Chermside Archives - Page 6 of 17

Chermside and Carindale Fruit Shop Owner Crowned Mango King at Brisbane Auction

John Nicolaou, owner of Fresh Sensations at Chermside and Carindale, placed a winning bid of $32,000 to be crowned the Mango King at the 2024 Brisbane Markets Mango Auction.

The auction took place in October 2024, where Nicolaou won the symbolic first tray of mangoes, supplied by the Northern Territory Mango Industry Association. This was his second time winning the title, having previously been named Mango King in 2013.

Funds Raised for Charity

The auction raised a total of over $44,000, with proceeds benefiting two key charities. Redkite, which supports families of children with cancer, and The Lady Musgrave Trust, which provides assistance to young women at risk of homelessness, will receive the funds. Nicolaou’s winning bid alone contributed A$32,000 to this total.

Brisbane Markets Limited chair, Anthony Kelly, emphasised the importance of the event in helping local families facing hardship. He highlighted that the auction provides a chance for the mango industry to give back to the community.

Promising Mango Season Ahead

Kelly also commented on the outlook for this year’s mango season, noting an expected increase in the quantity and quality of mangoes compared to last year. He said consumers could look forward to more affordable prices and a better product overall.

The event was celebrated by many in the community, with Nicolaou’s achievement shared across social media, where he was praised for his generosity and crowned the “Mango Monarch” by followers.

About Fresh Sensations

Fresh Sensations is a family-owned gourmet grocery business based in Brisbane, with stores located in Capalaba Park, Westfield Chermside, and Westfield Carindale. Established in 1993 by brother-in-laws John Nicolaou and Jim Mousikos, the business has grown over the years and now offers both in-store shopping and online delivery to selected suburbs. John and Jim, both originally from Cyprus, immigrated to Australia at different times and found their passion for fresh produce through various jobs in the supermarket and fruit shop industries before teaming up.

John and Jim opened their first store together in Capalaba, and over time, expanded the business to four stores throughout Brisbane. Their focus on customer service and quality products, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and deli items, has helped them grow into a well-loved local brand. With support from their sons, who are now involved in the business, they continue to work closely with staff and suppliers to ensure the best for their customers. Fresh Sensations is built on strong family values and a commitment to the community.

Published 17-Oct-2024

Emergency Services Expo to Prepare Chermside for Summer Storms

Photo Credit: My Unsplash

Residents of Chermside and the nearby suburbs are invited to 7th Brigade Park to learn about vital summer storm preparation tips from emergency services at the Brisbane Emergency Services Expo.

The free community event, running from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 12 October, will feature a range of activities for all ages, including educational sessions with emergency crews, live music, food trucks, and entertainment like Paw Patrol and jumping castles. It aims to help Brisbane locals create emergency plans to safeguard their homes and families ahead of Queensland’s notorious summer storm season.

Preparing for Storm Season

With severe weather events such as storms, floods, and bushfires common in Queensland during summer, local emergency services are urging families to make early preparations. Representatives from the Public Safety Training & Response Group will be on hand to discuss practical ways to prepare for emergencies. They will also showcase their Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter, which can assist in rescue, disaster response, and firefighting operations.

In addition to safety presentations, the expo will include family-friendly activities such as live music, food trucks, and Paw Patrol appearances, making it an engaging event for all age groups. The expo aims to balance fun with essential safety information, making it easier for attendees to take away valuable lessons while enjoying the day out.

Summer Storms in Brisbane — *Photo Credit: Get Ready Queensland*

A Storm-Ready Brisbane

The Brisbane City Council, which is hosting the event, is partnering with the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program to ensure that locals are informed about the importance of being storm-ready. The program promotes creating emergency plans, assembling disaster kits, and securing homes to minimise damage during extreme weather.

No bookings are required to attend the event, which will be held at 7th Brigade Park, located at the corner of Newman Road and Delaware Street in Chermside.

For more information about how to prepare for summer storm season, attendees are encouraged to visit the Get Ready Queensland website.

Published 4-Oct-2024

Chermside Paramedic: Finalist in QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards

Photo Credit: QBank

Zak Tilbury, a highly skilled healthcare professional from Chermside, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards.

Mr Tilbury’s dedication to patient care and diverse expertise across multiple roles have earned him recognition in the “ownership” category. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards, which acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Queenslanders working in essential services such as police, fire, health, ambulance, corrections, public service, education, and volunteer organisations.

A Triple Threat in Healthcare

His impressive career trajectory shows Mr Tilbury’s commitment to serving the community. He is a qualified Advanced Care Paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), a registered Nurse at The Prince Charles Hospital, and a Midwife with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

He explained that his motivation stems from a desire to ensure patient safety and make their experience with the healthcare system as smooth as possible, acknowledging that it can be stressful for many.

Going Above and Beyond

In his various roles, Mr Tilbury takes on a range of responsibilities. As an Advanced Care Paramedic, he works in the Clinical Hub, assessing patients and determining the best healthcare pathway for them. He also acts as an Operations Supervisor, focusing on the well-being of ambulance crews and ensuring ambulances are efficiently dispatched back into the community.

QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards — *Photo Credit:* *QBank*

At The Prince Charles Hospital, he serves as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, supporting staff, advocating for patient safety, and managing patients experiencing health deterioration. Furthermore, he contributes to the RFDS as a Flight Nurse and Midwife on their Network Support Team.

Reaching Remote Communities

While on secondment in North West Queensland with the RFDS in late 2023, Mr Tilbury participated in several critical rescues. One notable instance involved an inter-agency retrieval of a patient injured in a motorcycle accident in a remote area three hours North West of Mount Isa.

He worked alongside a LifeFlight helicopter crew, a local paramedic ground crew, and an RFDS doctor to stabilise the patients and transport them to a hospital equipped to handle their injuries. Mr Tilbury highlighted the crucial role of the RFDS in delivering intensive care level healthcare to isolated communities with limited resources.

Honoured to be Recognised

Mr Tilbury expressed his surprise and gratitude at being nominated for a QBANK Everyday Heroes Award. He stated that he enjoys his work and is driven by a desire to positively impact people’s lives.

On 11 October, a ceremony at the W Hotel Brisbane will announce the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards winners. Each winner will receive $2,000 deposited into a QBANK account and $2,000 donated to their chosen charity.

Published 1-Oct-2024

Nextra Express Chermside Sells Another Major Prize-Winning Ticket

Photo Credit: The Lott

Nextra Express Chermside has once again sold a major prize-winning ticket worth $2.5 million. This recent success follows the store’s sale of a $100 million winning entry in August, cementing its reputation as a lucky location for players.

The latest winner, a father from Bundaberg who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the ticket during a visit to Brisbane for an NRL game. He discovered his win nearly two weeks later while waiting for a takeaway order.

Shannon Hickey, owner of Nextra Express Chermside, commented on the store’s remarkable run of luck. “If we’re not the luckiest store in Brisbane this year, I can’t imagine who could be,” Hickey said. “We’re so pleased to have sold another major prize-winning entry to one of our customers.”

The recent string of wins has turned Nextra Express Chermside into a local point of interest. Hickey noted an increase in foot traffic, with many customers visiting to take photos and soak in the lucky atmosphere.

The $2.5 million winner, a small business owner, plans to use his windfall wisely. His intentions include potentially purchasing houses for his daughters and setting aside funds for retirement.

Published 23-September-2024

Knauf Supplies Key Materials for $355M Westfield Chermside Expansion

Photo Credit: Knauf AU

Knauf, a leading construction materials company, played a crucial role in the $355 million expansion of Westfield Chermside, by supplying essential materials for the project’s ceilings and partitions.

The redevelopment completed in mid-2017, has expanded the shopping centre to become the largest in the Scentre Group’s portfolio. Located 10 kilometres north of Brisbane’s CBD, the project added 33,000 square meters of retail space, including 95 new stores.

North Australian Contracting (NAC), engaged by Scentre Group, used 25,000 square meters of Knauf’s 13 mm plasterboard and compounds throughout the redevelopment.

A notable feature of the Westfield Chermside expansion is the ceiling in the new upper floor using small segments of Knauf plasterboard, creating an illusion of a continuous curve through the use of glancing light.

The project faced logistical challenges, including maintaining normal operations for existing retailers during construction and managing large material deliveries. NAC reported that Knauf successfully met the high demand for materials throughout the project.

Meeting tight deadlines was critical, with the construction team working double shifts towards the end to ensure timely completion.

The expanded Westfield Chermside now features top Australian retailers such as David Jones, Myer, Harris Scarfe, Big W, Kmart, Target, Coles, Woolworths, and Apple. New additions include Brisbane’s first Sephora, along with H&M and Zara. The redevelopment also incorporates a new resort-style landscaped leisure and dining area with cafés and restaurants.

Published 17-September-2024

Chermside Strikes Gold Again: $5M in Unclaimed Wins

Chermside residents are urged to rummage through their belongings as two unclaimed prizes worth $5 million remain up for grabs.

The winning tickets, each valued at a life-altering $2.5 million, were purchased in recent draws and could languish unnoticed in someone’s possession.

One of these elusive division one winning entries was sold at Nextra Express Chermside, adding another chapter to the store’s recent winning streak. This marks the outlet’s second major win in recent weeks, following the sale of a $100 million Powerball ticket last month.

The other unclaimed division one entry was purchased at The Store on Eagle in Brisbane. As both winning entries are unregistered, lottery officials cannot directly contact the ticketholders and must rely on them to come forward and claim their prizes.

The Lott spokesperson Anna Hobdell expressed her excitement for the two mystery winners, who are likely unaware of their newfound fortune. She encouraged everyone to check their tickets, as they could be among the two lucky Brisbane residents they were searching for.

Nextra Express Chermside owner Shannon Hickey was delighted to sell another multi-million-dollar winning entry. He stated they were thrilled to have sold another division-one winning ticket to one of their customers. The atmosphere in the store has been electric since they sold the $100 million Powerball ticket, and they’re hoping their latest mystery winner comes forward soon to claim their prise.

The winning numbers in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4501 on 7 September were 16, 38, 7, 15, 20 and 13, with supplementary numbers 26 and 41. Across Australia, there were four division one winning entries in this draw—two each in Queensland and Victoria.

Lottery officials are reminding all players to register their tickets to ensure they can be easily contacted in the event of a win. If you believe you may be holding one of the winning tickets, contact The Lott on 131 868 to begin the claims process.

Published Date 11-September-2024

Violent Assault in Huxtable Park Under Investigation

Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch are seeking public assistance following a violent assault that occurred last night, September 5, in Huxtable Park.

According to police reports, a 29-year-old man from Bracken Ridge was attacked while sitting in his parked vehicle at approximately 11 PM on September 5. The victim was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals who fled the scene in a white car, heading towards Hamilton Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the man to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have declared the area a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or dashcam video that may have captured the white car in the vicinity of Huxtable Park around 11 PM last night, the time of the assault.

They are asking anyone with information to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The case reference number for this incident is QP2401531516.

Published 6-September-2024

Chermside Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 25-year-old Chermside man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit through local streets last Friday night. The incident, which began shortly before 10 pm on August 23, involved a white Holden Colorado utility that had been reported stolen from a Banyo business on August 21.

Police first spotted the allegedly stolen vehicle speeding along Rode Road. The driver, attempting to evade capture, made a sharp left turn onto Sydney Street, continuing to drive dangerously through the suburb. The chase came to an end when the vehicle stopped at the Carseldine rail station carpark.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the sole occupant fled on foot, prompting a coordinated response from local police and the Dog Squad. Their efforts led them to a residence near Bellara Street, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.

The 25-year-old Chermside resident now faces multiple charges, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 26.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of vehicle theft in the area and the swift response of local law enforcement. Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are advised to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles properly.

Police are urging anyone with additional information about this incident to come forward.

Information can be provided via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Authorities have provided the reference numbers QP2401419686 and QP2401431419 for this case.

Published 29-August-2024

Westfield Chermside to Host Disney Princess ‘Spark Magic’ Event

As part of World Princess Week celebrations, Westfield and Disney are set to bring the “Spark Magic” event to Westfield Chermside, featuring storytelling sessions and interactive experiences with beloved Disney Princess characters.

Magical Meet and Greet

Starting the 14th of September, Westfield Chermside will transform into a fairy-tale hub where young fans and families can enjoy an up-close experience with Disney’s Cinderella. The event promises several days of enchantment, with scheduled appearances of Cinderella on the 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of September.

This unique opportunity allows attendees to interact directly with one of Disney’s most iconic princesses, fostering a memorable connection between the characters and their admirers.

Community Engagement and Impact

The meet-and-greet sessions are designed to entertain and give back to the community. A booking fee of $5 per group is required, and all proceeds will go towards Make-A-Wish Australia.

This collaboration highlights Westfield’s commitment to community enrichment through exciting and meaningful events.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of Disney Princesses to Chermside,” said Jacqui Waine, Westfield’s General Manager of Marketing and Community. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while supporting a fantastic cause.”

Event Details and Booking

Booking is essential for those wishing to meet Cinderella, ensuring an organized and enjoyable guest experience. Families interested in attending are encouraged to secure their spots early to avoid missing out on this special occasion.

Additional information on booking and event specifics can be found on Westfield Chermside’s official website.

Enhanced Magical Experience

To enhance the magical experience, Westfield Chermside has planned various activities around the Cinderella meet and greet. These include Disney Princess-inspired face painting, storytelling sessions, and craft activities such as wand-making and crown decorating.

Throughout the event, Westfield Chermside will also feature Spark Magic Stations, designed to enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the Disney Princess celebrations. These stations are crafted to provide a hands-on experience that allows children to engage creatively with the themes and characters they adore, making their visit to Westfield Chermside even more memorable and magical.

Dream Holiday Competition

In conjunction with the Disney Princess event, Westfield Chermside offers an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. This prize includes a one-night exclusive experience in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a dream come true for any Disney fan.

The competition runs from the 12th of September until the 13th of October, with the winner announced on the 18th of October. This competition highlights the partnership between Westfield and Disney and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to delight and amaze the lucky winners.

This Disney Princess event is part of a larger series of activities at Westfield locations across Australia, celebrating the magic and inspiration of Disney characters. Following the success of similar events centered around Star Wars and Marvel characters earlier this year, Westfield continues to provide exclusive entertainment experiences that attract families from all over the region.

Published 27-Aug-2024

Westfield Chermside Unveils Local Heroes Finalists, Voting Now Open

Westfield Chermside calls on the community to rally behind their local champions as voting opens for the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes programme.

Now in its seventh year, the programme acknowledges and celebrates the tireless dedication of individuals and organisations working to enhance their communities and the environment.

Each Westfield centre will grant $20,000 to the finalist receiving the most votes, while the remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work. This year, Westfield is set to award $AUD1.25 million in community grants across Australia and New Zealand.

Chermside’s Changemakers

Westfield Chermside local heroes — *Photo Credit:* *Westfield Chermside*

Benjamin Bjarnesen, founder of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, addresses critical service gaps within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation’s education and resources reached over 7.3 million people last year, fostering safer support systems. With the grant, Ben aims to expand the foundation’s e-learning package.

Bianca Campling, Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life, assists vulnerable new mothers facing challenges like domestic violence and homelessness. By providing essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, Bianca empowers them to care for their newborns. The grant would enable Bianca to expand the Baby Bundle programme, reaching over 3,500 mothers annually.

Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Ltd, leads a team offering compassionate support to those in need. Bridgecare aids homeless individuals, provides weekly food hampers, and assists with household tasks. The grant would allow Jodi to bolster Bridgecare’s capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen items from OzHarvest.

Centre Manager Pietta Lacey encourages customers to take a moment to vote and acknowledge the finalists’ exceptional contributions. She highlighted that every vote counts and can significantly impact the positive change these individuals and organisations drive in the community.

Voting is open until Monday, September 9th, and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, 15 October. Thanks to Scentre Group’s generous support, the Westfield Local Heroes programme is more than just recognition; it’s an investment in the future of our communities.

vote here

Published Date 22-August-2024