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Asbestos-Riddled Red Cross Hall in Greenslopes Could Be Redeveloped for Community Use

The Red Cross Hall in Greenslopes, a heritage-listed site built in 1945, could be redeveloped for community use after authorities conducted extensive surveys on site and deemed it as “unrepairable.”

Read: Greenslopes Private Hospital Oncologist Reveals New Immunotherapy for Rare Lung Cancer

Located at 112 Newdegate St, the World War II hall in Greenslopes has been enclosed with a barrier since 2013. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs sought the help of experts, including a structural engineer, construction manager, heritage architect and quantity surveyors to find out what could be done to restore the site.

However, whilst conducting the survey, they learned that the structure was found to contain asbestos and other hazardous materials, making it unrepairable according to the Department.

Now, plans to redevelop the site for the use of the Brisbane community emerge. Another option is to develop the site and preserve its significance and honour its history. But that’s still subject to an agreement between the Federal Government and the Brisbane City Council. The DVA consulted the residents living nearby and found that all they want is for the safety of everyone.

The Asbestos Disease Support Society that youths appear to have been risking their health by climbing onto the asbestos roof of the abandoned Greenslopes Red Cross Hall.

Regarding this, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said that they will transform the land into a community space where children can play and families gather together.

“As part of the process of designing the park, the local Councillor, Cr Fiona Cunningham, will conduct community consultation,” Mr Chester said.

About the Red Cross Hall

Photo credit: heritage.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Formerly an Australian Army hospital, the Red Cross Hall at Greenslopes consists of hall and hostel buildings that were built in early 1945 to support recuperating returned soldiers.

Volunteers staffed the Red Cross Centre. Many were women who wore the Red Cross uniform complete with hats, gloves, stockings and lace up shoes. The volunteers looked after the library, did office work or “general ward work” such as shopping, taking messages and writing letters for patients. They also cared for relatives visiting patients by providing morning teas for both patients and their visitors.

Post-war, the Red Cross continued to operate the hall by providing similar services for service personnel and veterans, such as arts and crafts, a workshop and a separate library for tuberculosis patients.

Aside from a hall and a library, it features a billiards room, reading rooms, handcraft store, workroom, and storeroom. However, due to the poor condition of the building, it was closed for public use in 2013.

Petrol Prices Up! Here’s Where Greenslopes Locals Can Get Them Lower

Petrol prices are still high in Brisbane with an average price of 164.9 cents per litre (cpl) as of 7 July 2021. That’s down a bit from previous days, a trend which hopefully continues, but still higher than those in other capital cities in the country. Those looking for cheaper petrol can check out Caltex Woolloongabba at 118 Logan Rd where the price has held steady at the 136.5 cpl mark so far.

Shell Galloways Hill on Hawthorne Rd is at 157.9 cpl as of 6 July, while Bizzells Garage on Latrobe Terrace is at 159.9 cpl as of 5 July.

However, 80 percent of service stations around Brisbane and the Gold Coast are selling unleaded petrol for more than 170 cpl, exceeding the all-time record high in December 2019. Below are the cheapest rates in Brisbane’s southeast as of 27 June to 7 July:

CHECK FOR FAIR FUEL PRIcEs

RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith explains the reason for the high price, attributing the situation to a “triple whammy.”

“We’re at the high point in the fuel cycle in SEQ, oil prices are at a two year high and retailers have retained unreasonably high retail margins,” Ms Smith said.

“During the pandemic servos had high indicative retail margins because so many people weren’t driving so fuel sales volumes were low – but now sales are back to normal the fact they’re still charging these exorbitant prices is frankly unfair,” she added.

In June, RACQ released a report citing that retail petrol prices will continue to tick upward in the coming months, with Brisbane residents paying more compared to locals at other capital cities in Australia.

Meanwhile, Smith recommends downloading RACQ Fair Fuel Finder app (Android or iOS) so the motorists can do a price comparison. A difference of a few cents will encourage retailers to keep their prices competitive.

“If you’re unable to find a better deal in your area then top for now to get you through until prices the next cheap phase, which could take up to three weeks,” Ms Smith added.

The Cost of Driving Your Car

Apart from the petrol price increase, the cost of driving a car in Brisbane is up by 1.7 percent on 1 July due to the increase in licence and registration fees.

“The cost of a five-year licence climbed to $187.10, while those driving a four-cylinder car will have to pay $399.55 per year to register their vehicle,” RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said.

Motorists will also have to pay higher for use of toll roads and parking in Brisbane CBD. Per the Brisbane Consumer Price Index (BCPI), parking rates in Brisbane CBD have gone up six percent at $5.50 per hour. Ms Ritchie also warned that motorists who violate road rules are bound to pay higher penalties, which has increased across Queensland by 3.3 percent.

With these rising costs, Brisbane car owners are finding ways to save money where they can, such as patronising service stations with lower petrol rates.

Greenslopes Private Hospital Oncologist Reveals New Immunotherapy for Rare Lung Cancer

An oncologist working at the Greenslopes Private Hospital has revealed that Australians now have access to new immunotherapy to manage an inoperable and malignant type of lung cancer.

Beginning 1 July 2021, patients with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may find treatments like Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) listed via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Dr Keith Horwood of the Greenslopes Private Hospital said that patients may begin availing and receiving their reimbursements for these treatments.

He also said that between 700 to 800 Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, one of the highest numbers around the world. This rare but aggressive cancer has poor survival rates due to the lack of access to timely and innovative treatments thus the Australian medical community welcomes the new scheme with PBS.

The new immunotherapy helps fight cancer of the lungs by combining two medications that work differently but complementary. OPDIVO and YERVOY help the patient’s immune system and improves their life expectancy. Before the release of this immunotherapy, the five-year survival rate for mesothelioma patients was at 10 percent.

“These results build upon our decade-long legacy in treating melanoma, which began when the average life expectancy following a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma was roughly six months and less than 10% of patients survived beyond five years,” Gina Fusaro of Bristol Myers Squibb said. “With some of the longest follow-up with immunotherapies to date, Opdivo and Yervoy have consistently demonstrated durable, long-term survival benefits for patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma.”

According to experts from the Lung Foundation of Australia, mesothelioma takes 20 to 60 years to progress with most patients presenting an advanced and inoperable disease. Early diagnosis, as well as access to the medications, are crucial to improving the outcomes of patients with this type of cancer.

New Jean Pockett Cancer Wing at Greenslopes Private Hospital in Full Swing

Two months after it officially opened, the Jean Pockett cancer wing at Greenslopes Private Hospital is now full swing.

Named after wartime widow Jean Pockett, the wing is part of Greenslopes Private Hospital‘s $72 million expansion, which also features oncology and haematology services, 64 rooms and two wards.

Known for her resilience, determination, dry sense of humour, Mrs Pockett, a Coorparoo resident, was a familiar fixture at the Greenslopes Private Hospital as a volunteer for more than 40 years.

Jean Pocket with former Governor-General of Australia Quentin Bryce | Photo Credit: Supplied

Mrs Pockett founded the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF), which aims to study and find cures for the most devastating illnesses affecting men and women. The GMRF’s headquarters is also at the Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The widow was 96 years old when she passed away after a year of living in care. She left most of her estate to the foundation, enabling the organisation to thrive despite losing its founder.

“Jean would be looking down with a big smile on her face and I know she would be absolutely thrilled. She was a big supporter of cancer research so I think this link is very special,” GMRF Chief Executive Officer Miriam Dwyer and Mrs Pockett’s close friend said of The Jean Pockett wing.

Ms Dwyer described her friend as an institution and was regarded as royalty.

“The chef would make her favourite meals and she was definitely spoilt and if she wasn’t, she’d make sure we heard about it,” her friend said with amusement.

Ms Dwyer recalled joining Mrs Pockett for the ANZAC centenary in Gallipoli in 2015, upon the invitation of the Australian Government.

“Jean absolutely loved it. She was one of 10 war widows who were invited as guests of the Australian Government and she was the oldest at 91, so she loved all the attention.”

Mrs Jean Pockett with Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation CEO Miriam Dwyer at previous Anzac Day services at Greenslopes Private Hospital | Photo Credit: Supplied

“She was a really fabulous person and would love the fact that her legacy is continuing on at Greenslopes Private Hospital.”

Men’s Ashes First Test to be Held at The Gabba

The first test of the Men’s Ashes 2021-2022 is slated to be held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (popularly referred to as the Gabba) in Woolloongabba in December 2021.

On the 8th of December, the first Men’s Ashes 2021-2022 cricket series will commence and England will attempt to reclaim the Ashes at Brisbane, with the multi-format Women’s Ashes starting over a month later on the 27th of January.

The first test is slated to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane between the 8th and 12th of December 2021 before transitioning to the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide from the 16th to the 20th of December. Following this, the third and fourth tests will be held at the MCG in Melbourne and the SCG in Sydney respectively before finally concluding in the Optus Stadium in Perth between the 14th and 18th of January 2022.

With the Men’s Ashes concluding in the Optus Stadium this year, this effectively marks the 2021-2022 Ashes as the first-ever series that has not concluded at the SCG in Sydney since the 1990s .

Starting shortly after is the Women’s Ashes, where the first first test is scheduled to begin on the 27th of January at the Manuka Oval in Canberra before moving to the North Sydney Oval on the 4th of February for the first and second T20s. The third T20 and first ODI will then be hosted at the Adelaide Oval before transferring to the Junction Oval in Melbourne for the second and third ODIs.

Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Greenslopes Accepts Contactless Qoin Payments

Great news for consumers who love the convenience of contactless payments and digital currency! Charlie’s Raw Squeeze has rolled out Qoin (pronounced as “coin”) as its newest payment option in Greenslopes and five other stores.

The popular plant-based juice bar and healthy cafe, located in Old Cleveland Road, is one of six Charlie’s Raw Squeeze stores now accepting Qoin payments, along with the outlets in Ashgrove, Clayfield, Clontarf, Morningside and North Lakes.

Owners Johnny and Michael Tabet are eager to adopt the system in its other locations, including outlets of their juice bar’s sister company, MooFree Burger.

“We get at least one new customer per day coming in because we accept Qoin. They get excited when they can pay in 100% Qoin,” Michael said. “We really liked Qoin because we saw it as a community supporting small businesses.”

“When I heard that Charlie’s Raw Squeeze was in the Qoin directory, I was very excited as I had heard of that brand before,” a regular at the Greenslopes store said. “When I went in there for breakfast, paying in Qoin was quick and simple. The staff are well trained in Qoin. It was such an easy experience. I absolutely love dining out on Qoin!”

With Qoin, the Tabet brothers’ businesses could become competitive against big chains and larger enterprises that have all the resources at their disposal. Thus, the digital currency will be a significant part of the growth of their operations as the pair carries out plans to expand across Australia.

According to Qoin Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Barke, over 34,000 small businesses nationwide have signed up for their services in the last 12 months. Compared to other digital currencies, Qoin’s infrastructure and the system fit well for small businesses.

“Australian small businesses are looking for innovative ways to sustain cash flow and make the most of their downtime. Qoin enables them to do both while offering a payment method to their customers that is fast, secure and virtually contactless,” Mr Barke said. “The value of Qoin increases as the merchant ecosystem grows.”

Meanwhile, follow Charlie’s Raw Squeeze Greenslopes on Facebook to get updates on their latest deals or scrumptiously healthy food and drinks. The store opens daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

IC14: Biotech Company in Woolloongabba Developed COVID-19 Drug for Trial in the US

A biotech company based in Woolloongabba and led by top immunologist Ian Frazer has developed IC14, a COVID-19 drug that will begin trial for high-risk patients in the United States.

Mr Frazer and his team at Implicit Bioscience developed the monoclonal treatment to reduce the damage and symptoms of COVID-19 in the patient’s body and facilitates a faster recovery time. IC14 will be used, alongside remdesivir, on hospitalised patients who are presenting low blood oxygen levels and respiratory issues.

The drug works to control inflammation but it was not specifically developed for COVID-19. Mr Frazer’s team was working on IC14 for nearly a decade as the treatment could potentially cure diseases that cause severe inflammation and long-lasting damage.

“The chronic diseases that afflict us as we age are largely the result of inappropriate inflammation, so the ability of IC14 to reset the level of inflammation should be game-changing for these diseases,” the expert said.

Mr Frazer, who was cited for developing the Gardasil vaccine that prevents Human Papillomavirus and was named 2006 Australian of the Year, said that 300 to 500 people are in the U.S. trials with Implicit Bioscience’s Seattle office. The Brisbane-based professor hopes to see the results of the trial in three to six months. However, the full results of the trial will be published in early 2022.

If IC14 is proven to be effective, it will be recommended as a treatment routine for COVID-19 patients across the world and prevent more deaths due to the viral disease. Mr Frazer said that while vaccines are important, new viral strains highlight the importance of developing drugs that could be used for intervention when a patient contracts the virus.

‘Plus-size Only’: Greenslopes Wedding Boutique A First In The City

Photo credit: curvebridalboutique.com

For the longest time, plus-size women have struggled to find a wedding dress to fit their needs, literally and figuratively. This was enough motivation for Erin McKenna and her team to launch Curve Bridal Boutique, the first plus-size only boutique in Brisbane located at Greenslopes.

At Curve Bridal Boutique, there are no dresses available for women size 6-12. Instead, their dresses come in sizes 16 to 30, in over 100 different styles and colours.

Erin was inspired to open Curve Bridal Boutique when she saw first hand how tough it was for her mum to find a wedding gown. The dilemma, based on what Erin experienced, is that women eventually need to pay a plus-size fee if they want a plus-size gown.

“Our whole purpose is to provide a home for the modern curvaceous bride. We started from humble beginnings but with big dreams for the plus-size and Curvy woman,” Erin shared on her website.

Erin and her team’s effort eventually paid off, with previous clients recommending their wedding boutique online.

“From the moment I walked in they made me feel so comfortable. They knew what would suit my body and skin tone, they knew which curves to hide and which ones to accentuate. They made me feel absolutely beautiful in every dress I tried on,” says Jess, one of Curve Bridal’s previous customers.

Lesley, another bride, complemented Erin and her team for being so professional and welcoming. She said past experiences shopping for a wedding dress has been stressful, but not until she checked out Curve Bridal.

Unlike other boutiques where brides stand side by side on a podium whilst trying their gown for the first time, Curve Bridal has private fitting rooms so brides wouldn’t have to compare themselves against each other. The boutique also designs handmade wedding gowns, for brides who want their custom dream gown as well as formal wear for events.

Curve Bridal is located at 2/371 Logan Rd Greenslopes and is open by appointment only from Thursday to Saturday. You can check out their website to get in touch or follow them on Instagram @curvebridalboutique for updates.

First Ashes Test 2021: Event Details to be Announced

Photo credit: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)/Facebook

The First Test of the 2021-22 Ashes cricket series could be moved from the Gabba to Sydney Cricket Ground, as part of Cricket Australia’s plan to ensure the bigger grounds for the series.

Historically, the Brisbane Cricket Ground has staged 18 out of 19 opening tests for the Ashes series since 1988. The only time it didn’t was during 1982/83 when Bob Willis’ men played the first Test at the WACA Ground in Perth.

The Ashes Series will be a five-match test cricket series between Australia and England. Held every two years, the latest event will be held from 22 November 2021 to 14 January 2022.

Read: The Gabba To Undergo Makeover in Time for First 2021 Ashes Test Hosting

In 2019, the Palaszczuk Government announced that it will allocate $35 million to refurbish the public, corporate and media facilities at the Gabba. The refurbishment was also part of the government’s preparations for the T20 2020 World Cup.

“From a fan and spectator perspective, we understand there is more work to be done to improve The Gabba facilities and that will include utilisation of revenue from any upcoming naming or management rights deal,” said Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni.

The Gabba has 42,000 capacity whilst the Sydney Cricket Ground, located in Moore Park can accommodate a bit more with its 48,000 capacity. Aside from hosting international cricket, SCG is home to top-flight AFL team, the Sydney Swans.

Update as per 26th March 2021

Cricket Australia, CATO and International Cricket Tours will delay the release of tickets and travel packages for the upcoming Ashes series, given Australia’s current border closures and the level of uncertainty that will continue to exist for a number of months.

“Of course, these are uncertain times and we’ll be busy preparing our plans to ensure you are protected and safe. All bookings currently come with full financial protection and a money-back guarantee to give you peace of mind,” International Cricket Tours stated.

For further details on the final venue and when tickets will be available, kindly visit Cricket Australia’s website.

Stephens Mountain Reserve Project Receives New Walking Track

Works on the Stephens Mountain Reserve project have continued, with a recent implementation of a new walking track with improved entry and exit points.

The reserve was created with the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural environment whilst simultaneously providing the Greenslopes community with a family-friendly place with recreation activities.

Composed of 5.8 hectares of rezoned land from Stephens Mountain, the reserve has been classified as a conservation zone by the Brisbane City Council.

Work on the reserve first began in February 2021, after the Brisbane City Council invested $200,000 into the project. Once the draft plan was ready, the project team partook in public consultation, engaging with the community via information kiosks and online surveys in order to learn what people wished to see in the reserve.

Have you had a chance to visit the new lookout at Stephens Mountain Reserve? 🐸🐝🌳🦋🌿🌾 More improvements to this wonderful…
Posted by Councillor Fiona Cunningham on Sunday, February 7, 2021

Feedback revealed that the public had expressed interest in walking tracks, a lookout, weed management, and informal shared paths. The community expressed their interest in the protection of native vegetation and wildlife.

The construction of areas such as the lookout, walking tracks, fencing, and weed management were completed as part of the project’s first stage of works. With the current pace of works being done on the Stephens Mountain Reserve, the construction of the conservation zone’s lookout and walking trails are expected to finish by June 2021.