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Hospital Veteran Jamie Bedson Leaves Entire Estate to Princess Alexandra Research Foundation

Jamie Bedson, a medical records administrator who has worked at Princess Alexandra Hospital for 23 years, has made the extraordinary decision to leave his entire estate to the Princess Alexandra Research Foundation.

Describing his decision as an easy one, Mr Bedson cited the hospital as more than just a workplace but a community and family and he made this decision because he wants to support medical breakthroughs and enhance the lives of patients.

“I’m on my own and I’ve got no family. I’ve got friends, but no one that I really want to give the money to,” he said. “I thought, who can I give it to? So that’s why I went straight to the foundation.”

The loyal administrator acknowledged that he had considered the hospital’s impact on his life and the lives of countless others during his long tenure.

“Because I work in a hospital in medical records, I can understand the medical side of things and what people are going through in a hospital.”

“People might be going through a smaller situation through to something more life-threatening, but regardless it is going to a good cause, and that’s what I’m happy about.”

“If it’s going to help someone get an operation, or help someone with cancer, or maybe even cure someone through research, I’m happy to do that.”

Mr Bedson’s decision coincides with the Princess Alexandra Research Foundation‘s annual Giving Day fundraiser, which took place on 7 Sept 2023. Remarkably, all donations received on Giving Day, up to $10,000, were doubled, thanks to the generosity of matching donors.

Photo Credit: Princess Alexandra Foundation

This year, for the first time, the foundation allowed people to make donations to support patients and services at all Metro South hospitals, including QEII Jubilee, Redland, Logan, and Beaudesert hospitals. These contributions can be directed to various hospital departments, such as spinal injury rehabilitation, breast cancer research, or enhancing patient treatment areas.

“People who choose to make a gift of any size and remember an organization after they’re gone is pretty humbling. It means we will be able to keep investing in our medical research and medical support at the hospital far beyond our own lifetimes,” said Damian Topp, the Foundation’s Chief Executive.

Published 8-Sept-2023

Waho Cafe: A Haven of Irresistible Waffle Delights

Photo Credit: Facebook / Waho Cafe

If you love waffles, a visit to this new cafe situated on a laneway in Stones Corner would be truly worth it. With its deliciously insane flavour combinations, Waho Cafe is a specialist waffle house that adds a dash of Korean flair to Brisbane’s bustling cafe culture.

Waho Cafe is the latest venture from Victor and Stephanie Chan of the popular Greenslopes phenomenon, The Jam Pantry.

Since taking over the cafe in 2020, the Chan team-up at The Jam Pantry has been winning over patrons with their ever-changing menu of batter-based creations. And in response to the overwhelming demand for its heavenly-tasting waffles, The Jam Pantry’s decided that it’s time to have a dedicated venue where all their beloved waffle variants will be made available for its devoted fans to enjoy.

Enter Waho Cafe.

Waho Cafe is located on the first floor of the Fifth Avenue Lifestyle studio and offers both indoor seating and outdoor dining. With 30 seats in total, the cafe provides an intimate atmosphere that complements its culinary offerings.

Waho Cafe: A Haven of Irresistible Waffle Delights — Photo Credit: Facebook / Waho Cafe

Ten different waffle variations, with sweet and savoury options, are offered on the short menu, all of which are created fresh daily and served with a variety of toppings.

If you have a hankering for sweet waffles, the Crème Brûlée waffles, served with lemon curd and topped with seasonal fruit, ice cream, and cashews would be an unforgettable choice.

For a more classic take, try their Chocolate waffles served with ice cream and topped with salted caramel sauce and marshmallows, with some of their house-made honeycomb. You can’t go wrong with French Toast waffles, served with corn flakes, ice cream, cashews, maple syrup.

As an alternative, the Chocolate Waffles come with a house-made honeycomb, salted caramel sauce, ice cream, and marshmallows. Also adding to the symphony of flavours are the Crème Brûlée waffles, which are topped with lemon curd, cashews, ice cream, and seasonal fruit.

Savoury flavour profiles can also give you a deliciously different breakfast waffle experience. The perfect combination of flavours can be found on Cheese & Spinach waffles with poached eggs, crispy bacon chips, shallots, and sour cream.

The Eggs Benedict waffles, meanwhile, are adorned with poached eggs, wilted spinach, and your choice of bacon, smoked salmon, or ham, all of which are covered in a rich lemon hollandaise sauce.

With bulgogi pulled pork, scrambled eggs, pickled ginger, fried shallots, and slaw, The Sunshine Waffle is definitely not your usual but is certainly delicious, just like everything else on the menu.

Waho Cafe offers a variety of beverages. Supreme Coffee is on the drip, its strong bitterness providing a great counterpoint to the waffles. T2 teas, hot chocolate, chai, matcha lattes, frappuccinos, and smoothies are all available too. Even the coldest or wettest winter days taste warm and summery because of their rich and creamy mango smoothie.

Google Reviews:

“Beautiful little cosy Cafe. Great light waffles made fresh just then, and many great choices. Staff are very friendly and open to feedback. I’ve only eaten here once, but will definitely come back. Tried a sweet and a savoury one.” – Shahab R

“Really really like the location，white、clean and enough parking space for customers which is great！many choices of different waffles，savory and sweet. We tried sweet today, will come back for savory.” – Sheri Chuang

“We are so impressed with the presentation and quality of the waffles. The savoury waffles are supreme. We tried the Red Velvet Waffle and Zucchini Waffle for our brunch, they tasted so yummy. The cappuccino and flat white are great too.” – Fiona Pak

Discover Waho Cafe at 1/27 Stoneham St, Stones Corner, open daily from 7.30 am to 2 pm.

Published 13-August-2023

Jacqui Cooper Has a Rare Cancer, Shares Sarcoma Story to Help Raise Awareness

Jacqui Cooper said her life has been turned upside down since her diagnosis last year a rare and aggressive form of cancer on her foot. Now, she is helping raise sarcoma awareness.

Read: Pioneering Prostate Cancer Treatment Hits 20-Year Milestone at Greenslopes Private Hospital

In May 2022, after two foot surgeries and multiple scans and biopsies, Ms Cooper contacted her podiatrist about a lump on her foot, thinking she may have fractured a tendon or bone. After further testing, she was referred to specialists who confirmed the devastating news – she had a sarcoma so rare that it didn’t even have a name.

A sarcoma is an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer that begins in connective tissues like fat, muscle, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels. The cancer often presents as a harmless lump or pulled muscle sensation, meaning it is usually diagnosed in later stages when prognosis is poor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jacqueline Cooper (@jacqua622)

Within just a few short months, Ms Cooper began chemotherapy treatment to fight the rare sarcoma that had emerged in her foot.

“To date I have done 6 cycles of chemo and had 3 surgeries. In the third surgery my doctor said that I am now ‘cancer free’, but I continued to do chemo to basically rid any rogue cancer cells that could be floating around in my body,” Ms Cooper said on her MyCause page.

Understandably shocked by the diagnosis, the 37-year-old Stones Corner local quickly realised the importance of family and friends during this difficult time.

“They then become carers, amazing supports and their generosity, morals, kindness really begin to shine through. I am so grateful to have these people surrounding me in my life,” she said.

To raise awareness and funds for sarcoma research this July, which is Sarcoma Awareness Month, Ms Cooper has launched a fundraiser.

“I am asking for donations not only for the two sarcoma foundations but also Pankind. My mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2011 and unfortunately was not lucky enough to survive it. We need to raise these important funds for people who are living with this horrible disease,” she said.

Jacqui with her mum (Photo credit: Jacqui Cooper/mycause.com.au)

PanKind The Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (formerly the Avner Foundation) is the only Foundation in Australia exclusively dedicated to pancreatic cancer.

Read: No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Participants of New Lung Cancer Program at Greenslopes Private Hospital

The Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) is also encouraging everyone to show support by wearing yellow, hosting yellow morning teas, and donating to sarcoma research this month. Sarcoma may be rare, but with the help of donations and awareness, people like Ms Cooper are able to access life-saving treatment and support.

To know more about her journey and story, you can follow her Instagram page @jacqua622.

Published 26-July-2023

Pioneering Prostate Cancer Treatment Hits 20-Year Milestone at Greenslopes Private Hospital

Did you know that this year marks the 20th anniversary of a pioneering, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer treatment at Greenslopes Private Hospital?

Read: Queensland Health Unveils $8 Billion Hospital Expansion Plan, Including Princess Alexandra Hospital

The low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy program was pioneered in 2003 by a dedicated team of specialists – Radiation Oncologist Associate Professor Kumar Gogna, Consultant Urologist Dr Glen Wood, and Medical Physicist Mr Adrian Gibbs.

Two decades later, this clinical trio still practises together at Greenslopes, having treated hundreds of prostate cancer patients over the years. Their collaboration and shared goal of supporting patient choice and offering evidence-based treatments continues to this day.

prostate cancer treatment — Photo credit: Tara Winstead/Pexels

As Mr Gibbs reflects, they were united 20 years ago under the common goal of providing another option for prostate cancer patients. Since then, they have worked together to treat many men with LDR brachytherapy.

What is LDR brachytherapy?

LDR brachytherapy involves inserting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate to target cancer cells with radiation whilst minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue. At the time, it expanded the minimally invasive treatment possibilities for prostate cancer patients at Greenslopes and in Queensland.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with over 24,000 new cases annually.

Dr Wood emphasises that offering a full spectrum of care for patients living with prostate cancer remains a top priority for them at Greenslopes.

A/Prof Gogna adds that their team is proud to keep supporting Queenslanders in need, sharing knowledge about this important treatment, and mentoring other clinicians locally and abroad to establish their own LDR brachytherapy programs. Their expertise has been shared with colleagues in Townsville, Singapore, and Wollongong.

Read: Vaxxas: Pioneering Needle-Free Skin Patch Vaccine Technology

The pioneering brachytherapy team reflects on the past 20 years of collaboration and innovation in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment. Their patient-focused approach continues to make a positive impact at Greenslopes and beyond.

Published 25-July-2023

Greenslopes Residents Appeal St Maroun’s Redevelopment

A number of residents have challenged the approval received by St Maroun’s Maronite Church on Bunya Street in Greenslopes to redevelop its ageing facilities.

Read: Residents Object to Planned 24-Hour Greenslopes McDonald’s

St Maroun’s Church, located on a 3,645-sqm property in Bunya Street submitted a plan to Council to construct an entirely new church building with auditorium, a community hall, and a church administration building.

Designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch, the redevelopment includes a large elevated outdoor seating area and terrace adjoining the church and church hall, and a basement car park with 55 car parking spaces.

Artist’s visualisation of St Maroun’s Maronite Church redevelopment (Photo credit: Hayes Anderson Lynch)

However, a group of residents has brought an appeal against the development approval to the Planning and Environment Court. The residents listed several grounds for their appeal, including concerns about the height, size, and scale of the proposed development.

They argued that the church plans should be refused because the new buildings would be incompatible with the local character and feel of the area. The residents were worried the development would negatively impact things like noise levels, operating hours, and the overall look of the buildings.

“Multi vehicle and bicycle accidents can already be a weekly occurrence on Dunellan Street. A significant increase in traffic will only increase the likelihood of accidents as there are no plans to address even the current situation, let alone a significant increase in peak hour traffic. This increased traffic will be focussed in peak hour for child care drop-offs and pickups, so the extra traffic will add to local congestion as well as increase risk to children attending Greenslopes Primary School,” one local has written in a submission to Council.

During proceedings, St Maroun’s pointed to insufficient space in its current ageing facilities forcing parishioners to worship outdoors, even during important services. Ultimately, Justice Amanda McDonnell found only the scale was non-compliant, ruling this would not create adverse planning outcomes. She approved the redevelopment subject to conditions like noise management.

Floor plan (Photo credit: Hayes Anderson Lynch)

Read: What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?

The residents have been left disappointed and the parties must now negotiate suitable conditions before final consent is issued. Observers note that the case exemplifies the challenges of balancing community infrastructure needs with minimising local impacts, as progress marches on.

Published 20-July-2023

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

After operating in the area for more than four years, Press and Brew has closed for good, marking the end of this popular cafe across the road from Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon Trains Future Shoulder Surgeons From Around the World

The closure of Press and Brew leaves a void on Hunter Street that many will feel, missing the cafe’s friendly service and signature coffee and breakfast burgers.

This comes as a developer submitted plans for 68-72 Hunter St, the site where the cafe and three more residential dwellings are located. The existing buildings on the subject site will be demolished if the development application is given the green light.

Plans

The development application was submitted to Brisbane City Council in March 2023 by Ron Build Pty Ltd, who aims to construct a three-storey commercial building with parking for around 123 vehicles.

Designed by architecture firm Gray Puksand, the building will feature tenancy, including amenities and services on Levels 1-2; lobby, tenancy, store, amenities, refuse, loading bay for services on the ground floor; and car parking, person with disabilities parking, and bicycle parking on the basement.

“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 at Town Planning Alliance noted.

Locals’ Reactions

Subject site (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Whilst some locals welcome new healthcare options in the neighbourhood, others have raised concerns about the building’s size and its potential impacts on traffic and access to the nearby Greenslopes Private Hospital emergency department.

In response to these concerns, the applicant provided a traffic study showing the centre would only add 1-2 trips per minute during peak times – a “negligible impact” on surrounding roads. They stated this will not hinder emergency vehicle access to the hospital.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

Additionally, the applicant noted the new building was designed to connect to the Greenslopes Medical Centre and blend with the scale of existing structures along Newdegate Street.

Published 17-July-2023

Plans Unveiled for Social and Affordable Housing in Woolloongabba

Plans have been unveiled for new social and affordable housing in Woolloongabba, which would provide secure accommodation for individuals and families who need it the most.

Read: Plans For Social And Affordable Housing In Stones Corner Approved

The proposed development, located at 7-9 Carl Street, will comprise a total of 81 housing units, with 41 units designated for social housing and 40 units earmarked as affordable homes.

The complex, designed by Cox Architecture, will feature one studio unit, 66 one-bedroom, and 14 two-bedroom apartments, carefully designed to meet the diverse needs of its future residents.

affordable housing in Woolloongabba — Photo credit: Cox Architecture

Whilst further due diligence is still pending, the plan includes the demolition of existing dwelling houses on the site to pave the way for the 15-storey building with an additional rooftop level. Future residents of the affordable housing in Woolloongabba will also have access to a communal rooftop garden and recreational space, ensuring a welcoming community atmosphere.

One of the key factors expediting the project’s progress is its application for a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID). This strategic move enables the streamlining of development approvals, allowing the development team to fast-track construction and swiftly turn the visionary concept into a reality.

This initiative has been made possible through the Queensland Government’s Housing Investment Fund (HIF). The Brisbane Housing Company (BHC) will join forces with the Queensland Investment Corporation to construct the housing complex, illustrating a collaborative effort to tackle the housing crisis.

The HIF, with a record-breaking $5 billion investment, stands as Queensland’s largest-ever funding allocation for social and affordable housing, aiming to deliver up to 13,500 homes.

Read: Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

Rebecca Oelkers, Chief Executive Officer of BHC, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasising their mission to create vibrant developments that provide secure, long-term rental housing for Queenslanders facing housing challenges. The forthcoming complex in Woolloongabba aligns with this vision, as it seeks to offer a safe haven for individuals and families.

Published 10-July-2023

Stones Corner Village: Two-Tower Mixed-Use Development Proposed

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stockwell has recently filed a development application for an exciting new project called “Stones Corner Village.”

The proposed development, situated at 405 Logan Road, Stones Corner, consists of two residential towers perched above a shared podium. With MK Architecture leading the design, this ambitious venture aims to redefine urban living in the area.

The project will be executed in three stages, sequentially encompassing the podium and each residential tower. The podium will feature vibrant retail and dining tenancies along Logan Road, with plans to reinstate the popular Aldi supermarket. The facade of the podium will showcase distinct brick arches and enchanting hanging gardens along both the Cleveland Street and Logan Road frontages.

Stones Corner Village: Two-Tower Mixed-Use Development Proposed — *Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council /* developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The Logan Road tower is projected to stand at an impressive 16 storeys, whilst its counterpart on Cleveland Street will reach a height of 14 storeys. Both towers will boast rooftop recreation decks, allowing residents to enjoy breathtaking views and engage in various leisure activities. The towers will encompass a total of 209 modern residential dwellings, each equipped with private open spaces.

Residents of Stones Corner Village will have access to extensive communal open spaces situated atop the podium, seamlessly connecting the two towers. Additionally, both towers will offer rooftop communal areas, further enhancing the project’s appeal and promoting a sense of community among residents.

Vehicle access, service areas, and additional retail tenancies will primarily be located along Cleveland Street. Basement parking facilities will be provided, along with retail and commercial tenancies sleeved around them. The facade treatments, including lush greenery, will add a touch of elegance and privacy to the development.

Stones Corner Village enjoys excellent connectivity to various transportation options and amenities. Situated less than 250 meters from the Eastern Busway station at Old Cleveland Road and 650 meters from Buranda railway station, residents will have convenient access to public transport. Additionally, the project fronts the main retail and dining strip of Stones Corner, creating a lively and vibrant environment for its future occupants.

“…the design incorporates clear distinction between podium and towers, with towers incorporating substantially compliant side setbacks, clear building breaks up the full height of the towers, green planter zones up the facades, and variation and articulation including steps/recesses in the building line and through the finer detail elements.” – RPS Planning Report

Published 7-July-2023

Toll Increase Hits Brisbane’s Clem Jones Tunnel Despite Transurban’s Impressive Revenue Growth

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: YouTube

Toll fees at the Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7) have increased starting this month, despite Transurban reporting record revenue last December, sparking criticism about the increase amidst the rising cost of living.

The CLEM7, a privately financed inner-city toll road in Greenslopes and Coorparoo, spans 4.8 kilometres beneath the Brisbane River, linking Woolloongabba and Bowen Hills. As one of Queensland’s largest infrastructure projects, it plays a vital role in the state’s transportation network.

Recent discussions about the toll increase for the use of the CLEM7 have raised questions about the affordability and accessibility of this significant thoroughfare.

Effective 1 July 2023, motorists driving a car through the CLEM7 have been paying 42 cents more, as the toll rose from $5.70 to $6.12. Heavy commercial vehicles in Class 4 faced a higher increase, with peak hour rates up by $17.09 to $18.36 and off-peak rates up by $15.09 to $16.21.

Transurban, the sole toll operator in South East Queensland, has justified the fee adjustment by citing the Brisbane Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although the increase may appear modest, it could have a cumulative impact on commuters who frequently use the CLEM7 to navigate Brisbane’s congested roads.

The toll hike comes on the heels of Transurban’s impressive 16 per cent revenue growth, as reported in their half-yearly financial report for December 2022, a detail that has critics up in arms.

Outgoing CEO Scott Charlton expressed confidence in the strength of Transurban’s business model, citing built-in inflation protection due to approximately 68 per cent of toll revenue being linked to CPI escalations. However, critics argue that such increases may disproportionately burden commuters, especially amid rising living costs.

Transurban has assured motorists experiencing financial hardship that they can seek support from their Linkt Assist team, which offers payment plans, toll credits, and more flexible payment options.

Nevertheless, with the rising toll fees, drivers using the CLEM7 will need to carefully evaluate the impact on their budgets and explore alternative commuting options to mitigate the potential strain.

Published 5-July-2023

Developer Submits Plans for Dual Towers at Cleveland Street in Stones Corner

A developer has recently submitted plans for a new residential development at Cleveland Street in Stones Corner, which features two towering buildings connected by a unique “skybridge.”

Read: Proposed Towers Next To Stones Corner Roundabout Met With Opposition From Locals

The towers, which are being proposed for 75-85 Cleveland Street, are set to accommodate a total of 226 modern apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms. Each tower will stretch 12 storeys into the sky, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Designed by NMDS Architecture, this project stands out with the inclusion of rooftop recreation areas, bringing a touch of luxury and leisure to the residents’ doorstep..

Artist’s impression of rooftop communal space (Photo credit: NMDS Architecture)

The two rooftop spaces will be connected by a “skybridge,” which not only serves as a physical link between the buildings but also enhances convenience for residents by allowing them to seamlessly access the entire recreation area.

cleveland street — Photo credit: NMDS Architecture

To create a harmonious and visually appealing design, the skybridge and the buildings themselves will incorporate soft landscaping elements, providing a refreshing touch of greenery amidst the urban setting.

The communal open space areas on the rooftop will feature an array of facilities to enhance residents’ recreational opportunities.

The proposed amenities include a manager’s office, mail room, community garden, dog walk area, yoga lawn, dining and function area, theatre, alfresco dining spaces, a pool and communal deck, as well as changing rooms and bathrooms. Additionally, a fully equipped gymnasium will be available to cater to the residents’ fitness needs.

Parking provisions have also been taken into consideration, with a total of 273 car spaces allocated for residents, including 10 dedicated share car spaces, and an additional 57 spaces for visitors. The development will offer 226 bike parking spaces for residents and an additional 57 for visitors.

Planners at B Planned and Surveyed said the proposed height is consistent with community expectation and the proposal itself is consistent with the strategic intent of the High density residential zone and Eastern corridor neighbourhood plan.

“There is a strategic benefit to locating higher intensity residential development within a well serviced part of Brisbane, which is reflected within the outcomes sought for the zone and within the Strategic Framework,” B Planned and Surveyed noted.

Read: Plans For Social And Affordable Housing In Stones Corner Approved

For further information about the development application, visit Brisbane City Council’s PD Online and use the reference A006270233.

Published 17-June-2023