Greenslopes Archives - Greenslopes News

Legacy House for Veterans Takes Shape in Greenslopes

Photo Credit: Legacy House Australia/Facebook

For many war veterans and their families, the journey home doesn’t end with service. To honour their valor and service, a new facility called Legacy House is being built in Greenslopes to ensure that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Construction is progressing at the Greenslopes facility designed to provide much-needed support to veterans and their families. The new centre, set within the Greenslopes Hospital Precinct, will bring together key veteran support organisations under one roof, making access to care simpler and more effective for families facing complex challenges.

A Community-Driven Approach to Veteran Care

Legacy House is being developed as part of a collaborative model of care, informed by extensive Australian and international research on veteran welfare. The facility will connect Legacy Brisbane, RSL Queensland, Mates4Mates, and Open Arms with essential medical and mental health services, including the Keith Payne VC Mental Health Unit, Greenslopes Private Hospital, and Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.

With veterans returning from Australia’s longest military engagement in Afghanistan, the need for ongoing care remains high. Many families continue to navigate mental health struggles, PTSD, and other service-related conditions, making it crucial to have a single, accessible support hub that focuses not only on veterans but also on their loved ones.

Legacy Brisbane CEO Brendan Cox, a former Australian Infantry member, has drawn insights from his research into veteran care, finding that the current system is fragmented and difficult to navigate. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has reinforced these concerns, calling for a more coordinated and family-focused support structure—something Legacy House aims to deliver.

Legacy House in Greenslopes — Photo Credit: Legacy House Australia

Designed for Families, Built for the Future

The new two-storey building at Greenslopes will feature spaces that balance privacy with collaboration, ensuring veterans and families receive both individual care and community support. The design has been influenced by the site’s historical significance, paying tribute to the original Red Cross Building that served military personnel during World War II.

Inside, families will have access to counselling, social support, and specialised case management services, tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern veteran households. A particular focus will be on mental health support for families of incapacitated veterans, acknowledging the significant impact that military service has on loved ones.

Strong Support from the Community

Funding for Legacy House is being driven by the Bring It Home campaign, which has already secured $3 million, thanks to contributions from the Queensland Government, Australian Government – Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Hancock Prospecting, BMD Group, and various private donors. Legacy Brisbane is working to raise an additional $1.5 million to complete the project.

Prominent figures in the veteran and business communities have backed the initiative, including Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC, as well as former defence leaders such as General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lieutenant General Rick Burr. Their support reflects a shared commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the care they need long after their service ends.

Completion of construction is expected by mid-2026. Once operational, it will provide a long-term, sustainable solution for veterans and their families, ensuring they have access to comprehensive, wraparound support in one location.

For more information, visit bringithome.org.au or contact Legacy Brisbane at (07) 3029 5600.

Updated 20-February-2025. Published 13-February-2025

Police Operation in Greenslopes Leads to Three Teen Arrests

Residents of Greenslopes witnessed a significant police operation on Tuesday when specialist officers converged on Juliette Street after tracking an allegedly stolen vehicle from the Gold Coast.

The Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) was called to the Greenslopes location at approximately 9:40am when a black Ford Ranger, reportedly stolen from Varsity Lakes on March 16, was detected in the area.

Greenslopes locals captured footage of the police response as officers took three teenagers into custody at the suburban address. The arrest occurred without incident, though it brought unusual police activity to the normally quiet street.

This incident marks another example of Greenslopes being impacted by Queensland’s growing vehicle theft problem. State statistics reveal car theft has doubled over the past decade, with almost 7,000 insurance claims totalling $113 million last year—exceeding numbers in the more populated New South Wales.

None of the charged teenagers are Greenslopes residents. The suspects include a 16-year-old from Coomera, a 15-year-old from Pacific Pines, and a 15-year-old from Forest Lake, facing various charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and entering premises to commit offences.

As the case proceeds through the Children’s Court system, Greenslopes residents are left to consider the implications of their neighbourhood becoming one of many Brisbane suburbs affected by vehicle theft issues that continue to challenge law enforcement across Queensland.

Published 18-March-2025

Greenslopes Medical Precinct Approved Despite Opposition from Private Hospital

Photo Credit: Greenslopes Medical Precinct

A new medical precinct planned for Greenslopes has been granted approval, despite legal opposition from the operator of Greenslopes Private Hospital. The development, located at 68-72 Hunter Street, will introduce a multi-storey healthcare facility with extensive medical and community care services.

The proposal by Ron Build Pty Ltd sought approval for a material change of use to establish a community care centre and healthcare service on land opposite Greenslopes Private Hospital. The BCC approved the development, but the decision faced an appeal from Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited, the operator of the private hospital.

Ramsay Health Care argued that the new precinct duplicated existing medical services and was not complementary to the hospital’s operations. However, the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland dismissed these concerns, ruling that the development complied with the Coorparoo and Districts Neighbourhood Plan Code.

Judge Amanda McDonnell determined that competition does not negate complementarity, reinforcing that the precinct would serve the local community’s growing healthcare needs.

Project Details: New Medical Infrastructure for Greenslopes

The approved Greenslopes Medical Precinct (DA A006236443) will replace three residential dwellings and a cafe, transforming the site into a modern, multi-level healthcare facility designed by Gray Puksand. The key features include:

Three-storey building with a gross floor area of 4,783 sqm
Three basement levels accommodating 123 car parking spaces and 18 bicycle spaces
Two-hour free parking for patients and secured parking for medical specialists
An on-site ambulance bay for rapid emergency responses
Tenancy spaces for various health services, including community care, allied health, and general practitioners

The building’s facade will feature landscaping, minimising visual bulk and enhancing integration with the existing streetscape.

Community and Economic Need for the Project

The ruling highlighted the growing demand for healthcare services in Greenslopes, with many medical practitioners already residing in the area. The decision was influenced by:

Population growth and the increasing ageing demographic in the local catchment
The proximity to Greenslopes Private Hospital, creating a cluster of health services
The importance of accessibility, with the site providing walkable healthcare options

The court noted that co-locating medical services benefits the community, ensuring a wider range of options while supporting competition and patient choice.

*Photo Credit: Greenslopes Medical Precinct*

Ramsay Health Care’s Opposition and Legal Challenge

Ramsay Health Care opposed the development on the grounds that it constituted an overdevelopment of the site and would compete with existing hospital services. However, expert evidence presented in court determined that:

The building height, bulk, and scale aligned with the local planning framework
The Greenslopes Private Hospital would remain the dominant medical facility in the area
The new precinct would not delay hospital expansion plans or impact existing operations

The court ultimately ruled in favour of the development, allowing it to proceed subject to conditions.

Next Steps: Construction Timeline and Future Developments

With legal obstacles removed, construction of the Greenslopes Medical Precinct is expected to begin next year. The project represents a major expansion of medical infrastructure in the area, reinforcing Greenslopes as a key healthcare hub in Brisbane.

Despite initial opposition, the development is set to enhance healthcare accessibility, providing a range of medical services to meet growing community needs.

Published 28-Feb-2025

Coorparoo RSL’s Revamp of Greenslopes Bowls Club Underway

Photo Credit: Coorparoo RSL & Community Club/Facebook

Construction is set to begin at the former Greenslopes Bowls Club site as Coorparoo RSL embarks on a major refurbishment to revitalise the long-closed community venue. The redevelopment aims to restore the site as a family-friendly space featuring a restaurant, live music, and social bowling greens.

Once a thriving hub for live music, community events, and social bowls, the Greenslopes Bowls Club at 131 Ridge Street officially closed in late 2022. In response to concerns over the loss of vital community spaces in the area, BCC opened the site for tender in 2023, seeking a non-profit organisation capable of restoring and managing the venue.

Coorparoo RSL and Community Club was chosen as the preferred leaseholder and, in September 2023, secured a 10-year lease agreement with BCC. The agreement also includes an option to extend the lease after three years.

The Redevelopment Plan and Timeline

Coorparoo RSL is investing $3.5 million into the site’s refurbishment, partnering with Paynters, a hospitality design and construction firm, to deliver the transformation.

The project will include:

A bistro, bar, and café to cater to families and visitors.
Two bowling greens, one dedicated to social bowls and the other as a community green space.
An outdoor covered deck for dining and entertainment.
Expanded parking facilities to accommodate visitors.
Gaming facilities as part of the club’s operations.
A welfare office to support veterans, aligned with RSL Queensland’s mission.

The staged refurbishment timeline is as follows:

February 2025 – Worksite establishment.
March 2025 – Removal of building materials.
April 2025 – Commencement of the refurbishment fit-out.
Second half of 2025 – Expected project completion and relocation of Coorparoo RSL operations to the site.

Greenslopes Bowls Club — *Photo Credit: CrFionaCunningham/Facebook*

Community Sentiment and Future Impact

The project has received strong support from Coorparoo RSL members and the wider Greenslopes community. Club president Mervyn Cuylenburg expressed optimism, stating that the redevelopment would restore a key social space while securing the club’s long-term future.

BCC’s decision to lease the site to Coorparoo RSL has also reassured residents concerned about the land being sold for private development. Many locals have welcomed plans to reintroduce live music, dining, and recreational activities to the area.

Next Steps

Coorparoo RSL has assured members and residents that the transition will be smooth, with its current Coorparoo site remaining operational until the new Greenslopes venue is ready. Regular updates on the refurbishment process will be shared via official club communications and a dedicated email address (greenslopes@coorparoorsl.com.au).

As construction begins, the club has urged the community to remain patient during the initial stages, with some noise expected during normal building hours.

With work now underway, the Greenslopes community looks forward to welcoming back a beloved venue, set to offer a fresh mix of entertainment, dining, and social engagement by late 2025.

Published 12-Feb-2025

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

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

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

Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

Prof. Judith Goh AO and Prof. Hannah Krause AO, two Greenslopes urogynaecologists, recently returned from Uganda, where they performed over 140 procedures for women suffering from serious gynaecological issues in remote areas.

The trip, which took place in early September 2024, saw the pair working at Kagando Hospital in western Uganda. In just a short span, they treated more than 200 women, many of whom were experiencing childbirth-related injuries such as vaginal fistulas and untreated 4th-degree tears, conditions that are often left unaddressed in resource-limited areas.

“We treated mostly women with childbirth-related injuries – including vaginal fistulas and unrepaired 4th-degree tears. We also treated women with pelvic organ prolapse,” said Prof. Goh, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in Uganda. “It’s wonderful to be able to use our skills to help these women.”

Almost 30 Years of Volunteer Work

Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been volunteering in Asia and Africa since 1995. For nearly three decades, they have dedicated their time and expertise to providing critical healthcare in areas where it is most needed.

Greenslopes doctors — *Photo Credit: File Photo/Greenslopes Private Hospital*

Remarkably, the two doctors cover their own travel costs for each trip, while Greenslopes Private Hospital supports the mission by donating medical equipment.

Their work in Uganda is part of an ongoing commitment to improving women’s health in regions where access to specialised medical care is scarce. The duo’s next mission is scheduled for South Sudan in October 2024, where they plan to continue providing essential gynaecological care.

Recognition and Support

In recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian contributions, both Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia, a prestigious honour celebrating their selfless work over the years.

Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO, Justin Greenwell, praised the two doctors for their dedication: “I commend Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause on their humanitarian efforts – the world needs more people like them both. Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud to support their work and to donate to such a great cause again this year.”

As the doctors prepare for their next mission in South Sudan, their ongoing work continues to highlight the important role that Australian medical professionals play in improving global healthcare, particularly for women in underserved communities.

Broncos vs Sharks: Brisbane Challenge Cronulla for NRLW Summit

The Brisbane Broncos face the top-seeded Cronulla Sharks in a crucial match this Saturday, 14 September, with the top position on the NRLW ladder hanging in the balance. Broncos vs Sharks kick off 1:45 p.m. at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast.

Read: Greenslopes Tops List as Brisbane Braces for Peak Swooping Season

Momentum from historic comeback

The Broncos enter this crucial match riding the wave of a historic comeback against the Knights last week. Down 18-4 in the 37th minute, the team staged a momentous second-half comeback, clinching a 32-24 victory.

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The second half was a clinic, an impressive display with five tries from five different players: Julia Robinson (46’), Brianna Clark (50’), Stacey Waaka (57’), Lavinia Gould (60’), and Romy Teitzel (64’). Teitzel’s near-perfect conversion record (4/5) in the second half further solidified the win.

Broncos vs Sharks

Currently sitting third on the ladder, the Broncos have a golden opportunity to leapfrog the first-placed Sharks with a victory in their final home game of the home-and-away season. This match is pivotal for both teams as they head into the final stages of the season, each aiming for a strong finish.

Broncos head coach Scott Prince stresses the team’s focus, stating, “We want to chase that top 2 for a home final. That’s the advantage we’re striving for.”

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The Broncos have turned their season around with five consecutive wins, recovering from a challenging two-loss start. A win in this match would put them on the verge of securing a spot in the finals series, though mathematically, they need another victory to guarantee it.

“We were put on the back foot initially, it wasn’t the perfect start, but the resilience that the girls showed to stick to their process and get back in the game and come home like a wet sail was well done.”

Read: Chippers: Greenslopes’ New Catch for Fish and Chips Lovers

Following this weekend’s game, the Broncos will take on the ninth-placed Dragons in the final game of the season—in what could be another decisive match for their charge towards the minor premiership.

Published 13-September-2024

Man Charged With Murder After Greenslopes Father Found Dead

Photo Credit: Facebook / Donald Robert Green

A Sunshine Coast man has been charged with murder after a father was found dead in his Greenslopes unit.

Ryan Clifford Nord, 40, of Moffat Beach, appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, August 19, facing charges related to the death of 61-year-old Donald Robert Green. The victim’s body was found during a police welfare check at a unit on Vine Street, Stones Corner, around 1 am on Friday.

**Green with his son, Dominic.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Donald Robert Green

Magistrate Chris Callaghan adjourned the case to November 1, with a brief to be prepared by October 14. Nord was remanded in custody until the next court date. Court documents revealed that Nord declined a mental health assessment at the Maroochydore Watch House.

Police believe the incident stemmed from an alleged altercation in the unit around 10 pm on Friday, August 9. Investigators have indicated that the two men were known to each other.

The victim, Donald Robert Green, has been remembered fondly by his family. His brother, Danny Green, shared heartfelt tributes, describing Donald as a man who “lived life to its fullest” and was “always helping anyone, especially the homeless.”

Donald Green was a father to a teenage son and a cherished member of his extended family. Born in Papua New Guinea, he moved to Australia in 1974, where he became an integral part of the local community.

Published 19-August-2024