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Morningside Mum to Receive Innovative Care from Mater’s New Program for Diabetic Women

Maria Oliveri, a Morningside mum and researcher, will help pioneer an Australian-first midwifery care model when she gives birth to her third child this October.

Read: Farmers Pick Grocery Subscription Service Expands to QLD via Morningside

Oliveri, 33, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after her first pregnancy, will receive care through Mater Mothers’ Hospital’s new Obstetric Midwifery Group Practice (OMGP).

The innovative OMGP offers a hybrid of traditional midwifery care with added obstetric support for pregnant women with diabetes like Oliveri. It is the first program of its kind in Australia.

Developed by Mater’s leading clinicians and researchers, the OMGP model will provide Oliveri and other diabetic mothers specialised care throughout pregnancy and birth. By merging midwifery-led care with obstetric oversight, mothers can experience a pregnancy guided by midwives with the safety net of obstetric interventions as needed.

“My first pregnancy was low risk and I felt so empowered as the care focused on my pregnancy and my baby,” she said.

“My second pregnancy was very different. I felt my Type 1 diabetes was the focus of my pregnancy. I had to explain my situation to a different doctor each and every time.

She admitted that her second pregnancy was frustrating at times, and she did not experience the same joy she had felt during her first pregnancy. Having previously worked as a midwife in a midwifery group practice herself, the Morningside mum believes Mater’s new model will provide mothers with the consistent care they need and deserve.

According to Mater Associate Professor Shelley Wilkinson, traditional Midwifery Group Practices provide excellent outcomes and continuity of care for low-risk women and babies during pregnancy.

“Midwifery Group Practices are a brilliant, evidence-based model of care in which low-risk women are allocated a primary midwife who provides their care throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period,” Associate Professor Wilkinson said.

Mater researchers first gathered 9 months of baseline data from women in the current standard care model. Now they will analyse these findings to shape the Obstetric Midwifery Group Practice pilot program, launching later this year.

Dr Jo Laurie (Photo credit: www.matermothers.org.au)

Dr Jo Laurie, Mater Mothers’ Hospital Director of Obstetric Medicine, said eligible women will be offered enrollment in the Obstetric Midwifery Group Practice program when they initially book their prenatal care appointments.

Dr Laurie explained that in the new model, a dedicated midwife will provide comprehensive care by joining the mother at appointments with her full treating team, including obstetricians and physicians. This wraparound approach ensures seamless coordination.

Read: Morningside’s Tammie Lauritsen Selected for National ‘She Can Coach’ Program

“We believe that this will create a better journey for women. And by having the same skilled midwives caring for these more complex women during labour, it will hopefully keep these babies out of the special care nursery and with their mums for that precious early bonding time,” Dr Laurie said.

Published 6-October-2023

Farmers Pick Grocery Subscription Service Expands to QLD via Morningside

Photo Credit: Farmers Pick/Facebook

Farmers Pick, a Melbourne-based sustainable grocery subscription service specialising in rescuing “imperfect” fruits and vegetables, is making its Queensland debut, with the opening of its new warehouse in Morningside.

Co-founded by Josh Ball and Josh Brooks-Duncan in 2020, the company has rapidly grown and is now expanding its operations to serve over 1.5 million households in the region.

With its Morningside base, opened in August 2023, Farmers Pick will be able to deliver its fresh but aesthetically non-conforming produce to areas spanning from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg.

“Our expansion into Queensland is a huge milestone for the business and a goal we have always wanted to achieve,” Mr Ball said.

“With food waste costing Australians $36.6 billion per annum, we believe that everyone across the country is deserving of convenient and simple solutions to make a difference. We are thrilled to now be able to make a difference to Queenslanders, bringing us one step closer to our mission of building a sustainable food system for all.”

Rescuing Imperfect Produce to Combat Food Waste

Since its inception, Farmers Pick has rescued over 1.5 million kilograms of produce that would have otherwise gone to waste due to not meeting the stringent aesthetic standards set by major supermarket chains and buyers. These are fruits and vegetables deemed “not big enough or too big, blemished, too bendy and not quite perfect looking,” according to Mr Ball.

The idea for Farmers Pick sprouted during the COVID-19 pandemic when the two friends stumbled upon discarded yet delicious fruits and vegetables at a farmer’s market.

They soon discovered that a staggering 1.7 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables, roughly 30 percent of the crop, were left unharvested on Australian farms each year, contributing to the nation’s annual food waste of 7.6 million tonnes.

Making a Mark with a Range of Offerings

In the financial year 2021-22, Farmers Pick generated $2.7 million in revenue, a figure that surged to $7.8 million in 2023. The company’s products are priced at a remarkable 30 per cent lower than supermarket equivalents.

The Farmers Pick subscription service offers fruit and vegetable boxes starting at $36 for a solo box, containing 6 kilograms of fresh, perfectly imperfect produce across 16 to 20 varieties.

Additionally, customers in Queensland will have access to The Farmers Pick Pantry, which offers preserves, alternative kinds of milk, and spreads such as peanut butter.

While Farmers Pick currently employs around 45 staff members, their expansion into Queensland will initially bring on board five new employees. To fund their expansion plans in both Queensland and New South Wales, the co-founders are aiming to raise $1.2 million in capital through crowdsourced funding via the Equitise platform.

A Win for Consumers Amidst Rising Prices

Mr Brooks-Duncan emphasized that as grocery prices continue to rise across Queensland, Farmers Pick’s expansion represents a significant victory for consumers. By rescuing fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, the company helps households save up to 30 per cent on their weekly grocery bills, offering much-needed relief in an era of soaring food prices.

With its mission to combat food waste and provide affordable, sustainable food options, Farmers Pick’s expansion into Queensland marks a crucial step towards building a more sustainable food system for all Australians.

Published 27-Sept-2023

Cannon Hill’s Skyline Set for Transformation with Proposed Nine-Storey Office Tower

Did you know that a striking 10-level, CBD-grade office tower will be part of the ongoing redevelopment of the former CSIRO site in Cannon Hill?

This development is a significant addition to the East Village mixed-use precinct, strategically located about 6.5 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD.

The proposal, submitted in September 2023 via DA A006361131, aims to reshape the Cannon Hill locality, offering high-quality office space, recreational facilities, and fostering urban regeneration.

The planned office tower, designed by Blight Rayner, is set to cover an expansive gross floor area of 10,264 square meters, including seven levels dedicated to office space, a welcoming ground-floor lobby, a vibrant plaza entrance, and a food and beverage tenancy.

East Village Cannon Hill — Photo Credit: DA A006361131

Moreover, it aims to cater to the modern needs of the working population by providing 171 parking spaces across three basement levels and end-of-trip facilities with storage for 71 bicycles.

The building, referred to as stage 1A, forms an integral part of the broader urban village development spanning a 5.5-hectare holding. East Village was initially touted as a $600-million endeavour when construction began onsite in 2012. Located strategically opposite the Cannon Hill Shopping Centre and in proximity to the Cannon Hill train station, this precinct is set to become a pivotal urban centre.

“The development’s architectural design capitalizes on the visual prominence of the site along Wynnum Road, showcasing a range of high-quality design elements,” per the town planner’s report in the DA.

“The site is identified as a planned growth node within the strategic framework of the City Plan, and this development would appropriately respond to the prominent location of the site, supporting Brisbane’s suburban growth.”

“The high-quality design of the proposed development significantly contributes to the distinction of the Cannon Hill centre and will support the needs of the surrounding residential areas of Brisbane.”

The Anthony John Group is a Brisbane-based developer renowned for its commitment to urban renewal. Their portfolio includes several other urban precincts such as The Emporium at Fortitude Valley, Southpoint at South Brisbane, and Rosalie Village in the city’s inner-west. The company initially acquired the 5.5-hectare site in 2008 for $34 million, marking a significant transformation from its earlier use as the CSIRO’s meat research laboratory.

While the proposal promises a remarkable addition to the Cannon Hill skyline, it must first navigate a significant planning hurdle. Zoning rules currently limit the site to seven storeys, and thus, the council will categorize the development application as “impact assessable,” allowing for public submissions.

If approved and constructed, the project promises to redefine Cannon Hill and significantly contribute to the area’s economic growth.

Published 20-Sept-2023

Early Works Begin on Morningside Station Accessibility Upgrade

Early works have begun on accessibility upgrades at the Morningside station, one of the most utilised stations on the Cleveland line.

Read: Queensland Rail Shows Footage Of Near Misses In New Safety Campaign

The upgrades, which are also being rolled out at the Lindum, Buranda, and Banyo stations, are part of the Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, will include raising the station platforms to reduce the gap between trains and platforms, making boarding easier and safer.

Lifts will also be installed to allow wheelchair users, people with prams and those with luggage to access station overpasses and platforms more easily.

Other improvements will include upgraded accessible facilities like toilets, ticket windows and seating areas. New tactile flooring, signage, information screens and enhanced lighting and CCTV security will also be added.

Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer said the Morningside station is one of the most utilised on the Cleveland line, and the accessibility upgrade will make a big difference in encouraging more people to use public transport.

“Public transport is just so important and I know there has been a lot of excitement because of the upgrade plans.

“This is a terrific investment which I think when completed, will encourage more people in and around Morningside to consider public transport.”

Closure of Stations

To enable the upgrades to be completed as quickly as possible, the stations will be required to close starting from January next year.

Alternative transport options will be made available while the stations are closed. The stations are expected to reopen throughout the second half of 2024, except for Buranda which is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Locals’ Feedback

Queensland Rail is seeking feedback from customers to help design alternative transport options during the closures.

Queensland Rail Head of SEQ Scott Riedel said they want to hear directly from those customers who will be affected by these closures so they can work out how best they can support them whilst the upgrade is progressing from January next year.

“This feedback will be used to ensure there is appropriate alternative transport in place and help us prepare for any extra patronage at surrounding stations,” said Mr Riedel.

We understand this will change the way customers travel for a period of time, but we’re committed to making our rail network accessible for everyone in the long-term.

“Once reopened, the upgraded stations will ensure everyone can catch the train with ease, whether they are using a wheelchair, are injured, or simply travelling with a pram or luggage.

Read: Morningside Will Soon Have ‘Separated Bike Lanes’

Customers can provide feedback on the closures and accessibility upgrades via a Queensland Rail survey.

Published 13-September-2023

Morningside Will Soon Have ‘Separated Bike Lanes’

Plans to trial a groundbreaking approach to designing and constructing separated bike lanes in Brisbane will soon commence in Morningside.

The pioneering project is set to transform Junction Road in the Morningside neighbourhood into a cyclist’s haven.

The allocated budget of $587,000 will be utilised to construct separated bike lanes with physical barriers, marking a bold departure from conventional road design.

Morningside Bike Lane — Photo Credit: CrRyanMurphy/Facebook

This initiative, spearheaded by Council’s Chair of Transport Cr Ryan Murphy, is part of a broader effort to expand the city’s active transport network and encourage more residents to adopt cycling as a viable means of commuting.

Junction Road, a pivotal route connecting Morningside and Cannon Hill, will undergo road resurfacing works to accommodate the new infrastructure. However, Mr Murphy has not yet announced a specific date for the start of construction.

“Junction Road in Morningside will be the first in Brisbane, with $587,000 allocated for construction pending road resurfacing works. It’s all part of Team Schrinner’s record investment in public and active transport,” Mr Murphy said.

The move has been warmly welcomed by local cycling advocacy groups, like Space4cyclingbne and East BUG Inc., which have long championed the idea of protected bike lanes for the area. Junction Road, while not considered as critical as some other routes, presented an opportunity for transformation due to its width, allowing the integration of protected cycling lanes alongside on-street parking.

“When East BUG Inc. noticed Junction Road was on the list for re-surfacing in 2020, we petitioned Council to include protected bike lanes rather than just re-painting the current configuration,” Space4cyclingbne shared.

“We pointed out that the width of Junction Road allows the possibility of bike lanes which are protected from heavy traffic while still leaving room for ample on-street parking.

“We highlighted that protect bike lanes here will give people options to ride a bike or scooter to the major shopping centres at Morningside Junction, and the growing commercial, recreational and sporting precincts at Colmslie.

“It will enable and hopefully inspire more families at Cannon Hill Anglican College (CHAC) to avoid adding to local congestion by riding to school instead.”

Published 11-September-2023

Tender Proposals Sought for Murarrie Recreation Reserve

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au

Brisbane City Council is seeking tender proposals for the lease of a community facility located at 1238 Wynnum Road, Murarrie Recreation Reserve, Murarrie.

The facility available is the Brisbane International Cycle Park. The goal is to establish the reserve as a premier destination for international cycling and enhance its capacity to meet sporting and recreation needs in Brisbane.

Brisbane International Cycle Park is located at1238 Wynnum Road, Murarrie Recreation Reserve, Murarrie. This new state-of-the-art, two-storey building. The facility features various amenities, including a canteen, storage areas, bike trailer parking, change rooms, public toilets, first aid room, community/meeting room, and an expansive viewing platform overlooking the cycling track.
The available spaces for lease include a canteen (33 sqm), store room (15 sqm), and community room (58 sqm). The lease term being offered by BCC is for up to four years.

To apply for this opportunity, visit the Brisbane City Council website (www.brisbane.qld.gov.au) and search for ‘Community Facility Tender’, then follow the instructions to submit your tender application.

Your application should include a written response that demonstrates your ability to meet the eligibility criteria and key selection criteria. Likewise, be sure to address all the necessary requirements outlined in the tender documentation.

Applicants must demonstrate the financial capacity to deliver the planned outcome in a timely manner and ensure sustainable ongoing operations. Consider whether your proposed activity is consistent with the Zone Code and if it will require a development application.

Please note that the organisation will be responsible for covering any associated development application costs.

Also for those who wish to conduct a site inspection, you can contact Council at (07) 3403 8888 and ask to speak to the Lease Management Team for more information. Keep in mind that the facility is currently under construction.

An appropriate lease fee will be negotiated with the successful tenant(s). Applicants should also be prepared to cover the costs associated with lease preparation, stamp duty, survey costs, and titles office registration. Additionally, the tenant will be responsible for facility maintenance, building insurance, and utility payments during the lease term.

For any additional information or inquiries, you can visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888. Make sure to thoroughly review the tender documentation and guidelines provided by the Brisbane City Council to ensure that your application is complete and meets all requirements.

Interested parties should ensure that your organisation meets the eligibility criteria as specified in the tender documentation. The deadline for submitting your tender application is midnight on 8 September 2023.

Published 10-September-2023

Fitness Station at Bill Cash Memorial Park Offers Enhanced Workout Experience

Did you know that the new Bill Cash Memorial Park Fitness Station in Cannon Hill is now complete?

This newly established area, situated within the scenic Cannon Hill Recreation Reserve, promises a more comfortable and engaging workout experience for all visitors.

The station’s strategic design includes shaded areas to ensure a pleasant workout environment even during sunny days.

Among the equipment available are roman rings, a sit-up bench, parallel bars, push-up and pull-up bars, catering to a variety of fitness preferences. Additionally, seating has been thoughtfully incorporated, allowing visitors to rest and recharge between exercises. A connecting concrete footpath has been laid to facilitate easy access to the station.

Each piece of exercise equipment is accompanied by clear “how to use” instructions, ensuring that individuals of all fitness levels can make the most of the equipment.

A convenient QR code system has been implemented, providing users with access to additional exercise ideas and routines to diversify their workouts.

The local community played a pivotal role in shaping this upgrade, as residents and fitness enthusiasts alike contributed their ideas and suggestions to the project. With the Fitness Station now open, the community is encouraged to explore the new facilities and take advantage of the enhanced workout options available.

Bill Cash Memorial Park is home to community organizations and facilities such the Southside Eagles Football Club of Bulimba, the Cannon Hill Stars Netball Club, and the Cannon Hill District Netball Association.

The park continues to evolve as a hub for sports and recreational activities, further enhancing the local community’s well-being.

Published 30-Aug-2023

Further Weapons Offence Charges in Morningside

Queensland Police has arrested two more individuals in connection with an ongoing investigation into a firearm discharge incident in a Morningside car park in July this year.

On July 20, at around 4:30 pm, police responded swiftly to a report from concerned citizens regarding an armed man in a car park at the intersection of Redfern Street and Wynnum Road. The area was secured, and a man was apprehended by 5:12 pm. A subsequent search of his utility vehicle unveiled a disturbing find: a substantial machete, a handgun, and illicit drugs including cocaine, GBL, and methylamphetamine.

The 27-year-old Carindale resident faced an array of charges, including dangerous conduct with a weapon, possession of a knife in a public place, possession of dangerous goods, unlawful possession of weapons, stealing, possessing relevant substances, as well as multiple counts of receiving tainted property and possessing a dangerous drug.

His first court appearance took place in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 21, marking the beginning of legal proceedings.

As the investigation progressed, more individuals potentially linked to the incident were identified. On July 23, a 24-year-old woman from Hawthorne was arrested and charged with dangerous conduct with a weapon and possession of dangerous goods. Her case was presented before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 24, adding depth to the ongoing inquiry.

Subsequently, on July 29, detectives apprehended a 29-year-old Redland Bay man, who faced a series of charges. These included dangerous conduct with a weapon, possession of dangerous goods, possession of explosives, fraud, and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while in company. His appearance before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 31 marked another pivotal moment in the case’s progression.

Thankfully, there were no reported physical injuries resulting from the incident. Queensland police are urging individuals with relevant information to come forward. Residents can provide tips and information to Policelink via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting, accessible around the clock.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers. The toll-free number 1800 333 000 and the online reporting platform www.crimestoppersqld.com.au are available for reporting crime information while maintaining personal privacy.

The ongoing case continues to unveil more details, emphasising the interconnected nature of these events. It underscores the determined efforts of law enforcement to ensure community safety. As additional information emerges, the public remains vigilant, informed, and engaged in the pursuit of justice.

Published 11-August-2023

Morningside’s Tammie Lauritsen Selected for National ‘She Can Coach’ Program

Morningside‘s Tammie Lauritsen has been selected to take part in the National ‘She Can Coach’ Program, an initiative designed to develop women’s coaching skills and create a network of female coaches at all levels of the game.

Rise in Number of Female Coaches

Lauritsen’s selection comes on the heels of major growth in women’s coaching in recent years. The rise in popularity of women’s and girls’ football following the introduction of the AFLW in 2017 has led to a significant increase in the number of female coaches — with more than 2,000 registered across the country. More and more state leagues also appoint female coaches in their program.

Most notably, there are now nine women coaching boys and girls in the Coates Talent League, up from zero last year.

National She Can Coach Program and Other Initiatives

In July, the AFL and BHP launched the third annual Women’s Coaching Month. Both an opportunity and a celebration, it heralds the contribution of female coaches and encourages growth in the field.

In addition to the National She Can Coach Program, other key programs to grow women’s coaching include the Women’s Coach Acceleration Program, which has co-funded nine full-time AFLW positions, and the BHP Community Coach of the Year Award.

“There is a lot of work to be done to continue to build women and girls coaching in Australian football,” said Nicole Livingstone, AFL GM of Women’s Football. “The significant progress made and sharp focus we have in this space has given us a really strong foundation.”

The AFL deems that increasing the number of female coaches is a key part of growing the women’s game. Lauritsen’s selection is another step forward in bringing more female voices to the game.

Published 08 August 2023

Horrific Crane Collapse Rocks Morningside Neighborhood

Photo for illustration purposes only | Photo Credit: High Contrast, CC BY 3.0 DE , via Wikimedia Commons

A crane fell into powerlines and four automobiles on a busy suburban street in Morningside last week, turning a normal fibreglass swimming pool installation into a horrific event. The incident happened on July 26 at about 2.30 pm, leaving the neighbourhood in disbelief and rescue personnel rushing to the scene.

Quickly taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for evaluation and medical care was the unfortunate crane’s operator. The sequence of events leading up to the disaster was partially clarified by reports from neighbours and eyewitnesses. When the driver tried to move some wooden pallets across the street, tragedy struck and the crane toppled. It was later discovered that the crane had just finished installing a pool at a building on Ison St.

It was a first-time occurrence for the neighbourhood towing company, Ready Towing, to deal with such a dreadful situation. Sent to the scene at around 2:00 p.m., a member of the towing crew was shocked and unable to conceal it.

He said that they had never ever come across anything even similar before, which only served to further confuse the situation. He acknowledged the importance of the cars in stopping additional destruction down the street and thought about the possible disaster that might have occurred.

A neighbouring resident described the terrible moment when the enormous crane came tumbling down, unleashing a loud sound that echoed through her home. Her property’s fence was brutally shattered by the falling crane, leaving a path of devastation in its wake.

The resident nonetheless counted herself fortunate despite the destruction. As a result of multiple parked automobiles being in the route of the fall, her house was probably protected from potential damage.

Knowing she had escaped unharmed and realising that the situation could have been much worse if the cars hadn’t been there, she felt an immense sense of relief.

Another resident related their description of the terrible incident. They recounted how they were having a quiet meal at home when they heard a loud noise. They were faced with an unheard-of situation when they saw the swaying crane.

Adding to the catastrophe, the fallen crane also managed to obliterate a power pole, resulting in multiple live wires scattered across the road.

Published 5-August-2023