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First Gidget House in Queensland Launches in Greenslopes to Aid Parents

Gidget House Greenslopes, Brisbane’s first dedicated perinatal mental health facility, has opened at Greenslopes Private Hospital, offering free, specialist counselling for Queensland parents dealing with perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA).

A Needed Service for Queensland Families

On Thursday, 5 December 2024, Gidget House Greenslopes officially launched as the first of its kind in Queensland and part of a growing national network of 32 locations. This new service responds to alarming statistics showing that over one-quarter of Queensland parents have experienced symptoms of perinatal mental health issues but did not seek help. The service aims to close gaps in access, providing no-cost, GP-referred counselling sessions either in person or via telehealth.

According to Gidget Foundation Australia, affordability and awareness remain critical barriers, with 25 per cent of Queensland parents unable to afford support and 16 per cent unaware of how to access it. The Foundation’s CEO, Arabella Gibson, said this expansion to Queensland marks a significant step in providing parents with access to much-needed professional care.

Arabella Gibson founder of Gibson House — Arabella Gibson, Founder
Photo Credit: Supplied

Support Tailored to Early Parenthood

Perinatal depression and anxiety affect one in five mothers and one in ten fathers in Australia during the perinatal period, which spans pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life. These challenges, while widespread, often go unaddressed, leaving many parents without the tools they need to manage their emotional health during early parenthood.

Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO, Justin Greenwell, highlighted the partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia as an extension of the hospital’s commitment to the health of the local community. He emphasised that services like Gidget House Greenslopes are crucial for addressing the mental health needs of parents as they navigate the challenges of parenthood.

A National Effort with Local Impact

The creation of Gidget House Greenslopes is part of a broader national mission by Gidget Foundation Australia to address perinatal mental health on a larger scale. By offering year-long, specialist mental health counselling, the organisation hopes to ensure more families feel supported during the crucial perinatal period. The Foundation also provides training and mentoring for its network of clinicians to enhance care quality across its locations.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, The Hon Emma McBride MP, who officiated the launch, reiterated the Albanese Government’s commitment to mental health services. She emphasised that the new facility will provide parents in Brisbane with essential support that is accessible, affordable, and tailored to their needs.

With services now available, Gidget House Greenslopes is poised to support parents across Brisbane and the broader Queensland region. For more information, families can visit the Gidget Foundation Australia website or consult their GP for a referral.

The facility’s team is optimistic that this step will reduce barriers to accessing care and improve the mental health outcomes for many parents in the community.

Published 5-Dec-2024

Greenslopes Residents Stunned by Sudden Flash Flooding

Photo Credit: Facebook / Higgins Storm Chasing

Greenslopes experienced sudden flash flooding on Sunday, December 1, 2024 as intense rainfall transformed local streets and parks into raging waterways, with some areas receiving up to 88 mm of rain in just two hours.

The suburb was among the hardest-hit areas in Brisbane’s inner south, with AJ Hanlon Park turning into what locals described as a “raging torrent” in a matter of minutes.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Higgins Storm Chasing

Sarah and Jake Barros, local residents, described the unprecedented flooding in their neighbourhood. “It is pretty scary,” Sarah Barros said.

“Our backyard and garage have been flooded, though our house itself remains okay. We see the park flood regularly, but it hasn’t been this bad in a while. It just happened so quickly – only ten minutes from the first raindrops to full flash flooding.”

Emergency services were active in the area, with multiple cars on Lincoln Street submerged up to their roofs. The speed and intensity of the water rise caught many residents off guard, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of the storm.

The flooding was part of a broader severe weather event across southeast Queensland, characterised by the Bureau of Meteorology as a result of a “humid and unstable” air mass causing slow-moving storms.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

Published 1-December-2024

Plans for Greenslopes Medical Precinct Greenlit Despite Neighbouring Hospital’s Legal Opposition

A proposed medical center near Greenslopes Private Hospital, known as the “Greenslopes Medical Precinct,” has been granted approval to proceed, despite facing a legal challenge from the neighbouring hospital.

Read: Community Staple Press and Brew Closes Down, Makes Way For Planned Community Health Care Centre

Plans

Artist’s impression of Greenslopes Medical Precinct (Photo credit: greenslopesmedicalprecinct.com.au)

The Council-approved development at 68-72 Hunter Street in Greenslopes will transform the current site, which currently housed a cafe and three residential dwellings. The existing dwellings are currently being torn down to make way for the new medical facility.

The new medical precinct promises significant infrastructure improvements, including:

– Parking capacity for approximately 123 vehicles

– Two-hour free patient parking

– Secured parking for medical specialists

– An on-site ambulance bay to facilitate rapid emergency responses

The building, designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand, features a comprehensive and thoughtful layout across multiple levels. The ground floor will include a welcoming lobby, various tenancy spaces, practical store rooms, essential amenities, and a dedicated loading bay to facilitate service deliveries.

On the first and second levels, the design incorporates additional tenancy spaces and medical amenities, aiming to provide flexible and functional areas for healthcare professionals and patients.

“The proposal maintains a health focused precinct along Headfort Street which will serve the local community and is complementary to the Greenslopes Private Hospital. The proposed Community care centre and Health care service uses are consistent with the expectations of the zoning and the surrounding locality,” planners stated in the approved plans.

Local Opposition

The project faced opposition from Ramsay Health Care, which operates Greenslopes Private Hospital. However, it appears that the legal challenge by Ramsay Health Care was ultimately unsuccessful.

The company took its concerns to the Planning and Environment Court, arguing that the new development might not be complementary to the existing hospital.

However, Judge Amanda McDonnell rejected Ramsay’s claims, finding that complementary development does not necessarily mean avoiding competition or duplication of medical services.

Read: Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

Construction is expected to commence sometime next year, marking a significant expansion of medical infrastructure in the Greenslopes area.

Published 27-November-2024

Three Months After Baby Luka’s Hanlon Park Coffee Incident

Photo Credit: Facebook / True Crime Trending

A mother has revealed her baby’s challenging recovery journey, three months after he was doused with scalding coffee at Hanlon Park.

Baby Luka, now one-year old, has undergone seven operations at Queensland Children’s Hospital since the August 27 attack, which left him with serious burns to 60 percent of his body, including his face, upper body, and arms.

Photo Credit: Facebook / True Crime Trending

“In those first few weeks, we had no idea what his future was going to look like, especially because the burns were so significant,” his mother told The Courier Mail.

While Luka’s skin has “healed really well” since receiving synthetic skin grafts, his father indicated it could take years for the scars to settle. The infant remains wary around people and becomes shy in group settings, often hiding behind his mother’s legs before gradually warming up to others.

The 33-year-old suspect, captured on CCTV leaving the park, fled overseas via Sydney Airport three days after the attack, just hours before police confirmed his identity. Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police have issued an arrest warrant for acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm.

**The police are searching for this man who poured a thermos of scalding coffee over the infant.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / True Crime Trending

According to extradition expert Jasmina Ceic from Nyman Gibson Miralis law firm, the process to bring the suspect back to Australia could take between three to five years due to the complexity of international extradition procedures.

Published 16-November-2024

Ricco Falaniko Earns Cowboys Pre-season Trial After Stint with Brisbane Tigers

Powerful winger Ricco Falaniko has earned a pre-season trial with the North Queensland Cowboys after his stint with the Brisbane Tigers in the 2024 QLD Cup competition.

Read: Greenslopes Residents Face Bus Route Overhaul in Brisbane’s Public Transport Shake-Up

Rugby union background

Standing at 195 centimetres, the 24-year-old outside back began his rugby career in New Zealand’s Taranaki region as a rugby union player. His successful transition to rugby league has showcased a natural athletic ability required to thrive in the thirteen-man code.

Falaniko established himself as a consistent performer with the Ipswich Jets across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, demonstrating his try-scoring prowess with 17 tries in 32 appearances—maintaining an impressive strike rate of better than one try every two games.

Ricco Falaniko with the Brisbane Tigers

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The powerful winger’s progression continued with the Brisbane Tigers, where he made an immediate impact with six tries in just four appearances. Falaniko’s development was evident as his try-scoring tally increased with each full game, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick in his final full-length match. His statistical impact was equally impressive, averaging 143 running metres per game while recording ten tackle busts and six line breaks.

Read: First Look: Brisbane Releases Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct Plans

The Cowboys’ pre-season invitation, as Zero Tackle reveals, provides Falaniko with an opportunity to train in an NRL environment and further develop his game. Following this opportunity, he will join the Northern Pride for their 2025 campaign, where he aims to continue his impressive trajectory.

Published 09-November-2024

Greenslopes Residents Face Bus Route Overhaul in Brisbane’s Public Transport Shake-Up

Brisbane’s bus network is undergoing a significant overhaul, and residents of Greenslopes will be among those who will feel the effects.

The changes, spearheaded by the Brisbane City Council, aim to streamline the network, improve travel times, and reduce congestion in the city centre. The plan, incorporating customer data, travel patterns, and community feedback, will add five new routes and redesign twelve existing routes.

Highlights of the Proposed Changes

Faster Travel Times: The review found that 85 per cent of routes would be faster or maintain similar travel times during peak periods.

Increased Frequency: The changes will result in an extra 160,000 bus services annually.

New Routes: Five new routes will be added to the network, including connections to key transport hubs like Upper Mt Gravatt station and RBWH station.

Route Redesigns: Twelve routes will be redesigned to terminate at metro and busway stations for improved connectivity.

Reduced City Congestion: Fewer buses will travel over Victoria Bridge to alleviate city centre and cultural precinct congestion.

Split Routes: Three existing routes will be divided into shorter routes to increase reliability and minimise delays. These include routes servicing Bardon, Stafford, Ashgrove, Toowong, and Teneriffe.

Bus Stop Relocation: Bus stops in the CBD will be moved, and several peak-hour services will be rerouted along Elizabeth Street, Edward Street, and Alice Street.

While the changes promise a more efficient network, some commuters must adjust to new routes and potentially make transfers to reach their destinations. Three routes with low patronage—the 28, 145, and P151—will be discontinued altogether.

The council has indicated that the changes are timed to coincide with the launch of the fully electric Brisbane Metro services. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed his enthusiasm for the project and his hope to collaborate with the new state government on its implementation.

He believes the improvements will incentivise public transport use, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to a more efficient transport system for Brisbane.

No specific date has been announced for the rollout of these changes.

Published Date 30-October-2024

Photo Credit: TransLink/ Facebook

First Look: Brisbane Releases Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct Plans

Brisbane has released detailed plans for the Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct, marking a significant milestone in the city’s Sustainable Growth Strategy. The precinct plan outlines a comprehensive vision to transform the suburb into a vibrant urban village with increased housing options and enhanced community spaces.

Read: Stones Corner Set to Undergo Suburban Renewal Project

The precinct plan aims to breathe new life into this well-connected suburb while preserving its distinctive character. Located along the Eastern Busway and home to the award-winning Hanlon Park, Stones Corner is positioned as an ideal candidate for sustainable urban development.

A Blueprint for Modern Urban Living

The renewal strategy centres on four key themes: housing choice, vibrant village atmosphere, subtropical lifestyle, and connected communities. At its heart, the plan seeks to address Brisbane’s growing housing needs while creating a more dynamic and liveable neighbourhood.

The focus area encompasses the core sections of Cleveland Street and Logan Road, extending to include Gladys Street, Hanlon Park, the local library, and the busway precinct.

Key Development Features

Stones Corner Suburban Renewal — Artist’s impression of plans for Cleveland St (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

The precinct plan outlines several transformative elements:

Diverse housing options catering to various demographics, with a particular focus on essential workers and older residents
Enhanced streetscapes featuring improved landscaping, lighting, and public art
New public spaces including arcades and laneways
Expanded retail and commercial opportunities along street frontages
Innovative parking solutions that promote active transport
Preservation of character and heritage build

Smart Growth for a Connected Community

What sets this renewal approach apart is its targeted nature. Unlike broad-scale neighbourhood plans, the suburban renewal precinct model focuses on maximising opportunities in smaller, strategically located areas. The plan emphasises creating walkable neighbourhoods with comfortable, shaded connections between local destinations.

The selection of Stones Corner as the first suburban renewal precinct reflects its unique potential. With its historic main street, established public transport links, and strong community foundation, it offers an ideal testing ground for Brisbane’s sustainable growth principles.

Community Engagement

Residents and stakeholders have until 19 November 2024, to provide feedback on the proposed changes. The consultation period offers an important opportunity for the community to shape the future of their neighbourhood while ensuring the renewal process aligns with local needs and aspirations.

The precinct plan aims to provide clear guidance to both the local community and building industry, ensuring that opportunities for new homes and jobs are maximised in appropriate areas while maintaining the suburb’s character and enhancing its appeal.

Read: Stones Corner Readies for Sky-High Transformation with New Apartment Approval

As Brisbane continues to grow, the Stones Corner Suburban Renewal Precinct may serve as a model for how established suburbs can evolve to meet contemporary needs while preserving their unique identity and improving quality of life for residents. Residents can provide their feedback on these plans by visiting BCC’s website.

Published 29-October-2024

Stones Corner Lease Sparks $116 Million Shortfall for Queensland Police

Queensland Police is grappling with a $116 million budget gap after signing a lease for a new police hub in Stones Corner, sparking urgent cost-cutting measures and an audit investigation.

Stones Corner Lease Strain

The lease for the Stones Corner station, agreed upon for 15 years at $116 million with an option to extend to 23 years for $240 million, was signed without an allocated funding source. This decision has left Queensland Police with a significant budget hole, and senior leaders are now under pressure to find savings across all operations.

Internal documents show a need to cut budget allocations by 5.6% to manage this shortfall. Senior officers are tasked with meeting budget targets without compromising frontline services.

Internal Efforts to Prevent Service Cuts

While Queensland Police leadership aims to keep frontline services intact, staff indicate that reductions in overtime and other areas may be necessary to balance the books. Officers are exploring ways to save costs while minimising the impact on community policing and local services.

Senior staff acknowledge the challenge but affirm their commitment to the public, even as concerns about maintaining services amid budget constraints grow.

Queensland Police Stones Corner — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Investigation and Audit Process

The lease arrangement has attracted scrutiny from the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), which is now investigating the matter. Though CCC representatives did not disclose the details or progress of the inquiry, they emphasised the need for transparency in government spending while respecting the privacy of those involved.

Queensland Police engaged KordaMentha, a firm specialising in forensic and financial reviews, to conduct an end-to-end audit of the lease agreement. This audit, launched on August 19, will investigate how and why the agreement was signed without securing funds and will evaluate if the usual protocols were followed.

Real Estate and Community Planning

The new Stones Corner hub was chosen in part to serve anticipated needs leading up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond. Queensland Police stated that the area’s limited real estate market influenced the decision, noting that the Stones Corner site was one of few that could meet operational needs. Detailed inspections and commercial assessments were reportedly completed before the lease signing, before Commissioner Steve Gollschewski took office.

The Stones Corner property is owned by the Aequitas Group, with Brisbane investors Geoffrey McIntyre and Norman Fox serving as directors and owners through holding companies. Amid rising community concerns over the $240 million lease cost, leaders urged police to maintain transparency, noting that while the Queensland Police Service has broad budgetary discretion, openness is essential. Property records reveal that Aequitas purchased the Stones Corner building for $45 million in 2021, with the current lease price representing up to five times that amount.

Residents and officials are closely watching how the budget strain might affect community services and police response times.

Published 28-Oct-2024

Grenslopes Residents Ready to Ride Brisbane’s New ‘Metro’

Forget packed buses and frustrating commutes! Brisbane’s shiny new “Metro” system is here to shake things up, and Greenslopes residents are in for a treat.

Instead of trains, the system utilises a fleet of 60 high-tech electric buses, dubbed “BERT” (Busway Electric Rapid Transit), that will run on dedicated busways throughout the city.

What sets Metro apart?

Forget cramming onto crowded buses and struggling with prams or wheelchairs. These Swiss-made, 24.4 metre-long behemoths can comfortably carry 150 passengers, with room for up to 170 in “event mode.” They boast features like low-floor design, multiple mobility aid bays, and automated ramp access, making them the most accessible public transport option in Brisbane’s history.

High-Frequency Service

Say goodbye to timetables! With Metro, buses will arrive every five minutes, whisking passengers along the 21km route at speeds of up to 1800 people per hour. Thanks to the electric engines, the ride promises to be smooth and quiet.

Passengers can enjoy panoramic views, track their journey with real-time information displays, or stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points.

The Routes

While a temporary route is currently operating between UQ Lakes and Eight Mile Plains, two permanent routes are awaiting approval from the State Government:

Metro 1: This route will link Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, with stops in key locations like Upper Mount Gravatt, Griffith University, Holland Park West, Greenslopes, Buranda, Mater Hill, South Bank, and the Cultural Centre.

Metro 2: Running from UQ Lakes to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, this route will service Boggo Road, the PA Hospital, Mater Hill, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, and Herston.

Expansion Plans

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has ambitious plans to expand the Metro network with new lines to the airport, Rochedale, Springwood, Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron, Chermside, Aspley, Carseldine, and the eastern suburbs, including Stones Corner and Coorparoo, which would further enhance connectivity for Greenslopes residents.

These extensions are contingent on securing state and federal funding, which seems likely given the cancellation of the planned Gabba station, freeing up $450 million for alternative projects.

A Sustainable Solution

The Metro fleet will use 15 cutting-edge, 600kW fast chargers and 60 overnight chargers at the Rochedale depot. These chargers will be powered by a 1MW solar array, making the system a more sustainable option for Brisbane.

A New Era for Brisbane Transport

With its focus on accessibility, frequency, and sustainability, Brisbane Metro promises to transform how people move around the city. For residents of Greenslopes and surrounding suburbs, it offers a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to driving, with easy connections to other public transport options.

Published Date 22-October-2024

Photo Credit: BCC

Brisbane Broncos NRLW Title Dreams Shattered in Historic Shutout Loss to Sharks

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos/Instagram

The Brisbane Broncos quest for another NRLW premiership came to a screeching halt at Totally Workwear Stadium, as the Cronulla Sharks delivered a defensive masterclass, securing a 14-0 semifinal victory.

This defeat marks a historic moment for the proud Brisbane club, who were held scoreless for the first time in their NRLW history.

Read: A Safer Summer: Salvation Army Seeks 1000 Volunteers to Combat Disaster Season

Brisbane Broncos shutout in the semi

Despite entering the match as minor premiers, having averaged 30 points per game in 2024, the Broncos were eliminated after failing to crack a determined Sharks defensive line. Warning signs appeared early, as the second-year Sharks outfit demonstrated remarkable composure on the attack from the opening whistle.

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Reflecting on the unexpected defeat, Broncos coach Scott Prince summarised his emotions in one word: numb. “Considering we were building nicely as far as the season was concerned, we had a perfect preparation leading into a finals game… we just couldn’t find our groove,” Prince said.

The defeat ends Brisbane’s otherwise strong campaign, as well as their unbeaten run at Totally Workwear Stadium this year. The Sharks, advancing to their first-ever NRLW grand final, will face the Roosters as they aim to secure their maiden premiership. Meanwhile, the Broncos are left to reflect on a season that promised much but ended in unprecedented fashion.

On the bright side

Despite the disappointing end to their campaign, there were bright moments to celebrate for the Broncos. Prince was named Coach of the Year at the Dally M Awards, having guided the team to the minor premiership.

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Star winger Julia Robinson and standout debutant Stacey Waaka were both named as the wingers in the NRLW Team of the Year. The pair, along with dynamic five-eighth Gayle Broughton, were also included in the prestigious RLPA Dream Team—an honour voted on by the players themselves.

Read: Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

With such a wealth of talent and recognition, the Broncos NRLW have plenty to build on for an exciting return to the field next season.

Published 04-October-2024