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Construction And Mining Equipment Manufacturing Giant Steps Up Recruitment Drive

Months after unveiling its $48-million Wacol Distribution Centre, construction and mining equipment manufacturing giant Komatsu is stepping up its statewide recruitment drive for apprentices.

Already at 1,200 strong, Komatsu is looking into expanding its workforce as it opened more apprenticeship positions last month. In early 2022, some 50 positions were filled for its Wacol distribution facility which opened in March.

The company is looking into filling thousands of apprentices and technicians positions over the next ten years as the company is set to make further investments in technological advancements in heavy equipment manufacturing, further boosting job creation in the Australian mining sector.

This August 2022, four upgraded Komatsu 930E haul trucks began their autonomous operations at South Flank iron ore mine in Western Australia. These trucks are part of a fleet of autonomous-ready haul trucks that are in the process of being upgraded and are expected to be completed in September next year.

“Komatsu’s autonomous technology helps drive job creation, with a focus on safety, diversity, upskilling and an innovative flexible workforce that meets the needs of people and communities with business goals,” Sean Taylor, CEO & Managing Director, Komatsu Australia said.

Late last year, the state government announced that the minerals and exploration sectors have recorded impressive growth in 2021 with a four-quarter average of jobs in exploration in Qld rising almost 70 per cent to more than 22,600.

Moreover, jobs in minerals mining and quarrying in Queensland also reached a record high with its four-quarter average rocketing to more than 24,100 or 28.4 per cent year-on-year.

Australian mineral exploration spending reached $1.90 billion or an increase of 38.8 per cent year-on-year in 2021, eclipsing the average global budget growth rate of 35 per cent, according to S&P Global data.

The Australian mining and energy sector is poised for another record-breaking growth this year amid the global energy crisis. Export earnings are projected to reach $425 billion this financial year or a lift of 33 per cent from 2020-21, according to the Australian Government’s Resources and Energy Quarterly Report March 2022.

Funding Boost For RSPCA QLD’s Pets In Crisis Program

RSPCA Queensland, which has an animal care campus in Wacol, has received $200,000 in funding for the expansion of its Pets in Crisis program.

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

The support will provide places for more than 240 additional pets, almost doubling the capacity of the program, which already cares for around 300 animals each year.

The Pets in Crisis Program is a partnership between RSPCA and DVConnect. It was established in 2005 to provide a safe house for the pets of individuals at serious risk of domestic violence.

RSPCA and DVConnect both welcome the additional funding as it will allow them to continue to offer pets a safe haven and provide their owners with reassurance their beloved companions will be well cared for during their time of need.

RSPCA QLD CEO Darren Maier said on average animals in the Pets in Crisis program will stay about a month with RSPCA staff or carers, which can equate to 4,000 care days annually, plus veterinary expenses.

Beck O’Connor, CEO of DV Connect, said their aim is to make sure victims of violence are supported across a range of services that enables them to safely leave their situation.

“No-one should have to choose between escaping abuse or leaving their pets behind in an unsafe home. The expansion of this program will help us support more Queenslanders to safety,” said Ms O’Connor.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman, said the program was vital in protecting women and children.

rspca wacol — Photo credit: RSPCA QLD/Facebook

“Pets are often used as part of coercive and controlling behaviour, with perpetrators threatening pets to control and intimidate their partner and children,” Minister Fentiman said.

Minister Fentiman added that providing safe and emergency accommodation for pets, gives victims greater comfort that they can leave the dangerous situation they are facing.

“It’s incredibly sad that not only are families inflicted with fear, intimidation and harm, but their pets are also subjected to violence,” Minister Fentiman said.

In 2021, Minister Fentiman visited the RSPCA animal care campus in Wacol and saw first-hand the quality of the program.

pets in crisis — Photo credit: RSPCA QLD/Facebook

Minister Fentiman said victims can reach out to DVConnect which liaises with the RSPCA to find temporary accommodation for pets at either an RSPCA shelter or with trained foster carers.

Women who need to seek refuge but who are unable to find care for their pets can contact the DVConnect 24 hour crisis line on 1800 811 811.

DVConnect will work directly with RSPCA Qld to find temporary care for their pets at either an RSPCA Animal Care Centre across the State or with trained RSPCA foster carers.

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

Photo Credit: Ronnie’s Clubhouse / Instagram

A new Italian restaurant opens at Metro Middle Park (formerly Park Village Shopping Centre), the same centre where the owner’s late father used to run his real estate business. The new dining spot is called ‘Ronnie’s Clubhouse’ in honour of his memory.

The late Ronald “Ronnie” Lowthian was a well-known real estate businessman who ran his agency for three decades and had long wished for his daughter, Claire Parviz, to open an Italian restaurant at the centre.

When the family patriarch passed in 2021, Claire reached out to the management of Metro Middle Park to discuss her plans of turning the bench outside her father’s former office into a memorial.

It was also around that time that the idea of fulfilling her father’s wish of opening the restaurant at the centre came to mind. And so, Ronnie’s Clubhouse was born.

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Ronnie’s Clubhouse will offer Italian dishes and pizza in its 30-seater venue. The Pizza menu features four white-based and four red-based options including a Bianche pizza topped with Fior di latte, spinach, ricotta, roasted garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, olives and chilli. Mini cheesy pizza and rigatoni with sugo are available as well.

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For a light snack, the Cicchetti menu offers house-made focaccia with extra virgin olive oil; three cheese arancini with romesco sauce; and Affettati Misti with a Chef’s selection of salami and salumi by Saison Salumi served with warm olives and grissini.

Primi include mouthwatering options such as Rigatoni served with slow braised pork shoulder and ham hock, green olive and fennel ragu. There’s also Tagliatelle with pancetta, mushrooms, spinach, white wine and creamed pecorino.

For the Secondi portion of the menu, options include Chicken Involtini filled with pistachio, pancetta, mortadella, with potato and truffle puree; Bistecca of Angus rib fillet with, rosemary and garlic potatoes, field mushrooms with aged balsamic, sautéed cavolo nero; and Snapper with creamed beetroot, fried polenta, anchovy dust and roasted Brussel sprouts.

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And to satisfy one’s sweet cravings, there’s White chocolate semifreddo served with macerated figs, dulce de leche and caramelized chocolate crumb. Tiramisu and Granita Campari which is made with crispy coconut, candied orange and wild rice.

A curated list consisting of ten cocktails named after Mr Lowthian and his nine great-grandchildren is on offer. Classic Italian cocktails, beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages complete Ronnie’s Clubhouse’s drinks offering.

Ronnie’s Clubhouse is located at Metro Middle Park, 94 Horizon Drive, Middle Park.

Jindalee Local To Represent Country In Para-powerlifting At Commonwealth Games

Jindalee local Hani Watson is set to break Australia’s 16-year medal drought in para-powerlifting, after being named as one of the country’s representatives at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

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

Watson’s effort to lift 120kg in the 86kg+ class, on her first trip away from Australia, was considered outstanding given her relative inexperience in powerlifting. Watson has only been competing for less than a year and being ranked high is such a pat on the back for her.

Watson, 39, set a new Oceania record at the World Para-powerlifting Championships in Georgia in October 2021.

“I just want to keep competing and lifting my ranking until the rest of the world knows that there’s this female Aussie they should watch out for,” she said.

Watson’s rise through the powerlifting ranks is a reward for the resilience she has shown after being born with bilateral metaphyseal dysplasia, which bowed her tibia and femur bones.

She underwent several surgeries in a bid to correct the problem and turned to weightlifting with the encouragement of her father, who was a bodybuilder, to build up their strength. But the condition eventually stopped Watson from being able to complete squats.

hani watson — Hani Watson with Coach Simon Bergner (Photo credit: Hani Watson/Facebook)

She was then approached by Australian Para-powerlifting coach Simon Bergner, who steered Watson towards a new goal.

“My Dad always told me, ‘Focus on your superpower’,” she said. “Bench pressing has made me feel empowered, especially as a woman.”

The last medal for Australia was given back in 2006, when Darren Gardiener took the bronze at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Watson will be competing with Ben Wright, 35, from Perth. He is an Oceania record holder in two divisions, and will become just the second Australian after Leigh Skinner to compete in Para-powerlifting at three Commonwealth Games when he goes to Birmingham.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held from Thursday 28 July to Monday 8 August 2022 with the Para-powerlifting competition to be conducted on Thursday 4 August at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

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

Did you know that Middle Park shoppers raised more than $4,000 in under six weeks for FightMND’s Big Freeze 8 campaign to find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease?

Coles Middle Park finished among the top five fundraising stores in the state of Queensland. Shoppers bought beanies and Coles Brand pork, aside from making a monetary donation.

The Big Freeze Beanies
Photo Credit: Supplied

The money raised by Middle Park shoppers contributes to the $8.6 million raised across Australia in Coles FightMND drive, which has also increased the current tally of the Big Freeze 8 campaign by $19.8 million.

Many Australian farmers are afflicted with Motor Neurone Disease and FightMND is invested in cutting-edge research projects focused on fast- tracking new MND treatments and driving discoveries towards a cure.

“I’m incredibly proud of my team and our customers with the way they’ve gotten behind FightMND this year and to finish as one of the top fundraising stores in Queensland,” Coles Middle Park Store Manager Darren Hutchison said.

“We love getting behind community partners and fundraising campaigns, and our passion for FightMND continues to grow every year. I can’t thank the community enough for supporting this worthy cause as it brings us one step closer to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.”

“We are so grateful to every single Coles team member and customer who joined us in the fight against the Beast this year and helped raise vital funds for MND research,” FightMND Campaign Director Bec Daniher said.

“From selling and purchasing Big Freeze beanies and Coles Aussie Pork products, to hosting their own DIY Big Freeze events, the impact of Coles and their customers has been tremendous and we can’t thank them enough.

“And of course, a big thank you to our FightMND Army around Australia for buying their Big Freeze beanies at Coles and Coles Express stores.”

Congested Section Of Centenary Motorway To Receive Much-needed Upgrades

An upgrade is being planned for the Centenary Motorway, between Toowong and Darra, considered one of the most congested sections of Centenary Motorway.

Read: Motorists Warned Of Increased Risk Of Deer On Centenary Roads

Now updating the previous plan for the upgrades, TMR said the project will improve safety and capacity between Frederick Street in Toowong and the Ipswich Motorway in Darra.

“When completed, the fully upgraded motorway will cater for the transport demands along the corridor in the medium to long-term with upgrades focusing on safety, improving travel-times, and active transport facilities,” Transport and Main Roads announced.

Every year for a decade now, Centenary Motorway has made it to the top 10 most congested roads in Queensland.

According to RACQ, vehicles moved at an average speed of 39.9 km/h on the motorway, making it the Brisbane road with the lowest inbound peak hour speed.

RACQ traffic and safety engineering manager, Gregory Miszkowycz, revealed they have been campaigning for upgrades to the section of the motorway between Darra and Toowong for several years.

Mr Miszkowycz highlighted that during peak times, this section of the thoroughfare is one of the slowest highway commutes in southeast Queensland.

centenary upgrades — Photo credit: Google Street View

RACQ’s 2021 Red Spot Congestion survey also showed that Centenary Motorway had the second-highest number of nominations by frustrated motorists following Bruce Highway.

Around 142 respondents claimed the motorway does not have enough lanes and road capacity.

Mr Miszkowycz believes the additional lanes, interchange and safety upgrades between the Ipswich Mtwy and Toowong are desperately needed given the expected population growth in the west and Ipswich.

The updated motorway masterplan will also outline measures to improve safety, travel-time reliability and efficiency on an arterial road. It will also identify the most effective “staging approach’’ to deliver the motorway upgrade.

At present, there are already two major projects on Centenary Motorway: the $15-million Centenary Motorway and Logan Motorway interchange upgrade and the $244-million duplication of Centenary bridge which is anticipated to commence in late 2022.

The Australian Government has already committed $10 million for the upgrades between Toowong and Darra, under the Major Projects Business Case Funding Program.

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

Former Jindalee resident Adeline, a resident at the Bolton Clarke Fairview Residential Aged Care community, recently celebrated her 100th birthday with a trip down memory lane.

Read: Restaurants and Health Care Tenancies Within Jindalee Direct Factory Outlet Proposed

Adeline or simply ‘Addie,’ was born in Gatton as the youngest of seven children. She grew up on a farm at Lake Clarendon in the Lockyer Valley.

One of her fondest memories as a child was riding a pony named Queenie when going to school. During school hours, Queenie would be let out in the paddock and at the end of the day one of Addie’s friends would round the pony up so that she could ride home again.

Addie’s granddaughter Erin shared that her grandma worked on the home farm in Lake Clarendon and at McWhirter’s department store in Fortitude Valley, where she met and married her first husband, Stanley, in 1947. He was based in Brisbane for a short time during the war.

Addie and Stan had one child Ross, and now has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

When Stan passed away in 1987, Addie re-married few years later. The man was Fred, who happened to be her first boyfriend.

“Fred was her boyfriend as a teenager, but they lost contact. They reconnected at a funeral, years later and soon got married,” Erin shared.

Erin shared the two had three years together at Lowood until he passed away but in marrying Fred, she also gained stepchildren and all of their extended family who became like family to them.

After Fred died, Addie returned to Brisbane and lived in Middle Park, Jindalee.

Erin shared that her grandma loved getting a chocolate milkshake and some chips from a popular fast food chain when they would go out to shop.

“She’s still going strong at 100 years old, and the family joke is that she will outlive us all!” Erin jokes, as Addie celebrates her 100th birthday and looks back at a lifetime of loving and living.

Motorists Warned Of Increased Risk Of Deer On Centenary Roads

Motorists are being warned to slow down and be on the lookout for deer on Centenary suburbs, especially in and around Mt Ommaney, Westlake, and Jindalee.

Read: Warning on Online Transactions Raised Following Darra Local’s Assault During Meet-Up

This comes after a video emerged showing a herd of deer crossing Westlake Drive, Mt Ommaney in front of an oncoming vehicle at night.

Many residents pointed out that there seems to be a growing deer population in Brisbane’s southwest, as clearly seen in the herds of deer wandering the streets and blocking roads.

Aside from creating a traffic hazard on roads, deer also damage native vegetation through browsing and trampling and ringbarking.

feral deer — Photo credit: Debabrata Das/Pexels

One resident quickly connected an urban legend with respect to the growing number of deer in these suburbs.

“Urban legend is that there was a deer farm in Brisbane back in the day and the wife divorced the husband and opened all the gates and let them out,” the comment reads.

Based on the popular urban legend, a couple once owned a large deer farm in Pullenvale. Following their divorce, locals said that the wife of the deer farmer apparently opened the gates to let the animals escape.

Locals who have had deer sightings, especially in the western suburbs, believe these animals are either from the herd or the descendants of the herd from the Pullenvale farm.

Whilst the story seems absurd, the Pullenvale deer farm owner confirmed in a radio interview that he used to own over 500 deer, but they escaped as a result of his marital woes.

deer in brisbane — Photo credit: Olga Lioncat/Pexels

The farm owner, John, who now lives in Cairns clarified it was his former mother-in-law and not his ex-wife who opened the gates to his deer farm.

Meanwhile, collisions between deer and vehicles normally increase during winter, particularly around June, when they hunt for food or look for shelter.

Brisbane City Council reminds motorists to slow down when driving and exercise caution when they see deer or deer warning signs. Locals can submit a feral animal sightings report or call Council on 07 3403 8888.

Dementia Australia Brings Memory Walk & Jog to Rocks Riverside Park for 2022

Did you know that Queensland has more than 87,700 people with dementia? With the fundraising efforts of the Memory Walk & Jog at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, dementia patients and their families or carers will have invaluable resources for their needs.

The Memory Walk & Jog at the Rocks Riverside Park will take place Sunday, 29th of May, at 8:00 a.m. This is an important initiative to support the patients, as well as raise awareness for the degenerative condition.

This year’s goal in Brisbane is to raise $130,000 and so far, over 55 teams with 874 participants have signed up and pledged more than $88,000 to the cause.

“These events are so important, not just from a fundraising perspective, but also because they are opportunities for people impacted by dementia to gather, to get active and to share stories with people in similar circumstances,” Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said.

“Together, we can make the world look brighter for people with dementia. Let’s show them they are not alone!”

For the rest of the year, various Memory Walk & Jog events will also take place across the country for all ages and abilities.

Photo Credit: Memory Walk & Jog/Facebook

However, those who can’t attend one of the planned events in the series may still organise their own group or individual walk or jog and contribute via the My Way or Walk & Jog Impossible Challenge.

Restaurants and Health Care Tenancies Within Jindalee Direct Factory Outlet Proposed

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

Plans have been lodged for several restaurants and health care tenancies at 11 Pavilions Close, where the two-storey Jindalee Direct Factory Outlet and an associated car parking structure currently sit.

Under the proposal, the existing car parking area will be reconfigured and expanded to facilitate the construction of additional tenancies at the Jindalee DFO.

Existing site plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

This will result in an increase of 1,163 sqm in GFA: 737 sqm for Food and Drinks outlets and 426 sqm for Health Care Services.

Proposed site plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Tenancy T3 and T4 | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Additional 59 car parking spaces will be provided to replace the spaces that will be lost elsewhere in the car parking area, in addition to the 112 additional spaces that will remain untouched.

Commercial Tenancy - Level 1 Entry — Commercial Tenancy – Level 1 Entry | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

There will be no changes to the existing access from Pavilions Close and Amazons Place, however, a new second access point from Amazons Place is proposed as part of the development application.

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

Development Proposal at a glance:

T1 – (Hungry Jacks) Food & Drink Outlet
T2 – Food and drink outlet
T3 – Food and drink outlet
T4 – Food and drink outlet
T5 – Food and drink outlet
Commercial T1 – Health Care Services
Commercial T2 – Health Care Services
59 Additional car parking spaces
Total GFA – 1,163sqm

“Outdoor dining and pedestrian connections to the existing centre will be providing surrounding these tenancies. This will result in both sides of the internal access road becoming active frontages, creating a greater sense of separation between the car parking areas and the centre as a whole, and providing centre users with a significantly more interesting vista when looking towards the parking areas,” planners at Reel Planning said.

Reel Planning added that the proposed installation of an additional car parking deck above the existing decks will not result in an increase in the overall height of the proposed development.