A Bald Hills resident has won $10,000 from a $1 Instant Scratch-Its ticket purchased at Friendly Grocer Bald Hills, located at Shop 1, 16 Rothbury Street.
The winning ticket was bought on a spontaneous impulse, with the winner reporting this was not a typical purchase for them. The prize comes at a beneficial time for the winner’s family, who are planning to use the funds to acquire a new vehicle.
Gavin Wang, owner of Friendly Grocer Bald Hills, expressed excitement about selling the store’s first top prize-winning Instant Scratch-Its ticket since taking over the business nearly one year ago.
This project is a fraction of a broader initiative to enhance the Bruce Highway, with more than $10 billion dedicated to various improvements, including an additional $467 million from the recent Budget.
Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au
Key features of the design include:
Upgrade of Linkfield Road to 4 lanes (2 lanes in each direction) between Gympie Road and Lacey Road intersections, and removal of existing Linkfield Road overpass to create a new overpass
Increase in the overpass clearance height from 4.7m to 6m
Upgrade of northbound and southbound entry ramps, and extension of southbound exit ramp length
Signalisation of northbound and southbound ramp intersections
New separated pathway for eastbound pedestrians, riders and other users
New on road cycle lane for westbound bike riders.
Early Works and Preparations
Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au
The newly released $10 million will enable the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to commence onsite activities shortly, including the relocation of approximately 350 metres of existing gas main. This initial phase is crucial for setting the stage for more extensive construction work.
This project is part of a larger commitment to provide $176 million from both the State and national levels. The overall project aims to significantly improve the transportation network in North Brisbane, enhancing connectivity and safety for commuters and freight vehicles.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish emphasised the project’s importance:
“The Linkfield Road Overpass is a critical piece of infrastructure for road users in North Brisbane. TMR has investigated options to reduce traffic congestion at the overpass, improve safety and freight access, and make more provision for active transport. To begin delivering on these benefits, the Queensland Government is releasing $10 million to support the start of early works within the next few months.”
Once completed, the Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade will offer numerous benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, enhanced safety, and improved freight access. This project is a testament to the strategic investments being made to support the growing population and economic activity in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
A Bald Hills family is set on their mission to help their third daughter Haven overcome a rare genetic disorder called Schaaf Yang Syndrome and its impacts on her development.
Jamie-Lee Stanley, a resident of Bald Hills, explained that she became aware of the severity of Haven’s condition several days after her birth.
When she was pregnant at 35 weeks, doctors discovered there was too much fluid around Haven in Ms Stanley’s womb. After her waters broke, she was rushed to the hospital for an emergency C-section as the umbilical cord was near Haven’s head.
Haven (Photo credit: Sophie Johnson/GoFundMe)
Haven was born without a pulse and was purple on February 25, five weeks prematurely. Nurses worked tirelessly to resuscitate her and were left with no choice but to place Haven on a breathing tube in the neonatal intensive care unit.
According to Ms Stanley, Haven is facing severe respiratory problems, lacks a diaphragm, and has a gland in her brain that is not producing hormones properly, leading to fluctuations in her blood sugar levels.
She’s currently receiving care from various medical specialists, including an endocrinologist, neurologist, pediatricians, and physicians at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
What is Schaaf Yang Syndrome?
Dr Christian Schaaf (Photo credit: ashg.org)
Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting developmental aspects such as intellectual ability, physical growth, and behaviour. Statistics say only 250 people worldwide are currently diagnosed with Schaaf Yang Syndrome.
Ms Stanley revealed that she is in contact with Dr Christian Schaaf in Germany, the researcher who discovered this syndrome in 2013.
She noted that there is a 33-year-old individual in Australia with a more severe strain of the disorder who has survived, giving them hope that Haven can also overcome this challenge.
Fundraiser for Haven
Sophie Johnson, a family friend, organised a fundraising campaign to help the family. Ms Johnson shared that Jamie-Lee and Trinity have not asked for this help, but as a friend and witness to their journey, she has seen the toll these long months have taken.
“The changes they have made to be close to the Hospital, juggling jobs, temporarily moving their little family in order to be by Havens side as much as possible whilst learning about their little girls condition and care moving forward, I just know this little family is very deserving of support and love.” wrote Ms Johnson.
The crash occurred when a Toyota Rav 4 traveling along Linkfield Road around 11:20 p.m. left the road and collided with a fence. The tragic incident had already resulted in the death of a 74-year-old woman on April 7, two days after the crash.
Recently, additional fatalities from the Bald Hills crash have been reported. The 78-year-old male driver died from his injuries on April 20, and a second passenger, a 76-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries on April 23. All victims were taken to the hospital with serious injuries after the crash, where they later passed away.
The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam vision that could assist with the investigations, is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Queensland Venue Co Pty Ltd has submitted plans to give the historic pub a major upgrade. The proposed renovations would expand the total footprint of the 1935-era hotel from 1,389 sqm to 1,729 sqm.
Artist’s impression of expanded beer garden (Photo credit: Red Design Group)
The plans, which were designed by architecture firm Red Design Group, call for demolishing some interior sections to make way for a new outdoor bistro dining patio and children’s playground. The outdoor beer garden adjoining the hotel would also be enlarged by 431 sqm.
Photo credit: Red Design Group
According to the development application, the upgrades are intended to “enhance the mix of outdoor and indoor spaces available to patrons.” New tropical landscaping, trees and patio furnishings would also help soften and improve the aesthetics of the built structures.
Proposed site plan (Photo credit: Red Design Group)
“The proposal involves establishing a beer garden extension at the north-east section of the site. The proposed extension ensures a high-quality landscaping design, with planting incorporated within the beer garden and hardstand areas to soften the built form, screen the development from car parking, and encourage a sub-tropical setting for patrons,” planners at Urbis stated.
When completed, parking availability would go from 54 marked spaces currently to 69 spaces, plus an extra 15 informal gravel overflow parking spots.
Photo credit: Red Design Group
Council planners estimate the renovated facilities would generate an additional 55 car trips during peak hours. The development application states the design will also “provide for a high level of streetscape activation and overlooking of the street frontage.”
The Bonny View Hotel first opened in 1935 and has been a popular community venue for generations of residents North of Brisbane.
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“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.
Commuters along Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road interchange in Bald Hills may expect traffic disruptions for the next two years as workers are now on the site to facilitate the $30 million upgrades.
The project will see through the transformation of the interchange, used by 20,000 motorists a day, which will relieve the congestion, improve travel times, and make the roads safer for the public.
The new innovative interchange system allows free flowing turns when exiting and entering Gympie Arterial Road.
The interchange eliminates the number of conflicts with opposing traffic on Strathpine Road and reducing traffic signal phases, making the interchange safer and more efficient.
A diverging diamond interchange is cost-effective to construct and has lesser impacts on local residents compared to a traditional interchange because it requires a smaller footprint.
The Strathpine Road and Gympie Arterial Road diverging diamond interchange will be the second in Queensland, with the Caloundra Road and Bruce Highway (QLD) diverging diamond interchange being the first.
Photo Credit: TMR
“Diverging diamond interchanges are an innovative design that have been used with great success internationally, and recently here in Queensland at the Caloundra Road interchange,” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said. “Diverging diamond interchanges are not only cheaper to construct, but they reduce residential impacts, as they require a smaller footprint compared to a traditional interchange design.”
State Member for Sandgate Stirling Hinchliffe said that these upgrades would benefit Bald Hills residents as it will mean “locals can get home quicker and safer.”
The Gympie Arterial Road and Strathpine Road Interchange upgrades are a joint undertaking funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and are expected to finish in mid-2023.
The Sistahood, an Australian-based online store founded by two Bald Hills women, delivers a variety of eco-friendly products to customers all across the country.The store was created to support local businesses and inspire other people to use eco-friendly and sustainable products.
Nella and Shelley founded the all-women company in October 2020, after a series of sisterly chats.
Among the company’s core beliefs is self-care and good health for the body, mind, and soul. As The Sistahood grows, the Bald Hills duo also supports various initiatives and organisations, such as a foundation that supports Women’s Health.
Nella and Shelley, founders of The Sistahood Photo credit: The Sistahood
One of the products available at their online store is tea from the local brand Life of Cha. The tea comes in six different variants: the herbal Heal, Crystal and Zzz teas, and the caffeinated Balance, Spiced and Le Grey teas. Each tea variant provides various health benefits, is calorie-free, and full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Photo credit: The Sistahood
Another popular product is Seagull Milk, a locally-produced and family-owned sunscreen created for users with particularly sensitive skin types such as those with eczema or psoriasis. The sunscreen itself is a scented, non-slip, non-greasy Mineral formulation suitable for people of all ages. Part of the proceeds for each tube of Seagull Milk is donated to Take3, an advocacy group against ocean plastic pollution.
Photo credit: Youtube/Seagull Milk
The Sistahood is currently having a special sale of their travel mugs. Customers can buy two mugs and receive the third at 50% off at checkout. Among their mugs is the ChaBottle from Life of Cha, a portable tea bottle with a built-in, 2-in-1 infuser and double-wall glass insulation. The ChaBottle is made from eco-friendly materials like borosilicate glass and bamboo.
Photo credit: The Sistahood
For more information on The Sistahood and their products, visit their website. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on special deals, dates, and other important announcements.
Ditch the gadgets and the internet one weekend this November and bring your kids to the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition for a family day out in Bald Hills. This outdoor event hosted by 2 Bent Rods and the Brisbane City Council is guaranteed to be both fun and educational as participants help get rid of the cane toad of the waterways.
Happening on Sunday, the 10th of November from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition enjoins participants to reduce the number of tilapia and other pest fish.
Photo: Supplied
This event is perfect for children to engage in nature and environment activities so that they can learn valuable life skills and understand the importance of sustaining local biodiversity.
The Canterbury Park event is one of several pest fishing events hosted by 2 Bent Rods across Queensland. During their last event in Harold Keilly Park, 387 tilapia with a total weight of 96.278 kg were caught within 4 hours.
Photo: Supplied
The number of participants depends on the site. For the Canterbury Park event, up to 300 participants can join. Usually, about 60-70% of the participants are kids under 10 years of age.
Cane Toad of the Waterways
The main fish caught at the pest fishing events are Mozambique Tilapia, also known as the cane toad of the waterways.
Originally an aquarium fish that was unfortunately released into local waterways, tilapia are mouth brooders and unlike native fish, their survival rate is quite high. Tilapia can survive in many different water conditions, even those with poor quality. They also compete with native fish for food.
Mozambique Tilapia, aka, cane toad of the waterways. (Photo: Supplied)
Once caught, the tilapia are euthanised humanely. They must also be disposed of immediately either by burying them above the high tide mark or by putting them in the bin.
Any native fish that are caught are released unharmed.
The Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition is a chance for the kids as well as the adults to:
Educate themselves and raise awareness of pest species in the local waterways to help prevent an infestation
Become involved in the community and meet interesting people who share a common goal
Give back and help the waterways replenish its native fish.
Photo Credit: 2 Bent Rods/Facebook
“These types of events are a lot of fun for the kids while also educating the community as well as the entrants,” said Sam Beckmann of 2 Bent Rods.
“Tilapia is prevalent in many of our waterways and people need to be made aware of the best practices for dealing with them. That’s where events like the Canterbury Park Family Pest Fishing Competition comes in.”
Apart from learning how to spot and remove invasive pest fish in Bald Hills, heaps of prizes will be given away to the participants whether they catch one or not. Prizes are courtesy of Alvey Reels Australia, Jarvis Walker, Daiwa Australia, Fishing Monthly Magazines, Jones Tackle and Hookeze.
“Kids always learn more when they are having fun. There will be plenty of prizes up for grabs with kids being split into two age categories plus an adult category. Councillor Sandy Landers will be there to award the prizes,” Beckmann said.
Cold drinks, tea, coffee and BBQ will be available for purchase at the Bald Hills park.
The South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors has lodged a proposal to link Bald Hills to Stafford Road and Alderley Rail Station. The planned infrastructure improvement is part of a $6.5 billion project for the North West Transport Corridor (NWTC).
The NWTC currently flows through Gympie Road and the Strathpine Station to the north and the Bridgeman Downs, McDowall and Everton Park from the south to connect to Shand Street in Alderley and the Alderley Station. The proposal is aimed at reducing the gridlock commuters from northern and western Brisbane experience every day.
Photo Credit: Council Of Mayors South East Queensland
Based on the SEQ People Mass Movement Study, the NWTC improvement is part of 28 proposed infrastructure projects for the region, which should be carried out from 2019 to 2031. In total, however, the Council of Mayors have 47 infrastructure projects in the pipeline until 2041 with estimated spending of almost $63 billion.
“Forty-seven major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk told the press. “This total investment rate achieves the vision of 45-minute regional connectivity and 30-minute smart cities,” he added.
Queensland is expected to grow its population by 30 per cent in 2031, the study further cited. Thus, the region must prepare to support transport demands to maintain its global competitiveness and sustainability, as well as provide a high-quality way of life for its residents.
