Have you ever wondered why red poppies have become the symbol of Remembrance Day? The children of Kenmore West Kindy will find out why, plus learn about the significance of this annual “Poppy Day” celebration, during a Remembrance Day poppy crafts activity at the Brookfield Markets.
Happening on Saturday, 6 November 2021, from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Brookfield Showgrounds, Kenmore West Kindy‘s children’s spot at the Brookfield Markets is easy to locate. Just look for the corner with the arts and crafts tables, where families enjoy the creative activities with their kids.
Because it will be Remembrance Day on 11 November, this weekend’s theme will be centered around making poppy papercraft.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, is a memorial to honour and pay respects to the heroes of the First World War. Whilst it is not a public holiday, Australians are urged to hold two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. every year.
Poppies, or Papaver rhoeas, have become the symbol of this important event as history records showed that bright red flowers bloomed in the battle-scarred land in northern France, where Allied Forces, including Australians, died.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote about the field of poppies in the short story, “In Flanders Field.” Professor Moina Michael, who volunteered at the Young Women’s Christian Association, read McCrae’s story which inspired her to make red poppy pins using silk fabric to raise money for the veterans, giving birth to a tradition.
Meanwhile, this Saturday’s Brookfield Markets will be the second to the last market for Kenmore West Kindy for 2021. The volunteers of this regular event thank those who have visited their corner every month, despite some cancellations due to the lockdowns.
Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, a local Kenmore landmark for over 50 years, would undergo its biggest upgrade yet for years, if a development application is approved.
Plans (A005856055) lodged by Jen Retail Properties Ltd to the Brisbane City Council revealed that the applicant is seeking to demolish the two-storey north mall to facilitate the construction of a new ground-floor, retail shopping centre entrance and ancillary car parking spaces.
The at-grade ancillary car parking spaces will replace the north mall whilst a new floor area will be created underneath Council’s library. The new floor area will also be occupied by some of the existing north mall tenants.
“The planned redevelopment will provide a vibrant new look and modern feel for the oldest section of the Centre, the northern mall,” announced Kenmore Village Shopping Centre on its website.
Designs rendered by Buchan Architecture showed that the aesthetic elements of the new design complements the look and feel of the older remaining part of the Centre. The owners wish to preserve the familiarity and character of the centre that their loyal customers love.
Also part of the proposal is new driveway access to Spearwood Place, for access to a small portion of traffic.
“A new driveway access is proposed to Spearwood Place, located at the north-west corner of the site, to improve emergency access and to provide a “relief valve” to divert a small portion of traffic away from the driveways at Moggill Road (a State-controlled Road) and Brookfield Road during periods of road congestion,” Sinclair Planning stated in an assessment report for the applicant.
Locals’ Concerns
Artist’s impression of the north carpark view (Photo credit: https://kenmorevillage.com.au/)
Most locals support the centre’s redevelopment. However, there are a few who were concerned about certain aspects of the proposal, including the additional driveway access via Spearwood Place.
“Through-traffic to the shopping centre creates a new rat-run by-passing the roundabout is a concern to many of us in the neighbourhood. The character of our traffic-calmed area with significant wildlife and many families with young children will be significantly impacted. The residential character of our streets will be lost,” a resident has written in a submission to Council.
Regarding the matter, the assessment report for the proposed development states that “the Spearwood Place access is warranted as it will provide a broader community benefit as a result of improvements to the traffic network and safe and direct emergency vehicle access, without introducing unacceptable amenity impacts for residents of the street.”
For more details about the proposed Kenmore Village redevelopment, see DA-A005856055.
Did you know that the Pullenvale Reserve is home to a beautiful array of birds, such as Sugar Gliders, rare Great Gliders, Feathertail Gliders, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Fawn-footed Melomys, Microbats, Lorikeets, Eastern Rosella, Wood Ducks, Boobook Owl, Owlet Nightjar, and Galahs?
To ensure that their habitats won’t be threatened by urbanisation or any other development, the local community came together to install bird boxes to encourage more species to live in the natural richness of the reserve.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The locals also sought help from Cr Greg Adermann and Habitat Brisbane in identifying the species and their locations so that more bird boxes will be installed.
“I agreed to commit some funds from my 2021/22 Suburban Enhancement Fund for a number of nest boxes that can cater for a wide range of these mammals and birds,” Mr Adermann said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo Credit: Supplied
The first six bird boxes were distributed and installed along Pullenvale Road and more will be added in the coming months.
Deborah Tabart OAM of the Australian Koala Foundation commended the initiative.
“Delighted that the Pullenvale Reserve is now even more environmentally friendly with the addition of artificial hollows. Our wildlife needs our help and this is a great way of protecting our precious mammals and birds,” Ms Tabart said.
“What a wonderful initiative! The bird boxes blend in with the trees, provide safe refuge for our wildlife and allow for monitoring and observation. We would love to see more including larger boxes for the powerful owl species,” said Dr. T Khoo, a resident.
Highly sought-after suburbs like Kenmore that show strong, steady growth over time remain among the top choices of buyers, as Brisbane property values are expected to perform consistently well over the next few years.
From July 2020 to June 2021, the median house price in Kenmore is at $820,000, a 13.57% rise from the previous period. Data from Property Market Updates showed that over 195 houses sold within the 12-month period. House listings stayed on the market for an average of 39 days, reflecting the competitiveness of buyers who show a distinct preference for the large detached houses on spacious blocks found in the suburb.
The biggest sale during this period was a resort-style six-bedroom house for $3,400,000. Located on Annabel Street, the property has 1,391 square metres of living space with more than 800 square metres of garden space, including a poolside pavilion. It’s perfectly positioned close to parklands, primary and secondary schools, the popular Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, and the Legacy Way tunnel.
In the last five years, the median house price has increased by 28.13%, from $640,000 in mid-2016 to $820,000 today. Over the last 10 years, house prices have increased by a solid 54.43%, from the 2011 median house price of $531,000.
Unit Price Growth
From July 2020 to June 2021, Kenmore’s unit properties still performed better than most apartment markets in Brisbane. Unit median price growth has been modest but still showing steady growth at 3.88%, listing at an average of $670,000. Some 26 apartment properties in Kenmore spent 50 days on market.
Most of the buyers are downsizers and retirees who likely have houses in the suburb but now prefer a smaller dwelling to maintain. Approximately 15% of the population in Kenmore rent their homes, much lower than the average rental population in Brisbane.
Mid- and long-term unit price growth has been consistent, though modest. In the last five years, the median unit price has increased by 5.68%, with the 2016 median pegged at $634,000. Over the last 10 years, unit prices have increased by 19.64% from $560,000 in 2011 to $670,000 in June 2021.
Why Kenmore?
The great weather, laid-back lifestyle, and dynamic housing market in the Brisbane area (and QLD as a whole) are major attractions to move interstate. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one person in four people who move interstate in the country is someone relocating from NSW to QLD.
Kenmore is considered to be a highly appealing option to interstate buyers, with buyers from out of state pleased at how much bang for their buck they are able to get, particularly those used to more cramped dwelling spaces elsewhere.
Overall, Kenmore is attractive because of its relative proximity to Brisbane airport, its comfortable median house price, and the spacious blocks with large, detached houses that the area is known for.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Many of those who have moved into Kenmore are keen on transitioning to long-term suburban living whilst maintaining other properties closer to the city.
Although the suburb measures just approximately 5.8 square kilometres, there are 18 parks covering nearly 6.7% of the total area, presenting a refreshing contrast to the busy bustle of the CBD which is also not that far away.
Far from being disconnected to the downtown area, it has incredible access to transportation along Moggill Road, and its tree-lined streets, quiet neighbourhood, and walkable surroundings have everything buyers look for.
Kenmore Hills
Serious buyers looking to move to quiet, well-off surrounds also consider neighbouring Kenmore Hills, where properties spend an average of 49 days on market with a median house price that sits just above $1 million. The median house price in Kenmore Hills grew by 10% this 12-month period ending June 2021, quite a good showing for this tightly held suburb.
Kenmore West Kindy held an art show to raise awareness for World Sepsis Day, which was observed on 13 September. It was also an opportunity to gather funds for Mia Wilkinson, a former student, who has ongoing medical needs after losing her limbs due to the illness.
An art gallery was set up a the kindy’s front deck where families nominated a price for the work of their kids. The school also conducted a paint ‘n sip class for the adults. All profits of the sales will go to the Mia Wilkinson Trust and the not-for-profit C&K community kindergarten.
Mia, who now attends an Indooroopilly primary school, lost her arms and legs to sepsis in 2017. Since her challenging journey of recovery, she and her family have been raising awareness about this critical illness.
As a fearless sepsis survivor, Mia hasn’t let her experience stop her from enjoying life to the fullest despite becoming a quadruple amputee. Nearly five years after her critical hospitalisation, Mia is growing up as a healthy and active child who enjoys sports activities and has started learning how to play the trombone.
Largest Sepsis Study in Aus
Between 2019 and 2020, over 2,000 individuals in Queensland have been maimed or died due to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This is one of the most common reasons for emergency visits, especially among children, and the Queensland Children’s Hospital has been conducting the country’s largest paediatric sepsis study to find better ways to help the victims.
The research, led by Associate Professor Luregn Schlapbach, hopes to find a faster way to diagnose the condition to deliver the best treatments and prevent the body’s organs from shutting down as the infection can spread in a matter of hours.
Mr Schlapbach is looking into the genetics of the body that activates the development of sepsis. A gene expression will help the experts understand the infection better, which could aid in the development of better blood tests.
Unknown to most people, sepsis might start off as typical flu or gastro issue, as in Mia’s case, but it could quickly descend into a deadly condition. If caught early, sepsis is a completely treatable condition thus the results of the sepsis study at the Queensland Children’s Hospital will be very important to the world.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary located in Fig Tree Pocket, is undergoing a $1.4 million expansion which will include new attractions to offer fresh experiences to visitors.
The upgrades, which would cover 15,000-sqm of space, include a Wild Walk exhibit that involves new animal enclosures through a new wildlife zone and is contained within the existing established eucalyptus plantation.
The Wild Walk Exhibit Space will feature new exhibits for echidnas and koalas and breeding space for wombats and Tasmanian devils.
“And for the first time, night tours will fit-out visitors with thermal imaging scanners to show nocturnal animals in their habitat without the intrusion of flashlights,” said Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who led the groundbreaking ceremony in August 2021.
Mr Hinchliffe said Lone Pine has a load of quokkas going through biosecurity clearances to join the family, which already includes the world-famous koalas, tree kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, Tasmanian devils, bettongs and potoroos.
Site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
“The thermal imaging scanners will automatically upload images for tourists to take home as a lasting reminder of their night-time visit,” the Minister added.
The upgrades are part of the government’s Queensland tourism Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, which aims to keep the economy moving even at the time of the pandemic.
“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,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“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.
Lone Pine’s expansion is expected to be completed in mid-2022, weather permitting.
Residents looking for more ways to manage containers waste will be pleased to know that a new Containers for Change bag drop facility has opened at St Catherine’s in Moggill Road, adjacent to the Moggill Village Shopping Centre.
The Rotary Club of Kenmore has partnered with the Our Lady of Rosary Parish Kenmore-Moggill to install this facility for individuals or community groups with a Containers for Change scheme ID to drop items that can be recycled or reused as other products in exchange for cash.
Bag drops will also enable Kenmore Rotary and OLR to earn credits that can help fund their causes, activities, and community projects. If you wish to donate your credits, insert the Kenmore Rotary scheme ID C10003721 when you bag, tag, and drop your items. Proceeds of your donation will be shared between Kenmore Rotary and OLR.
Photo Credit: Rotary Club of Kenmore/Facebook
Containers for Change collects most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard beverage containers between 150ml and 3L in size. Deposited items are eligible for a 10-cent refund. However, some items are excluded in the scheme, such as:
Plain milk containers of all sizes including plant-based milk substitutes
Glass containers that contained wine or pure spirits
Containers 1L or more that contained flavoured milk, pure fruit or vegetable juice, cask wine or cask water
Concentrated/undiluted cordial or syrup containers
Since Containers for Change launched in Queensland in 2018, over 3,609,597,748 containers have been returned and recycled at the depot. In December 2020, the initiative raked an astounding volume of collection in the region at six million containers per day.
The non-profit aims to increase its beverage container recycling recovery rates by 85 percent in 2022. As of 2020, its recovery rate is at 78.8 percent.
Father’s Day is coming up! If you have little children, there will be a fun opportunity for them to make Dad something special at the Brookfield Markets.
On Saturday, 4 Sept 2021, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Kenmore West Kindy will have a maker’s table prepared for little artists to unleash their creativity and make a special card, artwork, or handmade gift for Dad.
Look for Children’s Area at the event, which is usually set up every first Saturday of the month at the Brookfield Markets. This special children’s section, with a dedicated theme per month, has been a popular site for families who keep their young ones engaged whilst parents finish their market day.
Photo Credit: SuppliedPhoto Credit: Supplied
The Brookfield Markets showcase high-quality produce and ingredients from local providers, including heaps of pickled food, jams, or chutneys to go with fresh bread and drinks, meats or fish, desserts and sweets, gardening products, as well as homeware and arts and crafts supplies.
Photo Credit: BrookfieldMarkets/Facebook
Some families come by to have their healthy breakfast with the rest of the community, with some stalls offering vegan and gluten-free options. This family-oriented and dog-friendly event is held twice a month with ample parking spaces along Brookfield Road.
For updates about the market, follow their Facebook Page.
The design for the new Kenmore Community Hub has been released, showing the ideas that will be incorporated in the upgrade, transformation, and modernisation of the facilities which house the Kenmore Men’s Shed, Kenmore Bridge Club, and e-Waste Connection on 98 Brookfield Road.
Cr Greg Adermann confirmed that $1.5 million in funds was secured from federal funding, through Member for Ryan Julian Simmond, to facilitate the construction of the new Kenmore Community Hub.
“The first task we had was getting the right design for the site, one that would increase space for all three community groups and allow for easy access for all their members,” Mr Simmonds said.
“This design not only transforms the space but it delivers a larger, more modern facility that will allow these very popular groups room to grow.”
Photo Credit: Cr Greg Adermann
Cr Adermann said that Kenmore Men’s Shed, Kenmore Bridge Club, and e-Waste Connection have been asking for a better space for events and parking, as well as improved accessibility for people with disabilities and improved traffic flow at the Brookfield Road entrance.
Kenmore Men’s Shed is composed of men of all ages who engage in productive activities like woodworking, woodturning, woodcarving, furniture repairs, toy making, metalwork, leatherwork, and pyrography. The group conducts other social and educational activities at their headquarters.
Kenmore Bridge Club has been a longstanding social club, with at least 200 players, where members challenge each other to a game of bridge.
e-Waste Connection is a social enterprise that promotes electronic waste recycling. The club was also established to provide people with disabilities a place for developing their skills and building friendships.
With fundings secured, the next step of this project is to lodge a Development Application after finalising consultations with involved parties. Cr Adermann said he will update the community on the progress of this project in the coming months.
Sekisui House Australia, a global home builder, had spent years looking for a talented styling partner for their latest Australian development, Shavida. The stars aligned when they saw the work of Pullenvale decorator Bree Pullinger and realised that she was the perfect match for the project.
Taku Hashimoto, the project director of Sekisui House Australia, said that Bree had an understanding of what they wanted for Shavida. They signed her on to style four model homes that promote intuitive, functional, and flexible living.
“Shavida homes are designed with a purpose. We make clever use of every centimetre in our floorplans, providing a real sense of ergonomic harmony and space, ensuring life at home happens effortlessly and with vibrancy. Bree was able to take this philosophy and truly bring it to life,” Mr Hashimoto said.
Photo Credit: Bree Pullinger Interiors/Facebook
With her contemporary style, the creative decorator made use of natural light and a range of layers filled with textures and colours to enhance the Shavida display homes. To help bring her vision to life, Bree tapped Brisbane-based artist Donna Delaney Prints for the quality fine art prints, Ipswich business MM Designer Art for the simple but elegant framing, and UD Furniture Brisbane for the sofas, bed-heads, and upholstery.
“While every display home had a pre-determined theme, I was able to execute the team’s interior styling vision in line with the architectural intent of the homes, and reflect my personal touches on each design in what was a truly collaborative design process,” the decorator said.
Bree said that her partnership with Sekisui House Australia has been “an absolute dream and a fantastic opportunity.” When she was started her professional service as a decorator, Bree aspired for projects that bring value and make a meaningful impact. The Pullenvale mum wants to boost the support for local businesses and she’s also passionate about caring for the environment.
“Sekisui House Australia’s sustainability values resonate with me, and its ethos to create homes with harmonious energy and a good feeling when you walk in aligns with my thinking and style.”
Sekisui House Australia, founded in the 1960s, is in the process of releasing the styling packages prepared by Bree for new home buyers.
Follow Bree’s work on social media and visit Shavida’s online site to learn more about the residential opportunity. Shavida’s display homes are at Parkview Parade, Ripley.
