Chermside Archives - Page 8 of 17

Unsung ANZAC Hero in Chermside: Malvene Dicker and Her Secret Role in the Vietnam War

Malvene Dicker (nee Cornwell), an 80-year-old former Australian Women’s Air Force teleprinter operator and Chermside West resident, had a vital and top-secret role during the Vietnam War.

Stationed in the Lower Blue Mountains, Ms Dicker spent about eight months handling sensitive communications from Australian forces in Vietnam. Her work involved processing critical information, ranging from battle strategies to air strike plans, disseminated across Australia’s military network.

This crucial role was bound by strict secrecy, with severe penalties for any breach.

Women as Teleprinter Operators During the War

In 1941, due to shortages in RAAF ground staff, women were recruited as wireless and teleprinter operators. The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was formed to address this issue. The War Cabinet had been considering this since July 1940, but approval was only granted on February 4, 1941, with the Advisory War Council concurring the following day.

Due to legal uncertainties, women were recruited as auxiliaries on renewable 12-month terms under the Air Force Act. This decision soon prompted other armed services to establish similar women’s units. By October 1944, the WAAAF had expanded to a peak strength of 18,664.

The WAAAF was disbanded in 1947 after World War II. Its role was taken over by the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF), which was established in 1950. The WRAAF continued in operation during the Vietnam War era.

Malven Dicker of the Women's Royal Australian Air Force — **Back row L-R:** Richard (Dick) Pick, Jack Spratt, Howard Marsh, Andrew (Shorty) Dearman, Barry Kirwin, Dennis Henstridge, Bob Snedden.
**Front Row L-R:** Yvonne (Yogi) Yow Yew, Joan Madson, Betty Harding, Pattie Stout, Carole Martin, Malvene Cornwell, Jenny Finn.
Photo Credit: Radschool.Org

During the Vietnam War, members of the WRAAF were not deployed to Vietnam, but they played critical roles within Australia and at overseas bases where Australian forces were stationed, such as in Malaysia and Singapore. Their contributions included clerical, administrative, and support roles, which were essential to the operations of the Royal Australian Air Force during this period.

Malvene Dicker, Post-Service

Despite the high stakes of her military role, Dicker viewed her contributions as part of a broader effort, a mere cog in the expansive machinery of war.

Born in Toowoomba a day after the D-Day landing in 1944, the path taken by Malvene Dicker seemed aligned with military service from an early age. Initially working as a copy girl for Brisbane’s Courier Mail, her career took a decisive turn when she joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1962, training as a teleprint officer at Signals.

Post-service, her engagement with a fellow serviceman, who returned profoundly changed from Vietnam, led to a cancelled marriage.

Malven Dicker Chermside West — *Photo Credit: Radschool.Org*

Dicker then pursued a career as an air hostess, eventually settling down to raise a family that includes two daughters and six grandchildren.

Now residing at the TriCare aged care facility, Dicker reflects on her service with a mixture of pride and disillusionment regarding the Vietnam War, which she regards as a futile conflict. Yet, nearly six decades later, she holds no fear of retribution for her once-classified work, even as she steps back from the physical demands of the Anzac Day march.

Her life is a tribute to the many Australians whose quiet contributions underpinned historical conflicts with service and sacrifice.

Published 22-April-2024

Residents Warned: Multi-Residential Carparks Targeted by Thieves in Chermside

Police have identified multi-residential complexes in Chermside and Hamilton as prime targets for theft. Numerous reports of stolen property from storage cages and vehicles, primarily occurring overnight, underscore an escalating concern.

Rash of Break-ins

The latest breach occurred overnight on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, when thieves infiltrated an underground car park on Kittyhawk Street, Chermside. Several storage cages were emptied of their contents in a brazen act of theft

Similarly, on the night of Friday, March 29, intruders broke into a car park on Harbour Road, Hamilton, and stole tools and clothing from a parked vehicle. Chermside saw additional offences that night, with two separate unit complexes on Curwen Terrace reporting break-ins and thefts.

Alarming Crime Statistics

From January 8 to April 7, 2024, Chermside has witnessed a staggering 731 offences, with 78 cases of unlawful entry and 354 instances of other thefts. This category encompasses property theft without force or unlawful entry, revealing a concerning pattern of criminal behaviour in the area.

Chermside Unlawful Entry — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Authorities urge residents to adopt stringent security measures and maintain vigilance. Key recommendations include establishing robust personal security routines, liaising closely with building management, ensuring familiarity with building evacuation and safety protocols, and employing physical security enhancements such as quality door and window locks.

Chermside theft cluster — Theft clusters
Photo Credit: QPS

Residents are also advised to minimise the storage of valuables in accessible areas, secure bicycles and motorcycles effectively, and exercise caution with car security, including the use of anti-theft screws for registration plates.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Residents who have information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444. To report crime information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Please quote the reference numbers QP2400579472, QP2400553992, QP2400556990, or QP2400562298 when providing information.

Published 8-April-2024

Five-Year Prison Sentence for Chermside Lego Store Manager Following Theft and Arson

The former store manager of a Lego store in Chermside has been sentenced to five years in prison for stealing $60,000 in cash and merchandise, and causing $70,000 in fire damage to conceal the theft.

In 2020, the store manager of a Westfield Chermside Lego outlet misappropriated 40 boxes of Lego and nearly $60,000 from the store to support a gambling addiction. The theft led to an elaborate cover-up attempt, where the manager set fire to the shopping centre’s stockroom, significantly damaging stock from Lego and neighbouring stores, Specsavers and Macpac.

Upon discovering the theft and subsequent arson, an investigation quickly focused on the manager. The escalation of the case resulted in the manager’s attempt to evade consequences by committing further thefts in Longreach while on bail. These actions led to an additional $10,000 stolen from a new employer.

Presented before the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the Chermside Lego store manager pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated fraud, endangering property by fire, and stealing by a clerk or servant.

The court handed down a sentence of five years for aggravated fraud, with concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentences for the other charges, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crimes and the breach of trust involved.

The prosecution and defence addressed the court on the impact of the manager’s actions and her personal circumstances, including mental health issues tied to her gambling addiction.

The Chief Judge emphasised the sentence’s role in punishment, deterrence, protection of the community, and the offender’s rehabilitation.

Published 3-April-2024

New Adina Apartment Hotel Coming to Chermside

Toga Far East Hotels (TFE Hotels) is expanding its Adina apartment hotel brand into the fast-growing Chermside with the signing of the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside.

Read: Major Residential Project Proposed for Kelso Street

The 148-key hotel is being developed in partnership with local firm Limitless Developments and is slated to open in 2025.

Designed by WMK Architecture, the new-build hotel will be centrally located in the heart of Chermside, about a 20-minute drive north of Brisbane’s central business district.

Photo credit: Adina Hotels/WMK Architecture

The hotel aims to offer a modern experience for guests with amenities like an all-day dining restaurant, cafe/bar, lobby lounge, meeting room, gym, rainwater harvesting, and on-site parking.

The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE Hotels, providing an opportunity for them to expand their Adina footprint from two hotels to three in the powerhouse state of Queensland.

“Adina Chermside brings a homegrown hotel brand to this important suburb, filling a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital,” the company website stated.

The new hotel is being developed in anticipation of the transformative decade ahead as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Chermside itself is one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing suburban areas, with the population projected to nearly double by 2036 as it emerges as a secondary CBD for the northern suburbs.

The Adina will be owned by local developer Limitless Developments, which has over $150 million of completed projects in its portfolio and another $160 million in active developments underway in Southeast Queensland.

Owner Nick Barr has more than 25 years of experience in the Brisbane market and is deeply involved in community philanthropy, including an annual 1,000km charity cycle to raise funds for The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

Read: Easing Traffic in Chermside: Over 900m of Gympie Road Transitway Completed

With its prime suburban location and community-minded ownership, the new Adina Apartment Hotel Chermside Brisbane looks to be an exciting addition to the booming Brisbane hospitality scene in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

Major Residential Project Proposed for Kelso Street

A 10-storey development featuring 226 residential units has been proposed for Kelso Street in Chermside.

Read: Affordable and Social Housing Project Underway in Chermside

The plans, designed by architectural firm Telha Clarke, would see the current single-storey dwellings at 10-18 Kelso Street demolished to make way for the large-scale housing project.

The proposed development would have a total gross floor area of 21,567 sqm, with 12,338 sqm dedicated to residential spaces.

It would feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, including 60 studios, 107 one-bedrooms, 56 two-bedrooms and 3 three-bedrooms.

The design incorporates a number of amenities for residents, including 813 sqm of communal space spread throughout the floors. There would also be 296 sqm of deep planting or green space, meeting the 10 percent site coverage requirement.

Parking and transportation provisions have been made with 167 car parking spaces and 284 secured bicycle spaces. Vehicle access would be from a new crossover on Kelso Street, while separate pedestrian access would lead to the main lobby.

According to planning documents, the building has been designed to appear as two separate forms with strategic breaks along the facade and recessed balconies to reduce visual bulk. A central spine would connect the two sides of the development and would be significantly set back from the street.

“The site provides a great opportunity for Brisbane, as a growing World City, to advocate housing quality in medium and high-density apartment living in the form of a 10-storey purpose built build to rent residential development,” said planners about the development.

“Furthermore, due to much-needed housing supply, the proposal will deliver an alternate housing product (of an appropriate scale) in a location with great access to jobs, services, amenities, public transport, critical care lightweight appearance and highlight the balconies.”

Read: ‘Gram-Worthy Brunch Spot Andonis Cafe & Bar Chermside Now Open

The development application is currently under assessment by Brisbane City Council. If approved, it would mark a major increase in housing density for the area.

Published 26-February-2024

Easing Traffic in Chermside: Over 900m of Gympie Road Transitway Completed

Over 900 metres of the Gympie Road transitway have been completed in both directions as part of efforts to alleviate congestion and enhance travel efficiency for commuters in Chermside and other areas in North Brisbane.

The Northern Transitway, stretching from Sadlier Street to Rode Road, is slated for full opening in April 2024, marking a milestone in the ongoing project’s completion. These dedicated bus lanes are designed to facilitate more efficient bus travel, thereby separating buses from general traffic and resulting in substantial travel time savings.

Whilst progress is commendable, attention is now shifting towards the remaining section of the project, from Rode Road to Hamilton Road. This segment will change to better integrate with the proposed Gympie Road Bypass project.

Northern Transitway Chermside — Photo Credit: Translink

Anticipated to align with the release of the Gympie Road Bypass Investment proposal later this year, this shift aims to enhance the integration of the transitway with the broader transportation infrastructure, including proposed upgrades to the Chermside Bus Interchange.

Undoubtedly, the delivery of the Northern Transitway project has not been without its challenges, with considerable cost pressures and unexpected complexities, particularly in replacing old underground stormwater drainage structures. Nonetheless, efforts to mitigate these issues are already underway, ensuring the project’s completion aligns with the broader vision of enhancing transportation networks in the region.

The impact of these developments on the community is substantial, as articulated by Member for Stafford, Jimmy Sullivan.

“More than 9,000 people currently use buses to travel along Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside each weekday,” Mr Sullivan said.

“By separating buses from general traffic, the Northern Transitway is reducing congestion, delivering higher frequency services, improving service reliability and bonus travel time savings during peak periods.

As the project progresses, all Gympie Road bus stops from Stafford Road to Rode Road are set to open in April, further alleviating congestion and improving traffic times along this critical corridor. With completion milestones reached in April 2023 and December 2023, the project continues to forge ahead, with the next section to Rode Road anticipated for completion in April.

For commuters seeking information and planning their journeys, resources such as the MyTranslink app, the Translink website, and customer service helpline 13 12 30 remain invaluable tools

Published 13-Feb-2024

Expanding Horizons: Stepping Stone Clubhouse Opens in Chermside

Stepping Stone Clubhouse has opened a new clubhouse in Chermside, servicing locals within the suburbs of North Brisbane, including Wavell Heights and Geebung.

Stepping Stone Clubhouse was founded in 1994, born out of a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support services in Brisbane. Its establishment was driven by the philosophy of the Clubhouse model, which emphasises the value of a supportive community environment for individuals recovering from mental illness.

For over a decade, the dream of having a Clubhouse in the northside has been nurtured by Stepping Stone, and this dream has finally come true in 2024.

Members of the Stepping Stone Clubhouse hail from the entire Brisbane region and adjacent catchments. A substantial 29 per cent of Stepping Stone’s membership resides in the northern suburbs, with only one-fifth of them attending the current Clubhouse located in Coorparoo for more than 10 hours in the last calendar year.

Distance has been a major barrier for Northside members, hindering consistent participation. This new venture aims to bridge this gap and provide support to individuals living with mental illness in the Northside communities.

Finding the Perfect Spot

A meticulous analysis was conducted by a business consultant to determine the ideal location for the new Clubhouse. The assessment took into account existing services in the north and identified crucial gaps that needed addressing.

Additionally, proximity to public transport and employment opportunities was a key consideration. Chermside emerged as the chosen location, owing to its vibrant atmosphere and potential for collaboration with local businesses and services.

Stepping Stone Clubhouse Chermside — Photo Credit: Stepping Stone Clubhouse

Overcoming Challenges

Securing recurring funding posed the most significant challenge in establishing the northside clubhouse. However, earlier this year, Stepping Stone received promising news as Queensland Health committed funding to kickstart this transformative initiative.

The new Clubhouse promises to foster a sense of community, belonging, and fulfilment for individuals grappling with mental health concerns. Operating in a non-clinical, psychosocial environment, it aims to facilitate members’ journey towards rebuilding their lives.

This approach not only enhances the well-being of members but also reduces reliance on clinical support services, including hospitalization. As members regain confidence, reintegrate into the workforce, and actively engage with the local community, the benefits ripple outwards, positively impacting families and the broader community.

Programs and Progress

Similar programs to those offered at the existing Clubhouse, such as the Work Ordered Day and the Healthy Active Lifestyle Program (HALP), will be available at the new facility.

The Work Ordered Day program focuses on collaborative efforts between members and staff to manage daily tasks and share meals. HALP will initially offer lunchtime options like walks, meditation sessions, and swimming, gradually expanding to include evening and weekend activities. Social recreation programs will also be emphasized, recognizing the importance of community engagement in fostering friendships and a sense of connection.

Membership at Stepping Stone has been instrumental in transforming lives across various domains, including health, social interactions, employment, and education. The supportive and non-judgmental community provided by the Clubhouse empowers individuals to achieve their goals and integrate into their local communities with newfound confidence and skills.

Published 9-Feb-2024

St Vincent’s Private Hospital to Open Advanced Radiation Centre in Chermside

St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Chermside is set to inaugurate a state-of-the-art radiation therapy centre in collaboration with the Icon Cancer Centre.

For a comprehensive and seamless cancer care experience, the new facility is expected to eliminate the need for patients to seek radiation therapy services elsewhere, underscoring a commitment to providing integrated, high-quality cancer care to the local community.

This groundbreaking initiative comes as a response to the evolving needs of cancer patients, where treatment often involves a combination of therapies ranging from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation.

Around 50 per cent of all patients diagnosed with cancer require radiation oncology treatment, and until now, they haven’t had access to these services at St Vincent’s Northside.

Icon Cancer Centre’s selection as a partner stems from its reputation in designing and constructing world-class radiation oncology centres and delivering top-tier cancer care.

Chermside — Photo Credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside/Google Maps

The new radiation therapy centre will offer a range of advanced treatment options, including Varian’s HyperArc for advanced brain cancer, Surface Guided Radiation Therapy, and tattoo-free advanced radiation therapy. The Varian linear accelerator, capable of delivering 18,000 radiation therapy treatments annually, represents a significant leap forward in treatment technology.

“Many patients going through chemotherapy are quite unwell, and with those patients that also require radiation treatment, it’s extremely beneficial to provide on-site, integrated cancer care,” St Vincent’s Northside medical oncologist, Dr. Rick Abraham, emphasised the positive impact of an on-site radiation facility on patient care.

The collaborative effort promises a multidisciplinary approach, excellent facilities, and robust collaboration to create a service that will make a difference to patients in Brisbane’s northside.

The new radiation therapy centre is expected to commence operations in late 2024.

Tragic Incident in Chermside Park: Pet Dog Fatally Mauled

A pet dog, incapacitated and resting in a pram, was viciously dragged out and mauled to death in a deeply disturbing incident at the 7th Brigade Park in Chermside, raising serious concerns about public safety and animal control in the area.

Per reports, a pig dog, unaccompanied and unleashed, perpetrated the shocking attack. It dragged a 14-year-old arthritic Maltese named Phoenix from its pram, leading to the pet’s tragic demise despite desperate efforts to save it.

This horrific incident unfolded amid the park’s tranquil setting, a stark contrast to the violent act that transpired.

The residents of Chermside have expressed deep distress and fear following this incident.

With a history of similar attacks in the area, the community is increasingly worried about the safety of their children and pets. The fact that Phoenix was extracted from a pram adds a chilling dimension to the threat, highlighting the potential danger to even the most vulnerable park-goers.

Chermside 7th Brigade Park — Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt/Unsplash

In the wake of the attack, immediate measures were taken. The pig dog was restrained and subsequently seized by authorities. The local Council has been urged to intensify patrols and consider additional safety measures in the park, frequented by families and pet owners.

Civic Cabinet Chair for City Standards, Kim Marx, has underscored the Council’s serious approach to animal attacks. Investigations are ongoing, and the incident has cast a spotlight on the broader issue of dog attacks in the region.

With over 300 recorded attacks in Queensland in the latter half of 2023 alone, the urgency for effective solutions is needed.

Published 19-Jan-2024

Chermside’s Myer Store Unveils Major Revamp

The landmark Myer store in Chermside, a familiar destination for shoppers since 1959, has undergone a significant transformation, re-emerging with a fresh, modern design.

The store, located in Westfield Chermside, opened its doors to the public after a comprehensive refurbishment process that started in 2022.

The refurbishment has introduced a raft of changes aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. New lighting, flooring, and fixtures have been installed, and the store’s layout has been opened up by removing many existing walls.

Myer Chermside — Photo Credit: Si Vi/Google Maps

The entrance and customer amenities, including modern change rooms, have also received upgrades. These improvements aim to present Myer’s brands and extensive offerings in a new light.

The store now features 27 new brands, including popular names like Mimco, American Eagle, Witchery, Jo Malone, Country Road, and Politix. This expansion has been well received by customers who appreciate the new lighting and vibrant colours. Patrons are also expressing excitement about the new brands. Younger customers have noticed more options catering to their tastes.

With its fresh look and expanded brand offering, Chermside Myer is poised to provide a revitalised shopping experience, maintaining its long-standing presence in the community and evolving with the changing retail landscape.

Whilst the Chermside store’s revamp marks a significant milestone, the future of Myer’s iconic CBD store remains uncertain after its recent closure. Myer CEO John King confirmed the search for a new location in Brisbane CBD, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to its customers and the local community.

Published 24-Nov-2023