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New Wellness Memberships Launch at City Cave Kenmore

City Cave Kenmore, a wellness centre in Kenmore, has introduced new membership options designed to provide discounted access to their relaxation services.

Read: The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

Starting November 1, memberships will be available for massage, infrared sauna sessions, and float therapy.

According to Taylor Fielding, owner of City Cave Kenmore, the new membership options aim to make wellness part of guests’ regular routines whilst saving them money. Fielding said the goal is to make self-care and wellness more accessible so everyone can experience the benefits of their services.

The massage membership offers either two or one 45-minute massage per month at reduced rates. A single 45-minute massage typically costs $110, but with the Massage Cave Club membership, members can enjoy two 45-minute massages per month for just $179, providing savings on massage sessions.

For infrared saunas, members can get either two or one 45-minute sessions weekly at discounted pricing ($64 for two sessions instead of $45 for a single sauna session).

Photo credit: City Cave Kenmore/Google Maps

Similarly, float therapy membership includes two sessions monthly at a lower cost than paying individually. A casual float session typically costs $89, but with the Float Therapy Cave Club membership, members can get two sessions per month at the discounted price of $119.

The memberships are intended to make services affordable and encourage regular relaxation as part of a self-care routine. They provide significant savings compared to paying per individual service.

Located at Brookfield Road, the wellness centre provides an array of wellness options including massage, float therapy, infrared saunas, and more. The spa serves the surrounding communities of Bellbowrie, Brookfield, Moggill, and Chapel Hill.

Read: Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title

Those interested can find details about the memberships can sign up on their website at www.citycave.com.au/kenmore.

Published 24-October-2023

Kenmore Rotary Trailer Raffle Encounters New Challenge to Help Fund Good Causes

Kenmore shoppers have become well acquainted with the selling of Kenmore Rotary Raffle tickets over the last 20 years, both Kenmore Village Shopping Centre and Kenmore Plaza being the venues to exhibit the trailer and sell the tickets. However, the 2023 rendition will have a new challenge.

Due to the major renovation of Kenmore Village, Kenmore Rotary Club has decided to leave the Trailer and all its prizes there instead of the usual towing of it between the two centres.

Previously, Kenmore Village was the Friday and Saturday venue for the trailer and the selling effort and Kenmore Plaza hosted the trailer and sales effort on Sundays.

This year, the trailer will remain at Kenmore Village, as the sales campaign will run from November 2 to December 3.

The Trailer Raffle is the major fundraiser of the year for Kenmore Rotary. Here are the organisations that benefited from a donation from the Trailer raffle last year:

The Women’s Crisis Support Service

DV Support is considered a priority by Kenmore Rotary and the WCSS was made a beneficiary. Kenmore Rotary, in conjunction with Karana Bellbowrie Rotary, paid for a full mould cleaning of their facility; the construction of a Children’s Cubby House; the construction of a Children’s Sandbox with shade cover; and the landscaping of the children’s play area.

Mould before and after — Photo Credit: Kenmore Rotary

Cubbyhouse Kenmore — Photo Credit: Kenmore Rotary

Other areas of help offered to the refuge included the donation of new clothes for women and children, financial cover for a child’s emergency medical intervention

STEM

Kenmore Rotary offers a scholarship for a local Year 11 student to attend the 10-day National Youth Science Forum.

Photo Credit: National Youth Science Forum

Kenmore Rotary runs the Solar Buddy program via several junior schools including those at St Peters Lutheran College, OLR, Kenmore State School, Ambrose Treacy and Chapel Hill State School.

The students construct a solar light and include a written message with each light, which are then sent to PNG to help combat the lack of electricity over there which means children cannot study after dark.

Solar buddy lights improve student reading & study time by 87% for the children that receive them. This also eliminates the use of kerosene lamps which have proven to be very dangerous for children.

Leadership

Kenmore Rotary has long focused on developing young leaders in our community, to that end it invests funds into 5 Leadership programs:

Aspiring Leaders Program mentoring Yr 11 students potential leaders at Kenmore State High School
RYPEN (14-16 year olds) Residential weekend-long program delivering leadership training
RYLA (18-26 years old) One-week residential program
RYTS (on graduating Yr 12) 7-day Life Skills program
RJCA (Junior Community Awards) Yr 6 students that get them involved in the community. This program runs at Chapel Hill School.

Young Driver Awareness Training

In an effort to cut down on young driver accidents, the RYDA program is run for Yr 11 students at Kenmore State High School.

“The Club is run by volunteers that dedicate their time to improving our community, we really appreciate the support every year for our Trailer Raffle, as our major fundraiser, and we are delighted once again to be able to offer the trailer and it’s full array of prizes, kindly donated by sponsors, to the lucky winner,” a spokesman for Kenmore Rotary said.

Published 18-Oct-2023

Kenmore Hills eWaste Connection Nominated for 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award

eWaste Connection, a community initiative in Kenmore Hills that provides a lifeline for people with disabilities and promotes e-waste reduction and sustainability, is one of the standout finalists for the annual WasteSMART People’s Choice Award.

eWaste Connection runs workshops for individuals with disabilities six days a week. Together, they recycle, repair, or refurbish all types of electronic and electrical waste.

The refurbished items are then donated to domestic violence refuges and other charitable organisations, which sell them at affordable prices. In 2022, the eWaste Connection community volunteered an impressive total of 4,914 hours, diverting a staggering 114,642 kilograms of e-waste from ending up in landfills.

How eWaste Connection Started

Monique Lowndes, a dedicated mother, embarked on a mission to provide a meaningful purpose for her son with disabilities. Her inspiration came from noticing her son’s fascination with disassembling electronic devices, which led her and her family to establish a group dedicated to dismantling electronic materials and finding ways to recycle their components.

Today, their initiative is thriving, with new locations and over 230,000 kilograms of eWaste recycled. More than 250 participants have engaged in eWaste workshops, underscoring the growing demand for their work in the community.

The significance of their efforts goes beyond recycling. They offer valuable opportunities for some of the most disadvantaged members of the community, providing them with a sense of purpose. Furthermore, they extend support to the families and caregivers of the participants by offering much-needed respite.

The project’s remarkable efforts have earned them recognition in the past, with eWaste Connection previously receiving the WasteSMART Community Award in 2020 and the WasteSMART Business Award in 2022. Their consistent commitment to sustainability and community engagement has led to their nomination as an All-Star finalist for the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award.

Monique is also a member of the Rotary Club of Kenmore.

About the WasteSMART Awards

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, spoke enthusiastically about the WasteSMART Awards.

“Brisbane is recognised as Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city, and I want to make sure it gets even better for future generations. The WasteSMART People’s Choice Award recognises individuals, community groups, and businesses who undertake waste-smart activities with a $350 prize up for grabs,” he said.

The People’s Choice category includes various finalists, ranging from charity and not-for-profit groups diverting various types of waste from landfills to innovative businesses using methods such as worm farms, establishing produce gardens, and creating in-house sustainability teams. These finalists are exemplary examples of the sustainability initiatives that are helping to maintain Brisbane’s reputation as a clean and green city.

The WasteSMART Awards, organised by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of the Brisbane City Council, are proudly sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway, and The University of Queensland. The winners in the 12 WasteSMART Award categories, with a combined prize pool of over $4,000, will be announced during a ceremony at Brisbane City Hall in November 2023.

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Published 17-Oct-2023

Community Mobilises to Help Revive Beloved McIntyre Centre in Pinjarra Hills

Photo Credit: Help Enterprises / helpenterprises.com.au/

When Help Enterprises, the organisation responsible for managing the McIntyre Centre, announced the Pinjarra Hills centre’s unexpected closure due to operational difficulties, the local community was eager to see the organisation resurrected. A group of community members are now in the process of seeing what, if anything, can be done.

For nearly six decades, Help Enterprises has provided vital assisted therapy and support to disabled individuals, earning deep respect and admiration from the local community.

The McIntyre Centre had its humble beginnings at the home of Peter and June McIntyre in 1964, with the noble goal of aiding disabled individuals through horse-riding therapy. The program’s immense success soon necessitated a move to a 16-hectare site. For 53 years, it thrived, continuing its vital work until it was gifted to Help Enterprises in 2017.

Help Enterprises invested approximately $4 million in the school’s infrastructure and improvements after it took over operation six years ago. At its peak, the Centre was said to have had a stable of nearly 40 horses, with around 16 programs weekly.

Despite these efforts, the organisation revealed that it was costing them around $700,000 per month to keep the school running, with funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme falling short.

The situation has been further exacerbated by a dramatic decline in the number of annual rides provided, plummeting from 7,500 when Help Enterprises took over to a mere 2,800.

Help Enterprises has contacted the previous owners of the horses, some of whom have expressed interest to take them back. Two of the older ones are being rehomed with former McIntyre staff members.

Help Enterprises has also initiated the process of selling the other horses, raising concerns about the future of the centre’s assets.

A committed group of community members formed a steering committee to strategise the revival of the McIntyre Centre. They are working on a proposal to present to Help Enterprises, despite the organisation’s reluctance to comment or respond.

Mr. John Williams, the President of the Lions Club of Brisbane West, conveyed the community’s desire to see the McIntyre Centre restored as a community asset.

He underscored its significance to the disabled community and various other local groups, highlighting the urgency of its revival and likening its absence to a deeply felt loss.

Whilst Help Enterprises has not been forthcoming with details about the Deed of Gift, Queensland University Law Professor Ross Grantham sees potential solutions. If the Deed of Gift permits amendments, court involvement might not be necessary. Alternatively, transferring ownership of the organisation to another charitable entity could be a better alternative.

Published 14-October-2023

Facial Recognition AI Helps Save the Koalas in Moggill & Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Did you know that the Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre and the Lone Pine Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by using facial recognition technology to help save the koalas?

Efforts to bolster the survival of koalas are now complemented by the innovative work of a team of Griffith University AI researchers and ecologists, who have secured funding to advance their ‘facial recognition’ camera technology at koala crossing locations across South East Queensland (SEQ).

For the third consecutive year, these researchers are working to deploy state-of-the-art “facial recognition” camera technology at strategic koala crossing locations across SEQ.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to monitor and understand how koalas utilise these crossing points, ultimately providing invaluable research-based insights to help safeguard this declining population.

Leading this pioneering study is Professor Jun Zhou from Griffith’s School of Information and Communication Technology. The project’s inception was made possible by a $90,000 Community Sustainability Action Grant awarded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science in March 2021, followed by an additional $100,000 grant from DES in June 2023.

“This project extends our innovative AI-powered koala monitoring system to cover wider areas of koala habitat in South East Queensland, and engage with 14 local community groups across 10 local government areas to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the camera network,” Professor Zhou shared.

In July 2021, the team successfully deployed 24 AI-powered cameras at strategic koala crossing locations within the Redland City Council area. These cameras automatically activate in response to koala movement, capturing hundreds of videos and images which are then transmitted to a server at Griffith University.

The AI technology developed by the research team studies these videos and images, enabling it to identify individual koalas.

Mogill Rehabilitation Centre — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Caroline Moss, Queensland Rail Group Senior Manager Environment & Sustainability, emphasized the significance of this research.

“A research project like this helps us to understand how this technology can be applied, not only here in the Redlands, but where appropriate in other locations, given that Queensland Rail operates a really large network,” she said.

To ensure the AI can accurately distinguish one koala from another based on their appearance and movements, the research team collaborated closely with conservation groups such as the Koala Action Group Redlands, Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Moggill Koala Rehabilitation Centre, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

“We can see from the data that koalas are in trouble here. They’ve recently been listed as endangered in Australia, and Southeast Queensland was formally a hotspot. The driver of that decline has been urbanisation,” Dr. Douglas Kerlin, a co-researcher, said.

The research project is particularly relevant during the breeding season when koalas face increased risks, including collisions with vehicles.

“We’re all about sharing information, and it’s really good to be able to put people in contact and create that conduit between researchers so that everyone can get to the same goal faster,” Frank Mikula from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Kenmore, highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“The technology does the heavy lifting for us, and that’s really important moving forward.

“With increased knowledge about how koalas are crossing roads, we can better inform mitigation and management so that we can ensure a better long-term future for koalas.”

Published 2-Oct-2023

The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

Photo Credit: One Little Heart/Facebook

Amy Gomes isn’t your typical children’s book author. This Kenmore local is a critical care paramedic whose mission to publish a book about her work matches the size of her heart.

The idea for her book arose from a simple yet profound realisation that there were no children’s books explaining her profession in a way that young minds could understand.

In “What Paramedics Do,” Ms. Gomes aimed to change that. With her paramedic background, she was uniquely qualified to tell the story of these everyday heroes. But she didn’t stop there as she chose to infuse her book with a social conscience.

A Book with a Mission

“What Paramedics Do” is not merely a children’s book; it also seeks to educate and offer hope. Its purpose is to teach children about the emergency number 000 and, more importantly, raise funds for a noble cause—the Heart of the Nation. This charity’s mission is to provide more communities with access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), devices that could potentially save lives.

Ms. Gomes’ work isn’t fiction; it’s a tool to impart knowledge and empower children with crucial information that might one day make a difference in an emergency. Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, and she understands the importance of rapid response and early defibrillation in cardiac emergencies.

“What Paramedics Do” is suitable for children aged 2 to 6, thoughtfully crafted with age-appropriate yet realistic illustrations. The aim is to reduce medical anxiety in children by making them familiar with the world of paramedics. It features special components with a Greg Page, the CEO of Heart of the Nation, and a cardiac arrest survivor. The book’s message ensures that health and emergency response reaches even more hearts.

Giving Back to the Community

Ms. Gomes’ desire to help others has always driven her. From childhood fundraising efforts to founding One Little Heart in 2014, her commitment to philanthropy has been unwavering. One Little Box, her previous project, allowed people to purchase a box filled with thoughtful items, with the proceeds going to charity.

For this author, her book is more than just a project; it’s an opportunity to give back. Partnering with Greg Page’s charity, Heart of the Nation, means that £1 from every book sold supports a cause close to both their hearts. Additionally, for every 1,000 books sold, a portion of the profits will be donated—a tangible impact on her community.

The journey of Amy Gomes from childhood fundraising to becoming a critical care paramedic and author is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. With “What Paramedics Do,” she has found a way to combine her passions, ensuring that every book sold contributes to the greater good. It’s a labour of love that brings joy to her heart, a respite from the challenging workdays that define her profession.

Published 25-Sept-2023

See The Super Mario Bros Movie at Akuna Oval’s Free Movie Night

Did you know that the Kenmore Districts Rugby Club and Kenmore Bears Junior AFL are hosting a FREE movie night at Akuna Oval in Kenmore, featuring 2023 animated film The Super Mario Bros Movie?

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

Happening on November 25, this fun community event will raise funds for both sports clubs through food and drink purchases.

About the Film

In this popular animated film, two brother plumbers, Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), are transported to a magical new world while working underground to fix a water main pipe. The brothers become separated in this new world, leading to an epic adventure as they try to reunite.

“Audiences under a certain vintage will have fond memories of manoeuvring a little bouncing plumber in red, whether it was 30 years ago on those old, grey Game Boy bricks or last week, drunkenly challenging your mates to Mario Kart, insistent that you are the champion of the Yoshi Circuit. So, when there’s an animated movie adaptation, there’s no doubt you’ll get a kick out of seeing bits of gameplay incorporated on the big screen. Eating a power-up mushroom, jumping atop a speeding Bullet Bill or throwing a Koopa shell at an opponent will unlock a little “wahoo” from your inner child.”
Wenlei Ma, news.com.au

Gates open at 5:00 p.m., with the movie starting at 7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come early and enjoy food offerings from the club. The rugby club bar will also be open for adults to purchase drinks. BYO will NOT be allowed.

All proceeds from the food and drinks sold will go directly to support the Kenmore Districts Rugby Club and Kenmore Bears Junior AFL clubs. This helps the clubs provide programs and equipment for local youth interested in rugby and AFL.

Photo credit: Kenmore Bears Junior Australian Football Club/Facebook

The family-friendly event is proudly supported by the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund and the Pullenvale Ward Councilor. The Lord Mayor’s Community Fund provides money to community projects across Brisbane that bring people together, and the Pullenvale Ward Councilor advocated for supporting the clubs.

The movie night presents a perfect opportunity for families in Kenmore and surrounding suburbs to come together for a night of entertainment, whilst also supporting two worthwhile sports clubs in the community.

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

So round up the kids and head to Akuna Oval on the evening of November 25 for the free movie night. Come have fun with neighbours and friends whilst fundraising for two great organisations. With free admission and movies under the stars, this is sure to be a memorable community event for families.

Other Options
for Movie Night

Published 21-September-2023

Brookfield State School Choir Topped Choral Fanfare 2023

Did you know that the Brookfield State School choir bested over 200 choirs from all over the state at the Choral Fanfare 2023?

Choral Fanfare, a biennial program that commenced in 2001, offers students a unique platform to gain valuable performance experience, hone their teamwork skills, and receive well-deserved recognition.

This year’s competition witnessed almost 10,000 students from 213 choirs, representing 137 state schools, participating in regional festivals held across Queensland.

Out of this massive pool of talent, only ten choirs were selected for the state final, and Brookfield State School’s choir emerged as the undisputed champions at the final concerts held at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University on Tuesday, 22 Aug 2023.

Consisting of exceptionally talented students, the Brookfield State School choir performed under the baton of their dedicated conductor Mrs. McMillan, with the support and guidance of the school’s choral coordinator Tamsin Eades.

The selection of the choir for the top honour is reflective of Brookfield State School’s robust choral program, which spans Year 1 to Year 6. The comprehensive program allows students to participate in junior, intermediate, and senior choirs, providing them with numerous performance opportunities both within the school community and beyond its gates.

When the choir became one of the finalists, Principal Leanne Duncan expressed her pride and confidence in her students and their conductor.

“Our senior choir students and their parents are incredibly humbled and incredibly excited by the news that we are state finalists. It is a testament to the quality, support, and passion for music our conductor has,” she said.

This recognition is not only a celebration of Brookfield State School’s outstanding achievement but also a testament to the power of music education in fostering excellence and teamwork among students.

Choral Fanfare continues to be a prestigious event in the Queensland educational calendar, providing students with a platform to nurture their musical talents, receive constructive feedback from professional adjudicators, and witness the performances of other choirs.

Published 3-Sept-2023

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

Proposals to establish a heritage trail and rename a footbridge at Rafting Ground Park in Brookfield have gathered overwhelming community support.

Proposed Heritage Trail

The proposed heritage trail at Rafting Ground Park is intended to honour the legacy of the bullockies who operated in the area and played a crucial role in sending timber down the river for the early development of the city.

Community sessions were held to seek local inputs and feedback on plans for a proposed path from the park’s entrance to the footbridge; the incorporation of five to six storyboard plaques along the trail to tell the story of the bullockies; and the inclusion of a recognition of the traditional owners on the first sign at the entry to the trail. The type of path, whether a natural rock/gravel path or a concrete path, is also under consideration.

“There was majority support for a heritage trail at the Park and some great suggestions that we will incorporate in the developing a concept for the trail,” Cr Greg Adermann said, while expressing gratitude to those who participated in the community sessions.

Judy Magub, President of the Kenmore and District Historical Society, played a pivotal role in developing the concept for the heritage trail. All of the feedback received have been shared with Ms Magub, who is working on the proposal to be presented to BCC for advice and costing in the coming weeks.

Renaming a Footbridge

In another significant development, a recommendation to name the footbridge in Rafting Ground Park in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Ludvik Bass has received considerable local interest and support. Of the 81 responses received, only 2 were opposed.

Professor Bass had a profound connection with the park, and his family had been associated with the area for over 50 years. The naming of the footbridge stands as a tribute to Professor Bass’s dedication and advocacy for the park.

Professor Bass’s connection with the park dates back to the 1970s when his family frequently visited for picnics and leisure activities. His involvement in advocating for the construction of the footbridge was pivotal in connecting different parts of the park and improving accessibility.

The developments mark a significant step forward in recognizing the historical significance of Rafting Ground Park and ensuring that its stories continue to be shared for generations to come.

Published 23-Aug-2023

Jacaranda House Charms, Wins House of the Year

Photo Credit: Creative Force Ltd 2023 / mbqld.awardsplatform.com

At this year’s Master Builders Brisbane 2023 Housing & Construction Awards, Corella Construction was awarded the prestigious Xact Accounting House of the Year for the charming beautiful Fig Tree Pocket riverfront family home, Jacaranda House.

The Master Builders Brisbane described the Jacaranda House as “an exceptional build oozing style and old-school craftsmanship.” The Hamptons-style riverfront abode boasts a 57–metre-wide frontage and is divided into various components such as dormer windows, elongated patios, and glazed gable ends.

Jacaranda House Charms, Wins House of the Year — *Photo Credit: Creative Force Ltd 2023 /* mbqld.awardsplatform.com

“The detail was exceptional boasting an old school craftmanship almost forgotten,” the judges’ comments state.

“It was a moving experience visiting this project. The builder created an icon on the Brisbane River for future generations to admire.”

The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a nursery room. There’s also an ensuite with a freestanding Victoria and Albert bathtub that offers a view of the abundant Jacaranda trees lining the riverside of the property.

Jacaranda House was further described as “an entertainer’s dream” for its expansive outdoor space that can be accessed from the dining, living, and bedroom sections. An all-inclusive outdoor kitchen complements the pool area that’s further complemented with an integrated spa and an infinity edge.

And making this home extra special is the alfresco area that affords uninterrupted views of the descending lawns leading to the river.

“The builder considered the vegetation with every angle looking onto the river or Jacarandas and tennis court in the back garden,” the judges said.

“Jacaranda House is a shining example of what can be delivered when the owner has a vision, and the builder has the dedication to meet the vision.”

“Jacaranda House boasts a spectacular presentation that takes your breath away.”

The luxurious riverfront home also bagged the ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million Award.

Other major winners at the Master Builders Brisbane 2023 Housing & Construction Awards include Jubilee Place by BESIX Watpac (Winner of the 2023 Brisbane Professional Certification Group Project of the Year) and Larc by Graya Construction (Winner of the 2023 Brisbane BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award).

See all Brisbane winners here.

Published 22-August-2023