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The Fete Is Back At Kenmore South State School!

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.

Read: New Childcare Centres in Kenmore and Other Areas Causing an Oversupply Problem

Entertainment for All Ages

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

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

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.

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.

What’s New at Booker Place Park?

Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann / Facebook

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.

Booker Place Park Skate Park

One of over thirty skate facilities in Brisbane, the new Booker Place skate park is now open for the public to enjoy.

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.

Stegeman Sporting Complex unveiled — 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.

“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.

New Childcare Centres in Kenmore and Other Areas Causing an Oversupply Problem

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

1075 & 1079 Moggill Road, Kenmore
A005417358 (APPROVED)

Moggill Road Childcare Centre — Photo Credit: DA/BCC

35 Brookfield Road, Kenmore
A004808456 (APPROVED)

Brookfield Road Childcare Centre — Photo Credit: DA/BCC

20 Kersley Road, Kenmore
A005602420 (UNDER APPEAL)

Kersley Road Childcare Centre — Photo Credit: DA/BCC

Government Needs to Measure Supply and Demand

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 Closes Shop for Good

Photo Credit: Plum Cafe Bistro / Facebook

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.

Kenmore Property Market Reaches $1 Millon Median Price Mark

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.

Kenmore House Price Growth

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.

Kenmore Unit Price Growth — Photo Credit: Property Market Updates

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

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.

It’s ‘Japanese and Pizza Night’ at the Brookfield Bar!

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.

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.

Photo Credit: Na Pizzetta Organic Street Food

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.

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.

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.

Follow them on Facebook.

West Brisbane Residents Affected by Aircraft Noise Invited to Community Focus Group in Upper Brookfield

Trax International is conducting a series of Community Focus Groups among Brisbane residents affected by aircraft noise. For West Brisbane locals, the two-hour focus group will take place this weekend in Upper Brookfield, where a dialogue with Airservices Australia for solutions will take place.

Inputs from the focus group will be added to the final report Trax International will submit to Airservices Australia, which launched the Post-Implementation Review (PIR) into the aircraft noise. Residents are enjoined to be at the Upper Brookfield Hall on Sunday, 12 June 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Participants are required to register to attend.

Per Trax International:

“The main goal of the focus groups is to share information and listen and learn from people affected by aircraft noise; with this in mind, the focus groups intend to:

Discuss the potential improvement opportunities identified in the Interim Report;
Gather feedback from communities about their experiences of aircraft noise in different areas;
Start a dialogue with communities about options to manage and mitigate noise impacts.”

Those who cannot attend may personally approach Trax for an informal discussion as they will open a drop-in session at Aviation Australia on 20 Boronia Rd, Brisbane Airport on 14 June 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BAC Issues Apology to Brisbane Residents

The Brisbane Airport Corporation, on the other hand, issued an apology to the residents.

“BAC acknowledges that aircraft noise is a genuine issue for some residents living under flight paths. We are sorry that aircraft noise can cause some people distress.

“BAC is working with the Federal authority responsible for flight paths and air traffic control, Airservices Australia, to explore options that would allow more planes to depart and land over the Bay.

“We fully support Airservices Australia’s decision to engage airspace design experts Trax International to identify opportunities to increase over the Bay departures and arrivals, among other improvements.

“Similarly, BAC supports Airservices Australia’s submission to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to allow 7 knot tailwind operations at Brisbane Airport (BNE).”

Tailwind Increase from 5 to 7 Knots Opposed

Meanwhile, a proposal to increase the tailwind limits from five to seven knots has been opposed by the Australian Airline Pilots’ Association. Whilst this may mean that the aircraft can take-off and land over Moreton Bay, thus moving away from the city and reducing the noise, the pilots said it will affect the safety levels.

AusALPA president Captain Tony Lucas said that they understand the residents’ mental and physical anguish over the aircraft noise, he explained that there should be a better way to fix this issue “rather than increasing the risk for both pilots and the travelling public.”

Kenmore District Kindergarten to Receive ‘Rebuild and Recover’ Partnership Support

Photo Credit: Kenmore District Kindergarten / Facebook

Kenmore District Kindergarten is among the eight Brisbane community organisations that were identified to receive support under the Rebuild and Recover – Club Partnerships Programme of BCC.

Kenmore District Kindergarten will receive $56,160 worth of funding to go towards roof replacement works set to commence in August this year.

Other recipients of the much-needed funding include Brisbane City Football Club – Newmarket, Carrington Boating Club – Corinda, Norman Park Sports & Community Club; Queensland Gaelic Football Association – Willawong, Sandgate Hawks AFC – Taigum, Valley Hockey Club, and Western Districts Netball Association – Graceville.

The Rebuild and Recover program is being fast-tracked by Brisbane City Council to help flood-affected sports and community clubs rebuild sooner.

The first tranche of the Rebuild and Recover Community Partnership Program will see eight not-for-profit community organisations share in the $566,000 grant to assist in the repair works to their buildings, electrical services, irrigation, playing field lighting, and playing surfaces.

“Last week I announced Brisbane’s biggest-ever clean-up would become Brisbane’s biggest-ever rebuild and we’re not wasting any time with our new club partnership program investing $566,000 to help some of our hardest hit clubs and community groups recover stronger and sooner,” the Lord Mayor of Brisbane posted on social media.

According to the Council’s Rebuild & Recover May 2022 report, 331 out of the 640 community-leased facilities were heavily impacted by the flood whilst 198 buildings, 61 irrigation systems, 106 sports fields and 40 sports field lighting installations were also damaged. The Lord Mayor also revealed that the damage cost of the February flood has reached $330 million or three times more than that of the 2011 flood.

Pizzeria Violetta Reopens in Kenmore with a New Chef

Following a six-month pause, Pizzeria Violetta has reopened in Kenmore with a new chef, Mario Miljkovic. Check out their redeveloped menu, featuring new flavours and a new dough for their wood-fired oven-baked pizza.

Owner Renata Roberts shared that Mario was eager to move his family from Newport in Sydney to Brisbane’s Western Suburbs. He’s bringing years of experience as a pizzaiolo who was originally raised in Vicenza, Italy.

Before joining Pizzeria Violetta, Mario was the head chef at Pizzeria Rosso Pomodoro and Terrazza Pizzeria in Sydney. He also led a team in the kitchen at Merivale’s Newport for nearly five years.

“Being passionate about everything is something us Italians are known for, but when it comes to food that’s a whole different story,” said Mario.

“Bringing authenticity to my food, and having the freedom to create and explore, while honouring the rich tradition around Italian food brings me a particular joy. I can’t wait to share with Brisbane what I have in store!”

Assisting the new chef is Ajay Ghimire, who has worked with Mario in Merivale. Together, the pair has come up with new flavours and new dough for Pizzeria Violetta’s redeveloped menu. Mario and Ajay have created a 36-hour proved dough, delivering a crispier crust once it is cooked in the woodfired oven.

Some of the old favourites remain, however, such as the classic pizza Margherita, primavera, or diavola. The restaurant also introduced Mario’s, a delicious and refreshing vegetariana pizza.

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In October 2021, Renata sadly announced the shop’s temporary closure due to the pandemic. The owner said that they wanted to preserve the integrity of the pizzeria. Thus, they had to ride it out until the restaurant could re-open and provide the authentic dining experience that their loyal patrons love.

Now that Pizzeria Violetta is back, Renata said that they are still getting “into the swing of things” but the team is slowly rebuilding and Mario will soon introduce more new flavours in the kitchen.

Find out what’s the latest at Pizzeria Violetta through their Facebook page.

Young Kenmore Artist Sells Pokemon Painting to Popular YouTuber Logan Paul

Young Kenmore artist, Jensen Dean, has sold his very first painting to YouTube celebrity Logan Paul after months of trying to get in touch with “people who knew people” in his network.

Whilst the details of the sale were not disclosed, Jensen said that he created a Pokemon painting with Logan in mind after he watched the social media star and boxer/wrestler detail the story of how he was swindled $3.5 million for buying fake Pokemon cards.

The young Kenmore artist said that he personally does not know Logan, who has more than 85 million followers on social media, but he reached out to him by sending direct messages to people who may have links to the celebrity.

After some months of trying to get his attention, Jensen and Logan were exchanging messages and the celebrity confirmed he wanted the Kenmore local’s painting. Logan told him he plans to hang this in his million-dollar mansion in Puerto Rico.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JENSEN DEAN (@thejensendean)

Aside from being a boxer, wrestler and social media star, Logan is also well-known for his love for anything Pokemon.

Jensen said that closing this deal was a big deal because someone with Logan’s stature could be looking for Pokemon art anywhere but he chose the young Kenmore artist.

The experience has made Jensen decide to pursue art and perhaps venture into filmmaking as well. A year ago, Jensen was not quite serious about his craft until a friend helped him land work painting graffiti art for a band’s practice room wall. He also ventured into making art for children’s nursery rooms.

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A post shared by JENSEN DEAN (@thejensendean)

But his deal with Logan has jumpstarted his social media infamy as his Instagram followers have also grown. The artist is also working on two more paintings for still-unnamed celebrities.

Jensen said he still has plenty of ideas in his head that has to be translated into works of art.

Follow him on his Instagram.