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Jindalee Siblings Recognised For Work on Raising Awareness About Childhood Stroke

Well-deserved congratulations are in order for Elliot and Sophie Clayton as the Jindalee siblings earned recognition for their work and dedication to raising awareness about childhood stroke.

Elliot and Sophie have both received the Stroke Warrior Award at the 2022 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards. The recognition is a brand-new category for people under the age of 18 years old who advocate for stroke awareness, recovery, and fundraising to help patients.

Sophie was only 4 years old when she suffered an unexpected stroke. She was playing with a cousin when she suddenly collapsed. Mum Amanda recalled that Sophies’s right side “completely disappeared.” Recognising the signs of stroke, Amanda called for an ambulance. Sophie was rushed to the hospital, where she received life-saving treatment.

Sophie’s experience has highlighted the fact that this medical emergency can happen to anyone in an instant. Thankfully, her brother was instrumental in her progress and recovery. Elliot helped Sophie regain use of her weak side, alongside the therapies recommended by her doctors.

After surviving the trauma, Sophie and her brother have now made it their mission to educate the public about the risk of stroke in children.

For years, Elliot and Sophie have been speaking to politicians and state representatives to raise funds for stroke survivors and their families on the journey to recovery.

Each year, Elliot and Sophie have also been setting goals for her to achieve so that she can maintain her health.

“They have been ambitious, and they have been brave. Their efforts have been commended by the politicians they have targeted, and constantly impress our wider community,” said Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan.

“If this is the future of Australia’s advocacy community, we’re all in good hands,” she added.

About the Stroke Awards

The Stroke Awards celebrate the unsung heroes in our community who go above and beyond to improve the lives of Australians affected by stroke. This includes the survivors of stroke, carers, volunteers, fundraisers, health professionals and researchers and members of the community.

For more information on the risks and symptoms of stroke, visit strokefoundation.org.au

Seventeen Miles Rocks Gets New Local Brewery With Lucha Brewing Co

West Brisbane has scored another brewery with the opening of Lucha Brewing Co, a family owned business located at Seventeen Miles Rocks.

Read: Get Your Coffee Fix and ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza

Owners Sandra and Damien Odger wanted to do something creative, hence they decided to open a brewery after years of working in the public sector.

lucha brewing co — Photo credit: luchabrewingco/Facebook

One of the challenges they experienced along the way was finding a location for the business. In fact, they spent over a year looking for one. After much consideration, they chose Seventeen Miles Rocks, for its character and size, where locals can easily drop by to unwind with some craft beers.

lucha brewing address — Photo credit: luchabrewingco/Facebook

After almost two years of planning, they finally opened Lucha Brewing Co in February 2022, a relaxing venue that can accommodate up to 50 guests.

The brewery uses the Braumeister system, a compact brewing unit that makes the lautering process (separating the mash into clear liquid wort and residual grain) quick and without a mess.

lucha brewing ipa — Photo credit: Morgan Johnston/Google Maps

Lucha Brewing Co has its own craft beers on tap but also showcases three taps from Sea Legs Brewing Co, Soapbox Beer, and Aether Brewing. Aside from craft beers, guests who prefer wine can order Sirromet at the bar.

craft beers aether — Photo credit: luchabrewingco/Facebook

Patrons can bring their own food or have it delivered via food delivery services, but on weekends, usually starting on Fridays, there are food trucks outside serving some of the best grubs you can pair with craft beer.

For more details about Lucha Brewing Co, follow them on Facebook or on Instagram @luchabrewingco.

Komatsu Unveils Wacol Distribution Centre, Innovation Hub

Photo Credit: Komatsu / komatsu.com.au

Did you know that Komatsu has officially opened its Innovation Hub, a part of the new, $48-million Wacol Distribution Centre?

Todd Connolly, General Manager, Business Transformation said that as the company focuses on innovation and technology leadership across all aspects of its business, the Innovation Hub is an addition to the new Wacol Distribution Centre “…that demonstrates Komatsu’s vision to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.”

“It’s been designed to inspire the next generation of Komatsu employees and management, along with our customers and other stakeholders, to continue our innovation journey along with us,” Mr Connolly said.

A range of interactive exhibits will be showcased at The Innovation Hub demonstrating the company’s latest technologies in mining, quarrying and construction equipment and solutions.

The exhibit covers mining automation, Komatsu Smart Construction, digital services, sustainability, supply chain and a “history lane”.

Mr Connolly added that the exhibit will allow visitors to see the company’s past and vision of the future featuring classic items display of Komatsu equipment as well as prototype all-electric remote control excavators.

Wacol Innovation Hub — Photo Credit: Komatsu/ komatsu.com.au

“We have live displays of our Komatsu machine population throughout Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia – including location, operating status and machine condition – along with a countdown to our 150th anniversary in 2071.

“There are also opportunities to try out a Komatsu excavator simulator, or see how our Smart Construction offerings are having a direct influence today on the management of our infrastructure and resources projects of tomorrow.”

The 17,500-sqm Wacol Distribution Centre is the first largest facility that the company has constructed thus far. It has created more than 50 new jobs and was commissioned in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary.

The new distribution centre will allow the company to serve and improve the satisfaction of its more than 3,000 customers across Queensland, the Northern Territory, NSW, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

“Customers in these regions – which includes large mining customers – are currently serviced from our various Brisbane facilities, and by consolidating them into a single operation, we anticipate a marked improvement in customer satisfaction,” Komatsu’s General Manager, Supply Chain Russell Hodson, said.

“The new facility will also be much safer for Komatsu employees and service providers, making use of the latest warehousing technology and systems, including anti-collision systems and full worker/machine separation throughout.

Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak Prompts Anti-Mosquito Spraying Blitz in Seventeen Mile Rocks, Other Suburbs

Following confirmed cases of Japanese encephalitis across Queensland, Brisbane authorities have ramped up its anti-mosquito measures, including an anti-mosquito spraying blitz in Seventeen Mile Rocks and other suburbs.

Read: Free Skateboarding Lessons Held Monthly at PCYC Mount Gravatt

Brisbane is the only local government authority to employ two expert entomologists to address mosquito activity and undertake treatment based on their advice.

For the city-wide anti-mosquito spraying, Council has deployed four all-terrain vehicles, two electric buggies, and more than 20 spray trucks.

This comes after there have been a number of cases in the country. As of 7 March 2022, Queensland has recorded four human cases of infection of the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV), putting the total number of known or probable cases to 32 across Australia.

Post-flood mosquito surge

Given the recent flooding, mosquito numbers are expected to increase across the State.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner revealed that about 1,400 of Brisbane’s known 2,400 breeding sites were triggered by the recent rainfall.

“There has been a lot of rain and a lot of water is still around, so I ask residents to play their part and please prepare their homes for mosquito season by keeping their yards empty of any water-holding containers in which mosquitoes can breed, such as buckets, pot plants saucers, and bird baths,” he said.

“Make sure windows, and all openings on rainwater tanks, are screened and ensure roof gutters are not blocked with leaves.”

Symptoms and precautions of Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitios symptoms — Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

The Australian Government has announced that it will work closely with states and territories to educate the community about JEV, what precautions people should take, and symptoms to be aware of.

In mild cases, a person with JEV usually suffers from headaches or fever. In some instances, an infected individual may not feel any symptoms at all.

Symptoms of severe JEV include:

High fever and chills
Severe headaches
Sensitivity to light
Neck stiffness
Seizures
Spastic paralysis

The Department of Health urges Queenslanders to take necessary steps to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes, especially given the recent flooding event.

Measures to prevent mosquito bites include regularly applying insect repellent containing Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing loose, light-coloured clothing to cover up arms, legs and feet; and using other insecticide-based mosquito control devices where possible when outside.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus vaccines

The Government will also work closely with the states and territories to support the distribution of vaccine doses to at-risk population groups. They would allocate $70 million to combat Japanese encephalitis, which includes purchasing 130,000 doses of vaccine to protect people from the deadly virus.

The additional JEV vaccines, which will be available from late March to April 2022, will be distributed equitably to states and territories.

At present, there are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian market, Imojev (Sanofi-Aventis Australia) and JEspect (Seqirus).

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

Brisbane locals are reminded to take extra care when arranging meet-ups for buying and selling transactions online, following the assault of a Darra local who met with an online buyer in Mansburg Terrace.

The perpetrator not only grabbed the watch sold by the Darra man but also managed to assault the victim before running away. The b uyer allegedly said he can only pay part of the arrangement they agreed online and will transfer the rest of the money electronically.

Investigations by the Queensland Police Services are ongoing. According to the QPS, incidents of robbery offences among locals who arrange their buying and selling activities on various online platforms have risen.

The QPS has offered the following suggestions for Queenslanders who are into online transactions:

Check the profiles of the buyer or seller before agreeing to a meet-up. If their profiles appear to have been created recently, then it may be an indication of a fake user or scammer.
Check the seller’s public profile and reconsider completing the deal if the conversations appear to be one-way with little engagement from the community.
Ensure your personal safety when meeting up. Never do this at night in secluded or private areas. If possible, meet during daylight hours in a place where there are CCTV cameras and plenty of people.
Have a friend or family member with you. According to the QPS, “This increases your safety and provides a potential witness if needed.”
Record details of the person you are meeting including name, email address, phone number and registration numbers.
Cancel the meeting if you feel uncomfortable. Trust your gut insticts.
Never accept a screenshot as payment proof.
If payments are done online, ensure the security of the payment method. Never pay by money order, pre-loaded money cards or wire transfer.

Additionally, locals are encouraged to follow online safety advice from sources such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre regarding how to safely purchase/sell online.

The QPS encourages reporting robberies online or by calling 1800 333 000.

REPORT ROBBERY TO QPS

Get Your Coffee Fix and ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza

Photo Credit: All Things Tasmanian / Facebook

If you want a taste of “The Apple Isle” paired with a serving of warm coffee, ‘All Things Tasmanian’ at Riverhills Plaza is where you need to be.

All Things Tasmanian serves up roasted coffee courtesy of Gioconda Coffee Roasters as well as The Art of Tea loose leaf teas and cold beverages.

Range of Tasmanian honey | Photo Credit: All_Things_Tasmanian / Facebook

And of course, authentic Tasmanian products are aplenty including pies, sugar-free jams, manuka honey, homemade brandy fruit cake, Federation chocolate, and cheese selections

There are critter treats for your pets as well and truffle salt, balsamic and oil. And even personal care products are also available here including soaps, hand and body wash and beard balms.

Photo Credit: All_Things_Tasmanian / Facebook

The store is located at 20 Bogong St, Riverhills and they are open from 5.30 am to 12 pm, Monday to Friday; and from 6.30 am to 12 pm, Saturday to Sunday.

Can’t get enough of things Tassie? Here are some online shops dedicated to Tasmanian products that you may want to check out.

Gift Shop Tasmania

Gift_Shop_Tasmania is a marketplace offering gift ideas from tote bags to personal care products; all proudly made in Tasmania. This one-stop shop also offers free shipping in Australia for orders over $100.

Tasmanian Gourmet Online

Huon Valley-based Tasmanian_Gourmet Online offers a range of more than a thousand curated Tasmanian products. On offer are Gourmet Food Hampers, cheeses and wines and spirits.

Range Tasmania

Range_Tasmania offers handmade Tasmanian products – cooked in a kitchen and not in a factory — using ingredients that are either grown from their Cackleberry Farm in Southern Tasmania or sourced from select suppliers. Products on offer include biscuits and baked items, condiments and sauces, chutneys, jams, jellies, and marmalades.

Jindalee Welcomes 14th ‘Hello Harry’ Burger Franchise Store in Australia

Did you know that DFO Jindalee is now home to the 14th Australian franchise of Hello Harry, a growing chain of burger joints that started in the coastal town of Maroochydore nearly eight years ago?

In late November 2021, Hello Harry opened its doors to Jindalee locals and the rest of Brisbane’s south-western residents at the recently renovated shopping centre.

Known for its “no fluff or fuss” menu and “funky & fun” dining environment, the burger joint offers carefully hand-rolled patties with locally-sourced ingredients for its fillings and side dishes.

Jay and Inga Robinson manage the Jindalee franchise and they hope to grow the market of burger lovers who enjoy freshly-made burgers in-house with local produce. However, Tony Kelly is the mastermind behind Hello Harry’s first store in the Sunshine Coast. He and his partners have a simple idea for their eatery — good burgers with good ingredients but made promptly upon order.

All Hello Harry outlets across Australia carry a standard menu with the Dirty Harry burgers as the crowd favourite. This meal is made of double beef patties, grilled chicken, double cheese, crispy bacon, pickles, American mustard, house tomato jam, and mayo.

Vegan and vegetarians are not left out since the burger joint also offers four kinds of plant-based burgers.

Hello Harry Jindalee — Photo Credit: HelloHarry/Facebook

Hello Harry also runs a loyalty program, with a free sign-up, that allows members to earn points for discounts, freebies, and other privileges each time they dine at any of the outlets.

Follow the restaurant on Facebook for updates.

Had a great meal here after the gym. Tried the naked chicken burger, and it did not disappoint. A generous serving of salad with avocado as the base made for a wholesome meal that was not heavy.
Julieann Ramsey

Can’t get a better burger than from here. Meat is super tasty and perfectly cooked, egg runny and bun just right. Service was also top-notch.
Nik Gresshoff

Great burger place. Offers a good variety of burgers. Their chips are amazing. Already a family favourite. There’s quite a bit of seating if you want to dine in. Staff are lovely.
Huong Nguyen

Proposal Submitted for Oxley Retirement Facility & Community Centre

Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland

Did you know that a new retirement facility and community centre may soon rise at Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and Cliveden Avenue in Oxley?

Read: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Project Happening Soon!

A proposal has been submitted for a 77-unit retirement facility and community centre on a vacant site located at 53 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and 113 Cliveden Avenue in Oxley.

Designed by Conrad Gargett, the proposed development has been designed as a model for innovative retirement living which comprises a range of living options that respond to the occupant’s accommodation needs.

The development will be done in multiple stages. Stage 1 involves the reconfiguring of the two lots into 39 residential lots for future dwelling houses. This has been given the green light by Council whilst Stage 2 is still awaiting approval.

Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland

For the Stage 3 of the project, the developer is seeking to build three stand-alone buildings which will have a total of 77 units spread across a range of two and three-bedroom dwelling types.

A single-storey community centre will also be constructed as the focal point for the overall facility. The centre will support various social and community events and gatherings. It will remain under the control of the management of the retirement facility but will be made available for public hire.

Artist’s impression of proposed retirement facility (Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland)

Around 158 car park spaces, wherein 127 for residents and 31 for visitors, are also part of the proposal. Access to the site will be via a 2-way driveway crossover from Moorhen Terrace.

Read: Momentum Remains High for Seventeen Mile Rocks Property Market

A report prepared by Peakurban on behalf of the applicant states that sustainable design initiatives and measures are being considered to reduce the environmental footprint of proposed development. Such measures may include the use of solar panels.

Site aerial view (Photo credit: Economic Development Queensland)

“Ultimately, development of the subject site for the purposes of a retirement facility supported by an integrated Community Centre represents the highest and best use of one of the key sites within the Oxley PDA,” Peakurban stated.

“The proposed retirement facility provides a unique, architecturally designed retirement (over 55s) community within an attractive, bushland setting. The accommodation, amenity and recreation offerings proposed by the Retirement Facility will ensure the provision of an innovative, integrated model for retirement living,” the report reads.

For more details about the proposed retirement facility and community centre in Oxley, see DEV2021/1234

Jindalee Home Centre to Have New Children’s Playground

Did you know that Jindalee Home Centre may soon be getting a new children’s playground?

In December 2021, Jindalee Home Centre unveiled plans for an enclosed, state-of-the-art playground next to the car parking area. The announcement comes after a minor change application that will facilitate the construction of the play area has been lodged for Council approval.

The new kids play area will be situated at Jindalee Home Centre located at 34 Goggs Road, between the Bare Bones Society cafe and Oz Design Furniture.

Photo credit: Brisbane CIty Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The outdoor children’s play area is expected to improve the offerings and recreational facilities within the Home Centre.

Jindalee Home Centre Children’s Playground — Photo credit: Brisbane CIty Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

Apart from the construction of a children’s playground on a small section of the hardstand and car park area, the plans also include the removal of eight ((8) car parking spaces (including the removal and reinstatement of one (1) accessible space.

An internal access driveway will be closed to facilitate the cul-de-sac arrangement whilst the pedestrian ramp along the northern kerb boundary will also be removed and reinstated afterwards.

Three (3) existing car spaces will be modified to comply with current Australian Standards.

A new footpath, kerbing and bollards will be installed along the perimeter of the play area, as well as pedestrian ramp and crossing to and from the Freedom Store.

There will also be associated landscaping, fencing, playground equipment, seating and shade sail structure.

An assessment report made by Willowtree Planning says that the changes to the approved development sought are considered minor.

They further assured that the proposal also seeks to ensure that Jindalee Home Centre “…will continue to function as a high-quality homemaker centre in accordance with the original and subsequent development approval(s).”

Centenary Bridge Upgrade Project Happening Soon!

Centenary Bridge in 2020 (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 4.0/Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons)

Preparations are underway to commence construction on the Centenary Bridge Upgrade project, the first new car bridge to be built over the Brisbane River since 2010.

Read: Strong Fundamentals Drive Double-Digit Growth in Jindalee Property Market

Following a community consultation held in September 2021 for the proposed design of the bridge, an application has now been lodged for the clearing mangroves and trees at the proposed site.

The clearing will involve around 800 sqm of Queensland bluegums and scattered mangroves. Acquisition of homes in identified areas in Jindalee has also commenced.

A previous study has noted the poor condition of the existing Centenary Bridge and recommendations were made to replace it with a three-lane bridge handling southbound traffic.

Opened in 1964, the last upgrades to the bridge were almost three decades ago when it was duplicated with new southbound lanes.

The planning study for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade identified possible staged upgrades along the Centenary Motorway from Sumners Road, Darra, to Frederick Street, Toowong.

Three temporary floating construction jetties will be used to build the bridges.

To accommodate future increases in traffic loads, the design has allowed space for future expansions. This means future lane widths can be optimised to accommodate more lanes when required.

Centenary Bridge Upgrade project — Photo credit: Department of Transport and Main Road

The main features of the bridge include a new three-lane northbound bridge and changes to the existing north and southbound carriageways to create one southbound bridge. The new southbound bridge will have three lanes and separated active transport facilities.

The Centenary Bridge Upgrade is expected to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes, whilst increasing efficiency and travel time reliability between Brisbane’s western suburbs, local destinations and the CBD.