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Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Dirk Kotze was struck by lightning at a Brendale golf course and his family cannot be more grateful for the kindness of friends and strangers alike, to the wife and children he left behind.

Dirk, 56, was with his wife, Hannelé, and children Dané, Tiaan and Duan, at Brendale’s Wantima Golf Course in the afternoon of Sunday, 11 March 2023, when an intense storm swept across Queensland. His family said he was trying to seek shelter from the storm when lightning struck him.

Immediately after the accident, his family and the other guests rushed to help Dirk out and administered CPR whilst waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Dirk was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he bravely fought for his life for 19 days. However, Mel Stewart, his daughter-in-law, said that his body could no longer endure the trauma it suffered due to the lighting strike and he eventually went into a fatal cardiac arrest.

The family is thankful for all of the doctors who tried to save Dirk and the Brisbane community for their immense support. A friend of the family opened a GoFundMe for Dirk’s loved ones, an effort which has so far received $16,050 in donations.

“Dirk was a man who was known for having a larger-than-life personality. His faith in God, love for people and for being the epitome of a ‘shirt off the back’ kind of man defined him – there was no one in need he wouldn’t put his own life on hold to help out. His life has impacted many and he won’t soon be forgotten,” Conrad Oberholster wrote in the fundraiser.

According to AustraliaWide First Aid, over 100 Australians are injured by lightning strikes per year and a single bolt of lightning carries five billion joules, which can measure about 30,000 degrees Celsius. Victims of lightning strikes may suffer a cardiac arrest, respiratory muscle paralysis, superficial skin burns, neurological damage, hearing damage (partial or permanent), optic nerve injury, organ failure, and amnesia or memory loss.

Brendale lighting struck — Photo Credit: Sethink/Pixabay

Professor Peter Adams from the University of Queensland said that any Australian has a 1 in 12,000 chance of getting struck by lightning. Some of the situations where a person risks his chances include being out in an open area, such as a golf course, being wet and soaked during a thunderstorm, and being swept by a side flash or when the lightning strikes a taller object and the current jumps to the person below it.

To lessen your risks, the experts suggested the following:

If you hear a “buzzing” sound or your hair is standing on end, you need to recognise that you are in an area that is about to be struck by lightning and must leave immediately.
Do not seek shelter in the highest object in the area. Stay away from tall objects such as trees, powerlines and metal poles, since they can absorb lightning strikes and conduct electricity to nearby objects through the surface of the ground.
Do not go to water sources.
Remove all metallic items and jewellery from your body.
If you are outside during a thunderstorm, stay in your car or other solid structures.

Published 31 March 2023

Story Behind Goodstart Early Learning Albany Creek’s Unique Mural

A mural outside the Goodstart Early Learning Albany Creek has made the rounds online after a local resident noticed something about it. Here’s why the children’s work became a subject of discussion on social media.

Read: Did You Know That These Notable Personalities Are From Albany Creek?

In a Reddit thread dedicated to all things Brisbane, one user claimed that the signage outside the Albany Creek daycare centre looked like it’s giving “kind messages” but written like a threat.

“It’s gold. I’m so glad they went ahead with putting these up regardless,” another Reddit user shared.

Goodstart Early Learning Albany Creek — Photo credit: u/Horror_Inevitable751/Reddit

Others went on to say that they like the children’s mural despite its “nice serial killer vibes.”

“They are my fav. I lose it everytime I drive past them,” said one user.

“Me and my wife can’t help but mention this every time we drive past.”

“My kids went there. The steel uprights are there because a car ploughed through that fence. It used to be an ABC. Fortunately they were closed when it happened. A bit morbid but it could have been a project for the kids and kids don’t pull punches when you give them red paint and free artistic license.”

The signages at Goodstart Early Learning, which can be found along Flamingo Drive, was actually part of the daycare centre’s Kindergartens Fence Mural Project, done with the guidance of the teachers and local artist Al from CommunARTy Brisbane.

The mural, which reads, ‘We here at Goostart Flamingo Drive have the right to play, be safe’ depicted the children’s ideas about their rights for all the passing cars to appreciate.

Goodstart Early Learning Flamingo Drive is one of the highly rated daycare centres in Albany Creek. Their KindiCare rating is 8.9, which is above the average 7.4 for the area.

Read: Truant Turned Teacher: How Unconditional Love Saved This Bald Hills Youth

The daycare centre caters to children as early as six weeks to school age. They use a play based stimulating curriculum which focuses on all areas of development. They also offer extra curriculum incursion classes once a week, which includes activities such as storytime/ nursery rhymes, cooking, football, dancing/ yoga and creative arts.

Published 24-March-2023

Wildlife Corridor Under Threat: Development Applications on Beckett Road Have Local Concerned

Photo credit: Google Maps

A number of development applications involving properties located in the area between Beckett Road and Cabbage Tree Creek have become a cause for concern for Bridgeman Downs residents worried about the future of this wildlife corridor.

Three sites on Beckett Road are currently the subject of development applications that lie within a key wildlife corridor, and locals fear the area is now under threat because of these proposals.

North Brisbane Catchments said that the area should have been rezoned years ago to keep developers from touching this important wildlife corridor. A local survey conducted by the group has indicated that a majority of residents want to preserve the area. Development applications involving properties on 409 and 432 Beckett Road have been submitted since.

Last December 2022, a number of trees on 409 Beckett Road were felled without council approval. A development application followed a month later seeking approval to subdivide the 10,139 sqm site into 12 residential lots ranging from 377 sqm to 633 sqm.

In its Information Request letter dated 1 March 2023, Council said that the application has been identified as not supported due because it is “deemed premature and does not demonstrate orderly development of the surrounding properties or consider future access to the minor local road network.”

Council also said, among other reasons, that significant vegetation is identified on the site because of its important function in providing ecological connectivity to Cabbage Tree Creek, and the vegetation should be retained in large lifestyle lots.

Meanwhile, a development application involving 415 and 427 Beckett Road which was refused in May 2020 is currently being appealed at the Planning and Environment Court. It seeks to establish a petrol station, a fast food outlet, a childcare facility and ten townhouses.

Brisbane Catchments Network said that the majority of the site is listed by the State Government as Core Koala Habitat apart from being situated within a core wildlife corridor that is home to significant fauna and flora species.

The proposal also includes a narrow 20-metre-wide wildlife corridor which the group said is “totally inadequate” by most wildlife standards.

Another application that also concerns residents is one involving 432 Beckett Road. Submitted last August 2022, it seeks to create 15 residential lots with an average size of 457 sqm which will be accessible via a new internal road.

“I am against this development going ahead as this parcel of land forms part of a regionally

Important and irreplaceable cross-Beckett Rd wildlife corridor…Residents have seen platypuses in the local creek system which runs near the western boundary of this land and these unique animals are known to travel overland in search of new habitat and breeding partners, which will lead them to Cabbage Tree Creek to the east. Birds and bats are also known to favour crossing major roads above bushland,” an anonymous submission states.

“Any assurances given by developers are not worth the risk when they are happy to pay fines or contribute to ecological offset funds in pursuit of large profits which have these fines or relaxations built into the price of their developments,” says another submission.

“While I understand the need for more housing in the area, I don’t see why it has to come at the

expense of the natural environment,” writes another.

The proposal was granted the green light on 13 March 2023.
Published 22-March-2023

Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery in Bridgeman Downs Apologises for Burial Blunder

The Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery in Bridgeman Downs has extended its apologies to a Queensland family who has been grieving yet again after discovering that their mum was buried in the wrong plot.

Sonia Jordan, 75, passed away on 21 February 2023 due to an illness and her wish was to be buried with her parents at the Brisbane north cemetery. Her family made the arrangements a month before her death and funeral services were undertaken on 1 March 2023. She is survived by her twin sister and two daughters.

However, her family was horrified to learn that Ms Jordan’s body was not on the same burial plot as her parents when they returned to the cemetery to arrange for a grave plaque with her name and her parents’ names.

Brisbane City Council manages the Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery and admitted through a statement from Cr Vicki Howard that “an error by a private funeral director has resulted in the omission of the correct burial plot number.”

‘I am extremely sorry this has happened. As soon as I was made aware of this issue, I made sure Council officers resolved this matter in close consultation with the family.’

The deceased’s family will be reimbursed for the burial cost and other associated fees, and Ms Jordan’s body will be exhumed and relocated to the right plot at no cost, which means that the family will “have to grieve twice,” according to her son-in-law.

Published 20 March 2023

Inside Plans For New Starbucks Cafe At Brendale Service Centre

A new Starbucks cafe could be built at the Brendale Service Centre, located along Linkfield Connection Road in Brendale, once a minor change to a development application has been approved.

Read: Get Your Cupcake Craving Fixed At Whisk & Grind Cafe Eatons Hill

The food and drink outlet would be part of the Stage 3 of an existing development and will be single-storey and will have a 6m maximum building height.

The DA, in fact, has already been given the green light, but the developer has requested to change the application for Stage 3 to add a Starbucks cafe within the approved mixed-use development.

The subject site is located at 2 Linkfield Connection Road, Brendale. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 have been constructed onsite and remain unchanged.

Stage 1 was dedicated for a 200sqm service station whilst Stage 2 was for a 2,080sqm showroom, and food outlet/shop/commercial services. The approved use for Stage 3 was for a food outlet, shop, and commercial services.

Staging plan (Photo credit: Thomson Adsett)

Designed by Thomson Adsett, changes include redesigning the food and drink outlet, amending the car park design, and reconfiguring the overall layout. It will have a single-lane drive through, which could accommodate 10 cars in a queuing.

The applicant has also sought for reduction in car parking spaces by one space for a total of 48 spaces in Stage 3.

“The proposed development has amended the design of the Food and Drink Outlet in Stage 3 to orientate the building to a more attractive viewpoint when viewed from Linkfield Road and Scouts Crossing Road,” the planning documents read.

Read: Eatons Hill Hotel Developers Planning Massive Strathpine Development

Meanwhile, an updated listing for Brendale Service Centre says future tenants get to “join other national tenants Starbucks, World Gym and Subway, and take advantage of its high exposure to two northern corridor major thoroughfares, South Pine Road & Linkfield Road.”

The Brendale Service Centre is due for completion by April 2023.

Published 14-March-2023

Albany Creek Scout Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Community Group of the Year Recognition

Albany Creek Scout Group started the year right with a fresh triumph after being named Dixon’s Community Group of the Year.

Albany Creek Scout Group kicks off their 50th anniversary this 2023 with no less than the Honourable Peter Dutton himself awarding the Scouts with a certificate and trophy for their invaluable contribution to the community.

Having been in operation for 50 years, the community-based organisation comprises all the scouting sections. Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. Their longevity is driven by their commitment to deliver youth programs, knowledge, skills, and experience for the next generation to learn from.

Albany Creek Scout Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Community Group of the Year Recognition — Photo credit: Facebook / Albany_Creek_Scout_Group

The group helps young people achieve great things by creating a competitive environment whilst fostering collaboration and support among each other.

“50 years of Awesomeness has been recognised today with the Albany Creek Scout Group being named Dixon’s Community Group of the Year. Peter Dutton awarded the Scouts with a certificate and trophy. This starts the 2023 Scouting year off perfectly with many things planned to celebrate this amazing community that we have been privledge to be apart of. Well done to each and every leader and adult supporter that has spent anytime within this group helping and assisting our young people to become people of character and resilient leaders for the future.” – Albany_Creek_Scout Group

The group, which will celebrate its anniversary on 26 November 2023, has always been at the forefront of every event that promotes the welfare of the community they serve including Clean Up Australia and the Marine Debris Campaign. They have also regularly assisted in setting up and packing-down school fetes each year and collected towels for different institutions, among other activities, as part of their community service.

Indeed, an award well served!

Published 19-February-2023

Get Your Cupcake Craving Fixed At Whisk & Grind Cafe Eatons Hill

Eatons Hill is known for many great coffee shops, and Whisk & Grind Cafe– which has just opened along Bunya Park Drive–did not disappoint with their delicious coffee and a full range of sweet and savoury cafe-style dishes.

Read: Bluegrass Barbecue Offers Eatons Hill Popular American Dishes

This charming little cafe only opened in January 2023, but the owner, Kim, isn’t a newbie when it comes to running a food business. In fact, she has merged her cupcake shop, The Sugar Shack, into the cafe.

So don’t be surprised if you find endless flavour variations of cupcakes here. There’s vanilla, choc orange, lime coconut and white choc, vanilla biscoff, raspberry with white chocolate, chocolate mint, and red velvet among others.

Photo credit: Whisk & Grind Cafe/Facebook

Aside from gourmet cupcakes, they also have bagels, cheesecakes, waffles, brownies, schnitzels, and croissants. You can also go on a guiltless dessert feast as they have added more vegan treats to their range, which include the vegan carrot cake and the choc rasp muffin.

Coffee is sourced from The Coffee Commune, which is known for its wide range of coffee products, from roasted coffee beans to raw ones.

The space is a beauty, flooded with shades of turquoise and pops of wood, just the kind of place that will make you comfortable whilst catching up with friends or having your breakfast before heading straight to work.

Beyond the friendly and comfortable atmosphere, this cafe is also dog-friendly. Your furry friends can even have their own treats from the cafe.

Read: The Café for The Common Good in Albany Creek Wins Outstanding Social Enterprise

Whisk & Grind Cafe opens 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. You can find them at 6 Bunya Park Dr, Eatons Hill.

Bridgeman Downs Resident Bellows at Car Thieves, Sends Them Running

Photo credit: Sarah Brown / Unsplash

A Bridgeman Downs resident saved a neighbour’s car from thieves when he bellowed at the group and sent them running. The man said that he is fed up with the escalating instances of youth crimes in many areas of Brisbane.

On Wednesday, 18 January 2023, Stephen Lee’s home security let out a perimeter alert that caused him to check live camera footage on his property. He saw two guys approaching his neighbour’s driveway.

He said that he knew at once what they were up to, prompting him to bellow at the intruders that sent them fleeing at about 2 am. There were four men in the car, he said.

He added that his neighbour’s car was almost stolen just two days prior to the incident. Apparently, his neighbour had to stay at home and take care of his kids whilst his wife was in the hospital as she was about to give birth.

The incredible moments were captured on video where he could be heard shouting invectives at the would-be thieves.

Mr Lee warned that he and the rest of his neighbourhood have had enough and are ready to defend themselves against criminals. Every household, he said, has installed cameras and alarms, and even has baseball bats and immobilisers.

Also, later that day, Police made an emergency declaration in the town of Tara following reports of gunfire on Smallacombe Street at about 3.30 pm. Three cars were allegedly shot at but no one was injured.

Two 16-year-olds were each charged with four weapons offences and three counts of willful damage.

These incidents come as two teenagers were charged with murder and attempted murder in December 2022. North Lakes residents Emma Lovell and her husband Lee were stabbed as they were trying to defend their home from the intruders on Boxing Day.

Emma sustained a stab wound in the chest whilst her husband was stabbed in the back. She died at the hospital.

Published 20-January-2023

Meet The Wonderful Volunteer Behind the Beautiful Transformation of Mahaca Park

Mahaca Park was once a tired outdoor space, until Rosemary Leiss, a beloved Albany Creek community member, gave it some TLC and transformed it into a beautiful, relaxing park. Get to know Ms Leiss and learn how her commitment towards the park all started.

Read: Suburbs Near Albany Creek Where Buying A Home Is Better Than Renting

In 2015, Ms Leiss’ club, the Albany Creek Garden Club teamed up with the local council to develop a memorial garden for the late estate agent Peter Campbell. Mr Campbell founded the first real estate agency in Albany Creek, when his family business opened in 1970.

Ms Leiss decorated the area using her own exotic cuttings and the native plants she got from Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Photo credit: Councillor Cath Tonks/Facebook

Ms Leiss leads a group of women who volunteer their time keeping the park looking beautiful. Two of her friends from her pottery group spend time tending the garden, along with two workers from Council.

Together, they maintain Mahaca Park, which is located at the corner of Keong Road and Albany Creek Road, next to a childcare centre.

As much as the good experiences, like receiving praises for her work, there are also the unpleasant ones. There were instances when people would disregard her hard work, destroy the plants and even sometimes, steal them. But Ms Leiss stays committed to her passion for gardening.

Recently, she has been planning on painting a mural on a wall beside her garden. She’s also looking at turning another local reserve into a wildlife paradise.

Because of her outstanding contribution to Mahaca Park, Ms Leiss has received the Everton Volunteer Recognition Award presented by Tim Mander MP in November 2022.

Read: Supporting War on Food Waste: New Edible Exchange Site Opens in Eatons Hill

Ms Leiss welcomes anyone who would like to get involved and volunteer their time at Mahaca Park.

Kehlani Headlines Inaugural ‘Souled Out’ Fest at Eatons Hotel Outdoor

Dubbed Australia’s first and only new-era R&B festival, the ‘Souled Out Fest’ will make its debut this year, headlined by former teen pop artist Kehlani Parrish, better known as Kehlani.

The event will take place at Eatons Hotel Outdoor this coming 28th January 2023.

Kehlani will be joined by several other contemporary R&B acts, including Destin Conrad, Victoria’s Larissa Lambert, Sydney-based artist Will Singe, Billymarie, Faith Sosene, Bina Butta, The Voice Australia contestant Lara D, Chanel Loren, Pania, Sounds By Noodles and DJ Talisha.

Kehlani is an American singer, songwriter and dancer who shot to fame via the teen group Poplyfe and has so far released three albums including the latest, Blue Water Road. The album features appearances by Justin Bieber, Syd, Jessie Reyez, Ambré and Thundercat.

The album has been well-received by critics and fans alike with 97 per cent of Google users liking it.

Pitchfork described Blue Water Road as Kehlani’s most mature album and “most musically and thematically challenging.”

“Its content is unabashedly queer—especially potent since this is their first release since publicly identifying as a lesbian—in a country bent on supressing non-conforming identities,” the review said.

“It expands their sound palette into orchestral pop and easy listening that clash with the synthetic R&B and rap sounds fans have grown accustomed to. It chronicles a loose, nonlinear story that ends with love and comfort, just as the world is slowly coming back around to physical contact. But most importantly, it shows that for all the skin Kehlani has shed over the years, they haven’t even begun to scratch the surface.”

Kehlani is set to do an Australian leg of their ‘Blue Water Road Trip’ tour, beginning 25 January 2023 in Sydney.

The Souled Out event happens this 28 January 2023 at Eatons Hotel Outdoor. Tickets are now on sale.

buy ticket

Published 3-January-2023