The first sod has been turned for a more than $10 million package of works at Longreach Hospital that will deliver a new renal dialysis unit for the Central West region.

The new nurse-assisted haemodialysis unit will be the first for the Central West Hospital and Health Service and will be built as an extension to the South Wing of Longreach Hospital, close to the Allied Health service. The existing pathology laboratory and the pharmacy department will also be upgraded and expanded as part of the works.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said this would be the first nurse-assisted haemodialysis unit in Central-West Queensland.

People on haemodialysis spend, on average, five hours a day three days per week connected to a haemodialysis machine to maintain life, with one in 10 people needing kidney dialysis.

“We know how tough it can be for people who travel long distances to receive dialysis, as well as for their families,” she said.

“These new works will ensure Longreach Hospital is fit-for-purpose for our hardworking frontline staff to continue delivering their world-class healthcare, benefiting Central West residents for years to come.”

Ms Fentiman said there would still be people who would have to relocate for specialised treatment.

Central West Hospital and Health Service chief executive Anthony West said having this vital service closer to home for Central Queenslanders would be an immense improvement for those suitable when it becomes available.

“Nurse-assisted dialysis is a complex service to deliver, requiring access to specialist medical and allied health support and on-site nursing staff,’’ he said.

“For this reason, the Central Queensland Kidney Service at Rockhampton has partnered with Central West Health to support the safe provision of dialysis care at Longreach.”

Brisbane-based Quadric Pty Ltd was announced as the successful tenderer for the works in December last year.

Work is expected to be completed by mid to late 2024, weather permitting.

Upgrades and refurbishments to Longreach Hospital have been underway since 2017, bringing the total investment to more than $30 million.

Previous upgrading works at Longreach Hospital have already been delivered, including a new and expanded maternity unit. a  new day surgery unit, a new medical imaging department that includes the Central West’s first CT scanner, an upgraded emergency department, new air-conditioning system, upgraded electrical systems and extensive upgrades to the nurse call and medical gas systems.

Quadric celebrated Christmas this year with a session of Axe Throwing at Lumper Punks in West End.

Although some took to the skill faster than others, there was lots of laughter and bit of friendly competition too.

The prize for best use of a deadly weapon went to Lachie Malloch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoke Joinery, a division of Quadric, is quietly changing the landscape by creating a workplace that is welcoming for all genders.

One of the biggest obstacles to obtaining gender equality in the construction trade is the lack of workplaces that actively recruit women into apprenticeships. But in joinery, where quality standards are paramount, things are starting to change.

Currently more than 25% of the permanent trade staff at Spoke Joinery are female compared to the 3% representation of tradespeople Australia wide*.  The benefits couldn’t be clearer. Our attention to detail is higher and we have a more productive and dedicated workforce.

Not only are we growing and filling those positions that we couldn’t before, but we have found that all genders thrive in a equitable environment and our projects benefit from it.

*Sydney Morning Herald April 1st 2022.

 

IN THE MEDIA : Ipswich News Today  27/3/22

Future cabinet maker on her way to success

By Rowan Anderson

Not many people can say they enjoy putting flatpacks together but Australian Industry Trade College student Hannah Rattey has been doing that since she was five-years-old.

It was inevitable that her talent brought her to the doors of the AITC to pursue a pathway in industry.

Like all AITC students, Hannah found work experience and tried various industries while working hard to complete her Year 12 Queensland Certificate of Education.

“When I was at my old school I hadn’t done any work experience,” says Hannah.

“The extent of building anything was a 50-minute lesson about three or four times a week. It was fun but it wasn’t going to get me anywhere.”

The AITC encourages all students to find their career with a series of work experience placements during industry blocks.

“Being at the AITC has really helped me to have that extra push to start my career.”

That extra push led her to work experience with Spoke Joinery (Quadric) at the beginning of this year.

After only a few weeks, manager Lee Wood could see she was a great fit for the team and he was keen to sign her up as a school-based apprentice in cabinet making.

Hannah will be Spoke Joinery’s fifth school-based apprentice from the AITC with three young people still working with the team.

“It feels amazing to be signed up. All that hard work and exploring what I want to do has finally paid off. Now I can settle into one place and learn more every day.”

Ipswich AITC campus manager Yvette Pratt said Hannah was a great example of what could be achieved at the College.

“Hannah demonstrates the school’s values and outcome to the highest level. It is one of the reasons she was chosen to become one of the school’s leaders.

“Her commitment to her trade and leading women forward in industry helps #breakthebias every day. We are grateful to have such a hardworking, dedicated young woman to represent the AITC and we are proud of all that she has accomplished.

“Our promise is to connect young people with opportunities in industry, and industry with great young people, and Hannah is a true testament of that promise.”

COHORT by Economic Development Queensland (Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning) has been crowned the Rider Levett Bucknall Queensland State Development of the Year.

RLB Managing Director, Matt Long, congratulated EDQ and the Queensland Government.

‘COHORT has rapidly become a launchpad for health and technology start-ups, entrepreneurs and mentors, creating places and investment opportunities for Queenslanders to prosper,’ Mr Long said.

‘RLB is proud to have been involved in this development, providing cost consultancy services to EDQ.’

 

https://youtu.be/85b4JduunaI

COHORT opened in May 2019 in the heart of the 200-hectare Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct in Southport and has been expanded twice to meet demand to become one of the largest innovation spaces in Queensland.

Its location in the former Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Athletes’ Village made it a key pillar of EDQ’s post-Games development strategy for its 9.5ha of developable area.

 

Creativity, connectedness and entrepreneurship

A design collaboration between EDQ, Quadric, Space Cubed Design Studio and ArkLAB, COHORT delivers a 2,500sqm space that promotes collaboration and interaction, enhanced by an integrated management model.

Property Council’s Queensland Executive Director, Jen Williams, said EDQ’s ability to take a strategic, long-term position to generate economic value through the precinct was key to its success.

‘The Queensland Government, through EDQ, has delivered an impressive coworking, innovation and laboratory space that connects entrepreneurs, start-ups and industry leaders under one roof,’ Ms William said.

‘Since it opened in May 2019, COHORT has accommodated more than 160 digital health professionals and start-up innovators that benefit from being co-located with founding partners and collaborators like Griffith Innovation Centre, Gold Coast University Hospital’s Digital Engagement Team, Institute of Glycomics and not-for-profit AI start-up IntelliHQ.

‘Its design, intent and operational success sets a high standard for coworking precincts in Australia and is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.’

About

The Queensland State Development of the Year award is part of the national 2021 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards program. RLB has partnered with the Property Council to present the awards program since its inception in 1982.

COHORT is also a national finalist for the Award for Government Leadership at the 2021 Property Council of Australia / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney in August.

For more on the project see:

Cohort Space

Cohort Labs

 

 

 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed the Gabba as the proposed main stadium should Queensland host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Premier said the Gabba has been home to Queensland sport including cricket and AFL for 126 years.

She said it was time to write a new chapter for its next century which hopefully includes the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

But to take it to that level will need the continued support of all levels of government including the Commonwealth.

“Every games needs a home,” the Premier said.

“The Gabba has been home to our sport since 1895.

“A home for the 2032 Olympic Paralympic Games could be its crowning glory.

Formally known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the Gabba was been earmarked for upgrade because:

• It is already well-used for AFL, cricket and other events
• Is existing infrastructure already connected to the SEQ busway network
• Is centrally located and
• Will have its own Cross River Rail station already under construction connected to the stadium.

A potential upgrade would increase capacity to around 50,000.

It would also include a new pedestrian plaza linking the stadium to the Cross River Rail station which is currently under construction.

The Premier said having a main stadium two kilometres from the CBD gave Queensland an advantage other Games hosts haven’t had.

As a result, the Premier said, the entire city would become a games venue with hundreds of thousands able to share the atmosphere whether they were inside the stadium or not.

Thousands will be able to board trains at a new Albert Street station in the city and arrive at the stadium in as little as three minutes.

This made the games more accessible to people with disabilities and the elderly.

The Premier said the pedestrian plaza could become a games hub of its own with concerts and even medal presentations.

“I can see the river lined with people watching big screens all taking part in the fun and excitement of the games,” the Premier said.

“There’s South Bank leading to West End which is connected to Roma Street via the Kurilpa Bridge with a new bridge under construction for the new Queen’s Wharf development.

“There are city cats offering even more options for transport.

“All of this is infrastructure we already have.”

Minister for Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on the Olympics Stirling Hinchliffe said the Gabba is a work-horse, not a white elephant.

“It’s used on average for 40 weeks of the year with major sports played in summer and winter including international sport,” the Minister said.

Brisbane Stadium Designing firm Populous had provided concept designs for a possible Gabba upgrade.

Director Chris Paterson said the Gabba satisfied the three rules of good development: location, location, location.

“Brisbane already boasts the world’s best rectangular stadium in Suncorp Stadium.” Mr Paterson said.

“This is an opportunity to compliment it with the best round field stadium right in the centre of the city.”
The Gabba would join Cairns, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast as games venues with 85% of already built.

Content Courtesy of https://thegabba.com.au/TheVenue/Latest-News/Gabba-for-the-Games.aspx

Published: Tuesday, 12 January 2021 10:19

Works on the third stage of the Empire Theatre refurbishment will begin this month.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Environment and Community Committee Chair Councillor James O’Shea said this would be the final stage of a rolling renewal program on the 110-year-old Empire Theatres complex.

 

“The Empire Theatre holds so much significance and is our cultural hub,” Cr O’Shea said.

“It’s not just an important building within the Toowoomba Region but is one of the leading regional performance centres in the country.

“There is so much history in this building and it’s vital we preserve the facility so it can con

tinue to thrive for many years to come.”

Previous stages of the refurbishment included upgrades to the seating and carpet, additional female toilet facilities, improvements to accessibility, improvements to the north bar and all foyer areas and the addition of a new south bar.

“These additions have ensured the heritage-listed building remains a treasured complex,” Cr O’Shea said.

“As part of the next phase, work will focus on the change rooms, amenities, stage door entry and rehearsal room.

“This final stage will ensure the precinct continues to serve the community as a significant and well-utilised landmark.”

The tender for the refurbishment has been awarded to construction company, Quadric, with the project expected to be completed in May 2021.

After a difficult year for the theatre industry in 2020, Empire Theatre General Manager Kerry Saul welcomed the completion of the project.

“This final stage ensures the whole facility will now have been refurbished, giving us greater opportunities to attract significant events to this Region,” Mr Saul said.

“These changes will see the ‘back-of-house’ modernised with an increase in capacity which means it will take us less time to set up for big events.

“It will also add to our event and conference capability which is not only good for the theatre, but for the entire region.”

Empire Theatre performances and events will continue per normal schedule during the construction period.

For more information contact Council on 131 872 or email info@tr.qld.gov.au.

Cohort announces expansion with shared lab facilities set to empower scientific entrepreneurs in South East Queensland.

Cohort Innovation Space is quickly cementing its reputation as the Gold Coast’s home for health and technology startups.

Just ten months after opening their doors, the innovation space has already begun their first expansion with the construction of three PC1 and PC2 scientific lab facilities underway.

Located within Lumina – a unique life sciences, health and technology commercial cluster being developed by the Queensland Government – the Cohort Labs will empower bio innovators and scientific entrepreneurs by providing them with access to state-of-the-art labs and office space to help them accelerate new ideas and research to market.

The 330m2 expansion is on track to launch in April 2020 with fit-out well underway by one of Australia’s leading commercial construction companies, Quadric.

Cohort Chief Executive Officer, Ben Howe said the translational research facilities are an excellent addition to shared work facilities that Cohort already offers.

“The announcement of the CoLabs is a very exciting one as it puts us one step closer to achieving our long-term goal of building a world-class innovation space here at Lumina that empowers health and technology growth on the Gold Coast.”

“These modern, multi-disciplinary facilities will provide bio innovators a home where they can develop and test new research, make valuable connections, scale quickly and accelerate their findings into market.”

Mr. Howe said the expansion will diversify existing facilities to accommodate the growing biomedical and life sciences industries in South East Queensland.

“We know that scientific entrepreneurs are an integral part of the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct ecosystem and we look forward to watching new research come to life from our very own state-of-the-art facilities upstairs.”

Cohort Labs are located at 16 Nexus Way, Southport.

For more information visit cohortspace.com.au.

Featuring free-flowing champagne and barista-made coffee, this new lounge will be open to anyone with a plane ticket – and it’s like nothing we’ve seen before.

 

 

When Bundy courthouse will unveil new look

BUNDABERG’S only courthouse is in the midst of a makeover, with renovations under way.

Last month work began on the Bundaberg Courthouse, with $2million earmarked for it.

And the work is on schedule.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the extensive internal refurbishment, which will feature modern facilities, is expected to be completed by November.

“Demolition works are continuing on the ground and first floors, with the first floor almost complete,” MrsD’Ath said.

“As at July 1, 34 original windows have been replaced.

“The new windows are both tinted and sealed, which will allow for better and more cost-effective air-conditioning of the building.”

Mrs D’Ath said the courthouse’s front entry would be upgraded with an improved security checkpoint.

“The general public will gain a new reception area and waiting rooms, plus new fixed public seating in the District Court,” she said.

“Jurors will benefit from a refurbished jury deliberation room and tea room/kitchenette, and the courthouse will receive a refurbished administration area.

“The courthouse facelift includes the new windows, blinds, carpets and an internal repaint, along with upgraded bathrooms.”

The stairs and bathrooms on the ground floor of the courthouse have been blocked off for construction works.

But Mrs D’Ath said there had been no hold-up to other court services thus far.

“Despite the significant amount of work being undertaken, there will be no disruption to the delivery of services throughout the refurbishment,” she said.

Quadric Pty Ltd was awarded the refurbishment contract on May14, 2019, supporting almost seven full-time equivalent jobs during the six-month project.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing our courts and court users with the best possible amenities for the important business they conduct,” MrsD’Ath said.

Last year the LNP called for a new courthouse to be built, with Opposition justice spokesman David Janetzki saying it would mean greater security and modern facilities for staff and court-goers.