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SANDBAG, QPS Partnered to Assist Flood-Impacted Vulnerable Residents

Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service / /mypolice.qld.gov.au

The Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group or SANDBAG, recently partnered with QPS to assist residents who are still struggling to recover from the impact of February’s extreme weather event.

On 14 May 2022, officers were in attendance at the flood recovery at Sandgate along with members of SANDBAG, local churches, schools, libraries, Red Cross and other community groups. The event was meant to help residents, particularly the most vulnerable members of the community, who are still reeling from the effects of the February floods.

The police also visited a Deagon resident who shares the same experience as other vulnerable residents affected by the flood. Many are unable to move forward with their recovery due to lack of or limited assistance from their insurance companies or limited access to support services.

Her home still has no power or hot water and she is still waiting for her insurance company to take action on her claims.

SANDBAG, QPS Partnered to Assist Flood-Impacted Vulnerable Residents — Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service / /mypolice.qld.gov.au

SANDBAG or Sandgate and Bracken Ridge Action Group is an independent community-based organisation that has been working within the Brisbane North Community for almost three decades now.

The not-for-profit organisation connects communities with support activities, programs and services.

For residents who have been affected by the recent floods, or if you are in need of help or are just interested in being involved, may contact SANDBAG via email at secretary@sandbag.org.au, or visit their website here.

Their centres are located at 153 Rainbow Street, Sandgate 4017 (Sandgate Community Centre) and at 77 Bracken Street, Bracken Ridge 4017 (Bracken Ridge Community Hub). The group conducts meetings on the first, second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

CarselDINE Twilight Markets Return With Gourmet Eats, Unique Products

A dinerrific pop-up Night Market is back at Carseldine, celebrating gourmet eats, live music and unique products from artisan creators.

Happening on 14th May 2022, the Night Market is so cool it will make you drool!

Featuring the region’s BEST Gourmet Street food, you’ll be spoilt for choice with over forty foodies to choose from!

In between the indulging, wind through a lively, sprawling bazaar of over 200 unique stalls, and discover hidden delights amongst the twinkly festoons.

Then find MORE feasting heaven and good vibes to go with it, with our main stage AND our food truck alley stage showcasing banging local bands and musicians bringing you live tunes all night long. PLUS roving entertainment and children’s activities so the whole fam can get in on the good times!

CarsleDINE Night Markets takes place from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 133 Dorville Road. A $2 entry fee will be collected. Parking is free.

The Carseldine Markets are North Brisbane’s premier farmers and artisan Markets, with over 5000 customers every Saturday morning and an exciting calendar of Twilight Markets and themed pop-ups.

Goodwill Projects is one of Queensland’s most dynamic markets, events and venues companies. Curating flawless events and memorable experiences.

New Residential Aged Care Facility At Carseldine Village Aims For 5-star Green Rating

Construction is underway for the $43 million Rockpool Residential Aged Care facility at Carseldine Village, which aims to be the first five-star green-star aged care facility in Australia.

Read: Carseldine Childcare Centre Aims for 5-Star Green Rating

The six-level aged care community, located at 56 Plaza Parade, will feature a 150-bed accommodation and care facilities that will offer aged care, respite care and specialist memory support care.

Once open, it will deliver 100 per cent net-zero energy emission homes with energy-saving features.

To ensure they meet the predetermined targets for a 5-star green star design rating, developers have assessed and measured everything, right from the energy down to water consumption.

It will have a domestic kitchen for supervised cooking or baking, kitchen garden, walking track, bocce court, green and shaded seating areas in landscaped gardens, and cinema.

It will also have its own coffee shop and outdoor BBQs, community dining and lounge rooms, and a private dining room for special functions.

As part of its commitment towards sustainability, Rockpool Carseldine will utilise Solar PV to reduce energy dependence on grid, heat exchange and reticulation in laundry and kitchen, and three electric vehicle charging stations.

The aged care community is part of the Carseline Village development, a project of Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) which will be delivered in five stages in a span of 3-5 years.

The current approved masterplan for Carseldine Village provides for a maximum of 606 dwellings. In one of the future stages, a village retail heart will potentially comprise a convenience supermarket, speciality retail and dining.

Rockpool Residential Aged Care is part of Stage 1 of the development and will be located opposite The Green, a new $6.5 million sport and recreation precinct.

Construction of the Rockpool Residential Aged Care is due for completion in July 2022.

St Paul’s School in Bald Hills Uses NFTs To Build Students’ Digital Portfolios

The St Paul’s School in Bald Hills school has launched their own non-fungible tokens (also called NFTs) to help build students’ digital portfolios, as part of the school’s continued focus on innovation.

Read: Carseldine Childcare Centre Aims for 5-Star Green Rating

NFTS are tokens that can be used to represent ownership of unique items. At St Paul’s, for instance, each NFT depicts a unique design of the school’s Realms of Thinking – a unique and acclaimed approach to learning pioneered by them.

Whilst they appear something new, NFTs have been around since 2017 when CryptoPunks launched their first token. There are many areas of work where people are starting to use NFT, and one of them is the field of education.

Unlike a bitcoin that can be traded for another bitcoin, an NFT is unique and cannot be traded for equal value.

Meanwhile, in recognition of their student’s academic performance, St Paul’s School has minted and transferred ownership of the NFTs to the top six students from last year’s graduating class.

Harvey McIntosh, one of the top performing Year 12s from 2021 has already added his Realms of Thinking NFT to his digital portfolio.

St Paul's School NFT — Photo credit: St Paul’s School/Facebook

Dr Paul Browning, headmaster at St Paul’s School said the School’s willingness to adopt and engage with new technology was a valuable part of the student learning experience.

“St Paul’s School provides an education worth having which prepares resilient global citizens who are innovative thinkers. Right now, an education worth having includes engagement with this fast-developing world of blockchain and NFTs,” Dr Browning said.

“These concepts didn’t even exist when some of our senior students started school but now they’re becoming commonplace.”

Dr Browning said the school will continue to engage in development of digital portfolios with a focus on how it can prepare our students for this rapidly changing world.

Aspley Little Athletics Club Captain Sophie Porter Named Athlete of the Year

Aspley Little Athletics club captain Sophie Porter, a Year 12 student from All Hallows’ School, has been named as one of 13 national Coles Little Athletes of the Year for season 2021/22.

The 17-year-old was one of 110 nominees across Australia to be recognised for their sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and health. She has been with Aspley Little Athletics since she was barely 6 years old.

“It was a complete surprise to hear I won because I didn’t even know my club had nominated me. I felt very excited and am honoured to be chosen as one of the national winners,” Sophie, who recently completed her 12th and final season, said.

“It was pleasing to be recognised for my contributions towards setting up and packing up the equipment on competition days and encouraging and mentoring our younger members in enjoying their time at the club regardless of results.”

As a Little Athlete of the Year, Sophie will receive a $500 Coles gift card and will undergo a virtual mentoring session with Olympian and Australian pole vault record-holder Nina Kennedy and dual Paralympian and triple medallist at Tokyo 2020 Jaryd Clifford.

Aspley Little Athletics centre manager David Heidrich said that the community is very proud of Sophie, who is a great role model for the rest of their athletes.

“She consistently helps with the younger age groups as well as helping to set up and pack down at weekly competitions and regional championships. Unfortunately, this is her last year in Little Athletics and will be greatly missed,” Mr Heidrich said.

Sophie acknowledged Mr Heidrich as well as race walking coach Shane Pearson for shaping and training her athletic abilities.

“David steered me towards helping coach the younger generation of Aspley walkers, something I would like to continue doing next season now that my time as a Little Athlete has come to an end.”

Coles Little Athletics Australia President Sherrie Boulter said that the annual Coles Little Athlete of the Year awards are not just about recognising talents but also motivating the kids to be their best on and off the track.

“That’s why our motto is “be your best” and it’s great to have an award that recognises sportsmanship, leadership, health and teamwork like the Coles Little Athlete of the Year,” she said.

In addition to supporting the Coles Little Athlete of the Year award, Coles has donated more than 3.7 million bananas and distributed over $2 million in sports equipment grants to Little Athletics centres across Australia since 2017.

Coles Provides Sports Equipment Grant to Bracken Ridge Little Athletics, Other Community Sports Clubs

Coles has been giving out sports equipment grants to various community sports clubs such as Bracken Ridge Little Athletics, to help purchase new equipment for practice and training.

Bracken Ridge Little Athletics was given the grant in 2021, in the third round out of six rounds for the year. They used the money to buy a high jump mat cover and stands and defibrillator.

Funds for the grants have been raised from specially marked reusable bags designed by Aussie kids, as well as the sale of bananas sold at Coles’ supermarkets on National Banana Day in May, with 10 cents from every 1 kg sold going to the Little Athletics Community Fund.

Photo Credit: Bracken Ridge Little Athletics/Facebook

The funding brings Coles’ allocation of sports equipment grants to over $2 million in three years and comes at a time when community sports clubs continue to feel the effects of COVID-19.

Coles CEO Steven Cain said the Coles Little Athletics Community Fund is just one way Coles is supporting local communities and helping young Australians to live healthier, happier lives.

“We know it’s been a very challenging 18 months for communities across Australia who thrive on grassroots sport,” he said.

“Little Athletics plays a vital role in not just producing elite athletes like our Coles ambassadors Sally Pearson and Brandon Starc, but also by encouraging kids to be active and healthy.”

In addition to providing more than $2 million in equipment grants, Coles has donated more than 3.6 million bananas to Little Athletics centres since 2017.

Coles will be rolling out more funding for Little Athletics in 2022. To learn more about the successful recipients, check out Little Athletics Fund.

Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak Prompts Mosquito Spraying Blitz

Video Still Credit: Team Schrinner / Facebook

Recent floods and Queensland’s first case of Japanese Encephalitis in 24 years have prompted a mosquito spraying blitz in Carseldine and other suburbs to keep the mozzie population under control.

More than 20 spray trucks, four all-terrain vehicles, and two new electric mozzie buggies have been mobilised to target breeding sites across 30+ Brisbane suburbs that have been identified as risk areas due to the recent record-breaking rainfall.

This post-flood measure comes as southern Queensland recorded its first case of Japanese Encephalitis transmission in early March.

Lord Mayor Schrinner said that there are about 1,400 of the 2,400 known mosquito breeding sites that have been triggered by rainfall. As a result, Council has put its mosquito management program into high gear with the launch of spraying activities across the city.

Other councils in south-east Queensland have also stepped up their mosquito management program, including Gold Coast Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council which have launched spraying and aerial treatment activities to avert a potential mosquito surge.

Council is reminding residents to also take necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and stop the mosquito breeding cycle. Experts have detected an increase in freshwater mosquitoes due to the number of areas with stagnant water. The Japanese Encephalitis outbreak has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.

So far, the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in 33 individuals including 22 confirmed cases across Queensland (2), NSW (8), Victoria (9) and South Australia (3) with three JEV-related deaths. Without appropriate protection, humans can contract the disease when bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus.

Although only about one per cent of those infected may show mild symptoms like fever and headache, some may develop inflammation of the brain and suffer from severe complications including permanent disabilities including paralysis, recurrent seizures or the inability to speak.

There is still no known cure for Japanese Encephalitis (JE). Current treatment only involves supportive care to help functions of the body fight off the infection and relieve symptoms. Hospitalisation is generally required as patients are provided respiratory support, IV fluid and medicine.

Buy or Sell Pre-Loved Treasures at the Fab Finds Markets in Zillmere

Shopping for a quick wardrobe update that won’t make a dent in your wallet? Thinking about selling your pre-loved stuff? You can do both at the Fab Finds Markets in Zillmere.

The largest second-hand fashion event in Brisbane’s northside runs every month, which means that there are plenty of opportunities for savvy shoppers to haul great finds or unload their high-quality pieces — everybody wins!

After last February’s cancellation due to the flooding, Fab Finds Markets will kick off bright and early at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 27 March 2022, at the Geebung Bowls Club on Thompson St.

With 40+ stalls to browse through, there should be something fashionable for all, including a wide selection in heaps of styles or sizes of your favourite local brands like Witchery, Mimco, Kookai, Decjuba, Sussan, or Country Road.

If you’re a keen shopper, you might even score fashionable pieces that still carry the tag. Please take note to bring some cash as there is no ATM at the venue but some stores will have EFTPOS.

Sellers, on the other hand, can make a quick buck by registering on the day of the markets as a stallholder. With a tiny investment, you could clean out your closet, earn cold hard cash, and support a sustainable fashion enterprise.

Fab Finds Markets will also have food trucks and coffee for shoppers who might need a dose of energy as they check out the stalls. A percentage of the sales at this market goes to the Black Dog Institute.

For those interested in securing a stall, read up on the FAQs.

Luck Strikes Twice Four Weeks Apart for Bracken Ridge Local

A very lucky Bracken Ridge man has been having a great 2022 so far, following two strokes of good fortune just four weeks apart this year. The unexpected life-changing experience will help with securing his savings and superannuation for the future.

The Bracken Ridge was euphoric upon learning of his new fortune, totalling $100,000, after winning another smaller but still substantial prize last month. At first, he was very confused after receiving the call confirming his latest windfall.

The lucky man said that he has been playing The Lott for years and years, and since good fortune comes in threes, he’s ready for the next one.

“I must be on some sort of winning streak with this ongoing luck!” the winner exclaimed.

“When you called initially, I thought to myself, ‘What’s going on, mate?’. I was very confused because I had no idea about the win. This is such a nice surprise.

“It’s funny you say this actually because I won another big prize four weeks ago, but it wasn’t as big as this. You can call me any day with this type of news.

“I’ll probably put it towards my superannuation to help me with the future! This will be a tremendous help towards my savings.”

He purchased his winning entry online.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $8.31 million for draw 10535, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot prize is now $7.73 million for draw 1563. Last year, over 127 won the Lucky Lotteries 1st Prize and Jackpot winning entries, with $32.95 million in total. The biggest winner was a Coolangatta man who won the $9.41 million Mega Jackpot prize in May 2021.

Dorville Road Improvements Project Now Complete

Following a few months of works, the Dorville Road improvements project near Cabbage Tree Creek in Aspley is finally complete.

Read: Here’s A Sneak Peek Into The New Sands Social Sandgate

Dorville Road was widened to provide a new on-road parking lane between Cabbage Tree Creek and the Kingfisher Recycling Centre. The works involve formalising the eastern road edge with new kerb and channel.

The project also included the replacement of a 90-metre section of footpath on the eastern side of Dorville Road, resurfacing the road between Cabbage Tree Creek and the Kingfisher Recycling Centre road line marking, landscaping and turf.

The Dorville Road improvements project was completed to formalise street parking, improve drainage, eliminate washouts, and improve pedestrian safety, notably for local school students and market goers in the area. It is funded under the Australian Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure grant program.

The $2.5-billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recently completed work is one of the road and intersection projects north of Brisbane. Extensive road resurfacing has been done on Robinson Road West, as well as multiple roads across Aspley are being resurfaced.

“Despite a world pandemic, we have not slowed down and in fact there are so many projects that have been completed or close to completion,” said Cr for Bracken Ridge Ward Sandy Landers.