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New North Brisbane Police Campaign Places Officers in Geebung Bikeways

As part of a newly-launched crime prevention campaign called “Tune Into Your Surroundings,” the Queensland Police Service has stationed police personnel in bikeways in Geebung, Chermside, and Boondall to interact with the community and teach them how to stay safe in public spaces.

‘Tune Into Your Surroundings’ aims to help reduce robberies and assault offenses against people who go outside to exercise, or those who walk to and from school or work.

The campaign is primarily informative, warning people to put their phones down when they walk and take in their surroundings. Removing headphones is also highly recommended as loud music can prevent people from realising that danger is approaching.

Police officers in North Brisbane will be stationed in Geebung, Chermside, and Boondall to inform passersby of the initiative, as well as do their part to keep the community safe from criminals.

All in all, Tune Into Your Surroundings states that there are three primary things people who are out and about must watch out for in order to stay safe as crime rates increase: their surroundings, their valuables, and their phone.

Their Surroundings

Those who walk must survey their surroundings and pay attention to those around them.
If a person has a bad feeling about the area they’re in, or if they feel unsafe or threatened, it is advised for them to leave and take another route.
In order to avoid getting lost, people must plan their routes.
People should inform a trusted person of their expected arrival times and travel routes when walking.
Sticking to well-lit and populated areas is a must.

Their Valuables

Bags must always be closed.
Those who bring bags with them must keep them securely attached to their body and avoid simply holding them.
Records of bags and valuables inside it must be kept as proof of ownership.
Other valuables should be kept out of sight and stored in pockets.
Valuables should not be left unattended, and carrying large amounts of money is ill-advised.

Their Phone

People must check their surroundings to see if it’s safe to use their phones.
Phones should be kept out of sight or secured in a bag when in public.
Install anti-theft apps such as “Find my Phone” in the event that it gets stolen.
Keep a record of the phone’s serial number or photo of proof of ownership in case it goes missing or gets stolen.
Secure phones with PINs, patterns, and biometric locks.
Don’t store sensitive or personal information such as passwords or bank information on phones.

Retirees Attend QPS Session on Avoiding Online Scams at Geebung RSL

A group of retirees from the northside recently gained more knowledge in avoiding online scams through the information session conducted by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) at the Geebung RSL.

Attended by the members of the North Brisbane Association of Independent Retirees, the session took place on 18 March and covered topics relating to email scams and cybersecurity.

According to QPS, it’s always wise to never open emails or click on documents and attachments from senders that they are not familiar with. If unsure, retirees can always call up the bank or the agency supposedly sending the email, and verify if it’s legitimate.

Scamwatch Australia said that older people are more vulnerable to scams because of their accumulated wealth. These scammers usually target social media and dating sites, where there are many vulnerable divorcees, widows and widowers. Retirees are also often less savvy when it comes to computers or the internet, hence they are easy targets of scams.

Another indication of a potential scam is “poor spelling or grammar.” The tone of the message also sounds urgent, often asking the person to “act now.”

Some of the most common scams include unexpected lottery wins, rebates and inheritance. In this pandemic, at least 6,120 online scams were reported with over $8.4 million in losses in the country.

Meanwhile, Geebung RSL was recently recognised as Best Licensed Club – 3rd Place – at the Keno and Club Queensland Awards for 2021.

“Geebung RSL Board, Management & Staff are proud to advise our 14,000 service and social members of the recognition the Club received last night at the Clubs Queensland Awards for Excellence,” the management said.

“The Award is a tribute to our amazing staff and loyal club members who support the club from week to week and during challenging times such as the numerous COVID business closures over the past 12 months.

“The Award importantly, pays recognition to our hardworking Sub Branch administration and volunteer welfare and support advocates who take care of the needs of our local veterans each and every day.”

New Opportunities in the Energy Industry Bring Apprentices to Geebung

Careers in Brisbane’s energy industry have started to take off again, thanks to the state government’s plan for economic recovery and the cooperation of energy businesses in Geebung and beyond.

With the help of some of Queensland’s publicly-owned energy businesses, veterans, students, and school leavers across Brisbane were able to find employment and apprenticeship in the energy industry, developing valuable skills related to depots and power stations all over the state.

Apprentice roles in Geebung and elsewhere include electricians, communications technicians, linespersons, and operations trainees, among others.

“Getting on with the job of delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery means ensuring Queenslanders get the opportunity to secure a trade that will set them up for life,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said.

Thanks to the help of RSL Queensland, an ex-service advocacy group, nine ex-service personnel are now training to become cable jointers, linespersons, and electricians in Geebung and six other suburbs after being taken on by Energy Queensland.

Energy distributors Energex and Energon have taken on 88 apprentices to learn about how the Queensland electricity supply industry works, based on figures provided by Mr de Brenni.

On the other hand, Powerlink is taking on six new apprentices to work on their 1,700-km transmission network while 20 apprentices have been hired to learn how to operate power stations by CS Energy and Stanwell.

Workers in the energy industry strive to provide residents of the state with a safe and reliable power supply by connecting and maintaining energy assets across the state. According to Minister de Brenni, “…these apprentices will help Queensland power ahead to 50 percent renewables, while also ensuring their friends, family and communities continue to enjoy reliable electricity.”

With the local energy industry more active than ever, Queenslanders can expect a reduction in power outages as well-trained and well-equipped up-and-coming technicians steadily populate the state.

Peebo and Dagwood Place: Sandgate Playground Name Earns Over 2,000 Signatures

A petition to name a new playground after beloved Brisbane clowns, Peebo and Dagwood, has raked in over 2,000 signatures. The site is at the end of Fifth Avenue on the Sandgate Foreshore.

Initiated by Councillor Jared Cassidy, the petition explained why the brothers deserved to have their name on the Sandgate playground as they “spent 20 years bringing joy to the lives of countless Brisbane residents,” even as they struggled with their own health issues.

“This naming would help Peebo and Dagwood’s motto ‘live life, love life and laugh’ live on forever,” Mr Cassidy wrote.

The petition closed just days after the first year anniversary of Peebo’s passing.

Peebo, whose real name was Peter Bissel, passed away on 4 March 2020 at the age of 46 after battling cystic fibrosis since birth. His twin brother David (Dagwood) announced the sad news on Facebook.

David is also battling this debilitating illness, which is a common but life-threatening disease and has no cure. After his twin’s death, David set up a GoFundMe page for his memorial. He also shared Peter’s dying wish.

“One of Peebo’s last wishes before he passed away, was for a Peebo & Dagwood bronze statue to be erected down at the foreshore at Sandgate so that people of all ages can come and visit and be inspired to Live Life, Love Life & Laugh – a lasting legacy for everyone.”

Meanwhile, Mr Cassidy said that his petition received “a huge show of support” from the community. “[This] only reflects the giant impact these two have had.”

Sign-up for the petition was closed on 11 March 2021 and is now awaiting Council’s response.

Aspley State High School Aiming for Top Prize for the 2021 Buy Smart Campaign

For the last 10 years, students at Aspley State High School have been participating in the annual Buy Smart campaign, where young and impressionable people learn important skills as sensible shoppers, as well as understand consumer rights and responsibilities.

The Buy Smart campaign enters its 20th year in 2021 and the kids at Aspley State High School helped the State Government launch the contest, where they could earn cash prizes for producing effective campaigns on how to be a smart shopper.

Divided into three categories for Years 4 to 6, Years 7 to 9 and Years 10 to 12, the campaign aims to showcase what the students have learned about consumer rights through the creation of videos, board games, songs or reading materials. This fun, engaging but educational competition drew 845 Queensland students in 2020.

“Last year’s winners Isaac and Daniel from Aspley State High School created a picture book to teach young children about how to avoid online scams,” Local Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said.

“Aspley SHS has been participating in Buy Smart for over ten years and have a strong reputation of delivering great creative ways to raise awareness on shopping scams.”

According to the Office for Fair Trading, Buy Smart was developed for young people who have allowances and money to spend.

“In today’s growing online shopping market, so it’s important they develop their consumer awareness,” Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said. “Buy Smart activities are mapped to the school curriculum and the OFT makes free lesson plans and classroom activities available to teachers to assist them to include these important topics in their classes.”

To join this contest, students may sign up as an individual or a team and come up with a good, well-researched campaign material. Big prizes await the best creative ideas:

RANK	PRIZE
First	$500 for the entrant/group $2,000 for the school or organisation
Second	$250 for the entrant/group $1,000 for the school or organisation
Third	$150 for the entrant/group $500 for the school or organisation
Special: Fair Trading Commissioner’s School Champion	$1,500

Submissions of materials will be until 21 Sept 2021. For more details, check the Buy Smart official site.

Geebung CEO Champions Equality and Inclusion in Male-Dominated Industry

Pakko, a cardboard goods manufacturing company in Geebung, is led by a CEO who champions equality and inclusion in the workplace. Because of her drive to overlook gender roles, Nina Nguyen shows just how she has risen up to the challenge in this male-dominated industry.

After founding Pakko in 2017, Ms Nguyen has built a workplace where the number of female workers balances the number of male workers in various roles like machine specialists, sales estimators, accounts and managing partners.

In an industry where the operation of machines is seen as exclusively a man’s job, Pakko has been working to evolve and change by providing more employment opportunities, not just for women but for anyone who is a team player and who embraces diversity.

“Our team at Pakko is incredibly supportive of each other. Each of us has a story to tell, whether we are from Australia or arrived here from another part of the world,” Ms Nguyen shared.

“For most of the team, English is a second language. And everything that makes us different; makes us unique, special and keeps us together. Our diversity drives us to compete on a global scale, as we strive to innovate the packaging industry right here in Australia.”

Geebung Pakko — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Pakko’s success in breaking down gender roles under Ms Nguyen’s leadership falls in line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme to #ChooseToChallenge and reflect on the changing roles and perceptions of women.

“Women are brilliant business leaders, compassionate world leaders and exceptional entrepreneurs who have succeeded across a multitude of industries. For International Women’s Day 2021, I choose to challenge the role of gender and employment opportunities within male-dominated industries, such as manufacturing in Australia,” Ms Nguyen said.

In 2019, Pakko merged with Glue4U, a folding and gluing specialist led by its director, Tanya Watkins. Their partnership is opening more doors for women to consider manufacturing as a career path.

Since 2011, International Women’s Day has been celebrated every 8th of March.

Great News! Aspley on First Batch of Suburbs for Covid-19 Vaccines

Photo credit: x3/Pixabay

The Federal Health Minister has provided an initial list of 41 towns, suburbs, and hubs for the COVID-19 vaccine vaccination program that started this week, and Aspley is one of them.

The rollout will give priority to health workers at high risk of exposure, disability care residents and workers. From the media release by the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, here are all the Queensland towns that will receive the first jab of vaccines:

Albany Creek
Aspley
Bald Hills
Beaconsfield
Birtinya
Bray Park
Buderim
Bundaberg
Burleigh Heads
Burleigh Waters
Carseldine
Cleveland
Glenella
Glenvale
Harristown
Hope Island
Kearneys Spring
Kepnock
Lawnton
Mackay
Meridian Plains
Millbank
Mirani
Mudgeeraba
North Bundaberg
North Mackay
North Tamborine
Palmwoods
Pimpama
Redland Bay
Robina
Sippy Downs
South Toowoomba
Thornlands
Toowoomba
Upper Coomera
Varsity Lakes
Victoria Point
Warana
West Mackay
Woombye

Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy will guide the vaccine rollout and it will be available across additional settings including GP clinic and community pharmacy. The rollout begins with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and following the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday, will include the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine from early March.

“This week the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has arrived in the country and the TGA has approved the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine. These are two outstanding vaccines that will be available to people in Australia free of charge,” said Minister Hunt.

The remaining phases will be rolled out as the number of vaccines grows.

Who can take the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) noted that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is safe and effective. However, there are specific populations for whom vaccination is not recommended, which includes people with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, pregnant women, and children below 16 years of age (even if they belong to a high-risk group).

New Building Proposed For St Paul’s School At Bald Hills

Photo credit: https://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

St. Paul’s School, a leading Anglican school in Bald Hills, has lodged a development application for a new resource centre in the heart of its campus.

Based on a development application lodged with Brisbane City Council, the proposed resource centre is going to be a 1-to 2-storey education building which will provide new resource and collaboration spaces, a senior study centre, hospitality and makers spaces, and flexible learning spaces.

Photo credit: https://pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

A report prepared by Ethos Urban on behalf of the applicant states that the new facility will be consistent with most buildings. The goal is to create an outdoor environment that connects with the indoor spaces allowing learning to extend beyond the walls of the building.

It would be located in the centre of the campus adjacent to the existing Wellbeing Centre and Sutton Building. In order to accommodate IT learning facilities, part of the existing Giese Library will be refurbished. The existing cafe in Sutton Building also needs to be demolished in order to proceed with the construction of a new building.

Heritage Impact

Photo credit: Heritage branch staff – State of Queensland: Queensland Heritage Register: 602346 – Hoop Pines (2009)/ Wikimedia Commons Photo credit: Heritage branch staff – State of Queensland: Queensland Heritage Register: 602346 – Hoop Pines (2009)/ Wikimedia Commons

The new development will be situated approximately 50 metres from two hoop pine trees that are known to have cultural heritage significance.

The hoop pines are indicative of the pattern of Queensland settlement. They’re associated with the evolution of non-indigenous settlement in the Moreton Bay district in the 1850s and with the earliest development of the Bald Hills district in particular.

To alleviate any possible concerns on the heritage impact of the development, a statement has been prepared by Ivan McDonald Architects, assuring the public that there will be no adverse visual or physical impacts on the cultural heritage significance of the place that will result from the proposed development.

“Although not strictly within our area of expertise, it is also noted that the 50m separation between the proposed building and the hoop pines is a considerable distance and is unlikely to have any detrimental physical impact on the health or vigour of the hoop pines,” Ivan McDonald Architects stated in the documents.

Guzman Y Gomez to Build New Restaurant in Boondall

A development application was recently lodged with Council to revamp the foodie corner on Sandgate and Zillmere Roads in Boondall into the Mexican fast-food restaurant, Guzman Y Gomez.

The new eatery will take over the former location of the Turkish family restaurant and shisha bar, Sultans, which closed in October 2020 after 15 years in the business. Pre-social media age, the said corner was also the site of another family restaurant called Bernie’s.

The restaurant will join other eateries such as Hungry Jacks, Noodlebox, Zarraffa’s Coffe at the Boondall Convenience Centre.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

Guzman Y Gomez plans to build an indoor and outdoor dining space with a drive-thru section and an 11-car parking area, including one PWD space. The proposal indicated that the restaurant will be a 24/7 diner.

The developers said that whilst the building will undergo a redesign, its core structures will remain. The emphasis, however, will be given to the drive-thru facility as patrons in suburban Brisbane are more inclined to use this pick-up service, especially during the pandemic.

The development application (DA A005647805) was submitted in January 2021. Council has yet to decide if it’s approved or will need further revisions.

Guzman Y Gomez was founded 15 years ago and has over 135 franchise operations across Australia. It has outlets in Singapore, Tokyo and Illinois as well.

Carseldine Village Terrace Homes Will be 100% Solar Powered

Carseldine Village, the ongoing residential development on Beams Road, will be using 100 percent solar power, enabling the homeowners to cut down on their electricity expenses.

The State Government recently announced that the terrace homes development will be “zero net energy emission homes” and will greatly help Queensland achieve the targetted 50 percent renewable energy by 2030.

“All the Carseldine Village terrace homes and the Oxley Songbird detached residential dwellings homes will come with solar PV, battery storage systems, heat pump hot water systems, WiFi air conditioning and will be electric vehicle charger ready,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said. “This could save owners up to $1,600 per year off their power bills.”

The same zero net energy emission system is also being adapted at Songbird Oxley, another government-led residential development in the western suburbs.

A landmark deal between Natural Solar, Australia’s largest solar battery installer, and U.S. tech company, Tesla, was recently signed as well, which will deliver Tesla Powerwall packages to the Oxley homes, saving the residents $2,000 per year.

“Homeowners at Songbird Oxley can expect to save up to $2000 per year, delivering a return on investment in around 5 years. With solar, you typically generate more energy than you need, so by combining it with the Tesla Powerwall, it can be stored and used when needed,” Natural Solar CEO Chris Williams said.

Mr Miles said that they are hoping more builders and developers will aspire to develop zero-emission homes following these two innovations.