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Speech Pathology Week 2025: How Sienna Found Her Voice

Photo Credit: Speech Pathology Australia/YouTube

Sienna, a 14-year-old from Turrbal Country, is proving that communication is more than words — it is connection, independence and inclusion. With the support of her speech pathologists and a communication device, she is sharing her thoughts, expressing her humour and even planning her dream of attending a Taylor Swift concert.

Speech Pathology Week 2025, running from 24 August to 30 August, is shining a spotlight on stories like Sienna’s. The national campaign led by Speech Pathology Australia is themed Impact through communication, highlighting how speech pathologists help people of all ages find their voice in everyday life.

Growing with Communication

Sienna lives with a severe physical impairment that prevents her from using speech and pointing to traditional devices. Through years of therapy, she has learned to use switch-access technology, making “yes” and “no” responses alongside a tailored communication device. Her mother, Jess, said the journey has been challenging but rewarding, especially as Sienna’s skills developed at school and later transitioned into home and community life.

That transition was key. Speech pathologists worked with Sienna’s family to ensure what she learned in the classroom could support her daily decisions, social interactions and independence at home. This consistency across environments allowed Sienna’s personality and confidence to flourish.

The Role of Speech Pathologists

Speech pathologists Jemma and Kirsty, who have supported Sienna, focus on tailoring technology to a person’s physical abilities while also coaching families on how to use it day to day. Their work involves assessing needs, setting goals, and ensuring devices are flexible enough to grow with the child’s learning.

For Jess, one milestone stood out: the first time she heard her daughter say “Mum” using her device. She described it as one of the most meaningful moments of her life.

A Community Effort

Beyond therapy sessions, Sienna is well known in her community and is deeply supported by those around her. Her journey shows how speech pathology is not just about therapy but about enabling participation in social, cultural and family life. This is why Speech Pathology Week focuses on themes like inclusion, empowerment and wellbeing throughout its daily campaign activities.

The campaign also provides digital resources for schools, workplaces and communities to spread awareness, encouraging more people to recognise how vital communication is in ensuring independence and quality of life.

Published 28-Aug-2025

Lasagna Love Volunteers Support Families in Kenmore

Photo Credit: Lasagna Love/Instagram

Kenmore residents are volunteering with Lasagna Love, preparing and delivering home-cooked lasagne each week to families in need without requiring proof of hardship.

Local Families Helping Others

Rebekah and her 11-year-old son Tex Treloar from Kenmore have been preparing one lasagne every week for the past four months. They deliver the meals personally, supporting families experiencing challenges such as job loss or illness.

The pair began volunteering when Tex needed a placement for the Rotary Junior Community Awards program. His interest in cooking led them to join Lasagna Love, covering the cost of each meal themselves.

Lasagna Love Movement

Lasagna Love began in 2020 in San Diego, United States, during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly expanded worldwide. It was introduced to Australia in 2021 and now operates nationally with a strong volunteer base in Queensland.

The organisation reports that more than 530,000 lasagnes have been delivered globally, reaching 2.3 million people across four countries through the work of over 80,000 volunteers.

In July 2025 alone, Lasagna Love volunteers across Australia provided meals to more than 1000 people as part of an awareness and recruitment drive.

Breaking Barriers to Asking for Help

The program emphasises dignity and accessibility, allowing people to request meals online without being asked to prove their circumstances. Recipients range from families facing financial stress to parents of newborns, people recovering from surgery, and those in emergency accommodation.

Lasagna Love also promotes contactless delivery, first adopted during COVID-19, to reduce the stigma sometimes associated with seeking help.

Broader Context in Queensland

The 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report found that nearly 700,000 households in Queensland had experienced food insecurity in the previous year, struggling with the quality, variety, or availability of meals.

Alongside this, Volunteering Queensland reported that almost two-thirds of Queenslanders engaged in some form of volunteering in 2023, averaging more than 21 hours a month.

Psychological Benefits and Community Connection

University of Queensland psychologist James Kirby noted that preparing and giving meals can improve wellbeing for volunteers while providing meaningful support for recipients.

The Treloar family in Kenmore said they plan to continue cooking for Lasagna Love beyond Tex’s school volunteering requirement, highlighting the program’s role in building lasting community ties.

Outlook

With demand expected to grow, Lasagna Love is continuing to expand its volunteer network across Queensland and beyond. The mission remains consistent: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities — one lasagne at a time.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Kenmore State High School Student Wins Queensland Senior Short Story Prize

Photo Credit: Independent Education Union

A Kenmore State High School student earned first place in the senior short story category of Queensland’s longest-running literary competition, gaining recognition as one of the state’s top young writers.

A Tradition of Literary Excellence

The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ) presented the award at their Literary Competition at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane. Now in its 66th year, the competition stands as Queensland’s oldest continuing writing event.

More than 1,500 entries were submitted across poetry, short story and non-fiction from both state and non-government schools. Organisers said the 2025 submissions showed consistently high standards of creativity and effort from students statewide.

Recognition for Young Talent

Kenmore State High School’s success came through Year 11 student Manling Sun, who won the Years 11–12 short story category with her work The Hidden Fires of Australia. Judges said the story used an extended metaphor of fire to explore the issue of domestic violence in suburban life.

*Photo Credit: Independent Education Union*

They noted the piece began with an image of a picture-perfect street before shifting to reflections on how the most dangerous fires are not bushfires but those “quietly thriving” behind closed doors in homes. The story was praised for its maturity, evocative imagery and ability to raise awareness of an urgent social issue.

Achievements Across Queensland

Other winners came from schools across the state, including students from Cannon Hill, Peregian Springs, Mackay, Bundaberg and Ormiston.

Each first-place recipient read their work aloud at the awards evening, giving the audience a chance to hear the stories in the writers’ own voices.

Supporting Student Creativity

Winners received certificates and book prizes donated by Penguin Random House Australia. The evening also featured award-winning author Brian Falkner, who shared lessons from his career and encouraged students to keep developing their storytelling skills.

The competition was originally created to promote freedom of expression and support young people’s literary growth. Organisers described the 2025 entries as diverse, imaginative and reflective of the strong writing culture in Queensland schools.

Published 15-August-2025

Local Real Estate Agent Dies in Tragic Mowing Accident at Pullenvale Property

Photo Credit: Brisbane Real Estate™

The Pullenvale community is mourning the loss of a well-respected local real estate agent following a tragic accident involving a ride-on mower at a private property on Grandview Road.

Ty Babbidge, 55, died after becoming trapped under the ride-on mower. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7:30pm on August 15 (Friday), but Mr Babbidge could not be saved.

Mr Babbidge had worked as an agent with Brisbane Real Estate for 10 years, serving the western Brisbane suburbs with distinction. His professional career saw him involved in numerous property transactions throughout the Pullenvale area, where he built strong relationships with local families and property owners.

The Babbidge family shared their grief with the community through social media, describing their profound loss whilst highlighting the man Ty was beyond his professional achievements.

Ty was greatly loved by his family, friends, and the community. His warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others touched countless lives, and he will be dearly missed.

They spoke of his warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others, qualities that had touched countless lives throughout the community.

His colleague of a decade, Kel Goesch, reflected on Mr Babbidge’s character, emphasising his generous and genuine nature. The colleague noted how Mr Babbidge was passionate about his family whilst also being a trusted friend to many in the industry.

The tight-knit western Brisbane community has responded with an outpouring of support for the Babbidge family. Social media tributes have painted a picture of a man who made lasting impressions through his kindness and professional integrity. Community members have shared memories of recent conversations with Mr Babbidge, remembering his positive demeanour and the happiness he brought to interactions.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety when operating machinery, particularly ride-on mowers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports that there are “hundreds of ride-on lawn mower injuries” nationally in Australia, along with about 2 deaths per year associated with ride-on mowers.

A study covering 1998 to 2002 found that out of 541 mower-related injuries seen in participating hospital emergency departments in Queensland, 65 (12 %) were from ride-on mowers.

Queensland Police have confirmed the incident was non-suspicious, with the forensic crash unit preparing a report for the coroner. The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident as part of standard procedure.

The loss of Mr Babbidge represents more than the passing of a professional colleague; it marks the end of a decade-long contribution to Brisbane’s real estate sector and the loss of a community member who clearly meant a great deal to those around him.

The Babbidge family has requested privacy during this difficult time whilst expressing gratitude for the community’s love and support.

Published 17-August-2025

Green Bin Rollout for Kenmore Hills and Surrounds Set for August

Kenmore Hills and the surrounding West Brisbane suburbs can expect to receive green waste recycling bins, with Brisbane confirming the rollout schedule as part of a citywide expansion of its waste collection services.

Read: Chern Now Open in Kenmore, Serving Up Modern Asian Favourites

Eligible standalone homes in Kenmore Hills will receive a new 240-litre green-lidded bin between 18 and 29 August 2025, alongside other suburbs including Fig Tree Pocket and Pullenvale. Once delivered, green waste collection will begin the following fortnight and continue on a fortnightly basis, alternating with yellow lid recycling bins.

Week	Dates	Suburbs
Week 1	4 August to 15 August 2025	Wakerley, Chandler, Mackenzie, Bardon, Manly West, Rochedale, Auchenflower, Wynnum, Wynnum West, Manly, Lota
Week 2	11 August to 22 August 2025	Algester, Calamvale, Virginia, Gaythorne, Gordon Park, Acacia Ridge, Archerfield, Nudgee, Nudgee Beach, Northgate, Milton, Kelvin Grove
Week 3	18 August to 29 August 2025	Boondall, Geebung, Grange, Holland Park West, Anstead, Brookfield, Karana Downs, Mount Crosby, Lake Manchester, Chuwar, Moggill, Bellbowrie, Kholo, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Hills, Fig Tree Pocket, Lytton
Week 4	25 August to 5 September 2025	Zillmere, Fortitude Valley, Holland Park, Tarragindi, Moorooka, Annerley, Wavell Heights, Fairfield, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga, Tennyson

The rollout follows Council’s decision to make green waste recycling a core part of household bin services from 1 July 2025, with all eligible homes across Brisbane now set to have three bins: red for general waste, yellow for recyclables, and green for garden waste.

Council says the initiative will help turn more garden waste into compost instead of landfill. Green waste, like lawn clippings, small branches, and leaves, currently makes up nearly a quarter of what’s in the average red bin.

Over the past year, more than 43,000 tonnes of green waste have been recycled through existing green bins across the city, saving almost $1 million in landfill levy costs. With more than 160,000 new green bins to be delivered by December, Council expects further environmental and economic benefits.

Cr Adrian Schrinner said the rollout would help Brisbane households reduce waste and recycle more effectively. “Every green bin collected means less landfill, more mulch and compost for reuse, and big savings for residents thanks to lower waste levy costs,” he said.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

Homes that already compost or manage their green waste in other ways can opt out of receiving a bin. However, Council is encouraging participation as a practical way to reduce landfill, cut costs, and support a more sustainable Brisbane. For full suburb delivery dates or to manage your bin preferences, visit the Council’s website.

Published 6-August-2025

Kenmore’s Dahlia Neary Wows Crowd of 30,000 at Brisbane Lions Game

When more than 30,000 footy fans poured into the Gabba earlier this month, the voice welcoming them didn’t belong to a seasoned broadcaster. It belonged to 11‑year‑old Kenmore local Dahlia Neary, who was calm, clear and utterly at home under the lights.

Read: Kenmore State High’s Liezel-Marie Roux to Represent Australia in International Archery Competitions

Chosen by the Brisbane Lions from a video audition, Dahlia stepped into the coveted Junior MC role for the Lions’ clash with Port Adelaide. She opened the show, signed it off, and with a poise that belied her age, interviewed Bruce Reville pre-game and Lions co-captain Harris Andrews after the siren. She also handled on-field crosses and match-day activities throughout.

dahlia neary — Photo credit: Kenmore Bears Junior Australian Football Club/Facebook

Her performance didn’t just win over the crowd. A local news channel has since contacted the Brisbane Lions to connect with Dahlia about the experience, a sign that her blend of composure, charisma and love for the game has travelled well beyond the Kenmore postcode.

Back home, Dahlia pulls on the jumper for the Kenmore Bears AFL Club. She trains several times a week and regularly joins older girls’ teams to push herself harder. The dream? AFLW. And if her Gabba debut is anything to go by, she’s just as comfortable leading with a microphone as she is leading out of the centre.

“Her passion for AFL is matched by her natural ability to connect with a crowd — something fans saw firsthand at the Gabba. It was a special moment not just for her, but for all young girls who dare to dream big in sport and leadership,” her mother Tran shared.

“We believe this story could inspire other kids in the community — especially girls — to step up, speak out, and chase their goals, whether on the field or off it.”

Read: Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill Named Queensland’s Best Suburbs for Families

Dahlia is proof that hard work, courage and a willingness to say “yes” can open doors you didn’t even know were there. Today, it’s the Gabba. Tomorrow? The AFLW, and maybe the commentary box too.

Published 28-July-2025

Engagement News for Kenmore SHS Alumna Cate Campbell

Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Kenmore State High School alumna and former Olympian Cate Campbell has announced her engagement to partner Adam Kerr, sharing the news from their local beach.

Kenmore SHS Graduate Shares Engagement Update

Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell, a former student of Kenmore State High School, has announced her engagement to long-time partner Adam Kerr. The 33-year-old shared the news through social media on Sunday, 20 July 2025, posting images of a sunrise beach proposal and a close-up of her diamond engagement ring.

Cate Campbell and Adam Kerr — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Sunrise Proposal at Local Beach

According to Campbell’s caption, the proposal occurred the previous Saturday morning while the couple were watching the sunrise near their new local beach. Kerr’s proposal reportedly came as a complete surprise. Campbell accepted the proposal and described the moment as deeply emotional.

Cate Campbell announcement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Long-Term Relationship and Return to Brisbane

The couple has been together on and off for six years. They briefly separated when Campbell moved to Sydney to continue her swimming career, with Campbell later describing the break as her “biggest heartbreak.” The pair reunited after she returned to Brisbane, where they have since remained together.

Career and Local Ties

Campbell represented Australia at four Olympic Games, winning eight medals including four gold. She retired from competitive swimming in 2024 following an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for a fifth Olympic appearance. Campbell attended Kenmore State High School after her family migrated from Malawi to Brisbane in 2001. She is recognised as one of Australia’s greatest sprint freestylers.

Cate Campbell engagement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Community Reactions

The Instagram post drew widespread positive reactions from followers and friends, including multiple congratulatory comments and praise for the ring. Supporters welcomed the engagement as a joyful development following her retirement from elite sport.

Looking Ahead

The couple has not publicly announced a wedding date. Campbell has previously said she is not planning for parenthood in the near future, stating a need to explore life beyond her swimming career. Her engagement marks a personal milestone for the Kenmore SHS alumna, who remains widely admired within Australian sport.

Published 26-July-2025

Rotary Club of Kenmore Presents Flood Relief Concert Featuring Kelsey Giarola

On Sunday, August 3, local music lovers will have the chance to experience a stirring afternoon of live performance while supporting a vital cause, as the Rotary Club of Kenmore hosts a special Flood Relief Concert, demonstrating Rotary’s enduring commitment to service above self and community care. .

Read: $10K From Kenmore Rotary Brings Hope to Flood-Hit Outback

Headlining the event is acclaimed vocalist Kelsey Giarola, a Brisbane-based singer-songwriter known for her captivating voice and heartfelt original music.

Giarola, who holds a Master of Music Studies in Voice Pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium, has made a name for herself performing at weddings, private functions, and events across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Her debut album, released in 2018, showcases her pop and easy listening style, with tracks like “I Won’t Stop” and “I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love.” In addition to performing, she also offers vocal coaching.

She will be performing at the Kenmore Anglican Church from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with the Brisbane Citizens’ Concert Band. Celebrated for its polished sound and diverse repertoire that spans classical and contemporary favourites, the band will be conducted by Adrian Head.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 concession, and free for children under 12. Bookings can be made via Rotary Club of Kenmore at www.rotarykenmore.org, and enquiries directed to David on 0419 700 647.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Rotary Districts 9620 and 9560 Western Queensland Flood Appeal, supporting recovery efforts in communities affected by devastating floods.

The Rotary Club of Kenmore’s Flood Relief Concert is a chance to enjoy outstanding local talent while lending a hand to those in need—music with meaning, right in the heart of the community.

Read: Moggill Creek Overflowed: Roads Blocked and Community Services Affected in Kenmore Hills & Brookfield

Published 24-July-2025

Police Solve Kenmore Shoe Theft: 53 Right Boots Recovered, Man Faces Court

Kenmore’s oddest crime story has reached its final chapter. Police have charged a man accused of stealing 53 right-foot boots from a local shoe shop, and the entire haul has now been returned, safe and slightly more famous than before.

The alleged theft took place on the night of July 7 at Shoe Fashions in Kenmore, where a man reportedly helped himself to every right boot on the store’s sale table, which until now had never lost a single shoe in 29 years.

Arrest Made, Boots Recovered

A 49-year-old man from Mount Gravatt East was arrested on July 18 at Broadbeach. He has been charged with entering a premises and committing an indictable offence. Police said the man was identified with the help of CCTV and public tips, and appeared in Southport Magistrates Court the same day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brendan Blyth called the case one of the more unusual thefts officers have dealt with, noting that, while odd, the investigation was handled like any serious offence. All 53 stolen boots have since been recovered and returned to the store.

The Store Speaks: “Bootiful News!”

Shoe Fashions Kenmore shared the news of the boots’ safe return in an upbeat post on Instagram, jokingly referring to the case as “The Great Right Boot Heist.” The store said the missing shoes had completed their “adventure around Brisvegas” and returned with a bit of “criminal fame,” but still looking “fab.”

In the post, the shop thanked Queensland Police for their “sole search” work and credited the media and community for helping spread the word. They also invited customers to come and finally reunite with their long-awaited boots.

“We would love for you to come and help give these boots the happily ever after they deserve,” the post read, calling out to anyone who had been waiting for their “RIGHTful” pair to return.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shoe Fashions Kenmore (@shoefashionskenmore)

A Local Mystery Turned Community Moment

Shop owner Tamara Shorrock confirmed that the right-foot boots — worth around $7,000 on sale — had been taken while the table was covered overnight. Since the incident, the store has started bringing the shoes inside after hours.

Shorrock said that in nearly three decades of trading, they had never had anything stolen from the sale display until now. The experience has left the team both puzzled and touched by the support, jokes, and genuine concern from their Kenmore community.

“We’re still scratching our heads,” she said earlier, adding that the kindness and humour shared by locals showed just how connected the suburb really is.

Published 18-July-2025

Kenmore State High’s Liezel-Marie Roux to Represent Australia in International Archery Competitions

Kenmore State High School is rallying behind one of its own as school captain and talented archer Liezel-Marie Roux prepares to represent Australia in two prestigious international competitions.

Read: Kenmore State High School Achiever Recognised for QCE Award

Liezel-Marie has been selected to compete at the World Youth Archery Championships (WYAC) in Winnipeg, Canada, and the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand, a proud moment for both the school and the wider Brisbane community.

Photo credit: Australian Sports Foundation/asf.org.au

Aiming to one day compete at the Olympic Games, Liezel-Marie sees these international events as vital milestones in her development as a top-tier athlete.

“These competitions will give me the international exposure, high-level experience, and pressure-tested performance I need to prepare for the Olympic stage. They’re a critical part of my development as an elite athlete,” she said.

“But here’s the challenge: these events are largely self-funded. That means covering costs for flights, accommodation, food, entry fees, and essential gear – all of which adds up quickly.”

“I truly can’t do this alone – I need your help.”

Liezel-Marie, who began archery at just seven years old, says the WYAC is one of the world’s most prestigious youth archery competitions, bringing together elite young archers from around the globe. With compound archery now included in team events for LA 2028, her Olympic dream is closer than ever.

To support her journey, her family is working hard to raise funds to cover the significant travel and competition costs.

Every bit of community support counts. “Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to the world stage and one step closer to my Olympic dream. Thank you so much for your support – it means more than words can say,” she said.

Read: Inside Kenmore State High School’s Successful German Immersion Program

Donations to support Liezel’s medal quest can be made online via the Australian Sports Foundation.

Kenmore State High, along with Liezel-Marie’s supporters, hopes to see her take aim on the world stage, and eventually, the Olympic podium.

Published 16-July-2025