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Kenmore Tavern, Local Pubs Navigate Australia Day Ban Controversy

The Australian Venue Co, which operates The Kenmore tavern, faced community backlash after saying it would ban Australia Day celebrations across its more than 200 venues nationwide, including 90 in Queensland, before backtracking within a day.

Controversy Surrounding Australia Day Policies

The Australian Venue Co (AVC) first asked its venues to refrain from staging particular Australia Day events on 26 January 2025, considering the day was divisive and would hurt some patrons. The decision covered popular local venues such as The Kenmore and was highly criticised by patrons, community leaders, and politicians.

Soon after announcing the ban, AVC apologised, stating that their intention was not to divide but to foster inclusivity. AVC clarified that their venues would remain open on Australia Day, allowing patrons to celebrate the day as they wished.

One of the major venues owned by AVC in Queensland, The Kenmore, has been at the center of debate. As a family-friendly venue and strong local identity, it has been a community hub in Kenmore for years. Residents have expressed hope that the venue will maintain its ability to cater to diverse views while respecting the day’s significance to all Australians.

AVC assured the public that it would not enforce any bans on celebrations and said that it was committed to serving all patrons regardless of their stance on Australia Day.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Residents and community leaders expressed mixed reactions to the decision and subsequent apology. Some politicians criticised the company for dictating how Australians should celebrate their national day, while local businesses in Brisbane emphasised their commitment to traditional Australia Day events, including barbecues and live entertainment.

While some in the Kenmore community voiced disappointment at the change, saying local traditions should be preserved, others welcomed the change, considering it a step towards greater cultural sensitivity. The day marks an important historical milestone for Indigenous Australians.

The Kenmore, Australia Day — *Photo Credit: Tatters/Flicker*

National Debate Over Australia Day

This controversy is part of a wider national conversation about the future of Australia Day. Many establishments, including Woolworths and Aldi, have stopped promoting the day, and over 80 councils across Australia no longer hold citizenship ceremonies on 26 January. Indigenous leaders and activists have long described the date as a day of mourning due to its association with colonisation and its impact on First Nations peoples.

However, opponents of the movement to change or downplay the day argue that it is still a significant opportunity to celebrate Australia’s achievements and multicultural society.

Some have called for boycotts of AVC venues in protest against what they view as unnecessary politicisation of a national holiday.

Published 3-Dec-2024

Bellbowrie Pool to Get Winter Heat, Dog Park to Expand

Photo Credit: Bellbowrie Swimming Pool/Facebook

Bellbowrie residents are in for a treat: warmer winter swims and a new dog park for small breeds.

Brisbane City Council has confirmed that works will soon commence to install a heat pump for the 50-metre pool at Bellbowrie Swimming Pool. This will ensure the facility is heated for the 2025 winter season.

*Photo Credit:* *Bellbowrie Swimming Pool/Facebook*

The pool will remain open during construction, with minimal disruption of swimming and exercise classes.

Additionally, the Council has announced plans to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the off-leash dog park at Booker Place Park. This decision follows ongoing advocacy from local dog owners who expressed concerns about the safety of their smaller pets.

The new small dog enclosure will comprise approximately one-tenth of the total off-leash dog area. It will include concrete pathways, a dedicated entry gate, additional seating, shade trees, and a new water tap and dog bowl. Construction is expected to begin in early 2025.

These improvements are part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing local amenities and improving the lives of Brisbane residents.

Published Date 26-November-2024

Teddy Bears and Tender Care: The Grandmother Helping Kids Overcome Blood Test Anxiety

Valma Jacobsen, a 95-year-old grandmother from Pullenvale, is demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. To help children feel more at ease during blood tests, Valma has donated nearly 100 handmade teddy bears to Mater Pathology’s Moggill Collection Centre in 2024.

Each teddy, carefully knitted and adorned with a tiny heart, provides comfort to young patients as they face the often-intimidating experience of medical testing.

Valma has been crafting these bears for 13 years, producing over 2,000 during that time. Her dedication stems from the simple joy of helping others and the belief that a small gesture can alleviate fear. As a grandmother of six and great-grandmother of four, she finds deep satisfaction in knowing her bears provide reassurance to children when they need it most.

A Heartfelt Gesture That Makes a Difference

Valma views her teddy bears as more than just toys—they are tools to help children feel cared for and supported during a challenging moment. For her, the knowledge that these small creations can bring comfort is motivation enough to continue her work.

Her contributions have been warmly embraced by Mater Pathology’s Moggill Collection Centre, where the bears have become an integral part of the clinic’s child-friendly approach.

Located in the Moggill Village Shopping Centre, the clinic operates Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering services such as paediatric testing, routine pathology tests, and pre-employment screening. The centre places a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for children, and Valma’s bears have become a key part of that effort.

Helping Children Feel Brave

At the clinic, phlebotomists like Shelley Liebenberg have observed the remarkable effect of the teddy bears on young patients. Children who initially feel overwhelmed by the sight of needles and the clinical setting often become calmer and more cooperative after receiving one of Valma’s bears. The simple gesture transforms what might have been a distressing experience into one that feels manageable and even reassuring.

The clinic staff work to personalise each child’s experience, addressing their emotional and developmental needs to ensure a positive encounter. They take special care to create an environment where children can feel brave and supported, using every interaction as an opportunity to show that healthcare doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Moggill Collection Centre teddy bears — *Photo Credit: Supplied/Mater/J&A Photography*

A Community-Driven Mission

Mater Pathology’s efforts to create child-friendly healthcare environments extend across its network of over 40 locations in southeast Queensland. The organisation prioritises accessibility and comfort for families, and initiatives like Valma’s teddy bear program help reinforce a sense of trust in the healthcare system. By fostering welcoming, supportive clinics, Mater Pathology ensures families can access quality care close to home.

The Moggill clinic exemplifies this approach, combining community contributions like Valma’s bears with specialised staff training to provide a compassionate experience for young patients. These efforts align with Mater Pathology’s broader mission to reimagine the healthcare journey for children.

A Lifelong Impact

Valma’s commitment to crafting teddy bears reflects her deep desire to help others. For her, the simple act of creating something that can bring comfort to a frightened child is worth every moment of effort. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can transform moments of fear into moments of hope and reassurance.

Families interested in child-friendly healthcare options can learn more about Mater Pathology’s services by visiting their website or contacting their central line.

Published 9-Nov-2024

Inside Kenmore State High School’s Successful German Immersion Program

In an era where language learning in Australia faces challenges, Kenmore State High School stands out as a beacon of linguistic and cultural engagement.

Read: New High School Facility in Moggill Still Not Possible, Kenmore State High School To Make Changes to Protect Learning Environment

Despite a general decline in language study across many Queensland state schools, Kenmore State High’s German Immersion and Extension Program (GIEP) thrives, attracting a diverse group of students eager to learn and excel in a second language.

This innovative program not only teaches the German language but also integrates it into a variety of subjects, providing a rich and immersive educational experience.

The Importance of Language Learning

Photo credit: Kenmore State High School/Facebook

In Queensland, while students typically begin language education in Years 5 to 8, the trend shows a significant drop in enrollment from Year 9 onwards. Schools are encouraged to teach languages from Prep to Year 12, but it is not compulsory beyond Year 8. This decline is concerning for educators and linguists alike, as learning a second language can enhance cognitive abilities, cultural understanding, and future career opportunities.

At Kenmore State High School, the GIEP offers a compelling alternative. With a focus on academic excellence, the program is designed for students with little or no prior experience in German.

Subjects such as Maths, Science, History, Geography, and Health and Physical Education are taught in German, allowing students to develop language skills in practical contexts. This immersive approach is akin to living in a German-speaking country, providing students with a unique opportunity to become proficient in the language.

The GIEP is structured to foster both language acquisition and a broader understanding of German culture. By learning through subjects that are already part of their curriculum, students can see the practical application of the language. This not only enhances their learning experience but also motivates them to engage more deeply with the material.

In addition to the core subjects, students have the option to combine the immersion program with Music Extension, creating a multifaceted educational experience that nurtures creativity alongside language skills. The integration of music and language learning can further enrich students’ engagement and passion for their studies.

Recognition and Opportunities

The impact of the GIEP is evident in the successes of its students. Earlier this year, one of Kenmore’s own was awarded a prestigious three-week full Partners for the Future (PASCH) Scholarship. This initiative is designed to foster interest in German language, culture, and society among young Australians.

Scholarships like this provide students with invaluable opportunities to expand their understanding of the language and its cultural context, further enhancing their educational journey.

A Bright Future for Language Learning

Kenmore State High School’s success with the GIEP demonstrates the potential for language immersion programs to thrive even in a challenging educational landscape. By providing a dynamic and engaging curriculum, Kenmore is not only defying state trends but also preparing its students for a globalised world where multilingualism is increasingly valuable.

As the school continues to champion the importance of language learning, it sets a powerful example for other institutions. With programs like GIEP, the future of language education in Queensland can remain bright, inspiring the next generation to embrace the richness of diverse languages and cultures.

Read: Kenmore Mum and Children’s Book Author An ‘Everyday Heroes’ Finalist

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the skills gained through programs like the GIEP at Kenmore State High School will serve students well, fostering a lifelong appreciation for learning and cultural exchange.

Published 31-October-2024

Explorers Bridge: Mt Crosby’s New Weir Bridge Honours 200-Year Legacy

In a tribute to the region’s rich exploratory history, the newly constructed weir bridge at Mt Crosby has been officially named “Explorers Bridge,” with signage installed earlier this month marking the occasion.

Read: New Flood-Resilient Mount Crosby Vehicle Bridge Enhances Connectivity in Kholo, Karana Downs, Anstead, Bellbowrie & Surrounds

The naming decision comes at a particularly fitting time, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of explorers John Oxley and Allan Cunningham’s historic journey to this section of the Brisbane River.

While community consultation yielded over 100 responses, with more than one-third favouring “Belle Vue Mountain Bridge” – a nod to the area’s original white settlement name – local authorities opted for an alternative.

Cr Greg Adermann explained the reasoning behind setting aside the popular choice: “Not far away is Bell’s Crossing, and in the event of a future flood, we could have a scenario where Bell’s Crossing is under but Belle Vue Bridge is still open. That could lead to confusion with local motorists about what is open and what isn’t.”

Bridge to the Past

Portrait of John Oxley, 1810, from watercolour (Photo credit: Public Domain/State Library of New South Wales Collections/Wikimedia Commons)

The chosen name, Explorers Bridge, honours the legacy of two significant figures in Australian exploration. John Oxley, an English explorer and surveyor, made detailed observations of the area during his expedition.

On 23 September 1824, after ascending Mt Crosby, he noted in his diary: “The country did not seem ill-peopled, fires being seen in every quarter from the eastern ranges of Mt Warning to the distant west.”

His companion, Allan Cunningham, brought botanical expertise to the expedition. Cunningham, who arrived at Sydney Cove aboard the Surry in December 1816, joined the exploration at the suggestion of Governor Lachlan Macquarie while awaiting the expedition’s departure.

Allan Cunningham, undated (Photo credit: Queensland Museum)

Oxley’s contributions to Australian exploration extended beyond the Brisbane River region. In 1823, under Governor Brisbane’s direction, he led a northern expedition in search of a new penal settlement site.

During this journey, he was captivated by the Tweed River valley, describing it as “beautiful beyond description” with its “deep rich valley clothed with magnificent trees” and the magnificent backdrop of Mt Warning.

Read: Proposals for Heritage Trail and Footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield Receive Overwhelming Community Support

The new interpretative signage has been strategically placed to allow pedestrians and cyclists crossing the old weir bridge to safely stop and learn about this significant piece of local history.

Published 24-October-2024

Kenmore Paramedic Wins Award for Life-Saving Children’s Book

A critical care paramedic from Kenmore has been recognised as an Achievement Finalist by the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards for her work writing a children’s book aimed at easing kids’ anxiety around medical emergencies and raising funds for important causes.

Critical Care Paramedic Amy Gomes received the Achievement Award at the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, held on 11 October 2024. The awards celebrate exceptional contributions from Queensland’s frontline workers and volunteers.

Amy, a Kenmore resident, wrote and self-published the book “What Paramedics Do” in late 2023 after noticing how often young children were scared during medical emergencies. The book educates children on the role of paramedics and has been used to reduce medical anxiety by making the unfamiliar more approachable for kids.

Amy Gomes QBank Everyday Heroes — *Photo Credit: Amy Gomes/Instagram*

Recognition at the QBANK Awards

Amy was one of 23 finalists recognised at the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, an event celebrating Queensland’s frontline workers from fields such as police, fire, health, and education. These awards, now in their 10th year, honour individuals who go above and beyond to serve and protect their communities.

While Amy took home the award for Achievement, other winners included a far north Queensland ambulance officer who used cultural knowledge to help evacuate a town during a cyclone, and a volunteer firefighter from Coomera who has dedicated eight years to protecting his community. All the winners received $2,000, plus an additional $2,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.

“What an absolute honour. I have been advised that two wonderful humans took the time to nominate me for a @qbank_au everyday hero award and I have been absolutely so fortunate to now be named a finalist,” Amy said. “While they wouldn’t tell me who, I hope you know you made me feel very much appreciated 🥺 Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge someone else. It really is a truly special thing to make someone else feel valued – thank you, unknown, beautiful souls”

Amy said she was honoured to be recognised alongside so many other dedicated Queenslanders. She plans to donate her prize money to Heart of the Nation, a charity focused on improving access to AEDs, furthering her commitment to community health and safety.

Community Impact

Amy has been a paramedic for 15 years, working across Queensland and around the world. Her experiences, particularly in rural and remote areas, inspired her to write the book, which has now been adapted for international audiences. Through her small business, One Little Heart, Amy donates part of the proceeds from the book to charity, raising tens of thousands of dollars for over 25 organisations.

Amy’s work doesn’t stop at writing. She has been instrumental in facilitating the donation of four public-access Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Queensland communities, with two more ready for installation. She is also advocating for a public-access AED Bill through the state government, hoping to improve Queenslanders’ access to these life-saving devices and embed AED education in schools.

Looking ahead, Amy is already working on her next children’s book, “What Police Do,” which aims to provide similar education and anxiety-reducing benefits for kids when interacting with law enforcement officers. She hopes to continue expanding her series and bringing awareness to the important roles of frontline workers.

Published 11-Oct-2024

Pickleball Courts Proposed for Kenmore and Moggill Parks

Two new multi-use pickleball courts are being considered for Twilight Street Park in Kenmore and Westaway Park in Moggill, with local residents invited to provide feedback to help shape the project.

Plans to Enhance Community Spaces

The proposed courts aim to serve as versatile spaces for pickleball and other sports, like basketball and netball, promoting outdoor activities for a broad age range. At Twilight Street Park, the court would feature a basketball hoop at one end and a netball hoop at the other, while Westaway Park would combine pickleball with a new basketball shooting hoop, replacing the current one.

Pickleball has grown in popularity in Brisbane and across Australia due to its benefits for physical health and social connection. The hope is that these new courts will bring more opportunities for local residents to engage in active and sociable activities. Feedback from the community is being sought to ensure the project meets residents’ needs, with submissions due by 25 October.

Twilight Street Park — *Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann/Facebook*

Mixed Community Responses

While many locals support the idea of new recreational facilities, there have been mixed reactions. A local tennis coach suggested that existing tennis courts could be adapted for pickleball, rather than building new ones, citing cost efficiency benefits and creating structured programs for players of all ages.

Concerns have also been raised about potential issues with noise, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour. A resident shared their experiences living near a public basketball court, pointing to problems like loud music, bullying, and general disruption for park users. These concerns highlight the need to ensure the courts are thoughtfully designed to minimise disturbance while offering value to the community.

Some residents have also requested that the basketball hoop at Westaway Park be adjusted to the correct height, particularly for older players and those involved in state-level competitions. The proposed plan includes making this adjustment as part of the project.

How to Provide Feedback

Community feedback is a key part of shaping the final design of these courts. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns to ensure the facilities meet local needs. One important detail is that lighting will not be included in the project to avoid disturbances, addressing some residents’ concerns about light pollution.

Those wishing to share their feedback can do so by emailing pullenvale.ward@brisbane.qld.gov.au. The deadline for feedback is Friday, 25 October, after which the next steps in the project will be determined based on the input received. The community’s involvement will help shape the future of these parks in Kenmore and Moggill.

Published 11-Oct-2024

Award Nomination for Local Recycling Scheme by Kenmore Rotary

A local community, who obtained a Containers for Change Scheme ID when the scheme began in November 2018, has been nominated for a “Change Maker award— Charity/Community Group.”

Kenmore Rotary Club was an early adopter in the movement to recycle plastic containers and the program, run by the members of the club, has evolved into a wide array of collection points across Kenmore through to Moggill.

Kenmore Rotary members Michael Fitzgerald and Ken Ryan have used their combined career knowledge to take the project to the next level since COVID put everything on hold.

Kenmore Rotary Pullenvale Container Recycling Station — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

“Our initial intention was for the recycling project to be one of our community projects that raised some revenue and reduced landfill,” says Michael Fitzgerald, a former Queensland Law Society President.

“As a club, we are always looking at assisting the community and raising revenue that can be used for the range of good causes our Rotary Club supports.”

Kenmore Rotary Containers for Change — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Included in the plan was the engagement of schools in the local area, getting students to encourage parents to recycle containers through Kenmore Rotary’s collection network.

“Initially, we had two very large cages manufactured that were placed at E-Waste in Kenmore Hills and Pullenvale Marketplace,” says former Town Planner, Ken Ryan.

Local State MP Christian Rowan played a role in helping Kenmore Rotary apply for a grant from the Department of the Environment. The grant application was successful and a trailer was purchased that enabled club members, some 30-strong volunteers, to run a roster emptying the cages and delivering the containers to a Coex depot where they were turned into a cash donation to the club.

This led to more donation points being arranged at:

The Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Kenmore

St Catherine’s Church in Moggill

The Anglican Church in Kenmore

A member’s house in Aronia Street in Kenmore

Later three further collection points were added:

A cafe on Brookfield Road in Kenmore

A block of units in Merlin Terrace in Kenmore

A commercial property in Brookfield

With the scheme increasing to include wine and spirit bottles, the wider network became difficult for members to keep up with, and so Ken and Michael started to have conversations with Community Co Recycling Pty Ltd (the Coex operator the Club has been working with in relation to collections for several years). This led to the Club booking them to pick up from the various sites, freeing Kenmore Rotary members up to focus on other ways to raise revenue and support the range of local good causes as well as school children in PNG.

The project to date has stopped 537,085 containers being added to landfill and raised $153,708.50 distributed between Kenmore Rotary good causes and partners.

Kenmore Rotary’s current range of local good causes supported:

A Domestic Violence shelter, Domestic Violence support services, including Legal services;

Youth mentoring programs from STEM programs to Leadership programs;

Learner Driver programs;

Supporting children in desperate need and delivering Primary and Secondary school awards;

Community programs from running the annual Citizenship Ceremony, to ANZAC day, to the Brookfield Show, to a range of Christmas food donations to those in need;

A range of defibrillators bought and installed at the Brookfield Showgrounds, Pullenvale Marketplace and Kenmore Village Shopping Centre.

Kenmore Rotary’s range of overseas programs supported:

An Opthamologist’s Program in Nepal to help Nepali people in desperate need of eyesight help;

An Arts Centre in Port Moresby;

Various donations to PNG through “Donations in Kind.”

Kenmore Rotary has also been instrumental in raising funds for e-Waste which enables disabled youths to access work experience through the NDIS.

A humble group of 40 members donating their time and expertise in the Kenmore area can achieve great things. It’s no surprise they have been nominated for a Change Maker Award.

Published 6-Oct-2024

Kenmore Mum and Children’s Book Author An ‘Everyday Heroes’ Finalist

Kenmore mother Amy Gomes has been named a finalist in the 2024 QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards, recognising her exceptional efforts to reduce children’s medical anxiety and support life-saving causes.

Read: Kenmore Local Suellen Hardie Awarded OAM for Service to Swimming Community

Gomes’ journey from frontline healthcare worker to children’s author began with a simple observation. Throughout her 15-year career as a Critical Care Paramedic and Patient Safety Specialist, she noticed the fear that often gripped young children when confronted with emergency services.

Everyday Heroes — Amy Gomes (Photo credit: Ange Costes Photography)

“I became a Paramedic because I like meeting new people and am extremely privileged to be allowed into people’s worlds to make a positive impact, sometimes on the worst day of their lives,” she said.

“The most enjoyable times have been working in rural and remote locations, during relief opportunities or deployments during natural disasters.

“It allowed me to meet so many different people in our beautiful state, and it is also where I learnt how to be an independent Paramedic which set me up well for my progression into the Critical Care realm.”

“As a Paramedic, there are many occasions where we interact with kids in quite daunting circumstances,” Gomes explained. “It’s not uncommon for them to be afraid of us, even when they aren’t the patient.”

Recognising a lack of resources addressing this issue for young audiences, Gomes took matters into her own hands. In late 2023, she self-published “What Paramedics Do,” a children’s book aimed at normalising and explaining the role of these crucial first responders.

The impact of her initiative extends far beyond her local community. Since its release, the book has become a valuable tool for starting conversations about paramedics, providing education, and reducing medical anxiety in children through increased familiarity.

But Gomes’ ambitions reach even further. Through her small business, ‘One Little Heart,’ she’s channelling the book’s success into tangible, life-saving results. One dollar from every sale goes to Greg Page’s charity, Heart of the Nation.

“So far, I have been able to facilitate the donation of four public access Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), with two more awaiting handover,” she said.

The paramedic’s efforts don’t stop there. Gomes is actively advocating for a public access AED Bill through the state government, aiming to improve Queenslanders’ access to these critical devices and incorporate related education into school curricula.

Her work has garnered international attention, with an American adaptation of the book now available. Gomes is already planning the next instalment in her series, “What Police Do,” further expanding her educational reach.

The QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards have recognised Gomes in the Achievement category, a distinction that both humbles and excites her. “I am enormously honoured and grateful to be nominated by my peers and even more stoked to be a finalist,” she says.

Should she win, Gomes plans to donate the prize money to Heart of the Nation for the purchase of another life-saving AED. It’s a decision that perfectly encapsulates her commitment to community service and saving lives – a mission that touches lives across Queensland and beyond.

Read: From Bills to Bliss: Pullenvale Family’s Life-Changing Phone Call

The winners of the QBANK Everyday Heroes Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Brisbane on 11 October 2024, potentially adding another chapter to this inspiring Kenmore mum’s remarkable story.

Published 1-October-2024

Pullenvale State School Student Makes History at National Spelling Bee

In a nail-biting national final filled with “firsts,” the fourth annual National Spelling Bee crowned its champions, including a historic win for Pullenvale State School.

Jillian Strong, a 10-year-old student, clinched the title, marking the first time a Queensland student has won the national competition. The final round proved challenging, with no student achieving a perfect score. All three new champions scored an impressive 29 out of 30.

Jillian’s Journey to Victory

*Photo Credit:* *Pullenvale State School File Photo 2022/ Facebook*

Jillian, the only finalist in the Orange level (Years 5-6) category nationwide to achieve a near-perfect score, completed the final round in an impressive 2 minutes and 1.685 seconds. Reflecting on her previous performance, she remarked, “Last year, I came fifth. I was nervous before the final but mostly excited that I made it that far.”

The word that proved elusive for Jillian was “frontispiece.” She admitted that she never heard it before but still tried her luck.

A passionate reader, Jillian expressed her enjoyment of the competition, highlighting the timer’s added challenge and the words’ unpredictable nature. She is still deciding what word to ask the PM Anthony Albanese when they meet, but she is leaning towards a medical term, noting their often silent letters and unique pronunciations.

Other National Champions

*Sydney Grammar School*
*Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map*

The competition also saw other remarkable victories. Aditya Paul, a 13-year-old from Sydney Grammar School, clinched the Red Level (Years 7-8) championship with a swift time of 1 minute and 34.433 seconds. Echo Feng from Brindabella Christian College in Canberra secured the Green level (Years 3-4) title with a careful and deliberate performance.

State and Territory Highlights

*Photo Credit:* *PMAnthonyAlbanese/ Facebook*

The Spelling Bee showcased exceptional talent from across Australia. While absent from the winner’s circle this year, Victoria boasted impressive performances, particularly from Nischal Y of Melbourne Grammar School.

South Australia also shone, with Chloe D of St Dominic’s Priory College achieving the state’s top result. Tasmania celebrated its best performance to date, with Bella-Rose M of St John’s Catholic School securing the national Second Runner Up position in the Orange level.

The Northern Territory also made its mark, with Amy S of Haileybury Rendall School placing in the top 10 nationally.

The National Spelling Bee continues to inspire and challenge young minds nationwide, fostering a love for language and learning.

Published Date 23-September-2024