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Commonwealth Bank Shuts Down Graceville Branch Amid Local Concerns

The decision made by the Commonwealth Bank to close its Graceville branch will have a significant impact on numerous clients, particularly the elderly in the inner-west suburb.

The Graceville branch will serve its last customers on the 5th of July 2024, signalling the end of an era for many loyal patrons.

Following the closure, the bank plans to relocate staff to adjacent branches, ensuring they have roles comparable to their current positions.

The community’s response to the closure has been a mixture of disappointment and resignation. Some residents reminisced about similar past incidents, like the removal of the Corinda ATM during the pandemic, indicating a trend of reducing banking facilities in the area.

The consensus underscores a critical need for accessible banking services, especially for those who rely on traditional banking methods and are less comfortable with technology.

Although the physical branch is closing, Commonwealth Bank stresses that customers can still conduct 98% of typical cash transactions at the Bank@Post facility located 700 meters away at the Graceville East LPO.

Photo for illustration purposes only
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Furthermore, the bank reassured customers of its commitment to maintaining a robust regional branch network, inviting them to visit nearby branches in Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Kenmore, Mount Ommaney, and Moorooka.

Trudy McConnell, the Brisbane West area manager for Commonwealth Bank, highlighted the enhanced services offered at these neighbouring branches. These facilities boast a broader range of services, including home lending specialists and business bankers, equipped with advanced self-service technology.

Ms McConnell stressed the bank’s dedication to accommodating the needs of its customers from Graceville and surrounding areas.

Published 30-May-2024

Chelmer Ninja Warrior Playground Faces Setback, New Location in Sight

span style="color:#999999;font-size:85%;font-style:italic;padding-left:5px;">Photo Credit: Facebook/ NicoleJohnston

A highly anticipated ninja warrior playground in Chelmer has hit a snag, but local authorities have a promising alternative in the works.

Construction came to an abrupt halt in April when an unrecorded tip site was unearthed during the demolition of the old playground. While posing no health risk, the discovery prevents building on the site, as remediation costs are prohibitive.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ NicoleJohnston*

This setback comes on the heels of budget cuts that removed funding for a separate remediation project at Gordon Thompson Oval, exacerbating the lack of available recreational spaces in the area.

In a bid to salvage the project, council officers are exploring the feasibility of relocating the ninja warrior course to Graceville Memorial Park, less than a kilometre away. This central location would serve both Chelmer and Graceville residents, maintaining the project’s accessibility.

While the old playground site will be grassed over and the swings will remain in place, the discovery has added the site to the contaminated land register.

Despite the disappointment, the project remains on track with sufficient funding allocated for installation at Graceville Memorial Park, pending heritage approvals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the challenges of urban development and the importance of thorough site assessments, but local authorities remain committed to delivering a new recreational facility to the community.

Published Date 23-May-2024

Wastewater Network Yields Unusual Finds: Snakes, Surfboards, and Toy Truck in Oxley

Photo Credit: Urban Utilities

Urban Utilities has disclosed a bizarre assortment of items retrieved from Queensland’s wastewater system. The list includes live snakes, a surfboard fragment, a toy truck from Oxley, and an eclectic mix of personal belongings.

Urban Utilities spokesperson Michelle Cull expressed astonishment at the variety of objects discovered, ranging from Barbie dolls and toy fire trucks to sporting equipment and even false teeth.

The unusual discoveries highlight the significance of responsible waste disposal because wet wipes and cooking fats are common household items that cause blockages.

“We’ve had Barbie dolls, toy fire trucks, and action figures go for a swim in our wastewater network,” said Cull, emphasising the need for residents to “only flush the three Ps: pee, poo, and paper.”

In the last financial year alone, Urban Utilities removed 2700 metric tonnes of rubbish from the network, equivalent to the weight of roughly 1500 cars. The company urged the public to be mindful of what they flush or wash down the drain to prevent costly and environmentally damaging blockages.

Beyond the odd and quirky finds, wastewater analysis has also provided valuable insights into public health and drug use trends.

Top 10 Weird and Wacky Sewer Finds:

1. Children’s toys

2. Money

3. Mobile phones

4. Sporting balls

5. Keys

6. False teeth

7. Goldfish

8. Jewellery

9. Snakes

10. Surfboard

In recent years, the network has been used to monitor the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.

Additionally, wastewater sampling has revealed a rise in cocaine use, reaching its highest level in seven years, along with the presence of other recreational drugs like MDMA and oxycodone.

Published Date 21-May-2024

3 Corinda State High School Staff Recognised at Australian Education Awards

Photo Credit: Google Map/ Corinda State High School

Corinda State High School in Queensland is celebrating after three staff members were named as Excellence Awardees in the prestigious 2024 Australian Education Awards.

Principal Helen Jamieson, deputy principal Tom Bates, and secondary school teacher Nicki Crerar have all been recognised in the awards, which are in their seventh year.

The awards span 29 categories and showcase the best of Australian education in 2024. Excellence Awardees will be formally recognised at a black-tie gala event on Friday, 9th of August at the Star Event Centre in Sydney. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of Australian schools, principals, department heads, and teachers.

Jamieson, Bates, and Crerar were selected from a competitive pool of nominees across the country. The Corinda State High School staff members join other awardees from schools in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory.

Prime Super, an independent profit-to-members superannuation fund, is partnering with The Educator for the 2024 awards.

Prime Super’s National Sales Manager, Corporate Super, Billie Atanasova, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting members in the education sector, stating, “As a super fund, we have a strong affinity with the teachers, principals, and support staff in schools who are working every day to elevate the futures of others.”

Published Date 16-May-2024

2024 Barrio Fiesta Brisbane Set to Shine at Rocklea Showgrounds

Photo Credit: Pexels/ Emmanuel Nicolas Jr.

The Filipino community across Australia is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day on the 12th of June 2024.

With Filipinos being the fifth-largest immigrant group in the country, events are planned throughout all states and territories, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of their homeland.

On the 9th of June 2024, Rocklea Showgrounds will host the highly anticipated 2024 Barrio Fiesta Brisbane. This well-known event among Filipinos will feature a full day of festivities showcasing Filipino culture, music, food, and community spirit.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ BarrioFiestaBrisbane*

Queensland Events

However, Queensland is set for a diverse range of festivities to mark the Filipino celebrations.

Kicking off the festivities is the Bayanihan Festival on the 1st June 2024 at the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct in Kingston. The Filipino Australian Brisbane Society Inc., which is hosting this event, promises a day full of cultural performances, food stalls, and activities.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ FilipinoAustralianBrisbaneSociety*

Following this is a more formal affair: the 126th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 1st at the Pullman Cairns International Grand Ballroom in Cairns. The Philippine Cultural Society of Carins, Inc. is responsible for organising this gala event.

*Photo Credit: Facebook/ PhilippineCulturalSocietyofCarins*

The weekend of the 8th and 9th of June has a packed schedule. On 8th June, the Pasasalamat (meaning “thanksgiving”) event will be held at the Auditorium in Meridan Plains.

Event Name	Date & Time	Location	Host
Bayanihan Festival	01 June 2024, Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm	Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, Kingston QLD	Filipino Australian Brisbane Society Inc
126th Philippine Independence Day Celebration	01 June 2024, Saturday, 6 pm	Pullman Cairns International Grand Ballroom, Cairns	Philippine Cultural Society of Cairns, Inc.
Pasasalamat	08 June 2024, Saturday, 5:30 pm	Auditorium, 70 Springs Drive Meridan Plains QLD
2024 Barrio Fiesta Brisbane	09 June 2024, Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm	Rocklea Showgrounds, Rocklea QLD	Barrio Fiesta Brisbane

National Festivities

Across the rest of the country, similar celebrations are planned. The Australian Capital Territory will see the Philippine Independence Anniversary Ball on the 15th June, while New South Wales will hold the Philippine National Day Ball on12th June.

In the Northern Territory, a special event will be held at Parliament House, hosted by the Honourable Ngaree Ah Kit MLA, Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Victoria offers a range of events, including a dinner dance in Warrnambool on 1st June, a gala and anniversary celebration in Melbourne on 8th June, and a grand fiesta at the Queen Victoria Market on 30th June.

Western Australia joins the celebrations with a ball in Perth on 8th June and a separate celebration in Mandurah on 1st June.

Tasmania will round out the national celebrations with The Grand Filipino Festival on 8th June.

This year’s Philippine Independence Day promises to be a vibrant and diverse celebration across Australia, showcasing the important contributions Filipino communities make to the cultural tapestry of the nation.

Published Date 07-May-2024

Woman Critical After Forklift Incident at Brisbane Markets

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A woman in her 40s is in critical condition after being struck by a forklift at the popular Brisbane Markets in Rocklea early Thursday morning, May 2, 2024.

The incident occurred around 6:15am, when the woman, an employee of one of the businesses operating at the markets, was involved in a collision with a forklift. She suffered serious head and leg injuries in the incident.

Paramedics were called to the scene and the woman was treated before being transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious condition. However, her condition has since deteriorated and she is now listed as critical, according to the hospital.

Andrew Young, CEO of Brisbane Markets Limited which operates the site, released a statement saying the incident is being investigated by the company, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, and the woman’s employer.

“The collision is being treated as a serious incident,” Young stated. “Brisbane Markets considers the safety of everyone working at the site to be our top priority and reinforces to all businesses the importance of adhering to safe work practices.”

He extended well-wishes to the injured woman and her family on behalf of the company.

A spokesperson for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirmed their organisation has an open investigation into the incident, but could not provide further details at this time.

The Brisbane Markets at Rocklea are a major produce market supplying fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers to retailers across Queensland. The large site operates around the clock, leading to concerns about vehicle and pedestrian safety if proper protocols are not followed.

Workplace safety advocates are calling for a thorough investigation and review of procedures to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future at one of Brisbane’s industrial hubs.

Published 4-May-2024

Oxley and Sherwood Lead the Way as Brisbane Reclaims Flood Zones for Public Use

In the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods, a silver lining has emerged for some of Brisbane’s hardest-hit suburbs – new public spaces are being created throughout the city, including in Oxley and Sherwood, and these are from voluntary buybacks of flood-prone properties.

Read: Home Buy-back Scheme Rolls Out In Oxley, Rocklea

The Queensland Government’s voluntary home buyback program, launched in response to the 2022 flood emergency, has seen Brisbane City Council acquire 285 residential properties across the city to date. This amounts to around 20.8 hectares of land – the equivalent of 25 rugby league fields.

The sprawling green spaces are taking shape in suburbs like Rocklea, Oxley and Sherwood as homes once inundated by floodwaters make way for new public recreation areas. Rocklea had the highest number of buybacks at 72 properties spanning over 50,000 square metres.

Council’s Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Tracy Davis said the newly-acquired land would be preserved as open space to improve long-term flood resilience.

The buyback scheme gave homeowners this difficult choice – pursue costly renovations to make their home more flood resilient, or accept the offer to have the property purchased.

So far around 110 of the acquired properties have been converted into open spaces and parklands, with Council set to complete the green space transition for remaining buyback sites in coming years.
The new parklands rival some of Brisbane’s most iconic recreational areas in scale, collectively larger than the 15-hectare New Farm Park or 16-hectare Roma Street Parklands.

Read: Bunnings Plans To Rebuild Oxley Store With Flood-resilient Features

For the flood-weary residents who took the buyback option, the creation of these new green lungs in the city, including Oxley and Sherwood, offers some consolation – their once-vulnerable homes making way for public spaces that could never be impacted by future inundation events.

Published 2-May-2024

Oxley Creek Common To Host Massive Tree Planting Event

Oxley Creek Common is gearing up for a green transformation as it prepares to host a monumental tree-planting event as part of National Tree Day.

On Sunday, the 28th of July 2024, Oxley Creek Common aims to plant over 1,000 native trees along the riparian corridor, thanks to a successful grant application to Planet Ark’s Seedling Bank. The initiative represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to enhance the health of Oxley Creek and foster improved wildlife habitats.

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are invited to roll up their sleeves and join this noble cause. Whether you’re a seasoned tree planter or a complete beginner, your contribution is invaluable.

Photo Credit: Facebook/ Oxley Creek Catchment Association

Registration for the event is mandatory due to the limited space.

Participants will convene at the Red Shed adjacent to the car park at Oxley Creek Common, located on Sherwood Road, Rocklea. From there, volunteers will embark on a brief 500-metre walk along the walking track to reach the planting site.

To ensure comfort and safety, attendees are advised to bring a hat, a water bottle, and sun-safe clothing such as long pants and long sleeves, along with enclosed shoes. Although there will be sunscreen, gloves, and planting tools available, it is important to remember that all children must have a parent or guardian with them at all times.

This collaborative effort emphasises the community’s commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Oxley Creek and the wider environment.

Published Date 15-April-2024

Locals Applaud Netball Event at Faulkner Park, but Seek Solutions to Minimise Disruptions

The recent four-day netball carnival held at Faulkner Park in Graceville has generated mixed reactions from local residents, with concerns raised about the event’s impact on the community.

Read: Graceville Community Stands United Against Gym Development

The Western Districts Netball Association (WDNA) hosted the 2024 senior age championship event at Faulkner Park, drawing a significant number of participants and officials. The event was attended by around 198 officials and involved 55 associations, including Kingaroy, which participated for the first time.

Whilst the event was a success for the netball community, some local residents have expressed concerns about the aftermath. Residents have reportedly been battling issues such as noise, parking, and traffic congestion during the carnival.

According to reports, local residents have previously requested that the event be hosted elsewhere or spread across multiple venues, but their calls have gone unanswered. Additionally, the overflow parking at the nearby Gordon Thomson Park was affected by constant rain, making it difficult for the council to maintain the area.

In response to the issues, the park was later closed, and organisers had to issue refunds to parking pass holders.

It is worth noting that the 2023 junior state titles were held across multiple locations in Townsville, which some residents believe helped to minimise the impact and spread the benefits more evenly.

Photo credit: Gerard Cassidy/Google Maps

However, this is not a new issue for the community. Back in 2020, a State Government grant for improved lighting at the facility in Graceville has already angered the area’s neighbours.

The organisation stated back then that the lights would actually be an improvement and that they had worked hard to minimise the impact on the neighbours, but the residents remained upset.

Read: To Build or Not to Build: The Debate Over a New Bridge from Chelmer to Indooroopilly

As the community continues to navigate these challenges, it remains to be seen whether the organisers and local authorities will address the concerns raised by the residents in the future.

Published 11-April-2024

Leadership Controversy Engulfs Prestigious St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School Amidst Staff Exodus

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School in Corinda faces a crisis as allegations of a toxic workplace culture prompt a staff exodus and a vote of no confidence, significantly impacting student wellbeing.

The issue came into the spotlight when an email, allegedly representing 49 current employees, articulated a deep-seated disillusionment with the school’s leadership under Principal Toni Riordan.

This correspondence, addressed to the school council, catalogued a disturbing trend of 39 departures over the past year, encompassing senior leaders, educators, and support personnel. The email accused Principal Riordan of neglecting serious issues like bullying, thereby exacerbating the toxic environment.

In defense, the school’s spokesperson outlined that the turnover rate paralleled that of other independent schools, attributing departures to common reasons such as retirement and career progression. Despite this, the severity of the allegations has prompted a thorough review following the Complaints Management in Anglican Schools procedures, emphasizing the school’s commitment to the welfare of its community.

St Aidans Anglican Girls School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Beyond the faculty, the instability has taken a significant toll on students, with reports of heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and therapy necessitation. Parents, having invested heavily in their children’s education at St Aidan’s, express profound disappointment and concern over the constant flux of teaching staff.

In March, a mother reported that one of her daughters experienced a panic attack, breaking down in tears due to the departure of yet another teacher, while her other daughter developed severe anxiety and is now on medication, attributed to the stressful environment caused by frequent teacher resignations.

She expressed frustration over the loss of advanced maths, science, and English teachers, deeming it unacceptable given the school’s annual tuition of up to $28,000 per student. Additionally, the family has incurred an extra $30,000 in expenses for private tutoring to compensate for the educational gaps, despite their children previously being high achievers.

The discontent extends to the school’s recent appointments, with the selection of Kim Cohen as interim deputy principal raising eyebrows. Cohen’s arrival from Saint Stephen’s College in Upper Coomera, where she departed amidst controversy, has done little to quell the unrest among the faculty.

As the school council grapples with these complex challenges, the wider community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that reaffirms the school’s commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of all its members.

Published 1-April-2024