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Woman Critical After Forklift Incident at Brisbane Markets

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

Ready to Serve: Meet The Newest Watchhouse Officers Of QPS

After graduating from Oxley Police Academy, fourteen new watchhouse officers are prepared to begin their responsibility of enforcing justice throughout South-East Queensland.

After completing a rigorous five-week training programme, these watchhouse officers (WOs) —trained experts skilled at supervising individuals in custody within watchhouses—have improved their operational abilities, gained an awareness of legislative powers, and gained an in-depth understanding of custody procedures.

Lectures from a variety of speakers, including members from First Nations organisations, enhanced their education by highlighting the significance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in their employment.

Paul Langley

Photo Credit: Website/ myPolice Queensland Police News

Paul Langley is one of the graduates who is eager to begin working at Pine Rivers Watchhouse and has served four years in immigration detention. While reflecting on the significance of his new role, Langley emphasised the crucial support watchhouse officers provide to the broader police force in terms of expediting officers’ return to patrol and guaranteeing the continuation of their community service.

Leona Kish

Leona Kish brings a unique blend of academic prowess and practical ambition to her role. Currently pursuing a major in criminology and psychology, Kish sees her position as a watchhouse officer as a stepping stone toward her ultimate goal in forensic psychology. With a keen desire to enhance the workings of the legal system, Kish approaches her work with a strategic vision for the future.

Maddison Bignell

Maddison Bignell eagerly accepted her position at Caloundra Watchhouse, driven by the prospect of a challenging career and a deep-seated desire to help others. Bursting with enthusiasm, she looks forward to applying her freshly acquired expertise and skills as a watchhouse officer, poised to effect tangible change in her community. Rejecting the confines of a desk-bound occupation, Bignell is ready to embrace the dynamic nature of her new role with open arms.

These recent hires show the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to growing its membership and adapting to the evolving needs of modern law enforcement. Across vital regions like Caloundra, Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast, these watchhouse officers are prepared to serve, safeguard, and preserve the principles of safety and justice.

Photo Credit: Website/Queensland Police Service Recruiting

If their commitment to community safety and law enforcement inspires others to consider a career in law enforcement, more details about the Queensland Police Service are available at Queensland Police Service Recruiting.

Published Date 30-March-2024

Graceville Community Stands United Against Gym Development

Graceville residents are strongly opposed to a proposed multi-level gym complex on Graceville Avenue, fearing it will cause significant traffic and parking chaos.

The community is dissatisfied due to a potential gym centre that only offers 37% of the required parking spaces as per City Plan 2014 guidelines.

This lack of parking spaces implies that most gym-goers will have to park on the surrounding streets, resulting in traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents and passers-by.

This issue was brought to light following a Council pre-lodgement advice dated 7 September 2022, which seemingly overlooked the need for sufficient parking for a gym of this scale.

Total Fusion Graceville gym development — *Photo Credit: DA A006237386*

The advice permitted a mere 150 parking spaces, starkly contrasted with the over 400 spaces required under the council’s policies for indoor sport and recreation facilities.

In March 2023, developers of the gym, Total Fusion, filed DA A006237386, which has been under assessment with the city planners. The DA has since received more than 770 submissions from the locals.

Voices from the Community

The residents of Graceville are not only concerned about parking but also about their quality of life, safety, and preserving the character of their neighbourhood. Local forums and submissions to the Council reflect a deep-seated fear that the gym’s presence will exacerbate traffic congestion, reduce safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and strain already burdened infrastructure such as Oxley Road and the Walter Taylor Bridge.

Sally Symonds, a resident, believes that the gym is unsuitable for the area’s existing infrastructure and community fabric.

“It’s clear the proposed development does not fit into the space available, and the city does not have the infrastructure to support a facility of this size in this area,” Ms Symonds said.

“It is a destination business that needs to attract patrons from many suburbs away to compete in the area’s already saturated health and wellness market. Traffic and congestion will be a nightmare for everyone. “

A Call for Rethinking Development

Beyond traffic and congestion, residents point out that the development raises significant concerns about housing, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

“Graceville boasts a unique character with over 48% of its properties designated as residential and character residential. The introduction of a destination business of this magnitude threatens to disrupt the essence of our suburb,” another local said in the DA submissions.

“Approving such an expansive project sets a worrying precedent for larger and taller structures within our community. Historical trends have shown that such precedents tend to escalate over time. Our neighbourhood lacks robust public transportation infrastructure, compounding our concerns.”

Locals are urging Council to reconsider the development given the scale and scope of the property.

Published 20-March-2024

Brisbane and QLD Communities Raise $1.78M at Women’s Day Fun Run

The 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run was a resounding success, with a tidal wave of support sweeping across Brisbane and numerous regional communities in Queensland. This remarkable event rallied thousands of participants, united in their mission to combat breast cancer, raising an astonishing $1.78 million for the cause.

Read: Chelmer and Riverhills Mums Led Record-breaking Turnout for Brisbane Breast Cancer Fun Run

The streets of Brisbane’s CBD were awash with a “Sea of Pink” on March 10 as runners, walkers, and supporters donned pink outfits and accessories for the inspiring 5km and 10km events.

Thousands more joined in at 14 “virtual” fun run locations from Bowen to the Sunshine Coast organised by Mater Foundation.

Among the pink-clad masses were two incredibly inspiring women – Anna Finlayson and Anna Holland – both breast cancer survivors who embodied the event’s message of resilience, hope, and celebrating life.

Chelmer mother-of-two Ms Finlayson rallied her community from The Outdoor Club Graceville after receiving a shocking breast cancer diagnosis last year. Despite undergoing three surgeries including a mastectomy, her courage spurred them all to join the fun run.

Ms Holland, a teacher from Jamboree Heights State School, beamed with joy as she celebrated an incredible milestone – five years of being cancer-free after battling stage two HER2-positive breast cancer.

Her presence at this year’s Fun Run was a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Despite enduring a double mastectomy, gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, Ms Holland emerged as a true warrior, her spirit unbroken.

The record-smashing number of participants this year resulted in the event selling out within 25 days, despite organisers increasing the capacity by 3,000 spots to meet overwhelming demand.

Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive Andrew Thomas proclaimed this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run as the largest in the event’s 33-year history.

“Queenslanders have supported this year’s fun run like never before – and we cannot thank them enough,” he said.

“Our supporters created a pink street party that stretched from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens – and beyond.

“It’s been a day of laughter and great memories – and a few tears too.

Read: New Fitness Opportunities in Sherwood Promote Health and Community

The $1.78 million raised through the fun run will bolster Mater’s efforts against breast cancer through funding critical medical research, procuring cutting-edge equipment, and offering more personalised patient services.

Published 14-March-2024

Chelmer and Riverhills Mums Led Record-breaking Turnout for Brisbane Breast Cancer Fun Run

The 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by Queensland X-Ray, made history as the largest event yet, with a record-breaking 23,000 participants hitting the streets of Brisbane. Among the thousands of runners, breast cancer survivors Anna Finlayson and Anna Holland, hailing from Chelmer and Riverhills respectively, stood out as inspiring symbols of resilience and hope.

Ms Finlayson, a Chelmer mother-of-two, inspired her peers from The Outdoor Club Graceville to join the Sea of Pink after receiving a shocking breast cancer diagnosis last year. Despite facing three surgeries, including a mastectomy, Ms Finlayson’s courage and determination have rallied her community behind the cause.

Ms Holland, a teacher at Jamboree Heights State School, is marking her five-year milestone since being diagnosed with stage two HER2-positive breast cancer. Despite the challenges she has faced, including a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, Mrs Holland remains an embodiment of resilience. Her participation in this year’s Fun Run symbolises not only her triumph but also a celebration of hope and survival for all affected by breast cancer.

Organised by Mater Foundation, the International Women’s Day Fun Run, held on Saturday 10 March 2024, garnered unprecedented demand, selling out in 25 days despite expanding its capacity by 3000 spots.

The overwhelming response to the 2024 Fun Run underscored the event’s significance in the hearts of Queenslanders. Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas emphasised the importance of community participation in supporting breast cancer research and patient care.

With the option for virtual participation, individuals across the state were also able to join the Sea of Pink and contribute to the cause from their neighbourhoods.

Funds from the event will be used for life-saving breast cancer research and vital support services for patients at Mater hospitals across Queensland.

From Brisbane to Bundaberg, every step taken in the Fun Run brings hope and support to those affected by breast cancer.

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School Corinda Cleared on Possible Asbestos-Contaminated Compost

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Concerns about possible asbestos-contaminated compost at the site of the Sport Performance Centre of St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School in Corinda have been laid to rest, as test samples from Ambiwerra have tested negative for asbestos. The school, in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, has resumed all activity at the site.

Prior to this development, Queensland’s environmental authority had unveiled a worrying find: a small amount of asbestos was detected in a compost stockpile at NuGrow’s Ipswich site, one of the state’s leading disposal and recycling companies.

Immediate Action and Precautionary Measures

This led to immediate action, with affected areas such as a construction site at St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls School and a dog park in Greenbank being cordoned off for testing. These were the first public spaces to confront the potential danger of asbestos-contaminated soil.

Upon discovery, authorities took swift action to mitigate the risk. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland advised St Aidan’s that the soil used for landscaping its Sport Performance Centre might contain asbestos from NuGrow. In response, the school and other impacted businesses were directed to halt all material movement, initiating a rigorous testing process to assess the contamination level.

Queensland’s environmental authority is taking a precautionary measure due to a crisis of contaminated mulch affecting New South Wales.

Since then, the school has released the results of the investigation, giving its Ambiwerra site the “All Clear.”

Community and Environmental Impact

The potential presence of asbestos in public spaces has understandably alarmed the community.

The spokeswoman for St Aidan’s reassured that the risk was very low, emphasising the school’s commitment to safety by notifying its community and taking immediate steps to isolate the affected area.

Queensland’s environment authority and Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding have emphasized the low risk of harm and the extensive testing underway to ensure public safety.

Ongoing Investigations and Collaborative Efforts

As the investigation unfolds, the focus has broadened beyond the immediate sites to include a more comprehensive inspection of waste facilities and compost suppliers across South East Queensland.

The Department of Environment & Workplace Health and Safety QLD are working to prevent further distribution of contaminated materials, addressing environmental health crises.

Published 3-March-2024. Updated 13-March-2024.