It took two days for an extremely lucky man in Kenmore to get a good night’s sleep after receiving confirmation of a life-changing $450,000 windfall. The unnamed fellow said he simply could not stop thinking about his unexpected stroke of luck.
Once the Saturday draw results came out, he knew that a $451,772.22 bolt of lightning had struck his life, but he nervously waited by the phone for confirmation just the same.
When the man finally got the confirmatory call, he was both relieved and elated, excitedly planning what he was going to do with the money.
The Kenmore man said he purchased his winning ticket at the official site.
“I found out after the draw on Saturday night. I was absolutely blown away when I checked my online account,” the local said, admitting that his family had never been well-to-do.
“I can’t believe it! It’s insane. I haven’t slept in two nights. I keep thinking about how much money it is.”
The winning numbers in the Saturday Gold draw were 4, 25, 23, 7, 21, and 9, while the supplementary numbers were 6 and 11.
“When I told my family, many cried, and others cheered. It was awesome!
“I will use the prize to buy myself a small house or a unit and help my family. It’ll be my first house, so it’s a big deal. I’m excited!
“Thank you so much. This is a dream come true!”
There were 11 other Division One winners alongside the Kenmore resident, five in Victoria, four in Queensland, two in New South Wales, and one in Tasmania.
Photo Credit: Elastic Compute Farm/Pixabay
As of 2022, 324 lucky Australians have been Division One winners, collectively getting $461.69 million in total and 133.5 million winners have taken home more than $3.93 billion in prize money across the other games from The Lott. Taxes from this initiative are helping fund hospitals, disaster relief operations, education, and health research.
Two koalas took centre stage for a few, brief minutes with Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Brisbane in 2011. The moment highlighted the monarch’s support for nature conservation and shone a lasting light on the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary’s conservation efforts for these tree-climbing marsupials that have become synonymous with Australia.
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died peacefully on the 8th of September 2022 at Balmoral Castle.
A great advocate of conservation efforts for nature and the environment, the Queen died one day after National Threatened Species Day, traditionally celebrated on the 7th of September, the day the Tasmanian tiger (aka thylacine) was pronounced extinct.
Like the Tasmanian tiger, the Queen was noble and courageous, protective, and devoted to everyone in her circle and beyond.
Efforts Not For Nought
Support for the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary remains strong as the sanctuary continues the work that the now-deceased monarch had greatly admired.
Located about 12 km away from Brisbane City, it is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with 100 koalas.
In 2021, a $1.4-million expansion project commenced. It is expected to be completed in 2022, weather permitting.
Photo Credit: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The upgrades cover 15,000-sqm of space and include a Wild Walk exhibit that involves new animal enclosures through a new wildlife zone and is contained within the existing established eucalyptus plantation.
“Since opening in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has been a favourite with domestic and international visitors, as well as generations of Southeast Queensland families,” Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said, during the groundbreaking of the project in August 2021.
“This project will not only allow us to provide local, interstate and international guests with new and engaging wildlife experiences, but also help us secure ongoing employment opportunities for both new and existing staff, and significantly contribute to Brisbane’s recovering tourism industry,” he said.
“We’ve invested $1.2 million in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary through our Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund to help deliver new tourism experiences and up to 25 construction and ongoing jobs,” he added.
Aside from the world-famous koalas, the sanctuary also has tree kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, bettongs, quokkas, and potoroos.
(from L to R) Tamielle Brunt (Wildlife Qld), LM Adrian Schrinner & Keeper Beck (Lone Pine) Photo Credit: Facebook/Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
In 6 September, Wildlife Queensland’s PlatypusWatch Network annual eDNA monitoring project was launched during a visit to the sanctuary by Cr Adrian Schrinner. The platypus population at Brisbane’s waterways has been identified through critical research and Moggill Creek has emerged as Brisbane’s top hotspot. Platypus populations have also been identified in Albany Creek, Bullockhead Creek, Sandy Creek, Kholo Creek, Pullen Pullen Creek, and Shelley Creek.
A petition has recently been launched, calling for full bus services covering Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Lake Manchester, Anstead, and the surrounding areas through a contracted delivery arrangement.
The petition has so far gathered 1,499 signatures and support is growing. State funding support for the proposed public transport services to western areas of Pullenvale Ward is also being sought from various sectors.
“Queensland residents draw to the attention to the House, that there are currently no contracted bus services provided by the State Government to the suburbs of Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Lake Manchester, Kholo, Anstead and surrounding areas, within the Brisbane Local Government Area,” the petition said.
“Your petitioners, therefore, request the extension of the State Government’s service area for contracted public transport, and provide dedicated state funding for such bus services in these suburbs, with the contracted delivery to be undertaken by Brisbane City Council.”
Personalised Public Transport | Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / Facebook
Councillor Greg Adermann said that due to the lack of bus services in these areas, Council has resorted to providing Personalised Public Transport (PPT) services instead. These Black and White maxi-taxi services provide residents with a low-cost means of transportation in areas where Translink services are limited including Karana Downs and Mount Crosby.
“If we can convince the Queensland Government to support this, it will enable Brisbane City Council to be contracted to deliver such bus services to your suburb,” Councillor Aderman explained.
The online petition closes on 3 November 2022. To sign the petition, click the link here.
Kenmore West Kindergarten is 50 years old! To celebrate this half-century milestone, the kindy is hosting a Family Fun Day at the school grounds on Fallbrook St.
There are heaps to look forward to for the celebration on Saturday, 3 Sept 2022, between 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. as Kenmore West Kindergarten (KWK) has invited some honourable guests to join the celebration.
Kicking off the events is the award-winning songwoman and law-woman of the Turrbal Tribe, Maroochy Barambah, who will perform “Welcome to Country” in recognition of Kenmore West Kindergarten’s roots steeped in indigenous history. Later in the day, the founder of Indigenous Insights and singer-songwriter Sharron “Mirii” Bell will also perform traditional dances and songs for the kids and the guests.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Family Fun Day will be a chance for future families to look into the kindy’s operation.
Past, present and potential students, as well as the wider community, are invited to partake in the mini fete-style event. Kids are guaranteed to have fun at the inflatable rides/mazes, reptile encounters, craft activities, crazy hair and face painting.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Parents will enjoy the various local market stalls, including a plant market stall and a special exhibit setup to display some of the kindy’s most precious memorabilia and stories from the past 50 years.
Food and drinks are courtesy of the fundraiser BBQ or pizza vendor, Pizza Gals. A coffee van and bar will be available on the day, while sweet treats including fairy floss, snow cones and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Event Coordinator and past parent of Kenmore West Kindergarten, Tash Westmore said she was so proud to be involved with organising this special milestone for the not-for-profit community kindergarten in 4069.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of planning this historic event for Kenmore West Kindergarten. We have plenty of wonderful activities and entertainment planned to celebrate this key milestone and pay tribute to the kindy’s history,” Ms Westmore said.
“When the kindergarten began in 1972, a number of indigenous children were enrolled and travelled by bus from the other side of Brisbane to attend. So First Nations Peoples history is particularly important to the kindy, as is the acceptance and respect of all cultures.
“The kindy also strives to be as sustainable as possible in its operations and gives love back to the land. It’s truly a wonderful early learning environment for the children.” She added.
Cr Greg Adermann will be in attendance to help with the cake-cutting and birthday festivities. Other notable guests on the day will include Head Office C&K Directors and owners of Brisbane Real Estate who are the major event sponsor.
During the activities, varied and exciting items will be up for silent auction and fete-goers can bid their highest up to the lead-up at 4:00 p.m. when the announcement of winning bidders will be made by the honourable Dr Christian Rowan MP.
Kenmore West Kindergarten Directors, Natasha Moore and Robert Pratt added further, saying the kindy has a strong emphasis on its natural surroundings and this is a core thread throughout their entire learning curriculum.
“Education for sustainability is an integral component of the kindy’s culture and curriculum. Children’s intrinsic love and appreciation for the natural environment is fostered,” Ms Moore said.
“There are ample opportunities for children to engage and interact in nature. There are opportunities for children to engage in learning experiences that empower them as active citizens for a sustainable future.” Mr Pratt added.
As a not-for-profit community kindy, KWK is largely reliant on the support of volunteering families and local business sponsors and donors. All proceeds from the day will go straight back into the not-for-profit C&K-affiliated kindergarten and will help KWK to continue to provide an “exceeding” and a high-quality educational program to its children, improve facilities and replenish resources.
Meanwhile, KWK is also seeking assistance from both volunteers and local sponsors/donors. If you may be interested, email projects@kenmorewestkindy.asn.au
Heads up, Kenmore! Following a five-year hiatus, the Fete is back at Kenmore South State School and it’s bigger than ever. If you’re planning to go, here are some activities/events to look forward to.
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Lots of fun awaits guests at the Fete, because there will be carnival rides, side show alley, a Lego competition, and the student-run Roots and Shoots group for the environment.
There will be live performances from the school’s talented musical groups, plus showcases from local sporting and dancing clubs. Think cheerleaders, Irish dancers, Rhee Tae Kwon-Do and some tiny tots for that extra hit of cuteness.
The headline act of the day will be the Octofunk band, playing at 2:00 p.m. and rocking those the Funk/Groove/Blues covers that have earned them a loyal local following. The bar will also be open at 2:00 p.m. — great news for those who need liquid courage to hit the (grassy) dance floor!
Fete Stalls
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
All the classic, well-loved fete stalls will also return this year. There will be a cake stall, a Secondhand Book Stall, Pre-loved Goods stalls and more, courtesy of volunteer families.
Raffle
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Get a chance to win a family holiday, which will be the main prize, in addition to over $10,000 worth of raffle prizes up for grabs.
About The KSSS Fete
For this year’s event, the P&C wanted Fete to become a great day for the local community, whilst also raising funds for the School’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics resources.
Peter Brady, the school’s P&C President, said they want to continue to equip their students with the best possible tools to ensure their success.
“Our school community is working very hard preparing for our Fete, which is the first one held in five years. After a tumultuous past couple of years, we hope our school celebration is really more of a community celebration where we can create a place for all locals to feel a sense of fun and connection with neighbours”, said Georgina Allardice, Acting Principal.
Photo supplied
Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator is also upbeat and excited, “It promises to be a very fun day out for everyone in the family and we can’t wait to welcome the Western Suburbs community to our School”.
“A huge shout-out to our key sponsors who have already jumped on board to support us including 4069 Real Estate who is putting a huge effort into getting us prepared for the day” said Tilly.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses as well as the chance to attend the Fete to promote your business. For all sponsorship enquiries or more details about the upcoming Fete, please contact Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator, at fete@ksss-pnc.org.au
Save the Date!
What
Kenmore South State School Fete 2022
Where
KSSS oval
When
Saturday, 20 August 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Follow the Fete on Facebook @KSSSFETE for all the updates.
If you haven’t been to Booker Place Park recently, you should definitely take time to visit. Did you know that there’s a new skate park at Booker Place Park? Also, check out the newly renamed Stegeman Sporting Complex.
One of over thirty skate facilities in Brisbane, the new Booker Place skate park is now open for the public to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / Facebook
The skate park was completed at a cost of $320,000. The upgraded skate park’s design incorporated traditional and street styles to best suit beginner and intermediate riders.
Park features include a central fun box with banked hip and ledge, an adjoining scooter track, a volcano fun box, a free-standing quarter pipe extension, a flow bowl transition section, and a concrete roll-over and flow section.
Stegeman Sporting Complex unveiled
At the beginning of the second quarter of 2022, the newly renovated Stegeman Sporting Complex was unveiled.
Named in recognition of Tony and Lorraine Stegeman’s contributions to the community and to the Bellbowrie Sports & Community Club, the sporting complex covers the fields used by the Moggill Cricket Club, the Bellbowrie Touch Football Club, and the Moggill Football Club.
Photo Credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP / Facebook
Tony and Lorraine Stegeman helped build the club in 1984 by donating funds for its construction. The couple also went as far as mortgaging their family home to help finance the club’s refurbishment and new kitchen. Tony was likewise instrumental to the club’s return to good financial health, helping BSRC clear all its debt in 2020 when he returned to oversee its operations after a period of absence.
In 1989, Lorraine was honoured with a Community Service award from BSRC whilst Tony received a Bellbowrie Sports and Community Club Life Membership in 1995. Tony is also a recipient of a Medal of Order of Australia and the Australian Sporting Achievement award.
Photo Credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP / Facebook
“Tony and Lorraine Stegeman’s association with the Bellbowrie Sports and Community Club is well known within my local community and when I outline it to the Chamber, I’m sure Councillors will agree this is a worthy recognition,” Councillor Greg Adermann said during his Council speech.
Two new childcare centres in Kenmore are due to open in 2023 and a third is on appeal, amidst a growing concern that there is an oversupply of childcare centres in various areas across Queensland.
According to the Australian Childcare Alliance Vice President Jae Fraser, there have been more than 230 childcare centres in the construction and planning stages across Queensland in the last couple of years.
The ACA is concerned that an oversupply will put the popularity of an important industry at risk.
In Kenmore, two facilities are due to open in early to mid-2023 along Brookfield and Moggill roads, whilst another plan for a childcare centre on Kelsey Rd is on appeal. These are on top of the existing childcare centres in the area, including a new childcare centre along Kenmore Rd that just opened in early 2022.
Mr Fraser said childcare centres are only profitable and good for business if it serves an undersupplied area with good and quality service.
The ACA boss added that childcare centre occupancy has dropped to 70 per cent on average due to the oversupply.
New operators are coming in but are not as well-versed as previous operators. They sign 30-year leases despite not knowing how to increase their centre’s capacity by 20 or 30 per cent more to sustain its operations.
Areas with oversupply problems will hurt the industry by maintaining unprofitable businesses.
There is also an undersupply of educators by 20 to 30 staff members, which means that not all the centres may be giving children the care they need and deserve.
Under Construction or in Planning Childcare Centres in Kenmore
The ACA is hoping that local and state governments establish a measurement for the supply and demand for childcare centres before the development applications are approved in a certain area. The ACA said approvals must be prioritised in communities with a pressing need for facilities.
Property expert Darren Collins of CBRE said that childcare centres in strategic locations are bringing in billions to the economy. Investors also study the location, including its saturation point, before submitting a plan to build a centre.
Collins said that the population of the suburb and the percentage of double-income parents often factor into the decision as these are indicators of high growth areas, thus the high demand for childcare centres.
Kenmore’s Plum Cafe Bistro has closed for good after a decade and a half, serving its last cuppa with a farewell gathering for its loyal customers and staff. A burger place now replaces the cafe.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our business over the past 15 years and helped make our cafe a name for itself amongst the beautiful Kenmore community,” Plum Cafe Bistro’s farewell post on their social media reads.
“We are leaving the Plum in good turn. I can retire in my own wish,” added owner Lance Zhou, about their June 5 closure.
Mr Zhou, who had a successful career in the hospitality industry since emigrating from China three decades ago, finally decided to retire and close their bistro at Kenmore Plaza Shopping Centre which has for years been a favourite dining spot among the locals.
Member for Moggil Dr Christian Rowan recognized Lance and his wife Christine’s contribution to the community with a Moggill Electorate Community Service Award presented to them in May.
Photo Credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP / Facebook
“After more than 14 years, Lance and Christine Zhou are closing the much-cherished Plum Cafe Bistro. Thanking them both, as well as their staff, for their loyal and dedicated service to our community, and local economy,” Dr Rowan wrote on his social media.
Dennis O’Meara, another recipient of the Community Award certificate and owner of Dennis’ Espressivo on Wongabel Street, Kenmore has likewise retired after thirteen years as a small business owner. But unlike Plum Cafe Bistro, it will be business as usual for Espressivo which now runs under new management.
Grill’d Healthy Burgers has taken over the former Plum Cafe Bistro site.
Australia’s housing boom has welcomed hundreds of suburbs, including the Kenmore property market, into the million-dollar club for 2021. However, economic experts predict that the red-hot market may be due for a slow down.
Figures from Property Market Updates showed that Kenmore experienced a 27.98 per cent median house price growth from April 2021 to March 2022. This has placed the median house price at $1,005,000, up from $785,250 in the previous period.
There were 204 houses sold for this period at an average of 23 days on market, indicative of a strong market. The brisk sales were driven by demands for comfortable and family-friendly homes in safe areas with good schools and accessible amenities. More families with older kids and professionals in their mid-30s are also looking into Brisbane’s western suburbs for their potential forever homes.
Whilst the growth has been positive for sellers, there have been some downsides for first-home buyers who are more sensitive to the house price increase.
This period has reflected a marked decline in property purchases from entry-level or first-home buyers. Most buyers in Kenmore are also on to their second or third home, with the intention of staying for the longer term.
Kenmore Unit Price Growth
Kenmore’s unit market from April 2021 to March 2022 reflected strong median growth of 18.56 per cent, pulling the median unit price to $805,000 from $679,000.
As interstate migration into Queensland reached record highs, buyers who want to move their families into areas with good schools have been fueling the demand.
For this period, 47 units were sold within 20 days on market. However, Kenmore’s unit volume has been shrinking alongside the rental vacancies. Not a lot of people, especially downsizers and retirees, are prompted to leave this suburb; they are staying put in their houses and units.
Kenmore Property Market — Post-Flood
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Whilst median prices experienced an uptick, property market experts are seeing a shift with some homes selling less for their asking price after the February 2022 floods, especially in areas around Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill.
However, it’s a trend that the experts believe will not yet trigger forced sales as prices are still significantly elevated despite the slight fall.
After the 2011 floods, Kenmore and several riverside precincts in the west experienced the steepest price drops as well but most recovered within three years. These areas are still attracting premium values because of their livability, with its quiet tree-lined streets, friendly neighbours, and a strong community vibe.
Feel like celebrating the start of the school holidays? The Brookfield Bar will party with you and the whole family with a Japanese street food spread, gourmet Italian desserts, and more!
On Friday, 24 June 2022, The Brookfield Bar has a massive night planned to celebrate the end of the school term with its Dry Night Pizza & Japanese Street Food event. Brisbane’s best food trucks will be parked at the showgrounds for the guests to enjoy their meal with a beverage on the alfresco deck.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Unfortunately, no alcohol is being sold; just soft drinks and juices as there is no liquor licence for this event.
Make sure to bring your appetites because Samurai Kitchen (the food truck that offers ‘the best karaage chicken in the world’) and The Italian Stallion by Na Pizzetta Organic Street Food (which offers wood-fired gourmet pizzas) will be serving up their delicious specialties.
Ice cream van Aaravices from Ipswich is also joining the event. Not to be missed is Mama Mus Cucino Italian desserts, serving Italian donuts, cristoli, and cannoli.
There will be firepits and heaters to keep the winter chill at bay. The night is sure to heat up anyway, with some dancing as Danny Black & CK rock the mini stage.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Danny Black has a long history with Brookfield and those who come to the celebration will enjoy listening to him play his acoustic folk-rock sounds with his partner.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The children will surely be thrilled to meet Queen Elsa! The beloved character will make a special appearance in the early evening! Families can enjoy chatting with her, blowing bubbles, and having fun with balloon creations.
The end-of-school term celebration will start at 5:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Guests are asked to enter via the Colquhoun Showgrounds Gates.
The Brookfield Bar is run by the not-for-profit Brookfield Show Society with all Bar proceeds being funneled towards upkeep and repairs of the historic grounds, as well as management of community events.
