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.
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.
Photo Credit: TMR Queensland
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
Photo credit: Kindel Media/Pexels
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.
Photo credit: Kindel Media/Pexels
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.
“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.
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.
Photo credit: Jindalee Pool/Facebook
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
Photo credit: Jindalee Pool/Facebook
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!
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
Photo credit: Jindalee Pool/Facebook
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Photo credit: Gertis Dreams/Facebook
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
Photo credit: I & M Unique Planters/Facebook
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.
Love the ’80s? Relive the decade that gave us some of the most iconic artists in Pop and Rock music as ‘Made in the 80’s’ performs at the Jindalee Hotel.
On 25 November 2022, it’s back to the ’80s! Step back in time through this 3-hour show by ‘Made In the 80s’, a 6-piece band featuring gun musicians and five lead vocalists, with “Chrissy B”, considered as one of Australia’s best rock Divas, on lead vocals.
The 80’s. A decade of excesses, when big hair, Lycra, leg warmers and fluoro dominated the fashion world and big bands ruled MTV as some of the greatest and iconic music artists rocked stadiums and the airwaves.
From Rock legends Def Leppard, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Guns & Roses, Duran Duran, the Eurythmics, INXS, Michael Jackson & Queen to Rock & Pop Divas Joan Jet, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie, Pat Benatar, Tina Turner and The Bangles – the ’80s had it all!
And for a few hours, the Jindalee Hotel will pay homage to some of the greatest rock anthems and pop classics of that decade.
Expect an epic night as the band delivers some of the hits of Prince, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Billy Idol, Belinda Carlisle, The Bangles, George Michael, Wham, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, Kim Wilde, Bananarama, Lionel Ritchie, AC/DC, Katrina & The Waves, Bon Jovi, INXS, Run DMC, Def Leppard, Rick Springfields, A-Ha, Elton John, Starship and so much more!
Be healthy and happy! Join the Darra Community Walk every second Sunday of the month, where locals may not only get on with their fitness routine but also meet new friends!
Participants of the Darra Community Walk converge just outside of Polish Club along 23 Station Avenue at 4:00 p.m. before proceeding to exercise and explore nature for 45 to 60 minutes at Edenbrooke Park.
The free activity even welcomes families with dogs and adults with children on prams, which means that walking will be at a medium pace, safe for the joints, and does not put too much pressure on the body. It also promotes the wellness of the heart, especially for people who have health issues.
Photo Credit: CrSarahHutton/Facebook
Aside from the health benefits, joining the Darra Community Walk allows individuals to connect and form friendships. Walking is also more fun if you have good friends to talk and chat with as you keep pace. They will help you stay motivated to complete your fitness goals for the day.
If you’re joining the walking group, be sure to wear comfortable shoes that will support and cushion your feet to prevent tripping or falling. Stay hydrated as well and do stretches first before the walk.
Similar walking groups are also active in Mt Ommaney and Seventeen Mile Rocks (for the over 50s) on different days of the week. Learn more about the community walks here or contact the organiser, Jason at 0414 306 838.
National appliance retailer Winning Group is set to move into its new 45,750 square metres purpose-built distribution centre in Wacol. The DC will be the largest facility in Winning Group’s history which will include 700sqm of office space and 35,500sqm of hardstand.
The new facility is Winning Group’s third Brisbane site in five years with other distribution centres being considered on the Sunshine Coast and Cairns. Included in the development are a drive-around cross-dock, 28 recessed loading docks, 35-meter hardstands, 15-metre counter-levered awnings and 264 car parking spaces.
Sydney-based Winning Group is a multi-award winning fourth generation Australian family-owned business whose entities include Winning Appliances, Home Clearance, pureplay retailer Appliances Online and national distribution and logistics and installation business Winning Services.
The DC will serve as the base for the Group’s logistic business, Winning Service and will service Appliances Online, Winning Appliances, Rogerseller and Home Clearance and third-party logistics partners including, King Living, iFit and Sub-Zero & Wolf.
The new distribution centre is the first commitment at LOGOS’ 18.2ha Wacol Logistic Hub. The 74,387sqm site was acquired in April 2021 from Fletcher Building via an off-market deal. LOGOS has partnered with Vaughan Constructions to deliver the project.
”Having successfully completed projects together in New South Wales and Western Australia, this Queensland project, our first for the Sunshine State, will again rely on our strong partnership with LOGOS providing us with the capacity to deliver on client requirements, on budget, and on or ahead of time,’’ Vaughan Construction’s Senior Development Manager in Brisbane, Richard Lloyd
The two-stage project will also include a second 12,868sqm speculative warehouse which would be built to a very different set of parameters, ensuring that it’s readily adapted to meet changing market requirements.
”Vaughans continue to see a high degree of confidence in the `spec build’ market at a time when demand for flexible warehousing facilities from both tenants and investors is at a premium nationwide and particularly in Queensland,’’ Mr Lloyd said.
The new Wacol DC is one of several projects that the Vaughan and LOGOS Property partnership has completed or is underway including the circa 30,000sqm of industrial tenancies at the Villawood Logistics Estate in New South Wales; a Volvo Truck dealership and a 40,000sqm industrial facility for The Gateway Group, both at Prestons, NSW; the Woolworths Heathwood project and a 22,000sqm logistics facility at Hazelmere in WA.
Wacol-based meat and food processing company JBS Australia has been awarded Gold Medal at the 2022 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show awards for their Portoro.
Portoro is a natural grain-fed farm-assured beef with a Marble Score 4+. Fresh from its launch in Australia earlier this year, Portoro sources their cattle from Yambinya Station in the Riverina region, NSW.
JBS’ Portoro won the award at the Branded Meat competition, which is one of the seven competitions for the awards.
Andrews Meat Industries, an affiliate of JBS, is the official distributor of the Portoro brand in Australia.
“Sydney Royal Show Gold Medal winner Portoro Beef sets the bar high for what it means to be a quality beef producer in Australia. With a luxurious, exceptional eating quality and an MB4+ marbling score – Portoro redefines what quality beef means in Australia,” JBS said.
Beef with a Marble Score of over 4 is known for its soft texture and mouthwatering taste. It’s also far more tender than the regular ones found in grocery stores.
Another Brisbane-based business, Pine River Pantry, has also been recognised at the said awards, for their Bread & Butter Pickles at the Specialty Foods competition.
Pine River Pantry’s Bread & Butter Pickles is known for its perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it a perfect accompaniment to barbecue dishes, salads, or toasties.
About the 2022 Sydney Royal Fine Food Show awards
Photo credit: Royal Agricultural Society of NSW/Facebook
The Sydney Royal Fine Food Show of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW celebrates heritage, quality, provenance and innovation.
It has seven different competitions: Branded Meat, Oil and Olives, Pasta, Specialty Foods, Professional Bakery, Smallgoods and charcuterie, and Aquaculture.
Besides the pride and prestige, a Sydney Royal win provides a springboard to increase returns. All winners receive Sydney Royal medal or trophy artwork designed to be used across a wide range of marketing collateral.
Sporty kids at the Centenary Little Athletics Centre will soon get to enjoy brand-new equipment, thanks to the support of the inaugural Banana A-Peel initiative launched early in the year.
The fundraiser, spearheaded for the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund, directed 10 cents of every kilogram of Cavendish bananas sold in Coles supermarkets with the support of banana growers and customers.
Centenary Little Athletics Centre Manager Bobby-Rae Cole said that the cash boost from the initiative is a big help in its rebuilding and recovery efforts from the recent floods in Brisbane.
“Over the past four years our club has undertaken an equipment renewal and expansion process, starting with an equipment shed upgrade in 2019, followed by the purchase of much-needed equipment and upgrades to our facilities and grounds,” Ms Cole said.
“Unfortunately, the location of our centre means we’re susceptible to flood damage. This occurred during the 2011 floods, which saw 90% of our equipment destroyed and more recently in February 2022, when our infrastructure was once again under water to the height of two metres.”
“This time, due to the efforts our volunteers and community, the equipment loss was minimized, but we still have some damaged equipment to replace. This funding from Coles will enable us to replace our Tiny Tots equipment to support kids aged 3 to 4 years old.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
Coles State General Manager Jerry Farrell said that over $250,000 in sports equipment grants were distributed to 73 Little Athletics centres across Australia in the latest round of grants from the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund.
“Coles has been a proud supporter of Little Athletics for over five years, and we’re delighted to provide nearly $50,000 in sports equipment grants to Queensland’s Little Athletics centres to help them gear up for this season,” Mr Farrell said.
“We’re particularly delighted to help centres that were affected by the floods earlier this year so that they can replace some of their equipment. We know very well the devastating impact these floods have had on local clubs and communities, and we hope these grants will help them to recover.”
In addition to the distribution of sports equipment grants, Coles will continue to support Little Athletics centres across Queensland with banana donations from local supermarkets throughout the season.
