With over $6,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, this limited entry raffle is sure to bring some extra cheer this year. Only 300 tickets are available for the Christmas Cash Grab, so competition is high to win the grand prizes of $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 in cash.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $50, or savvy entrants can increase their odds by grabbing discounted bundles of 5 tickets for $225 or 10 for $450.
The winning ticket will be drawn on December 16 at the Sherwood Indooroopilly RSL Sub Branch. Winners will be notified by phone and announced on the Rotary Club’s Facebook page on December 17.
Proceeds from the raffle support the Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge’s service initiatives both locally and abroad.
About the Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge
Photo credit: Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge/Facebook
The Rotary Club of Brisbane Taylor Bridge dynamic group supports youth initiatives and cares deeply about the environment through recycling efforts. Their Rotate committee spearheads new ways to be eco-friendly.
The club was established in 2012, to fill a gap in the service organisation representation in the leafy corridor of the western suburbs of Oxley, Sherwood, Corinda, Graceville, and Tennyson.
Locally and globally, the Taylor Bridge Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact. Their enthusiasm and progressive spirit enable them to take on meaningful projects that create lasting change. Visit the club’s website to learn more about the upcoming Christmas raffle and their projects.
To build or not to build a new bridge from Chelmer to Indooroopilly: the question has been the subject of much discussion and debate since the idea was floated and particularly in recent months.
Earlier this year, Brisbane City Council presented six options for a potential new bridge aimed at alleviating severe congestion on the existing Walter Taylor Bridge. Here are the potential solutions:
A four-lane downstream bridge and overpass near the rail line
A four-lane downstream bridge with a short under rail tunnel on Coonan St
A new four-lane bridge going upstream
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes northbound, whilst building another two-lane southbound bridge
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes southbound and then adding a new two-lane bridge northbound
No action despite the severe congestion at Walter Taylor Bridge
Community Feedback
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Although most residents agree something must be done to address congestion around the Walter Taylor Bridge, some have presented their own ideas for improving transportation in the area that don’t involve constructing another bridge.
BCC has summarised the insights identified through community consultation, based on data gathered from the pre-feasibility study conducted:
There is a high level of community support for infrastructure solutions, with 85% of respondents suggesting a need for infrastructure upgrade and a want to see improvements to the district and river crossing.
More than 70% of respondents suggested upgrading infrastructure by building another bridge or increasing capacity of the existing Walter Taylor Bridge, by making traffic improvements north and south of the river to reduce congestion and improve travel time reliability of road users.
63% of respondents cross the river three or more days in a week and 79% of respondents said congestion, travel time or reliability are the main challenges when crossing the river.
18% of respondents outlined a need for direct and more frequent bus and train services, including more connections servicing the northern and southern suburbs and better access to parking in and around the train stations.
12% of respondents wanted more active transport links to local paths and cycleways.
Meanwhile Cr Nicole Johnston (Tennyson Ward) argues that a new bridge will simply dump more cars onto already congested roads like Coonan Street and turn residential streets into thoroughfares. She advocates for improving public transportation as a preferable alternative.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Cr Johnston suggested making public transport for students free during school and university terms. She also called for more local bus loops connecting to train stations, extending the CityCat network, building new bike paths where they were lacking, and upgrading problematic intersections.
The opponents of a new bridge from Chelmer to Indro argue proper investigation is needed to determine the optimal location for improved river crossings in Brisbane’s western suburbs. They contend projects improving transportation options apart from private vehicles deserve priority consideration.
The debate seems guaranteed to continue as officials weigh the costs and benefits of relieving congestion on the bridge so vital for connectivity between Brisbane’s inner west and southwest. For now, the outcome remains uncertain.
Residents in Sherwood and the nearby suburbs are encouraged to take advantage of two exciting fitness activities that have recently started in the area: a walking group and a dance workshop. These activities not only offer health benefits but also provide a platform for fostering community connections.
Walking Group Offers Heart-Healthy Benefits
A new walking group has emerged in Sherwood and it’s already attracting attention from locals eager to prioritise their health and well-being. The group meets every Friday at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre, located at 38 Thallon St.
Whether you’re a dog owner looking to give your furry friend some exercise or a parent with a pram, the walking group welcomes everyone.
Walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity like walking can help manage weight, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. The benefits extend to improving bone density, balance, and coordination, which contribute to preventing injuries.
Scan the QR code to learn the details on how to join this weekly activity or phone Katrina at 0478 415 946.
Photo Credit: Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
Dance Workshop Revives 80’s Spirit
In addition to the walking group, Sherwood’s community has had an exciting dance workshop that promises a trip down memory lane. The Common People Dance project offers free dance classes, where participants can learn and showcase their dance moves.
The workshops take place every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sherwood Uniting Church Hall on Sherwood Rd and will run until the 7th of Sept 2023. On that night, a dance party will be underway from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Sherwood Neighbourhood Centre
With a blend of nostalgia and new moves, the workshop aims to bring together individuals from all walks of life. The activity is all about having fun, getting some exercise, and sharing a laugh with fellow attendees. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or someone just looking to have a good time, these workshops are open to all.
Residents interested in joining the dance workshops are encouraged to RSVP to sandiellen@benarrawa.org.au or phone the Benarrawa Community Development Association‘s mobile at 0411 596 002.
Whether you’re lacing up your sneakers for a brisk walk or brushing up on your dance skills, these fitness events have something to offer for everyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.
Sherwood Magpies‘ Michaela Nayler has been selected for the National She Can Coach Program, which aims to improve women’s coaching skills and develop a network of women coaches at all levels of the game.
The AFL, in partnership with BHP, recently launched the third annual Women’s Coaching Month. Both an opportunity and a celebration, it heralds the contribution of female coaches and encourages growth in the field.
Women’s Coaching Numbers Surge
The launch of the AFLW in 2017 has led to a surge in the number of women coaches. There are now more than 2,000 women registered as coaches across the country. Women are increasingly represented as coaches in state leagues and talent programs.
Most notably, there are now nine women coaching boys and girls in the Coates Talent League, up from zero last year.
Partnership Focuses on Inclusion, Equality
The BHP-AFL partnership promotes leadership, inclusion and equality for women. BHP sees the advancement of women in coaching as a benefit to the entire community. BHP’s connection to coaching includes the Women’s Coaching Academy, which has graduated 28 coaches since 2018.
Alongside the National She Can Coach Program, other key programs to the growth of women’s coaching include the Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which has co-funded nine full-time AFLW positions, and the BHP Community Coach of the Year Award.
“We have seen significant momentum generated in the women and girls coaching space in recent years with numbers growing and greater emphasis placed on attraction and retention, not just for women coaching women and girls but women coaching men and boys as well.”
Nicole Livingstone, AFL General Manager for Women’s Football
Livingstone added that the development of female coaches ensured the future success of the women’s game. She highlighted the work that still needed to be done, but said the recent focus already built strong foundation.
“There is a lot of work to be done to continue to build women and girls coaching in Australian football but the significant progress made and sharp focus we have in this space has given us a really strong foundation.”
“Guerilla art” doesn’t always have to be street graffiti a la Banksy. This Sherwood artist, Ryan Forster, has brought street art to a quirky and different level with his metal bin chickens popping up all over town, sparking interest among passers-by and on social media.
The project began innocently enough when Mr Forster was making various metal animal sculptures and his barber playfully suggested trying a bin chicken, a colloquial term used in Australia for the ibis, due to their scavenging nature.
Forster placed an initial six pieces of these artistic creations around Brisbane as part of what he called the “Brisbane Bin Chicken Trail.” Two sculptures were placed in the Queen St Mall, one at Milton train station, and another one at an Oxley roundabout, the latter installed in a daring midnight operation.
A TikTok video showcasing the project went viral, attracting significant attention and numerous requests from businesses wanting their own official bin chicken sculptures. Forster added a humorous and unique design, with the ibis holding an XXXX can, that appealed to the public.
However, the art project faced setbacks as some individuals couldn’t resist pilfering these whimsical pieces of art. Apparently, some ibis enthusiasts decided to take matters into their own hands and stole the sculptures from a roundabout and the bustling Queen St Mall.
“I made metal bin chickens and installed them around Brisbane as public art but unfortunately they kept getting stolen!” Mr Forster said.
“People loved them and they went viral all the time so I knew I needed a way to make them more permanent. I came up with the Bin Chicken Trail where businesses, homeowners and communities would buy a ‘Binny’ and I would attach it securely on their premises.
“It helps to bring eyes to their business and feet in their door. But moreover it’s a bit of fun, gives people a laugh and supports wildlife conservation charities.”
Nonetheless, not all hope is lost for the bin chicken aficionados.
A law firm from Caboolture, Murray Torcetti lawyers, has taken a stance against the pilferers by commissioning their rooftop version of the bin chicken, which fittingly clutches the scales of justice.
James Torcetti, a partner at the law firm, said that they decided to get a bin chicken for their rooftop because they “love a laugh.” It’s also quite symbolic because bin chickens are known underdogs that deserve to be fought for.
Meanwhile, the artist remains undeterred by the thefts and has plans to create eight more bin chicken sculptures around Brisbane. He has a particular interest in suburbs like Darras and Oxley, where appreciation for this style of art runs high.
Amidst all the discussion on Queensland being the only state yet to implement a blanket ban on mobile phone use in school, did you know that Corinda State High School was one of the first state schools to implement its own ban in 2019?
Effective Term 1 2024, the Education Department has announced that mobile phones and certain wearable electronic devices like smartwatches will be banned at all Queensland state schools during school hours, including break times.
The move is widely seen as the State bowing to widespread pressure to implement a universal mobile phone ban in all public schools, being the last state in the country to make the move.
Principals and other school leaders across Queensland have already implemented similar bans, with over 95% of schools banning mobile phone use in class, most of those including break times. The remaining 5% are seen to restrict usage on an informal basis.
At Corinda State High School, all students must place their phones in a locked Yondr pouch when they arrive on school grounds. Based on the school’s policy, students may only be allowed to take out their phones “under the strict supervision of a teacher if they are used for educational purposes.” Laptops and tablets are not included in the ban.
According to Helen Jamieson, executive principal at the school, the ban was enacted after extensive consultation and planning. She cites distraction and privacy issues as the main reasons behind the decision.
Ms Jamieson and the students wearing their Yondr pouches Photo credit: Facebook/Corinda State High School/Facebook
The pouches, which unlock when tapped on a base, are issued upon enrolment and considered part of the school uniform. Parents can contact the school office to get a message directly forwarded to their child if they need to reach them during school hours.
Photo credit: Corinda State High School/Facebook
Students caught breaching the ban face escalating consequences, from increased monitoring to weekend community service for repeat offenders.
Whilst controversial, Ms Jamieson stands behind the policy and would recommend it to other schools. She argues it has reduced distraction and inappropriate phone use.
How the Yondr Pouch Works
Photo credit: Yondr
The Yondr pouch locks automatically once students enter the phone-free zone at school and students are responsible to keep their phone with them in the pouch at all times. If a student needs to use their phone, they must step outside the phone-free area and tap the pouch on an unlocking base station to unlock it.
The pouch, developed by California-based company Yondr, is being used at thousands of schools worldwide, including Corinda State High, to combat negative effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.
Caitlin Archard-Farry, a mother of two from Chelmer, will never forget the time she watched her son Luca struggling to breathe, as he was hospitalised due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Luca, just one year old at the time, required oxygen support during his two-day hospital stay. Reflecting on the experience, Mrs Archard-Farry couldn’t believe how things progressively went from bad to worse.
She described her son Luca’s illness as days of lethargy, breathing issues, and wheezing. She became deeply concerned when she struggled to wake him up and could hardly do so. That’s when she realised that something was seriously wrong.
Mrs Archard-Farry with her children (Photo Credit: Peter Wallis)
“I didn’t realise how serious the virus can be,” Mrs Archard-Farry said.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a respiratory virus that can lead to severe lung infections, particularly among premature babies with chronic neonatal lung disease. It remains one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in infants under the age of one, as national health figures indicate a staggering 43,221 recorded cases of RSV in the last six months alone.
Picture for illustration purposes only (photo credit: Exergen Corporation/Pexels)
RSV Vaccine Trial
To address the urgent need for effective prevention measures against RSV, a team of researchers at Mater Mothers’ Hospital Brisbane has initiated trials for a new RSV vaccine.
The vaccine aims to provide single-dose protection and reduce the rates of hospitalisation among premature babies after they are discharged.
Dr Pita Birch, Director of Neonatology at Mater, explained the heightened vulnerability of preterm babies with underlying lung conditions to serious RSV complications.
Photo credit: David Inderias/Google Maps
“Those that develop RSV can be affected by bronchiolitis which causes difficulty in breathing. This can become so severe that babies require respiratory support, including intubation and mechanical ventilation,” he said.
Dr Birch added that preterm babies who go home on oxygen are much more likely to require admission to a paediatric intensive care unit for breathing support and are more likely to die of RSV infection than healthy term babies without underlying lung problems.
If the trial proves successful, the new vaccine will provide enhanced protection against RSV infection compared to the current vaccine. Furthermore, it has the potential to significantly reduce hospitalisations, admissions to intensive care units, and fatalities.
Her son’s bout with RSV served as a profound “wake-up call” for Mrs Archard-Farry, shedding light on the gravity of RSV and prompting her to share her story to raise awareness about the virus and ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine so that other families would not have to suffer like her son did.
Imagine a school where students come from over 41 different countries, many of them refugees from war-torn regions or children of migrants, all of them speaking languages other than English. These children are the reasons why Milpera State High School in Chelmer came into being.
Named after the Aboriginal word meaning “a meeting place of brothers and sisters,”Milpera State School brings hope and opportunity to children and youth who have moved to Australia from all over the world under challenging, mostly disadvantaged, circumstances.
“Milpera is an intensive English-language school, and our kids come from more than 41 different countries to learn English to prepare them to go on to high schools, or…to TAFE.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
With a commitment to maximising the full potential of every student within a socially just and culturally inclusive environment, Milpera State High School is a rarity among schools in the country as they aim to address the needs of young people who need to assimilate into a new country and learn a new language whilst getting a good education.
Established in 1979, this special-purpose state high school has been providing intensive English language education and settlement services to empower its diverse student population to flourish in their new lives in Australia.
Milpera was originally based on the grounds of Corinda State High School, close to the migrant hostel in Wacol, which shut down in 1987. Around that same period, the facility outgrew its site and relocated to its present address along Parker St in Chelmer.
Its name was changed from Corinda Special School to Milpera State High School to reflect its vision and mission for being. The school also took in students from Darra, aside from Corinda, Wacol and Chelmer.
Before the 1970s, the need for a school like Milpera was minimal. Back then, Australia’s policy favoured migration from specific European countries, resulting in fewer challenges for non-English speaking students.
However, as times changed, the school encountered various waves of migrant groups, influenced by geopolitical conflicts and changing migration policies of the government.
As a result, Milpera acted as a proactive barometer that adapted to the circumstances that required constant flexibility. The school adjusted its multilingual, multinational teacher aides to align with the changing language requirements of its students.
Because of the rich cultural diversity and linguistic backgrounds of its students, Milpera has comprehensive educational and settlement services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each learner and their family, ensuring the best outcomes.
Highly-Skilled Teachers
At Milpera, the teaching team and staff understand the challenges faced by their students, who often hail from low socioeconomic backgrounds and experience upheaval.
The school’s support system is robust, providing essential guidance to help students navigate these obstacles.
English is taught through language, literacy, and literature, as well as humanities topics, mathematics, science, and health and physical education. Additionally, students enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art and develop valuable coding skills.
The school also has a program called “Milpera Live” to deliver lessons online, a robust tool that enables educators to reach students in unconventional ways.
The principal, Julie Peel, talks about Milpera Live.
The educators at the school possess formal qualifications in teaching English as an Additional Language and employ innovative approaches to impart the right skills across various subjects.
“…we have a new student in one of our classrooms who’s using an iPad to communicate with us… they use (the technology) as a tool to learn. So it absolutely does speed up and enhance their experience of being a bit more joy in the classroom.”
Abdul Le Ibrahimi, Teacher Aide
A Sense of Belonging
Today, the school welcomes both permanent residents and those with temporary or bridging visas, with all students approved by the Minister for Education to attend school in Australia.
Beyond academics, Milpera fosters good settlement and a strong sense of belonging through carefully curated learning experiences and an extensive extra-curricular program.
At the school, conflicts and divisions from students’ home countries are left behind, allowing Muslim and Christian students, as well as individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to coexist peacefully.
Students from the same regions often find more common ground than divisions, sharing similar interests in food, art, music, and sports.
Central to the school’s mission is equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an Australian classroom and beyond. The student-centered curriculum is designed to offer highly contextualised language learning experiences, ensuring that students develop the English language proficiency necessary for their future academic and career pathways.
“It’s an extremely rewarding school to work in because we do get ot observe that great distance travelled.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
Despite the many challenges faced by its students, Milpera State High School has achieved exceptional outcomes. The school’s holistic approach to education, which encompasses not only language acquisition but also settlement skills and values such as gender equality, contributes to the students’ overall success.
A recent decision byGraceville State School’s Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C)to remove early Australian explorer names and logos from sports uniforms has generated mixed reactions and ignited a community-wide debate.
The issue on the sports uniform change emerged during a P&C meeting earlier this year when the P&C approved the removal of house names like Cook, Flinders, and Kennedy from the sports uniforms.
This decision triggered a wave of backlash, leaving some locals feeling sidelined and disheartened. Concerned parents claim they were caught off guard, with their opinions seemingly brushed aside.
Some have voiced disappointment, citing concerns of erasing history and diminishing national pride. Others, however, perceive it as a step towards fostering inclusivity.
Controversies surrounding school uniforms are not uncommon in the area, with previous debates revolving around matters such as appropriate footwear and uniform styles. Many parents now feel that their views are disregarded, exacerbating the frustration over the current issue.
Adding to the dissatisfaction, parents claim they were only informed about the sports uniform change through a uniform shop newsletter, without prior notification or an opportunity to vote on the matter.
This alleged lack of transparency has fueled more resentment, adding to the perception that the decision was made behind closed doors without considering the wider community’s input.
Concerned at what was perceived to be the imminent removal of the old sports shirts, parents scrambled to secure the outdated versions before they disappeared from the shelves. Affected parents claim that the limited availability of the new house shirts compounded the urgency to act swiftly.
The current controversy has ignited broader conversations about cultural representation and historical appreciation within schools.
The Department of Education assured parents that their concerns had been heard and pledged to engage in discussions about uniform matters. Currently, there is no official directive requiring schools to eliminate house names or logos from their uniforms.
Archerfield-based clean energy company Endua is currently developing modular hydrogen power banks, which are seen as a groundbreaking solution to combat the energy challenges faced during periods of low sun, wind, and tide generation.
The company, founded by Paul Sernia, a trailblazer from Brisbane’s electric car charging firm Tritium, has successfully created the hydrogen power banks with support from CSIRO, Ampol, a fossil fuel company, and the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).
Endua’s cutting-edge innovation comes at a crucial time in our pursuit of clean energy and power stability. With the increasing demand for renewable energy, the intermittency of sources like solar and wind poses a challenge.
Photo credit: Endua/LinkedIn
However, the hydrogen power bank developed by Endua offers a viable solution by storing renewable energy as hydrogen, converting it back into electricity when needed. Their solutions are designed to provide emissions-free and dependable electricity whenever needed, similar to a diesel generator but without the environmental impact.
Access to #RenewableEnergyStorage just got easier for remote industries and microgrid communities in Australia. 💡 It was a blast hosting everyone at our facility to witness the power bank being turned on, with a hands-on look into the potential of green hydrogen energy. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/v8QmyIka1x
Mr Sernia emphasised the significance of their power banks, particularly in regional and remote communities where the reliability of the grid can be compromised. The introduction of these power banks marks a significant step towards achieving a clean energy transition whilst ensuring stable power supply in such areas.
Impressively, Endua’s hydrogen power banks boast an impressive storage capacity of 100kWh. This remarkable capability allows them to power a wide range of applications, including farm sheds, multiple households, standalone telecommunications infrastructure, and critical warning signs and lights on roads, mines, and railways.
The startup has received support from the Queensland Government, with a $24 million investment through the Enterprise Acceleration Fund, managed by QIC.
The Enterprise Acceleration Fund invests in innovative, early-stage Queensland companies, supporting increased access to investment capital and jobs growth.
