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Wacol Honours 40 Police Dogs with QPS Canine Service Medal

Some 40 Queensland Police Service (QPS) Police Dogs received the QPS Canine Service Medal in Wacol, recognising their crucial role in keeping the community safe through tracking offenders and supporting investigations.

The awards ceremony took place on 23 July 2024, with Minister for Police and Community Safety, Mark Ryan, in attendance to help present the medals.

Growth of the QPS Dog Squad

Since its official establishment in December 1972, the QPS Dog Squad has grown significantly in both strength and size. Today, Police Dogs are considered an essential part of frontline policing operations.

PD Kaos: A Brave Veteran

Among the honoured recipients was 12-year-old PD Kaos, accompanied by his handler, Senior Constable Jim Griffiths. Kaos served from 2014 to 2021, demonstrating exceptional bravery and dedication.

“Kaos has been an outstanding partner, helping to bring countless offenders to justice during his service,” Senior Constable Griffiths shared.

On 2 February 2020, PD Kaos was seriously injured when stabbed during an arrest in Gordon Park. Despite this setback, he recovered and returned to duty just a month later.

“Kaos’s resilience and dedication to protecting the community, even after such a traumatic experience, truly exemplify the spirit of our Police Dogs,” said Senior Constable Griffiths.

Future of the Canine Service Medal

The QPS plans to extend the nomination process for the Canine Service Medal. It will soon be available retrospectively for dogs who served from 1990 onwards, including those seriously injured or killed before meeting the five-year service threshold.

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski emphasised the importance of the Canine Service Medal.

“The Dog Squad is a remarkable capability that delivers outstanding operational success right across Queensland to keep our community safe.”

“Our canine capability complements the tremendous work of our on-road crews, and the ability of police dogs to apprehend offenders quickly significantly enhances our tactical response to prevent further crime from occurring.”

Published 25-July-2024

Paws and Protectors: Wacol Welcomes Furry Frontline Heroes to Corrections Team

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) Harvey, Shadow, Shaq, Jet, Forest and Derek graduated alongside 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers, bolstering the frontline of community safety.

The ceremony took place in June 2024, marking the end of a 12-week intensive training program for the canine graduates and a 10-week Custodial Officer Entry Program for their human counterparts.

New Paws on Patrol

The six graduating dogs, trained in General-Purpose and Passive Alert Drug Detection, will soon be deployed to various correctional facilities across Queensland. David Hurikino, Acting Dog Squad State Manager for QCS, highlighted the importance of these new additions:

“It is a privilege to welcome the new handlers and dogs to the QCS Dog Squad knowing they will be a vital asset to their correctional centres,” Hurikino said. “The bond between a corrective services dog and their handler is a deep one, built over countless hours of training, working, and living together.”

Wacol welcomed six new four-legged recruits to Queensland Corrective Services — *Photo Credit: Supplied/QCS*

Human Recruits Join the Ranks

Alongside their canine colleagues, 70 new Custodial Corrections Officers graduated after completing their training. These officers from diverse backgrounds including mining, hospitality, and real estate have been trained in conflict management, tactical skills, and prisoner rehabilitation.

Jess Pugh, Member for Mount Ommaney, emphasised the significance of these roles: “These are good, rewarding Queensland jobs on the frontline of community safety delivering innovative, effective, evidence-based correctional services and rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”

Corrective Services Minister Nikki Boyd noted the government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional system, noting the more than $1.8 billion investment in Corrective Services from the State. Boyd also highlighted that over 700 new QCS officers have been trained in the past year.

“Our officers are our greatest asset, and we thank them all for their commitment to protecting the safety of Queensland communities,” QCS Commissioner Paul Stewart APM said.

The Queensland Corrective Services continues to offer career opportunities for those interested in joining the frontline of community safety. Eligible candidates may even receive relocation assistance for certain postings, demonstrating the ongoing effort to staff correctional facilities across the state.

Published 25-July-2024

Ex-Centenary State High School Student goes for Gold in Paris

Former Centenary State High School student, Teremoana Teremoana Jr is on a mission: to put the name of his late grandfather’s name, Teremoana Tangauru, into the history books. Since he was a kid, he has visualized being on the Olympic podium with the Australian national anthem playing.

It’s not always been a smooth road though, as he quit boxing at the age of 19 because he felt he was missing out on all the social activity his friends were enjoying whilst he was in the gym training.

After a two-year break, his determination to build a legacy in the name of his late grandfather brought him back to the sport.

Teremoana recently won a Super Heavyweight Gold medal in the Pacific Games and defeated Abner Teixeira, the Tokyo Heavyweight Bronze medalist. During the fight, Teremoana delivered a brutal combination to Teixeira, causing the Brazilian to steady himself on the ropes to avoid falling. The referee gave Teixeira a standing count and declared the fight over. Teremoana then performed a Cook Islands Haka and seemed to expend more energy doing so than the brutal KO of his opponent.

Be under no illusion this guy is a very serious boxer!

At Centenary State High, he played volleyball and is remembered for his fearsome hitting in the Open Volleyball team. Another Centenary student, Grant Irvine, represented Australia in the Rio Olympics in the 200m Butterfly.

Weighing in at around 120kg, he may well have a considerable weight and power advantage over many in the 92+ kg Super Heavyweight divison.

His coach, Shara Romer and QAS Strength and Conditioning Coach Patrick Castelli have him well prepared for the journey and Teremoana certainly won’t lack family support.

His mum is Australian and his dad is from the Cook Islands. His dad got Teremoana into boxing at the age of 12 so that he could look after his sisters. He trains at the Boxing Shop in Salisbury and he will embark on his Paris Olympics campaign from Monday 29 July late evening into Tuesday morning Brisbane time. The fight draw and schedule are yet to be set.

There will then be a four-day break before the quarter finals from the early hours to the morning of 3 August with the semi-finals on 8 August and the final on 11 August at 6:51 a.m. Brisbane time.

Let’s hope Teremoana can bring a Gold medal back to Inala where he lives.

Stan Sports will show all 329 events live spread across 40 individual channels.

Published 24-July-2024

Climate Council Report Reveals Brisbane’s Public Transport Accessibility Issues

A new report by the Climate Council has analysed public transport systems in Australia’s major cities, with findings indicating that Brisbane faces significant challenges in providing widespread access to frequent services.

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The report, Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities, reveals a stark reality for suburban dwellers, particularly those in areas like Riverhills.

Riverhills, located approximately 19 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, has been specifically named as one of the areas with the poorest access to public transport. This revelation comes as part of a broader finding that about two-thirds of residents in the greater Brisbane region lack access to frequent, all-day public transport services.

A bus stop at Horizon Drive at Riverhills (Photo credit: Google Street View)

The situation in Riverhills exemplifies a wider problem across Brisbane and other Australian capitals. According to the report, a staggering 66.4 percent of Brisbane residents miss out on all-day, frequent services.

This figure is the highest among major Australian cities, followed by Perth (59.5 percent), Adelaide (52.4 percent), Melbourne (47.5 percent), and Sydney (32.8 percent).

For Riverhills residents, this lack of reliable public transport translates to increased dependence on private vehicles, contributing to higher living costs and increased pollution.

According to the report, the majority of Brisbane residents living beyond an 8-kilometre radius from the city centre experience a significant decline in access to reliable and frequent public transport options.

Climate Council councillor Greg Bourne highlighted that the infrequency of services is a major deterrent for potential public transport users. The organisation advocates for services to run at least every 15 minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, and to be within 800 metres of every home in Australia’s capital cities – a far cry from the current situation in some suburbs.

Read: RACQ Report Reveals Centenary Motorway Slower than School Zone Speeds During Peak Hours

In response to these findings, Queensland’s Transport Minister Bart Mellish defended the state government’s record, claiming unprecedented investment in public and active transport. He promised ongoing collaboration with Brisbane City Council to enhance bus services, particularly for those living far from ferry stops or train stations.

The Climate Council’s report serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in creating equitable, accessible public transport systems that truly serve all urban dwellers, not just those close to the CBD.

Published 12-July-2024

Centenary State High Alum Teremoana Teremoana Punches His Way to Paris Olympics

Centenary State High School alum Teremoana Teremoana is now aiming for his Olympic gold, after qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this rising star in Australian boxing, whose path from high school athlete to Olympic hopeful is as inspiring as it is impressive.

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Born Teremoana Junior Teremoana, the 2015 Centenary State High School graduate has deep roots in the Cook Islands, though he was raised in Brisbane. His boxing career began at age 12 when his father introduced him to the sport, initially as a means to protect his sisters.

For a decade, boxing was part of Teremoana’s life, but it wasn’t until a personal tragedy that he fully committed to the sport. The loss of his grandfather, his namesake Teremoana Tangauru, just before his 21st birthday became a turning point.

Teremoana with his grandmother and mother (Photo credit: Boxing Australia/Facebook)

“After I turned 21, I just looked at everything and thought, nah stuff this, I’m going to give it a go, give it a crack, because what can you lose?” Teremoana reflected.

Standing at an imposing 198cm (6’6″) and weighing 122kg, his physical presence is formidable. However, outside the ring, he’s described as quietly spoken and very family-oriented. This gentle giant has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

In 2023, he claimed the Australian super heavyweight championship. He then secured his Olympic berth at the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, where he remained undefeated and claimed gold in the +92kg category.

Centenary State High School proudly celebrates their alumnus’ achievements, remembering him as a “fearsome ‘hitter'” on the open volleyball team. Now, as Teremoana prepares for the Paris Olympics, his goal is clear: “I don’t want to be good, I want to be great, I want to be the best.”

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This boxing champ from Brisbane is poised to make his mark on the Olympic stage, embodying the spirit of determination that took him from high school sports to the pinnacle of amateur boxing.

Published 2-July-2024

Filmmaker from Mt Ommaney Debuts Acclaimed Horror Feature ‘In The Room Where He Waits’

Mt Ommaney native Timothy Despina Marshall is set to showcase his critically acclaimed debut feature film “In the Room Where He Waits” in Brisbane cinemas.

Read: Meet the Next Generation of Dance Superstars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner

“In the Room Where He Waits,” a psychological horror that has been hailed as “the year’s best Australian horror” and “one of the best Australian debut features,” marks the realisation of Marshall’s long-held dream to create his first film in his hometown.

Marshall’s journey from a horror-obsessed kid in Mt Ommaney to an award-winning filmmaker is a testament to his passion and perseverance. He honed his craft using nothing more than a camcorder and a bottle of tomato sauce for fake blood, creating amateur horror flicks with his friends.

“This film looks at fears of loneliness and aging, and brings them to life in an unnerving claustrophobic nightmare,” Marshall explains, drawing parallels between his work and the collective experience of isolation during recent global events. “I wanted the hotel room Tobin is trapped in to become the manifestation of his deepest fears. Something many of us can relate to after spending so much time stuck inside in recent years.”

The film centres on Tobin Wade, an ambitious young star played by rising talent Daniel Monks. Forced to isolate in a hotel room before his father’s funeral, Wade confronts his subconscious fears as they materialise around him, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.

Monks, known for his roles in indie horror “Sissy” and the Aussie-made American comedy “Ricky Stanicky,” brings depth to the tormented lead. His involvement, along with his upcoming appearance in Netflix’s “Kaos” alongside Jeff Goldblum, adds to the film’s growing buzz.

Marshall’s Mt Ommaney roots have clearly influenced his artistic vision, proving that sometimes, you don’t have to venture far from home to make a significant impact in the film industry. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers in Brisbane and beyond.

Reviews

“Not only one of the best queer Australian films it is also one of the best Australian debut features. Haunting, deeply affecting, and resonant.”
Nadine Whitney (Alliance of Women Film Journalists)

Director Timothy Despina Marshall has crafted an intensely claustrophobic film. While many of us are still attempting to heal from the trauma that was the Covid-19 pandemic (particularly if you lived in Melbourne!) and this film does a great job of really tapping into that to capitalise on any unresolved feelings you have about this period. Having the lead trapped in a room, unable to leave for any reason is also the perfect setting for a horror movie.
Alaisdair Leith, Novastream Network

Local film enthusiasts can catch “In the Room Where He Waits” at a special screening this Sunday, June 30, 4:00 pm at Dendy Coorparoo.

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As Timothy Despina Marshall’s star continues to rise, Mt Ommaney can proudly claim him as one of their own – a local whose childhood passion has blossomed into a promising career in the competitive world of filmmaking.

Published 26-June-2024

Westlake Leads Pause on Food Waste Recycling Service

Brisbane announced a pause in its food waste recycling service, affecting suburbs like Westlake. This temporary suspension follows a successful trial that provided valuable insights into the community’s food waste behaviours, which will inform the planning of an expanded recycling programme in the future.

Effective 1 July 2024, food waste will no longer be accepted in the green waste recycling bins of residents in the participating suburbs, like Westlake. Despite this change, the green waste recycling bins in eligible service areas will continue to be collected on the regular fortnightly schedule.

Residents’ Adaptation and Future Plans

Residents who have received a food waste caddy from the Council are encouraged to repurpose it for home composting or worm farming. These caddies, crafted from recycled materials, can also be used to transport food scraps to the nearest Community Composting Hub. In the event of damage, the caddy can be recycled by placing it in the yellow recycling bin.

Key Insights from the Trial

The trial’s findings have shed light on Brisbane’s food waste habits, which will play a crucial role in shaping a more extensive food waste recycling service. The insights gained will aid in developing strategies to improve waste management and sustainability across the city.

While the food waste recycling service is on hold, the city remains committed to enhancing its waste management systems. The Council is using this hiatus to refine and expand the programme, ensuring a more efficient and comprehensive service in the future.

Ongoing Green Waste Collection

During this pause, the city reassures residents that their green waste recycling bins will still be collected as usual. This continuation ensures that the temporary suspension of the food waste service does not disrupt the overall waste management routine in Westlake.

Community Involvement and Sustainability Efforts

The Council encourages all residents to continue their efforts in sustainable waste management. By using the provided food waste caddies for home composting or participating in community composting initiatives, residents can still contribute to reducing the environmental impact of food waste.

This pause in the service is a strategic step towards a more effective and widespread food waste recycling programme in the future. Westlake’s commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management remains steadfast as the city plans for an improved service that benefits the entire community.

Published Date 21-June-2024

Man Wanted in Fatal Crash in Wacol Surrenders, Faces Multiple Charges

A man sought by Queensland Police in connection with a fatal traffic crash in Wacol has turned himself in approximately a week after the incident, now confronting a litany of charges stemming from the tragic collision.

Read: Wacol Hit-and-Run Leaves Gold Coast Man Dead, Two Hospitalised

The crash in Wacol, which took place on May 28 at the intersection of Boundary Road and Progress Road, involved a Ford Mondeo and a Toyota Camry, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old man identified as Ryan Grafton, a passenger in the Camry.

Initially fleeing the scene, the driver of the Ford Mondeo, identified as Kai Fursey, a 28-year-old from Goodna, was the subject of a widespread manhunt and public appeal by the Queensland Police. CCTV footage captured a figure fleeing the site shortly after the collision, prompting intensified efforts to locate Fursey.

Upon his surrender, Fursey was promptly arrested and now faces a slew of charges including murder, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm, driving whilst disqualified, possession of property suspected of being involved in a drug offence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and multiple counts of drug possession, receiving tainted property, and stealing.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

Court documents revealed Fursey allegedly took registration plates from Eight Mile Plains and Redbank Plains between May 19 and May 29.

Appearing before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on June 5, Fursey did not seek bail, consistent with Queensland law where bail applications for murder charges must be made in the Supreme Court. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that police required additional time to finalise their case before submitting it to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Read: Violent Carjacking Targets Ride-Share Driver in Mount Ommaney

The case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of charges and the tragic loss of life involved in the incident. Authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash as legal proceedings progress.

Published 18-June-2024

Meet the Next Generation of Dance Superstars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner

In Sumner, the Centenary Dance Academy is nurturing the next generation of dance superstars. Dance teachers have identified several standout students who are poised to make significant impacts on the dance world.

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Here are five young dancers from the Sumner dance school who are turning heads and winning hearts with their exceptional talent and dedication.

Nadine Mae Cabrera, 13

Nadine Mae Cabrera’s name is synonymous with excellence in dance. At just 13, she has already achieved remarkable feats, including winning the prestigious Jacqueline Morland Awards from the Royal Academy of Dance.

Her trophy cabinet is brimming with accolades from local dance eisteddfods, where she has shone both as a solo performer and as part of a group. Nadine’s talent was also showcased on a grand stage at the Ballet International Gala in Brisbane. Just recently, she was named as one of the eight finalists for the BPAC Intermediate Ballet Scholarship.

Her love for dance is evident in her passionate performances, where she embraces the freedom and joy that dancing brings.

Ashley Chen, 10

Ashley Chen has been dancing since she was two years old, mastering ballet, lyrical, tap, and jazz at Centenary Dance Academy. Her dedication has paid off with numerous awards at various eisteddfods, including a first and third place at a national competition.

Next January, she will be gracing the stage at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre as Snow White with Ballet Theatre Queensland. Ashley’s meticulous attention to detail in class translates beautifully on stage, where she thrives on the challenge of perfecting her craft.

Malcolm Doyle, 9

Photo credit: Centenary Dance Academy/Facebook

Malcolm Doyle’s dancing prowess has earned him acceptance into four prestigious international ballet schools, with three offering him full tuition scholarships. Competing in eisteddfods across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, Malcolm consistently takes home first-place awards.

His talent has also been featured in performances of Sleeping Beauty with the Queensland Ballet Company and Ballet Theatre Queensland. Malcolm finds joy and fulfilment in the expressive and challenging nature of dance, working hard to achieve his goals and savouring the happiness it brings.

Alexia Henderson, 10

Alexia Henderson is another promising young talent at Centenary Dance Academy. She excels in ballet, lyrical, and jazz, earning accolades at multiple Ipswich eisteddfods. Alexia’s enthusiasm for dance is fueled by the camaraderie with her friends in class and the exhilarating experience of performing on stage. Her passion and dedication are evident in every performance, making her a dancer to watch.

Kayla York, 16

At 16, Kayla York is already a seasoned performer and an emerging dance educator. She has achieved a Certificate III in Dance and is currently pursuing a Certificate IV in Dance at RAW Dance Company.

Alongside her studies in ballet and jazz, Kayla also serves as an assistant teacher at Centenary Dance Academy. She finds immense joy in the storytelling aspect of dance, relishing the challenge of mastering new steps and perfecting her routines. Kayla’s commitment to dance and her ability to inspire others make her a standout in her field.

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These five rising stars from Centenary Dance Academy in Sumner embody the passion, dedication, and talent that define future dance superstars. As they continue to hone their skills and chase their dreams, they are sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance.

Published 9-June-2024

Beer Recall at Seventeen Mile Rocks: Health Risks Cited

White Lies Brewing Company has recalled its Hazy Craze Sessions NEIPA beer sold at Seventeen Mile Rocks due to unexpected secondary fermentation that has increased alcohol and carbonation levels, posing potential health risks.

Consumers are strongly advised not to consume, open, or even keep the affected beer, which has a best-before date of 1 February 2025.

The beer was distributed in 500ml cans and is available at First Choice Liquor stores across Queensland and directly from the brewery’s taprooms at Sumner and Seventeen Mile Rocks.

The presence of excess alcohol and carbonation in food products may lead to illness or injury. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, this unexpected change in the beer’s composition has elevated it to a potential food safety hazard. The company has urgently requested that consumers who have purchased this beer dispose of it safely and contact them for reimbursement and further disposal instructions.

White Lies Brewing Company has taken full responsibility for the mishap, emphasising their commitment to quality and safety. They have established formal product recall procedures and are retrieving the affected stock from trade.

Fortunately, less than five cartons of the affected product reached end customers before the issue was identified. The company reassures that those who have purchased the product can return it for a full refund.

Established in 2013 by Lee McAlister-Smiley, a former engineer turned brewer, White Lies Brewing began in a garage but soon expanded to become Queensland’s first residential brewery. Known for its innovative approach to craft brewing, the company has garnered numerous accolades, including medals at both Australian and International Beer Awards.

Following its expansion in 2016, White Lies also ventured into distilling, producing a selection of craft spirits.

Published 6-June-2024