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Stafford Winner Plans to Share Fortune with Family

A Stafford woman experienced a thrilling moment after realising she had won $2 million over the weekend.

The North Brisbane resident held one of the two division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4541, drawn on Saturday, 25 January 2025. Her total prize was $2,473,272.71, making it the first major lottery win for Brisbane’s inner suburbs in 2025.

The Stafford woman’s day off was interrupted by a call from a lottery official just as she was about to leave for a walk. Overwhelmed with joy, she expressed her disbelief and described her heart racing with excitement.

She humorously mentioned struggling to write down the prize amount due to her flustered state.

She immediately planned to share the news with her sister, suggesting a celebratory drink. As she absorbed the life-changing news, she promptly cancelled her walk.

The Queensland winner’s first thought was to use her winnings to help her family. She spoke about how significant the prize would be for her loved ones. Her winning 25-game QuickPick entry was purchased through The Lott app.

Published Date 06-Feb-2025

Kedron Fire Declared Crime Scene as Police Confirm Arson

Photo Credit: Queensland Fire Department

A massive industrial fire in Kedron that sent thick black smoke billowing across the city has now been determined to be the result of criminal activity. Authorities have declared the site a crime scene, launching a full investigation into the cause of the blaze that saw emergency crews battle the flames for hours.

The fire broke out in the afternoon of 30 January at a commercial site and quickly spread to three nearby industrial sheds. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) received the call just after 4:00 p.m., prompting a large-scale response.

By 4:30 p.m., police issued an emergency declaration, setting up an exclusion zone encompassing Gympie Road, Childers Street, Bristol Road, and Kate Street. Residents were urged to remain indoors, shut their windows, and take precautions against the smoke, which was visible for kilometres.

Firefighter Injured as Crews Battle Intense Flames

As the fire intensified, additional resources were deployed. Firefighters used both foam and water to douse the flames from multiple angles. Despite their efforts, one firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion and was transported to hospital at 6:15 p.m.

Kedron fire — *Photo Credit: Queensland Fire Department*

By 6:40 p.m., police partially reopened Gympie Road, which had been fully closed earlier in the evening. The emergency declaration remained in place until 8:20 p.m., when the fire was finally under control. However, the area was formally declared a crime scene, with authorities confirming that the fire was deliberately lit and that investigations were now underway.

Police Confirm Fire Was Deliberately Lit

Queensland Police confirmed that forensic teams are now assessing the site to determine how the fire started and who may be responsible. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as detectives work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Nearby residents described the scene as “unreal,” with flames lighting up the sky and thick smoke reducing visibility. Witnesses also reported hearing loud bangs before the fire rapidly intensified, raising further questions about how the blaze started.

Local businesses in Kedron have expressed concern over the incident, with some reporting minor damage due to the intense heat and embers carried by the wind.

Fire crews remained on site overnight to ensure no flare-ups occurred, and authorities continue to urge the public to stay clear of the scene as investigations progress.

Published 31-January-2025

Street Spotlight: Kedron St, Kedron

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Kedron Street in Kedron tells a fascinating story of suburban evolution and community stability. Historical records from 1936 show the street in its nascent form, extending only halfway compared to its current reach to Colac Street.

With 60% of properties being owner-occupied and residents staying an average of 19 years and 4 months, the street demonstrates remarkable longevity in homeownership. This commitment to the area is further evidenced by the fact that 65% of residents have called Kedron Street home for more than a decade. The street’s history of property transactions provides interesting insights into Brisbane’s property evolution, with 12 Kedron Street selling for $32,000 in January 1978 – a figure that highlights the remarkable transformation of the area’s real estate market over the decades. Below, an aerial image from 1936 captures this historic street in its early stages, offering a window into Kedron’s suburban development.

Kedron St, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 51
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 60%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 19 years, 4 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 65%

Kedron St, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Kedron St, Kedron in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON KEDRON ST, KEDRON

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
36 Kedron Street, Kedron	$875,000	Apr 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON KEDRON ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
12 Kedron Street, Kedron	$32,000	Jan 1978
38 Kedron Street, Kedron	$45,000	Jan 1985
32 Kedron Street, Kedron	$94,500	Nov 1988

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,085,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $630,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $455,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,200,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $719,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $481,000

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $1,443,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $850,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $593,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2024 was $2,035,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Kedron in 2020 was $1,287,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $748,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2024 was $579,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2020 was $333,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $246,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2024 was $765,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kedron in 2020 was $535,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN KEDRON SINCE 2020 : $230,000

If you know Kedron St, Kedron well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Kedron-Based Pool Contractor Vasa Pool Designs Goes into Liquidation After Regulatory Issues

Kedron-based swimming pool contractor Swim Quote Australia, trading as Vasa Pool Designs, has entered liquidation after the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) applied for a winding-up order in November.

Read: Kedron Properties Face Reclassification in Brisbane Flood Maps

The move follows mounting complaints from customers and contractors regarding unpaid debts and project issues.

The company had its Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence cancelled after receiving 10 infringement notices, resulting in fines of more than $20,000. Allegations against the business include claims of unpaid deposits and compensation owed to clients and contractors.

Photo credit: Vasa Pool Designs/Instagram

Court records reveal that in 2021, plumbing supplier Reece Australia took legal action against the company over an unpaid debt of $20,500. Separately, a customer who wished to remain anonymous reported that his pool had serious drainage problems, failing to meet engineering standards. Fixing the issues cost the customer over $30,000, and attempts to contact the company director via QBCC for resolution reportedly went unanswered.

The customer expressed worry that the Kedron-based pool contractor might restart their business under a new name or licence, raising concerns about the potential for further issues.

Read: Street Spotlight: Haines Street, Kedron

Feedback on the company has been mixed, with some reviews acknowledging the quality of pool components and praising the contracted installers. However, others criticised the company’s lack of communication and perceived disorganisation.

“The finished pool and its components are of a very high standard (pool shell; coping tiles; pool pump and filters etc), so big ticks for quality components. The actual pool installers who were contracted to install the pool shell (Jamie and Shawn from Complex Pools) were also fantastic,” one customer wrote in their review of the company.

“However, we experienced numerous issues with our build going forward from the initial dig and install of the pool shell, primarily due to a lack of communication between our pool sales representative, the construction manager, the site supervisor and the director,” the customer further stated.

An ATO spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality laws regarding individual and corporate tax affairs.

Published 29-January-2025

Gordon Park Resident Launches Fundraiser for Friend Battling Advanced Ovarian Cancer

A resident from Gordon Park has started a fundraiser to help a friend who has been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer.

Read: A Marksman Remembered: Billy Sing and His Extraordinary Legacy

Jemma Goos from Gordon Park organised the campaign for her friend Miriam Gard, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has gone through extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, a double mastectomy, and the discovery of the BRCA1 gene, which increases her risk of cancer.

After overcoming breast cancer, Miriam, with the support of her husband, Dave, built the family they always dreamed of: three beautiful children—Genevieve, now 10, Christian, 7, and Nicholas, 5.

In September 2023, as a precaution, Miriam chose to undergo a hysterectomy to reduce her risk of cancer later in life. However, just 11 months later, in August 2024, she began to experience bloating. At first, she dismissed it, assuming it was just a normal issue many women face. But after visiting her doctor and undergoing tests in October 2024, the devastating news arrived: she had 3C advanced ovarian cancer.

“This diagnosis has completely changed her family’s life. Due to the aggressive nature of ovarian cancer, Miriam now faces intensive chemotherapy treatments, and a major surgery scheduled for January,” Ms Goos shared.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Miriam Gard (@mimsymim)

As the costs associated with scans, oncology appointments, medications, and treatments continue to add up, Miriam and Dave are struggling to keep up with the financial burden.

Miriam, exhausted from the chemotherapy and emotionally drained by her diagnosis, is doing everything she can to stay strong for her children. Despite the challenging circumstances, she and Dave are determined to create as normal a life as possible for their kids, especially during the holiday season. However, the weight of this illness has taken its toll.

This is where the fundraiser comes in. The community is rallying behind Miriam and her family, hoping to ease the financial strain so that Miriam can focus on her treatment and, most importantly, spend time with her children. Every dollar donated will make a real and tangible difference in helping them through this dark time.

“Advanced ovarian cancer is known for having a low survival rate, with only 29% of women diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer surviving more than five years. On top of that, because of the genetic mutation Miriam carries (the BRCA1 gene), she faces an 80% chance of relapse within three years,” Ms Goos wrote.

“This is why every bit of support is so vital—not only for helping them get through this holiday season but for ensuring that Miriam has the time, resources, and care to fight this battle with all her strength.”

Read: La Familia Coffee: Building Community in Stafford One Cup at a Time

How You Can Help

There are several ways people can help. Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated, as they will help ease the financial burden on Miriam’s family. Sharing the GoFundMe campaign with others will also expand the reach of this fundraiser, increasing the support Miriam can receive. Additionally, even if one cannot donate financially, prayers and positive thoughts are just as impactful.

Ms Goos shared Miriam and Dave are incredibly grateful for the love, strength, and support they have already received. They also thanked everyone who took the time to read their story and for being part of their journey.

Published 27-January-2025

Street Spotlight: St Clair St, Kedron

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

St Clair Street in Kedron tells a compelling story of Brisbane’s suburban evolution and community stability. While aerial photographs from 1936 show the area was yet to be developed, with only Batten Street extending from Kitchener Road, the street has since transformed into a tight-knit residential enclave.

Today, with an impressive 90% owner-occupancy rate and residents staying an average of nearly 14 years, St Clair Street exemplifies Kedron’s appeal as a family-focused neighborhood. Property records trace this transformation, with homes like number 15 changing hands for $55,660 in March 1987 – a figure that reflects how far the suburb has come in its journey from undeveloped land to an established, sought-after pocket where 61% of residents have called the street home for more than a decade.

St Clair St, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 26
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 13 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 61%

St Clair St, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Kilburn St, Chermside in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON ST CLAIR ST, KEDRON

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
17 Saint Clair Street, Kedron	$1,085,000	Sep 2024
14 Saint Clair Street, Kedron	$2,035,000	Aug 2024
21 Saint Clair Street, Kedron	$1,565,000	Jan 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON ST CLAIR ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
15 Saint Clair Street, Kedron	$55,600	Mar 1987
3 Saint Clair Street, Kedron	$175,000	May 2000

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know St Clair St, Kedron well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Contro Wellness: Lutwyche Residents Embrace New Private Wellness Experience

Photo Credit: Contro Wellness

Lutwyche locals now have access to a unique wellness experience with the opening of Contro Wellness, a bathhouse offering private treatment rooms.

Located at 488 Lutwyche Road, Contro Wellness provides services designed to help people relax and rejuvenate in their own space. This Mediterranean-inspired facility is just 13 minutes north of Brisbane’s city centre, making it a convenient option for those seeking a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

A Variety of Therapies

It offers a wide range of treatments to suit individual needs. The bathhouse has traditional and infrared saunas for those seeking traditional heat therapy. Infrared saunas use light to heat the body directly, which some believe promotes deeper relaxation and improved circulation.

The facility also offers contrast therapy, in which clients alternate between a sauna’s heat and an ice bath’s cold. This practice is said to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.

Beyond Saunas

Contro Wellness also provides float therapy in open tanks and pods if you want something different. Float therapy involves floating weightlessly in a sensory deprivation environment, which can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Other services include mineral soaks, steam rooms, red light, and massage therapy. Mineral soaks are designed to detoxify the body and improve skin health, while red light therapy is believed to enhance healing and stimulate regeneration.

Affordable Wellness

It aims to make wellness accessible to everyone, with sessions starting at just $45. The bathhouse also offers discounts for those who bring a friend or purchase a multi-pack of sessions. All necessary amenities, such as towels, robes, and slippers, are provided. Clients are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing after their session; swimwear is optional for float therapy.

Booking and Payment

Bookings can be made online through the Contro Wellness website or by calling 0423 257 517.

Published Date 22-Jan-2025

Street Spotlight: Dorrigo St, Kedron

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Dorrigo Street in Kedron stands as a testament to Brisbane’s evolving suburban landscape, transforming from undeveloped land in 1936 to a close-knit residential community. Historical aerial imagery from 1936 reveals that while Turner Road and Scott Street were already taking shape, Dorrigo Street was yet to emerge from the growing neighborhood.

The street’s strong sense of community is evident in its impressive 80% owner-occupier rate, with residents choosing to call Dorrigo Street home for an average of 17 years and 3 months. This dedication to the area is further highlighted by the fact that 67% of residents have lived there for over a decade. Property records provide fascinating insights into the area’s growth, with one notable example being 96 Dorrigo Street, which changed hands for $105,000 in August 1991 – a figure that reflects just how far the suburb’s property values have come.

Dorrigo St, Kedron Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 17
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 17 years, 3 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 67%

Dorrigo St, Kedron – As It Looked in 1936

Dorrigo St, Kedron in 1936

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON DORRIGO ST FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
96 Dorrigo Street, Kedron	$105,000	Aug 1991
88 Dorrigo Street, Kedron	$110,500	Feb 1995
90 Dorrigo Street, Kedron	$128,717	Jun 1997

SUBURB PROFILE

If you know Dorrigo St, Kedron well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

St Carthage’s School: A Gordon Park Landmark with a Rich History

Photo Credit: QLD Religious Places

St Carthage’s School in Gordon Park stands as a testament to time, weaving a rich tapestry of history, faith, and community spirit. Constructed in 1929, this enduring establishment has long served the dual role of church and school, playing a pivotal part in shaping the suburb’s identity.

Brisbane’s Catholic community was fast growing in the vibrant late 1920s. With his great foresight, Archbishop James Duhig saw Gordon Park needed a new parish.

His announcement of St Carthage’s came as a surprise to many locals, who questioned whether the burgeoning suburb could sustain such an ambitious project.

The first priest of the parish, Father John McCarthy took the lead and the construction started quickly. The foundation stone was laid by July 1929, and by November the elegant Georgian Revival building, designed by architect J.P. Donoghue, stood ready.

This two-storey brick structure, with its school on the ground floor and church above, became a symbol of hope and resilience.

Photo Caption: *St Carthage’s Catholic Church (the building that the school was within), 1998*
*Photo Credit: Brisbane Wiki*

Architectural and Cultural Significance

St Carthage’s School quickly emerged as a hub for education and worship. The Sisters of Mercy, travelling daily from Wooloowin’s Holy Cross Convent, ran the school, which opened in July 1930 with just 29 students. By year’s end, enrolments had swelled to 79, reflecting the community’s growing trust and reliance on the institution.

Newspaper clippings capturing St Carthage's School students proudly receiving awards for their achievements. — *Photo Caption: Newspaper clippings capturing St Carthage’s School students proudly receiving awards for their achievements.*
*Photo Credit: Brendan Sammon/Facebook*

During the challenging years of the Great Depression, unemployed parish men levelled the rugged school grounds, transforming them into a communal space of unity and purpose. For many families, the school provided not just education but also a sanctuary of stability and spiritual growth.

Deeply resonant with the Catholic community, the building itself, a classic example of Georgian Revival architecture, radiated permanency and tradition with its symmetrical design, terracotta tile roofing, and face brick walls.

*Photo Caption: Inside St Carthage church, Oct 1972*
*Photo Credit: Bernadette Breaker/Facebook*

Growth and Changes Over the Decades

St Carthage evolved over the years from a mere educational institution to a cultural pulse. The school strengthened the ties between the parish and the larger community by organising events including concerts, fundraisers, and community meetings.

A new church and presbytery were constructed by the 1960s to serve the growing congregation, so enabling the school to widen its educational emphasis.

Photo Caption: St Carthage School fete (1975)
Photo Credit: Kg Boggy/Facebook

However, by the 1970s, demographic shifts led to a decline in student numbers. Suburban sprawl and changes in population density meant fewer local enrolments.

In 1975, the appointment of a lay principal marked broader changes in Catholic education across Brisbane. Despite the dedicated efforts of staff and community, financial constraints and low enrolment led to the school’s closure in 1976.

Former students of St Carthage's School (1970) — *Photo Caption: Former students of St Carthage’s School (1970)*
*Photo Credit: Greg Kelly/Facebook*

Community Sentiment and Preservation Efforts

The end of St Carthage’s as a school did not diminish its role within the community. The building found new life as a youth centre, hosting social events and indoor sports. Former students and parishioners fondly remember the friendships forged and the invaluable lessons learned within its walls.

In recent years, local heritage organisations have championed the preservation of St Carthage’s, focusing on maintaining its structure and repurposing it for community use. Residents remain passionate advocates for its conservation, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark in Gordon Park.

St Carthage is still a lighthouse of history and community spirit even though it is no longer a school. Its legacy lasts, safeguarded and appreciated by those who see its importance. St Carthage’s future resides in constant preservation and adaptive reuse, so guaranteeing that its story will inspire next generations.

Published 20-Jan-2025

A Marksman Remembered: Billy Sing and His Extraordinary Legacy

William “Billy” Sing, one of Australia’s most celebrated ANZAC snipers during World War I, rests in Lutwyche Cemetery. His incredible bravery and skill on the battlefield have made his life a fascinating chapter in the nation’s history. Let’s take a moment to look back at the life of an extraordinary Australian hero whose remarkable story is etched into the history of Brisbane.

Read: The Stafford Ambush: The Crime Scene That Changed Queensland’s Forensics Forever

Born in 1886 to a Chinese father and English mother, Billy grew up in rural Queensland, learning to ride horses and shoot with remarkable skill. Life in the countryside was challenging, and from an early age, Billy assisted his parents with their market garden and milk delivery business.

Photo credit: Australian War Memorial/ awm.gov.au

When war broke out in 1914, he enlisted in the 5th Light Horse Regiment. Retired Major General Darryl Low Choy, patron of the Australian Chinese Ex-Servicemen’s National Reunion, noted that during a predominantly white Anglo-Saxon era, First World War regulations required servicemen to be of substantial European descent. Despite this, Billy Sing enlisted, fully aware his half-Chinese heritage might bar him. However, once in the Army, his origins no longer mattered.

Billy Sing — Soldiers of the 5th Light Horse Regiment, Queensland, ca 1915 Photo credit: State Library of Queensland

He soon earned a fearsome reputation at Gallipoli. Nicknamed “The Assassin,” Billy was credited with over 200 confirmed kills, a feat that garnered him fame across Australia and the world. His incredible marksmanship protected countless lives during the brutal campaign.

Warfare on the Western Front differed greatly from that at Gallipoli, and it’s unlikely that Billy spent much time on the battlefield as a sniper. Even so, his expertise remained valuable. In 1917, he was nominated—though not awarded—the Military Medal for leading an anti-sniper fighting patrol at Polygon Wood in Belgium.

Billy’s contributions earned him numerous awards, including the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. But his post-war years were far less kind. Health problems, financial struggles, and personal setbacks marked his later life, and he moved to Brisbane to be near family.

In 1943, Billy passed away at age 57, his wartime glory long forgotten by many. Today, his grave at Lutwyche Cemetery stands as a tribute to his incredible wartime achievements, with an inscription that honours his life-saving skill as a sniper:

His incredible accuracy contributed greatly to the preservation of the lives of those with whom he served during a war always remembered for countless acts of valour and tragic carnage.

Read: A Look Back at Kedron’s Cinematic Legacy: The WinterGarden Theatre

Next time you visit Lutwyche Cemetery, take a moment to find Billy Sing’s resting place and reflect on the legacy of this remarkable figure. His story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by ordinary Australians.

Published 20-January-2025