The driver of the ute miraculously escaped the incident without a scratch.
The usually quiet residential Stadcor Street is now cordoned off for investigation. Law enforcement is on the case piecing together the events that led to this incident.
The spa, complete with magnesium float pools, infra-red saunas and more, caters to those looking for relaxation and recovery after intense workouts.
Merse is housed next to the massive Fitness Cartel Virginia gym and comes from Fitness Cartel founders Nathan James, Grace Donnelly, and TJ Groot.
Photo credit: Merse Virginia/Facebook
James said Merse is the first location in what he hopes will become a major national wellness spa chain. They have a wide range of services, from body contouring and massage to cold plunge and compression therapy.
With an extensive background in the fitness industry, James noticed an emerging trend toward combining exercise with recovery sessions. As lifestyles become more hectic, he hopes people will recognise the importance of holistic wellbeing.
Photo credit: Merse Virginia/Facebook
The owner of the newly opened wellness spa believes it’s not just about the gym anymore, but about finding a space that provides relaxation, recovery and recharging.
“We understand that the demands of modern life often leave us in need of relaxation, recovery, and rejuvenation. This understanding is at the core of our mission,” owners stated in their website.
The luxuriously fitted out spa features traditional and infrared saunas, magnesium float therapy, contrast therapy with cold plunge pools, and compression therapy with Normatec boots. Professional massage therapists are on staff, and there is even an automatic spray tan booth.
Merse, which only opened in late January 2024, operates 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends on Sandgate Rd.
After the recent torrential rains that brought Queensland to a standstill, a ray of hope has emerged as Shaw Road in Wavell Heights has cleared and opened.
The current weather forecast brings much relief, especially for commuters and residents around Shaw Road near the football fields and Widdop Street. Earlier submerged underwater, the area is now accessible, with Kedron Brook’s water levels receding significantly below the bridge.
Photo Credit: Glenn Barron/Facebook
However, locals have noted some residual concerns, such as intermittent digital radio signal disruptions in the vicinity of Shaw Road parks, a minor but notable consequence of the recent weather turmoil.
Previously, the heavy downpours had resulted in over 130 road closures across the state, with areas north of Brisbane, including the Lockyer Valley, severely affected. The deluge, amounting to 300mm overnight, led to an emergency state alert in these regions.
The aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily was particularly harsh, leaving over 115,000 homes and businesses without power and causing widespread devastation in northern Queensland. However, dedicated efforts by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, along with other local authorities, have facilitated a rapid response to these unprecedented weather conditions.
Residents in the affected areas, including North Brisbane, were on high alert due to rising water levels and potential flooding. Evacuation centres and emergency plans were activated to ensure safety.
Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to check Queensland Traffic, especially when there are reported incidents of flash flooding.
The recent Netflix adaptation of the bestselling Australian novel Boy Swallows Universe has brought 1980s Brisbane vividly to life on screen. Did you know that a Wavell Heights Queenslander served as the home of one of the main characters in the film?
In the book, Eli Bell’s estranged father Robert lives in a rundown but charming Queenslander. For the adaptation, the filmmakers found the perfect home on a corner block in Wavell Heights, with a beautiful mature Royal Poinciana tree out front.
This quaint property, which producers deemed perfect for the requirement, was located at Thornton Parade. Its general look and ambiance helped transport viewers back to the 1980s.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Robert Bell (played by Simon Baker) is the alcoholic father of Eli (Felix Cameron) and Gus (Lee Halley). He loves his sons deeply, but his drinking prevents him from being a consistent presence in their lives. Robert is a flawed yet caring father, inspired by author Trent Dalton’s own relationship with his dad.
Photo credit: Netflix
Though absent for stretches of time, Robert’s sporadic reappearances in the boys’ lives have a profound impact. Like Dalton’s father, Robert in the book represents a parent unable to overcome their demons yet still devoted to their children.
The Wavell Heights Queenslander makes up just one part of Boy Swallows Universe’s diverse Brisbane filming locations. Other shoot sites included Beenleigh, Darra, Greenslopes, Chelmer, South Brisbane, Pinkenba and more. Together, they showcase Brisbane as it was in that period – a grittier, less developed city than today.
Photo credit: Netflix
The coming-of-age story follows Eli as he deals with his dysfunctional family and gets caught up in Brisbane’s criminal underworld. Author Trent Dalton’s vivid descriptions of real Brisbane suburbs and landmarks help ground this captivating tale.
For locals, seeing these familiar places faithfully recreated on screen adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Wavell Heights plays an important role in bringing Eli’s complicated homelife to the screen. It’s a testament to the care taken by the show’s creators to authentically capture the book’s sense of place. Boy Swallows Universe is proving a hit with audiences worldwide.
Its Brisbane filming locations take viewers back in time, whilst offering locals a nostalgic glimpse of their hometown in decades past. Wavell Heights’ starring role connects it to this hugely successful Australian story.
Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher is making waves this Australia Day with its innovative approach to sausage-making. Led by head butcher Patrick, this independently-owned store with a cult following has rolled out an exciting range of Australia-themed sausages that are bound to delight meat enthusiasts.
Here’s a closer look at what they have to offer for the long weekend leading up to the annual celebration:
Gourmet Lamb Cheese & Vegemite Sausages
Gourmet Pork Bundy Rum & Stanthorpe Apple Sausages
Gourmet Jack Daniels Beef Sausages
Gourmet XXXX Gold Beef Sausages
Gourmet Wagyu Stanthorpe Apple & Ginger Sausages
Gourmet Bowen Mango Chicken Sausages
Gourmet Chilli Chocolate Brisket Sausages
Gourmet Lamb Rosemary & Sweet Potato Sausages
Gourmet Beef & VB Sausages
Gourmet Nannas Pork Belly Sausages
Their unique sausages, such as the Wagyu with ginger and apple combination, demonstrate their commitment to pushing culinary boundaries. Furthermore, they’ve concocted a one-of-a-kind sausage featuring XXXX beer, caramelized onion, and garlic, showcasing their dedication to creating original and flavourful meat products.
Beyond their special Australia Day sausages, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher has a reputation for crafting imaginative creations like the Ballot Banger, a smoky chorizo, honey pork, and beef sausage, during the previous elections. These offerings not only reflect their innovative spirit but also capture the essence of local culture and events.
As a family-owned business, Wavell Heights Gourmet Meats Butcher takes pride in offering a diverse range of locally sourced and ethically raised meat products. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to provide valuable tips on preparing, cooking, and serving meats.
Follow their Facebook page for updates on deals and other specials.
Plans have been announced for an additional $5 million in funding for the SwimStart program, more than doubling the funding allocated to provide swimming lessons for young children.
The vouchers can be used at nearly 180 registered swim schools across Queensland, including Aquatic Achievers Wavell Heights Swim School.
Learning to swim is an essential life skill, especially for young Queenslanders. This extra funding will allow the provision of swimming lesson vouchers to even more families who need support to get their kids in the pool early.
Photo credit: Liza Prosper/Google Maps
The additional $5 million builds on the original $2.5 million allocated to SwimStart and will provide enough funding for the program to continue through June 2025.
Sport Minister Michael Healy said more eligible parents, carers and guardians will be able to get their kids in the water and learn to swim.
The vouchers are available in addition to existing swimming programs offered through primary schools. The Queensland government remains committed to ensuring all school-aged children develop water safety and swimming skills.
SwimStart is a voucher program in Queensland that provides up to one $150 voucher per child aged 0-4 per fiscal year to parents, guardians, or caregivers when enrollment is open. The vouchers can be used to cover the cost of swimming lessons from registered SwimStart providers.
The vouchers can only be redeemed with approved SwimStart activity providers, such as Aquatic Achievers.
If you would like your child to take lessons with a provider that is not currently listed in the SwimStart directory, please contact that organisation directly and inquire about their plans to register as an approved provider. Organisations must complete the registration process before they can accept SwimStart vouchers.
Visit Queensland Government’s website to find SwimStart providers in your area.
The Brisbane business community is mourning the loss of Thomas Claude Lusch, founder of Geebung’s Platypus Print Packaging, who passed away on January 3 at age 68.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Lusch, known as “Tom” to family and friends, who built Platypus Packaging into an award-winning company over the past 40 years. He started the business in 1982 after realising there was a gap in the Queensland market for print embellishing services.
Prior to starting Platypus Packaging, Tom had recently relocated to Queensland from interstate to work for InPrint, an established printing company.
Tom in 1979, whilst working for InPrint (Photo credit: platys.com.au)
Initially run as a hobby out of the family home in Geebung, Tom soon turned his passion into a full-time venture. Platypus Packaging grew from humble beginnings with a small handheld machine to become a leader in the industry.
“Named after the unique, egg laying marsupial, this resonated with Tom who wanted his business to be different from the rest and proudly Australian,” Platypus stated in their website.
The Lusch family home at Willcott St (Photo credit: platys.com.au)
In 1984, Tom acquired a Heidelberg Platen printing press and set it up under the family’s Willcott Street home. Having recently moved to Queensland to work for a printing company, Tom decided to turn his print shop hobby into a full-time business. He soon resigned from his job to focus on Platypus Packaging.
Tom invested in a small handheld embellishing machine, which remained in use for years as the company grew. That original machine is now displayed in the Platypus Packaging reception area, representing the humble beginnings of Tom’s ultimately very successful printing venture.
Photo credit: platys.com.au
Tom’s son Aaron said his father was diagnosed with cancer in late 2021, then tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after Christmas last year. Even whilst battling health issues, Tom remained dedicated to the company he started decades ago.
Photo credit: Tom Lusch/Facebook
In addition to his business accomplishments, Tom is remembered for his community spirit and generosity. He was a keen AFL fan who helped local clubs like the Wilston Grange Gorillas over the years.
Friends and family will gather for Tom’s funeral service on January 12 to celebrate his life and contributions. He leaves behind a legacy as a hardworking founder who turned his printing passion into a uniquely Australian success story.
Scams involving fake iPhones have been proliferating on online platforms recently, targeting unsuspecting buyers and prompting the Police to issue warnings to the public.
One man fell victim to this deceit, meeting a seller claiming to offer a brand-new iPhone sealed in its box at an address in Wavell Heights. After paying $1,100, he discovered it was a clever fake—resembling an iPhone but running on an Android system, lacking access to iCloud.
Similar incidents have surfaced across North and South Brisbane in recent weeks. These fake phones look real but lack vital features, leaving buyers out of pocket and disappointed.
This counterfeit iPhone as a bigger chin than the original Photo Credit: Reddit / u/theEdmard
Police advise vigilance when making online purchases. Look out for sellers avoiding addresses, pressuring for cash, providing dateless receipts, offering hefty discounts, or refusing product testing.
A heavily-skinned Android poses as the iPhone operating system, iOS Photo Credit: Reddit / u/theEdmard
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stresses caution. Watch for unusually low prices, new or suspicious sellers, and avoid communication outside secure platforms. Use reliable payment methods like PayPal or Apple/Google Pay and report any scams through Scamwatch.
This warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to nab those behind these scams. They urge anyone with suspicions or information to reach out immediately.
As investigations continue, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Your awareness and caution are crucial shields against these deceitful practices, safeguarding you and the community from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
If you suspect fraudulent activity or have any information, report it promptly to authorities or the ACCC via Scamwatch.
Stay alert, Wavell Heights, and protect yourself against online purchase scams!
Residents of Northgate may soon benefit from an enhanced public transport network, with the proposal of a new bus route connecting The Gap to Northgate.
An ambitious plan to expand Brisbane’s bus services aims to alleviate traffic congestion and offer a more convenient commuting option for locals.
Existing high frequency bus routes Photo Credit: Google My Maps
The proposed bus route seeks to bridge the gap between The Gap and Northgate, ensuring smoother travel and increased accessibility for residents in these areas.
15 new high frequency bus routes Photo Credit: Google My Maps
If implemented, this service could significantly reduce commute times and provide an alternative transportation choice for those living and working in Northgate.
This would help connect residents to local schools across the city, Greens’ candidate for Walter Taylor Ward, Michaela Sargent said.
Photo Credit: Facebook / Michaela Sargent – (Greens) Walter Taylor ward
The envisaged bus service is slated to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily, offering buses at 10-minute intervals during peak hours and 15-minute intervals during off-peak times.
This frequency aims to cater to the diverse schedules of Northgate residents, ensuring flexibility and convenience in their daily commutes.
The introduction of this new route aligns with the broader initiative to enhance Brisbane’s bus network, intending to create 15 new bus routes and upgrade existing ones.
10 upgrades for existing routes Photo Credit: Google My Maps
The focus on facilitating direct connections between localities underscores a commitment to improve public transport accessibility for all residents, including those in Northgate.
While the proposal is part of a larger plan encompassing multiple routes and upgrades, the specific attention given to The Gap to Northgate connection signifies a strategic move to address the commuting needs of Northgate residents.
This initiative is open to public feedback, encouraging input from Northgate locals to tailor the service to their preferences and requirements.
The proposed addition of this route indicates a potential enhancement in the transportation options available to Northgate residents, potentially reducing reliance on personal vehicles and offering a more sustainable and efficient mode of travel within Brisbane’s transport network.
Local robotics talents Blue BotBuilders and Red BotBuilders have made quite an impression at the state qualifying event of the First Tech Challenge and are now preparing to make a strong showing at the Australian Nationals.
Their collaborative efforts within a strategic three-team alliance not only showcased their technical proficiency but also highlighted their teamwork and innovative spirit, earning them well-deserved recognition within the competition circuit.
First Tech Challenge (FTC) is a competition that demands creativity and technical finesse. Teams comprising 13- to 17-year-old students undertake the task of designing, constructing, refining, and programming a 45cm cubed robot.
This robot operates within a 3.3-meter square game field, navigating and executing specified tasks that put their technical expertise and collaborative skills to the test.
Beyond the competitive aspect, FTC catalyses innovation and learning, encouraging students to delve into problem-solving, prototype development, and networking with industry professionals. It’s a remarkable conduit that seamlessly integrates scientific principles and engineering, offering an immersive experience for these budding innovators.
As the Australian Nationals approach, slated for the 9th and 10th of December, the entire Northgate community eagerly anticipates the BotBuilders’ upcoming performance.
Northgate Cr Adam Allan, alongside the community, has extended heartfelt well-wishes and steadfast support to these young STEM pioneers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our region’s technological advancement and future innovation.
For residents of Northgate intrigued by robotics or eager to engage with these prodigious talents, BotBuilders eagerly welcomes inquiries and potential collaborations. Interested individuals can easily reach out to them via email at botbuilders.au@gmail.com.
