaction closed at $2,670,000. The house, with a fully-fenced yard and plenty of storage and a laundry room underneath the house, has not been on the market since 2021 when it sold for just $430,000.
On the other hand, downsizers and young professionals working in offices and medical hubs in and around Chermside, who are also in the market for dwelling options, have pulled the unit market’s growth up by a modest 3.75 per cent. In the past five years, Chermside’s property market has had impressive growth due to its gentrification as a medical and commercial hub.
There were over 314 properties apartments sold within an average of 74 days on the market from October 2020 to September 2021.
The unit median price is now at $630,000. Two-bedroom units were high on demand with 176 sold for the 12-month period, as opposed to one-bedroom apartments where 23 transactions took 133 days to close on the market.
About Chermside
Chermside has slowly been gaining a reputation as a mini-CBD with many high-density developments around Westfield Chermside, the largest Westfield shopping complex in the country. The Chermside area also has numerous medical hubs and a major transport corridor in the suburb.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Chermside has been attracting investors as well because of increasing job opportunities in and around the suburb. Since this North Brisbane suburb is still within the city fringe, properties are viewed as attractive, yet prices are still more affordable. Amidst the gentrification, there are still plenty of houses with sprawling backyards that drive demand, particularly in the last two years when a trend towards more spacious dwelling options became more popular among buyers stuck at home due to COVID-19.
“We love its lovely green, tree-lined area that is very convenient to everything. We have great neighbors, there are a lot of established older houses that have been built well back in the 70s when they used hardwoods so they are built to last, not like the rubbish they throw up in 15 weeks these days. Perfect for a renovation or if you’re like us, buy something that has already had the work done. Definitely on the radar for most northside buyers as the surrounds are still close to the CBD/Milton for commuting and homes are still somewhat reasonably priced.”
Quizl
“When my parents bought here twenty plus years ago it was definitely lower socio-economic, many more migrant families, and single parents etc. Now the area is mostly younger white families.”
AussieMakeupFan
“I live in Chermside and find the suburb differs so much depending on where you are, it’s quite interesting. Lots of old houses getting bought and knocked down though.”
Did you know that there is a walking group that gets their daily cardio in by walking around inside Westfield Chermside before the shops open in the morning?
The Westfield Chermside Walking Group has been around for over two years and it’s mostly composed of 60 to 80-year-old individuals who enjoy physical exercise. However, the walking group is open to anyone who would like to be up and about before 7:30 in the morning to meet up twice a week.
“People come from all over the northside to enjoy both the physical and social aspects of group walking. The group walks inside the centre before most shops are open so parking is a breeze.”
This is part of the National Heart Foundation of Australia initiative that promotes walking as a “wonder drug.” A 30-minute walk every day may help lower a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, regardless of their age.
Photo Credit: Dr Anthony Lynham/Facebook
Walking regularly also improves body circulation and prevents the weakening of the bones that could lead to the development of arthritis, a common problem with aging. This easy exercise releases endorphins that help modulate one’s mood so people get a clearer head and feel a lot better mentally after a walk.
Starting the day with a good walk can be a significant factor that impacts how the rest of the day will go. When done as a group walk, this activity may also be an opportunity to connect, socialise, and forge lifelong friendships.
Construction has now begun at the site of the new Chermside Health Hub along the intersection of Gympie Road and Rode Road, following the sod-turning ceremony in July 2021.
The new medical facility will be a three-storey centre that will house integrated health services like general practice, bariatric surgery, radiology, and a pharmacy. The site is expected to meet the growing demands for health services in the area.
Cornerstone Healthcare Property Fund director Simon Heazlewood said that they are delighted to finally proceed with the construction whilst the final negotiations with healthcare practitioners are ongoing. Mr Heazlewood said that they are confident more interest will pick up once the site comes together.
CHP Fund tapped Merrin and Cranston for the construction project. At least 150 jobs will be created during the construction phase whilst the hub will employ over 100 medical and support services staff once it’s operational.
Photo Credit: Merrin and Cranston/Facebook
Depending on the groups or individuals that would lease spaces, the Chermside Health Hub could also have a day surgery or a short-stay facility. The building was designed with a Class 9a healthcare building classification from the National Construction Code.
The site will boast of the following unique points of difference from other facilities:
Unbeatable location and exposure to grow a doctor’s practice
Supported by experienced Health Business Specialists with expertise in healthcare and health project delivery
Flexible options to suit – your practice, your way
Prominent, access friendly location
Abundant parking onsite including tenant secure parking
Medical class building for optimal patient care and safety
“If the past 18 months have shown us anything, it is the importance of quality healthcare and services,” Councillor Fiona Hammond, who was at the sod-turning ceremony, said. “The Hub is placed within walking distance of both the Prince Charles and St Vincent’s Private Hospital and will feature state-of-the-art facilities.”
“Demand for health services will only increase over coming years so it is terrific to have this new facility in the Northgate Ward,” Councillor Adam Allan said.
The Chermside Health Hub is expected to open in late 2022.
Attention, Chermside residents! Brisbane’s kerbside collection is back and it’s Chermside’s turn soon. Before you put things out on the kerb, take a second look at everything and consider upcycling. Here are some useful tips.
The kerbside collection date for Chermside is on 15 November 2021. If you’re planning to join, make sure your items are on the kerb by 6:00 a.m. at the start of the collection period.
Upcycling requires a bit of creativity but it can be fun to give a fabulous new life into old items. If you’re new to upcycling, here are some tips to get you started:
Plan Ahead
Photo credit: Pinterest/birdzofafeather.ca
The secret to successful upcycling is planning ahead. Gather all the tools and equipment that you will need for the job. For instance, if you’re planning to upcycle a piece of old furniture indoors, you may want to consider using a cordless tool to help you manoeuvre easily.
Anything goes in upcycling because there are no rules in doing it. The best part of upcycling is it encourages creativity. A great example is this project by Art studio L’Atelier d’Orel where they took the spinning drum from an unrepairable washing machine and converted it into a beautiful industrial table. Here’s an instruction on how you can create one yourself from home.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and experiment with colours and materials. If you have an old bike that you can’t throw away because it reminds you of your first cycling years, consider turning it into a planter. You can paint it with something bright like yellow or pink to match your garden.
Photo credit: Pinterest/homesthetics.net
Other Upcycling Tips from BCC
Brisbane City Council encourages reusing and upcycling. You can also follow these tips from Council to ensure an efficient reusing & upcycling process:
Donate quality items to local charities. Supported by the Queensland Government, GIVIT is a charity that receives donation from donors and privately passes it to people in need.
Drop them off council’s free resource recovery centres. Donated items are turned over to Council’s Treasure Troves (formerly tip shops) which are located in Acacia Ridge and Geebung.
Finally, don’t forget to install Brisbane Bin and Recycling App. in addition to helping residents stay up-to-date with collection days, the app also helps make recycling quick and simple with an alphabetical list of materials with information on how to recycle or dispose of them.
Have you visited Burringbar Park in Chermside lately? The hockey facility has been enhanced with new amenities to benefit the players, the parents, and the spectators.
These improvements include new female-friendly changing rooms and showers for the hockey club members, as well as a special room for the parents and some public conveniences for the visitors who come to watch the games.
Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan said that the new changing rooms are a welcome addition to the growth and support for hockey in Brisbane’s north.
“We know quality, female-friendly change facilities like this are critical to encouraging more girls and women to get involved in sport, stick with it, and stay active for our community’s Covid-19 recovery,” Mr Sullivan said.
“The hockey clubs who call Burringbar Park home have an exciting future ahead of them.”
Mr Sullivan was able to secure $495,000 for the Burringbar Park Hockey Facility improvements under the state’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, whilst the additional amenities for a second playing field were delivered through the Active Community Infrastructure Fund.
Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan and Redcliffe Dolphin players at Burringbar Park Hockey Photo Credit: Supplied
“It means both playing fields have their own change rooms and showers, so players won’t need to wait around to get cleaned up and changed after a game,” Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.
The improvements are also in line with the Activate! Queensland strategy to support talented and sports-minded young people who could potentially shine in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Burringbar Park is under the Brisbane Hockey Management Group consisting of the Brisbane Hockey Association Inc, the Brisbane Women’s Hockey Association Inc, and Kedron Wavell Services Hockey Club Inc.
“Having this second block will be a huge benefit to Brisbane hockey players and their supporters and will mean we will also be able to extend our competition opportunities,” the club’s president Greg Swann said.
The property market in Chermside has been riding the Brisbane boom in recent months, performing even better from July 2020 to June 2021, with the median house price showing a double-digit rate increase for the period.
Despite previous undersupply, 94 houses sold in Chermside within a 12-month period, triggering a 12.90 percent growth in the median house price, now up to $725,000, per data from Property Market Updates. Two years ago, Chermside’s median house price was $590,000.
In May 2021, a five-bedroom modern family home on Mylne Street, built on a corner block with stunning kitchen space, relaxing outdoor area, and an inground pool, became the year’s highest-selling Chermside property for $1,240,000. Located at the border of Chermside-Wavell Heights, the house is close to an eclectic mix of local cafes, parks, and schools from prep to secondary levels. It’s also a short walk to Westfield Chermside and the bus interchange.
Highlights
Chermside’s property market has been catching up with the rest of Brisbane, with the median house price up by 12.90 percent from July 2020 to June 2021 versus the previous period.
The current median house price is now at $725,000, compared to $590,000 in 2019.
Unit price growth is a modest 3.74 percent, with 290 properties sold within the same 12-month period.
Unit Price Growth
Even though Chermside’s unit property choices are smaller compared to other markets, 290 units were sold from July 2020 to June 2021. The market saw a lot of downsizers look towards unit properties as they transition to lower-maintenance dwellings.
As of June 2021, the average median price of units in Chermside is $415,000, a 3.75 percent increase from last year.
Chermside’s growth in the past five years has created a ripple effect on Chermside West, which has been projected to grow in 2021 following increasing gentrification.
Chermside West is now at its prime as the market heats up in Brisbane, despite the economic impact of COVID-19. The median price of a Chermside West house is $680,000 as of 30 Aug 2021.
Apart from its proximity to Chermside, the suburb has two hospitals providing local employment, along with the popular Craigslea State School. Recent improvements in Westfield have also provided accessibility and convenience without the busyness of a city hub.
Hummingbird House, Queensland’s lone children’s palliative care centre in Chermside, has relied on generous donors and patrons to sustain the services they provide to families. However, launching a new program called Hummingbird House at Home has required added resources to ensure that support reaches more children.
In early 2021, Hummingbird House at Home was activated, providing families in regional towns the vital care and support for their terminally ill children without the need for travelling to Chermside. The services also extended to connecting families with local providers or community groups who are more equipped and logistically prepared to provide support.
Yet rural and remote areas of Queensland are quite isolated and limited in supplies, services and expertise so team members of Hummingbird House at Home stay for some days with the families that need crucial end-of-life care for their kids. Many of these families prefer their child or baby to spend their final days at home, surrounded by familiar people in a familiar place.
Unfortunately, General Manager Dr Fiona Hawthorne said that the home care program for regional families has yet to establish a long-term plan due to a lack of funding. Though Hummingbird House receives grant money from the government, Ms Hawthorne said that they are looking for ways to supplement their resources to keep the regional home care program up and running.
More than a year ago, recommendations have been made for the State Government to build a children’s hospice to cater to the regional areas. Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed that funding was allocated between 2019-20 and 2020-21 for these services but its implementation has been left hanging.
According to Hummingbird House, operating this free service to Queenslanders costs $5.4 million a year for at least 5,000 families. Visit the official site to know more about supporting the hospice centre, whether as a donor or volunteer.
Westfield Chermside has announced the names of the six individuals nominated for the 2021 Westfield Local Heroes. Now on its fourth year, the program provides a $10,000 grant to help these nominees pursue their advocacies and the community can help decide who shall receive the funding by casting their votes.
Under the Westfield Local Heroes program, 42 Westfield centres in Australia and New Zealand will name three local heroes or role models who have made significant and positive contributions to benefit the community. For this year, the finalists come from a broad range of sectors, including not-for-profit groups, registered community groups, sporting clubs, emergency services, and environmental advocates.
The voting period, which started on 10 Aug 2021, will close on Monday, 30 Aug 2021. Here are the nominees for Westfield Chermside:
Why She’s Nominated: “Eileen is a Westfield Local Hero because whilst battling cancer, she still found the strength and courage to help parents of preterm babies. She helped those who had lost hope or were just simply overcome by the financial stress of NICU. Eileen was there right by their side.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Veteran volunteer Eileen Mary Jane Cooke is the driving force behind support for Queensland parents of premature babies. Eileen has been volunteering with the Preterm Infants Parents Association (PIPA) for over 20 years and has helped many parents in that time. It is her way of giving back for the support she received from PIPA when she needed it. Eileen was a Westfield Local Hero finalist in 2019 and 2020 and appreciates being nominated for a third time.
Primary suburbs: Arana Hills, Geebung, Brisbane metro North
Local Westfield: Chermside
Why She’s Nominated: “Amy is a Westfield Local Hero because she has the strength to face her own trauma every day and use her experience to raise the profile of birth-related trauma to create a community of support and she works to prevent others having the same experience.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Amy is an effective advocate for bringing consumers, clinicians, and researchers together to support women, birthing people, and families affected by birth-related trauma. In 2016, Amy founded the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA), is a charity focused on the recognition and understanding of birth-related trauma. Her vision is for safer births, better healing.
Why She’s Nominated: Jodie is a Westfield Local Hero because, in the darkest moments of life, she brings warmth, happiness, and light to people in our community who need it most.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Jodie Frisch is on a mission to ensure families fleeing domestic violence have everything they need to rebuild their lives. As Homes Manager at RizeUp Australia, Jodie works tirelessly to furnish new accommodation, provide clothing for children, and source critical items at a moment’s notice. She is known for being strong, loyal, and kind.
Why He’s Nominated: “Garry is a Westfield Local Hero because he has impacted the lives of thousands of people directly through his service. He is a role model who inspires many others. The 4017 area wouldn’t be what it is today without the selfless contribution Garry has made for more than a decade at SANDBAG.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Garry Hunt is a hard-working community worker dedicated to providing practical support to people in need. The volunteer turned staff member at Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group (SANDBAG), Garry has supported thousands of people facing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, and discrimination. Garry always treats people equally and is known for his inclusive, welcoming, and respectful nature.
Why He’s Nominated: “Sammy is a Westfield Local Hero because he noticed there was a need for a program for young people within the local community. Through The Boss Boxing, Sammy has been able to engage through physical activity, which is making a big difference and changing lives.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Former boxing champion Sammy Leone is a proud Aboriginal man who has supported the Zillmere community for more than a decade, using his sport to transform the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Sammy is passionate about using the skills developed in boxing to keep people away from substance abuse and crime. A few years ago, he founded The Boss Boxing, where he is head coach.
Why He’s Nominated: “Len is a Westfield Local Hero because he has been through so many of his own challenges but still wants to give back to those in need. He knows that a kind word spoken at the right time can truly change someone’s life.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Len McCandless is an empathetic community worker who uses his own experience of living on the street to help homeless people or those living with a disability. He is the team leader at Rosie’s – Friends on the Street Brisbane North Branch, where he is known for his big heart – always greeting patrons with a smile, a cup of tea, and a chat.
“Now in its fourth year, the Westfield Local Heroes Program has been an instrument for change and support for deserving organisations,” Westfield Carindale Centre Manager, Matt Powis, said. “It’s with great pleasure that we announce our six 2021 finalists and call upon the local community to vote and help us determine our three Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients.”
Since 2018, Scentre Group’s Westfield Local Heroes program has invested in over 489 community organisations. The contribution represents the ongoing support to connect and enrich the local communities in which Westfield Living Centres operate.
Grants provided to the winners total $1.2 million. The winners will be announced on 21 Oct 2021.
Did you know that Chermside is among Brisbane’s worst crash hotspots, with most accidents caused by people using their mobile phones whilst driving? Queensland drivers need to avoid distracted driving as the state permanently implements camera detection technology to catch errant drivers.
Following the camera’s trial in 2020, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced that this scheme will be rolled out permanently beginning 26 July 2021 across the state.
“Some of the cameras will be mobile, and we won’t be telling people where they are either,” the minister stated. “Drivers should expect to be caught anywhere, anytime, whether they’re driving in the city or on a regional highway.”
The cameras work to capture high-resolution images of the front driver and passenger seat, which are scanned by AI detection technology. These devices, developed by Alex Jannink of Acusensus, who lost a friend in a road crash due to a distracted driver in the U.S., work day and night in all weather conditions and can spot drivers on their mobile who are trying to evade the cameras.
Photo Credit: Queensland Government
In a statement, Mr Bailey said that drivers will be notified of their driving violations without any fines until 31 October. From 1 November, erring drivers caught by the cameras will have to pay a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points.
Drivers captured by the camera with a mobile phone in their hand, including when they’re stopped at traffic lights or in a congested area, will also be penalised. Double demerit points will apply for repeat offenders within the year of the offence.
“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said.
“Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.”
Top 10 Crash Hotspots in Brisbane
In a survey of accident insurance claims made between July 2019 to July 2020 from the Australian Associated Motor Insurers (AAMI), Gympie Road in Chermside emerged as the spot with the most accidents among the 350,000 claims filed for that period. The thoroughfare has been “notorious for congestion and collisions,” especially during peak hours.
Gympie Road on the stretch of Aspley also landed as the sixth-worst crash hotspot in Brisbane. Per the data, nose-to-tail crashes were the most common accidents in this highly congested area, where drivers apparently attempt to multi-task on their phones.
Gympie Road, Chermside
Logan Road, Mount Gravatt
Morayfield Road, Morayfield
Ipswich Road, Annerley
Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains
Gympie Road, Aspley
Sandgate Road, Clayfield
Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains
Waterworks Road, Ashgrove
Bruce Highway, Caboolture
No Seatbelt Fine Increased
The cameras will also catch drivers without their seatbelts on. The penalty for this driving violation is $413, up from $391 in 2019, with three demerit points.
“One in four people killed on Queensland roads aren’t wearing a seat belt – it’s deadly and the penalties for not belting up reflect that,” Mr Bailey said.
Photo Credit: Cfansworth/Pixabay
“Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, the risk is the same and so are the penalties. Drivers can also be fined and lose points for every passenger in the vehicle who isn’t buckled up, regardless of their age.”
