As part of Queensland Police’s Adopt-a-Cop program, Brookfield and Kenmore State Schools welcomed new cops into their schools to help build positive relationships between police and members of the school community.
Acting Senior Constable Vince Gaudiello with Brookfield State School Student Leaders and the Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Hancock Photo credit: myPolice Brisbane West
Brookfield State School formally adopted Acting Senior Constable Vince Gaudiello as their new Adopt-a-Cop on Wednesday, 20 June 2018.
Senior Constable Helen Loader with Kenmore State School’s Principle Ms Ingrid Freeman and North Brisbane District Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Acting Senior Sergeant Jose Sarmiento Photo credit: myPolice Brisbane West
Kenmore State School adopted Senior Constable Helen Loader as their Adopt-a-Cop on Thursday, 21 June 2018.
Community Partnerships
First implemented in 1985, the Adopt-a-Cop program aims to foster positive relationships between police and members of the school community through the voluntary appointment of Adopt-a-Cops to schools and other relevant organisations.
As an integral part of policing, the program focuses on police partnerships within the community.
Kenmore State School welcomed their new Adopt-a-Cop Constable Loader. Photo credit: Facebook/Kenmore State School
Adopt-a-Cops are usually appointed to primary and secondary schools as they perform rapport-building and educational role within the school, however, they may also be appointed to special schools, early childhood centres, and community groups.
Benefits to the Community
Through the program the police hopes to achieve the following:
Enhancing the safety and well-being of children through education
Develop positive attitudes of children towards police and the community
Encourage law-abiding behaviour
Increase community satisfaction with the QPS
Provide greater community support of the QPS
Promote professional development of police officers and Police Liaison Officers
Adopt-a-Cop is different from the School-Based Policing Program which involves the full-time appointment of police within 50 Queensland secondary schools.
Kenmore Library will be hosting several winter school holiday activities. The activities are designed to help in promoting children’s creativity while taking a break from school.
Check out the list below to see what your little maker can accomplish on the holidays.
Holiday Maker Space
Multiple dates
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / reinysethi/ Pixabay
The Kenmore Library will be hosting Holiday Maker Space for several days to provide free craft activities during the school holidays.
The Holiday Maker Space is ideal for kids aged 5-12 years and their carers. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. starting on Monday, 2 July to Friday, 13 July 2018.
Independently published comic book artist Adam Rose will be sharing the basics of layout, styling, and techniques in designing original, hand-drawn comic book pages.
The Original Comic Book Creations is ideal for comic book enthusiasts aged 12-17 years.
Bookings required for this free event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Kenmore Craft Group
Friday 6 July 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Perfect for crafters of all ages, the Kenmore Craft Group is a great place to share your current project. Simply bring along a piece you’re working on and share ideas with fellow crafters over a cup of tea.
An activity designed for children aged 9-12 years, this free event will teach them how to design and create machines using littleBits. littleBits are simple electronic circuits that snap together to create prototypes.
This activity will also help the kids in learning about the basics of circuits, motors, and motion. No prior experience is required to join the activity.
Bookings required for this free event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Got a child who loves to write? Let your kid join Julie Fison, author of the ‘Hazard River’ and ‘Choose Your Own Ever After’ series, for a day as she shares her secrets on where to get ideas for a great story and how to turn them into a plot.
Julie will be working with the young aspiring writers to map out their storyline, to help them write like a professional in no time.
This free event is ideal for young writers aged 8-14 years.
Bookings required for this event. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
A virtual fence has been installed on Rafting Ground Road in Brookfield as part of a trial to prevent feral deer from crossing the road, and hopefully to deter accidents.
The Brisbane City Council is exerting all efforts to minimise feral deer in the city. Over the years, a distinct growth of feral deer sightings has been reported to the council, most notably in the western side. Should the trial of the virtual fence be successful, it will then be rolled out to various areas in the city.
Deer crossing roads have caused a number of traffic accidents and other problems such as:
damage to native vegetation
reduction of water quality to several bodies of water
damage to residential properties
attracting illegal hunting
transmitting diseases to humans and animals
aggressive behaviour
Virtual Fence Trial
The virtual fence trial started in March 2018 and is part of the council’s $1-million budget for pest animal management.
Rafting Ground Road was chosen because of the low-light environment, which enhances the effectiveness of the technology. The road is also a known to be a major deer-crossing point.
Cr David McLachlan said that this particular wildlife solution is unique and effective.
“Deer can cause serious traffic hazards and council is now monitoring the ability of a virtual fence along Rafting Ground Road to keep deer off our roads,” Cr McLachlan said.
“Brisbane is home to more than 400 feral deer, which are classed as a pest under both State and Council legislation because of the environmental, economic and social threats they pose.
“Since July 2016, Council has received nearly around 140 reports of feral deer sightings in the city’s western suburbs, and has captured around 180 pest deer in the same period.”
The virtual fence will emit a high-pitched solar signal as vehicles approach, thus keeping the deer from getting on the roads.
The same technology was found to be effective when it was put into trial in Tasmania to protect the Tasmanian devil. The results showed a significant reduction of road-kill.
Help With Feral Deer Management
The council also reminds residents to help reduce the number of feral deer in residential properties and on roads.
Do not feed or befriend feral deer
Put up proper fencing
Deter deer via electronic deterrents, lights, rotary or a motion-activated sprinkler system
Staying Safe On The Road
In order to ensure safety on the road especially in areas where the prevalence of feral deer is known, keep in mind that they travel in groups. If you see one deer crossing it is best to wait for a few minutes as it is most likely that there are more coming.
The council has also released some road guidelines to help you stay safe on the road:
Honk at a deer when you see one near the road
Flash your headlight to signal to other drivers
Practice caution and slow speed during the dawn and dusk
Fig Tree Pocket’s name was derived from Moreton Bay fig trees with the scientific name Ficus macrophylla and for a particularly large tree in the area.
The trunk of an immense fig tree in the scrub fringing the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. A person appears to be standing at the base of the tree. The photographer was Mr. G.W. Sweet of South Brisbane. Photo credit: State Library of Queensland, Australia/Wikimedia Commons
In 1866, the huge tree was photographed and was said to be so large that it can shelter a herd of cattle or up to 400 people. A reserve of 1.6 hectares was created around the fig tree the same year.
The giant tree was considered so iconic that it became a major landmark in the area.
The suburb was also bounded by the river on three sides which creates a land pocket.
The name and boundaries of Fig Tree Pocket were approved by Queensland Place Names Board on 11 August 1975. The boundary has been altered by the Minister for Natural Resources and Minister for Mines on 23 August 2002.
The famous tree no longer exists and the cause of its disappearance is still unknown.
Every month, Kenmore Library hosts several events and workshops for kids and adults. This month, learn different sets of skills from the upcoming workshops in the library including craft workshops, photo editing, writer’s workshops and more.
Check out the list below to see the events happening in Kenmore Library this June.
Library E-books for Android and iPad
Tuesday, 5 June 2018 (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Photo credit: CC-BY/Cheryl Marble/Flickr
Learn how to get access to hundreds of free online ebooks and audiobooks from Brisbane’s libraries right at your own device. Ideal for young adults to seniors, this Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect workshop will teach you how to set up your iPad or Android tablet to read or listen to online library content.
Don’t forget to bring your own device, library card, and necessary information such as Apple or Google Play Store account and email account details.
Basic device skills are needed and bookings are required. Call the Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your spot.
First Wednesday Book Club
Wednesday, 6 June 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
Open for young adults to seniors, read, discuss and debate a fine selection of books with a friendly group in this book club.
Bookings are not required for this free event.
English Conversation Group
Thursday, 7 June 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
Open for learners of all levels, this friendly and informal group meets at the library every Thursday morning. Visit the library and make new friends while improving your English.
Bookings are not required for this free event.
Lord Mayor’s Writers in Residence Series: Meet Josepha Dietrich
Thursday, 7 June 2018 (6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
Photo credit: www.josephadietrich.com
Join Josepha Dietrich as she discusses her memoir, In Danger. Books will be available for purchase on the night or you can bring your own copy from home for Josie to sign.
In Danger is one woman’s powerful story of how her mother’s death saved her life. It explores Josie’s journey through life with breast cancer from inside the experience. At its heart, this inspirational memoir delves deep into how it feels when everything you love is in danger.
This event is free. Book online at Eventbrite or call the library 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Kenmore Craft Group
Friday, 8 June 2018 •(9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Share your current project with fellow crafters at the informal Kenmore craft group. Bring a piece you’re working on and share ideas with other crafty people over a cup of tea.
Bookings are not required for this free event.
Simple Photo Editing
Tuesday, 12 June 2018 (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
This Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect workshop will teach you how to organise your photos, make simple changes to digital photos before printing, and create your own photo books. You can bring your own photos or use sample images provided.
Basic computer and internet skills are required for this workshop.
The event is free but booking is required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Need some inspiration and support for writing? This writing group offers a creative and constructive environment for you to share your love of writing and develop your writing skills.
Bookings are not required for this free event and new members are welcome to join.
Android Skills One
Tuesday, 19 June 2018 (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Ideal for first-time users, this Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect workshop will teach you how to use the basic features of an Android tablet. Explore apps, connect to Wi-Fi and search on the internet.
Don’t forget to bring your own Android tablet.
This event is free and bookings are required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Before You Hit Send: a Social Media SOS for Parents + Tweens + Teens
Tuesday, 19 June 2018 (6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Join Rebecca Sparrow, online columnist, podcast host and author, as she walks parents and students through the social media landscape teaching the audience how to have a more positive experience online.
From finding your tribe and building your emotional resilience to household internet agreements and privacy settings, she will explain how following a few simple rules will increase your child’s chances of having a healthier relationship with their beloved devices and a more positive experience online.
This event is free and bookings are required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Garden Design One: Getting Inspired and Getting Started
Saturday, 23 June 2018 (11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Photo credit: CCO Public Domain / GeorgeB2 / Pixabay
Get ideas and inspirations on how to design the garden of your dreams. Presented by landscape architect and horticulturist Arno King, you discuss the issues to consider, and the steps to make your dream garden a reality in this workshop.
This event is free and bookings are required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Android Skills Two
Tuesday, 26 June 2018 (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Learn more about your Android tablet in this follow up workshop from Brisbane Libraries Tech Connect. Customise your tablet by organising your apps and adjusting basic settings and discover how to find and download useful apps on the Google Play Store.
Don’t forget to bring your own Android tablet and Google Play Store account details.
This event is free and bookings are required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Last Friday social club: Bring back beautiful butterflies to our backyards
Friday, 29 June 2018 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Learn more about how to promote biodiversity in your garden in this workshop with Helen Schwencke, author of Create More Butterflies. This workshop will teach you how to encourage butterflies and wildlife by selecting butterfly host plants, including tips for urban environments.
This event is free and bookings are required. Call Kenmore Library on 07 3407 0258 to reserve your place.
Challenge yourself and bring your loved ones with you as you take this year’s Kokoda Challenge in Brisbane.
On 2 June, starting at 12:00 a.m., the event will kick off at the Brookfield Showgrounds and will end the next day, 3 June at exactly 11:59 p.m.
If you think you have what it takes or if you want to honour the Kokoda Spirit, choose from 48km, 30km, and 15km events and go experience the city’s toughest terrains whilst you put your endurance to the test.
The 48km event will kick off at 7:00 a.m. with a 24-hour limit, whilst the 30km and 15km events will start at 8:00 a.m. with a nine-hour limit.
Starting at the Brookfield Showgrounds, participants will make their way to the McAfee’s Lookout before they go back to the showgrounds. They will return via D’Aguilar National Park.
The minimum age to join the 48km and 30km events is 13 years old or those who will be turning 13 this year whilst the minimum age requirement for the 15km event is 10 years old. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gather up your team of 2,3, or 4 and make sure you have a Support Crew ready. Your crew will be there for you at one out of six checkpoints on the 48km course.
The Kokoda Challenge is established in 2004 by the Kokoda Youth Foundation, a charity founded by a Vietnam war veteran Doug Henderson OAM.
The event is created to fund participants for the youth programs. The Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP) is a 14-month program that is dedicated to teach young people make choices, fail, and flourish.
The 2011 floods devastated many suburbs in the city of Brisbane, but suburbs such as Fig Tree Pocket are still seeing high property price growth despite the unfortunate event.
Datafrom RiskWise Property Research shows that 95% of the adversely affected Brisbane suburbs during the 2011 floods registered strong 5-year price growth.
Fig Tree Pocket is on top of the list with a recorded 52.7% 5-year price growth.
According to the RiskWise CEO Dolon Peleg, the demand for these properties proves a counterbalance to the 2011 floods and that people are willing to take that risk. He also said that there should be no cause for alarm because insurance companies have changed their product offering and premiums.
Mr Peleg believes that the research helps disprove the notion that these once-flooded areas will suffer poor capital growth and will gain negative buyer reaction. The price growth is boosted by the excellent location of the properties, most of which are on highly sought riverside areas.
Here is the list of the top 10 Brisbane suburbs that have bounced back well in terms of property prices from the recent 2011 tragedy:
Brookfield Show is back at the Brookfield Showground to highlight the best of country life from Friday 18 May to Sunday 20 May 2018.
Photo credit: BrookfieldShow/Facebook
The famous annual agricultural event will showcase exciting equestrian events, rodeo and live entertainment for kids and grown-ups alike. Packed with all the fun activities, the annual show always turns out somewhat like a smaller version of the huge Brisbane Ekka.
Event Details:
What:
Brookfield Show
When:
Friday, 18 May – Sunday, 20 May 2018
Where:
Brookfield Showground
Tickets:
Single day tickets available at the gate:
Adult – $20
Children – $10$80 – Family multi-day pass (2 adults and up to 3 kids)
$40 – Adult multi-day pass
$20 – Child/ Concession Brookfield Show multi-day pass (5- 17 years old)
FREE – children under 5 years
Show Friday
Show Friday is District Day, with equestrian events filling the main arena. The day won’t be complete without the Rodeo and sideshow entertainment. Other attractions to expect include “Poison Anvil” demonstrations, free animal farm, venomous snake show and display, pony rides, face painting, games and hobby horses equitation.
There will also be live music right at the Member’s Bar.
On Thursday night, prior to the formal start of the event, the winners of the art, children’s’ art and craft, photography, sculpture and woodwork contests will be revealed.
Equestrian events start at 8:00 a.m. and the pavilions and carnival will open each day at 9:00 a.m.
Show Saturday and Sunday
Saturday and Sunday events are filled with pavilion exhibits, live performances, displays, ring events and sideshow entertainment.
Come early at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday for the judging of the Brookfield Dog Show competitions and the poultry competition. The weekend will be filled with various attractions such as wood chopping competition, roving entertainment, a mini pig race and silent disco.
Evening events include jousting, light horse demonstrations and FMX bikes.
Photo credit: BrookfieldShow/Facebook
Expect non-stop live music and performances on the whole day of Saturday and on Sunday until the early evening.
Fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and again at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday to close the event.
A number of Kenmore residents continue to fight against the Azure development along Moggill Road and Wyndarra Street and are counting on crowdfunding to help them with their court battle.
Last year, feedback from residents have been collected, with most of the comments opposing the development. Residents do not think that their suburb will be able to cope with the increased density that this project would bring.
Brisbane City Council sent the developer a list of matters to be resolved after reviewing the application. The council did not support the proposal for the 104-unit project, citing issues that remain unaddressed.
Subsequently, the developer received approval on 25 January 2018 after making significant changes to the project plans, such as:
Reducing the number of dwellings from 104 units to 94 units;
Including plans for deep planting and rehabilitation of the site;
Increasing the number of car parking spaces; and
Widening of Margaret Court
Appeal against Decision
These changes do not sit well with the residents, hence their move to take the battle to court.
Kenmore Living Inc, group lodged an appeal in the Planning and Environment Court in February 2018.
However, the group is struggling to cover the entire cost of the legal battle.
To gain assistance with the legal fees, the group has set up a gofundme page. The group is appealing to the locals to help them save the leafy suburb and prevent additional traffic congestion in the area by supporting their court battle.
The group believes that crowdfunding will make more sense to help them move forward with their case. A member of the group estimated that they will need a minimum of $60,000-$80,000.
It is also noted that four families have already shelled out about $10,000 to help fight the development. Legally, the losers in court will have to pay for the legal costs of the winner.
Pressure is now mounting on both sides as they prepare their respective positions on the matter.
The fight continues for an additional high school and infrastructure investment in Kenmore State High School as the State Government is urged to provide analysis on current enrolments and changes to future enrolments and catchment suburbs.
For the past few years, locals have pleaded for urgent building upgrades to Kenmore SHS as the school nears reaching capacity. The Department of Education previously dismissed the statement that the school will soon hit its maximum student enrolment capacity of 2,231 students.
Dr Christian Rowan, MP for Moggill, insists that the need for infrastructure upgrade at the school is an urgent matter. He posed several questions to the Labor of Education Minister, including a request for information on 2018 enrolments and projected enrolments in the school.
Photo credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP/Facebook
The MP also wanted to know the ministry’s projections in terms of future changes to catchment suburbs in the next 10 years. He also asked what analysis has been done in relation to an additional high school in the Moggill or Ipswich West electorates.
By rule, Kenmore SHS restricts enrolment of students from outside its local catchment area to avoid exceeding enrolment capacity. Some residents from outside the catchment are dismayed that the Education Ministry insists that the school is below capacity when in fact, students are getting turned down during enrolment citing that the school is at capacity.
In the past years, Dr Rowan made similar appeals for the state government to fund an expansion of Kenmore SHS and establishment of a new school in the region. Concerned locals support the move and feel that they have been left in dark as to the master plan for the school.
Locals insist that there are issues with the existing facilities of the school. The library, for instance they say, is already cramped and not able to service some 1,900 students.
Brisbane City Council
