It took two days for an extremely lucky man in Kenmore to get a good night’s sleep after receiving confirmation of a life-changing $450,000 windfall. The unnamed fellow said he simply could not stop thinking about his unexpected stroke of luck.
Once the Saturday draw results came out, he knew that a $451,772.22 bolt of lightning had struck his life, but he nervously waited by the phone for confirmation just the same.
When the man finally got the confirmatory call, he was both relieved and elated, excitedly planning what he was going to do with the money.
The Kenmore man said he purchased his winning ticket at the official site.
“I found out after the draw on Saturday night. I was absolutely blown away when I checked my online account,” the local said, admitting that his family had never been well-to-do.
“I can’t believe it! It’s insane. I haven’t slept in two nights. I keep thinking about how much money it is.”
The winning numbers in the Saturday Gold draw were 4, 25, 23, 7, 21, and 9, while the supplementary numbers were 6 and 11.
“When I told my family, many cried, and others cheered. It was awesome!
“I will use the prize to buy myself a small house or a unit and help my family. It’ll be my first house, so it’s a big deal. I’m excited!
“Thank you so much. This is a dream come true!”
There were 11 other Division One winners alongside the Kenmore resident, five in Victoria, four in Queensland, two in New South Wales, and one in Tasmania.
Photo Credit: Elastic Compute Farm/Pixabay
As of 2022, 324 lucky Australians have been Division One winners, collectively getting $461.69 million in total and 133.5 million winners have taken home more than $3.93 billion in prize money across the other games from The Lott. Taxes from this initiative are helping fund hospitals, disaster relief operations, education, and health research.
Kenmore West Kindergarten is 50 years old! To celebrate this half-century milestone, the kindy is hosting a Family Fun Day at the school grounds on Fallbrook St.
There are heaps to look forward to for the celebration on Saturday, 3 Sept 2022, between 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. as Kenmore West Kindergarten (KWK) has invited some honourable guests to join the celebration.
Kicking off the events is the award-winning songwoman and law-woman of the Turrbal Tribe, Maroochy Barambah, who will perform “Welcome to Country” in recognition of Kenmore West Kindergarten’s roots steeped in indigenous history. Later in the day, the founder of Indigenous Insights and singer-songwriter Sharron “Mirii” Bell will also perform traditional dances and songs for the kids and the guests.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Family Fun Day will be a chance for future families to look into the kindy’s operation.
Past, present and potential students, as well as the wider community, are invited to partake in the mini fete-style event. Kids are guaranteed to have fun at the inflatable rides/mazes, reptile encounters, craft activities, crazy hair and face painting.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Parents will enjoy the various local market stalls, including a plant market stall and a special exhibit setup to display some of the kindy’s most precious memorabilia and stories from the past 50 years.
Food and drinks are courtesy of the fundraiser BBQ or pizza vendor, Pizza Gals. A coffee van and bar will be available on the day, while sweet treats including fairy floss, snow cones and homemade baked goods will be available for purchase.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Event Coordinator and past parent of Kenmore West Kindergarten, Tash Westmore said she was so proud to be involved with organising this special milestone for the not-for-profit community kindergarten in 4069.
“I’m so thrilled to be a part of planning this historic event for Kenmore West Kindergarten. We have plenty of wonderful activities and entertainment planned to celebrate this key milestone and pay tribute to the kindy’s history,” Ms Westmore said.
“When the kindergarten began in 1972, a number of indigenous children were enrolled and travelled by bus from the other side of Brisbane to attend. So First Nations Peoples history is particularly important to the kindy, as is the acceptance and respect of all cultures.
“The kindy also strives to be as sustainable as possible in its operations and gives love back to the land. It’s truly a wonderful early learning environment for the children.” She added.
Cr Greg Adermann will be in attendance to help with the cake-cutting and birthday festivities. Other notable guests on the day will include Head Office C&K Directors and owners of Brisbane Real Estate who are the major event sponsor.
During the activities, varied and exciting items will be up for silent auction and fete-goers can bid their highest up to the lead-up at 4:00 p.m. when the announcement of winning bidders will be made by the honourable Dr Christian Rowan MP.
Kenmore West Kindergarten Directors, Natasha Moore and Robert Pratt added further, saying the kindy has a strong emphasis on its natural surroundings and this is a core thread throughout their entire learning curriculum.
“Education for sustainability is an integral component of the kindy’s culture and curriculum. Children’s intrinsic love and appreciation for the natural environment is fostered,” Ms Moore said.
“There are ample opportunities for children to engage and interact in nature. There are opportunities for children to engage in learning experiences that empower them as active citizens for a sustainable future.” Mr Pratt added.
As a not-for-profit community kindy, KWK is largely reliant on the support of volunteering families and local business sponsors and donors. All proceeds from the day will go straight back into the not-for-profit C&K-affiliated kindergarten and will help KWK to continue to provide an “exceeding” and a high-quality educational program to its children, improve facilities and replenish resources.
Meanwhile, KWK is also seeking assistance from both volunteers and local sponsors/donors. If you may be interested, email projects@kenmorewestkindy.asn.au
Heads up, Kenmore! Following a five-year hiatus, the Fete is back at Kenmore South State School and it’s bigger than ever. If you’re planning to go, here are some activities/events to look forward to.
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Lots of fun awaits guests at the Fete, because there will be carnival rides, side show alley, a Lego competition, and the student-run Roots and Shoots group for the environment.
There will be live performances from the school’s talented musical groups, plus showcases from local sporting and dancing clubs. Think cheerleaders, Irish dancers, Rhee Tae Kwon-Do and some tiny tots for that extra hit of cuteness.
The headline act of the day will be the Octofunk band, playing at 2:00 p.m. and rocking those the Funk/Groove/Blues covers that have earned them a loyal local following. The bar will also be open at 2:00 p.m. — great news for those who need liquid courage to hit the (grassy) dance floor!
Fete Stalls
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
All the classic, well-loved fete stalls will also return this year. There will be a cake stall, a Secondhand Book Stall, Pre-loved Goods stalls and more, courtesy of volunteer families.
Raffle
Photo credit: Kenmore South State School Fete/Facebook
Get a chance to win a family holiday, which will be the main prize, in addition to over $10,000 worth of raffle prizes up for grabs.
About The KSSS Fete
For this year’s event, the P&C wanted Fete to become a great day for the local community, whilst also raising funds for the School’s Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics resources.
Peter Brady, the school’s P&C President, said they want to continue to equip their students with the best possible tools to ensure their success.
“Our school community is working very hard preparing for our Fete, which is the first one held in five years. After a tumultuous past couple of years, we hope our school celebration is really more of a community celebration where we can create a place for all locals to feel a sense of fun and connection with neighbours”, said Georgina Allardice, Acting Principal.
Photo supplied
Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator is also upbeat and excited, “It promises to be a very fun day out for everyone in the family and we can’t wait to welcome the Western Suburbs community to our School”.
“A huge shout-out to our key sponsors who have already jumped on board to support us including 4069 Real Estate who is putting a huge effort into getting us prepared for the day” said Tilly.
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for local businesses as well as the chance to attend the Fete to promote your business. For all sponsorship enquiries or more details about the upcoming Fete, please contact Tilly Cole, Fete Coordinator, at fete@ksss-pnc.org.au
Save the Date!
What
Kenmore South State School Fete 2022
Where
KSSS oval
When
Saturday, 20 August 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Follow the Fete on Facebook @KSSSFETE for all the updates.
Two new childcare centres in Kenmore are due to open in 2023 and a third is on appeal, amidst a growing concern that there is an oversupply of childcare centres in various areas across Queensland.
According to the Australian Childcare Alliance Vice President Jae Fraser, there have been more than 230 childcare centres in the construction and planning stages across Queensland in the last couple of years.
The ACA is concerned that an oversupply will put the popularity of an important industry at risk.
In Kenmore, two facilities are due to open in early to mid-2023 along Brookfield and Moggill roads, whilst another plan for a childcare centre on Kelsey Rd is on appeal. These are on top of the existing childcare centres in the area, including a new childcare centre along Kenmore Rd that just opened in early 2022.
Mr Fraser said childcare centres are only profitable and good for business if it serves an undersupplied area with good and quality service.
The ACA boss added that childcare centre occupancy has dropped to 70 per cent on average due to the oversupply.
New operators are coming in but are not as well-versed as previous operators. They sign 30-year leases despite not knowing how to increase their centre’s capacity by 20 or 30 per cent more to sustain its operations.
Areas with oversupply problems will hurt the industry by maintaining unprofitable businesses.
There is also an undersupply of educators by 20 to 30 staff members, which means that not all the centres may be giving children the care they need and deserve.
Under Construction or in Planning Childcare Centres in Kenmore
The ACA is hoping that local and state governments establish a measurement for the supply and demand for childcare centres before the development applications are approved in a certain area. The ACA said approvals must be prioritised in communities with a pressing need for facilities.
Property expert Darren Collins of CBRE said that childcare centres in strategic locations are bringing in billions to the economy. Investors also study the location, including its saturation point, before submitting a plan to build a centre.
Collins said that the population of the suburb and the percentage of double-income parents often factor into the decision as these are indicators of high growth areas, thus the high demand for childcare centres.
Australia’s housing boom has welcomed hundreds of suburbs, including the Kenmore property market, into the million-dollar club for 2021. However, economic experts predict that the red-hot market may be due for a slow down.
Figures from Property Market Updates showed that Kenmore experienced a 27.98 per cent median house price growth from April 2021 to March 2022. This has placed the median house price at $1,005,000, up from $785,250 in the previous period.
There were 204 houses sold for this period at an average of 23 days on market, indicative of a strong market. The brisk sales were driven by demands for comfortable and family-friendly homes in safe areas with good schools and accessible amenities. More families with older kids and professionals in their mid-30s are also looking into Brisbane’s western suburbs for their potential forever homes.
Whilst the growth has been positive for sellers, there have been some downsides for first-home buyers who are more sensitive to the house price increase.
This period has reflected a marked decline in property purchases from entry-level or first-home buyers. Most buyers in Kenmore are also on to their second or third home, with the intention of staying for the longer term.
Kenmore Unit Price Growth
Kenmore’s unit market from April 2021 to March 2022 reflected strong median growth of 18.56 per cent, pulling the median unit price to $805,000 from $679,000.
As interstate migration into Queensland reached record highs, buyers who want to move their families into areas with good schools have been fueling the demand.
For this period, 47 units were sold within 20 days on market. However, Kenmore’s unit volume has been shrinking alongside the rental vacancies. Not a lot of people, especially downsizers and retirees, are prompted to leave this suburb; they are staying put in their houses and units.
Kenmore Property Market — Post-Flood
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Whilst median prices experienced an uptick, property market experts are seeing a shift with some homes selling less for their asking price after the February 2022 floods, especially in areas around Kenmore, Brookfield, and Moggill.
However, it’s a trend that the experts believe will not yet trigger forced sales as prices are still significantly elevated despite the slight fall.
After the 2011 floods, Kenmore and several riverside precincts in the west experienced the steepest price drops as well but most recovered within three years. These areas are still attracting premium values because of their livability, with its quiet tree-lined streets, friendly neighbours, and a strong community vibe.
Following a six-month pause, Pizzeria Violetta has reopened in Kenmore with a new chef, Mario Miljkovic. Check out their redeveloped menu, featuring new flavours and a new dough for their wood-fired oven-baked pizza.
Owner Renata Roberts shared that Mario was eager to move his family from Newport in Sydney to Brisbane’s Western Suburbs. He’s bringing years of experience as a pizzaiolo who was originally raised in Vicenza, Italy.
Before joining Pizzeria Violetta, Mario was the head chef at Pizzeria Rosso Pomodoro and Terrazza Pizzeria in Sydney. He also led a team in the kitchen at Merivale’s Newport for nearly five years.
Photo Credit: PizzeriaVioletta/Facebook
“Being passionate about everything is something us Italians are known for, but when it comes to food that’s a whole different story,” said Mario.
“Bringing authenticity to my food, and having the freedom to create and explore, while honouring the rich tradition around Italian food brings me a particular joy. I can’t wait to share with Brisbane what I have in store!”
Assisting the new chef is Ajay Ghimire, who has worked with Mario in Merivale. Together, the pair has come up with new flavours and new dough for Pizzeria Violetta’s redeveloped menu. Mario and Ajay have created a 36-hour proved dough, delivering a crispier crust once it is cooked in the woodfired oven.
Some of the old favourites remain, however, such as the classic pizza Margherita, primavera, or diavola. The restaurant also introduced Mario’s, a delicious and refreshing vegetariana pizza.
In October 2021, Renata sadly announced the shop’s temporary closure due to the pandemic. The owner said that they wanted to preserve the integrity of the pizzeria. Thus, they had to ride it out until the restaurant could re-open and provide the authentic dining experience that their loyal patrons love.
Now that Pizzeria Violetta is back, Renata said that they are still getting “into the swing of things” but the team is slowly rebuilding and Mario will soon introduce more new flavours in the kitchen.
Find out what’s the latest at Pizzeria Violetta through their Facebook page.
Kenmore Olympian Cate Cambell has issued a plea for public hospitals to stock up on period supplies for women, as part of her support for a petition to make this mandatory across the country.
Cate took to Instagram to express her frustration over the lack of female sanitary products at the hospitals.
“Did you know it’s not mandatory for Public Hospitals to stock period supplies?” the bemedalled 29-year-old wrote. “This means many women arrive in hospital and are forced to use toilet paper, gauze or nothing at all!
“This is just another example of gender inequality – if men had periods, we would not be having this discussion!”
In March, Share the Dignity, a Sandgate-based charitable organisation that has been distributing sanitary products to various vulnerable communities, presented a petition asking the Parliament to pad up on public health. The group is requesting a Federal policy to mandate free pads across public hospitals.
“While some hospitals do provide period products, it is not mandatory for them to do so. When the provision is managed at an individual hospital level, availability can be limited, and patients have relied on the kindness of doctors, nurses and staff who give pads of their own,” the petition stated.
“Menstruation is not a choice, and women, girls and those who menstruate should not have to worry about how they manage their period at any point, especially when they are sick and vulnerable. Pads should be free and easily accessible in all hospitals for patients who need them.”
The petition has received 53,259 support. The group also shared that the petition has been tabled and referred to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP.
Thousands of residents have been stranded or isolated as heavy rain and floods inundate South East Queensland, cutting off major arterial roads in West Brisbane. Here’s an update on road closures and safe spaces in Kenmore, Upper Brookfield, Pullenvale, and nearby areas.
As of 6:00 a.m. Monday, 28 Feb 2022, roads in Bellbowrie and Moggill have been unpassable to motorists. Some areas are also isolated as large blocks of rock, as well as mud and water flow, have filled the streets.
Most stores, including essentials like the Pullenvalle Marketplace IGA or Coles in Moggill, are either closed or running with limited staff as workers can’t get through or risk being stranded on the roads.
“Seqwater began releases from Wivenhoe Dam from yesterday morning,” Cr Greg Adermann said. “The first releases downstream of Moggill will reach the city by the time of this morning’s high tide.”
Safe Space for the Stranded
Those stranded on the road but can get to Kenmore District Rugby Club on Hepworth Street are welcome to use the facilities, take a warm shower, recharge their devices, and warm up with food and drinks.
“Kenmore Bears is open for anyone in need of food, drink, shower facilities, somewhere to charge your devices or a safe warm space,” the club stated.
“Donations of towels and food are welcomed, as is anyone able to volunteer their time to assist in cooking/serving. Please feel free to come down to the Club and connect, to find help or to offer it. Please stay safe.”
Checking for Safe Roads
Whilst residents are advised to stay safe and dry at home, some may need to go out for food and other essentials or emergency supplies. They can track which roads are unpassable or safe as updated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
As of 28 Feb 2022 09:02 a.m., Mashall Lane in Kenmore is passable without delays. However, residents are advised to take precautions as the roads remain slippery.
Power Down in West Brisbane
Meanwhile, more than 800 residents in Kenmore and 150 homes in Upper Brookfield have been without power due to the weather event. Energex said they are working to restore the power back as soon as possible but delays could be expected as the rising waters threaten power substations and homes across the city.
“Remember; while your property or street may be high and dry, the electrical infrastructure that supplies you could be flooded,” Energex said. “While we try to localise de-energisations as much as possible to minimise the impact on everyone; however, safety must come first.”
Did you know that over 80 volunteers participated in last year’s Clean Up Australia Day in the inner western suburbs? In 2022, the clean-up will cover areas around Kenmore Village, with an aim to attract more volunteers who can contribute to enhancing the creek lands.
Cubberla Witton Catchments Network (CWCN) is leading the charge for Clean Up Australia Day at Kenmore. This year’s area will include west to Fig Tree Pocket Road, north to about Ludlow Street and south to about Kersley Road. There are heaps of grounds to cover thus all hands on deck are required.
Volunteers will converge at the corner of Marshall Lane and Moggill Road, Kenmore in the park near the Caltex Service Station before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 6 March 2022. Tony Pressland will supervise this worthwhile activity and will provide the gear. However, volunteers are advised to also wear a hat and gloves, apply sunscreen, and bring water to prevent dehydration.
“What better way to help the local environment than to clean up,” CWCN said. “No matter how small or large the piece of rubbish is you bag or collect, our waterways and our wildlife will love you.”
CWCN has been actively organising the annual clean-up in western Brisbane for over two decades. Since the pandemic, however, the amount of waste and disposable face masks have been surging, raising more concerns about its impact on the environment.
“The last two years have seen significant increases in single-use plastics, alongside unprecedented numbers of face masks, takeaway coffee cups and food packaging littering our footpaths, parks and beaches,” Clean Up Australia stated.
“Thousands of Aussies have already signed up for Clean Up Australia Day, but more people are urgently needed to tackle our country’s waste problem as the environment experiences the brutal impact of the pandemic.”
Year-end figures show that Median house and unit prices in the Kenmore property market continued to soar in 2021 with upticks in the double digits amidst a growth spurt in the Brisbane property market due to accessible credit, low stocks, and increasing interstate migration. All these, despite talk of a predicted downturn in the coming months.
Highlights
Kenmore experienced a 21.34 per cent median house price growth from January 2021 to December 2021, with the median ending up at $919,944 by year-end.
The unit market tracked high growth as well 19.54 per cent for the same period with the median unit price closing at $777,000.
Kenmore’s booming property market is low on supply with cheaper interest rates but at under a million for the excellent location, it remains one of the better value buys in Brisbane.
Kenmore Median House Price Growth
According to Property Market Updates, Kenmore median house price grew by 21.34 per cent for the period of January 2021 to December 2021, remaining just under a million and still within the price range of many buyers compared to other suburbs.
For a median house price of $919,944, buyers could acquire a beautiful family home on a large block of land within this well-placed suburb. Kenmore remains one of the locations in the country where homeowners spend less of their annual income for mortgage repayments. Thus, more than 80 per cent of residents could afford to be owner-occupiers as opposed to renters.
During the said 12-month period, 214 properties were sold in Kenmore for an average market listing of 26 days. Four-bedroom properties landed the most deals and closed on the market in under three weeks.
Buyers of Kenmore homes are mostly established families on their second or third property who are likely long-stayers with kids that go to go schools within the catchment. Thus, the Kenmore property market remains strong and high in demand with double the average of property visits for Queensland homes in general, according to realestate.com.au.
Kenmore Median Unit Price Growth
The unit market in Kenmore picked up by 19.54 per cent for the same time period, with the median unit price closing at $777,000. Since stocks are down, only 45 unit properties were sold with an average of 16 days on market.
Some unit investors pick Kenmore during their transition from urban living in the inner cities to a more family-focused suburban lifestyle. Interstate buyers, on the other hand, go for this suburb when they’ve been locked out of markets like Indooroopilly.
The unit market growth in Kenmore reflects how it is playing catch up to the divergence between houses and unit prices in Brisbane’s two-speed market.
About Kenmore
More than five years ago, this humble suburb in the west had a median house price under $500,000 and whilst its growth has been tracking upward since then, properties in Kenmore remain very reasonable and affordable for many buyers. Thus, Kenmore’s appeal as a well-priced family suburb has made it one of the sought-after locations in Brisbane.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
This locale is highly-regarded for having everything residents want — good schools, sporting fields, dining and shopping precincts, parks and recreational spots.
Kenmore draws a feeling of community without that disconnect from urban living. It has a substantial transport system with buses frequently plying along Moggill Road, taking residents to their jobs in the city or the university. It’s also quite near the train station in Indooroopilly and very accessible to the western suburbs’ major road networks.
Kenmore is dotted with plenty of brick houses originally built in the 50s or 60s, with residents who have the money to do renovation projects to upgrade their homes and improve their gardens.
“Mostly big yards, separate houses and super friendly community. Leafy tree-lined streets, suburban walking and close to both Mount Cootha and Brisbane. Very central for access to other suburbs. Good cafes, churches, sports grounds and clubs. People stop and talk in the street. Low crime.”
Jason
“Excellent suburb within 10 kms from the city centre. Large leafy suburban lots and homes are perfect for the family. Top-rated public and private schools in the suburb. Homes still affordable as compared to homes in Indooroopilly & Fig Tree Pocket just one suburb over.”
Tej
“We moved from Toowong, reluctantly, when we bought here in late 2011. I am so glad we did. It is a great suburb for families, very safe, 3 primary schools to choose from just in the suburb and two excellent high schools in it or nearby (Indooroopilly State being the second). People are actually friendly, not in your face, but friendly. Much more so that in the more student/young professionals domain of Toowong. The buses are great, regular and able to connect you to everywhere via the Indooroopilly bus station. There is a bus that goes straight to UQ (University of Qld) too. There is an abundance of shops, farmers markets etc for groceries (including the 3 major supermarkets) and it is a short drive to either Indooroopilly or Mount Ommaney for everything else.”
