The Kenmore Contribution To The 4x100m Olympic Relays Launches

Between 5:34 a.m. and 5:50 a.m. on Sunday morning, Kenmore may have contributed 2 Gold Medals to the Paris Olympics. Well, that’s the dream anyway.


Read: Lilly Meldrum: Kenmore SHS Snooker Prodigy


Jack Cartwright, the 25-year-old former pupil of Old Lady of the Rosary School as well as the world’s most successful swimming school, St Peters Lutheran, will make his Olympic debut in the 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay.

Having been a finalist in the World Championships in 2017 at 18 years of age, it has been a long time coming.

The 2023 World Championships team in Fukuoka of Cartwright, Flynn Southam, Kai Taylor and Kyle Chalmers grabbed Gold in 3:10.16 from the Italian team and the USA team. However Kyle Chalmers will be the only sub-48-second swimmer amongst the Australian team. Team USA will have a quartet of sub-48-second athletes in their team and the competition for the medals will be very high.

On Saturday 27 July from 7:00 p.m. Brisbane time, the Mens 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay heats will be the sixth event on the program. The Final will be at 5:44 a.m. Brisbane time, the following morning on Sunday, 28 July.

The Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay heats will also begin on the 7:00 p.m. program Saturday evening, 27 July. The final will be 5:34 a.m.

By comparison, the Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay team will go into the event with massive confidence. The Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay and the 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay could be considered the two very best chances of Gold both in the pool and across the full sporting event program.

Bronte Campbell, ex-student of Kenmore State High School, will carry the Campbell family’s hopes in the 4 x 100. This will be her fourth Olympics and the first without her sister Cate, who has now retired from the sport.


Read: Kenmore’s Olympic Hero Cate Campbell Announces Retirement


So we can be confident that Kenmore will secure at least one Gold by 5:50 a.m. on Sunday, but could Cartwright and his team make it two?

Stan Sports will have a dedicated channel showing all the Swimming events live.

Bronte Campbell and the 4x100 Women's Freestyle Relay Schedule
Jack Cartwright and the 4x100 Men's Freestyle Relay Schedule

Lilly Meldrum: Kenmore SHS Snooker Prodigy

Kenmore State High School’s Lilly Meldrum is rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s brightest young talents in the world of snooker. At just 16 years old, Meldrum has already amassed an impressive collection of titles and achievements that have caught the attention of the international snooker community.



Photo Credit: YouTube / WPBSA

Meldrum’s journey in competitive snooker began at the remarkably young age of nine. By the time she was 10, she had already clinched her first junior national title, setting the stage for what would become a string of impressive victories. To date, she has secured seven national junior snooker titles and two national junior pool titles, demonstrating her versatility across cue sports.

Currently, Meldrum holds the distinction of being the Australian under-18 girls champion, under-21 girls champion, and women’s champion. Perhaps most notably, she etched her name in the annals of Australian snooker history by winning the national women’s snooker title at the age of 15, making her the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.

Meldrum’s talent has not been confined to domestic competitions. She has made significant strides on the international stage, competing in prestigious tournaments such as the World Women’s Snooker Championship and the WSF Junior Championship. In 2023, she reached the semi-finals of the Asia-Pacific Women’s Championship, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.



The young Kenmore SHS student has also shown promise in mixed-gender competitions. In the 2024 Dr Clem Jones AO Queensland Open Snooker Championship, Meldrum progressed to the last 64, competing against seasoned professionals and amateurs alike.

As Meldrum continues to hone her skills and gain experience in high-level competitions, the snooker world watches with keen interest. Her achievements at such a young age suggest a bright future, potentially following in the footsteps of other Australian snooker greats who have made their mark on the global stage.

Published 8-July-2024

Kenmore’s Olympic Hero Cate Campbell Announces Retirement

Cate Campbell, Kenmore’s own swimming legend and four-time Olympian, has officially announced her retirement from elite swimming. The decision comes after an illustrious career spanning over two decades, marked by numerous world records and Olympic triumphs.

Read: End of an Era: No More Koala Cuddles at Lone Pine Sanctuary

Early beginnings and rise to stardom

Campbell’s journey began in a lake in Malawi, South East Africa, where her mother first taught her to swim. From these humble beginnings, she rose to become a dominant force in Australian swimming. Her talent was first recognized at the 2007 Youth Olympic Games in Sydney, where she won the 50m freestyle at just 14 years old.

Olympic glory and world records

Throughout her career, Campbell amassed an impressive collection of accolades:
– Eight Olympic medals, with four being gold
– Twelve World Championship medals, with four being gold
– Seven world records
– Six Commonwealth Games gold medals

Her prowess in the 100m freestyle is particularly noteworthy, with Campbell holding three of the fastest times in the World All-Time Top Ten.

Campbell’s impact extended beyond individual events. She was a crucial member of Australia’s relay teams, anchoring the 4x100m freestyle relay to three consecutive Olympic victories in London, Rio, and Tokyo. Her relay performances include the four fastest 100m freestyle relay splits ever recorded.

A bittersweet ending

Campbell’s competitive career concluded at the Australian Olympic Trials in Brisbane. On June 15, she finished seventh in the 50m freestyle final, won by Shayna Jack. The day before, Campbell narrowly missed the 100m freestyle final by 0.01 seconds, declining media interviews afterwards. These events marked the end of the four-time Olympic gold medalist’s remarkable journey in competitive swimming.

While Campbell’s immediate plans include supporting her sister Bronte and the Australian team at the Paris Olympics, her long-term future plans remain undisclosed. In her retirement announcement, she expressed gratitude to her support network and fans.

Read: New Heritage Trail in Brookfield: A Journey Through History

Campbell’s retirement marks the end of an era and a new beginning for Australian swimming. Her journey from a local pool in Indooroopilly to the world stage has inspired a new generation of swimmers in the area and across the nation—with enormous shoes to fill.

As Kenmore bids farewell to its swimming queen, Cate Campbell leaves behind a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship that will continue to inspire future generations.

Published 07-July-2024

New Heritage Trail in Brookfield: A Journey Through History

Brookfield residents are invited to participate in the official opening of the new Heritage Trail at Rafting Ground Park. This significant event commemorates the early timber industry and the bullock drivers who transported timber to sawmills, contributing to the construction of Brisbane’s CBD.



Funding was provided through the Pullenvale Ward office for the Heritage Trail project led by the Kenmore and District Historical Society. The trail features five informative storyboards placed strategically along a dedicated path within Rafting Ground Park.

The trail serves as a historical reminder of the crucial role that bullock drivers, also known as bullockies, played in moving timber down the river for the earliest buildings in Brisbane. The storyboards along the trail provide visitors with a vivid narrative of this arduous task and the contributions of these early pioneers.

The community is encouraged to join the opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, 13th July. Attendees will have the opportunity to walk the trail, delve into the stories of the bullockies, and enjoy refreshments, including complimentary coffee. The event promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend.



The creation of the Heritage Trail has been a collaborative effort between the Schrinner Council and the Kenmore and District Historical Society. The newly completed path, soon to feature the installed plaques, marks the culmination of months of planning and development.

Published Date 24-June-2024

Kenmore Residents Urged to Save Endangered Species

Kenmore residents have a unique opportunity to contribute to the survival of an endangered species right in their backyard.



The Pullen Pullen Catchments Group is calling for volunteers to support the conservation of the Collared Delma, also known as the Legless Lizard, recently discovered in the Council-managed Anstead Bushland Reserve.

Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map

Residents are encouraged to dedicate just six minutes a day to help reverse the decline of this remarkable reptile. The Collared Delma requires very specific and rare habitat conditions, which are present at the Anstead Reserve. By volunteering, locals can assist in restoring the environment to its natural state, significantly improving the chances of survival for this vulnerable species.

Photo Credit: Screengrab from Google Map

Volunteers are needed to work as a group on Friday mornings starting at 7:00 a.m. or on the first Sunday of each month beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participants should gather in the main parking lot of the Anstead Reserve, with entry via Hawkesbury Road. This initiative offers an excellent way for Kenmore residents to make a tangible difference in local wildlife conservation.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Jim Williams at 0407 181 777 or visit the Pullen Pullen Catchments Group’s website at Pullen Pullen Catchments.



This volunteer effort not only aims to safeguard the Collared Delma but also fosters community engagement and environmental stewardship among Kenmore residents. The Pullen Pullen Catchments Group hopes to see a robust turnout, demonstrating strong local support for the preservation of the Anstead Bushland Reserve and its unique inhabitants.

Published Date 21-June-2024

Kenmore Stars Bronte Campbell, Jack Cartwright, and Jaclyn Barclay Shine at 2024 Australian Swimming Trials

An indomitable veteran mounting an Olympic comeback. A world champion realising his long-awaited debut. Plus a teen prodigy bursting onto the scene. This talented trio of swimmers from Kenmore made a great showing at the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials and are now looking forward to making a splash at the Olympics.

Read: Kenmore Swim Star Cate Campbell Ends Olympic Bid with Emotional Farewell

Bronte Campbell: in pursuit of a fourth Olympic Games

Kenmore State High School alumna Bronte Campbell, 30, defies the odds as she secures her spot on the Australian Olympic team for a fourth time. After taking an 18-month break from the sport following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the seasoned swimmer returns to the pool, driven by a burning curiosity to see what she can achieve once more.

Campbell’s hiatus allowed her to experience life beyond the pool, working a 9–5 job in business consulting and exploring other ventures, including television appearances and launching her own swim gear range. However, the lure of competition proved too strong — she found herself drawn back to the familiar thrill of standing on the blocks, ready to test her limits once again.

Bronte Campbell
Photo Credit: Instagram/Bronte Campbell

Her journey has not been without challenges, as injuries plagued her during the break. Nevertheless, Campbell’s determination shines through, as she secures her place in Paris as a relay swimmer by finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle final at the Olympic trials in Brisbane.

Jack Cartwright: long awaited Olympic debut

For Kenmore’s Jack Cartwright, 25, his path to the Olympic stage is a testament to the sacrifices made by his family and the unwavering pursuit of his dreams. His rise began at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in 2016, where he captured six medals, including four golds.

His international breakthrough came a year later at the 2017 World Championships, where he made the final in the 100m freestyle at just 18 years old. Since then, Cartwright has continued to accumulate hardware, including silvers at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships and relay golds at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.

Jack Cartwright
Cartwright signed with FINIS Swimming back in 2019. Photo Credit: Facebook/FINIS Swimming Malaysia

At the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials, Cartwright secured his place on the Paris team, finishing fourth in the 100m freestyle to claim the final relay spot, marking his long-awaited Olympic debut.

Jaclyn Barclay: rising star secures debut at 17

Fig Tree Pocket’s Jaclyn Barclay, 17, secured an early Olympic debut in the women’s 200m backstroke at the Trials. Competing against seasoned athletes like Emily Seebohm, who fell short in her bid for a fifth Olympic appearance, Barclay’s second-place finish left her in disbelief and elation.

“To be able to race these girls is incredible, and to achieve any athlete’s dream to make the Olympics, I’m still in a bit of shock, to be honest,” Barclay expressed. “It was incredible to touch the wall and see I was second. I couldn’t believe it. I was really happy with my time, as well.”

Jaclyn Barclay
Photo Credit: Instagram/Jaclyn Barclay

Barclay’s journey to the Olympic stage at such a tender age foreshadows an exciting future for the young athlete on the international stage.

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

As Paris draws near, Kenmore takes pride in the accomplishments of these local heroes, whose dedication, perseverance, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have earned them a place among the best swimmers in the country.

Published 18-June-2024

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.”

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.”

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

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

Photo Credit: Sayers Dance Centre

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Sayers Dance Centre

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

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