In a surprising development, a Coles store located in Mount Gravatt received unexpected backlash from shoppers for replacing traditional checkouts with self-serve registers.
This development came to light when a customer, known as @IreneMayPearce1 on Twitter, shared a photo of a Coles supermarket in Mount Gravatt, Brisbane, on the social media platform. The image revealed the newly renovated store, featuring self-serve registers equipped with conveyor belts and no staff present.
As a result, customers would be responsible for scanning their purchases, with the option for employees to provide assistance when necessary. Concerned about the implications, a Brisbane shopper named Lara, who posted the photo on Twitter, expressed worries that the store had transitioned to a “completely self-service only” model, raising concerns that this might become a precedent for other Coles supermarkets.
“I was told that Coles have done research. Apparently, we all asked for this,” she tweeted. “It is the 1st store in Qld and in the future all stores will be same. The staff found my disgust amusing.”
This is Coles Mt. Gravatt in Brissy. It is now completely self service only. I was told that Coles have done research. Apparently, we all asked for this 🤷♀️ It is the 1st store in Qld and in the future all stores will be same. The staff found my disgust amusing. What say you? pic.twitter.com/gcCZJdLuXx
This change follows a similar implementation in a Coles supermarket in Melbourne last year, which left some locals unimpressed.
“Great, not! and you have to call for assistance every 3rd item because there is something unexpected in the bagging area,” one person wrote.
“Most people I’ve met and spoken to at self checkout don’t know how to use it, don’t like it and prefer being served for what they’re paying for,” said another.
“It’s ridiculous. My uncle in his 60s has cerebral palsy and the use of only one arm. He hasn’t got good balance either. There is no way he can shop at places like this now. He relies on check out assistant. You could call this discrimination,” explains another.
Another called the change as “discriminatory and unkind”.
This trend of store renovations emphasising self-serve options is not unique to this particular establishment. Many people have instead suggested supporting smaller, community-based grocery stores as an alternative.
On Saturday, the 6th of May 2023, the festival will transport you straight to the streets of Rio with its tantalizing mix of Brazilian cuisine, live music, and dance performances.
The doors of the Mt Gravatt Showground will open to the public starting at 4:00 p.m. for an evening filled with tasty food, delicious drinks, and amazing entertainment. Brazilian Night promises a thrilling mix of samba rhythms and Brazilian beats that are sure to get your body moving.
With a wide range of foods and beverages to satisfy every taste, Mt Gravatt Street Food has something for everyone. The event will include a fantastic bar with wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails so you can relax and take in the performance while enjoying your own beverage.
Photo Credit: Mt Gravatt Street Food/Facebook
The entertainment lineup includes an incredible array of performers, such as Lucia Band, who will grace the stage three times during the night with their electrifying sound. In addition, Dance Class Gianne Abbott will showcase their moves along with Batucada Samba Vibes, adding to the high-energy atmosphere.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Throughout the night, Batucada Lights Samba Vibes and Dancers will rove around the venue, bringing the carnival to life right before your eyes.
So round up your loved ones and make plans to attend the food festival for a night of delectable cuisine, tempting drinks, and nonstop entertainment. Mark your calendars and get ready to party like a Brazilian. The event is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
A man was seriously injured following a shed fire at a unit complex on Little Cavendish Road in Mount Gravatt East. The unit’s occupants were temporarily evacuated as emergency services and fire crews were dispatched to the scene and worked their way to the site.
The incident occurred on 11 April 2023 at 11:58 a.m. According to a Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman, the injured man was being assessed by paramedics as he was in a serious condition with burns.
Firefighters have investigated how the fire started inside the shed that was attached to the unit complex but more details haven’t been released to the press.
Residents of the unit complex were asked to the park across the road whilst the firefighters worked to control the blaze. It’s not known if there were any other injuries or if the shed and unit complex suffered any significant damage.
This incident highlights the importance of taking all necessary precautions to prevent fires, especially in residential areas. It also emphasizes the critical role of emergency services in responding to such incidents and providing timely medical attention to those in need.
Did you know that Queensland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world?
The vast majority of these skin cancers, including melanoma, are brought on by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other artificial sources, according to Cancer Council Queensland. But, there are techniques to safeguard yourself and lessen your risk, such as utilizing trees or shade structures to find shade.
Thankfully, Brisbane City Council has got us covered with its Sun-safe suburban playgrounds program. To make our playgrounds and equipment cooler and lessen exposure to sunlight and UV radiation, over 50 shade sails will be built and trees will be planted at parks throughout the city over the course of the next 12 months, including Tryon Street Park in Upper Mount Gravatt.
Depending on the size and condition of the site, council estimates that installing the shade sail will take three to five weeks. Anticipate some modest construction noise and more activity at the location, where work typically takes place from 6:30 to 6:30 pm, Monday through Saturday.
The list of playgrounds included in the Sun-safe suburban playgrounds program is as follows:
Park
Suburb
Timing
Akuna Street Park
Kenmore
March – April
Austin Uhlmann Park
Morningside
March – April
Bacton Road Park
Chandler
To be confirmed
Barwin Street Park
Wakerley
May – June
Beckett Road Park
McDowall
May – June
Bliss Street Park
Gaythorne
April – May
Breene Court Park
Carindale
To be confirmed
Broula Park
Stafford Heights
April – May
Buckley Street Park
Carina Heights
March – April
Cannon Hill Bushland Reserve
Cannon Hill
March – April
Castamore Way Park
Richlands
May – June
Chester Park Reserve
Mount Gravatt East
April – May
Crawford Road Park
Wynnum West
April – May
Dianthus Street Park (South)
Wakerley
March – April
Doulton Street Park
Calamvale
March – May
Ed Kuepper Park
Oxley
April May
Ekibin Park East
Greenslopes
To be confirmed
Ekibin Park South
Annerley
April – May
Fernwood Place Park
Taigum
To be confirmed
Ferny Grove Picnic Ground Park
Ferny Grove
April – May
Fiddlewood Crescent Park
Bellbowrie
March – April
Fig Tree Pocket Riverside Reserve
Fig Tree Pocket
April – May
Frank Sleeman Park
Boondall
To be confirmed
Garrett Park
Runcorn
March – May
Gordon Crescent
Wakerley
March – April
Greenhills Park
Alderley
March – April
Hamish Street Park
Calamvale
To be confirmed
Harry Kirby Park
Aspley
April – May
Heers Park
Manly West
April – May
Kalinga Park
Kalinga
May – June
Kings Park
Keperra
April – May
Kitchener Park
Wynnum West
To be confirmed
Kuranda Street Park
Balmoral
March – April
Lambertia Close Park
Mount Gravatt East
To be confirmed
Linacre Street Park
Durack
April – May
Milton Urban Common
Milton
To be confirmed
Mingoola Park
Murarrie
To be confirmed
Moora Park
Shorncliffe
April – May
Narrung Street Park
Middle Park
April – May
Nixon Park
Oxley
April – May
O’Callaghan Park
Zillmere
To be confirmed
Orleigh Park
West End
To be confirmed
Robert Hanley Park
Seven Hills
March – April
Robinson Park
Richlands
To be confirmed
Ross Park
Nundah
To be confirmed
Rotary Park
Heathwood
March – May
Sanananda Park
Darra
April – May
Selkirk Crescent Park
Upper Kedron
To be confirmed
Sunset Place Park
McDowall
To be confirmed
Tryon Street Park
Upper Mount Gravatt
March – May
For its clean and green initiative, council has also set aside more than $580.2 million, including $106 million for new parks and improvements including the construction of scooter tracks and ninja courses.
Emma Perkins, a newly married Upper Mount Gravatt mum and breast cancer patient wanted to give back to the facility that helped catch and treat her condition. Find out what she did.
Perkins was only 12 weeks into her pregnancy when doctors revealed she had Stage 3 breast cancer. Her first thoughts after her diagnosis were for her unborn baby – and whether he would survive.
“The news was overwhelming,” Perkins, 41, of Upper Mount Gravatt said. “I was told that the pregnancy was actually fuelling the type of cancer I had.”
Oncologists and breast cancer nurses at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane prepared Perkins for the treatment that lay ahead. She received chemotherapy specifically developed to protect her unborn child, as well as a lumpectomy, node removal and other breast surgeries.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
Then, she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy 3kg baby boy, Owen, at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane. Her fight against breast cancer is far from finished and she faces several more rounds of chemotherapy.
“The hardest thing is not knowing if I will see my child grow up,” Perkins said. “It’s the hardest thing I face every day.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
One of the things helping her through the tough times is the support of her husband Jamie Perkins, 42, and the support from her friends, family, and colleagues.
“We were newlyweds. Jamie has been very supportive of me from the beginning and being able to hold Owen in my arms every day is a miracle,” Perkins said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Her diagnosis took her by surprise but she admits she had noticed changes to her breasts and put off seeing a doctor because she was “too busy”. One in every four Queensland breast cancer patients is treated at Mater facilities across south-east Queensland and Perkins is urging other women who notice changes to their breasts to get checked immediately.
“I was getting some pain, but I just thought it was pregnancy related,” Perkins said.
To give back to the hospital that saved the life of her unborn baby by providing treatment throughout her breast cancer journey, Perkins has signed up for this year’s sold-out International Women’s Day Fun Run, presented by National Storage – Australia’s largest International Women’s Day celebration.
She is being joined by almost 40 work colleagues from Grove Juice, her husband and little Owen, at the 5km fun run held in Brisbane on 12 March. The event raises vital funds for breast cancer research and services in Mater Foundation’s biggest community event of the year.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Mater Oncologist and Mater Cancer Care Researcher (Clinical Trials) Dr Rebecca Moor said Perkins was one of six pregnant women diagnosed with cancer at Mater in the last 12 months.
“It is a challenging clinical situation since the welfare of both the mother and baby must be considered. The cancer Emma has is rare in young women,” Dr Moor said.
“Pregnancy affects what investigations can be done, how well they can be interpreted and what treatments can be given.
“Treatment is complex and requires a large specialist multidisciplinary team including obstetrics, Maternal Fetal Medicine, a specialist midwife, obstetric medicine, oncologists, a cancer care nurse, surgeons, a breast care nurse, pharmacists, and a paediatrician.”
Photo Credit: Supplied
She said pregnant women often dismissed changes to their breasts while pregnant or breastfeeding.
“If you notice any change, even a lump, get it checked out” Dr Moor said.
She said Mater Research – which receives funding from the fun run – was striving for ways to improve breast cancer patient outcomes.
“A huge part of this is by delivering cutting edge treatments through involvement in breast cancer clinical trials,” Dr Moor said.
“Clinical trials at Mater Research are a really important option for our patients, especially for advanced cancer patients. It’s another line of therapy for them.
“With advanced cancer, every six months we can give a patient is precious. Additional treatment means the world to them.
“These trials may offer patients additional lines of treatment, or access to new therapies not yet available on the PBS.”
Ash Mondolo, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, said that the incidence of breast cancer was steadily growing in Australia, but improvements in treatment and care meant that more women are successfully beating or living with breast cancer.
“Women must regularly check their breasts and seek medical advice if they notice any changes,” Ms Mondolo said.
“If you are invited to a mammogram, make sure you go. Breast cancer doesn’t care if you’re busy. A 10-minute mammogram could save your life.”
While the Fun Run has sold out, people can still register for the virtual event, which can happen anywhere in their local neighbourhood. Emma has raised more than $2000.
After years of trying to find a suitable location, Queensland Omnibus and Coach Society (QOCS) has finally secured a space in Nathanfor the first Brisbane Transport Museum.
It wasn’t an easy feat for QOCS President Nick Wilson, who spent over four years searching for a venue where they could put their heritage buses and establish the museum.
Brisbane Transport Museum is located at 600 Mains Road, Nathan, a site owned by the State Government and was previously used by Brisbane City Council as a cemetery office and workshop.
Photo credit: Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS)/Facebook
In the beginning, the buses were stored in a paddock underneath trees in Logan Village. The organisation once considered renting a site near Eagle Farm but Council was still performing road works at the time and they were not sure when it would be available for lease.
They found a location in Sherwood, but had to vacate the premises after five years due to an increase in operational capacity and requirements.
Photo credit: Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS)/Facebook
They found support from the Bus Stop Sales in Rocklea where some of their fleet were moved in April 2021. However, when the floods devastated almost the entire South East Queensland region in February 2022, they nearly lost their heritage buses.
Finally, in late 2022, the organisation reached an agreement with the Queensland Government to lease the property in Nathan. Anticipated to open in early 2023, the museum will house more than a dozen of their heritage fleet.
1938 Bedford WLB (Queensland Omnibus & Coach Society (QOCS)/Facebook)
One of their collections is a 1938 Bedford WTB, which is one of the oldest Queensland passenger buses in existence today.
The bus, which operated passenger services in Toowoomba for 40 years was acquired by the organisation from Greyhound Australia with the help of a consortium of bus operators, suppliers, and industry personnel, and family and friends of the McCafferty family.
The museum aims to maintain, preserve and restore historic buses for display and operation to the public. QOCS is also planning to conduct mobile static displays of historic buses and memorabilia to educate and promote the progress and history of the bus industry in Queensland to the public.
Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe in Westfield Garden City serves up supersized meals, towering pancake stacks, and mega shakes and chocolate drinks that are definitely not for the faint of heart.
Sugar Buns is a sister venue of two other stores in Melbourne. Customers are greeted with illuminated pastel arches, raindrop-shaped pendant lights hanging from ceiling-mounted clouds, and hanging cylindrical neon lights that complete the dreamy interior.
Once inside, foodies get to feast on breakfast and lunch meals served in portions that are more than enough to satisfy a big hunger including Chicken Parma served with ham, beer battered chips and coleslaw; Acai Bowl with banana, coconut, fresh seasonal fruit and berry compote; and Superfood Porridge made with oats, mixed berry compote, banana, fresh seasonal fruits, vanilla yogurt, mixed nuts and chia seeds.
Hotcakes stacked high and packed with flavour | Photo credit: Facebook / Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe
Fancy some mega-sized burgers? There’s Double Beef Burger made with grass-fed organic beef patty, smoked cheddar cheese, relish, SB burger sauce and beer battered chips; Schnitzel Burger with cos lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, beer battered chips and SB burger sauce; and Sugar Buns Fried Chicken Burger which is brioche bun stacked with seasoned fried chicken (halal), cos lettuce slaw, roasted capsicum, aioli and beer battered chips.
A trip to Sugar Buns would not be complete without trying the Sugar Buns Megashakes topped with biscoff, malt-teaser, Nutella pistachio or candy land and Mega hot choc with biscoff, Nutella or white chocolate.
“Great value for how much you get! (Specially with the cost of things increasing) The staff are beyond friendly and my Karen of a mum loved her coffee!!
I couldn’t believe how exciting the food is.” – B. Redshaw
“Delicious food, fast and friendly service. Easy ordering online bia the app, scanned at the table.” – R. Mullineux
“Best breakfast experience I had in ages. Food was amazing (seriously delicious and innovative, including the juices). Staff are super lovely, friendly and considerate with everyone. The decoration is just beautiful and joyful, it really feels great just being there. Even my two year old and my picky husband loved the food. Thanks guys!!! We’ll be back.” – S. Jay
Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe is located at 1377, Westfield Garden City on the corner of Logan and Kessels Road in Upper Mt Gravatt.
Hours of operation are 9 am – 5 pm, Monday from Friday; 8 am – 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Work has begun on the transformation of vacant student rooms at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt into a housing complex, with more than 200 beds set to be repurposed as small living areas for short-term stay.
With shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, the former student rooms will provide a safe and suitable temporary home for Queenslanders still looking for private rental accommodation.
The Department of Communities and Housing is in talks with potential service providers to run the operations of the housing complex once the construction is completed in mid-2023.
“This facility will provide a buffer for Queenslanders doing it tough in the current housing crisis before they can get back into the rental market,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
“It will mean a roof over the heads of more Queenslanders when they need it most. The plan to repurpose unused student beds came out of our housing roundtable, showing what can be achieved by working together.”
“This facility is another example of our commitment to work across government and the private sector to house more vulnerable Queenslanders sooner,” Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said.
“Once complete, the complex will provide vital short-term housing for adults as they are supported into longer-term, more secure accommodation.”
Congratulations to Detective Sergeant Katrina Carr for being one of 12 recipients from the QLD Police Service of the Australian Police Medal for 2023. Det Sgt Carr rose through the ranks at the Upper Mount Gravatt Police Station.
Ms Carr was designated in Upper Mount Gravatt in 1994 and proved a competent investigator. As a medal awardee, Ms Carr’s contribution to policing has been an astonishing accomplishment.
She is currently the Education and Training Officer at the Queensland Police Academy, where she’s committed to developing and delivering training on trauma informed responses to sexual assaults and domestic violence to detectives.
The esteemed policewoman is also a volunteer for TREK2HEALTH, a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing support for veterans and first responders to maintain their physical and mental health.
This year’s Australian Police Medal awardees have a range of backgrounds with diverse experience, having served throughout Queensland in several roles and areas. They were recognised for their leadership, innovation and initiative.
Photo Credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook
“Each officer has their own story – often comprised of the challenges they’ve faced and overcome through their career, but also the rewarding memories about the role they’ve played in their communities and the lives of everyday Queenslanders,” Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said.
“I am incredibly proud to know and understand the impact these officers have in shaping a positive future for individuals they interact with, the communities they serve and our organisation.
“I congratulate them for receiving this significant honour today.
“We don’t join the Service for any accolades, but each of these officers is deserving of this recognition for the work they’ve done across the span of their careers,” the commissioner added.
“The recipients are dedicated officers of the QPS who are committed to keeping Queenslanders safe. I congratulate and thank each and every one of them.”
A group of residents from Upper Mount Gravatt are worried that a proposal to build three residential towers at Klumpp Road could bring more traffic to the area.
The locals took to social media to express their worries about the development application for 110 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt. According to residents, it may cause further traffic along the Westfield shopping complex and on the entry of the Pacific Motorway.
Oakridge Property Group, developers of the residential towers, sought the removal of resident parking on the ground floor level from their original proposal, including apartments to the said level with large green terraces connecting to communal recreation amenities.
Photo credit: MAS- Architecture Studio
To be called “The Pavilion,” the towers would have a total of 144 units, distributed among two towers of 5 storeys and one tower of 6 storeys. The units will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
Photo credit: MAS- Architecture Studio
Designed by MAS- Architecture Studio, the towers will feature a swimming pool and bbq area, and recreation facilities to match the surrounding greenery.
Another concern from residents is the number of parking being sought for the residential towers, which is a total of 199 residents and 28 visitor car parking spaces.
In response to the residents’ concerns, Oakridge Property Group said the intersection upgrades, which are part of the proposal, will be undertaken to further mitigate the traffic caused by the development.
Photo credit: MAS- Architecture Studio
The developers added that the site has a potential for increased public and active transport use, given that it’s well located to bus services at Klumpp Rd and the Veloway bike path.
A traffic report for the application also states that “the site’s additional traffic generation, compared to the approved development, does not warrant further assessment and the Approved upgrade works at the Klumpp Road / Hibiscus Place intersection remain relevant.”
