Updating an old home is a balancing act of adding modern elements while retaining the charm of its original character. The Stafford Heights Residence is the perfect example of a restoration process that strikes the balance effectively.
After acquiring the property eight years ago, Lisa has decided to restore the home’s retro charm. The house suffered from maintenance issues such as utility problems, peeling paint, and roofing concerns. It’s about time for a much-needed restoration.
The house suffered from maintenance issues such as utility problems, peeling paint, and roofing concerns. Photo Credit: Paul Butterworth Architect
Paul’s direction was simple. He retained most of the existing home with fresh coat of paint, refinished floors, and a new roof to ensure the longevity of the house. The living space was expanded to accommodate an open, spacious dining area.
The mid-century terrace at the entrance sets the tone for the home. Breeze blocks and V-shaped steel beams mimic the geometric blue triangles painted on the garage below.
Lisa loves the mid-century style, and it clearly reflects on the project. Inspired by iconic residences such as the Rose Seidler House and the now-demolished El Dorado Motel in Gold Coast, she aimed for the same playful elements.
Yellow became the central theme, with the front door sporting a vibrant chartreuse hue. Similarly coloured square creates striking accents.
The outdated kitchen received an overhaul. The floating island remained with a lively yellow laminate countertop, but the real eye candy of this space is the abstract mural done by local artist, Drapl. This area seamlessly connects the indoors to the outdoors, capitalising on the views of Morton Bay, refreshing sea breezes, and the subtropical climate.
Paul emphasises the value of preserving historical homes. “They are a legacy for memory and a testament to the people that built them & the families that were born & raised in them,” he says. He believes that even if the owner has the budget to demolish and rebuild, he wouldn’t still have done it.
“Lisa didn’t know how to ‘fix’ her home, but we helped curate her initiative into an outcome that fulfils her needs and enriches her lifestyle. The opportunities to create interesting outcomes for existing homes and homeowners are endless, we just need to ask the right questions.”
A new Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling office was officially opened in Stafford, significantly enhancing mental health services for Brisbane’s veterans and their families.
This facility, along with another site in Mount Gravatt, will provide free counselling, group programs, and peer support to the mental well-being of over 60,000 veterans and their families in the Brisbane area.
Each new counselling office will host specialist staff, many of whom are veterans or members of veteran families, equipped to offer military-aware and trauma-informed care. This initiative ensures that the services provided are finely tuned to the specific needs of the veterans and their families.
Established initially by Vietnam veterans as the Vietnam Veterans’ Counselling Service, Open Arms has been a pivotal part of veteran mental health support since 1982. To date, it has provided over 2 million free mental health sessions to more than 300,000 veterans and their family members.
The Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to the mental health and welfare of ADF personnel, veterans, and their families is demonstrated through the expansion of Open Arms counselling services across Brisbane.
Assistant Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite highlighted Brisbane’s significant role as one of Australia’s largest homes for veteran communities and noted the facility as the leading specialist mental health service for the demographic.
“Our veterans have given much in the service of our country. Although we can never fully repay them, we can ensure robust support systems like Open Arms are readily available,” he stated.
Open Arms offers specialised, free, and confidential support across Australia and is accessible 24/7 at the contact number 1800 011 046. For more information, individuals are encouraged to visit the Open Arms website.
The popular cartoon Bluey has sparked a vital conversation about child car seat safety in Queensland. Kidsafe Queensland, located in Stafford, urges parents to prioritise both the law and best practice recommendations.
The episode, which aired on the 14th of April 2024, featured Chilli Heeler navigating car seat arrangements with her four energetic pups, prompting discussions about where children can legally sit in vehicles.
Queensland law mandates that children under four must never be seated in the front row of a vehicle with two or more rows. A child between the ages of four and seven can only sit in the front seat as a last resort, even when all rear seats are filled with children under the age of seven.
You know your road rules, and now’s your chance to prove it.
Chilli has three children in the back seat and seated her seven year old, Bluey, in the front seat. Can Chilli get fined for this? For real life?#Bluey#TheSign
— Transport and Main Roads Queensland (@TMRQld) April 15, 2024
“It’s fantastic to see the Bluey team address this important topic,” said Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish. “The episode serves as a timely reminder for parents to consider both legal requirements and best practices when it comes to car seat safety.”
However, for optimal safety, TMR recommends keeping all children under 12 in the back seat. In situations where a child must sit upfront, using an untethered booster seat and maximising the distance between the child and the dashboard is crucial.
Whilst children aged seven and above can legally use a standard seatbelt in the back, a booster seat remains preferred until their shoulders reach the designated height marker. Most children won’t achieve a proper fit with a standard seatbelt until around age 11 or 12.
Photo Credit: Facebook/ Kidsafe Queensland
TMR has partnered with Kidsafe Queensland to provide free resources for parents, including instructional videos demonstrating proper child restraint installation and usage. These resources can be found here.
The National Transport Commission will also be conducting a review of Australian child restraint regulations in the coming year, ensuring these critical safety measures remain aligned with best practices.
“We strongly encourage parents to prioritise their child’s size and age, not just legal requirements, when choosing a car seat and seating position,” said Kidsafe Qld CEO Susan Teerds. “Keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible and using booster seats until they fit adult seatbelts properly are crucial safety steps.”
Kedron State High School, originally the site of Kedron Park Racecourse, has evolved from a historic racing venue into a vibrant educational institution since its establishment in 1956, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Queensland.
Situated on an expansive 12-hectare site, Kedron State High School’s history dates back to the Turrbul People’s traditional lands.
From Racecourse to Classroom
Initially established in 1881, the Kedron Park Hotel, built by Frederick Morris who also organized races on adjacent land, stood as a central landmark. By 1888, the property transitioned towards becoming a formal racecourse with the formation of the Kedron Park Racecourse and Sports Ground Company Limited, which acquired the hotel, sports grounds, and additional land from the estate.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
This period saw the first races taking place in 1889, though a subsequent lull in the 1890s possibly linked to the floods of that era suggests challenges that impacted the site’s development.
By the early 20th century, ownership and management of the racecourse shifted dramatically. In 1911, James Sharpe acquired the racecourse, only to sell it a year later to Benjamin Nathan and John Wren for a significant sum that reflected its value and potential.
John Wren’s legacy in the area extends beyond his early ownership stakes. His entrepreneurial spirit influenced various facets of Queensland’s recreational and cultural life, including his ownership of Albion Park and Brisbane’s Festival Hall. Wren’s multifaceted career, which spanned from bookmaking to newspaper ownership, left a lasting imprint on the community, bridging past and present narratives of the Kedron site.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The next decade saw further infrastructural developments, including the extension of the tram line to the hotel in 1914 and a Royal Commission’s safety recommendations in 1921.
However, financial difficulties became apparent as the Kedron Amateur Racing Club, formed in 1923, struggled to meet the financial obligations of their contract to purchase the course, leading to a precarious financial state by the late 1920s.
The final chapter of the racecourse’s history began with the last racing events in the early 1930s, influenced by another royal commission which led to the Racing Act and the eventual closure of the racecourse.
The land’s fate was sealed when the Queensland Government resumed it in 1955 for educational purposes, leading to the establishment of Kedron State High School.
Photo Credit: KedronSHS
This transition from entertainment to education is echoed in several Brisbane locations, where former racetracks, such as Coorparoo Secondary College and East Brisbane State School/The Gabba, have been repurposed to serve community educational needs.
Educational Achievements and Community Integration
Over the decades, Kedron State High School has embraced substantial growth, with student numbers swelling from an initial 274 to almost 1700 by 2020. The site has seen significant architectural advancements, replacing old racecourse buildings with modern facilities designed to support an increasing number of students. These developments have accommodated educational needs and enhanced the school grounds’ aesthetic and functional aspects.
Kedron’s student body mirrors the evolving multicultural landscape of Queensland. With over 20,000 alumni, the school’s community reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, evident in the 38 languages recorded in a 2003 language census.
Photo Credit: KSHS/Google Maps
This diversity is celebrated annually during Kedron Week. This event highlights the rich culture of the school through language presentations, music, and dance, reinforcing the school’s commitment to an inclusive educational environment.
Ongoing Educational Excellence
The school’s alumni include distinguished personalities such as Professor Kenneth Wiltshire, actress Rowena Wallace, and sports figures like David Nilsson and AFL stars Aliir Aliir and Ally Anderson. These individuals exemplify the school’s ability to nurture talent across various disciplines, contributing significantly to both national and international communities.
The school continues to uphold high educational standards, adapting to contemporary academic demands while maintaining a nurturing environment that values the individual potential of its students. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for various future paths, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalised world.
Did you know that Biosecurity Queensland confirmed the presence of the Suminoe oyster, an invasive oyster species that can grow up to 24 cm, in several of the state’s waterways, including locations around Bribie Island, Kedron Brook, Boggy Creek in Pinkenba, and near the mouth of the Brisbane River?
Also known as Chinese river oysters, the suminoe oysters pose a serious threat to the region’s natural marine environments.
“This marine pest attaches to submerged and floating infrastructure including pylons, pontoons and boats and can occupy shallow waters as well as muddy creeks. It competes with native species for space and may carry exotic diseases and parasites,” Biosecurity Queensland stated.
A juvenile Suminoe oyster (left), native Sydney rock oyster (middle) and mature Suminoe oyster (right)/Photo credit: Biosecurity Queensland/Facebook
The outer surface of the Suminoe oyster’s shell can exhibit a range of colours, including grey, yellowish-brown, and even purple. In contrast, the inner surface of the shells is smooth and has a greyish-white hue, with purple coloration along the edges.
Photo credit: Queensland Government
The Suminoe oyster is known for its rapid growth rate, allowing it to quickly proliferate and displace native oyster populations. It also poses risks to important infrastructure, as the oysters can attach to and foul submerged and floating objects like pylons, pontoons, and boats.
Biosecurity experts are urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the larger-than-normal oysters immediately. Boat owners are also being advised to thoroughly clean and dry their equipment to prevent the further spread of the Suminoe oyster.
Whilst the Suminoe oysters do not impact the quality of commercially grown oysters, they are not recommended for human consumption.
If you suspect you have spotted the invasive Suminoe oyster, Biosecurity Queensland is urging you to take action. Record the exact location, take a photo if it is safe to do so, and immediately report the sighting by calling 13 25 23.
The long-awaited upgrades at Shaw Estate Park Family Hub in Kedron, which commenced construction in late October 2023, are now complete. At the heart of the new facility is a stunning double cableway flying fox, offering thrill-seekers of all ages a new, adrenaline-fueled experience.
Alongside the exciting, new attractions, the park has also undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with the installation of a new picnic shelter, barbecue, and additional seating. Enhanced amenities include drinking fountains and enclosed bins, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors.
Photo credit: Larry Chand/Google Maps
Accessibility within the park has also been improved, with the upgrading of connecting pathways, and the introduction of new tree and garden bed plantings, creating a lush and inviting environment for families to explore.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The nearby Wavell Park is also set to benefit from these upgrades, with the construction of new scooter and bike trick nodes along the pathway from the corner of Fourteenth Avenue and Benelong Street.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
These nodes will feature a boulders section, ride-through rings, and a moguls slide, catering to the needs of the community’s active adventurers.
Furthermore, the new BMX/pump track, identified in the Brisbane Off-Road Cycling Strategy, is set to be unveiled, offering another thrilling addition to the park’s growing list of attractions.
Cr Allan with the Kedron Scout Group (Photo credit: Cr Adam Allan/Facebook)
Cr Adam Allan expressed his excitement for the Kedron Scout Group, whose public space is situated next to the Family Hub. “I am sure they will have a lot of enjoyment from the new addition to the Shaw Estate Park. A big thank you to the Kedron Scouts for their patience and understanding during construction.”
These park improvements and the new scooter/bike riding elements are poised to enhance the community’s active journey, providing a seamless and engaging experience for visitors as they explore the area, from Wavell Park to the family-friendly hub and the Mercer Park pump track.
With the school holidays just around the corner, the local community is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the Shaw Estate Park Family Hub, ready to embrace the new adventures and memories that await.
“Oppenheimer,” a monumental cinematic portrayal directed by Christopher Nolan, celebrated an impressive triumph at the Oscars while continuing to captivate audiences at Hoyts Stafford.
This masterpiece, delving into the complex life and pivotal contributions of J. Robert Oppenheimer to the Manhattan Project, has been lauded for its profound narrative, stellar performances, and Nolan’s unparalleled vision.
Cillian Murphy, in the titular role, a distinguished cast including Robert Downey Jr., and the expert cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, have brought to life a historically significant and deeply human narrative.
At the Oscars, “Oppenheimer” clinched seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan, Best Actor for Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr. This sweep is a testament to the film’s impact, which resonated well beyond its narrative through its technical brilliance and dynamic storytelling.
Photo Credit: IMDb
The awards night was particularly memorable, highlighted by producer Emma Thomas’s heartfelt acknowledgment of the collaborative effort behind the film’s success, and the significant support from IMAX and theatres worldwide that believed in Nolan’s vision.
What makes “Oppenheimer” stand out is its Oscar wins and its universal acclaim. From a nearly unanimous critical approval to a significant box office success, the film has proven to be a cultural and cinematic landmark. Despite its three-hour run time and R-rating, it approached the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales, underscoring Oppenheimer’s story’s universal appeal and timeless relevance.
“Oppenheimer’s” ongoing showing at Hoyts Stafford offers film enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this Oscar-winning spectacle in a cinematic setting, reaffirming the timeless allure of movie theaters and their communal experience.
A serious traffic incident occurred this afternoon when a bus carrying around 30 passengers collides with a car at the intersection of Gympie Rd and Edinburgh Castle Rd around 4:35pm, March 12, 2024.
A bus carrying around 30 passengers collided with a car at the intersection of Gympie Rd and Edinburgh Castle Rd. Photo Credit: Google Maps
Emergency crews rushed to the scene to provide medical treatment. The bus driver and the driver of the car both sustained injuries and were transported to Prince Charles Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in stable condition.
Authorities report the bus was cleared from the scene, but major delays remain on Gympie Rd southbound heading into peak hour traffic. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
Queensland Police traffic units are on site attempting to direct vehicles around the crash site. However, the intersection remains severely congested with stop-and-go traffic building.
This collision compounds an already difficult week for bus safety in the region. Just days ago, a young woman named Tia Cameron tragically lost her life in a fatal bus crash. Another head-on bus collision also occurred in Labrador.
Investigators will work to determine the cause of today’s accident as crews continue emergency response and traffic control efforts. Commuters should expected continued gridlock on Gympie Rd for the next several hours and are urged to postpone unnecessary travel or identify alternate paths.
Dubbed the “Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision,” this far-reaching initiative aims to enhance flood resilience whilst creating vibrant recreational spaces for the community.
The key features of the vision include four targeted precincts across the upper, middle, and lower catchment areas for interventions like bank stabilisation, habitat planting, and waterway management.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook
Major bank stabilisation works have already happened in parts of the catchment area, with over 4,000 native plants used in just one section to help retain the creek banks.
The vision includes seating areas, shaded rest stops, and other amenities to encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle for residents. It builds on ongoing efforts like the planned Downfall Creek revitalisation in Stafford Heights, replacing a concrete drain with a green waterway and parkland similar to the award-winning Hanlon Park project.
Hanlon Park (Photo credit: Rob/Google Maps)
A major goal is achieving 80 percent tree cover across the entire catchment by reinstating native vegetation and stabilising creek banks. This will create a lush green corridor to bolster flood defences and provide a haven for wildlife.
Recognising the value of the area, LM Adrian Schrinner emphasised the plan will also integrate community spaces along the 20 kilometres of existing pathways used by over 600,000 people annually.
“This long-term vision is focused on clean and sustainable outcomes that will make Brisbane more flood resilient while also improving the lifestyle of our suburbs,” said Cr Schrinner.
“We have a track record of delivering master-planned lifestyle precincts, such as Hanlon Park and the Archerfield Wetlands, and the new Kedron Brook Vision will add to our strong record of increasing lifestyle and leisure opportunities and making our suburbs even better,” he stated.
As Brisbane grows, the Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision demonstrates the council’s balance of sustainable development, flood mitigation, and preservation of natural assets for present and future generations to enjoy.
Plans have been unveiled to enhance safety around schools by expanding 40km/h zones around 21 schools so that kids can walk, bike or ride a scooter to school under the proposed Safer School Precincts initiative. The program will cover seven parts of Brisbane, including Kedron.
The proposed Safer School Precincts program is expected to have an upgrade to existing funding of approximately $10 million. This initiative is designed to encourage more parents to walk, ride a scooter, or bike with their children to school, thereby reducing reliance on automobiles.
The initial phase of the plan involves four separate areas encompassing 12 schools and approximately 10,000 students. Subsequently, three additional areas comprising nine schools would be considered for implementation, pending the successful execution of the initial phase. Each proposed area will undergo detailed planning, with potential measures including new pedestrian crossings, widened footpaths, and the introduction of school zone gateways to delineate safe walking routes for children.
The immediate earmarked areas for the Safer School Precincts include Mansfield, Wynnum Manly, Indooroopilly, and Kedron. Notable schools in the Kedron precinct include Padua College, Mount Alvernia College, and St Anthony’s Primary School.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Future areas under consideration for the program include Enoggera, Bardon, and Forest Lake, with respective schools such as Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School, Bardon State School, and St John’s Anglican College.
Community consultation and planning will precede any modifications to existing 40km/h zones, ensuring alignment with Department of Transport and Main Roads guidelines.
Concerns have been raised regarding the proposal’s timing, with calls for increased investment in suburban road projects to address existing safety issues.
The Safer School Precincts initiative marks a significant endeavour to prioritise the safety of Brisbane’s schoolchildren and foster a more sustainable approach to transportation in the city.
