New data reveals Queenslanders are facing extensive delays in emergency departments across the state, with some patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital waiting over 14 hours for treatment.
The figures, spanning December to March, highlight a system under strain despite some improvements at individual hospitals.
One patient at Princess Alexandra Hospital waited more than 14 hours in February, while two others experienced waits exceeding 10.5 hours. Similar delays were recorded at other major hospitals: Bundaberg Hospital saw a patient wait 13 hours, while both Redland and Logan hospitals had patients wait 10 hours.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
The LNP has criticised Health Minister Shannon Fentiman for the delays, pointing to record-high ambulance ramping in the March quarter. However, Ms Fentiman emphasised the global trend of increasing emergency department presentations, noting a significant decrease in patients waiting over 24 hours for treatment.
Ms Fentiman cited factors like an aging population, declining private health coverage, and complex conditions. She reassured the public that all category one patients are seen within the designated timeframes.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map
While the shortest wait times at hospitals across the state were as brief as one minute, the opposition health spokeswoman, Ros Bates, described the health system as “languishing on life support.” She blamed the government for the lack of improvement and promised the LNP would address the “health crisis.”
In response to the growing demand, the state government’s recent budget allocated a significant 10.6% increase in Queensland Health’s operating funding, well above the historical average. This includes a $1.14 billion investment to improve patient flow and increase bed capacity.
After more than 40 years of serving antique enthusiasts and collectors, Southside Antiques Centre in Annerley is preparing to close its doors for the final time.
Owner Rhonda McGuigan, 84, has announced her retirement, bringing an end to a beloved local institution that has been a cornerstone of the community since 1983.
The McGuigan family acquired the shop in 1986, transforming it into one of the largest antiques stores in Australia. Known for its vast array of collectibles and high-quality items, Southside Antiques Centre has become a treasure trove for collectors of all interests.
Ms McGuigan shared that she had been searching for someone to take over the shop’s legacy but had been unsuccessful in finding a suitable successor. Despite this challenge, she looks back on her time at the helm with fondness and gratitude.
Photo credit: Murray Bell/Google Maps
Reflecting on her years at the shop, Ms McGuigan spoke of the wonderful memories made and the lasting friendships formed with customers. She remarked on the joy of watching generations of families come through the doors, with people who first visited as babies in prams now returning as adults.
Photo credit: Gabriel/Google Maps
As she prepares for this new chapter in her life, Ms McGuigan expressed her plans to take a few months off before deciding how to spend her retirement. She mentioned a desire to travel, something she rarely had the opportunity to do while running the shop.
Southside Retirement Sale
Photo credit: Ella/Google Maps
To celebrate the store’s long history and give customers a chance to take home a piece of Southside Antiques Centre, a Southside Retirement Sale will kick off on Saturday, July 6. Ms McGuigan extended an invitation to the community to join in celebrating the shop’s long history while enjoying some bargain shopping.
Photo credit: Ruth Mavroleon/Google Maps
The sale will feature a 25 percent discount on all stock (excluding fixtures and fittings, which can be separately negotiated). It will continue until all items are sold, with the shop open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.
As the holiday season approaches, so does the final chapter for this iconic establishment. Ms McGuigan indicated her intention to close the shop permanently by Christmas, marking the end of an era for antique lovers in Annerley and beyond.
For those who have yet to experience the wonder of Southside Antiques Centre, or for long-time patrons wanting to say goodbye, now is the time to visit. Step into a world where every item tells a story, and where four decades of passion for antiques have created an unparalleled shopping experience.
While the closure of Southside Antiques Centre signifies the end of an era, it also celebrates a remarkable journey. As Ms McGuigan prepares to turn the final page on this chapter of her life, the memories and connections forged within these walls will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of the Annerley community and beyond.
The 2023 rankings, released by the independent specialist schools website Better Education, placed the college at an impressive 44th position statewide.
Established just two years ago in 2021, Brisbane South Secondary College has quickly risen to prominence, earning a state overall score of 97 percent.
Photo credit: Brisbane South Secondary College/Facebook
This score, which determines the rankings, is calculated using Year 9 English and Mathematics test results from 2023. The college’s performance is particularly noteworthy as it represents one of 19 new entries in this year’s rankings, catapulting directly into the top 50.
The school’s rapid ascent in educational excellence comes as no surprise to those familiar with its innovative programs. Recently, the college received the 2023 Excellence Award for the Best STEM(M) Program. This recognition stems from their extensive collaboration with distinguished scholars and researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
“We are setting the new standard for education, helping students to realise their desired future and inspire positive change,” the school proudly states on its website. This philosophy is evident in their approach to learning, which reshapes the traditional classroom setting to encourage independent thought.
Special Programs
With approximately 756 students, the school offers several special programs that set it apart.
Photo credit: Brisbane South Secondary College/Facebook
The “Learner-preneur” program allows students dedicated time each day to explore their passions and purposes, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.
The Biomedical Science Academy provides tailored STEM(M) programs in collaboration with The University of Queensland, preparing students for future careers in these critical fields.
Photo credit: Brisbane South Secondary College/Facebook
Sports haven’t been neglected in the college’s pursuit of academic excellence. The Australian Football League (AFL) Academy, delivered in partnership with AFL Queensland and the Brisbane Lions, offers students high-quality training and regular participation in AFL Queensland competitions alongside their studies.
As the school continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it’s clear that this young institution is already making waves in Queensland’s educational landscape.
Annerley vandalism victims are left grappling with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses due to an insurance policy condition requiring identification of the perpetrator for coverage, following a destructive spree that shattered the windows of 17 cars.
Early on a quiet Monday morning, on the 27th of May 2024, Annerley residents Amy Powell and Sam Sedgman discovered their cars’ windows smashed. They were among the 17 car owners affected by the vandalism that spread across Victoria Terrace, Prince Street, and Duke Street.
Powell’s and Sedgman’s vehicles were insured by Allianz and Budget Direct respectively; however, only Sedgman’s claim for windscreen repair was accepted. Powell was denied coverage because she could not provide details about the vandal, a stipulation in her policy with Allianz.
Allianz has stated that their policy covers malicious damage but requires an excess fee unless the perpetrator’s details are provided. This policy aims to prevent false claims and ensure recovery rights.
An Allianz spokesperson highlighted that customers must understand their policies, including any clauses about excess fees and conditions for coverage.
Photo for illustration purposes only Photo Credit: PXHere
The community expressed frustration and disappointment over the insurance hurdles. Martin Wells, another victim, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the lack of satisfaction vandals could derive from such pointless destruction. The incident has prompted some residents, like Bronwen, who also had her son’s car windows shattered, to consider additional security measures such as installing CCTV cameras.
Queensland Police are actively investigating the incident, having released CCTV footage of a vehicle of interest and calling for public assistance to identify the culprits.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Council of Australia advises Annerley vandalism victims to understand their insurance documents thoroughly. They stress the importance of knowing what is covered and the conditions tied to claims, which can be crucial during unexpected events like vandalism.
Police have released CCTV footage of a white SUV believed to be connected to the willful vandalism that targeted 17 vehicles along Victoria Terrace, Prince Street, and Duke Street in Annerley.
Police have released CCTV footage of a white SUV believed to be connected to the willful vandalism that targeted as many as 17 vehicles along Victoria Terrace, Prince Street, and Duke Street in Annerley.
Residents of the typically quiet Prince Street awoke to the aftermath of the overnight rampage, with cars bearing significant damage, including smashed windows. One resident described the shock of a young couple discovering their BMW had been completely vandalised.
A young couple experienced their car being completely smashed, which left them absolutely shocked. They sought assistance from their father who came over to help, undoubtedly adding to the stress of the situation.
Call for Public Assistance
Investigators are urging anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area during the incident to come forward. Additionally, they are seeking information from anyone who may recognize the vehicle of interest captured in the released video.
The brazen act has left the Annerley community outraged and frustrated.
One resident expressed disappointment with the justice system, suggesting that even if the perpetrators are caught, the justice system might not take any significant action, making the situation seem inconsequential.
Police are continuing their investigations into the overnight vandalism spree, determined to bring those responsible to justice.
Yeronga is saying farewell to a beloved local institution as Andonis Cafe and Bar, a cornerstone of the community, closes its doors after a six-year tenure.
Owner Anthony Kekkou, who launched the cafe in 2017 as his inaugural venture, cited a disagreement over operating hours as the primary reason for the closure.
Kekkou expressed his displeasure with the $16,000 fine the Brisbane City Council imposed for violating the permitted trading hours. The cafe was permitted to open at 7:00 a.m., but Kekkou claims he was unaware of this restriction when signing the lease, believing the opening time to be 6:00 a.m.
Subsequent attempts to negotiate a change in hours with the Council were unsuccessful.
Following appeals from locals worried about noise and other disruptions, a Brisbane City Council spokesperson clarified that a court order set the cafe’s operating hours. Any modifications to these hours would necessitate court approval, not simply Council consent.
Despite the unfortunate closure, Kekkou reflected fondly on the Yeronga location, acknowledging its significance as the longest-standing cafe in the area and the birthplace of the Andonis brand.
He expressed deep gratitude to the loyal staff and customers who supported the cafe through challenging times.
The closure of the Yeronga branch is not the end for Andonis. The cafe group, with seven existing locations across Brisbane, has ambitious plans for expansion.
Their latest venture in Mount Gravatt is set to open in the coming weeks, and an additional 13 locations are slated for development over the next two years.
During World War II, numerous air raid shelters were constructed throughout Brisbane. With the threat of Japanese air attacks looming, the city scrambled to construct over 200 public air raid shelters under the direction of local officials.
However, many locals also took matters into their own hands, digging private shelters in their backyards as an additional safeguard. One such privately-built shelter was located at a home in Annerley.
Reportedly built by Olive and Francis Ford, owners of a local sawmill and hardware store, the substantial underground bunker at 70 Cracknell Road featured twin entrances and extended approximately 8 feet into the earth. The Fords constructed the elaborate shelter in the backyard of their home on the corner of Cracknell Road and Juster Street during the wartime years.
Photo credit: Mick Torley/ozatwar.com
Air raid shelters are fortified structures designed to provide refuge and safety for civilians as well as military personnel during aerial bombardment by enemy forces. Whilst sharing many characteristics with bunkers, their primary purpose is to shield occupants from threats arriving from the air, rather than facilitating defence against ground-based attacks.
Photo credit: Mick Torley/ozatwar.com
The shelter managed to survive long after the conflict ended, even outlasting the Ford home itself. For decades, it remained hidden beneath the backyard, serving as a relic of Brisbane’s watchful preparedness during the darkest years of WWII. A canvas bed was the sole furnishing in the cool underground space in its final years.
Photo credit: Google Street View
However, the long-standing air raid shelter could not be spared from the march of progress forever. In February 2019, demolition crews razed the site, taking down the shelter along with the existing house to make way for a new five-bedroom dwelling.
Birds on Bikes has transitioned to fully in-house production, prioritising quality and sustainable practices. With this move, the company ensures that every garment meets their exacting standards for craftsmanship and fit.
Their new premises in Annerley Arcade boast advanced equipment and a team of skilled local artisans.
Further demonstrating their commitment to the industry, the shop is opening its doors to other apparel brands seeking manufacturing solutions. They offer access to their honed production processes and expertise, fostering a community of innovation.
Barbara Spooner, Founder/CEO, expressed her enthusiasm for the Annerley move and the opportunities it brings.
“In-house manufacturing allows us to uphold the quality and integrity our customers value. By supporting other brands, we aim to cultivate an environment where innovation thrives in the apparel sector,” Ms Spooner said.
Birds on Bikes extends an invitation to visit their new Annerley Arcade facility. Witness where creativity takes flight and discover their exciting plans for the future.
About Birds on Bikes
The Annerley shop specialises in crafting high-quality, comfortable cycling apparel that caters to all body types, with a particular focus on curvy figures. Offering sizes ranging from 6 to 24, Birds on Bikes is committed to inclusivity and empowering more women to embrace the joy of cycling.
Developers have lodged plans for a 67-unit student accommodation complex at on Duke Street in Annerley, promising a modern living hub for the area’s tertiary scholars.
The proposal (DA A006427969), led by Elevation Architecture, aims to construct a 67-unit, three-story residential building for student housing, replacing the current multi-family homes on the 1,663-square-meter site zoned for low-medium density residential use.
The proposed project entails the construction of a basement car park equipped with 40 spaces for cars and bicycles. The car park would be accessible through Duke Street, fulfilling the needs of the students who would be residing in the development.
Photo Credit: DA A006427969
Moreover, the development features 158.2 square metres of communal areas distributed across all levels. These areas include indoor recreation and dining facilities as well as outdoor spaces.
The proposal’s breakdown reveals a 2,159.1-square-metre gross floor area (GFA), with a site cover of 986.4 square metres (59.3%) over the subject site. Other key features include 10% deep planting, refuse storage, and collection facilities.
Viva Property Group, the planners behind the project, have sought to allay concerns about the development’s scale and bulk.
“The development is vigilantly planned so as to provide some articulation to facades, pitched roof forms, and variation of materials as well as finishes across the site so as to decrease perceived building scale and bulk.”
Photo Credit: DA A006427969
However, residents in the area have filed submissions opposing the project.
“67 units PLUS a manager’s unit will be built. It is entirely probable that 100+ people could live on this parcel of land. The sheer density of this proposed development does definitely not suit an LMR2 zoned area. By any description, the number of proposed residents on this allotment this would be a HIGH DENSITY development,” One local wrote.
“Ideally this development would not go ahead in its current form, but if it is approved there must be screening installed OR the units reorientated so that the apartment bathrooms are facing the western side so people’s living area is not overlooking and looking into my private space,” the local added.
“The addition of 67 accommodation units will transform the area into a hotel-like setting, and the current parking infrastructure is insufficient to support this influx. Additionally, a three-story building will obstruct sunlight and natural light access to surrounding houses,” another concerned resident said.
“The proposed development could have adverse effects on the quality of life for residents in the area. The increased traffic congestion, noise pollution are major concerns.”
“Bird life, particularly Bush Turkeys, has been a longstanding presence in the Duke Street premises, spanning at least the 17 years I’ve resided in the neighbouring property. Generations of Bush Turkeys have made our local backyards their habitat and nesting grounds, with a mound at the rear of the Duke Street premises likely existing for over 20 years,” a neighbour in the area stated.
“There are also huge tropical fruit trees (lychee and mango) and other trees on these lots that are decades old. These trees are where native birds have nested for years and possums have lived for generations. There has been no consideration of the current ecosystem in the DA. These trees will be destroyed if this development is approved by Council therefore destroying the habitat of the local wildlife.”
Did you know that a captivating 20th-century petrol iron relic sits on display at the Yeronga Community Centre, offering an insightful glimpse into the suburb’s rich history?
The petrol iron, showcased in the ASHG history room of the Yeronga Community Centre, is a portal to the past, illuminating the daily lives of Yeronga residents in the early 1900s.
Originating from when electricity was not a household staple, these irons used fuel such as petrol, alcohol, methylated spirits, and kerosene to generate heat. The innovation represented by these irons includes a built-in pump to pressurize the fuel, a significant advancement over the traditional flat irons heated on stoves.
Personal Stories from Villa Street
The historical significance of the petrol iron is further deepened by its mentions in the autobiographical works of two former Villa Street residents in Yeronga — Jessica Anderson and Ivy May Lydia Marsh.
Ms Anderson, a notable Australian writer who grew up in Yeronga during the 1920s and 1930s, reflects on the iron’s perceived dangers in her award-winning stories.
Photo Credit: Ms Anderson’s former home in Yeronga/Google Maps
In contrast, Ms Marsh’s autobiographical notes celebrate the petrol iron as a significant improvement over the arduous “Mother Pots” irons, praising its convenience and the relief it brought from the heat generated by wood-fired stoves.
Photo Credit: from Ms Anderson’s short stories/Google Books
Photo Credit: from Ms Anderson’s short stories/Google Books
A Petrol Iron Backstory
The backstory of the petrol iron intersects with the industrial growth of Brisbane.
Initially associated with James Colquhoun and Sons and later with the Gloria Light Co., the iron’s history traces through various ownerships, including significant corporate transitions and the economic ebb and flow of the early to mid-20th century.
The Gloria Light Co., initially involved in lighting, began to diversify its product range to include household items such as the petrol iron.
Although the company was not based in Brisbane initially, it expanded into various Australian cities, including Brisbane, especially under the influence of figures like Sir John Beals Chandler, the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane.
“This petrol iron was made by the Gloria Light Company Pty Ltd (Australia) in the 1930s. It has a Patent Applied for date of 1936. The Patent was applied for on 1 May 1936 and granted in early 1937. The basis for the Patent is the design of the pricker/fuel control mechanism. The patent was applied for by John Beals Chandler, who at the time was Managing Director of the Gloria Light Company Pty Ltd.”
By 1916, Mr Chandler, from England, had set up an office in Charlotte Street, Brisbane, as a local agent for the Gloria Light Co. His involvement brought the products, including petrol irons, closer to the Brisbane market.
Eventually, Mr Chandler took over the Gloria Light Co., influencing its operations and product distribution from Brisbane. This local management helped integrate the petrol iron and other products into the Brisbane and broader Queensland markets, establishing a more direct connection between the product and the city.
The presence of such appliances in Brisbane homes, as indicated by personal accounts and historical records, shows that these items were part of everyday life and contributed to Brisbane’s historical and cultural fabric.
Community and Connection
Ros Watson loaned the petrol iron relic to the ASHG history room to preserve and share its history. The display not only educates visitors about the technological innovations of the past but also celebrates the communal spirit of Yeronga.
