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Narrung Street Park, Sanananda St Park To Be Retrofitted With Shade Covers In 2023

Two parks in Centenary, Narrung Street Park in Middle Park and Sanananda Street Park in Darra will be among the first parks in Brisbane set to receive sun shade in the first half of 2023.

Read: Jindalee Home Centre to Have New Children’s Playground

The city’s new Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program aims to ensure that every playground in Brisbane, including Sanananda Street Park and Narrung Street Park, has shade that will help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.

According to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, thay have incorporated shade in all of the city’s new playgrounds when required, but there are some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.

Narrung Street Park — Photo credit: Hiroshin Takumi/Google Maps

“Under our Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, Council will identify those playgrounds that need cover and ensure they receive it over the next three years,” said Cr Schrinner.

“This program is in addition to our ongoing investment in new and improved parks and playgrounds throughout Brisbane suburbs.”

To do the project, Council had engaged three local suppliers and manufacturers to make and install shade sails at the first package of playgrounds funded under the program.

Photo credit: ww.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“Many parents of young children like me would know only too well that playgrounds without shade are off limits for large parts of the day, particularly during Brisbane’s hotter months.

“Our program will be pivotal to ensuring that when the sun is up our parks are cooler for everyone.

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

It’s estimated that around 150 playgrounds will be upgraded with shade under this new program.

On top of the shade sails, BCC is also looking at investing in planting mature trees, not only because they create a cleaner and greener environment but they are also a great source of shade.

Published 4-March-2023

Construction Contract Awarded: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Now a Step Closer

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is now a step closer with the awarding of the construction contract in late December 2022. Once delivered, the upgrade will improve safety, increase capacity, reduce peak hour congestion and less travel time between the CBD and western suburbs, between local destinations, and along the Centenary Motorway.

The contract was awarded to Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions, as a joint venture, Premier and Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics, and Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk announced last 27 December 2022.

“This upgrade will see a new three lane Centenary Bridge built in Jindalee, as well as an upgrade of the existing bridge, meaning you’ll get home safer and sooner,” the Premier said.

“More than 85,000 cars use this bridge daily, and that number will increase.

“This is an important step towards busting congestion through our growing region.”

Construction Contract Awarded: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Now a Step Close — Centenary Bridge Upgrade proposed design as at October 2022 | Department of Transport and Main Roads / tmr.qld.gov.au

State Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said that previous tender submissions “came in low, and another even promised to build two new bridges with the funding.” He added that both of the proposed options had been thoroughly explored.

“After consideration, we saw that these tender submissions could not deliver on what was promised. I’m pleased we can now move forward with a reliable, Queensland based joint venture, with over 40 years experience,” he said.

“The project will double capacity across the river, as well as improve access to Amazon Place Park while preserving the much-loved Jindalee Skate Park.

“We know how important it is to include safe options for cyclists and footpath users, especially those who travel on two wheels, in a wheelchair, mobility device, or pushing a pram.”

The Centenary Bridge accommodates more than 85,000 vehicles a day. Current traffic modelling shows that the volume of vehicles crossing the bridge will swell to around 152,000 per day by 2036.

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade in Jindalee will include a new 3-lane northbound bridge and the rehabilitation of the existing bridges to create three southbound lanes along with an upgrade of active transport facilities with improved connection to the Western Freeway Bikeway and local destinations and the retention of the Jindalee Skate Park.

The Federal and Queensland Governments are jointly funding this $298.5 million project.

Published 25-February-2023

Free Access to a Jindalee Pool When You Join the Starlight Super Swim Challenge 2023

Photo credit: Twitter / Dr Suzy Green

Dive in and swim for a cause! For the entire month of February 2023, Rackley Swimming Jindalee will be giving free access to anyone who will participate in the Starlight Super Swim Challenge.

Starlight Children’s Foundation will be holding its fifth annual Super Swim in cooperation with the world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo.

The country’s favourite online swim challenge will take place from 1 through 28 February 2023, with the aim of raising over $2 million that will go towards supporting more than 50,000 sick kids.

The challenge is open to all Australians, regardless of age and fitness level, and they will be given the choice to do the Super Swim challenge at a location of their choice – their pool, a lake, or a local swim centre.

Supported by Speedo and courtesy of their Aquatic Centre partners, participants in the Super Swim Challenge will be given free access during the month of February to 23 pools across the country.

Participants can track their distance, either manually or via the fitness app Strava, and encourage friends and family to show their support and donate for every kilometre or lap swum to help them reach their fundraising goal.

They will also receive continuous support throughout the challenge with fundraising and training tips and will be rewarded for their fundraising efforts with branded merchandise and other prize incentives.

Participants will be able to complete their swim challenge anytime throughout the February 1 – 28 timeframe.

“We’re delighted to be able to support Starlight’s Super Swim Challenge. Giving Australians free access to some local swimming pools means even those who don’t live by a beach or have a pool at home can participate and help raise vital funds to bring happiness to sick kids,” James Hickman from Speedo said.

“Starlight has a special place in my heart as it’s supported my family during some extremely tough days in the hospital,” Starlight Ambassador Brook Hanson OAM said.

“Whether it’s just a hand on your shoulder to say, ‘it’s okay’ or having a cup of tea in the Starlight Express Room, it really does make a difference and I’ve witnessed it firsthand.

So, this February I encourage you to grab your Speedos and join me for this year’s Super Swim. Together we can make a difference for sick kids and their families.”

Meanwhile, Starlight Louise Baxter said that being “seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the joy of childhood. Especially when evidence shows happiness makes a difference to a child’s ability to cope and their long-term health outcomes.”

“Starlight,” he said, “ has been there for sick kids when they need it most and there are no fewer sick kids who need the fun, joy and laughter Starlight brings.”

“Super Swim participants will join a fundraising community of thousands as they attempt to beat their personal swimming goals and replicate the success of last year’s event, which raised over $2 million for Starlight.”

So hurry and sign up now!
Click here to register or visit the Speedo team page here to donate.

Published 18-February-2023

Darra Has Highest Incidents of Dog Attacks On Postal Workers in QLD

Photo Credit: Simono Gatdula

Darra has logged the highest incidents of dog attacks in Queensland alongside Gold Coast, amidst a plea from the Australian Post for pet owners to secure their dogs at home and prevent more severe and debilitating injuries among the posties.

Susan Davies, the Executive General Manager of People and Culture, said that the reported incidents have had a rising trend in recent months, with dog attacks increasing by 55 per cent since July 2022.

Across Australia, New South Wales had the highest number of cases at 351 whilst Queensland logged 281 and Western Australia had 183.

Ms Davies said that they now receive reports of seven dog attacks per day, ranging from scratches, bites, punctures and lacerations. The traumatising incident also causes long-term psychological issues.

Ms Davies also cautioned that the “sweetest dogs” may pose some danger as well as they have had two of the worst attacks coming from dachshunds.

The dog attacks mostly happen along the footpath, followed by the front door, at the letterbox and in the front yard, per the Australian Post.

“With the huge growth in online shopping, we’re delivering a lot more parcels than ever before. That means our posties and delivery contractors don’t just need to access your letterbox – they often need to enter gates and approach front doors to complete their deliveries,” the notice stated. “If they don’t feel confident accessing your letterbox or front door safely, they may not be able to deliver your mail.”

To keep the posties safe, the Australian Post suggested the following preventive measures:

Place your dog in a separate room or restrain it with a leash when we arrive at your front door.
Don’t let children answer the door as dogs can push or charge out.
Give your dog a toy or treat to distract them when the delivery arrives.
If you can’t restrain or confine your dog, consider installing a large, secure letterbox on your property for parcel deliveries.
If your dog is outside, make sure it’s securely away from the letterbox or front door.
If you’re out and about with your dog, use a sturdy lead to restrain it.

New Operators May Take Over Jindalee Jungle to Prevent Closure

After announcing plans to permanently close, Jindalee Jungle may have a shot at remaining open after all, thanks to new operators who have expressed interest in taking over the popular indoor play centre.

In mid-January 2023, the current owners posted a notice on its Facebook page that it will cease operations at the end of the month.

Families who have been regulars of Jindalee Jungle were sad about the news, including a mom who had booked the place for her child’s birthday party in February. The indoor play centre has a cafe and several party rooms booked for private functions.

However, the announcement has since been removed and the page has been advertising its opening hours.

In another Facebook post, the owners confirmed that “someone has offered to take over the jungle in February” but also clarified that “nothing is certain at this point.” The current owners, however, are still managing the facility until the 26th of January. No details of the new operators were revealed.

“This is a more intimate centre than some others which is nice, because it’s less overwhelming than the giant ones! Great service, lovely staff. Birthday parties are so easy and you don’t have to do a thing – heaven!”
Kathryn

“Went for my sons birthday party today, was a great time, very clean place, staff were very friendly and helpful, the room was set up beautifully and the food was great too. Thank you so much Jindalee Jungle.”
Colin

“Hosted our daughters 6th birthday here. Despite being a busy weekend the staff took great care of us. The food arrived at the exact time we asked for. It was really tasty and everything we asked was promptly taken care of. The play area is a bit small. So this place would be ideal for less than 5 year old however our 6 year old and her friends had a great time here. I would highly recommend this place.”
Arun

E-Scooter Catches Fire Inside a Darra Home

Photo credit: Facebook / Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES

An early morning e-scooter fire inside a Darra home left five people hospitalised due to injuries and smoke inhalation.

Five people –two men, a woman and two teenage girls– were hospitalised after an e-scooter caught fire. The incident happened at about 4 am Thursday 12 January 2023 inside their home on Sigiriya Street in Darra.

A man believed to be in his 40s sustained burn injuries on his back and was rushed to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in stable condition. Also taken to the hospital was a woman in her 30s who suffered minor hand burns, and two teenage girls and a man – in his 50s – due to smoke inhalation.

Four fire crews removed the e-scooter and extinguished the fire after 10 minutes. They remained at the property for about 45 minutes to ventilate the house and monitor the atmosphere.

Neighbours could be heard screaming immediately after the e-scooter went ablaze, recalls one resident who posted about the incident on her social media. Whilst another rushed to the scene with a fire extinguisher to help put out the fire.

The e-scooter reportedly exploded whilst charging.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said that Li-ion batteries that are damaged, exposed to heat sources or are charged inappropriately are at risk of catching fire or, in extreme cases, explosion.

Also, when they become overheated or catch fire, they are likely to emit a highly toxic vapour cloud.

If a lithium battery explodes or catches fire, do not breathe the air in the vicinity. Likewise, refrain from touching a damaged battery or device to prevent severe burns from occurring.

Published 12-January-2023

Contractors Chosen for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade

The contract for the Centenary Bridge upgrade has been awarded to the Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions in a joint venture that will ease traffic congestion by building three new lanes on the side of Jindalee and remediation of the current bridges.

The upgrade will also entail improvements in the active transport facilities for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the Western Freeway Bikeway or visiting the Jindalee Skate Park.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the contractors and said that work on the Centenary Bridge upgrade will deliver more local jobs and ensure that residents of West Brisbane will be able to go home safer and sooner.

More than 85,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day. Projected modelling revealed that the number of vehicles will increase to 152,000 vehicles per day by 2036.

Now that bridge is closer to construction, State Member for Mount Ommaney Jess Pugh said this is a belated Christmas gift for the community.

“I have advocated for this project since I was elected, as I know how desperately our community wants shovels in the ground,” Ms Pugh said.

“Previous tender submissions came in low, and another even promised to build two new bridges with the funding – both options had to be thoroughly explored to make sure we were getting the best value for taxpayers.

“The project will double capacity across the river, as well as improve access to Amazon Place Park while preserving the much-loved Jindalee Skate Park.

“We know how important it is to include safe options for cyclists and footpath users, especially those who travel on two wheels, in a wheelchair, mobility device, or pushing a pram.

“Construction will start next year, and I know locals are just as excited as I am.”

The almost $300-million project, however, received criticisms from the opposition for the delays and the added $50 million cost. The timing of the announcement during the holiday break also prevented public scrutiny.

Seventeen Mile Rocks Clinic Calls For Amendment Of Driving Laws For Medical Cannabis Patients

A well-known cannabis clinic in Seventeen Mile Rocks supports the ongoing review of Queensland’s driving laws, which would update the existing regulations to keep pace with the growing number of medical cannabis users in the State.

Read: Congested Section Of Centenary Motorway To Receive Much-needed Upgrades

A study led by the University of Sydney revealed that State accounts for more than half the medical cannabis prescriptions dispensed ever since it became legal in 2016. The study also showed that the top three treatment reasons for these prescriptions are pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Cann I Help is a medical cannabis treatment clinic with several locations across Australia that treats around 5,000 medical cannabis patients each week. The clinic revealed that there are people who are not taking their medication, which could pose major problems, and there are those who risk losing their license just so they can drive to work.

At Cann I Help, they provide medical cannabis treatment for a number of conditions, such as Epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s.

The clinic’s calls for amendments comes in light of the announcement of Transport Minister Mark Bailey in August 2022 that Queensland will review its drug-driving laws.

Under the current laws in Queensland, it’s an offence to drive with THC in one’s system, even if it’s prescribed by a doctor.

In Australia, Tasmania is the only state which allows an unimpaired driver prescribed medicinal cannabis to lawfully drive.

In support of the review, the Greens moved their amendments to the State Government’s Road Safety and Other Matters Bill. The amendments are as follows:

Insert a defence provision in the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 to say that the offence for driving with the presence of a “relevant drug” (defined as MDMA, Ice or THC) in one’s system does not apply if the only drug detected is THC from a cannabis product legally obtained and administered for medicinal purposes.
Retain provisions making it an offence for a person to drive while under the influence of a drug (including THC from medicinal cannabis) or alcohol.

Read: Jindalee Siblings Recognised For Work on Raising Awareness About Childhood Stroke

“We’ve had a medicinal cannabis framework since 2016 and Queensland has more than half of all Australian medicinal cannabis prescriptions, but our laws still haven’t been updated,” said Greens MP for Maiwar Micahel Berkman.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transport of Main Roads’ review of the existing drug-driving laws is due to be complete by the end of 2024.

Pool Party Alert! Jindalee Pool to Reopen 50-metre Pool With a Splash

After months of closure, Jindalee Pool will finally reopen its 50-metre pool with a pool party for the community before Christmas!

Read: Jindalee Pool Reopening After COVID Safe Plan Approval

The 50-m pool had to be closed due to significant flood damage in February 2022. BCC worked with specialists to repair the damage and get it back up and running.

With financial assistance from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs, Brisbane City Council has installed a number of mobility aids, such as an access ramp to the 50-m outdoor pool, a PVC wheelchair for use on the ramp, and mobile lift for access to the indoor pool.

Here are all the activities lined up for opening day.

Tri & Squad Dash for Cash race

The program will start with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on 17 December 2022, attended by Cr Sarah Hutton (Jamboree Ward), to be followed by a Tri & Squad Dash for Cash race sponsored by City Venue Management.

Everyone can get involved with all ages and disability heats at the ‘Dash for cash’ competition.

Facility management company City Venue Management, which currently operates around 25 venues across Southeast Queensland, has been operating the pool since September 2022.

Free Holiday-Themed Aqua Aerobics Class

Jindalee’s aqua aerobics classes have always been a hit among locals, especially among seniors looking for light exercises for the muscles. If you haven’t attended any of their aqua aerobics classes, don’t miss the chance on the pool’s grand reopening day!

Zooper Dooper Disco Dance Off

Jindalee Pool’s swimming mascot Trevor the Turtle will be joining in the fun for the last activity of the day.

There’s a lot more to look forward to, such as free face painting for kids and a Sausage Sizzle during the afternoon in exchange of a gold coin donation. For more details about the upcoming event, visit Jindalee Pool’s website or Facebook page.

About the 50-Metre Pool

The Jindalee Pool is a Brisbane City Council pool located at 11 Yallambee Road, Jindalee.

Aside from the 50m eight-lane outdoor pool, it also includes a children’s splash pad and 18-metre indoor heated swimming pool. They offer swimming lessons, squad programs, and stroke development classes.

Read: Centenary Little Athletics Centre Scores Brand-New Equipment through Banana A-Peel

To learn more about Council’s public pools, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Here Are The Local Businesses Joining The Journey Riverhills Christmas Market

Journey Riverhills Christmas Market is a free afternoon of entertainment and family fun with plenty of stalls featuring unique items that are perfect for holiday gift-giving.

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

There are many local small businesses joining the event, happening on the 3rd of December 2022 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Here are a few things that can be found at the Journey Riverhills Christmas Market.

Christmas Shopping Stalls

Candles and soaps

Photo credit: Kait’s Unique Candles & Natural Soaps/Facebook

Take home reed diffusers or natural soaps by Kait’s Unique Candles & Natural Soaps or if you’re looking for an eco-friendly gift, check out Riverbell Cottage for their eco-friendly dishwashing soaps and bamboo scrubber.

Pet treats

Journey Riverhills Christmas Market — Photo credit: ComfyCritters.com.au/Facebook

Your time and company may be enough to make your pet happy this Christmas. But have you ever given your pet a treat and saw that anticipation and excitement in their eyes? Our pets deserve some treats, too. Shower them with love this Holidays, with treats from the Comfy Critters, which recently launched their Christmas themed toys and treats for your comfy critter.

Crafts/Personalised Gifts

Kelsie’s Dreams specialises in personalised items–from keyrings and bookmarks to baubles to decorate your Christmas tree. They have many beautiful items to display in your home, such as planters with sayings and customised glass canisters.

For more home decor, there’s Gertis Dreams, where you can find dream catchers handmade with love, soy and jar candles, and handpainted resin magnets.

Donna Does Crafts creates greeting cards and warm ruffle scarves, Frog in A Teacup makes handmade resin-free reusable lunch wraps for litterless lunches, and Kumbha Inspiration is another arts and crafts store known for their beautiful jewellery.

Toys

Photo credit: Creations By Jude/Facebook

Traditionally, Calico dolls are made with plain fabric and are stuffed with polyester fibrefill. The old ones do not come with features, so children could draw with them. But Creations By Jude gives the Calico dolls a modern twist, by already adding some details. This one’s worth checking out if you know a kid who likes dolls!

Planters

Redbank Plains-based I & M Unique Planters will be there to showcase their unique handmade garden planters and pots, and DIY packs, where you get to pick your pot, succulent and gravel of choice.

Stalls Offering Services

Aside from stalls where you can buy gifts or personal items, there are also stalls offering various services.

Rackley Swimming Westlake will be there, to provide more information about their swimming programs, as well as Dreaming Tree Counselling which is known for their compassionate and personable support, Jindalee Districts Australian Football & Netball Club Incorporated, to promote general wellness and fitness to all children in the community. Centenary Vet Clinic and Hospital will also be around to provide quality care to pets.

Mark Your Calendars

This year, Journey Early Learning Centre Riverhills will be raising funds for Inala Child Safety, with a gold coin donation for a sausage sizzle.

There will be a petting zoo, jumping castle, live music, sensory stations, ice cream and face painting!

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

If you’re planning to go, be sure to register for the event here.