Homepage Latest News - Page 16 of 39

New Youth Remand Facility to Boost Detention Capacity in Wacol

An ambitious plan to fast-track the construction of a new youth remand facility has been laid out Wacol, bolstering the state’s detention capacity and improving access to support services for young people in detention.

Backed by a substantial investment of $250 million, the facility will be a critical addition to the existing youth detention infrastructure.

Early works on this state-of-the-art facility are set to commence October 2023, with a rapid build construction approach in place to ensure the first stage of the project is completed by 2024. The location of the new facility will be on land owned by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), situated near the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre.

Construction and Design Innovation

The Queensland Police Service is taking the lead in the construction of this facility, working closely with the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training to ensure it meets the highest standards and is specifically designed for individuals held in custody.

With the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 young people, the facility will feature common exercise areas and offer access to educational, medical, and therapeutic resources within the adjacent detention complex.

What makes this project unique is the utilisation of rapid build technology and a modular design to expedite the construction process. The Queensland Police Service has already engaged experienced consultants specialising in the design and construction of large-scale modular correctional facilities, ensuring that the project progresses efficiently.

Operation and Purpose

Upon completion, the Wacol facility will be operated by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training and will exclusively house young people in detention until the new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns become operational. This significant development will help address the critical need for enhanced detention capacity and the delivery of much-needed services for young people in the criminal justice system.

“Our government is listening, and we are acting. There is nothing more important than keeping the community safe, and we know we need more detention capacity,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “This youth remand centre will provide best-practice services to young people who have found themselves on the wrong path so early in life.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan emphasised the importance of community safety.

“The fast-track plans for a new youth remand facility means we can quickly increase detention capacity while ensuring we are providing appropriate services for young people in detention. It will reduce the need for young people to be held in watchhouses while they are awaiting placement in a detention centre while also enabling improved access to support resources and services.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll also highlighted the advantages of the facility’s location.

“The QPS Wacol precinct is an ideal location to build this facility as it is located right next to the current youth detention centre, allowing for easy access to a range of government services. The facility will significantly boost watchhouse capacity for the QPS into the future, which is a good outcome for operational staff and prisoners held in police custody.”

With this new youth remand facility, the Queensland government aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the justice system while enhancing community safety and the capacity to address youth crime effectively. Early works on the project signal the state’s commitment to rapid progress in this crucial area.

Published 18-Oct-2023

Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A 72-place childcare centre has been proposed at 675 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Sinnamon Park. To facilitate the development, the application also seeks permission for partial demolition, relocation and alterations of both a State and Local heritage place.

An analysis of the local area indicated that only two (2) existing childcare centres exist within the Sinnamon Park catchment and that these centres have no further capacity or vacancy to support additional places, indicating a requirement for additional supply to meet the growing demand.

The developer is thus proposing a childcare centre that can accommodate up to 72 places which it considers appropriately sized to service its local catchment area.

Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

To accommodate the development, the proposal will involve the retention and repurposing of the existing heritage church. In its application documents, the developer stated that the proposed childcare centre with the support of a heritage architect has been designed to enable it to integrate the heritage church into the development.

“The proposed design achieves the intent of the Emerging community zone as it provides a compatible bulk and scale that integrates with the built form of the surrounding locality. This is reflected through a 2-3 storey built form maintained below a compliant level of 9.5m. Furthermore, the development incorporates generous boundary setbacks and landscaping that is compatible with the residential character and amenity of the area,” the Town Planning Alliance assessment report states.

The proposed development will incorporate opportunities for deep planting, landscaping and acoustic fencing in order to mitigate any potential adverse impacts on neighbouring uses. The design also employs elements and features that result in a well-articulated facade and a high level of streetscape appeal.

A total of 14 car parking spaces, including one (1) disabled bay for drop-off is included in the proposal as well as access via a crossover to and from Seventeen Mile Rocks Road.

The proposed operating hours for the centre are between 6.30 am and 7 pm Monday to Friday.

Published 28-September-2023

Over Capacity Hits Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, Injured Koala Denied Treatment

Photo Credit: Bob Walker/Unsplash

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland is facing criticism raising concerns about the organisation’s capacity to care for wildlife in need, after its Wildlife Hospital in Wacol turned away a severely injured koala because they were allegedly “too busy.”

The ordeal began when a koala was viciously attacked by a dog in the Scenic Rim region Thursday, 21 Sept 2023. The injured marsupial was in desperate need of veterinary attention.

However, the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, reportedly declined to treat the wounded koala, instead diverting it to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, a journey that would take approximately 2.5

Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, an organisation that has been advocating for an inquiry into the RSPCA following a series of controversies, strongly condemned this decision. They pointed out that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital could have, at the very least, offered to stabilise the injured animal, provide pain relief, sedation, and possibly administer a drip to ensure a more comfortable journey to Currumbin.

An RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman responded to the criticism, explaining that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital had been overwhelmed with 22 koala cases during the week, which exceeded the capacity of their veterinary team and facilities.

Apparently, the hospital had been caring for 130 other animals simultaneously.

RSPCA koala — Photo Credit: Laura Barry/Unsplash

RSPCA Queensland emphasised that they treated the highest number of wildlife cases in the southeast, admitting 24,000 native animals in the past year, a significant increase compared to 8,359 a decade ago.

The spokesperson highlighted the urgent need for a new purpose-built facility to address capacity issues and better support wildlife care in South East Queensland.

The incident comes amidst a turbulent period for RSPCA Queensland, with ongoing controversies including an independent whistleblower investigation and public outcry over executive bonuses. The organisation is also currently facing unfair dismissal claims by two former executives who allege they were terminated for exposing “maladministration, misconduct, and corruption.”

Published 28-Sept-2023

Riverlife Street Teams: Strengthening Community Through Service

When catastrophic floods struck last year, a dedicated group of volunteers sprang into action – the Riverlife Street Teams from Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Read: Free or Budget-friendly Activities at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks

Going door to door, they assisted locals with cleaning up debris, mowing lawns, and trimming overgrown trees and shrubs. Their helping hands and compassionate hearts brought hope amid the devastation.

Although their efforts during the floods may be well known, the Street Teams operate year-round, offering free practical support to those in need across the Seventeen Mile Rocks area.

The Riverlife Street Teams are an initiative of the Riverlife Baptist Church, seeking to embody God’s love through service. Their mission is to provide assistance to individuals experiencing acute crisis or ongoing hardship that makes basic property maintenance a struggle.

With a fleet of mowers, trimmers, blowers and willing volunteers, the Street Teams visit homes to take care of tasks like mowing, trimming, sweeping pathways and windows, and clearing gutters. Their work lightens the load for elderly, disabled and disadvantaged community members.

A visit from the cheerful and capable Street Teams not only helps restore a sense of dignity and order, but also forges human connection. Volunteers take the time to listen and offer kind words of encouragement. For isolated seniors and those going through loss or illness, a friendly chat can be as restorative as the yard work.

Read: Former Jindalee Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday With Trip Down Memory Lane

The Street Teams run on the fuel of volunteerism. All are welcome to join the crews, no prior experience required. Simply bring a willing spirit! Through practical acts like mowing lawns and friendly conversations, the Street Teams lighten burdens, brighten days, and weave connection – one home visit at a time.

To request a visit or get involved, visit https://riverlifechurch.org.au/street-teams/. The team responds to requests within five business days.

Published 5-September-2023

Brisbane Amusement Centre Jindalee Jungle Closes Door For Good

Popular indoor playground Jindalee Jungle has closed its doors for good after more than 10 years of operations, the company announced on its website and social media pages.

Read: New Operators May Take Over Jindalee Jungle to Prevent Closure

Prior to closing permanently on Sunday, 27 August 2023, Jindalee Jungle held a massive clearance sale to sell off all of its assets, from the sprawling climbing frames to bouncing pillows. They also sold their website and social media channels as part of the digital assets.

According to the management, the closure comes as the lease renewal is due in September and it is no longer financially viable for them to continue operations.

Jindalee Jungle had originally planned to shut down in February when they announced they would stop accepting bookings, but reopened under new management shortly after. However, the return proved short-lived.

Many loyal customers expressed disappointment over the permanent closure. “Thanks for creating a space to make such special memories with my kids. So sad to see your doors closing,” one mother commented on social media.

“Thank you for all the fun you guys have provided for my three over the last few years. We have had so much fun at your place and we will miss you,” one mum said.

Another customer who had held a birthday party there said, “Such a shame. My kids are older now. This was a space that I could let my kids play, watch them and have a simple cuppa.”

Those interested in purchasing assets from Jindalee Jungle’s clearance can still contact the company at info@jindaleejungle.com.au for a full list and pricing, according to their website.

Read: Rocks Riverside Park: Among Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Jindalee Jungle became a popular venue for children’s parties and family outings, with its huge play frames, bouncing castles, and slides. The closure now leaves a void in the market for indoor active spaces catered to young children.

Published 28-August-2023

Ronnie’s Club House Giving Away Free Pizza* to Deserving Locals

Italian restaurant Ronnie’s Club House in Middle Park is offering free pizza dinners for a month to 12 deserving local families this August.

Read: Late Real Estate Businessman’s Family Opens New Italian Restaurant at Metro Middle Park in His Honour

If you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to the community or is facing tough times, nominate them to receive this tasty gift from Ronnie’s generous team.

Ronnie’s Club House is a neighbourhood staple located at 92 Horizon Drive in Middle Park. The restaurant is run by the Lowthian family, honouring their patriarch Ronald “Ronnie” Lowthian.

Ronnie was a Middle Park fixture himself, calling the area home since 1980 and building a successful decades-long career in real estate.

Though he has passed, Ronnie’s memory lives on through his wife Glenys, four daughters, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and now this charity in his name. The Lowthian family is sharing Ronnie’s spirit of community service and good will through this pizza giveaway.

Ronnie’s Club House is already popular in the neighbourhood for menu items like their garlic prawns, gnocchi, and tiramisu as well as cocktails and mocktails to complement the food. They are also known for their daily specials like Tiramisu Tuesdays, Kids Eat Free Wednesdays, and Date Night Thursdays for $80.

The free pizza dinners will allow 12 families to enjoy the restaurant’s hospitality and caring touch.

If you know someone who deserves a little taste of Italy, head to the Ronnie’s Club House website to nominate them for free pizza. It’s sure to bring some warmth and comfort to their dinner tables this month.

Read: Middle Park Shoppers in the Top Five of Most Active Fundraisers for MND Research

Nominations can be made privately via the restaurant’s website at www.ronniesclubhouse.com/contact.

Published 12-August-2023

Darra Jindalee Parishioners to Join the Pope at World Youth Day Lisbon

Five devoted members of the Darra Jindalee youth group are set to embark on an exciting spiritual pilgrimage as they travel to see Pope Francis lead the celebration of World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal and participate in the festivities.

World Youth Day is providing this unique opportunity to Aileen Nasalio, Daniel Torbey, Jessica Samaila, Diana Bello, and Mori Cahutay, all Darra Jindalee parishioners who will be joining the Brisbane archdiocese group for the event this year.

The event promises to be a transformative experience, including visits to sacred sites in France and Portugal, with a special highlight being a visit to Fatima.

Jessica Samaila, a 22-year-old youth leader from a devout Catholic family, has always dreamed of attending World Youth Day. A humble and grateful person, she envisions the Church incorporating current trends to engage the youth in discovering their faith.

Daniel Torbey, a 33-year-old civil engineer of Lebanese descent, acknowledges the challenge of declining faith among young people due to secularization. He stresses the importance of understanding and sharing the Gospel message with authenticity and conviction.

Aileen Nasalio, a 26-year-old customer care consultant in the funeral industry, said that she had her life-changing encounter with Jesus at the age of 20. She hopes to delve deeper into her faith during the pilgrimage and is eager to witness the loving environments that encourage young people to foster deep relationships with Jesus

Diana Bello, a 32-year-old Colombian who moved to Australia in 2019, finds her faith to be a source of profound spiritual growth and healing. She eagerly anticipates visiting Fatima during the pilgrimage and aims to deepen her relationship with God and Our Lady.

Mori Cahutay, a 21-year-old registered nurse specializing in Pediatric Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, expressed his belief in the importance of young people strengthening their faith. He finds strength in his faith to cope with the emotional challenges of his work and looks forward to experiencing St. John Paul II’s legacy during World Youth Day.

Jindalee Parishioners World Youth Day — Photo Credit: World Youth Day/Facebook

Their shared faith has drawn these five pilgrims together, eager to join Pope Francis and countless other young Catholics in Lisbon for the culminating World Youth Day Mass.

The entire Darra Jindalee parish has extended its prayers and support as these five pilgrims prepare to embark on this life-changing spiritual journey.

Published 16-July-2023

Abandoned Asylum: The Haunting Legacy of Wolston Park in Wacol

Once considered Australia’s most notorious mental asylum, the mere mention of Wolston Park Asylum is enough to fill people with dread. Former patients recount horror stories of torture and abuse suffered within its walls.

As a heritage building, it cannot be demolished and over time, its ruins have become shrouded in mystery, marred by the occasional visits from policemen patrolling the area to keep out vandals and the morbidly curious.

The Haunting Ruins of Wolston Park

Abandoned Asylum: The Haunting Legacy of Wolston Park — Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Located on the outskirts of Brisbane, Wolston Park Asylum first opened its doors in 1864. The 150-year-old building in Wacol, near Brisbane, has been left to the elements since it closed in 2001.

Graffiti-covered walls, rotting wood and littered waste are all that remain of the decaying hospital that was once Australia’s most notorious mental asylum. It is now a desolate and eerie site often visited by urban explorers. Little of the abandoned structure remains intact, and police have warned that the building is dangerous.

A Dark History of Abuse and Torture

The dark history of Wolston Park Hospital is one of horrific suffering. Over 50,000 people, including children as young as 11, have passed through the asylum since it opened in 1865.

Former patients were often smuggled in by boat and crammed into conditions that resembled prison rather than a treatment facility. Survivors have come forward to tell of frequent sexual assaults by staff, electroshock therapyand the force-feeding of banned drugs.

Struggle for Justice of Wolston Park Survivors

Wolston Park survivors have fought a long and arduous battle for justice. Recently, an unexpected offer of compensation was extended by the Queensland Government to nine of the former asylum residents who are still living.

Many were surprised by what they considered to be a ‘very respectable’ offer. The ex-gratia payment, which goes beyond previous offers, is intended to acknowledge the wrongful imprisonment at Wolston Park rather than the abuse suffered there. All nine survivors will receive the same amount.

Reconciliation and Unfinished Business

While the offer of compensation is a significant step forward, there remains unfinished business in the aftermath of Wolston Park. Survivors hope that the government will extend its recognition and support to other children who were not classified as wards of the state.

Disabled children, autistic individuals, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities were also left to suffer within the asylum’s walls. Campaigners such as Sue Treweek continue to fight for the rights and recognition of these forgotten victims.

The abandoned Wolston Park Asylum stands as a haunting testament to the horrors endured by its former patients. Its dilapidated state adds to its eerie atmosphere, attracting urban explorers despite the danger. The survivors said that offer of compensation brings them a measure of closure, but their fight for justice is far from over.

As Queensland grapples with the haunting legacy of Wolston Park, the remaining survivors and their families say that it is vital that all victims, including those previously overlooked, receive the support and care they deserve, in order to pave the way for healing and change.

Published 8 July 2023

EvoHeat Bids Farewell to Seventeen Mile Rocks Facility

Photo Credit: EvoHeat / evoheat.com.au

EvoHeat, the leading provider of pool and hot water heat pumps, has recently shifted its operations from Seventeen Mile Rocks to a state-of-the-art facility in Bundamba’s thriving industrial area.

The new premises, located at 12 Gliderway St, Bundamba QLD 4304, mark a significant milestone for the company, offering expanded space and advanced technology to better serve its customers.

“EvoHeat has been experiencing a period of rapid growth over the past few years, and we’ve invested heavily in our facilities and staff to keep pace with the demand. The new warehouse, located at 12 Gliderway St, Bundamba QLD 4304, will provide more space for inventory and production, allowing us to better serve our customers and continue to provide the highest quality pool and hot water heat pumps in the industry,” Evoheat’s official statement says.

EvoHeat Bids Farewell to Seventeen Mile Rocks Facility — *Photo Credit: EvoHeat /* evoheat.com.au

Compared to its previous location, EvoHeat’s new premises offer a remarkable 75% increase in office space and an astounding 300% surge in warehousing capacity. The facility boasts cutting-edge technology, featuring energy-efficient equipment such as EvoHeat’s own hot water and space heating products, designed to minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, the installation of solar PV panels further aligns the company with sustainable practices. Notably, the new building provides a contemporary and comfortable work environment for all EvoHeat employees, fostering a positive atmosphere for creativity and collaboration.

According to General Manager Tim Martin, the move was an essential step for EvoHeat due to the company’s rapid expansion, surpassing the capabilities of its previous facility at Seventeen Mile Rocks.

The new facility boasts impressive features, including 40 kilowatts of solar PV on the roof, heat pump hot water systems throughout, energy-efficient appliances, and even electric vehicle charging stations.

Martin said that the $3.5 million facility encompasses a vast 3000 square metres of floor space, a significant upgrade from the previous 700 square metres. The expansion became imperative as the company outgrew its existing premises, hindering further growth and development.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, Martin notes that when he joined EvoHeat in 2017, the business had a mere six or seven employees. Back then, their office space measured a modest 100 square metres, leased from larger premises spanning 250 to 300 square metres.

However, within a short span, EvoHeat experienced phenomenal growth, expanding to over 45 employees and witnessing significant stock turnover. The company quickly realised the urgent need for additional space, which the new facility in Bundamba finally fulfils.

Martin acknowledges that the previous space limitations at Seventeen Mile Rocks hindered their ability to hire more staff. However, with the move to Bundamba, the company has already appointed two additional employees and is actively recruiting to seize further opportunities previously unattainable due to the limited space they previously have.

This relocation will enable EvoHeat to expand its operations across all business units, encompassing pool heating, domestic hot water, commercial hot water, cogeneration, and heat recovery.

Published 24-June-2023

Olympic-Size Congestion: Call For Urgent Upgrade on Centenary Highway

Photo Credit: Google Maps

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland is sounding the alarm on a potential traffic nightmare once the Olympic Games hit town, if measures are not taken to improve congestion at the Centenary Highway, considered as among SEQ’s slowest during peak hours.

As the southeast region of Australia gears up for the 2032 Olympic Games, concerns arose regarding the state of the transportation infrastructure, particularly the Pacific Motorway and Centenary Highway.

The lack of effective bypass routes and inadequate road capacities have resulted in severe traffic congestion, leading to prolonged travel times and frustrated motorists. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has called for substantial upgrades to these key road networks to avert a potential traffic nightmare during the highly anticipated global event.

Alarming trend

According to Greg Miszkowycz, RACQ’s traffic and safety engineering manager, peak-hour travel times on major roads, including the Pacific Motorway and Centenary Highway, have increased significantly compared to 2019.

This alarming trend indicates the urgent need for substantial upgrades to alleviate congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the region. The RACQ has emphasised the importance of these upgrades as both the Pacific Motorway and the Centenary Highway serve as major traffic pressure points and pivotal routes for commuters from the western suburbs.

The challenging bottlenecks

The data from the Transport Department for March highlights some of the most problematic areas. One of the slowest stretches of the road was the 14km northbound strip of the Pacific Motorway, causing substantial delays and frustration for travellers.

Similarly, the Pacific Motorway northbound, from the Logan River to the Paradise Rd junction, experienced significant congestion due to road works and breakdowns, resulting in excessively long travel times. Additionally, other routes, such as Bald Hills to Carseldine and the intersection of Beaudesert and Algester roads, faced similar challenges, further exacerbating the traffic situation.

Government initiatives

Recognising the urgency, the government has allocated significant funds for infrastructure improvements across various road networks, including a recent $400 million, 3km upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway. These initiatives aim to enhance traffic flow, increase capacity, and boost speeds during peak hours.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by recent large-scale construction projects, COVID-19 disruptions, and road flooding, which have impacted traffic speeds. However, the government remains committed to implementing measures that will mitigate these temporary setbacks.

Published 16-June-2023