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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

Clive Palmer Expands Footprint in Fig Tree Pocket

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Jwmcdonald81

Mining magnate Clive Palmer has significantly expanded his presence in Fig Tree Pocket. The 70-year-old businessman has amassed a sprawling compound now estimated to be worth up to $60 million.

Palmer’s property holdings in Fig Tree Pocket now stretch across nearly half a kilometre of Brisbane River frontage. Since the pandemic began, he has tripled his footprint in the area, now owning seven titles that collectively form one of the largest private landholdings in the suburb.

**Clive Palmer started his spree with this Fig Tree Pocket home in 2018.**
Photo Credit: Ray White New Farm

The foundation of Palmer’s Fig Tree Pocket estate is the former property of Peter Bond, which he acquired in 2018 for $7.5 million, a significant discount from its original $12 million listing price. This 1.26-hectare property marked the beginning of Palmer’s expansion in the area.

**Mr. Palmer purchased a neighbouring property in 2020.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Jason Adcock-Adcock Prestige

In 2020, Palmer acquired two neighbouring properties, each priced at $5 million. These acquisitions, made through his company Closeridge and in his own name, secured him control of the left side of the street leading to the Brisbane River.

The extensive river frontage of Palmer’s compound provides him with the unique opportunity to anchor his superyacht, “Australia,” adjacent to his residence.

Among Palmer’s neighbours in Fig Tree Pocket are his son Michael, who owns a nearby property, and Queensland tech entrepreneur Bevan Slattery, founder of NextDC and Megaport, who resides next door on the riverfront.

This significant investment in Fig Tree Pocket real estate comes as Palmer awaits a decision from an international court regarding its jurisdiction to hear his case against the Commonwealth.

Published 24-September-2024

Alleged Brothel in Kenmore Forces Local Real Estate Business to Close

Photo Credit: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash

An extraordinary story on Peter Fegan’s radio show on 4BC Mornings detailed claims that a massage parlour allegedly operating as a brothel in Kenmore has forced a local real estate business to shut its doors due to safety concerns for staff and inappropriate behaviour from customers.

On the radio show, Roxanne Workman, the owner of a Remax real estate office on Brookfield Road in Kenmore, explained that the neighbouring massage parlour, suspected of offering sexual services, has caused her significant business and safety issues.

She said they “can hear everything” that went on with their next-door neighbours. Ms Workman also said that activities were audible during business hours, leaving her staff too uncomfortable.

Ms Workman further mentioned that men had entered her real estate office by mistake, assuming it was the massage parlour and asking for services. Her office has a 20-year-old receptionist, and men have come in to ask if she gives massages.

Ms Workman expressed deep concern about the impact this was having on her staff, with some feeling unsafe working alone in the office.

Relocation Due to Safety Issues

Ms Workman said the massage parlour, which advertises its services online, is located in a quiet suburban area near schools. She raised concerns about the exposure of children and local residents to inappropriate activities, pointing out that Kenmore State School and other local institutions are nearby.

Brothel in Kenmore in Kenmore State School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

The business owner also voiced worries about the safety of her own after-hours business operations, saying the parlour has a discreet back entrance behind her office. Ms Workman relocated her business after her landlord did not respond to her concerns.

Calls for Action

The situation has attracted attention not only from the community but also from local representatives. Ms Workman has been in contact with local officials who have been supportive of the issues she raised about the brothel in Kenmore. However, an immediate solution has yet to be found to resolve the issue.

Mr Fegan, host of the radio program, pledged his support for Ms Workman and promised to follow up on the matter, saying that 4BC and Channel 9 would pursue the case further.

The incident has highlighted growing worries about the placement of such establishments in residential areas. The broader community now questions why businesses that offer adult services are being allowed to open next to family-friendly businesses and schools.

Published 19-Sept-2024

Kenmore Church Hosts Free Movie Event Celebrating Faith and Family for Local Seniors

Kenmore seniors and their families are invited to a special free screening of the Australian film “Unsung Hero” at Kenmore Church. The film highlights the inspiring journey of an Australian family who overcame incredible odds to achieve their dreams in the music industry.

The movie will be shown on Tuesday, 22 October, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kenmore Church, located at 41 Brookfield Road. Attendees will enjoy free popcorn and have the chance to connect with other seniors and community members.

Organised by Churches of Christ, one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit organisations, this event is part of the Queensland Seniors Month celebrations. It recognises seniors’ contributions while fostering community connections and social interaction.

“Unsung Hero” tells the remarkable true story of David and Helen Smallbone, a family who migrated from Australia to the United States after David’s music promotion business collapsed. With nothing more than their faith, seven children, and a deep love of music, the Smallbones rebuilt their lives in Nashville.

Helen’s unwavering faith inspired the entire family to push through hardships, and eventually, their children became two of the biggest names in Christian music—Grammy Award-winning artists for KING + COUNTRY and Rebecca St. James.

Although the film is faith-based, its focus on family, resilience, and the challenges of starting over in a new country appeals to a broad audience. Its story resonates with the universal themes of hope, love, and perseverance, making it perfect for the seniors and caregivers attending this event.

Kenmore Church, where the screening will take place, is a growing, modern church launched in 2019 with a mission to bring a fresh expression of Christianity through multiplying discipleship and spiritual renewal. The church is committed to building connections across generations and contributing to the community’s well-being.

To reserve a spot for the screening, seniors and their carers can call Churches of Christ at (07) 3363 1881 or email events@cofcqld.com.au.

Lone Pine Sanctuary Supports Efforts to Save Koalas as Grim Survival Statistics Emerge

New research shows a disturbing statistic on koalas being lost to accidents and disease. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket helps rehabilitate as many as it can, but data shows thousands are being admitted to wildlife hospitals every year.

Research published in Society and Animals on 4 September 2024 shows that over a 22-year period, 50,858 koalas were admitted to wildlife hospitals, and the majority had to be put down despite the best efforts of veterinarians and carers. The research highlights habitat loss, car strikes, and chlamydia as the leading causes of admission.

Euthanasia: The Most Common Outcome

The data shows that only 25% of koalas admitted to veterinary hospitals were released back into suitable habitats, with euthanasia being the most common outcome. PhD candidate Renae Charalambous, from the University of Queensland, explained that diseases like chlamydia accounted for nearly 30% of hospital admissions, followed by injuries from motor vehicle accidents and dog attacks.

Koalas hit by cars were four times more likely to be found dead than treated and released, and those who did make it to the hospital were three times more likely to be euthanised than saved.

Adult koalas and females were particularly vulnerable, with chlamydia being a key factor in the decision to euthanise many of the admitted animals. The statistics present a bleak picture for the survival of koalas in Queensland, with researchers emphasising the importance of addressing these threats through conservation efforts.

Vaccination as a Ray of Hope

In a related study, koalas monitored in the Moreton Bay region were part of a 10-year vaccination program targeting chlamydia, a significant threat to the species. The research demonstrated that vaccinated koalas had a 64% reduction in chlamydial-related deaths compared to unvaccinated koalas. Lone Pine Sanctuary, along with other wildlife organisations, supported these trials, offering crucial help in managing the health of local koala populations.

Lone Pine Sanctuary Koala — *Photo Credit: Ellicia/Unsplash*

Vaccinated koalas not only showed lower disease incidence but also increased survival rates, particularly during their breeding years. Researchers emphasised that while vaccination alone cannot solve the issue, it is a critical tool when combined with other strategies like habitat protection and road safety improvements.

Future Conservation Efforts

With koalas officially listed as endangered in Queensland in 2022, researchers like Ms Charalambous stress the need for a holistic approach to conservation. She believes that while the survival odds for koalas are grim, there is still time to reverse the decline if conservation policies target the main threats.

“It’s not too late to restore the region’s healthy koala populations and this is a great opportunity to holistically address and minimise the threats they face,” Ms Charalambous said.

“I hope this research sheds light on policy gaps so decision makers can target intervention strategies to save the koalas we have left.”

Lone Pine Sanctuary continues to be a key partner in these efforts, helping to rehabilitate koalas affected by disease and injury. The centre’s involvement and contributions from veterinary hospitals and other wildlife centres highlight the importance of community-focused conservation strategies.

Published 12-Sept-2024

Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie to Add Dedicated Small Dog Area

After nearly two years of deliberation, plans have been announced to create a dedicated area for smaller dogs within the existing dog off-leash park at Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie.

Read: What’s New at Booker Place Park?

This decision comes as a response to ongoing concerns from owners of smaller dogs about the safety of their pets in the mixed-size dog park.

Plans (Photo credit: Cr Greg Adermann/Facebook)

Cr Greg Adermann, who initially hesitated to proceed with the project due to divided public opinion, has now allocated funding for the creation of this specialised area. He explained, “While I’m not aware of any nasty attacks on smaller dogs at this park, I do know of such instances in other parks in Brisbane. I don’t want to leave it to chance so when I was allocated funding in the recent Schrinner Council budget to provide a fenced area within the park, I took it.”

The new small dog enclosure will occupy approximately one-tenth of the overall Dog Off-Leash Area. This addition aims to provide a safer environment for smaller breeds to play and socialise without the risk of intimidation or injury from larger dogs.

In addition to the new enclosure, the project will include several improvements to enhance the overall park experience for all users. These include:

Concrete pathways from the entry gate to both shelters
A dedicated entry gate for the smaller enclosure
Additional seating and trees between the enclosures for shade cover
A new tap and dog bowl in the larger dog area

These enhancements are designed to improve accessibility, comfort, and functionality for both dogs and their owners.

The decision to move forward with this project comes after a community consultation conducted in November 2022. Although opinions were initially divided, continued advocacy from small dog owners highlighted the need for reconsideration.

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

Work on this exciting new addition to Booker Place Park is expected to commence in the new year, offering a welcome solution for dog owners in the Bellbowrie community.

Published 9-September-2024

New Subdivision in Moggill Set to Boost Housing Options

A new 29-lot subdivision has been approved in Moggill, promising to expand housing options for potential homebuyers.

Read: Treetops at Kenmore: Where Sustainable Living Meets Modern Luxury

The project, known as The Plateau Estate, is located at 51 Priors Pocket Road and is being developed by DVLP Projects.

The Brisbane City Council recently granted approval for the subdivision, which will occupy a total area of 2.48 hectares. Lot sizes in the development will range from 500 to 1,400 square metres, offering a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences.

In a move that sets this project apart, DVLP Projects has partnered with Metricon, an award-winning home builder. This collaboration will allow buyers to choose from a range of different home designs for each lot, providing a level of customization not often seen in new developments.

The Plateau Estate is situated just 23 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between suburban living and city access. Moggill, known for its leafy streets and family-friendly atmosphere, offers a mix of acreage living and suburban amenities.

Local real estate experts anticipate strong interest in the development, given Moggill’s reputation as a desirable suburb. The area boasts generous block sizes, parklands, and a strong community focus, creating a village-like atmosphere that has become increasingly sought-after in recent years.

The subdivision is well-positioned to take advantage of existing infrastructure in Moggill, including two large neighbourhood centres, multiple childcare facilities, public transport options, and various sporting facilities.

As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, developments like The Plateau Estate play a crucial role in meeting housing demand while maintaining the character of established suburbs. The project is expected to commence sales in the near future, with completion dates to be announced.

Read: Low Crime Rates Make 4069 Among Brisbane’s Safest Postcodes

This new subdivision represents a significant addition to Moggill’s housing market and is likely to attract a diverse range of buyers, from first-home owners to families looking to upgrade their living situations.

Published 22-August-2024

New Flight Paths Set to Increase Aircraft Noise Over Kenmore, Brookfield

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Residents in Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, and nearby suburbs could experience increased aircraft noise if the new flight paths proposed by Airservices Australia get approved. The new flight paths aim to redistribute Brisbane Airport’s traffic and noise impact across different suburbs. Tell us what you think about this here.

The national airways safety provider recently announced five new flight path concepts, inviting public comment on changes that could significantly affect communities.

Kenmore and other suburbs in Brisbane’s inner-west and northwest are particularly affected by one of the proposed flight path changes. The proposal involves redesigning departure paths from the new runway, which would see aircraft splitting sooner and flying different tracks over the western suburbs. This change is intended to reduce the concentration of flights over some areas but could lead to increased noise for residents in Kenmore, as more flight paths are directed over the suburb.

These changes are part of a broader strategy to share better the noise burden introduced by the city’s new runway, which has been operational since July 2020.

Airservices Australia flight path Brisbane north west Kenmore Brookfield — *Photo Credit: Airservices Australia*

Proposed Flight Paths

Airservices Australia seeks feedback on the proposed flight paths until 15 September 2024. The concepts are still in the early stages, with detailed population overflight data and noise contours yet to be fully mapped out.

Affected Suburbs by Set Proposals

Departures Over Land to the West and Northwest
- Affected Areas: Western and northwestern suburbs.
- Details:
  - This set addresses redesigning departure paths to reduce noise over western and northwestern areas.
  - Affected areas would include suburbs like Kenmore, Brookfield, Upper Brookfield, The Gap, Ashgrove, and Bardon.
Arrivals Over Land from the North and West
- Affected Areas: Northern and western suburbs.
- Details:
  - This set involves redesigning arrival paths to reduce noise over northern and western areas.
  - Likely affected suburbs include Samford Valley, Cedar Creek, Bellbowrie, and Pullenvale.
Departures Over Land to the South and East
- Affected Areas: Southern and eastern suburbs.
- Details:
  - This set aims to redesign departure paths to the south and east, potentially impacting suburbs like Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, and Carindale.
Independent Parallel Runway Operations
- Affected Areas: Suburbs near the parallel runways and areas around Bribie Island.
- Details:
  - This set focuses on optimizing flight paths for independent parallel runway operations, which could affect Bribie Island and surrounding northern and southern suburbs.
Non-Jet (Turboprop) Arrivals from the North
- Affected Areas: Redcliffe Peninsula and nearby areas.
- Details:
  - This set is about redesigning the non-jet arrival path to avoid overflying the Redcliffe Peninsula, directly impacting suburbs like Redcliffe, Margate, and Scarborough.

Kenmore residents and those in other affected areas are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to ensure their concerns are heard.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Airservices Australia flight path to reduce aircraft noise — *Photo Credit: Airservices Australia*

Community Reaction

Airservices Australia’s move has been met with skepticism from local community groups, who argue that noise sharing is not a real solution to the problem.

The Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance (BFPCA), a vocal group advocating for stricter noise controls, has labelled the engagement process as “theatre” and criticised it for prolonging community suffering without implementing meaningful noise abatement measures.

Professor Marcus Foth, chair of BFPCA, emphasised that noise sharing should only be a last resort after exploring all other noise reduction avenues. He and other community leaders are pushing for a curfew and flight caps similar to those in place at Sydney and other major Australian airports. However, these measures are not within the control of Airservices Australia, as they fall under federal jurisdiction.

Published 21-Aug-2024