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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.

Woman Successfully Conceived After Robotic Surgery At Greenslopes Private Hospital

Dr Clare Boothroyd with Atia Ali, husband Kiba Aoci, and their daughter Afsa Rahima (Photo credit: Australian Private Hospitals Association)

Atia Ali, a Logan resident, successfully conceived and gave birth to her first child after more than five years of trying multiple fertility treatments, thanks to a successful robot-assisted operation at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The surgery, recommended by fertility specialist Dr Clare Boothroyd, involved the use of state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic surgical system to remove the painful fibroids that affect Atia’s fertility. It comes with robotic arms that hold the small surgical instruments and a small video camera, which transmits a magnified 3D video image of the uterus onto a screen.

Just four months later, Atia and her husband Kiba Aoci were surprised to learn that they were expecting and finally, on 1 February, 2021, they welcomed their daughter Afsa Rahima. Afsa, whose name means “clear mercy” in Sudanese, was born via caesarean section.

It’s the first in Greenslopes, but it’s not certainly going to be the last, because the hospital is expecting to welcome three more babies in 2021 from mothers who have had fertility surgery via the da Vinci robot.

Dr Clare Boothroyd, medical director of Care Fertility Greenslopes based onsite at Greenslopes Private Hospital (Photo credit: ivfmed.com.au)

In an interview with Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA), Dr Boothroyd shared it’s the most exciting development in technology for gynaecological surgery throughout her career. She has over 20 years experience in both endocrinology and gynaecology and is the only one of four clinicians in Queensland to hold the prestigious Certificate of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI).

“It makes difficult surgery easier, it can reduce a patient’s length of stay and can reduce their pain, plus it can facilitate natural conception and reduce the need for IVF,” she told APHA.

An example of Da Vinci surgical system (Photo credit: davincisurgery.com)

Dr Boothroyd said the magnification of the device is good and the dexterity of the instruments allows meticulous placement of sutures which the uterus needs if it’s going to carry a pregnancy.

Greenslopes Private Hospital was the first hospital in Queensland to use the technology in December 2008 when they performed a robotic prostatectomy. Since then, it has continued to grow and is now used in other specialties including gynecology and general surgery. This year will mark the 13-year anniversary of the use of robotic surgery at Greenslopes Private Hospital.

Stones Corner Due For a Daring Comeback This 2021

After much neglect and a series of closures pre-pandemic, Stones Corner is set to make a daring comeback in 2021. With six projects set to revitalise the precinct, it’s only a matter of time until this high street is restored to its former glory.

Sprucing Up Penney’s Building, 357 Logan Rd

The first of these projects is the restoration of Penney’s Building, one of the precinct’s chief landmarks. Having been around since 1938, the building at 357 Logan Rd has been left in a state of disrepair despite its iconic and easily-recognisable art deco exterior. Plans are being drawn by the DeMartini Fletcher group to refurbish it with wooden trusses, exposed brick, higher ceilings, and indoor foliage; all of which will give the interior a fresher look.

Bringing in the Latest Tenants to Bower Lane

Bower Lane, 433 Logan Rd is also due for some upgrades, with seven new tenancies that range from the chic coffee shop Buenos Dias Con Café, all the way to the yet-to-be-opened Greenslopes branch of Brooklyn Depot — a renowned burger bar hailing from South Bank. With new establishments packed with personality, Bower Lane aspires to catch the eyes of many would-be regulars.

New Clinics, Dentists, and Doctors at 416 Logan Rd

One of the more extensive projects is the overhaul of 416 Logan Rd, which is scheduled to be fully renovated in March. Tenants from the health industry such as dentists and doctors are planning to set up clinics within the building, supplying Greenslope locals with some easily-accessible medical expertise.

Beautician’s Hub at Freedom Suites

The fourth Stones Corner project is Freedom Suites, 392 Logan Rd. A powerhouse in the hair and beauty industry, this building now serves as a hub for freelance hairdressers and beauty specialists to set up shop, and given how many customers Freedom Suites attracts, businesses close by also prosper as a result of the influx of visitors.

Cello Apartments

Plans have also been drawn for the Cello Apartments situated in the corner between Cleveland and Flora streets. With an enticing residential area in a prime location surrounded by shops, restaurants and bars, hundreds of people can move in and be proud to call Stone Corners their home.

New Mixed-Use Residential Area at 66 Cleveland

The final project lined up for the revitalization of Stones Corner is Montague Developments’ plan to create a mixed-use residential tower in 66 Cleveland, complete with residential floors, an outdoor kitchen, coffee shops and restaurants, as well as an infinity pool. Given its proximity to various outlets and facilities as well as the Brisbane CBD, Stones Corner has the potential to become one of the busiest precincts in the Queensland area.

Sky Garden: Build-To-Rent 10-Storey Tower Proposed at Stones Corner

A development proposal for a build-to-rent 10-storey mixed use residential tower at 34 Stones Corner, Greenslopes, has been lodged with the Council. Called Sky Garden, this project envisions a “high-quality boutique offering” where residents could have short or long-term rental arrangements.

Mewing Planning Consultants filed the development application (DA A005625473) just before Christmas and it’s currently undergoing an assessment with the Council.

Sky Garden will be located near the Stones Corner Busway station, next to a few retail and office buildings. If completed, the residential sections will have 56 units and a communal rooftop recreation space, whilst the ground floor will be open for retail tenancy.

The property will adopt a rarely applied concept in Queensland: build-to-rent. This means that the building’s owner, Propertyprojects Q, will only rent out the dwellings instead of building the units to sell.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

The concept implies that rental rates will be below average for a Stones corner site. According to Mewing Planning Consultants, the building’s planned design will help reduce maintenance and operating costs.

Sky Garden has been designed with “young professionals, students, key workers, visiting professionals and temporary business visitors” in mind who would be keener to take public transport or have a more environmentally sustainable way to get around Brisbane. Thus, the project has only 41 proposed parking slots for both renters and their visitors, as well as 42 bicycle slots.

Two other sites in Brisbane will adopt a build-to-rent scheme for affordable large-scale housing projects in Fortitude Valley and Newstead. These projects, announced in October 2020, will deliver a total of 750 apartments and 240 dwellings at discounted rental rates.

“Build-to-Rent will provide secure, long-term rental accommodation for tenants who don’t necessarily qualify for access to social housing, but may struggle to live close to where they work,” Minister for Education and Member for McConnel Grace Grace said. “We will meet part of the rent cost for the affordable homes to allow a discounted market rate to be offered to eligible tenants like health and emergency service workers.”

Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project Ready for Stage 2

Work on the Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project in Greenslopes is moving along swiftly and will progress to the second stage soon with the completion of the nature-themed play area.

The playground off Lincoln Street is near the Stones Corner Community Kindergarten and is equipped with new sliding and climbing all abilities equipment, sand play and swings, and seating areas for groups and families.

On 11 Dec. 2020, Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed that the playground has re-opened with the following features:

Multi-level adventure play tower with slide and swing set
Sandpit with diggers
Water hand pump to activate water flow along the creek bed
Nature-based climbing structures
Shade sails
Paths
Natural rock creek beds

Photo Credit: Councillor Fiona Cunningham/Facebook

The open green space, however, is not yet completely ready for use for safety reasons as construction work is still taking place.

Part of the work includes ripping off a section of the concreted waterway to build a natural ecosystem.

Some 462 trees and 43,000 shrubs will also be planted all around the park to boost the greenery, which will make the Norman Creek water cleaner. Sometime in the year, the community will be asked to get involved with the planting activities.

The Hanlon Park Rejuvenation Project, which is estimated for completion by late 2021, aims to:

revitalise Norman Creek, which runs through the park
enhance the environment with more trees and natural spaces
increase recreational and social opportunities for residents and visitors
enhance connectivity and accessibility within the park and local area
boost local economic vibrancy with a new place to relax and enjoy

For concerns and questions about this project, phone the team at 1800 669 416 (business hours) or 07 3403 8888 (off business hours), or send an email through cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.

New Community Park Planned at Former Red Cross Site in Greenslopes

The former Red Cross site on Headfort Street in Greenslopes could soon become a new community park following almost seven years of abandonment.

Councillor Fiona Cunningham confirmed in a Facebook post that Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Council agreed to buy the land from the Federal Government.

Discussions are ongoing about redeveloping the precinct for community use, given that there are no nearby playgrounds or family recreational facilities in the area.

“Council has also had discussions with Legacy, an organisation with deep connection to this site, about a portion of the land being used for their services for the families of our veterans,” Ms Cunningham said. “Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will also provide Council with a heritage strategy for the park so this can be considered in the design.”

For years, Greenslopes residents have been asking the government to act on the idle space. The former Red Cross hall has been riddled with disintegrating asbestos and is in the advanced stages of disrepair.

The property, owned by the DVA until its lease expiration in 2013, has been tagged as a health risk and a waste of property. The site stands across the Greenslopes Hospital.

Built in early 1945, the Red Cross hall consisted of two heritage-listed timber buildings. The site was used as a recreational facility for military personnel receiving medical services across the street.

Events like film screenings, concerts and dances were often hosted in the community hall, which also had a library and a room filled with billiard tables. The other building served as a hostel for visiting relatives and friends of the patients.

MP Richard Marles confirmed that the Federal Government will hand over the Red Cross property to the Brisbane City Council.

“The hope is that now works can commence to make the site safe again and that it could be restored to its former glory for use again by local Brisbanites,” Mr Marles said in a post.