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Kenmore Swim Star Cate Campbell Ends Olympic Bid with Emotional Farewell

Kenmore pays tribute to hometown swimming legend and Kenmore State High School alumna Cate Campbell as she makes a graceful exit after narrowly missing out on qualifying for her fifth Olympic Games. The talented swimmer has collected eight Olympic medals across four previous Olympics.

In a night filled with high emotions, Cate’s storied career came to a close without the fairytale ending she had hoped for. Despite a world-class performance, timing in at 24.76 seconds and finishing in 7th place in the 50-m freestyle, she acknowledged the significant achievement of her competitors, who paused their celebrations to share a poignant moment with her.

Sister’s Success

Meanwhile, Cate’s sister, Bronte, also a Kenmore State High School alumna, secured her place in the 4x100m freestyle relay, marking her fourth Olympic appearance.

The Australian Olympic Swimming Trials concluded with the announcement of a 41-person swimming team for the Paris Olympics. The team features a mix of seasoned athletes and 22 debutants, including Olympic veterans such as Kyle Chalmers and Emma McKeon.

Emotional Farewell

Reflecting on her career, Cate expressed deep gratitude for the journey and the people she’s encountered along the way. From her beginnings as a 9-year-old budding talent in the Brisbane Aquatic Centre to her final race, she feels privileged to conclude her career meaningfully, surrounded by friends, family, and fans.

Shayna Jack and Meg Harris, who secured their individual Olympic spots during the trials, honoured Cate by delaying their victory celebrations. Their tribute highlighted Cate’s influence and legacy in Australian swimming. Shayna, having won the 50m freestyle final, and Meg, making her first individual Olympic berth, exemplified the rising generation of Australian sprinters.

On the support from competitors: “The fact there were two girls who qualified for an Olympic Games, which is no mean feat, one of them for her first individual spot in Meg Harris — that they put their celebrations on hold and came over is one of the most incredible moments and something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”

Is someone cutting onions? 😭

So much respect for four-time Olympian Cate Campbell from her peers in the pool tonight.

Take a bow Cate, you have left a stunning legacy on Australian sport 🫡 pic.twitter.com/OHt3EsJuer
— Australian Sports Commission (@ausport) June 15, 2024

Cate Campbell: Legacy of a Champion

Cate’s impact on the sport extends beyond her own achievements. As a former world record holder and a multiple Olympic medalist, her career has inspired a new generation of swimmers. Her presence at the trials was a momentous occasion for both fans and fellow competitors, who expressed their admiration and respect for her contributions to Australian swimming.

On her career and the farewell: “Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. I would have loved to have that fairytale ending more than anything else. But I can now sit back and reflect on a wonderful career. I can leave the sport with my head held really high.”

Reflecting on her emotional journey: “It’s bitter-sweet. I had hoped for the fairytale ending and it’s what I had worked for and what I felt I was capable of, and unfortunately my body just said ‘no’.”

On her final moments in the pool: “This is the end, and it’s a perfect way to exit the pool. My first major competition was in this swimming pool, maybe over 20 years ago. I warmed up in this pool just behind us for the first time as a nine-year-old and tonight I warmed up in it as a 32-year-old, and I got to walk out and swim in a swimming pool that I’ve competed in so many times, that I’ve qualified for teams in, that I’ve broken world records in.”

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A Look Ahead

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the Australian swimming team looks robust with a blend of experience and fresh talent. The trials have not only marked the end of an era with the retirement of Cate Campbell but also the beginning of promising careers for Australia’s future swimming stars.

Here’s the Australian Olympic swimming team for Paris:

Sprinters and Relay Specialists: Kyle Chalmers, Emma McKeon, Bronte Campbell, Shayna Jack, Meg Harris
IM Swimmers: Brendon Smith, Will Petric, Jenna Forrester, Ella Ramsay
Distance Freestyle: Lani Pallister, Moesha Johnson
Others: Iona Anderson, Ben Armbruster, Jaclyn Barclay, Jack Cartwright, Abbey Connor, Isaac Cooper, Lizzie Dekkers, Max Giuliani, Zac Incerti, Se-Bom Lee, Cameron McEvoy, Kaylee McKeown, Thomas Neill, Mollie O’Callaghan, Alex Perkins, Jamie Perkins, Sam Short, Flynn Southam, Jenna Strauch, Zac Stubblety-Cook, Kai Taylor, Matt Temple, Brianna Throssell, Ariarne Titmus, Sam Williamson, Brad Woodward, Olivia Wunsch, Elijah Winnington, William Yang, Joshua Yong

Published 17-June-2024

Sayers Dance Centre in Kenmore Nurtures Young Stars Shining on World Stages

Photo Credit: Sayers Dance Centre

A constellation of young talent is emerging from Sayers Dance Centre in Kenmore, lighting up stages from Disneyland to world championships.

Among these rising stars, five dancers from Kenmore’s Sayers Dance Centre are making their mark, showcasing the exceptional training and passion cultivated within the studio’s walls.

Aspiring Ballerina Finds Second Home at Sayers

Grace Victoria Tai Cruwys, 16, a dedicated member of Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School’s dance troupe and aspiring ballerina, credits Sayers with helping her achieve distinctions in Royal Academy of Dance examinations and secure roles in Ballet Theatre Queensland productions for multiple years.

For Grace, the dance studio is a sanctuary where she can express herself freely and pursue her artistic goals.

Young Dancer Embraces Challenge and Joy of Ballet

Mae Labagnara, 12, shares Grace’s enthusiasm for ballet, having performed in Cinderella last year and eagerly anticipating her role in Ballet Theatre Queensland’s upcoming Snow White.

Mae’s dedication to her craft at Sayers has earned her distinctions in all Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations. The joy of dancing, challenging herself, and bonding with friends are what fuel Mae’s passion.

Rising Star Masters Complex Moves with Passion and Pridehtml

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Bryn Lindsay, 11, a recent addition to the Ballet Theatre Queensland junior apprentice program for their Snow White production, has honed his classical ballet skills at Sayers. For Bryn, the satisfaction of mastering complex moves and the feeling of accomplishment are what drives him to excel.

Versatile Dancer Finds Joy in Performing

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Daphne Potrafky-Riffault, 14, is a versatile dancer who has competed in numerous eisteddfods with her school’s dance troupe, showcasing her talents in jazz, contemporary, and lyrical styles.

Daphne’s training at Sayers has led her to achieve a distinction in her intermediate foundation examination and compete in the prestigious Jacqueline Morland Awards. The supportive and welcoming environment at Sayers, along with the joy of performing and sharing her passion, is what Daphne cherishes most about dance.

Ballet Prodigy’s Journey Leads to New York Opportunity

Caitlin Volker, 16, has graced the Queensland Performing Arts Centre stage in iconic roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Graduation Ball. While her heart belongs to classical ballet, Caitlin continues to explore jazz and contemporary styles at Sayers.

Her talent and dedication have earned her an offer from the renowned Joffrey Ballet School in New York. Caitlin values the opportunities dance provides for creative collaboration and personal growth.

These five young dancers from Sayers Dance Centre represent a bright future for the performing arts in southeast Queensland and beyond. Their achievements are a testament to the studio’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love of dance.

Published Date 12-June-2024

Kenmore Neighbourhood Watch Group Joins Forces With QPS

A proactive Neighbourhood Watch group that has served Kenmore East for over three decades will join forces with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for an informal community engagement event to promote crime prevention and foster stronger ties between residents and law enforcement.

The upcoming “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, scheduled for Thursday, 23 May 2024, has been organised by the Neighbourhood Watch QLD Kenmore East and the QPS.

Taking place between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Dennis’ Espressivo on Wongabel Street in Kenmore, the event aims to facilitate informal conversations between locals and police officers, address concerns, and provide helpful tips on safeguarding homes and properties.

The Kenmore East Neighbourhood Watch group, officially Indooroopilly 9, has actively promoted community-based crime prevention for 35 years. Through their unwavering commitment, the area has earned a well-deserved reputation as a welcoming and safe place to live and work. Many of the founding members continue to support the group’s initiatives.

The QPS emphasises the importance of community collaboration in enhancing crime prevention methods and implementing simple strategies to deter and reduce criminal activity.

Senior Sergeant Dallas Kowald from the South Brisbane District Crime Prevention Unit stressed the importance of making it difficult for offenders to gain entry, exit with property, or benefit from stolen goods. Additionally, Acting Senior Sergeant Jose Sarmiento highlighted the Mobile Police Beat’s role in maintaining a high-visibility policing presence and engaging with the community on home security and personal safety.

The “Coffee with a Cop” event, hosted by Cr Greg Adermann, represents an opportunity for residents to engage directly with law enforcement, gain valuable insights, and foster a sense of community vigilance against crime.

By working together, the QPS and dedicated groups like Neighbourhood Watch QLD Kenmore East aim to build resilience and implement protective measures to enhance the safety and well-being of the local community.

Published 14-May-2024

Schools in Kenmore Catchment Among Those Affected by Sequel Books & Stationery Collapse

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Kenmore State High School, Brookfield State School, Fig Tree Pocket State School and over 50 other Queensland schools have been directly impacted by the closure of Sequel Books & Stationery, amidst a struggle that has seen the company end up in liquidation, with $5 million in debt.

The shock closure has cast a shadow over the company’s long-standing contribution to Queensland’s education sector, impacting staff, students, and parents who have depended on Sequel’s services for nearly three decades.

A Legacy Unravelled

Originating 102 years ago as Bakers Bookstore and undergoing several name changes, including BCF (Barker, Conlan, and Ferrett), Sequel Books & Stationery had become an integral part of Queensland’s educational supply chain.

With a history of trading under its current name for nearly 30 years, its sudden move into liquidation on 18th of March 2024, signified the end of an era for a company that once carried the book and stationery lists for 55 schools across Queensland.

The Struggle Leading to Liquidation

Before its liquidation, Sequel Books & Stationery was overwhelmed with challenges, notably failing to fulfil outstanding orders in time for the school year’s start. This led to an inundation of customer complaints, culminating in over 1700 emails and the disabling of comments on its Facebook page due to severe customer backlash.

Bowing to the inevitable, the decision to undergo voluntary liquidation was made, with Christopher Baskerville of Jirsch Sutherland appointed to manage the liquidation process.

Impact and Reaction

The liquidation of Sequel Books & Stationery has sent shockwaves through the educational community. In a heartfelt statement, executive director Anna Henderson voiced her deep regret , attributing the closure to insurmountable economic challenges and commending her team’s dedication through tough times.

As the liquidation process unfolds, efforts are concentrated on securing the best possible outcome for creditors, including suppliers who are owed $2.3 million. The investigation into the full extent of the owed amounts and the number of creditors is ongoing.

Sequel Books & Stationery Kenmore State High School — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Here are the 55 schools impacted by the collapse:

All Saints Anglican School Aspley State School Aquinas College Bellbird Park State Secondary Belmont State School Berrinba East State School Brisbane Grammar School Brookfield State School Burleigh Heads State School Canungra State School	Manly West State School Mount Alvernia College Mount Kilcoy State School Mt Saint Michael’s College Northside Christian College Our Lady College Annerley Padua College Parklands Christian College Queensland Academy of Science Mathematics and Technology
Citipointe Christian College Centenary State High School Clairvaux MacKillop College Fig Tree Pocket State School Grovely State School Hilder Road State School Hillcrest Christian College Hills College Holland Park State School Jamboree Heights State School Jindalee State School	San Damiano College San Sisto College Seton College St Aidan’s Anglican Girls Schools St Francis Xavier Primary School Goodna St Joseph’s Catholic School Corinda St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School St Mary’s College St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly St Philomena School The Lakes College
John Paul College Kenmore State High School Kilcoy State Primary School Longreach School of Distance Education Marist College Ashgrove Marsden State High School Mitchelton State School	Walloon State School West Moreton Anglican College Westside Christian College Wisdom College Wondall Heights State School Yeronga State School

Published 21-March-2024

Discover Your Creative Spirit at ART101 in Kenmore

After several years in the arts hub of Fortitude Valley, ART101, a multidisciplinary art studio that encourages absolute beginners to explore their creativity, has found a new home in Kenmore.

Read: The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

Housed in the spacious facilities of SPACE, a community hall run by Communify, the relocated studio provides a relaxed and welcoming environment for budding artists. Floor to ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the venue, illuminating the blank canvases awaiting the burst of creative energy from students.

The relocation also allows the studio to expand its offerings. ART101 now provides a breadth of tuition options including weekly art classes, short courses, and workshops ranging from two hours to full day sessions. Students of all ages can enrol – children, teens, and adults alike.

The vibrant pieces lining ART101’s walls are testament to the creative magic that can happen when budding artists have room to freely explore self-expression. Students regularly return to continue developing their style, reinvigorated by the non-judgemental creative community.

Whether you’re looking to rediscover a long-lost passion or hoping to awaken your inner artist for the first time, ART101 now offers a welcoming space nestled amongst the gumtrees of Kenmore. Just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, the studio provides room for your inspiration to grow.

Read: Proposal Up for a New Facility at Kenmore South State School

School Holiday Art Workshop

ART101 encourages budding artists to get messy whilst exploring their creativity. Now families can unlock that creative excitement together during the upcoming school holidays. On December 15, the School Holiday Art workshop will guide young artists ages 8-15 as they depict Saint Nick’s furry festive feline on canvas. Participants will take home a 25x25cm acrylic painting to commemorate the holiday season.

The session welcomes parents to join their aspiring artists, with spaces available to book separately. ART101 will supply all needed materials, but does recommend sending children along with snacks, drinks and clothing that can handle a few colourful splatters. Unleash the festive fun and register your creative duo today! Visit their website for more information.

Published 4-December-2023

Controversy Surrounds Childcare Centre Development on Brookfield Road

A proposed development for a childcare centre in Kenmore has become a bone of contention and debates among residents, environmentalists, and city planners.

The development application (A004808456) for a two-storey childcare facility, designed by Alto Architects, received approval from Brisbane City Council in 2019. A few more applications involving minor changes were filed that were also approved.

A subsequent development application (A006367166), filed in September 2023, seeks a minor change to add an outdoor play area with a bridge and acoustic fencing. This change is argued to be minor and compliant with relevant planning schemes and acts.

The centre for 120 kids, planned within a rural zone, proposes the removal of three existing dwellings to make way for the development. With operational hours between 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, the centre aims to cater to the growing needs of the Kenmore community.

Brookfield Road — Photo Credit: DA A006367166

Residents of Jessamine Court, a cul-de-sac near the childcare centre, also raised issues against the subdivision of the nearby property and the potential introduction of a new access point to their street. They fear that this could disrupt the quiet, safe nature of the cul-de-sac, impacting the community and local environment, including increasing traffic and affecting the safety of children playing in the area.

The opposition also mentions the potential environmental impact, including the removal of trees and effects on local wildlife and koala habitat.

Planners have assured that the proposed childcare centre’s footprint will not encroach on the mapped biodiversity area at the rear of the site, thus preserving environmental values.

Prior to the release of koala habitat maps in February 2020, development approvals were granted without referral to SARA. These approvals predate the regulatory maps and don’t interfere with koala habitat.

As of press time, the current DA is still under assessment with Council.

Published 24-Nov-2023

The Heartfelt Tale of Amy Gomes: Kenmore Author with a Lifesaving Pen

Photo Credit: One Little Heart/Facebook

Amy Gomes isn’t your typical children’s book author. This Kenmore local is a critical care paramedic whose mission to publish a book about her work matches the size of her heart.

The idea for her book arose from a simple yet profound realisation that there were no children’s books explaining her profession in a way that young minds could understand.

In “What Paramedics Do,” Ms. Gomes aimed to change that. With her paramedic background, she was uniquely qualified to tell the story of these everyday heroes. But she didn’t stop there as she chose to infuse her book with a social conscience.

A Book with a Mission

“What Paramedics Do” is not merely a children’s book; it also seeks to educate and offer hope. Its purpose is to teach children about the emergency number 000 and, more importantly, raise funds for a noble cause—the Heart of the Nation. This charity’s mission is to provide more communities with access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), devices that could potentially save lives.

Ms. Gomes’ work isn’t fiction; it’s a tool to impart knowledge and empower children with crucial information that might one day make a difference in an emergency. Her dedication to her craft is inspiring, and she understands the importance of rapid response and early defibrillation in cardiac emergencies.

“What Paramedics Do” is suitable for children aged 2 to 6, thoughtfully crafted with age-appropriate yet realistic illustrations. The aim is to reduce medical anxiety in children by making them familiar with the world of paramedics. It features special components with a Greg Page, the CEO of Heart of the Nation, and a cardiac arrest survivor. The book’s message ensures that health and emergency response reaches even more hearts.

Giving Back to the Community

Ms. Gomes’ desire to help others has always driven her. From childhood fundraising efforts to founding One Little Heart in 2014, her commitment to philanthropy has been unwavering. One Little Box, her previous project, allowed people to purchase a box filled with thoughtful items, with the proceeds going to charity.

For this author, her book is more than just a project; it’s an opportunity to give back. Partnering with Greg Page’s charity, Heart of the Nation, means that £1 from every book sold supports a cause close to both their hearts. Additionally, for every 1,000 books sold, a portion of the profits will be donated—a tangible impact on her community.

The journey of Amy Gomes from childhood fundraising to becoming a critical care paramedic and author is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. With “What Paramedics Do,” she has found a way to combine her passions, ensuring that every book sold contributes to the greater good. It’s a labour of love that brings joy to her heart, a respite from the challenging workdays that define her profession.

Published 25-Sept-2023

Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title

Year 10 Kenmore State High School student Lilly Meldrum made history when she defeated defending champion Jessica Woods 4-2 to become the youngest ever winner of the Australian National Women’s Snooker Championship in Albury.

Meldrum, 15, first started playing snooker at the age of 9 on her family’s home table. Despite needing a jigger to reach across the full-size table, she quickly demonstrated a prodigious talent for the sport.

By 2019, Meldrum was already ranked 4th in the world in the under-16 age group. Her recent victory over seven-time national champion Woods underlined her rapid progress in snooker.

Lilly Meldrum defeats fellow Queenslander in comeback fashion

Woods, also from Queensland, jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Meldrum in the championship final. However, the young phenom showed resilience beyond her years and captured the next four frames in a row to claim the national title.

In doing so, Meldrum became the first player other than Woods to win the Australian women’s championship since 2018.

World championship in sights

Earlier this year, Meldrum was a semi-finalist at the World Under-21 Snooker Championship in Thailand.

At just 15 years of age, Lilly Meldrum has already etched her name into the record books and hinted at greater things to come. Her historic national title highlights the arrival of an exciting young player on the global snooker stage.

Published 19 August 2023

End of An Era: Kenmore Cycles Tracks Closure After 27 Years

Kenmore Cycles, a favourite westside landmark and cycling institution, is tracking the end of an era after its owners announced its impending closure, after 27 years of serving the local community.

Alison and John Forbes, along with their son Ben, made the difficult decision to end the lease of their popular store on Moggill Rd, citing insurmountable challenges in finding an appropriate new location for the shop. They were told to vacate the place as early as August 2021 because the owner had plans for the building but have been unable to find another suitable place for the shop.

The Forbes family expressed their gratitude to their loyal customers and shared their future plans as they bid farewell to the shop that has been a cornerstone of the cycling community. The announcement comes as a disappointment to many cycling enthusiasts who frequented the store for its wide range of bikes, accessories, and repair services.

Alison and John also expressed their concerns about the escalating rents in the region, particularly given the unique nature of their business, which relied heavily on destination visitors more than walk-in customers.

Over the years, Kenmore Cycles became known not only for its comprehensive selection but also for the personalised service and expertise that the shop offers to its customer.

Throughout its 27-year run, the shop navigated challenges such as the rise of online shopping by focusing on building lasting relationships with their patrons.

Despite the difficulties, the Forbes family maintained a six-day workweek, with only limited breaks, ensuring that their customers’ needs were always met. Kenmore Cycles had even managed to weather the storm of online retail, adapting to changing times without compromising the essence of their business.

John said that whilst the decision to close was a tough one, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and potentially assisting his son Ben with his growing coaching and bike hire business, Forbes MTB. This venture has been gaining traction and presents an opportunity for the Forbes family to remain connected to their passion for cycling and the local community.

In October 2022, a Development Application (DA A006134569) was lodged to redevelop the property as a retail and food site. The application is still being assessed as of press time.

Moggill Road development — Photo Credit: DA A006134569

Published 9-Aug-2023

Low Crime Rates Make 4069 Among Brisbane’s Safest Postcodes

Residents of Kenmore, Kenmore Hills and surrounding areas can rest easy knowing they live in one of Brisbane’s safest postcodes. With only 31 crimes reported per 1,000 properties over the past five years, the crime rate at postcode 4069 is well below the Queensland average of 130 crimes per 1,000 properties.

Read: Local Groups To Provide Inputs for Kenmore Community Centre Redevelopment on Brookfield Rd

Postcode 4069 spans many suburbs, including Kenmore, Kenmore Hills, Brookfield, Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, Kenmore East, Pinjarra Hills, Pullenvale, Upper Brookfield, Kenmore Dc and Lone Pine.

A recent analysis has shown that the area has one of the lowest rates of property crime in Brisbane.

Based on Queensland Police Service’s Online Crime Map, the entire postcode 4069 recorded one case of robbery, 27 cases of trespassing and vagrancy, 29 cases of assault, among other offenses reported between July 13, 2022 to July 12, 2023. A total of 657 offences of varying natures were reported for the whole postcode.

Meanwhile, the analysis found the safest Brisbane postcode is 4055, covering suburbs like Ferny Hills, Upper Kedron, Bunya, Ferny Grove and Ferny Hills, which had the fewest property crimes.

Many homeowners and would-be home buyers are increasingly worried about the risk of robberies or home burglaries, assault, trespassing, and other types of crime. Whilst living in a low-risk suburb helps, Queensland Police says it’s still important for all homeowners to take action to reduce the chance of break-ins, which can happen anywhere.

Read: Kenmore Property Market Remains In Demand With 15% Median Growth

This includes increasing the level of security within their homes, getting involved in the community such as the Neighbourhood Watch program, and minimising the number of unknown visitors they allow into their homes.

Published 13-July-2023