Queensland’s cruise industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, and plans to fast-track the development of a second Brisbane Cruise Liner Terminal in Pinkenba are now in the works to meet the burgeoning demand.
After languishing as a ghost town during the pandemic, Brisbane’s cruise terminal sprang to life, welcoming 138 cruise ships during its first full year of operation last season. The Pinkenba facility is on track to record a 20 percent increase in the number of ships this season.
This unprecedented surge in cruise traffic is driving discussions to expedite the construction of a second terminal at the mouth of the Brisbane River to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships flocking to the region.
Brisbane’s Record Cruise Season
Brisbane is set to host an estimated 165 cruise ships, bringing nearly 800,000 passengers in 2023. Many of these passengers will embark on journeys along the picturesque Queensland coast, injecting a substantial $200 million windfall into the state’s tourism industry.
This record-breaking season is further highlighted by the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, commencing a 25-voyage season in Brisbane that will bring a staggering 115,000 passengers to the city.
Port of Brisbane CEO, Neil Stephens, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cruise season and the contribution of the cruise industry to Queensland’s economy.
“The industry is a big part of Queensland’s economic and tourism success story, with cruising from Brisbane estimated to contribute around $1.15 billion to the state economy over the next decade,” he said.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Economic Impact and Expansion Plans
Brisbane’s growing reputation as a world-class cruise hub is attracting more ships to its shores, generating jobs and boosting economic activity in the region.
However, the surge in cruise traffic is outstripping the capacity of the current terminal. The facility can only accommodate one ship visit per day, and during the summer months, it operates near full capacity. Port officials are already assessing future demand to plan for expansion, ensuring that they can cater to the growing appetite for cruise travel.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean’s Australia and New Zealand division, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the region’s potential growth.
“The proximity of Queensland to the islands in the Pacific, the Great Barrier Reef, the new terminal, all the pieces are there. There’s a lot of momentum, and we’re very excited about the opportunities,” Mr Smith said.
Queensland’s Dominance in the Cruise Market
Data from Cruise Lines International Association and the Australian Cruise Association confirms Queensland’s status as Australia’s second-largest cruise market after Sydney. However, industry insiders believe that Brisbane has the potential for further growth, making it a promising hub for cruise tourism.
The research reveals that Queensland contributed an impressive $1.69 billion to the national cruise economy in the last financial year, supporting more than 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
A lifesaving Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot will take place in Nundah, which will be aimed at identifying infants aged 6-12 months who are at risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
The program will also be available to residents in the suburbs of Chermside, Bracken Ridge, and Ferny Hills, providing a significant opportunity for early detection.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Early Detection
Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that can have severe and even fatal immediate and long-term health implications. Alarming statistics show that this condition affects 1 in 300 children in Australia, and what’s particularly challenging is that 90 per cent of these cases have no family history of the condition.
Consequently, this potentially life-threatening illness can be incredibly hard to identify, especially in infants, where its symptoms can often be mistaken for minor childhood concerns. Consequently, children often aren’t diagnosed until they become severely ill, necessitating emergency care.
To address this critical issue, the Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot offers a simple and free method to detect infants at risk. This initiative is being funded by JDRF and is spearheaded by a dedicated team at the University of Sydney.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection is critical for ensuring better health outcomes for children who may be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune condition is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children and adolescents. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency.
Without insulin, the body cannot convert glucose from food into energy, leading to dangerous levels of glucose in the bloodstream. Early screening can identify very early signs of the condition before children start showing symptoms.
Dr. Gary Deed, a General Practitioner involved in the program’s development, highlights the significance of early detection.
“Type 1 Diabetes is a unique illness which doesn’t come from lifestyle choices. It may develop in very young people right through to older ages. The current problem is that early onset is often missed and children especially are presenting in severe medical crises called ketoacidosis, which can have both an immediate even fatal outcome but if the person can be managed there are longer term impacts of difficulty sustaining healthy outcomes compared to people who don’t have this alarming ketoacidosis presentation,” Dr Deed told Brisbane Suburbs Online News.
“This is why screening early, helps us support people at risk to be in touch with health professionals who can prevent serious outcomes mentioned and intervene where needed to offset the emotional and physical crises that are known to occur.
“My passion about knowing the real benefit this reseach project will bring from identifying at risk people/children and then the sheer effort in getting all the aspect of the trial aligned and in place, has required positive patience, but I know the benefits once rolled out will make a difference to families and children.”
A Vision for the Future
The Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is a crucial step towards early detection and improved long-term health outcomes. The program has a broader vision of making early type 1 diabetes detection a routine part of childhood screening across Australia.
“Given that the goal of the pilot program is to make early type 1 diabetes detection available for every child in Australia and have it become part of routine childhood screening, where are we in terms of achieving that statewide (QLD) at the moment? What’s the critical path that needs to be taken and the barriers or challenges that you see? The goal of this Type 1 Diabetes National Screening Pilot is to identify the best option for implementing screening for type 1 diabetes in children in Australia,” Dr Kirstine Bell from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkin Centre, who led the development of the program, said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“A number of screening models have been very successful internationally. So we’re learning from these as well as other national and statewide public health programs in Australia, and then using this Pilot to partner with local communities, like Brisbane North, to understand how this screening should run in our health system and in the Australian population.
“Ultimately, the vision is for this to be a national, government-funded screening program. To achieve that, the government will look at all the evidence from this Pilot and from around the world, to determine if and how best to run a type 1 diabetes screening program.”
Dr Bell also said that the program is set to close at the end of 2024, but children identified as having an increased risk will continue to be monitored for five years to catch any early markers of the autoimmune condition. Over the next two years, the program aims to work with the government to build a roadmap towards full implementation.
Bronwen Manger, a local resident whose child has undergone the screening, emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the process.
“The screening process is simple and hassle-free. I was happy to see that it was available, and I could take proactive action to see if my child was at risk of type 1 diabetes,” she shared.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Simplified Process for Parents
Parents have been given an easy and accessible way to participate in the screening program. They can register for a free test kit online at www.KidsDiabetesScreen.com.au, and the kit will be conveniently delivered to their homes. The screening process involves collecting a saliva sample from the child’s mouth, which can then be sent for analysis.
The majority of children will receive a low-risk result from early screening. However, for those identified as having an increased risk, regular follow-up testing will be recommended to monitor early signs of the condition. The Screening Pilot is not just about identifying at-risk children but also about providing education and support to their families.
Karise Eden, the inaugural winner of “The Voice Australia” in 2012, is set to make a triumphant return to Nundah, her former home, as she gears up for a special performance at the Royal Hotel Nundah.
On Saturday, 28 Oct 2023, the Royal Hotel will be abuzz with excitement as it unveils its new live music room, and the local community is eagerly awaiting Karise’s performance.
A Special Gig for Karise Eden
This homecoming gig holds immense significance for Karise, who has spent the past year touring the East Coast relentlessly. For the artist, who has seamlessly transitioned from reality show fame to a successful recording and touring career, it is a heartwarming experience to be back where it all began.
Karise’s connection to the Royal Hotel goes beyond her upcoming performance. She has a history with the venue, having once worked behind the bar.
Nowadays, she can be spotted there as a regular patron, often dining with her husband and two adorable children. Her roots in the community run deep, after moving to Brisbane in 2016. No doubt, she’s excited to be part of the pub’s new live music room launch.
A Remarkable Journey in Music
Karise’s career has seen her excel in various music genres, from blues to soul, rock to power pop, and country to Americana. She has been compared to the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, thanks to her distinctive voice and emotive performances.
Her 2022 indie release, “Into The Black,” features an AIR No. 1 single, and her solo performances are an eclectic blend of original songs and reimagined classics. With a musical journey that continues to evolve, she remains a compelling force in the Australian music scene.
While Karise has enjoyed remarkable success in her music career, she has also faced her share of personal challenges. After her success on “The Voice,” the 31-year-old artist, known for her powerful and soulful voice, has achieved multiple ARIA Awards, gold and platinum records, and even secured top positions in the ARIA and AIR charts.
However, there was one aspect of her life where she felt a void – her education. Karise dropped out of school at just 13 and entered foster care. Despite her success as an artist, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy because she lacked a formal education. The industry’s pressures and expectations exacerbated her insecurity, with some people in the business world treating her unfairly due to her perceived lack of education.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Karise found herself without a source of income, prompting her to reevaluate her life’s direction. In her pursuit of personal growth and self-rediscovery, she decided it was time to complete her high school education. The artist took a significant step by enrolling in the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) course at a Queensland TAFE, aiming for graduation in Easter 2024.
Karise’s determination has seen her excel in her studies, proving that it’s never too late to return to education. She is juggling her studies with a bustling career, public speaking, running a business, and raising children. Her story echoes the common experience of many adults who have faced obstacles in their education, highlighting the importance of flexible adult learning opportunities.
Her motivation extends beyond personal growth. She’s eager to set an example for her children and break the cycle of abuse through perseverance and determination.
Did you know that a new 60-bed mental health hospital has been proposed for Nundah, aiming to address the growing demand for dedicated mental health facilities in Brisbane.
The proposed development, a joint venture between healthcare providers Aurora and Medibank known as IMH, would be located at 20 Nellie Street on a 10,590 square metre site.
The mental health facility is planned as the centrepiece of a larger health and wellness hub spanning five buildings. In addition to the mental health building, the hub would include space for further health services, food and drink, offices, and indoor sports.
Artist’s impression of mixed-use building (Photo credit: Z Architects)
Designed by Z Architects, the complex is envisioned between two and five storeys tall, with 214 parking spaces to accommodate patients and staff.
Photo credit: Z Architects
According to planning documents, the hospital would operate 24/7, with peak activity from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily for admissions, appointments, visiting hours, and deliveries. Patient care would be overseen by psychiatrists, with voluntary admissions and personalised treatment plans.
Photo credit: Queensland Globe
Developers note that patients accessing mental health services are often outwardly functioning members of the community, seeking support, therapy and education. They emphasise that private facilities like the proposed hospital provide essential specialised care within the broader health system.
The Nundah site already has approval for a material change of use, granted in 2020. The defined land uses for the existing application include an Indoor Sport and Recreation Office, Shop, and Child Care Centre.
The amended application has removed the Child Care Centre in place of a Food and Drink Outlet, and has added the Hospital and the Health Care Services land uses.
Construction is said to be largely complete on the approved buildings and layout, meaning the proposed shift to mental health services would not require significant additional changes to the site.
Photo credit: Z Architects
Backers hope the project can complement nearby Belmont Hospital and expand access to quality mental health treatment in the region. If approved, the facility would be one of Australia’s few private psychiatric hospitals, catering to demand for more dedicated mental health infrastructure and expertise.
Chair Solutions was among the first Round 5 recipients of the MiQ grant that saw 33 applications formally receiving an offer of funding. The funds will allow Chair Solutions to acquire new equipment and cut production time.
Chair Solutions produces seating used in offices, hospitals, waiting rooms, and schools. The acquisition of new production equipment will allow the company to bid for large-scale projects, reduce production costs and decrease production time by up to 40% as well as increase their workforce to 38 from the current 26, adding 12 new full-time staff over the next five years.
“Made in Queensland gives manufacturers, just like Chair Solutions, the practical and financial support they need to grow their business and create more jobs,” Minister for Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said.
“This is a local manufacturer who is embracing Industry 4.0 and growing the business to become even more competitive nationally and internationally.”
Member for Nudgee, Leanne Linard, congratulated Chairs Solutions and stressed that that grant will be a game-changer for the company, “helping them expand their workforce and boost their services.”
“This new equipment and training for staff will enable us to pursue larger contracts and continue our strong growth record,” Chair Solutions Managing Director, Carl Davies said.
“We’ve had strong growth in hospitals recently, providing almost 25,000 chairs to the Sunshine Coast Hospital, Lady Cilento Hospital and the Gold Coast University Hospital.
“Our core business is offices but we also provide chairs to stadiums and recently provided soft seating and removable seating to the Cowboys Stadium.
“The Made in Queensland grant will enable us to scale our business and grow our capacity so that we can be successful with large-scale contracts.”
The MiQ grants program has created and supported more than 5,900 jobs and generated more than $110 million in private sector investment since 2017. Over the next five years, an additional 9,500 jobs will be created and supported whilst $190 million will be generated in private sector investment.
Have you heard about the Growing Precincts Together Program? This Council initiative aims to provide hands-on support to shopping precincts, such as the Banyo precinct, to help businesses attract more visitors.
Each year, local businesses in key shopping centres get help promoting and activating their precincts, making their place an attractive destination for shoppers.
Among other objectives, the Growing Precincts Together program aims to help build a sense of community within the precinct as well as increase opportunities for local businesses to connect and collaborate. The program will also help businesses in the area develop a common language about their precinct, including the identity of the location and what is on offer.
The program will also support local businesses, increase the number of events, activities and promotions in their area as well as help attract new visitors and encourage visitors to stay longer and return for more shopping opportunities.
The program involves:
business/vacancy assessments
a survey to gather feedback and ideas about the precinct
a precinct launch event
precinct connection opportunities
hands-on support from Council to Promote, Support, Refresh and Activate the precinct
regular e-newsletter updates to businesses.
Businesses, workers and customers were invited to participate in a survey last September, to help Council collect feedback about the precinct and the things that they value most about the location.
Later, there will be an opportunity to hear from Council’s Economic Growth and Activation Team about the Council’s analysis of the precinct and the survey feedback via a launch event for the program.
BCC will then work with the Banyo retail precinct to implement initiatives falling under the Promote, Support, Refresh, and Activate. The strategy will include an opportunity to take advantage of a range of free one-on-one business support programs aimed at helping businesses attract new visitors to the precinct.
Similar initiatives were also launched for Rosalie Village and Racecourse Road. For more about the program or feedback about the Banyo retail precinct, please feel free to email the Council’s Economic Growth and Activation team or contact the Council’s business hotline at 133 BNE (133 263).
Dr Craig Morris of Banyo Clinic has been named GP Supervisor of the Year for Queensland by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Awards.
This prestigious honour recognises Dr Morris’ outstanding work training and guiding the next generation of general practitioners.
Having practised medicine for over three decades, Dr Morris has provided care to patients since 1993. His special interests include chronic disease management, caring for patients with special needs, general medicine, and minor procedures.
Dr Morris (Photo credit: banyoclinic.com.au)
Dr Morris takes a holistic approach to caring for his patients, coordinating support from various providers to best serve their health needs.
After graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Morris gained extensive medical experience across Queensland and Western Australia. He worked in Mackay and flew with the Royal Flying Doctor Service before settling at the long-standing Banyo Clinic.
Photo credit: Banyo Clinic/Google Maps
As Queensland’s GP Supervisor of the Year, Dr Morris joins other top GPs honoured across Australia by the RACGP Awards, including Dr Kuinileti Chang Wai from Beenleigh who was named GP of the year.
To see the full list of winners this year, visit racgp.org.au.
About the RACGP
Since its founding in 1958, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has grown to become the leading representative body for general practitioners in Australia.
With over 41,000 members, the RACGP represents the interests of the vast majority of GPs across the country. Significantly, more than 9,500 RACGP members serve rural and remote communities, helping to ensure access to primary care even in isolated parts of Australia.
After over 60 years, the RACGP continues to support GPs at all stages of their careers and advocate for the role of quality general practice in the wider health system.
Peter Scott, a beloved mechanic from Nundah, has announced his retirement and the closure of his iconic garage, Pete’s Garage, after serving the community for over four decades. The bittersweet decision comes as Mr Scott eagerly anticipates the arrival of his first grandchild and reflects on a successful career that has left an indelible mark on the community.
Mr Scott first opened the doors of Pete’s Garage back in 1982 when he was a young mechanic of 25. He started with a humble workshop at a service station in Wavell Heights. As his reputation for quality work grew, he eventually took over the petrol sales at the station. In 1995, he relocated the business to its current location in Nundah, where it has thrived ever since.
Originally from England, Mr Scott moved to Brisbane at the age of 17 and completed his mechanic apprenticeship at the Grange Caltex. Throughout his career, he has built a legacy of exceptional service and craftsmanship.
Just months away from his 67th birthday, Mr Scott is preparing to retire on 29 Sept 2023 with mixed emotions. His pride in his work is evident as he reminisces about customers who have been loyal to him for the entire 40 years, even extending to their children’s and grandchildren’s cars.
Pete’s Garage has earned a sterling reputation for customer satisfaction throughout Nundah and the surrounding areas. The team recently took to Facebook to announce the closure.
Looking ahead to retirement, Mr Scott is excited about the new chapter that awaits him. He will become a grandfather for the first time as his daughter Elle, who works at the garage’s reception, is expecting her first child.
Additionally, since he is an avid snorkeller, Mr Scott has plans to explore Australia, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory topping his list of destinations. He expressed his enthusiasm for snorkelling in the beautiful Australian waters.
It’s that time of year again! The Nundah Festival is back as Sandgate Road transforms into a vibrant hub of food, live music, entertainment, stalls, bands, rides and so much more.
The festival will take place on Sandgate Road, Nundah, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Entry to this event is absolutely free, thanks to the generous support of the Brisbane City Council.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival
A beloved tradition in the community, the Nundah Festival has drawn people from all corners of Brisbane where families, friends and neighbours come together to celebrate the spirit and diversity of Nundah.
Food Galore
Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival
If you’re a food enthusiast, you are definitely in for a treat. If you fancy some street food or delectable desserts, or maybe you’re in the mood for international cuisine, expect to find these culinary delights that will surely satisfy every palate.
Shop Till You Drop
Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wide range of stalls available, find one-of-a-kind treasures and support local artisans at the festival. Browse through a great selection of handmade crafts, jewellery, fashion and much more.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival
Meanwhile, a lineup of talented local artists and bands will grace the festival stage to provide the perfect backdrop for a day of epic shopping, great food, and entertainment.
Thrilling Rides and Games
Photo Credit: Facebook / Nundah Festival
Don’t forget to bring along the young ones for some adrenaline rush and add an extra dose of excitement to their day. Kids will have a blast enjoying the rides, games and fun activities specially curated for them.
If you’re an art enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the Nundah Village Art Show. To be held at the Mitsubishi Showroom on 1308 Sandgate Rd, this event is a celebration of creativity.
Kicking off the art extravaganza is the Art Show Soiree. The exhibit is scheduled for Saturday, 9 September, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. And with a nominal charge of $15 per person, get to witness awe-inspiring artistry as talented showcase their unique creations.
Attendees will also have the chance to witness the announcement of the Norris Motor Group Prize at 6.30 p.m.
Pinkenba-based Plungie is making international waves with its revolutionary approach to prefabricated concrete pools. Fresh from its US expansion via a new manufacturing facility in Texas, Plungie is now gearing up to dive into Canada and Europe.
According to Chief Executive Cameron Levick, Plungie’s footprint now spans from Pinkenba in Brisbane to Kilmore in Victoria, with a strategic presence in Alvarado, Texas, to cater to the thriving US market. Notably, a developer in Washington State has already ordered 200 pools for a lakeside villa project, with their construction team finding the process straightforward. This contrasts with the potential frustration of dealing with 200 traditional on-site concrete or fibreglass pools.
He added that there were also inquiries from Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Poland, signalling an impending entry into the European market next year. Canada is also on the list, potentially by the end of this year or early next year.
For Mr Levick, concrete pools have always been synonymous with premium quality compared to fibreglass or vinyl alternatives. This is why in 2018, the visionary founders of Plungie launched a line of prefabricated concrete pools that can be immediately transported to the site, installed and ready for a swim in no time at all, complete with all the lighting and specialised coating.
What it means to builders is gaining full control and cost management as it eliminates the need to rely on third-party contractors for pool installation or construction. Architects also love how simple it is to include Plungie pools in designs using digital tools. Plungie pools are very customizable, with six different colours, sizes, and installation choices. They also provide raw coping tiles for maximum creative freedom.
Plungie’s success in international exports got a boost through the support of Trade Investment Queensland. Mr Levick said that TIQ’s connections with so many industries have proven to be very valuable for a company like theirs that is looking to expand to other markets.
