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Albany Creek State High School Among Queensland Schools Impacted by Asbestos Discoveries

Photo Credit: Queensland Government / asbestos.qld.gov.au

Over the past year, Queensland state schools, including Albany Creek State High School, have encountered numerous incidents of asbestos discoveries, with nearly 600 reported cases in 2022.

Read: Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

Out of the 575 reported asbestos incidents in 2022, Ithaca Creek State School in Bardon topped the list with 11 incidents. Additionally, three schools had ten incidents each, namely Mackay State High School, Woody Point Special School, and Woree State School. Meanwhile, Albany Creek State High School experienced two incidents last year.

Other schools in the top ten included Gordonvale State High School, Moorooka State School, Springwood Road State School, Harristown State School, Leichhardt State School, and Mitchelton State High School.

Whilst the 2022 figures indicate a slight decrease in asbestos incidents compared to 2021, the numbers remain higher than those recorded in 2019 and 2020.

In 2019, there were 542 incidents across 297 schools, followed by 568 incidents in 2020 across 302 schools. However, it further rose in 2021, with 740 incidents reported across 354 schools.

According to Education Minister Grace Grace, asbestos discoveries in schools built before the 1990s are not uncommon. The Department of Education acknowledges that with the increase in infrastructure upgrades and flood damage repairs, detecting it is more likely than ever.

She highlighted the importance of managing potential asbestos exposures and emphasised that not all reported cases in the database are confirmed incidents.

The department, she said, has implemented a comprehensive program for the safe management and removal of asbestos in schools. In addition, the government is investing in various initiatives such as the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program, the Advancing Clean Energy Schools solar panel program, and the Schools Refresh Program.

Read: TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was once widely utilised in construction and various products worldwide. The presence of undamaged asbestos in buildings where people work or study does not pose an immediate danger.

However, individuals who frequently engage in activities such as repairs and renovations that could release asbestos fibres into the air are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. It particularly becomes hazardous to health when its fibres become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs.

Published 14-May-2023

Substantial Acreage on Bunya Now Preserved as a Koala Habitat

Did you know that 14.5 hectares of land along Bunya Road have been acquired and secured as a koala habitat? Under the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes Program, the property will remain intact and untouched by any development to ensure the sustainability of wildlife.

The acquisition assures that 75 per cent of Moreton Bay Regional Council will be preserved as a green space that will protect species and nurture the natural ecosystem.

“We know that Moreton Bay’s human population is growing, which is why we’re putting these measures in place now to protect our koalas and other wildlife by maintaining and enhancing the connectivity of our natural assets,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“We have plenty more properties that we’re looking at to help expand our green network further and I can’t wait to celebrate our 100th hectare purchased under the Land Buyback program in the near future.”

Councillor Matt Constance commended Council’s move to secure the land to make a home for Queensland’s wildlife, particularly in The Hills District.

“It’s a major drawcard for residents to have that connection to nature and we know locals want to see more protections in place for our wildlife, so I’m glad Council was able to deliver by purchasing this key property in Bunya,” Mr Constance said.

“Instead of falling into the hands of developers in the future, it will remain a great natural asset to the community and our local wildlife.

“Council officers will now monitor this land and rehabilitate it if necessary by removing invasive weeds and planting further wildlife habitat to help improve this sanctuary for wildlife.”

Published 1-May-2023

TJM Brendale Celebrates 50 Years Of Empowering Off-road Enthusiasts With Cutting-edge Gear

TJM Brendale, a leading manufacturer of off-road vehicle accessories, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023.

Read: Story Behind Goodstart Early Learning Albany Creek’s Unique Mural

TJM was founded in 1973 by Lloyd Taylor, Cliff Jones, and Steve Mollenhauer, who were unable to find the protective roll bars and bullbars they wanted for their vehicles. Following the Australian do-it-yourself spirit, the trio decided to make their own equipment.

The initial success of their products resulted in the creation of TJM. The team began fabricating 4×4 parts from a shed located in the backyard of Lloyd’s mother’s house. The company name TJM was derived from the first initials of their surnames.

They later established a factory and store in Geebung, but it was destroyed by fire in 2009. The fire that occurred in Geebung resulted in significant changes for the company, including the loss of production equipment and a relocation of much of the production to offshore facilities.

It took them almost a year to rebuild the business, establishing a new headquarters in Brendale. Opened in September 2011, TJM Brendale has risen to become an iconic destination for 4×4, camping and touring gear on Brisbane’s northside.

From this humble beginning, the company has grown into a leading manufacturer of off-road vehicle accessories, known for quality, innovation, and customer service. The company has since expanded to become a global leader in the 4×4 industry, offering a wide range of products designed to enhance the performance and durability of off-road vehicles.

Read: Inside Plans For New Starbucks Cafe At Brendale Service Centre

As TJM Brendale celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to excellence, TJM is poised to continue leading the way in the off-road industry for many years to come.

Published 9-April-2023

Albany Creek World’s Greatest Shave: A Community Effort for a Good Cause

Photo Credit: Renee Olmstead/Pixabay

The annual Albany Creek World’s Greatest Shave event has been a testament to the spirit of a community coming together to support a worthy cause. The event, launched in 2001, has become a tradition, bringing together groups to raise money and awareness for blood cancer research and patient support services.

This year’s event marked the 25th anniversary of the fundraiser and was a resounding success, with over $7,000 raised.

Held at the Albany Creek Tavern, 10 people braved the clippers to sport new bald heads, and seven individuals coloured their hair to support the cause.

The fundraiser brought in $7,216 for the evening, led by community members like Chris Gilding, Eileen Schofield, Jonah Robinson, Lois Shinners, Pete O’Donoghue, and Arren Heeley. In addition to raising money, the event was also a night of entertainment, laughter, and camaraderie.

The occasion provided the community with a chance to honour those who lost their fight against blood cancer.

The evening served as a time to remember Shae Kennedy, a regular at Albany Creek Tavern, and his 25 years of contributions to the World’s Greatest Shave. Shae passed away recently.

The Albany Creek Leukaemia Branch hosted the event with the support of community groups such as Apex, Lions Club, Leukaemia Foundation Branch, local hairdressers like Arren and Jane from Hairologists and Rachael from Albany Creek Hair Directions, and retailers. Their support and contributions helped make the event a resounding success.

Published 4-April-2023

Albany Creek High School Students Raise Funds for Homeless Youth Accommodation Program

Albany Creek State High School students have raised funds in support of Carinity Orana’s Sponsor a Bed program to help homeless young people get their lives back on track.

The Sponsor a Bed program provides crisis accommodation for five residents, for an average of six months, at Carinity Orana in Bald Hills for people aged 16 to 21 years who are at the risk of homelessness.

Ainsley Gilbert and Nadia de Gong, members of Albany Creek State High School Student Representative Council, spearheaded the fundraiser in late 2022. They organised a Christmas-themed free dress day and asked for a $2 donation from the students. By the end of the day, they managed to raise $500.

“The support was amazing; we didn’t expect the event to be so large and for so many of our junior school students to participate,” Nadia said.

“We were looking for a charity to support and we saw how Carinity Orana provides for people who are less fortunate, and helps those who are in dire circumstances,” Ainsley said.

“I personally thought for us teenagers who may know young people who need some help sometimes, Carinity is a very helpful organisation to have in our community and to support.”

Carinity Orana Program Manager, Dave McNair, thanked the school students for their generosity in supporting important local community service.

“Many of the young people referred to our service lack the basic items they need to live such as clothing, uniforms, toiletries, linen and access to transport – things we often take for granted. Our service relies on generous donors for support,” Dave said.

Dave said Carinity Orana, established in 1981, helps young people to “transition to independence and a brighter future.”

Youth workers assist young people to access education, training, employment, counselling services, recreational activities, new social networks, and permanent accommodation.

“Young people will often come to Carinity Orana in crisis and we help them to become stable and start to help them to move forward in their lives,” Dave said.

“We walk alongside young people, identifying their unique strengths and resources, and presenting options and choices so they can make informed choices in their life.”

If you wish to sponsor a bed at Carinity Orana visit this online page or phone (07) 3550 3737.

Published 4-April-2023

Support Flows for Brendale Golf Course Lightning Strike Victim

Photo Credit: GoFundMe

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