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Compassionate Care Volunteers Needed For Vulnerable Patients at The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower

The Wesley Hospital in Auchenflower has launched a Vulnerable In-patient (VIP) Service and needs more Compassionate Care volunteers for patients at risk of loneliness, anxiety or require companionship for social engagement due to special needs.

As part of the Compassionate Care team, these volunteers will receive extensive training from both the hospital’s Pastoral Care and clinical teams to provide high-quality clinical care and support the patient’s social and emotional needs during their stay at The Wesley Hospital.

Research has demonstrated that social engagement while in hospital has many benefits for patients including reduced behaviours, decreased length of stay and faster recovery. The vulnerability may look different for each patient and could be caused by a long hospital stay, significant distance from home and support networks, impaired mobility or increased stress and anxiety.

The activities volunteers can do with patients vary but could include, conversations over a cup of tea, going for a walk in the gardens, doing a jigsaw puzzle, playing a board game or sharing a meal together.

“While routines in hospital are focused on providing high-quality clinical care this environment can at times be disruptive and stressful, especially when a patient does not have a support network close to them,” The Wesley Hospital Chaplain Leanne Duncan said.

“We know that social engagement has many benefits for patients and is demonstrated to support recovery and reduce the length of stay in hospital.

“We identify our vulnerable patients as those who may be in hospital for a long period of time, those who come from regional/remote areas, those with no family or friends close by and those with mobility or cognitive impairments.”

The service has been trialled on Nurse Unit Manager Kerrie Blocksidge’s ward which is comprised mostly of older patients.

“We absolutely love the VIP service here and it has made such a positive impact not only with our patients but our nursing staff as well,” Kerrie said.

“You can’t measure happiness but we certainly notice a change in our patients after they have had a visit from a volunteer, I believe it’s a wonderful initiative and we would welcome more volunteers to our ward any day.”

VIP Service Compassionate Care Volunteer Pauline said she jumped at the opportunity to make such a meaningful impact on the patients.

“This feeds my heart, I really enjoy spending time with these people, they get the opportunity to take their minds off their hospital stay and talk about something different,” Pauline said.

“Some of the patients live regionally or remotely and have limited support networks here in Brisbane, having a friendly face to chat with makes a huge impact. I love seeing them at the end of my visit far more animated than when I first walked in, I feel like I made a difference.”

The Wesley Hospital is seeking expressions of interest for Compassionate Companion volunteers to work alongside clinical staff, in four-hour shifts. 10am -2pm in various wards across the hospital.

Published 18 March 2023

Start-Up Helps You Own a Unit in Milton For a $10,000 Deposit

Photo Credit: Goldfields

First-home buyers keen to secure a Milton property could achieve their dreams by signing up with a start-up that allows them to make a $10,000 downpayment on a home purchase.

Coposit is a new platform that has shaken up the homeownership sector. It’s an app that allows a home buyer to make a $10,000 downpayment and enter the property market without any hassle. The free app also helps the homeowner pay off the balance during the construction period.

Goldfields, the development group behind 33 Manning St in Milton, has teamed up with Coposit to give buyers the opportunity to secure a unit in their latest project. So, instead of paying $69,000 upfront for a two-bedroom apartment, buyers may make a $10,000 deposit and then invest in weekly instalments.

33 Manning Milton — *Photo Credit: Goldfields*

The idea behind Coposit is pretty much like a buy now, pay later plan but its CEO Chris Ferris said there are some differences as well.

“With ‘buy now, pay later’ you enter into a transaction and get your product straight away and then pay it off,” Ferris said following the app’s launch in 2021. “With what we’re doing, you secure your property but you don’t actually get it until you’ve paid the full deposit and it’s delivered. Then you have to arrange finance and settle on the property.”

Locking a price before the construction is completed can make a difference between the price of the unit currently versus when the property came into the market.

“Some of the biggest problems that people face is that, in New South Wales and particularly Sydney, the average time that it takes to save for a 10% deposit is 5 to 6 years. When you think of the last 5-6 years, we’ve had two or three property cycles.”

Meanwhile, 33 Manning St is located a few minutes away from the CBD, the suburbs of West End and Paddington, Suncorp Stadium and Milton’s Park Road cafe district. The building provides residents with a range of amenities, including a rooftop pool, lounge, sauna, workspace and zen garden that has a view of the skyline and Mount Coot-tha.

Published 6 March 2023

Corgi Garden: Cutest Theme Cafe Opens in Milton

Photo Credit: Corgi Garden Brisbane/Instagram

Did you know that Milton has a cute secret? Tucked away in the back street on Gardner Close is Corgi Garden, the cutest themed cafe to open in the city.

Corgi Garden, from Stephen Tam and Amy Chung, debuted in February 2023 and was inspired by KitKat, the cafe owners’ 3-year-old Corgi. The pair, who also have a Border Collie named TimTam, decided to open a small restaurant in a quiet area for their beloved pets to chill without having too much stimulation all around them.

The cafe is located next to several office buildings in Milton, thus the location is also ideal for workers to relax during their office breaks. The eatery isn’t just for dog lovers because there are plenty of reasons to try its brunch choices paired with refreshing drinks.

Diners with a sweet tooth will find the corgi butt buns filled with delicious Nutella so irresistible. Corgi Garden also serves French toast with a good helping of condensed milk, ice cream and Oreo cookies. This delightful treat goes so well with cappuccinos.

Famished customers may get their fill of the tasty crispy prawn avo sandwich with eggs benedict and some seaweed flakes for a Japanese-inspired brunch or order a heavy meal of pasta or rice bowls.

KitKat and TimTam, both well-trained, are always around to greet the customers or beg for a pat on the head. Since its opening, dog owners in the area have also brought along their pups in the inviting space, which has been designed with yellow and white striped walls and colourful neon signage with a Corgi. Dogs may be served with puppuccinos as well as meaty tartare treats when available.

As the cafe is newly-opened, some delays might be expected as Corgi Garden has been inundated with bookings and enquiries. For updates and the latest offering, follow their Instagram.

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A post shared by Brisbane Travel & Food Adventure (@brisbanefoodadventure)

Very lovely cafe! A decent place for brunch. The quality of food was great, the unique dressing and bacon were better than many other places. The price was affordable and reasonable. The volume of food given were surprising. Environment was clean and tidy.Besides, they are also offering little dog cakes. Would definitely recommend and visit again.
Yijun Chen

This little cafe is a hidden gem. I got a simple Chicken and Avo sandwich, which was delicious. The bread they used was amazingly soft and the container it came in was so convenient for eating. The cafe was very clean and had lots of seating options. Went with my dog and the service was amazing and friendly. They offerred us yoghurt dog treats and a free puppachino which was very much appreciated.
Frank Lowah

Corgi in the shop is super cute and friendly. Very busy on the weekend so there is a bit of wait but definitely worth it!! Food is amazing and very presentable. Even have dog menu for doggy. Definitely coming back again.
AC

Coffee With a Cop in Milton

Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt/Pixabay

Here’s your chance to ask questions or raise concerns about peace, order and safety in the community at a coffee with a cop session in Milton.

Inner West Crime Prevention will be out and about for a cuppa and a chat on Park Road, Milton this Saturday, February 25. This is proudly supported by local State Member for Cooper, Jonty Bush.

When: Saturday the 25th February 2023
Time: 9:30am to 11am
Where: Whisk and Ladle, 20 Railway Terrace, Milton

XXXX Brewery in Milton Shifts to Solar Power

XXXX Brewery in Milton has shifted to 100 per cent renewable solar power after signing a Power Purchase Agreement with the Woolooga Solar Farm.

Justin Merrell, the sustainability director of Lion, which owns XXXX Brewery, hailed this move as the latest evolution for the company. It comes two years after Lion was certified as the first large-scale carbon-neutral brewer in Australia.

“The 144-year-old XXXX brewery at Milton is one of Brisbane’s most historic landmarks, but this latest evolution to 100 per cent renewable electricity proves this icon of Australian brewing, is still capable of moving with the times,” Mr Merrell said.

“All of our beer produced here – up to 250 million litres annually – is now made using 100% renewable electricity. This agreement will stop around 138,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. That’s the equivalent of taking 45,000 cars off the road.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that this deal shows business confidence to invest in decarbonisation.

“An increasing number of companies want to decarbonise their operations and offer consumers low-emission products, made in Queensland,” Mr Miles said.

“The pipeline of renewable projects in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means we will continue to see more and more companies make the transition and lower emissions.

“With the PPA in place, Lion has reached their target of 100% purchased renewable electricity by 2025 in Australia, two years ahead of schedule. And they’re Australia’s first large-scale carbon neutral brewer.”

“Milton mangos will now be solar-powered by Queensland sunshine.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the move meant all of Lion’s beers brewed across Australia would now be brewed with 100% procured renewable electricity.

“XXXX is proudly brewing solar-powered beers with 100% renewable electricity from right here in the sunshine state,” Mr de Brenni said.

“More consumers are demanding action on climate, so now XXXX will be the beer of choice for the emissions and climate-conscious.”

Follow XXXX Brewery on Facebook for more updates.

Suncorp Stadium in Milton Increases Concert Cap to 12

More music and live performances will be enjoyed at Suncorp Stadium in Milton following the announcement of an increase in the concert cap from six to 12 major events.

Following Elton John’s farewell show in January 2023, the massive sports and entertainment venue on Castlemaine Street will be hosting more shows to boost Brisbane’s tourism economy.

After seeking feedback for the cap increase, more than 78 per cent of local residents and businesses in Milton supported the new concert cap. Previously, live musical performances were limited because there are still many residential sites in the area.

Tourism and Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the new concert cap would apply for 2023 and 2024.

“We’re seeing a stream of major international music acts putting together plans to get back on the road with world stadium tours after Covid,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Right now, Suncorp Stadium -with its central location, capacity and public transport capability – is highly sought-after by promoters bringing music events to Australia.

“Whether it’s Ed Sheeran or the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, major concerts bring visitors who spend millions of dollars in the tourism economy and support local jobs.

“Five concert events are already locked in for Suncorp Stadium in the first two months of 2023.

“That leaves one more show for the rest of the year under the current six concert cap and several overseas acts scrambling to finalise dates.

“We’ve asked Queenslanders to have their say on lifting the concert cap from six to 12 a year for 2023 and 2024 and found strong support for more music at Suncorp Stadium.”

However, Mr Hinchliffe also said that Suncorp Stadium will remain primarily a world-class sports stadium, adding that the increase in concert cap is a “response to extraordinary post-Covid demand for Suncorp Stadium dates by some of the world’s biggest music acts.”

“These are high-quality events that will support the sustained recovery of our visitor economy from accommodation and hospitality to tourism operators.”

Park Road Milton Village Precinct Slowly Recovering from Decades of Slump

Shop owners on Park Road in Milton are optimistic about the precinct’s revival and the influx of new customers after years of a slump due to the departure of key businesses.

In the last few years, Park Road cafes and other stores were forced to move out of the precinct due to increasing rent rates and parking issues, especially during game days at the nearby Suncorp Stadium. The renovation of the stadium has also had a direct impact on the competition of businesses in the surrounding areas.

Milton has also been heavily impacted by Brisbane’s major flooding events in the last decade, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, a few new businesses, such as Mongrel and Arrivederci, are slowly keeping the precinct abreast with activities. Oldtimer La Dolce Vita cafe, which will be turning 34 years old in 2023, has been buzzing with different events that are spilling over to the street side.

PIP Theatre, the private entertainment facility, has also secured a 10-year tenancy at the Dome and has unleashed a full program of plays, cabarets and other live productions for 2023.

Heaps of apartment developments are also helping the strip turn a corner. The Ambrose’s construction is almost finished and will welcome 400 residents. Another residential tower with 50 units has been under construction since September 2022. Shayher Group is also set to transform Coronation Drive a few blocks away with a mix of residential and commercial units.

Meanwhile, Brisbane City Council has a $500,000 commitment to redevelop Park Road and its neighbouring shopping precinct. The final plans for this project will be out in early 2023 for community feedback.

Park Road Milton Village Precinct — Photo Credit: BCC

Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse to Open in Milton

Great news for aspiring Brisbane Paralympians! Sporting Wheelies will soon open a new Para Sports Clubhouse and training facility in Milton.

The old Umart Online office and warehouse along Kilroe St will be refurbished into the future Paralympics training facility as Sporting Wheelies signed a seven-year lease of the 1700-square-meter site. It will proudly be an Australian-first initiative.

“The Sporting Wheelies Para Sports Clubhouse will be an inclusive sports hub supporting para-athletes on the road to Brisbane 2032 and inspiring people with a disability to get active and participate in the community,” the organisation announced, adding that the initiative will be a game changer.

“The Milton centre will combine industry-leading facilities with world-class rehabilitation and support services, bringing together disability experts, allied health specialists, Para Sports coaches, and the world’s best academics to improve the lives of people with a disability through co-design and innovation.”

For many years following his accident, Paralympian Luke Matthews has regarded Sporting Wheelies as a vital part of his life. Thus, having this clubhouse will be a big deal for his fellow Paralympians. Mr Matthews is currently training for a sporting event in Japan.

Previously, the training facility was up and running in Bowen Hills and moved to Albion in 2020. However, the organisation began looking for a bigger site near the train stations at Milton and Auchenflower to be more convenient for its members.

The Para Sports Clubhouse is earmarked for a February 2023 opening and includes a cafe managed by people with a disability.

Auchenflower Stadium Secures $1.34 Million Recovery Funding

A $1.34-million recovery funding agreement has moved Auchenflower Stadium one step closer to being rebuilt. The facility is one of 200 other disaster-affected sites that will benefit from a $75-million recovery and resilience program.

Queensland Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that the $1.34 million funding will be used to replace the indoor basketball courts of the Auchenflower Stadium, which were “warped beyond repair” because of the flooding in February 2022.

The venue is vital to the community, as more than 7,500 games are played at the Auchenflower Stadium every year. However, because of the flood damage, only 772 fewer games have been played year-round, impacting thousands of players, coaches and supporters.

“This funding will see two new timber courts laid by tradies to return the stadium to full playing capacity as soon as practical,” Mr Hinchcliffe said.

“We know the last year has been heartbreaking for players, coaches and volunteers across many parts of Queensland.

“This year, more than 150 sites in 20 Queensland Local Government Areas have been assessed for damage to make sure recovery funding goes to where it’s needed most.

“Volunteers and council staff have worked incredibly hard to get sporting and council facilities back on their feet ahead of the roll out of major repairs and replacement infrastructure.

“It has been a tremendous effort that demonstrates the true resilience of Queenslanders.”

Cops Hunting Cyberhackers of Milton Road Digital Billboard

Authorities in Brisbane are looking for the cyberhackers behind the breach and infiltration of a Milton Road digital billboard that ran minutes of lewd and inappropriate content on a Sunday morning.

Chris Tyquin, a Goa executive which operates the billboard and 70 other digital LED screens across South East Queensland, confirmed that they were able to capture the images of the cyberhackers and provided these to the Queensland Police Service (QPS). They also shut down the LED screen on Milton Road some three minutes after their IT team discovered the breach.

The QPS, which confirmed that the display screen was “broken into,” is running possible matches with CCTV recordings. The agency is also encouraging the public to come forward if they have any leads into this serious incident.

Mr Tyquin said their company was not aware of any threats and could not draw out the motives of the cyberhackers. Only one of Goa’s digital billboards was breached but the company’s security system remained intact.

The executive said they immediately ran a security check across their network after the hacking and implemented further security measures on their physical screens and monitoring equipment that night.

The managing director, however, expressed regrets for the three-minute pornographic display on their system as it was likely very distressing to the public, especially the children. The location of the digital billboard on Milton Road is near Milton State School, Milton Park and Frew Park, where countless families spend their leisure and recreational mornings.

“It’s hilarious for a moment until you realise there’s kids around. Like I’m all out for a practical joke but not like this,” a Redditor said.

“Truly we need large industry-wide reform in this area,” another commenter said.

“To be clear I’m an IT Security guy, not a politics guy so I have almost no clue how the reform would be best implemented.

“But it’s genuinely depressing how bad data security is, even at the companies that try to do it right. My experience isn’t super wide so I could have just ended up working at companies that do it wrong, but it’s genuinely concerning how little management cares about data security (even internal policy changes that don’t have a direct cost associated with them) right up until they start getting sued. (This was at a law firm, but I’ve seen similar in other industries).

“It’s honestly kinda depressing. I’d be willing to bet a Bunnings snag that this wasn’t some sophisticated hack. More likely the person that normally controls the sign got Phished and doesn’t use multi-factor authentication.”

Goa prides itself is a family-owned business for more than 50 years. Mr Tyquin described the breach as “irresponsible, deliberate and malicious,” and he’s hoping that QPS will be able to catch the perpetrators.