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Caravan Fire in Upper Brookfield Sparks Calls for Mandatory Smoke Alarms in Moveable Dwellings

In the wake of a devastating caravan fire that claimed the lives of two young individuals in Upper Brookfield, Queensland is now facing demands to make smoke alarms mandatory in caravans and mobile homes.

The absence of smoke alarm legislation covering caravans in the state has come under scrutiny following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of Jane Strong, 26, from Rosedale, and her friend Eli Johnson, 22, from Lowmead, early one Saturday in May, in Upper Brookfield. Carl Weiss, Jane Strong’s partner, was also taken to the hospital after sustaining burns.

Police said the caravan was under a semi-permanent structure with a tin roof, which was connected to several sheds and additional shipping containers.

Unlike most other states in Australia, Queensland does not currently mandate the installation of smoke alarms in movable dwellings. Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) officials are now actively considering potential amendments to address this safety gap.

Recognising the complexity of this issue, a QFES spokesperson explained that further consultations with stakeholders are necessary to ensure the effectiveness and feasibility of any proposed changes. Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan emphasised the government’s commitment to community safety, urging QFES to expedite their considerations.

Photoelectric smoke alarms, alternatively referred to as optical or photo-optical smoke alarms, are designed to detect visible particles produced during combustion.

QFES said that studies have shown that these particular smoke alarms offer a faster response time and are effective in detecting a broader spectrum of fires commonly encountered in residential settings. This includes slow-burning or smouldering fires, as well as fires that produce dense smoke from materials like foam-filled furnishings or overheated-coated wiring.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services recommend the installation of at least one working photoelectric smoke alarm inside the sleeping area of the caravan, as well as one in the annex if utilised for sleeping.

Published 29-May-2023

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers Welcomes Pizza Capers Co-Founder Anthony Russo As Investor and Mentor

Anthony Russo’s name became synonymous with success after transforming Pizza Capers from a single pizzeria in Kenmore in the ‘90s to an empire with over a hundred outlets across the nation. Now, he will apply his expertise to help Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers scale their business beyond their existing five locations.

Read: Pizza Capers in Kenmore to Go Mobile, Opens Another Window of Opportunity for Entrepreneurs

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers has announced the appointment of Russo as an investor and mentor. With his extensive experience in building a nationally-recognised brand, Russo is set to guide the gnoccheria chain towards achieving its expansion goals.

In 1996, Russo, alongside co-founder Scott Geiszler, made waves in the culinary world by establishing Pizza Capers. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to explore franchising opportunities in 2005, resulting in remarkable success.

By the end of the 2011 financial year, Pizza Capers boasted an impressive revenue figure of approximately $50.6 million. Recognising the value they had built, Russo and Geiszler made a strategic decision in 2012, selling the thriving business to Retail Food Group for a reported $30 million.

Although the financial details of Russo’s investment remain undisclosed, his involvement is expected to accelerate the brand’s growth plans. The company aims to open 15 new stores within the next three years, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers’ ambition doesn’t stop there, as they envision reaching at least 20 locations within five years, with a long-term goal of expanding to 100 stores worldwide.

Photo credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Newtown/Google Maps

Established in 2015 by gnocchi enthusiasts Ben Cleary-Corradini and Theo Roduner, the gnoccheria chain has gained recognition for its delectable traditional beef bolognese, Sicilian Ricotta Cannolo (their take on cannoli), and the mouthwatering Wild Mushroom and Truffle Sauce Gnocchi.

Photo credit: Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Paddington/Google Maps

One of the territories on their radar is Toowoomba, signalling their commitment to branching out beyond their Brisbane roots. They have also entered the Sydney market in 2021, with a location in Newtown.

Read: Pizza Hut Kenmore Closes For Good

With the addition of Anthony Russo and his expertise, the Italian brand enters an exciting chapter, promising a bright future for this renowned Italian food sensation. Guided by a renowned industry expert, the company is primed to achieve remarkable growth, attracting and satisfying a larger customer base with their authentic gnocchi creations.

Published 23-May-2023

Get Ready! Moggill Marathon Scenic Fun Run Returns

Are you ready to run a half marathon, join a fun run, or take on the hilly terrain of “Mount Moggill,” all for a worthy cause? Organized by local residents David Ember, Emil Schoeman, and their friends, the Poolwerx Moggill Marathon is coming up soon.

The marathon, happening on Sunday, 21 May 2023, will start at Kangaroo Gully Road and finish at Witty Road by the Westaway Park entrance.

Whether choosing to participate in a half marathon, 10km, 5km, or 2km fun run, participants can expect to be treated to breathtaking views of the picturesque Moggill region. But the real challenge lies in scaling “Mount Moggill” and its hilly terrain along the way, adding an exciting element to the event.

CHEcK THE COURSE MAPS

Despite the absence of an official marathon in the current event lineup, the Poolwerx Moggill Marathon has grown in popularity among participants and the local community. In previous years, runners praised the event for its well-organized nature, enjoyable atmosphere, and challenging yet rewarding courses.

The marathon is seen as a fantastic warm-up and training opportunity for other upcoming marathons in the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas. Mr Ember shared the story behind the Poolwerx Moggill Marathon’s inception.

“Emil and I were running Rocks Riverside Park Run every Saturday together for fun after we met late 2019 through our daughters attending the same prep class at Moggill State School,” he said.

Initially, the pair had only completed a half marathon, but they decided to take on the challenge of organizing their own marathon after the cancellation of the Brisbane Marathon due to the pandemic. The inaugural event took place in 2020, with the starting and finishing point located at Westaway Park.

The Poolwerx Moggill Marathon not only offers a memorable experience for participants but also supports important causes. In 2023, the chosen beneficiary is Bravery Box, an organization that provides support for children with cancer. The event also extends its support to various local community groups, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among participants and residents alike.

Published 18-May-2023

Local Groups To Provide Inputs for Kenmore Community Centre Redevelopment on Brookfield Rd

The Men’s Shed West, Kenmore Bridge Club, and e-Waste Connection will soon have help incorporating their plans into the planned redevelopment of the Kenmore Community Centre, as a plan to appoint a project manager is announced.

Initial designs for the new Kenmore Community Centre were released in August 2021, revealing a more modern facility that provided easy access for all members of these community groups.

The incoming project manager will be liaising with all three groups to come up with their final ideas for the community space. The design should be out by the end of 2023.

The Deed of Agreement between the Federal Government and Brisbane City Council has also been signed, with a committed $1.5 million funding for the upgrades of the community centre at 98 Brookfield Rd in Kenmore Hills.

The funding for the project was secured under the Community Development Grants Program.

Initially, only one group, which planned to use the grant to upgrade to a different location, benefitted from the funding. However, the grant has since been reallocated to include all three groups as beneficiaries, specific to the tenants of 98 Brookfield Road.

Published 16-May-2023

Kenmore Local Barbara Wintringham Celebrates 100th Birthday

Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann

Popular Kenmore local Barbara Wintringham, who served as a volunteer guide at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens for over two decades, is now 100 years old! Did you know that this amazing lady worked as a volunteer until she was 93?

Ms Wintringham has received a certificate and special gift in honour as she officially becomes Kenmore’s newest centenarian.

Well-remembered for her loyal service at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens in Mt Coot-tha for over 25 years, Ms Wintringham has also released a booklet about the Gardens, with fellow volunteer Ray Steward.

The booklet outlines the history of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and highlights the individuals who made significant contributions towards making the Gardens, which officially opened in 1976, into what it is today.

Photo Credit: Brisbane Botanic Treasures

The England-born Ms Wintringham came to Brisbane in the 1950s. She fell in love with the city and decided to stay to set down roots with her family.

She worked for ABC and then spent her retirement years at the Gardens until she quit volunteering in 2016, at an amazing 93 years old.

Ms Wintringham now spends her days reading books and going on walks with her friends.

Published 26-April-2023

Proposal Up for a New Facility at Kenmore South State School

Photo Credit: CrGregAdermann/Facebook

After funding has been secured, a proposal has been lodged for a new three-storey facility for Kenmore South State School.

Under the Department of Education, the proposed development for the new building, filed under (MID-0123-0666), includes the construction of seven GLA spaces and additional four GLA spaces for a future fit, a new STEM learning space, and amenities like lifts and associated spaces and footpaths for both the students and staff use.

The plan also includes increasing the size of the carpark along the southeastern side. The existing playground equipment will have to be relocated before the building construction starts. Building refurbishments for Kenmore South State School’s C and D Blocks will also be covered by the project.

Kenmore South State School — Photo Credit: MID-0123-0666

Per the MID’s Building & Design:

“The proposed development has been carefully designed to ensure the siting of buildings adequately respond to the existing site characteristics. Specifically, it is noted:

The new building is within proximity to existing learning buildings to ensure a high level of connectivity with the remainder of the campus.
The design encompasses a mix of innovation and cost-effective solutions, which take into consideration the character of the adjacent buildings.
Built form, materials and finishes align with the palette of the existing school buildings to provide a complimentary transition from existing to new. Natural cross-ventilation and solar shading have been incorporated into the design, to provide a comfortable and efficient teaching and learning facility.
Site constraints have led to locating the new facility to sit neatly between the existing Hall and the oval minimising the number of existing trees which need removal.
A landscaped courtyard is proposed between the new building and the existing Hall to provide a green outlook for the Hall and the south facing spaces in the new building.
Location of the building has been carefully considered to enable the building to provide compliant connection of all buildings to the entire length of the campus from Kersley Road footpath down to the oval.”

Kenmore South State School, established in 1967, services from Prep to year 6. As the local area has grown, the school-aged population has also increased thus the needed additional facilities to meet the demands of enrolment.

The school’s current study body is 712 students with a Student Enrolment Capacity (SEC) of 704. If approved, the development will raise the SEC to 896.

Kenmore locals can have their say on the proposal by making a submission to the Infrastructure Designation team on or before 28 April 2023.

online: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/mid-consultations
email: infrastructuredesignation@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au; or
post: PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002

Published 18-April-2023

Sip, Swing, and Shop at Brookfield Rose Farm’s Gin and Jazz Concert

Photo Credit: EventBrite

Prepare for a glorious afternoon spent ‘sipping, swinging, and shopping’ at the Gin and Jazz Concert at the Brookfield Rose Farm.

You’re in for a special treat as a memorable afternoon filled with the greatest jazz tunes and gin-tastic libations featuring the local Imbibis gin gets underway on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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A post shared by Brookfield Rose Farm (@brookfieldrose)

The Brookfield Meander markets will also open, offering genuine locally produced items. So, come prepared with your picnic blanket and get comfortable as you browse through the stalls. Don’t forget to bring your umbrellas and apply sunscreen so you can spend a memorable afternoon with family and friends.

The Brookfield Rose Farm Gin and Jazz Concert is an event that you don’t want to miss. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Get your tickets online.

Published 31 March 2023

Kenmore State High School Joins Hydrogen Gateway To Industry Schools Program

Kenmore State High School will be one of 32 high schools across the state to participate in the Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program of Energy Skills Queensland.

Read: CSIRO Pullenvale’s Robotised Cherenkov Viewing Device Reaches Significant Milestone

The Hydrogen Gateway to Industry Schools program is an industry-led program that broadens science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) knowledge to diversify and assist in accelerating future skills and opportunities towards the hydrogen industry.

Through the program, students will be exposed to a range of learning experiences to assist them in their career choices and self-select pathways to employment.

Students from Kenmore State High School and other participating schools will become involved from production and engineering, to storage, distribution and exporting. Teachers, on the other hand, will gain professional development to ensure they’re supported with industry knowledge to give context to STEAM teachings.

The program will give more than 2,000 students hydrogen career pathway opportunities, providing them with hands-on experience to the emerging hydrogen industry.

Whilst Queensland has the potential to be a hydrogen superpower, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk believes the State needs the workforce to support the jobs bonanza so that Queensland’s future workforce is primed and ready to capitalise on it.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said that by 2040, Queensland’s green hydrogen industry could support 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, unlocked by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“Our green hydrogen industry is the greatest jobs, climate, and export opportunity in a generation and this Palaszczuk Government initiative is giving Queensland kids a head start in the jobs and careers of tomorrow,” Minister de Brenni said.

Read: Our Lady Of The Rosary School Opens Newly Refurbished Pool

David Cross, CEO of Energy Skills Queensland said they are proud to be partnering with the Queensland Government, and are looking forward to working with students from Catholic Education, independent and public schools across Queensland.

To learn more about this program, visit Queensland Government’s website.

Published 28-March-2023

All Kinds of Fun and Exciting Competition for Kids As The Brookfield Show Returns

The Brookfield Show is back for another year and brimming with fun for kids who love a good round of exciting competitions. There literally is something in it for everyone!

Happening from 19 to 21 May 2023, the Brookfield Show will be giving children different opportunities to showcase their talent — baker, artist, LEGO builder, talented dancer, excellent horse rider, a whiz with the sewing machine, or a green thumb — there’s a competition for everyone.

Some of the competitions for kids include:

LEGO – Theme: “Magnificent Machines and Brilliant Buildings”
Art – Theme: “Farms, Ferris wheels and fun”
Talent Show – singing, dancing, instrumental or groups
Cookery – decorating and baking
Horticulture – create a fairy garden, vegetable/fruit unicorn and more
Guinea Pigs – funniest dressed, fastest eater, and other awards
Needlecraft & Patchwork – fabric toys, needlework, creative arts

At the Show, it’s all about enjoying the process of preparing the entry and the excitement when they see their creation on display at the show. There’s also the chance to win a ribbon and some prize money.

The children will also have a blast watching Mini Moshers, Larrikin Puppets and the wildly popular Bolster and Lee circus, which will have their debut at the Brookfield Show. Also presenting for the first time is Julia Baker of “The Snake Boss Show.”

The rodeo is scheduled for Friday night, whilst live music will be amping the vibe for Friday and Saturday. On the final day, a beautiful fireworks display is guaranteed to captivate the guests.

Tickets to Brookfield Show are now on sale. Limited edition merchandise will also be available at the official site.

Published 28 March 2023

Our Lady Of The Rosary School Opens Newly Refurbished Pool

Our Lady of the Rosary School now has the most modern school pool in Kenmore after it officially opened its newly refurbished pool facility in March 2023.

Read: Kenmore South State School Joins Active School Travel Program

Works by ‘Form Pools’ include new tiling, pool-heating system, resurfacing of the pool, and ladders and Olympic-standard starting blocks for the 25m pool.

The newly refurbished pool was blessed by Kenmore parish priest Fr Mark Franklin on Monday, 13 March 2023, in time for the hot weather.

Photo credit: Our Lady of the Rosary School, Kenmore/Facebook

“It was a wonderful way to start the week with the whole school gathering for the blessing. Thank you to ‘Form Pools’ for refurbishing our pool so beautifully. We are privileged to have such amazing first class facilities here at OLR,” the school wrote on a social media post.

The upgrades were badly needed, because the pool was constructed the same year the school opened. Our Lady of the Rosary School, founded in 1963, will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023.

The pool was constructed in its founding year to help create a sense of community for the school.

Some athletes, including Commonwealth Games Swimmer Tom O’Neill and Olympic Games Swimmer Christian Sprenger grew up swimming laps at the 60-year-old pool.

Principal John Bates believes the upgrades will give students not only an opportunity to learn to swim, but would also allow them to cool off at lunchtime with their friends year-round.

Read: New Shade Covers for Akuna Street Park in Kenmore in 2023

Aside from the pool, some of the school’s facilities include an oval, tennis courts, covered basketball court, multi-purpose performing arts centre, engaging playgrounds and an IT rich resource centre.

To learn more about the school, visit olrkenmore.qld.edu.au.

Published 20-March-2023