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Fitzgibbon Prepares for Opening of New Holy Spirit College in 2022

A new Catholic high school in Fitzgibbon is preparing to welcome its first batch of students for the January 2022 school opening as the construction of Holy Spirit College, located on the site of a former golf driving range, is ongoing.

Stirling Hinchliffe MP announced that Holy Spirit College received $1.3 million in funds from the State Government under the Non-State School Capital Assistance Grants. The money will be used for more construction work on the external infrastructure and to pay for related Council headwork charges.

The new school will consist of several blocks of classrooms in buildings that are one to three floors high. The blocks also have a music and performance hall, a sports centre, a cafe and the campus piazza.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Catholic Education

Some 96 Year 7 co-ed students are expected to attend the school in its inaugural year whilst applications have been opened for the next three years (2023, 2024 and 2025). Enrolments are currently accepted at the school’s temporary office at Unit 2, The Clock Corner 521 Beams Road in Carseldine.

Holy Spirit College will be the 147th school under Brisbane Catholic Education. It was named after the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters who founded Zillmere’s St Flannan’s School in 1953. The congregation has done various ministries in education, pastoral work and health care in north Brisbane.

“At Holy Spirit College, we aim to educate our students with an appreciation of the spiritual as well as the intellectual and physical aspects of their lives. We strive to work with our parents/carers to produce young people of faith and character,” Stephan le Roux, the school principal said in a statement on the school’s website.

“We strive to create an environment that puts the student at the centre and where that student supported by dedicated teaching staff and tremendous community spirit. As a team, we are looking forward to developing further, the learning and teaching opportunities that will engage our students and build our teaching tools to deliver a dynamic and progressive curriculum.”

For enquires, phone 07 3375 8500 or email the school administration at secondaryfitzgibbon@bne.catholic.edu.au

Rockpool Reveals New Plans for $43-M Carseldine Aged Care Facility

The residential aged care provider Rockpool is currently in the midst of planning an all-new, eco-friendly aged care facility in Carseldine — one that is estimated to cost a total of $43 million.

Rockpool Residential Aged Care aims to create the first 5-star Green Star rated aged care community in Australia by working with the Queensland State Government to set up a new facility in Carseldine Urban Village, a zero energy emission community.

The proposed aged care facility, which will be six storeys high and capable of housing up to 150 residents, can be split into five separate communities optimised for small-scale living. Each of these communities will contain 30 beds for its residents, a lounge area, and a dining area.

Due to the smaller size of each room, in tandem with their separation to create unique communities, they make for environments reminiscent of traditional homes. Though the facility itself will be large, the residents will still be close.

Render of the proposed aged care facility.
Photo credit: Rockpool

The six-storey development, if approved, will be built from the ground up, with costs reaching a total $43 million. Construction alone is estimated to bring in 120 new jobs to the local community, scheduled to begin in May 2021 and finishing sometime in October 2022.

Carseldine Urban Village can be found at 532 Beams Rd, Carseldine. To learn more about Rockpool Residential Aged Care, visit their website. Follow their Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements concerning their proposed facility.

Zillmere Property Market: House Median Price Rises to $500,000

Interstate buyers looking to settle in Brisbane now have Zillmere on their radar, pushing this northern suburb’s house median price to rise to $500,000. Real estate experts have said that the interest in Zillmere has been astounding, with inquiries increasing following the pandemic.

At the end of 2020, Zillmere was one of the last Brisbane suburbs where investors could affordably buy a house for less than half a million dollars. However, the property market boom during the first quarter of 2021 has recently pulled this suburb’s numbers up by $40,000, joining Richlands in the $500,000 threshold.

The remaining suburbs getting to close to the half a million mark are Durack ($490,000), Ellen Grove ($484,750), Fitzgibbon ($469,000), and Forest Lake ($469,000).

Industry experts said that buyers coming from Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney get more for their property investments in Zillmere by first putting up the house for rent, and then eventually moving in. This is great news for homeowners who were not expecting their Zillmere houses, bought nearly a decade ago, would gain in the property market.

A lot has changed in Zillmere in the last 10 years as well, especially in terms of safety and liveability. Per Domain.com.au, this suburb has improved in terms of education, walkability and coastal lifestyle.

Today, it’s very appealing to average families who are looking for charming wood houses with decent space for a nice front lawn or a beautiful garden backyard. The suburb is roughly 16 kilometres away from the CBD, close to businesses for basic necessities.

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).