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“Bluey” Sparks Statewide Conversation on Car Seat Safety

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.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has since seen a surge in online engagement, with their child restraint information webpage experiencing a 1,000% increase in views.

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

Image courtesy of ABC/Ludo Studio pic.twitter.com/UOggZeCw6h
— 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.”

Published Date 23-April-2024

Kedron State High School: A Multicultural Legacy Forged on Historical Grounds

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.

Kedron Park Racecourse — *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.

John Wren Kedron Park Racecourse — *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.

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.

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.

Published 18-April-2024

Suminoe Oysters Found Infesting Queensland’s Coastal Areas

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?

Read: Transforming Kedron Brook: A Vision for Flood Resilience and Recreation

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.

Photo credit: Queensland Government — 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.

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.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

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.

Published 16-April-2024

Shaw Estate Park Undergoes Exciting Transformation, Featuring New Family-Friendly Amenities

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.

Read: Kedron Included in Proposal for Safer School Precincts in Brisbane

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.

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.

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.

Read: Walk the Plank: Bradbury Park Challenge Goes Viral Despite Safety Concerns

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.

Published 5-April-2024

Oscar Retrospective: ‘Oppenheimer’ Triumphs and Continues to Captivate at Hoyts Stafford

“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.

Oppenheimer at Hoyts Stafford — *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.

Get Tickets

“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.

What’s Showing in Brisbane?

Published 15-March-2024

Bus Collides With Car in Kedron, Causing Major Delays

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.

Published 13-March-2024

Transforming Kedron Brook: A Vision for Flood Resilience and Recreation

An ambitious $85 million, 20-year plan to revitalise the Kedron Brook catchment area spanning 14 suburbs from Ferny Grove to Nudgee has been unveiled.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

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.

Read: How Did Kedron Get Its Name?

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.

Published 11-March-2024

Kedron Included in Proposal for Safer School Precincts in Brisbane

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.

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.

Published 4-March-2024

Unexpected Closure: Stafford City Tavern Shutters Doors Abruptly

Stafford witnessed a sudden turn of events as the renowned Stafford City Tavern, a beloved local hotspot, announced its permanent closure.

Within hours of the announcement on Friday, 9 February 2024, the tavern’s doors were shuttered for the final time, marking the end of an era for the venue that had been a fixture in the Stafford City Shopping Centre since its opening in 2005.

The staff and loyal customers scrambled to come to terms with the sudden loss of a beloved gathering spot.

Swift Closure

Star Group’s decision to close the doors of the Stafford City Tavern came after efforts to negotiate a new lease, which had been ongoing since September 2023, were unsuccessful. The closure not only leaves a void in the local community but also raises questions about the future of the space within the shopping centre.

“Love going in there, best steak sandwich ever!!! I hear it’s because the shopping centre put the rent up too high. They did it to Australia Post & Bubble Car Wash. Started shopping at Stafford Heights on Rode Road now. Wishing the team at Stafford Tavern All The Best, going to miss the place,” a local said on the tavern’s Facebook announcement.

“I’m so sorry to hear this. My mum, dad and I enjoyed lunch there on 9 February, with no knowledge that it would be the last time we would be able to do so. Our meals were fabulous and such great value (including the largest chicken parmigiana we’d ever seen, which even my dad – who doesn’t believe in wasting food – couldn’t finish). What stands out the most though is the wonderful, friendly service from the staff, who made our visit so enjoyable. Thank you to you all, and I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”

“So devastated to hear this news tonight. It’s been our regular weekly family Snitzel Friday night for so long…. Even before this iteration. Perfect placement, parking readily available, not too loud, not too quiet. Amazing food! I have never had a bad meal there. Staff have always been amazing. You will most definitely be missed. I know you have the same menu at West End… but that’s a little too far for us. Stafford Shopping Centre will feel your absence!”

The Stafford City Shopping Centre remains optimistic about finding a new tenant but the loss of the tavern leaves behind a legacy that will be hard to replace.

Published 15-Feb-2024

Couple Arrested After String of Break and Enter Offences

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A couple, a 26-year-old man from Warner and a 33-year-old woman from Chermside, have been arrested and charged concerning a series of break and enter offences in the Stafford Heights and Chermside areas earlier this week.

The incidents began unfolding around 7:15 am on Tuesday, February 6th when residents of a home on Ringrose Street in Stafford Heights arrived to find two men allegedly loading property from their residence into a red Hyundai IX35. The offenders had allegedly forced entry through the front door and stolen items from three bedrooms.

As the alleged thieves fled the scene in the Hyundai, the quick-thinking residents avoided their cars from the thieves’ route, narrowly avoiding a collision. Some stolen goods spilled from the open boot of the getaway car along Webster Road and Kitchener Road.

A short time later, police received a report of the suspected red Hyundai parked in the car park of a unit complex on Spark Street in Chermside. Upon arriving at the location, officers allege they found not only the vehicle, which had been reported stolen from Aspley on January 25th, but a large haul of suspected stolen property inside.

Further investigations led police to a nearby hotel room, where they allegedly uncovered more stolen goods taken from a unit on Latham Street in Chermside.

The 26-year-old Warner man was arrested and charged with entering a dwelling to commit an indictable offence, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, receiving tainted property, and possession of a knife in a public place. He is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 28th.

His alleged 33-year-old female accomplice from Chermside was charged with receiving tainted property and possessing drug utensils. She is scheduled to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 8th.

Police state a third man allegedly fled the scene and remains at large. They are appealing to the public for any further information related to the case.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote these reference numbers: QP2400211073, QP2400209561, QP2400144861, QP2400211196

Published 8-February-2024