Kenmore Students Raise Over $18,000 in World’s Greatest Shave


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.



Record-Breaking Local Effort

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.

World’s Greatest Shave
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.

top state school fundraiser
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.

Looking Ahead



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.

Published 27-Mar-2025

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