As Brisbane Catholic Education’s Open Week (28 April – 4 May 2025) approaches, Our Lady of the Rosary School in Kenmore is inviting families to experience firsthand what makes this inner-city primary school a standout in Catholic education.
With a proud 62-year legacy of academic success and a vibrant community spirit, the school is preparing to showcase its well-rounded approach to education—from strong academic foundations to a rich and varied extra-curricular programme.
Music, Arts, and More
Well known for fostering creativity, Our Lady of the Rosary offers students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of instruments, including drums, guitar, percussion, strings, flute and clarinet. Budding artists and performers are also encouraged to shine, with a dynamic arts programme that goes beyond the traditional—featuring bucket drumming, ukulele, dance, and a rich visual arts curriculum.
Academic Excellence with a Personal Touch
Photo credit: Our Lady of the Rosary School/Google Maps
Principal Paul Rees said the school is committed to creating personalised learning pathways that cater to each student’s strengths and potential.
“We have a strong focus on academic excellence, with a systematic approach to teaching letters, sounds, and reading from Prep to Year 3, leading to student growth rates above the national average” he said.
Looking ahead, the school is also excited to launch The Star Learning Program in 2025—an innovative initiative that includes robotics and STEM experiences designed to engage students in future-focused learning.
Parent Michelle Moore, whose children Lola (Class of 2024) and Mannon (Year 1) attend the school, praised the strong community values and supportive environment.
“There’s a strong sense of pride in being part of the Our Lady of the Rosary community, with a focus on presentation, behaviour, and always giving your best,” she shared.
“My children also love the on-campus swimming lessons. Through these, our eldest daughter discovered a passion for sport which eventually led her to representative teams.”
Michelle also praised the leadership, adding, “Principal Paul is so approachable. He’s always available for a chat during playground duty and afternoon pickups—it creates a real sense of connection.”
Visit the School
Families are warmly invited to attend Our Lady of the Rosary’s Open Day on Wednesday, 30 April. Visitors will be able to tour the campus, meet the new leadership team, explore play-based learning activities, and experience the welcoming spirit that defines this much-loved Kenmore school.
Olympic swimming coach Dean Boxall, known for his passionate celebration of Ariarne Titmus’s gold medal win, has placed his family home in the Brisbane riverside suburb of Fig Tree Pocket on the market, a place where neighbours became lifelong friends.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house on Mandalay Street has been the Boxall family’s residence since shortly after the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. The property, situated on a 630-square-metre block, features a recently renovated kitchen designed for modern living and an open-plan layout that blends indoor and outdoor spaces.
Boxall expressed that the community in Fig Tree Pocket is exceptional, highlighting the strong bonds formed with his neighbours.
One of the home’s unique features is a “newsroom” located beneath the stairs, a space created by Boxall’s wife to document his career. This room contains news articles, stories, awards, and photographs, including a custom illustration of Boxall in a Batman costume, a character he admires, alongside a photo of his viral Olympic celebration. Boxall stated that he and his wife enjoy spending time in this room, sharing wine and reflecting on his career highlights.
Real estate agent Chrissie Krummel of Chrissie Krummel Properties highlighted Fig Tree Pocket as a popular family location. She noted the area’s riverside setting and family-friendly atmosphere, where children can enjoy bike riding and fishing. Krummel emphasised the unique lifestyle the area offers, which is difficult to replicate in other parts of Brisbane.
Boxall explained that the decision to sell the home was not due to dissatisfaction, but rather a desire to move to another property within the same area, which they intend to use for their retirement.
He said their current home was considered their dream home when they purchased it four years prior, but their needs had evolved. Boxall also commented on the differences between the competitive sporting world and the real estate market, noting the difficulty in assessing potential buyers.
Work on the Kenmore Road modernisation project is set to commence in mid-2025, with improvements aimed at enhancing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at key intersections.
This initiative is part of Brisbane’s Suburban Corridor Modernisation (SCM) program, which focuses on minor works at intersections to improve overall road safety.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Local officials conducted community consultations in 2022 and 2023, incorporating local feedback into the final design alongside technical reviews. As a result, several key upgrades will be implemented on Kenmore Road, including:
Two pedestrian refuge splitter islands and kerb ramps at the Kenmore Road and Gilruth Road roundabout
Upgraded kerb ramps on Crestview Street at Kenmore Road
Line marking and two traffic islands on the bend between 50 and 54 Kenmore Road
Upgraded lighting to improve visibility
Additional line marking, including yellow “No Stopping” islands to enhance traffic safety
In response to community feedback, Council is also conducting initial investigations into the feasibility of an off-road shared path on Kenmore Road, between the Centenary Motorway overpass and Sunset Road.
Potential improvements identified through this process will guide the city’s future planning and design efforts, ensuring that ongoing investigations and upgrades align with broader citywide goals.
To ensure safety, on-street parking will not be permitted in areas marked with yellow “No Stopping” lines. This measure aims to maintain clear sightlines, improve visibility at crossings and intersections, and ensure lanes are wide enough for vehicles to pass safely.
For more information about the project, residents can visit Council’s website or contact the project team on 07 3178 5413 during business hours.
Kenmore State High School students have raised over $18,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation through the World’s Greatest Shave, topping all state school efforts in Queensland.
Kenmore State High School has emerged as the top state school fundraiser in Queensland during this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, contributing more than $18,000 to the Leukaemia Foundation. Fourteen student volunteers participated in the fundraising effort, backed by the school’s Environmental and Community leadership team and supported by the broader community.
Background on the World’s Greatest Shave
The World’s Greatest Shave is a national initiative aimed at combating blood cancer, one of Australia’s most pressing yet under-recognised health crises. In 2025 alone, more than 9,500 participants across the country have raised close to $6 million in support of families affected by blood cancer and in aid of life-saving research.
Photo Credit: Kenmore State High School/Facebook
Community and Local Support
The Kenmore initiative received strong backing from local supporters, including hair stylists from Cru.hair in Chapel Hill who volunteered their services on the day. Dr Christian Rowan also contributed by donating raffle prizes to boost fundraising totals. Community appreciation was reflected in several social media comments, praising the students’ dedication and sacrifice.
Public Response and Recognition
The school’s youngest and oldest students were among those who took part, generating widespread commendation online. Comments highlighted the “enormous amount raised” by a relatively small group and recognised the leadership team, particularly Lucinda, for organising the event.
Photo Credit: Kenmore State High School/Facebook
National Impact
According to official figures, more than 150,000 Australian families are currently facing blood cancer, with 17 lives lost to the disease each day. The funds raised through the World’s Greatest Shave provide critical patient support and advance research efforts toward a future free of blood cancer.
While Kenmore’s 2025 contribution stands out, the broader campaign continues with thousands of Australians still participating. The school’s strong community engagement sets a local example of how targeted efforts can contribute meaningfully to national health challenges.
In an effort to enhance road safety during extreme weather, Brisbane has installed Automated Flooded Road Warning Systems (AFRWS) in flood-prone areas across western suburbs, such as Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Pullenvale, and Brookfield.
This initiative is designed to prevent motorists from accidentally entering floodwaters, particularly during severe rainfall events like those caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
How AFRWS Work
The AFRWS are equipped with highly visible LED road signs that activate automatically when water levels exceed a pre-set safety threshold. These signs display warnings such as “ROAD CLOSED AHEAD” or “ROAD CLOSED – NO ENTRY,” ensuring drivers are alerted in real time.
Photo credit: CrAdrianSchrinner/Facebook
Placed strategically at road approaches, the signs remain visible both day and night. Some locations also feature cameras for remote monitoring, allowing authorities to assess conditions and respond as needed. The systems are solar-powered, offering continued functionality even in areas without mains power and improving resilience during extreme weather events that may cause power outages.
AFRWS Locations in West Brisbane
Several key roads in western Brisbane have been identified as high-risk areas and are now equipped with AFRWS, including:
Pullenvale: Grandview Road, Lancing Street (Pullen Creek)
Pinjarra: Pinjarra Road (Farm Creek)
Kholo: Kholo Bridge (Brisbane River)
Kenmore Hills: Gap Creek Road (Gap Creek)
These locations are prone to flooding due to their proximity to major creeks and waterways, making AFRWS a crucial safety measure.
The Impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The recent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025 reinforced the necessity of such systems. The cyclone brought intense rainfall and strong winds, leading to widespread flooding, road closures, and power failures. Several roads in western Brisbane were temporarily submerged, but the AFRWS helped alert motorists in real time, preventing accidents and vehicle strandings.
Brisbane continues to assess additional locations for AFRWS installation, ensuring more flood prone roads are equipped with these life-saving warnings. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, proactive measures like AFRWS will remain critical in safeguarding both motorists and infrastructure.
With ongoing investment in flood prevention and road safety, Brisbane’s western suburbs are better prepared for future storms and heavy rainfall events. This initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to leveraging technology to protect its communities and ensure safer travel during unpredictable weather.
A Genius Childcare centre in Kenmore is among those caught in the sudden collapse of one of Australia’s largest childcare providers, leaving staff unpaid and families scrambling for alternatives. The financial troubles of Genius Childcare’s parent company, Vertical 4, have triggered widespread closures, with educators and parents in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and the ACT facing uncertainty.
On 13 March, administrators were appointed to Vertical 4 Pty Ltd, the company responsible for 13 Genius centres across multiple states. Among them is the Kenmore centre, which is currently in the process of being sold to a third party.
The collapse follows months of financial instability, with reports of unpaid wages, missing superannuation payments, and unexpected closures. Some staff say they are owed thousands of dollars, and others, particularly those on visas, are struggling to stay afloat.
A Childcare Crisis Unfolds
Many educators and staff members claim they have not been paid since early February, forcing some to seek assistance from food banks. The United Workers Union (UWU) has launched legal action in the Federal Circuit Court on behalf of 57 affected employees, aiming to recover unpaid superannuation and seek penalties for late wages.
According to the union, the company’s director, Darren Misquitta, has been unreachable for months. Rumours suggest he may be in Hong Kong, Japan, or even the Gold Coast, but no official confirmation has been made. Court papers were served to him through his lawyers in Melbourne, yet concerns remain over his whereabouts and accountability.
Parents have been left frustrated by what they describe as poor communication from Genius Childcare. In some cases, families were still charged fees even after centres had closed. One parent, whose child attended a now-closed Canberra centre, described the experience as “dismal”, saying families had no warning before services were abruptly shut down. Another parent in Sydney’s Pyrmont reported being assured the centre would remain open, only to receive an email days later stating it would close intermittently due to staff shortages.
Some educators at Genius centres say they warned potential new hires about the company’s issues, advising them to “run a mile” before accepting jobs. One early childhood educator shared that wages were routinely paid late, often arriving days after they were due. Mortgage payments were missed, and financial stress became a common struggle among staff.
Administrators Step In
With administrators now in control, there is hope that operations can stabilise. WLP Restructuring, the firm handling the administration process, has stated that their priority is to resume trading, reinstate staff, and seek buyers for the centres.
Kenmore’s centre is among five locations currently in the process of being sold. Others include centres in Mount Albert, Beaumaris, and Reservoir in Victoria, and Gowrie in the ACT. A spokesperson for the administrators confirmed they are also negotiating an extension of the company’s debt facility to allow some centres to continue operating during the transition.
Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains. Staff at some Genius centres that have not been placed under administration say they have been left in limbo, with no clear answers about their futures. At one Melbourne centre, nearly 20 educators refused to work due to four weeks of unpaid wages. Many of them are unsure if they will ever recover what they are owed.
Industry-Wide Concerns
The collapse of Genius Childcare is part of a broader crisis affecting Australia’s early childhood education sector. Another childcare provider with 320 staff went into administration in February, adding to concerns about financial stability in the industry. Experts and educators are calling for greater regulation to ensure that childcare centres are financially secure before being allowed to operate.
One worker involved in the recent shutdowns said the situation has left staff and families feeling helpless. She believes childcare providers should be held to stricter accountability standards.
To help communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025, Queensland has launched the Personal Hardship Financial Assistance program. This initiative was intended for all affected areas across Brisbane, including Kenmore.
Kenmore was among the suburbs affected by flooding in the wake of Cyclone Alfred. Prior to the storm, Brisbane released an updated flood map identifying new at-risk areas, including parts of Kenmore.
Heavy rains following the cyclone confirmed these concerns, leading to an emergency alert for the suburb. Flash flooding also affected several key locations, including Centenary Motorway, Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills, and Rafting Ground Road, where Moggill Creek swelled near Greentrees Avenue.
Queensland’s Grants
The grants aim to assist individuals and families facing financial strain due to flooding, storm damage, and disruptions to essential services.
The Emergency Hardship Assistance grant, one of the available grants, is given for urgent needs such as food, clothing, medication, temporary accommodation, and the replacement of essential household items. Grant amount is from $180 for individuals up to $900 for families of five or more.
Additional assistance is provided for those who have experienced extended power, water, gas, or sewage outages, as well as for safety inspections, structural repairs, and reconnection of essential services.
Photo credit: Community Recovery QLD/Facebook
Community Recovery Hubs are also open to assist affected residents. In addition to grant applications, these hubs provide emotional and wellbeing support, as well as referrals to community organisations and recovery services.
With widespread demand for assistance across Brisbane after Tropical Cyclone Alfred, authorities are managing a high volume of applications. Residents are encouraged to remain patient as support teams work to process requests as quickly as possible. More details on eligibility and how to apply can be found through Queensland Government’s website.
Moggill Creek has overflowed, causing road closures, service disruptions, and transport delays including in Kenmore Hills and Brookfield. Recovery efforts continue amid flood-related challenges.
Severe Weather and Flooding Cause Transport Disruptions
Heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has led to major flooding in Kenmore and surrounding areas, blocking roads and limiting transport options. Moggill Creek has overflowed at multiple locations, including Rafting Ground Road near Greentrees Avenue in Kenmore Hills and Reed Way in Brookfield, where all lanes remain blocked. Authorities have warned residents against driving through floodwaters, urging caution as conditions remain unpredictable.
Additionally, Brookfield Road at Moggill Creek is completely impassable due to flash flooding. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has advised motorists to seek alternative routes while BCC continues to monitor conditions.
Local services have been disrupted, with BCC facilities, bin collections, and public transport affected. The regular Monday bin collection in the Pullenvale Ward, which includes Kenmore, did not occur due to flooding at the waste contractor’s Willawong facility and workforce shortages. While BCC is considering a recovery collection, no confirmation has been given. Residents are advised to bring their bins back off the kerb and await further updates.
Public transport services are also experiencing delays and cancellations. While some bus routes remain operational, others have been suspended due to unsafe road conditions. The 444 service, a major route for Kenmore, continues to run, but other local services are subject to ongoing disruptions.
Power Outages and Emergency Alerts
Power outages have affected multiple suburbs, including Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Pullenvale, Brookfield, and Upper Brookfield. Residents experiencing outages are advised to report fallen power lines to Energex and avoid contact with any damaged infrastructure.
An Emergency Alert has been issued for the Gubberley Creek Detention Basin area in Kenmore, with authorities advising residents to prepare for possible evacuations. The situation remains under review as officials monitor flood levels.
BCC has mobilised emergency crews to clear roads, address power failures, and assist with flood recovery. The BCC’s Emergency Dashboard provides live updates on road closures, waste collection, and other service disruptions.
Local community disaster groups in the Kenmore and Karana Downs regions are actively coordinating support and information for affected residents. While no evacuation centres have been activated yet, authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a developing story. Last update: 10 March 2025 10:00 a.m.
An emergency alert has been issued for Kenmore amid fears that the Gubberley Creek Detention Basin could severely overflow, sending dangerous floodwaters into surrounding streets and forcing residents to prepare for evacuation as the crisis escalates across Brisbane.
Kenmore, along with multiple suburbs across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast, has been severely impacted by the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Despite the recent heavy rainfall, locals said that Gubberley Street remains clear, with the creek flowing steadily but staying well below the Cedar Crossing bridge.
Photo Credit: Faloohfah Genx/Facebook
Traffic, including small sedans, continues to move through the area without issue. Longtime residents note that flooding was not a concern on Gubberley Street even during the 1974 floods. Additionally, conditions on Akuna Street have improved as water levels have receded.
Photo Credit: Faloohfah Genx/Facebook
However, in some areas, the storm dumped over 300mm of rain, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and emergency rescues. Traffic, including small sedans, continues to move through the area without issue.
Floodwaters Overwhelm South East Queensland
Since Sunday morning, 9 March, South East Queensland has been inundated by extreme rainfall, triggering major flood warnings for the Logan, Albert, and Bremer Rivers, as well as Warrill and Laidley Creeks. Streets, homes, and businesses in Kenmore, Oxley, and Indooroopilly have been swallowed by rising water, with some residents forced to evacuate in the middle of the night.
The severe weather has also wreaked havoc on infrastructure, with more than 220,000 homes and businesses losing power and emergency services responding to over 3,600 calls for assistance. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have carried out multiple swift water rescues.
Premier David Crisafulli said authorities were working around the clock to assist affected communities, urging residents to stay connected and prepared. He warned that while the worst of the system was moving south, conditions remained dangerous, and flash flooding was still possible.
Drinking Water at Risk as Floods Impact Treatment Plants
In addition to the immediate dangers posed by floodwaters, water quality concerns have emerged across Brisbane and surrounding regions. Seqwater has warned that flood events can introduce sediment, organic waste, and industrial pollutants into the water supply, making treatment more difficult.
While Brisbane’s 30+ water treatment plants remain operational, authorities have assured residents that any significant water safety concerns would prompt a boil water advisory. Residents have been advised to store clean drinking water ahead of future severe weather events and to report any unusual changes in their water’s colour, taste, or smell.
Massive Recovery Effort Underway
With rainfall easing but floodwaters still dangerously high in some areas, recovery efforts have begun. Energex crews are working to restore power to thousands of homes, with extra workers from northern Queensland arriving to assist. Emergency teams are also assessing damaged roads, infrastructure, and homes, while residents begin the difficult task of cleaning up their properties.
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious, avoid driving through floodwaters, and stay informed as conditions continue to evolve. For Kenmore residents and others in flood-affected areas, the priority remains safety, preparedness, and staying informed as the region braces for the lasting impacts of yet another major weather event.
Evacuation Centres Open for Residents Affected by Flooding
Updated: 10 March 2025
Council has opened evacuation centres for residents needing to leave their homes due to flooding.
Evacuation Centres Now Open:
Sleeman Sports Complex (Chandler Arena) – 757 Tilley Road, Chandler, 4155 (access via Old Cleveland Road, Car Park 3)
Kedron Wavell Services Club – 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside, 4032
Community-led Evacuation Centre: Riverlife Community Centre – 47 Jennifer Street, Seventeen Mile Rocks, 4073
Safety Reminders:
Check alerts and road conditions before evacuating.
Leave early and avoid driving through floodwaters.
If stopping, avoid parking near trees, creeks, or drains.
What to Bring:
Essential items – mobile phone, charger, spare clothing, toiletries, towel, important documents (e.g., insurance papers, passports, medical prescriptions).
Medication and infant supplies – formula, nappies, or any special medical needs.
Bedding – pillows and blankets are recommended.
Before leaving: Inform neighbours, turn off electricity and gas, and lock your home.
Pet Guidelines:
Sleeman Sports Complex & Riverlife Community Centre – Pets allowed but must be crated, leashed, and securely transported. Owners must bring food and litter trays.
Kedron Wavell Services Club – No pets allowed, except for registered service animals.
Brisbane Council Service Updates Following Cyclone Alfred
As of 10 March 10:00 a.m.
Council has adjusted its services and facility operations due to Alfred’s impact.
Closures Until Further Notice:
Cemeteries, City Hall, Community Halls, Libraries, Pools, and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Five Council Customer Service Centres (North & South Regional Business Centres, Indooroopilly, Carindale, Brisbane Square)
Golf Courses and Off-Street Parking (King George Square & Wickham Terrace)
Mountain bike tracks at Gap Creek and Mt Coot-tha Reserve
Kenmore is known as a quiet, family-friendly suburb in Brisbane’s west. It has a reputation for being safe, but recent crime data shows a more detailed picture. Between March 2024 and March 2025, there were 240 recorded offences, mostly related to theft and property damage. While Kenmore is safer than many other areas, crime is happening regularly.
Time of Day: Most crimes happen between 10 p.m. and midnight. Mornings and afternoons see less activity.
Days of the Week: Crime is highest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Saturdays have the least incidents.
Seasonal Trends: Crime peaked in March 2024, with other spikes in October, November, and January before dropping in February 2025.
How Kenmore Compares to Other Brisbane Suburbs
Kenmore has fewer crimes than major hotspots like Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley:
Brisbane City: 816.87 crimes per 1,000 people
Fortitude Valley: 577 crimes per 1,000 people
Kenmore: Crime is significantly lower but still occurs steadily
Kenmore’s crime patterns are similar to North Lakes’s. Property-related offences are rising due to urban growth. This creates more opportunities for theft.
What’s Being Done to Keep Kenmore Safe?
To help reduce crime, law enforcement and the community are taking action:
Neighbourhood Watch programs encourage crime reporting and prevention
Increased police patrols in high-risk areas
Crime prevention campaigns teaching residents how to secure their homes
More CCTV surveillance as part of a crime prevention strategy
Kenmore is still one of the safer suburbs. However, theft and property crimes remain an issue, especially late at night. Police and community efforts are working to keep the suburb secure. How well these strategies work will determine if Kenmore continues to be a safe and family-friendly place in the future.
