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Brookfield Show Ball Returns to the Historic Brookfield Hall

The Brookfield Show Ball is back! Traditionally held as a prelude to the Brookfield Show, the Brookfield Show Ball 2023 brings an evening of glitz and glamour to the historic Brookfield Hall on the 11th of March.

Read: Brookfield Show Society Hosts Melbourne Cup Luncheon

Brookfield Hall will be transformed into a speakeasy for the Brookfield Show Ball for a night, complete with art deco soiree and gourmet canapes.

Viva La Musica will welcome attendees with music that takes them back to the age of style and grace whilst The Manilows band will play popular hits as the night continues to get the dance moves in full swing.

It’s also a chance for locals to get together and have some fun. Tickets ($100pp) include bubbles or wine on arrival, light dinner prepared by renowned chef Russel Jolly, and cashless bar to follow.

The event is hosted by the Brookfield Show Society, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to running Brisbane’s biggest little country show. The show, which is held traditionally in May every year, is known for exciting events such as the Side Show alley, free face painting, pony rides, and rodeo with entertainment.

Please note that the number of tickets are strictly limited so to guarantee entry, it is recommended to get your tickets in advance.

Read: Grill’d Kenmore Opens, Launches ‘Local Matters’ Program for Kenmore Community Groups

The Brookfield Show will be held on May 19-21 2023, three jampacked days set to amaze and delight showgoers, with new entertainment, an amazing food precinct, and events that locals have come to love.

For further details and to book your tickets, visit the Brookfield Showground’s website or follow Brookfield Show Society on Facebook for updates.

Developer Amends Moggill Road Childcare Centre Plans Into a Facility for 125 Kids

A three-storey split-level childcare centre occupying three lots may soon be built along Moggill Road in Kenmore if the development application receives the green light from Council.

The Kenmore Childcare Unit Trust wants to build a new childcare centre for 125 children along 1067, 1075 & 1079 Moggill Road. The facility will cover 888 square metres of ground floor area and will have a large outdoor play centre.

The proposal details changes to a previously submitted plan. Acoustic fencing and attractive landscaping will be reinforced across the boundaries as detailed in DA A006159171. An existing house will be demolished as a result of the development.

The plans also include the construction of an under-croft open car parking site for at least 30 car parking spaces. Access to the facility will be via Moggill Road but a pedestrian path via Cedarleigh Road will be incorporated into the construction.

Childcare Centre Moggill Road Kenmore — Photo Credit: DA A006159171/BCC

The childcare centre planners underscored that a previous proposal was originally submitted in 2020 as it “supports the needs of the surrounding community.” However, design changes were made and submitted in 2022 to expand the plans to suit a growing need within the Kenmore neighbourhood.

Some residents, however, have expressed objections to the proposal citing congestion on Moggill Road.

“For most of the day the road is busy; at peak times it is one of the slowest into the city in the morning/outbound later in the day. Around Kenmore there are two schools (OLR and Kenmore State) with associated extensive local car usage, which exacerbates the traffic congestion. I cannot believe anyone would imagine that the addition of a childcare centre on this already busy road would be sensible,” one local wrote in the DA’s submissions.

“A number of new Child Care centres have been opened in the last couple of years and each one has resulted in a larger number of vacancies, threatening the ongoing viability of the existing childcare centres and kindergartens in the area. This indicates that another childcare is not needed in this area,” another resident said.

The development application is still under review with Council and the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

New Three-Lane Bridge Between Kenmore And Jindalee Moves Closer To Reality

A new three-lane bridge planned between Kenmore and Jindalee is now closer to becoming reality, as works for Centenary Bridge upgrades are scheduled to finally start in early 2023.

Read: Kenmore Property Market Shows Strong and Steady Growth

Construction was expected to commence in 2022, but works were delayed due to some issues with the contract. The Transport Department explained that an alternate bid for the project, which required thorough due diligence, caused complications in the project’s timeline.

In December 2022, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released a statement announcing the Queensland government’s agreement with Georgiou Group and BMD Constructions to build the three-lane bridge, along with an upgrade of the existing bridge.

Artist;s impression of Centenary Bridge upgrade (Photo credit: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au)

Aside from a new bridge travelling northbound and the remediation of the existing bridges to create three southbound lanes, works will also include upgraded active transport facilities for pedestrians and people who ride bikes.

The project will double capacity across the river and will improve access to Amazon Place Park while preserving Jindalee Skate Park.

“More than 85,000 cars use this bridge daily, and that number will increase,” said the Premier.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads estimates that the number of vehicles passing by Centenary Motorway is expected to reach 152,000 per day by 2036, as the population in west Brisbane grows.

“This is an important step towards busting congestion through our growing region” said Premier Palaszczuk.

Benefits of upgrading the bridge includes improving safety to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes on the Centenary Bridge and increasing capacity to improve travel-time reliability and cater for current and future traffic needs.

Read: Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project Scrapped in Favour of Moggill Road Bikeway

Works are estimated to cost $298.5 million, around $50 million higher compared to the estimates announced in 2020.

New Shade Covers for Akuna Street Park in Kenmore in 2023

Akuna Street Park in Kenmore will get new shade covers in 2023 through Brisbane’s new Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.

Read: Locals Want to Replace Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza With a Health Services Precinct

Works for Akuna Street Park are expected to be done over the next six months. Akuna Street Park will be one of the first 41 playgrounds to be retrofitted with shade covers under the Council’s three-year program, which has a total funding of up to $10 million.

The Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program aims to put shading in every playground in Brisbane, to help protect parents, carers and children and potentially save lives.

“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” he said.

“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals.”

Based on the latest skin cancer statistics of World Cancer Research Fund, Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, with 16,171 cases.

Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne supports the Brisbane City Council Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program as a great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.

Council estimates that around 150 playgrounds throughout the city will eventually be upgraded with shade covers under the new program.

“It is well known that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes,” Mr Donne said.

“What I must convey however, is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

“You can do your part as well to improve your sun safety, and slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on wraparound sunglasses,” Mr Donne said.

For the program, Council has engaged three local suppliers and manufacturers to make and install shade sails at the first package of playgrounds.

About Akuna Street Park

Photo credit: milan stamenkovic/Google Maps

The park is located at 56 Akuna St, Kenmore. Current facilities include barbecue, picnic area/shelter, playground, shared pathway, outdoor fitness/exercise station and water (bubbler/tap).

Read: Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project Scrapped in Favour of Moggill Road Bikeway

Akuna Street Park is a dog-friendly park with nice spots for picnics. It also has a nice walking path used by many locals every day.

Kenmore South State School Joins Active School Travel Program

Kenmore South State School is encouraging the parents of their students, along with their school staff, to limit the use of cars when going to and from school to ease street traffic congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Instead, the school community is encouraged to use their bikes or scooters, walk to school, or take public transportation.

The school has joined the city’s Active School Travel program to promote a clean, green and healthy lifestyle for the students, the staff, and the whole school community.

For the next three years, the program from Brisbane City Council will provide free resources, incentives and tools that will facilitate and motivate active travel.

Kenmore South State School — Photo Credit: KenmoreSouthStateSchool/Facebook

Through the program, children will have access to bike and scooter skills training programs from professional coaches or learn essential skills to carry on for life from bus orientation sessions. Representatives from RACQ Streets Ahead will conduct road safety sessions.

The Active School Travel program has interclass and interschool competitions as well. Other new participants for 2023 include Inala State School, Murarrie State School, Salisbury State School, Sunnybank Hills State School, Upper Mt Gravatt State School, and St Joseph’s School in Nundah.

Over 168 schools and 127,000 students have taken part in this internationally-recognised initiative following its launch in 2004. For more information on how schools can take part, contact Council via 07 3403 8888.

Dual-Living Residence Bordered by Towering Greenery on Ramada Place, Fig Tree Pocket Hits the Market

Video Still: Paris Arthur Real Estate / YouTube

A luxurious dual-living home on Ramada Place in Fig Tree Pocket, featuring an organic market garden and an established orchard, has recently been put on the market with a private guide price of just over $3 million.

Built in 2010, the six-bedroom residence sits on a 5,642 corner allotment at 8 Ramada Place and looks out to sprawling lawns and a verdant canopy. The home’s versatile configuration makes it an ideal investment for larger or extended families with its two distinct living and bedroom zones with a shared outdoor entertainment space. Removing the central wall will convert the property into one grand residence.

Each dwelling has its own entrance and access to a three-car garage. The main dwelling’s full-glass main entry door opens to a generous open-plan living and dining area located at the ground level. Whilst the adjoining kitchen features a breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry and integrated cabinetry. There’s also a functional study, powder room and an internal laundry.

Likewise, there’s a second living area and an attached balcony located upstairs. Then there’s an ensuite master bedroom, another main bathroom and three additional bedrooms; all four bedrooms have walk-in robes.

Dual-Living Residence Bordered by Towering Greenery on Ramada Place, Fig Tree Pocket Hits the Market — Video Still: Paris Arthur Real Estate / YouTube

The second dwelling, meanwhile, consists of an open-plan living and dining space, a modern kitchen and a concealed built-in nook. There’s a large main bedroom with a walk-in robe and balcony access plus a well-appointed main bathroom with garden views, a European-style laundry and another bedroom with a walk-in robe.

Video Still: Paris Arthur Real Estate / YouTube

Moreover, following a covered patio will lead to a gazebo and a glass-framed saltwater swimming pool. Whilst not too far is an expansive fully fenced grassed rear yard with a firepit.

The outdoor area is nothing short of breathtaking with more than 30 fruit trees encompassing the property, plus grapevines, a market garden and a large designer chicken coop that’s fox and snake-proof.

Fig Tree Pocket School for Young People With Language Disorders Continues Expansion

Photo Credit: Facebook / Mancel College

This pioneering Fig Tree Pocket school for children and young people with language disorders is undergoing a major expansion to accommodate an ever-growing enrolment.

Located in Fig Tree Pocket, Mancel College is a specialist Prep to year 12 school operated by Language Disorder Australia. The school is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar upgrade under a seven-stage masterplan which will allow it to expand its capacity, as well as its range of programs and offerings in the curriculum and co-curricular space.

The master plan will deliver new buildings, a rooftop pool, science facilities, a sports hall, and a creative design room. The first of the classroom buildings to be built at the school was completed and opened in November 2022.

Another building is set to rise at the site and will contain more senior school classrooms, a large teaching area for industrial technologies, and a specialist food and hospitality teaching space along with a 20m rooftop pool and changing facilities.

Australia’s Specialised School for Young People With Language Disorder Continues Expansion — Photo Credit: Facebook / Mancel College

There is also a brand new adventure playground for students from 5 years old to 18 years old built at the school as part of its upgrade. The accessible playground will offer a range of opportunities for physical activities across three levels and will feature a big spiral slide.

The seven-stage master plan is expected to be finished by 2027 when enrollment is projected to have reached around 300.

In July 2022, Glenleighden School rebranded and was officially named Mancel College in honour of its founder, Mancel Ellis Robinson OAM who established CHI.L.D Association and the School more than four decades ago.

To help young people with Language Disorders achieve their full potential, therapists work side by side with specialist teachers using their clinical expertise, skills, and knowledge in evidence-based practice. These help them identify and address the challenges that hinder their student’s learning.

Locals Want to Replace Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza With a Health Services Precinct

It might take more than the $12-million redevelopment of Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza to convince retailers to stay on. Locals seem to be hoping that the site would be transformed into a health services precinct, a high school, or a community facility.

In a poll via the 4070 & 4069 Action Group, at least 39 per cent of the locals think Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza should be replaced with a 24/7 health centre or a high school building after ensuring its safety from floods. Some 23 per cent said the plaza must be turned into a library or a community facility with food and drinks options and a garden.

At least 16 per cent said that the shopping centre should be rebuilt with units, cafes and small retailers, whilst nine per cent believe Bunnings could take over the site. Four per cent said it could be used as a transport terminal for a new green bridge, whilst three per cent said it should be renovated with a limited line from a supermarket and small shops.

The suggestions come as Metcash, the parent company of IGA, recently confirmed they have no plans to build a supermarket at Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, much to the disappointment of both shoppers and the remaining tenants who have been hoping that a supermarket would bring foot traffic.

After Coles moved out of Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza in June 2021, several closures followed suit, such as the Bellbowrie Bakery, Woka Woka Thai restaurant, Star Seafood & Burger, a hair salon and a doctor’s clinic.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens MP for Ryan, said: “The floods of early 2022 were the last straw for many tenants, but the decision of supermarket giant Coles to move to higher ground had already seen many shops in the centre close.”

The MP has earlier proposed to turn the site into a public facility.

“Moggill-Bellbowrie is in desperate need of more amenities, especially education and health. When people can access essential services near their homes, there’s much less need for them to get in the car and add to the traffic on congested roads!”

Meanwhile, upgrades and floodproofing are underway at Bellbowrie Shopping Plaza, which the owner hopes will entice new business as there are currently no plans to sell the property.

Kenmore Family Appeals for Return of Heirloom Accordion Mistakenly Left at Kerbside

A Kenmore family has publicly appealed for the return of a family heirloom, a 20-year-old accordion that was left on the footpath and might have been picked up by someone who had thought it was for disposal.

Kylie Jayasinghe shared that the missing accordion was supposed to have been loaded in the car by her father-in-law. However, he had unknowingly driven off without it, leaving the instrument remained on the footpath. When he returned an hour later to retrieve it after realising his mistake, the accordion was gone.

The Kenmore mum believes that it may have been picked up by someone who had seen it on the kerb, thinking that it was for disposal and therefore, fair game for scavengers. There was no kerbside collection run scheduled in Kenmore for that week.

The old accordion has great sentimental value for the Kenmore family. The family heirloom originally belonged to Seeya, the 89-year-old grandfather of Kylie’s non-verbal 14-year-old son, Oscar.

“Seeya plays it to my special needs child (his grandson) and Oscar loves the music and the interaction with his grandfather,” Kylie wrote.

“I assume that somebody thought it was on the grass as a giveaway but this is not the case and we would very much like it back.

“Please can you return it as soon as possible. It is really important that it is returned and no questions will be asked. We just want it back. It is a big loss for everyone but especially Seeya and Oscar.”

The family has tried asking neighbours if they had seen anybody pick it up, also posting about the missing accordion on Facebook in hopes of finding someone who may have seen it around.

The instrument is described as a pretty red accordion, about 60 centimetres by 50 centimetres in size, with shiny red enamel trim. Per reports, the brand’s name is “Preddie” and it’s smaller than traditional accordions, although still a heavy instrument.

Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project Scrapped in Favour of Moggill Road Bikeway

The delivery of the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project will no longer proceed, following pushback for the planned solution by local residents and a re-routing of proposed funding, that appears to be a win for cyclists and a loss for Kenmore motorists.

Original funding for the Kenmore Roundabout Upgrade Project stood at $25 million, being $12.5m from State Government and $12.5m from Federal Government. However having surveyed local residents, resulting in a 94% disapproval of the planned traffic light intersection to replace the roundabout, State Government decided to re-allocate their $12.5 m into preliminary planning of a new cycleway for the area. It isn’t clear at this stage what will happen to the Federal Government’s $12.5m pledge.

Queensland Transport & Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey confirmed that the delivery of an active transport solution will now be the priority as it was very clear Kenmore locals “don’t want lights to replace the Moggill Road roundabout.”

“We’ll work with local residents on how we can deliver something fit for purpose, so keep an eye out for more information as we kick start the planning process,” Mr Bailey said.

Mr Bailey also confirmed that the Moggill Road Bikeway will be divided into three sections comprising Centenary Highway to Chapel Hill Road, Kilkivan Avenue, and the intersection on Moggill Road and Rafting Ground Road.

The minister, who supports active transport as a bike rider himself, is aware that bikers accessing the Centenary Cycleway to the CBD are at great risk as Moggill Road traffic is at 60km/h. However, planning for a separate cycleway on this site has to be carefully considered since Moggill Road is narrow.

The community will be informed and asked for feedback before any plans are finalised.

After campaigning for a Moggill Road Bikeway for years, Brisbane West BUG welcomed Mr Bailey’s announcement to shift their plans.

“We think it’s also important to thank Dr Christian Rowan MP who has for years backed our calls for investment in safe cycling infrastructure on Moggill Road. Just last month Dr Rowan asked a question on notice what cycling infrastructure will be funded and delivered in the Moggill electorate,” the group stated.

“We’re thrilled with the answer!”

“As Minister Bailey said at the Safe Streets for All ride this morning, active transport is not an optional extra, a nice to have or an add on, it’s an essential component of the transport system. It is wonderful to see that essential component getting the investment it needs in the western suburbs.”