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Engagement News for Kenmore SHS Alumna Cate Campbell

Kenmore State High School alumna and former Olympian Cate Campbell has announced her engagement to partner Adam Kerr, sharing the news from their local beach.

Kenmore SHS Graduate Shares Engagement Update

Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell, a former student of Kenmore State High School, has announced her engagement to long-time partner Adam Kerr. The 33-year-old shared the news through social media on Sunday, 20 July 2025, posting images of a sunrise beach proposal and a close-up of her diamond engagement ring.

Cate Campbell and Adam Kerr — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Sunrise Proposal at Local Beach

According to Campbell’s caption, the proposal occurred the previous Saturday morning while the couple were watching the sunrise near their new local beach. Kerr’s proposal reportedly came as a complete surprise. Campbell accepted the proposal and described the moment as deeply emotional.

Cate Campbell announcement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Long-Term Relationship and Return to Brisbane

The couple has been together on and off for six years. They briefly separated when Campbell moved to Sydney to continue her swimming career, with Campbell later describing the break as her “biggest heartbreak.” The pair reunited after she returned to Brisbane, where they have since remained together.

Career and Local Ties

Campbell represented Australia at four Olympic Games, winning eight medals including four gold. She retired from competitive swimming in 2024 following an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for a fifth Olympic appearance. Campbell attended Kenmore State High School after her family migrated from Malawi to Brisbane in 2001. She is recognised as one of Australia’s greatest sprint freestylers.

Cate Campbell engagement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Community Reactions

The Instagram post drew widespread positive reactions from followers and friends, including multiple congratulatory comments and praise for the ring. Supporters welcomed the engagement as a joyful development following her retirement from elite sport.

Looking Ahead

The couple has not publicly announced a wedding date. Campbell has previously said she is not planning for parenthood in the near future, stating a need to explore life beyond her swimming career. Her engagement marks a personal milestone for the Kenmore SHS alumna, who remains widely admired within Australian sport.

Published 26-July-2025

Rotary Club of Kenmore Presents Flood Relief Concert Featuring Kelsey Giarola

On Sunday, August 3, local music lovers will have the chance to experience a stirring afternoon of live performance while supporting a vital cause, as the Rotary Club of Kenmore hosts a special Flood Relief Concert, demonstrating Rotary’s enduring commitment to service above self and community care. .

Read: $10K From Kenmore Rotary Brings Hope to Flood-Hit Outback

Headlining the event is acclaimed vocalist Kelsey Giarola, a Brisbane-based singer-songwriter known for her captivating voice and heartfelt original music.

Giarola, who holds a Master of Music Studies in Voice Pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium, has made a name for herself performing at weddings, private functions, and events across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Her debut album, released in 2018, showcases her pop and easy listening style, with tracks like “I Won’t Stop” and “I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” In addition to performing, she also offers vocal coaching.

She will be performing at the Kenmore Anglican Church from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with the Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band. Celebrated for its polished sound and diverse repertoire that spans classical and contemporary favourites, the band will be conducted by Adrian Head.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 concession, and free for children under 12. Bookings can be made via Rotary Club of Kenmore at www.rotarykenmore.org, and enquiries directed to David on 0419 700 647.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Rotary Districts 9620 and 9560 Western Queensland Flood Appeal, supporting recovery efforts in communities affected by devastating floods.

The Rotary Club of Kenmore’s Flood Relief Concert is a chance to enjoy outstanding local talent while lending a hand to those in need—music with meaning, right in the heart of the community.

Read: Moggill Creek Overflowed: Roads Blocked and Community Services Affected in Kenmore Hills & Brookfield

Published 24-July-2025

Police Solve Kenmore Shoe Theft: 53 Right Boots Recovered, Man Faces Court

Kenmore’s oddest crime story has reached its final chapter. Police have charged a man accused of stealing 53 right-foot boots from a local shoe shop, and the entire haul has now been returned, safe and slightly more famous than before.

The alleged theft took place on the night of July 7 at Shoe Fashions in Kenmore, where a man reportedly helped himself to every right boot on the store’s sale table, which until now had never lost a single shoe in 29 years.

Arrest Made, Boots Recovered

A 49-year-old man from Mount Gravatt East was arrested on July 18 at Broadbeach. He has been charged with entering a premises and committing an indictable offence. Police said the man was identified with the help of CCTV and public tips, and appeared in Southport Magistrates Court the same day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Blyth called the case one of the more unusual thefts officers have dealt with, noting that, while odd, the investigation was handled like any serious offence. All 53 stolen boots have since been recovered and returned to the store.

The Store Speaks: “Bootiful News!”

Shoe Fashions Kenmore shared the news of the boots’ safe return in an upbeat post on Instagram, jokingly referring to the case as “The Great Right Boot Heist.” The store said the missing shoes had completed their “adventure around Brisvegas” and returned with a bit of “criminal fame,” but still looking “fab.”

In the post, the shop thanked Queensland Police for their “sole search” work and credited the media and community for helping spread the word. They also invited customers to come and finally reunite with their long-awaited boots.

“We would love for you to come and help give these boots the happily ever after they deserve,” the post read, calling out to anyone who had been waiting for their “RIGHTful” pair to return.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoe Fashions Kenmore (@shoefashionskenmore)

A Local Mystery Turned Community Moment

Shop owner Tamara Shorrock confirmed that the right-foot boots — worth around $7,000 on sale — had been taken while the table was covered overnight. Since the incident, the store has started bringing the shoes inside after hours.

Shorrock said that in nearly three decades of trading, they had never had anything stolen from the sale display until now. The experience has left the team both puzzled and touched by the support, jokes, and genuine concern from their Kenmore community.

“We’re still scratching our heads,” she said earlier, adding that the kindness and humour shared by locals showed just how connected the suburb really is.

Published 18-July-2025

Kenmore State High’s Liezel-Marie Roux to Represent Australia in International Archery Competitions

Kenmore State High School is rallying behind one of its own as school captain and talented archer Liezel-Marie Roux prepares to represent Australia in two prestigious international competitions.

Read: Kenmore State High School Achiever Recognised for QCE Award

Liezel-Marie has been selected to compete at the World Youth Archery Championships (WYAC) in Winnipeg, Canada, and the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand, a proud moment for both the school and the wider Brisbane community.

Photo credit: Australian Sports Foundation/asf.org.au

Aiming to one day compete at the Olympic Games, Liezel-Marie sees these international events as vital milestones in her development as a top-tier athlete.

“These competitions will give me the international exposure, high-level experience, and pressure-tested performance I need to prepare for the Olympic stage. They’re a critical part of my development as an elite athlete,” she said.

“But here’s the challenge: these events are largely self-funded. That means covering costs for flights, accommodation, food, entry fees, and essential gear – all of which adds up quickly.”

“I truly can’t do this alone – I need your help.”

Liezel-Marie, who began archery at just seven years old, says the WYAC is one of the world’s most prestigious youth archery competitions, bringing together elite young archers from around the globe. With compound archery now included in team events for LA 2028, her Olympic dream is closer than ever.

To support her journey, her family is working hard to raise funds to cover the significant travel and competition costs.

Every bit of community support counts. “Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to the world stage and one step closer to my Olympic dream. Thank you so much for your support – it means more than words can say,” she said.

Read: Inside Kenmore State High School’s Successful German Immersion Program

Donations to support Liezel’s medal quest can be made online via the Australian Sports Foundation.

Kenmore State High, along with Liezel-Marie’s supporters, hopes to see her take aim on the world stage, and eventually, the Olympic podium.

Published 16-July-2025

Chern Now Open in Kenmore, Serving Up Modern Asian Favourites

Kenmore’s dining precinct is enjoying a wave of fresh energy, and one of the latest additions turning heads is Chern, a vibrant new restaurant now open on Wongabel Street.

Read: Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill Named Queensland’s Best Suburbs for Families

Tucked into the space formerly occupied by Chaya Asian Restaurant, Chern is the second venture from Nail Saengin and Garfield Pachnoi, the duo behind the much-loved southern Thai restaurant Chalong in neighbouring Chapel Hill.

Building on the warm community welcome they received with Chalong, the pair saw an opportunity to expand their culinary vision just one suburb over. While their first restaurant focused on the traditional flavours of southern Thailand, Chern takes a broader approach, blending elements of Southeast and East Asian cuisines into a playful and flavour-packed fusion menu.

Diners can expect a line-up of bold, share-style dishes designed to surprise and delight. The menu ranges from small bites like duck and chive dumplings and soft-shell crab bao buns to larger plates including sticky tamarind pork belly, green curry with slow-cooked beef ribs, and the crowd-pleasing char kway teow with tiger prawns and pork belly.

Khao Tod Salad (Photo credit: Chern Restaurant – Kenmore/Facebook)

A coral trout coconut salad and Thai-style crispy rice (khao tod) offer fresh, vibrant options, while the grilled king prawns with tom yum sauce bring a punchy finish.

The drink selection has also been carefully curated, featuring Australian and French wines chosen to pair with the menu, along with craft beers and unique offerings like a matcha-infused IPA from Kyoto. Non-drinkers can enjoy thoughtful booze-free options, including a non-alcoholic umeshu.

Inside, Chern impresses with a sleek interior crafted by Clui Design and built by Lowry Group. Its green and cream tiles, soft leather seating, and ambient lighting create a modern yet inviting space. A feline mascot – a nod to the owners’ own cat – adds a personal touch, while the venue’s name, which means “welcoming” in Thai, reflects the restaurant’s relaxed and community-focused spirit.

Read: Kenmore Favourite iFruit Fresh Changes Hands After 8 Years

Chern’s arrival adds further variety to Kenmore’s evolving food scene, joining long-standing favourites and new arrivals alike. With its inviting atmosphere and creative menu, Chern is poised to become a go-to spot for locals looking for something fresh, casual, and full of flavour.

Published 16-July-2025

Kenmore Shoe Theft: Right-Shoe Bandit Leaves Shop With a Leftover Problem

Kenmore shoppers are shaking their heads after a lone thief made off with more than 50 right-foot boots, leaving a family-run shoe shop stuck with the world’s saddest collection of lefties.

The strange Kenmore shoe theft unfolded around 7:35 p.m. on July 7 at a shopping centre on Brookfield Road. CCTV shows a man, suitcase in hand, calmly helping himself to every right boot on a sale table before strolling out as if mismatched footwear is the next big trend.

An Odd Haul Leaves Locals Laughing — and Wondering Why

Tamara Shorrock, who runs Shoe Fashions in Kenmore, says the thief didn’t even bother to hide his face while gathering up the one thing shoe stores deliberately don’t sell solo — single right shoes. The practice of putting out only the right foot is meant to stop shoplifters from nicking a full pair. The plan worked — sort of.

Instead of losing a few pairs, the store is now out about $6,000 in stock and stuck with dozens of left boots that have no dance partner. Shorrock says it’s obvious the thief knew what he was doing — or perhaps didn’t think it through at all.

Bring Them Back — No Awkward Questions Asked

Queensland Police are investigating and asking the community for help to track down the man behind the Kenmore shoe theft. Locals are just as puzzled, asking what good a pile of right boots does anyone. Maybe the thief has a one-legged shoe stall somewhere?

Shorrock says the thief can still fix this awkward mess: slip the boots back under the sale table at night, wear a hat, put on a mask. She promises there’ll be no questions, no awkward chats about what inspired this lopsided haul.

Kenmore’s Unbalanced Boot Mystery

As the community swaps theories, one thing’s for sure: Kenmore is now home to a pile of lonely left boots and a shopkeeper hoping for a happy ending to the most confusing robbery in town.

Police urge anyone with information to quote reference number QP2501199901 and contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Watch the heist unfold:

Published 10-July-2025

Moggill Emerges as One of Brisbane’s Fastest-Growing Suburbs Amid Housing Market Shift

Once seen as a quiet outer-western pocket, Moggill is now one of Brisbane’s fastest-rising housing markets, drawing attention from buyers priced out of more central areas. With its leafy streets, family-friendly appeal, and growing reputation, the suburb is stepping into the spotlight as the city’s property market continues to evolve.

Read: Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill Named Queensland’s Best Suburbs for Families

Moggill recorded a 28.9 per cent increase in median house prices over the past year, according to the latest PRD Smart Moves report, outpacing many of Brisbane’s more established suburbs. This surge places it among the top-performing areas in the city, leading growth on the western side.

The broader report highlights a market shifting under the pressure of limited supply and rising prices. Brisbane’s median house price has reached $989,000, up 6.8 per cent from the previous year. The proportion of affordable unit suburbs has fallen sharply—from 60.3 per cent in late 2024 to just 38.7 per cent in early 2025—indicating that affordability is becoming increasingly scarce.

While inner-city convenience once drove demand, affordability and lifestyle are now steering buyers towards the outer ring. Moggill, traditionally overlooked for its distance from the CBD, is being reconsidered as a practical alternative offering space, quiet, and long-term investment value.

Read: Massive Block, Half-Built Mansion: Moggill Property Seeks New Owner

Citywide, other top house growth suburbs include Virginia (+35.8 percent), Rocklea (+34.4 percent), and Birkdale (+28.3 percent), but Moggill stands out in the west. Meanwhile, the report notes an undersupply of detached houses, with only 186 new standalone homes planned compared to more than 10,000 new units, suggesting further upward pressure on house prices.

As Brisbane’s property market edges toward balance, Moggill’s rise may signal where future value lies—on the fringe, where space and affordability still align.

Published 26-June-2025

Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill Named Queensland’s Best Suburbs for Families

Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill have been named the top places to raise a family in Queensland, according to new research ranking the state’s most liveable suburbs for children.

Read: Kenmore State High School Achiever Recognised for QCE Award

The West Brisbane trio claimed the top spot in a study by iSelect, which assessed suburbs based on childcare access, affordability, and early childhood development outcomes across 80 locations.

What set Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill apart was their balance of key factors, including excellent childcare availability—at 1.39 places per child—and a higher-than-average fertility rate of 1.58 births per woman. These indicators suggest that families aren’t just moving in, but choosing to stay and grow in the area.

Southeast Queensland suburbs dominated the top rankings, with Sherwood and Indooroopilly placing second. That region stood out with the highest child development score among the top five at 88.5 per cent. Brisbane’s Inner West followed in third, performing strongly in both child development—at 87 per cent—and affordability, with childcare costing an average of 25.9 per cent of household income.

Top 10 Australian regions for raising a child (Photo credit: iselect.com.au)

iSelect conducted the study using publicly available government data to determine the most family-friendly regions across Australia. Each area was assessed based on five key indicators: the percentage of children meeting developmental milestones, the availability of childcare places, average childcare expenses, the quality of local healthcare services, and the average fertility rate per woman.

iSelect spokeswoman Sophie Ryan said the results reflect broader community strengths, including well-established infrastructure, quality schools and strong local support—all factors that contribute to a stable and family-friendly environment.

While lifestyle destinations like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast remain attractive, the study noted they were let down by low childcare availability, which affected their rankings.

For one Brisbane family, the decision to move to Kenmore earlier this year after returning from Victoria was an easy one. Their youngest daughter now attends the same kindergarten her father once did, and they were drawn to the suburb’s green spaces, family connections, and semi-rural charm.

Read: New Subdivision in Moggill Set to Boost Housing Options

With a mix of lifestyle, accessibility, and strong community foundations, Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill continue to lead as some of Queensland’s most family-friendly suburbs.

Published 18-June-2025

Echidna Conservation Talk Held in Brookfield Community

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Residents from Brookfield and surrounding suburbs are invited to learn about local conservation efforts as Dr Kate Dutton-Regester presents a talk on echidna monitoring at Kenmore Library.

Community Focus on Wildlife Conservation

An evening session at Kenmore Library on 24 June 2025 will highlight the importance of public participation in echidna conservation efforts across South East Queensland. The event features Wildlife Queensland’s Dr Kate Dutton-Regester, who will discuss the role of citizen scientists in improving understanding of the short-beaked echidna’s distribution and behaviour.

Wildlife Queensland — *Photo Credit: Moggill Creek Catchment Group/Facebook*

Background to the Initiative

In early 2025, Dr Dutton-Regester secured a $9,292 grant from the Wettenhall Environment Trust to launch the “Building a Baseline: Echidna Conservation Through Community Engagement” project. The program aims to address the lack of reliable data on short-beaked echidnas, a species often assumed to be common despite limited records in areas like the Lockyer Valley.

Aims of the Project

The project is focused on establishing foundational data on echidna numbers and locations. It includes the use of camera traps in the Lockyer Valley and other South East Queensland regions. Community members are being trained to install and monitor the equipment, building capacity for ongoing citizen-led monitoring.

Brookfield echidna conservation — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Local Participation Encouraged

The Kenmore event invites participation from residents across nearby suburbs, including Brookfield, with the aim of boosting public interest in conservation. Attendees will gain insight into echidna biology, habitat needs, and methods to support long-term protection strategies. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the talk running from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Entry is via the library’s lift entrance, and refreshments will be available.

Future Outlook

The event supports ongoing efforts to expand community-led monitoring across South East Queensland. The project’s design includes potential collaboration with local councils and community groups in future phases. The project is subject to development and participation.

Published 18-June-2025

Southbound Lane Repairs Begin on Mount Crosby Road Overpass

Photo Credit: TMR Qld/Facebook

Transport and Main Roads has commenced overnight works to restore southbound traffic on the Mount Crosby Road overpass at North Tivoli, following earlier structural damage.

Overpass Works Resume in North Tivoli

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has started repair and reconfiguration works to reopen the southbound lane of the Mount Crosby Road overpass, which has remained closed since mid-May after a bridge strike. The night works began on 3 June and are expected to run for approximately four weeks.

Background of the Bridge Closure

The Mount Crosby Road overpass sustained damage on 16 May 2025 when an oversize vehicle struck the structure while travelling west along the Warrego Highway. The incident led to the closure of all lanes on the overpass while engineering inspections were carried out.

By 18 May, westbound lanes of the Warrego Highway were reopened. Two days later, on 20 May, the overpass was partially reopened, allowing northbound traffic under speed and weight restrictions. The southbound lane, however, remained closed pending further assessment and planning.

Details of Current Works

TMR’s latest efforts involve modifying the existing road layout to accommodate southbound traffic. Works being carried out between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. include the demolition of the western footpath, guardrail adjustments, road widening, and removal of electrical cabling.

To facilitate these works, the northbound lane of the overpass will be closed during active hours, with detours in place. Northbound vehicles are rerouted via Pine Mountain Road, while southbound traffic continues to use the River Road diversion. Load and speed restrictions will apply once the southbound lane is reopened.

Mount Crosby Road updates — *Caption: A photo of the road update on 20 May.*
*Photo Credit: TMR Qld/Facebook*

Community Impact and Next Steps

TMR acknowledged the inconvenience to residents in Karalee, Chuwar and Mount Crosby who rely on the overpass for travel into Ipswich. While full structural repairs to the damaged girders will follow, the current project aims to restore two-way vehicle movement on the overpass to improve access in the interim.

Published 5-June-2025