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Bloodbikes Australia Volunteer Crusade: Springfield Lakes Local Heads Lifesaving Deliveries

A medical logistics revolution is underway in the country, thanks to the efforts of volunteer bikers from Bloodbikes Australia, an organisation founded by a Springfield Lakes resident.

Bloodbikes Australia provides urgent medical supplies and blood products, bypassing conventional delivery constraints and bridging the gap in our healthcare system.

Peter Davis, a local from Springfield Lakes, founded Bloodbikes Australia in 2019. Similar movements inspired him in the UK, Ireland, Hungary, and Ukraine.

*Photo Credit: BloodbikesAustralia/Facebook*

A Lifeline on Two Wheels

With the help of hundreds of volunteers across the country, Bloodbikes Australia has made over 7,000 last-resort deliveries to healthcare providers, demonstrating the power of community and volunteerism.

The service operates by integrating technology and goodwill seamlessly. Volunteers receive delivery requests directly on their smartphones through a system developed by a fellow volunteer. This ensures swift and efficient response times, allowing riders to promptly deliver medical supplies to hospitals and patients’ homes.

One recipient with lung disease praised Bloodbikes Australia for significantly impacting his medical journey, underscoring the profound difference the organisation makes in the lives of those it serves.

The First Milestone Delivery

The story of Bloodbikes Australia’s first delivery is a tale of determination, innovation, and the resilience of the human spirit. Under the leadership of Mr. Davis, Bloodbikes Australia carefully planned and coordinated its inaugural mission. This pivotal moment set the tone for the organisation’s future.

Critical pathology samples, medicines, and medical equipment were transported for Mater Pathology in Brisbane. The objective of this operation was not solely to deliver these items, but to demonstrate the efficiency, effectiveness, and potential of motorcycle-based medical logistics. The triumph of this first delivery provided opportunities for further collaboration, including a significant partnership with Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics.

Bloodbikes Australia volunteers were responsible for transporting crucial research materials to find cures for debilitating diseases such as melanoma, cervical cancer, and the Ross River virus.

Joining the Ranks of Bloodbikes Australia: A Guide for Aspiring Volunteers

The organisation’s impact on healthcare logistics and patient care has been profound, largely thanks to its dedicated volunteers. If you’re inspired by the stories of life-saving deliveries and community service and have a passion for motorcycling, joining Bloodbikes Australia as a volunteer could be a fulfilling opportunity. Here’s how you can become part of this incredible team:

Step 1: Meet the Requirements

Before you can join the ranks of Bloodbikes Australia, there are several requirements you must meet to ensure safety and reliability:

Motorcycle License: You must have a valid motorcycle license with at least three years of riding experience. This ensures that all volunteers are skilled riders, capable of navigating various road conditions safely.
Motorcycle and Gear: Your motorcycle should be reliable, well-maintained, and fully registered. Additionally, you’ll need a secure method of transporting medical supplies, such as a hard-sided pannier or a top box. Safety gear is also a must, including a helmet, gloves, and appropriate riding attire.
Insurance: Comprehensive motorcycle insurance is required to protect yourself and the precious cargo you’ll be transporting.

Step 2: Complete a Blood Transportation Course

Bloodbikes Australia requires all volunteers to complete an online course in blood transportation. This course covers the handling and transporting blood and other medical supplies, ensuring all volunteers understand the protocols and procedures to maintain safety and integrity during deliveries.

Step 3: Participate in an Induction Run

Once you’ve met the initial requirements and completed the necessary training, you’ll be invited to join an experienced volunteer on an induction run. This is more than just a training exercise; it’s an opportunity for new volunteers to familiarise themselves with the process, ask questions, and understand the expectations and responsibilities of being a Bloodbikes volunteer.

Step 4: Join the Community

After completing your induction run, you’ll officially join Bloodbikes Australia. You’ll gain access to the volunteer network and the real-time cloud-based system that alerts volunteers to delivery requests. This system allows healthcare providers to see which volunteers are available anytime, ensuring efficient and timely deliveries.

To begin your journey with Bloodbikes Australia, visit their website at www.bloodbikesaustralia.org.au for more information and to fill out a volunteer application.

Alternatively, you can contact the organisation directly through the Bloodbikes Australia Facebook page or by emailing Mr Davis at bloodbikersaus@gmail.com.

Published 26-February 2024

Discontinuation of QGSSSA Membership for St Peters Lutheran College Springfield Confirmed

A recent decision by the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association has altered the landscape for girls participating in sports competitions under the banner of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield.

Despite efforts to reverse the school’s membership to the Queensland Girls’ Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA), St Peters Lutheran College Springfield. will no longer be recognised as a member starting from 2026.

This change will impact the school’s participation in the competition under the broader St Peters banner.

Tim Kotzur, the Head of College of St Peters Lutheran College, confirmed this decision in an email sent to the St Peters community. Mr Kotzur did not elaborate on the reason for the decision.

Whilst this brings disappointment, it also heralds a period of reflection and strategic planning for the Springfield campus.

Administrators, teachers, and students alike are exploring alternatives to ensure that the girls of St Peters Lutheran College Springfield can continue to engage in quality sporting activities beyond 2025. This exploration includes assessing options for participation in other school sports associations or leagues, as well as potentially developing inter-school competitions within the local community.

Amidst this transition, St Peters Lutheran College Springfield remains committed to providing a holistic education that encompasses academic excellence and opportunities for physical development and teamwork through sports. The Leadership Team is diligently working to mitigate disruptions and ensure a seamless transition for students, parents, and coaches involved in the sporting programs.

Published 14-Feb-2024

Ipswich Hospital Launches SCOUT, a Revolutionary Breast Cancer Saviour

Ipswich Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first public facility in the state to initiate trials of an innovative breast cancer technology known as SCOUT. This breakthrough technology is being hailed as “revolutionary” and promises to redefine breast cancer surgery, offering hope to patients and medical practitioners alike.

A New Era for Breast Cancer Treatment at Ipswich Hospital

In a pioneering move, Ipswich Hospital has commenced trials of the SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System. The primary objective of this cutting-edge technology is to assist surgeons in precisely locating breast cancers during surgical procedures, significantly reducing the likelihood of missing cancerous tissue, and thereby enhancing patient outcomes.

The introduction of the SCOUT technology has already begun to make a positive impact on breast cancer patients like Tarampa resident Cathy Grant. For many patients, the traditional hookwire procedure on the day of surgery can be distressing and uncomfortable. However, with SCOUT, patients can now avoid this discomfort, as Ms. Grant attested.

How SCOUT Works

The SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System represents a significant advancement in the treatment and surgical management of breast cancer. Here’s an overview of the technology behind it and how it benefits both doctors and patients:

Technology Overview

Radar Localization: The SCOUT system utilises a unique radar signal to locate a reflector, which is about the size of a grain of rice, implanted in the breast tissue. This reflector can be placed at any time during treatment, well before the surgical procedure.
True Distance Measurement: It offers true distance measurement capabilities, which help overcome challenges associated with estimating tumor depth and location during surgery. This is particularly useful in supine surgical procedures where the breast anatomy can shift, making precise localisation critical.

Benefits for Doctors and Patients

Eliminates Wire Localisation: Traditionally, wire localisation was used to mark a tumor’s location before surgery, which could cause discomfort and anxiety for patients. The SCOUT system eliminates the need for this by using the radar-localized reflector.
Increased Precision and Flexibility: By providing accurate, real-time localisation of the tumor, SCOUT allows surgeons to precisely target and remove the tumor while minimizing the removal of healthy tissue. This precision supports better cosmetic outcomes and potentially reduces the need for additional surgeries.
Enhanced Patient Comfort and Experience: Since the reflector can be placed well in advance of the surgery and does not require the physical presence of a wire protruding from the skin, patients experience less discomfort and anxiety leading up to their procedure.
Operational Efficiency: The ability to place the reflector at any point during treatment and its compatibility with various imaging modalities (like mammography) streamlines the surgical process, making it more efficient and flexible for healthcare providers.

Successful Trial Launch at Ipswich Hospital

The SCOUT Wire-Free Radar Localisation System was initially trialled in December 2023, marking the commencement of a 10-patient trial. Dr. Susan Bell, a breast and endocrine surgeon at the hospital, emphasized the potential benefits for patients’s comfort and the surgery’s success.

Compared to the existing hookwire procedure, SCOUT offers several advantages. Patients no longer require wire insertion shortly before surgery, eliminating the need for both a radiologist and a surgeon on the day of the operation. Dr Bell said that SCOUT is also faster and more efficient than current surgical methods.

With the introduction of SCOUT technology at Ipswich Hospital, the landscape of breast cancer treatment is undergoing a significant transformation.

Published 7-Feb-2024

Parents Demand On-Site Outside School Hours Care at Springfield School

Families of students at Springfield Central State School have launched a petition calling for the school to open its own outside school hours care (OSHC) facility.

Read: Springfield Central SHS Launches School Breakfast Club in Partnership with YMCA

The Change.org petition was started by parent Teresa Le Lievre after a longstanding OSHC arrangement with neighbouring Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School ended in late 2023.

“As parents of students attending Springfield Central State School, we were left in a difficult situation when our permanent care of 5 years at the neighboring Catholic Primary school was abruptly terminated,” she wrote.

“In November 2023, we received an email informing us that our ongoing enrolment for Afterschool care would not continue into 2024.

Ms Le Lievre said the sudden termination meant she lost 16 working hours per week. Other parents have also reported major disruptions due to the lack of OSHC at Springfield Central.

Previously, Springfield Central students could access Good Shepherd’s OSHC as it was directly across the road. But Good Shepherd had to prioritise care for its own students amid booming enrollments.

Outside the neighbouring Good Shepherd (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Ms Le Lievre said around 50 Springfield Central students were affected. Those who signed the petition argued every school, especially large ones, should provide OSHC to support working families.

An Education Queensland spokesperson acknowledged parents’ concerns and said the school has advised OSHC providers can do pick-ups and drop-offs at Springfield Central.

But with heavy demand, many off-site OSHCs now have waiting lists. The school’s P&C was notified of the issues at recent meetings.

Parents signing the petition say on-site OSHC is urgently needed at the rapidly growing school. They want the facility in place to support working families and prevent disruptions.

Read: Goodna’s Westside Christian College Acquires Neighbouring Development Site for $2.5 Million

The Queensland education department said Springfield Central will continue working with outside school hours care providers to meet family needs. But parents argue the school itself needs to provide the service.

Published 31-January-2024

Brookwater Golf & Country Club: Gateway to Queensland’s Elite Golfing Experience

Joining the elite ranks of Brookwater Golf & Country Club is not just a matter of wealth or desire. Even for Australia’s sports luminaries, admission to this prestigious golf haven is a feat, hindered by long waiting lists, hefty fees, and exacting standards.

Nestled in the heart of Queensland, Brookwater Golf & Country Club, while a recent addition in the region, has swiftly cemented its status as an 18-hole masterpiece, a creation of Australian golfing legend Greg Norman. This club not only offers a superb golfing experience but also holds a special place in the hearts of sporting icons like tennis superstar Ash Barty.

Upholding Standards & Exclusivity

The membership process to this club is intricate, involving endorsements from current members and multiple interactions with club managers. This meticulous procedure ensures that new members align with the club’s prestigious clientele.

Brookwater Golf & Country Club — Photo Credit: Ben White/Google Maps

Brookwater offers various membership options, with fees varying based on factors such as residency, age, and skill level. Residents enjoy waived joining fees for 7-day memberships, while nonresidents face a joining fee and higher annual costs. The club facilitates online application forms, accommodating different age groups and preferences.

Brookwater maintains a strict dress code for both ladies and gentlemen, ensuring that all members and guests present themselves in a manner befitting the club’s prestigious status. This code excludes casual or offensive attire, emphasizing the club’s commitment to maintaining an environment of respect and professionalism.

Ranked highly by Golf Digest and Top 100 Golf Courses, Brookwater’s reputation extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It stands as the #1 Public Access Course in Queensland, as recognized by Golf Australia Magazine. This accolade underlines the club’s exceptional quality and its allure for golf enthusiasts.

Ash Barty’s Connection to Brookwater

The club’s prominence is further heightened by its association with Ash Barty, former World No. 1 tennis player and now a golfing marvel. Her victories in the club’s ladies’ competitions, shortly after retiring from tennis, speak volumes of her athletic prowess.

Moreover, Brookwater holds sentimental value for Ms Barty, being the place where she met her husband, Garry Kissick, further intertwining her personal and professional journeys with the club.

Her seamless transition from tennis to golf, exemplified by her success at Brookwater, has garnered admiration from golfing legends like Tiger Woods. Her repeated victories at the club’s tournaments underscore her remarkable adaptability and skill in the sporting arena.

For more about Brookwater Golf & Country Club, check their Facebook page.

Published 22-Jan-2024

Flowers and Coffee Abound at Greenbank’s Adored O’NO Cafe

Do you love flowers, coffee, and that feeling of being a regular at a neighbourhood gem? If so, O’NO Cafe and Flowers in Greenbank is for you.

Read: How Two Sisters, Founders of Injex Springfield Lakes, Built a Thriving Cosmetic Empire in Brisbane

This charming shop at the Greenbank Shopping Centre breathes new life into the suburb’s cafe scene. Best friends and longtime locals Vito and Daniel opened O’NO in early 2023, finally making their dream of owning a warm, welcoming business come true.

After over 20 years building community ties here, their passion for service shines through. O’NO maintains a hyper-local vibe where everyone feels included. Come in for specialty coffee, pastries, unique floral arrangements, gift items, and most of all – that feeling of home.

Vito and Daniel, owners of the cafe (Photo credit: O’NO Cafe and Flowers/Instagram)

Vito brings immense retail experience to managing daily operations and is naturally enthusiastic about food, coffee, and pleasing customers. Daniel oversees customer service with bubbly energy and an eye for quality coffee and team leadership.

Photo credit: O’NO Cafe and Flowers/Google Maps

Together, their know-how and vision breathe new life into the cafe. Though a rebrand of the coffee shop at the Pub Lane Shopping Village on the corner of Teviot Road and Pub Lane, O’NO maintains a hyper-local vibe as a neighbourhood go-to.

Photo credit: Vickie Robinson/Google Maps

Patrons can enjoy cafe favourites like milkshakes and ask about the “bean of the month” specialty coffee. Besides flowers, gift items are also available in the shop. House cookies, scones, and breads are perfect for an afternoon treat or breakfast on the go.

Read: Springfield Grande Shopping Hub Soon to Rise in Springfield Lakes

Beyond quality drinks, food, and florals, O’NO provides an inclusive space where locals and visitors alike feel at home. Vito and Dan’s vision shines through in the genuine welcome they extend to all who stop by. It’s this hospitable spirit that makes O’NO a cherished addition to Greenbank.

Follow them on Instagram @onocafenflowers for updates.

Published 10-January-2024

Greenbank Resident Deals with 2nd Home Loss in Sudden Storm Deluge

Photo Credit: Maria Noutsatos/Facebook

A Greenbank resident woke up to disaster when her home was inundated by 131 mm of rain in a matter of hours. Maria Noutsatos described the deluge as a “tsunami” of floodwater and debris that wreaked havoc on her property, leaving her family stunned and overwhelmed.

A Painful Déjà Vu

On 9 Jan 2024, Ms Noutsatos shared heart-wrenching footage of the catastrophe on her social media, capturing the sheer force of nature that struck her home. The day began with heavy rainfall that quickly escalated into a torrential downpour. As she was preparing to leave for work, Noutsatos heard “loud bangs” and witnessed the overwhelming floodwater surging through her shed and house in Greenbank.

“The water has come through the entire property. It was literally like a tsunami hit it … it has never, ever come through here,” she said in the video.

Tragically, this is not the first time that Ms Noutsatos and her husband, David Clarkson, have faced such devastation. In 2021, they lost their home due to floods and water inundation from the roof. However, Ms Noutsatos emphasised that the volume of water they witnessed on Tuesday was unlike anything they had previously encountered.

No Time for Rescue

Ms Noutsatos was visibly emotional as she assessed the damage, expressing concern for her pets. As Mr Clarkson attempted to reach the property, he encountered a formidable blockade of gushing water on the main road leading to Greenbank.

The calamity in Greenbank was part of a slow-moving storm system that unleashed intense rain over parts of South East Queensland on Tuesday. Just 10 minutes away from Ms Noutsatos’ residence, Springfield Lakes recorded a staggering 131mm of rain in three hours.

Ms Noutsatos and her husband, who had been living in a caravan since the previous flood, had recently completed building a living area in their shed last month. They expressed their preparedness this time, having undertaken extensive work to enhance drainage and water diversion on their property. However, Ms Noutsatos remained pragmatic about the road to recovery.

“We didn’t have contents insurance the first time … insurance told us if they were to rebuild our house, they wouldn’t finish for 18 months to two years,” she said.

Rising Insurance Costs

The harrowing experience in Greenbank mirrors a broader trend of rising insurance costs for disaster-prone areas. Recent reports indicate that some residents in these regions are facing exorbitant premium hikes, with increases as high as 500 per cent compared to the previous year.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers weighed in on the issue, urging insurance companies to act responsibly and support disaster victims rather than complicating their already dire circumstances. He emphasised the collective responsibility of governments, corporations, and communities to assist those affected by natural disasters.

Published 10-Jan-2024

Tragedy Strikes Ipswich: Elderly Mobility Scooter Rider Dies in Raceview Collision

Photo Credit: Unsplash

An 80-year-old mobility scooter rider tragically lost his life in a collision with a car in Ipswich. The shocking event has left residents deeply shaken, raising concerns about road safety in the area.

The fateful collision occurred on Robertson Road in Raceview around 1:00 p.m. on 4 Jan 2024, when the 80-year-old scooter rider, whose identity remains undisclosed, collided with an 86-year-old woman driving a Toyota Rav4.

The elderly scooter rider sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the driver of the car was transported to Ipswich Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to one witness, a loud crash sounded like a cargo falling off a truck. The sombre sight of the hurt biker on the road came after this sound. Neighbours’ prompt action and their attempts to support those affected demonstrated the resilience of community spirit in the face of such a tragic incident.

Many locals expressed concern about Robertson Road’s perceived danger, with some stating that speeding has become a common problem. Some residents reported cars reaching speeds of “100km/h at least, sometimes more” on this 60km/h stretch of road.

Longtime resident Berise Jones, who has lived in the area since 1967, has noticed a worrying trend of drivers becoming more aggressive in recent years. Ms Jones and her neighbours believe that the road’s narrowness and the propensity for drivers to exceed the speed limit contribute to its hazardous nature.

Residents have made several proposals to enhance road safety. Suggestions range from reducing the speed limit to 50km/h to installing traffic lights at key intersections, such as Wildey Street, near the Brothers Leagues Club. Others have recommended the creation of a marked pedestrian crossing, or the introduction of a speed camera to deter speeding.

As the Ipswich community mourns the loss of one of its own, investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit are diligently working to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident. At this point, no charges have been laid, and police continue to encourage any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.

Published 9-Jan-2024

E-scooter Trial Extended in Springfield Central

The Beam e-scooter trial scheme, currently underway in Springfield Central and the surrounding areas, is set to continue its operations for another six months.

The extension of the pilot program, aimed at gathering additional data to assess the long-term feasibility of micro-mobility services, will run until July 2024. This trial period is poised to offer valuable insights into whether e-scooters could become a permanent and advantageous mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Beam has been entrusted to operate up to 125 e-scooters within Springfield Central, Springfield Lakes, and Spring Mountain throughout the trial’s duration.

e-scooter trial springfield — Photo Credit: Shape Your Ipswich

Growth, Infrastructure, and Waste Committee Chair, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has reported that e-scooters have been met with enthusiasm by Springfield Central residents during the initial six-month trial period, which commenced on 1 July 2023.

“More than 3,000 users have embraced e-scooters during the trial’s course, showcasing the rapid adoption of this eco-friendly mode of transport,” Mayor Harding stated.

“Collectively, scooter users have covered a distance of 30,000 kilometres so far this year, highlighting the potential impact of micro-mobility in facilitating suburban transportation, especially for ‘last mile’ connectivity to and from public transport hubs, workplaces, and educational institutions.”

Ipswich residents have collectively spent over 3,000 hours on e-scooters since its launch. Andrew Dodd, Beam’s Regional Operations Manager, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Ipswich trial and emphasised the continued collection of data over the upcoming months.

“The data gathered thus far underscores the enormous potential of shared micro-mobility in connecting Ipswich residents and visitors while reducing the need for car trips,” Mr Dodd said.

“We have maintained regular communication with the council to address community concerns and implement changes that benefit both users and residents. We are delighted to see the trial extended for an additional six months and look forward to further collaboration with Ipswich City Council and the Springfield Central community in advancing micro-mobility.”

Residents can share their feedback on the extended trial via Shape Your Ipswich.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Fire Investigation Underway at Western Spirit Football Club in Camira

An overnight fire has caused significant damage to the Western Spirit Football Club in Camira and authorities are conducting an investigation amidst allegations that this was the second deliberate act at the club’s grounds.

The Ipswich Police received an emergency call around midnight of 29 Dec 2023, prompting their immediate response to the Western Spirit Football Club. Upon arrival, they declared the area a crime scene, indicating the severity of the situation. Multiple buildings within the club’s facilities have been ravaged by the blaze, resulting in extensive damage.

One community member shared on social media that they had heard “three loud bangs” just before the facilities went “up in flames.” This recent incident closely follows a similar act in February 2023 when a storage container containing essential equipment such as mowers, line markers, goal nets, and balls was deliberately set on fire.

Whilst the specifics of the blaze’s origins are still being determined by fire investigators, initial findings strongly suggest a deliberate act of arson.

A spokesman for the Western Spirit Football Club expressed their dismay over the incident, revealing that the blaze destroyed the club’s changing rooms and toilet facilities. This loss not only disrupts the club’s operations but also affects its members and the broader community that relies on these amenities.

The financial burden of replacing damaged equipment diverts funds that could otherwise be invested in supporting junior players and reducing fees, directly impacting the club’s ability to serve the community.

The Ipswich police, alongside the football club and the community, are eager to uncover the truth behind these deliberate acts and ensure the safety and vitality of the Western Spirit Football Club for generations to come.

Published 2-Jan-2024