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Community Outcry Over Brisbane Racing Club’s Plans for Former Stafford Bowls Club Site

Plans by Brisbane Racing Club to revitalise the abandoned Stafford Bowls Club site have been met with fierce opposition from locals complaining about the proposed $7.5-million development and the prospect of pokies operating nine hours a day, seven days a week in the neighbourhood.

Read: Brisbane Racing Club Leases, Revitalises Former Stafford Bowls Club Site

The State’s gambling regulator granted approval for 50 gaming machines to be operated by the Brisbane Racing Club. Although significantly less than the club’s initial request for approval for 76 machines, the decision has faced criticism from residents who believe that they have not had adequate opportunity to provide community feedback, having allegedly been given a tight, 10-day window earlier this year to voice their objections to the development.

Locals’ concerns

The Stafford Bowls Club ceased operations in 2016. Today, a group of locals have organised the Stafford Community Hub not Race Club, expressing their objections to the proposed makeover.

The group believes that the addition of gaming machines represents an excessive and unsustainable increase in gambling capacity, particularly in an already saturated local community area with high accessibility and exposure to gambling.

A petition signed by over 200 individuals in early 2023 demanded the return of Stafford Bowls Club to the community. This call for action came in response to the Brisbane City Council’s approval of a lease transfer to the Brisbane Racing Club.

They have also expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on nearby socio-economically disadvantaged areas, which are home to high-risk groups, including a significant concentration of social housing.

Furthermore, critics argue that the revenue generated from the gaming machines will primarily benefit membership groups and communities outside of the local community area, rather than directly benefiting Club Stafford members or residents.

Approval Conditions

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) imposed ten conditions on the gaming machines, including mandatory hourly staff walkthroughs and the maintenance of log books documenting any instances of problem gambling observed by the staff and the measures taken to address it.

The machines will operate from 10:00 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, with the added requirement of facial recognition technology to identify banned individuals and technology to enable patrons to set predetermined limits on their gambling losses.

Photo credit: Michael Costello/Google Maps

Another condition stipulates that no alcohol will be served after 10:00 p.m., aiming to minimise the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption on gambling behaviour.

The club’s plans for the site include the addition of new dining facilities, a cafe, and a sports bar.

Read: Community Launches Campaign to Regain Stafford Bowls Club

In response to the objections, the Brisbane Racing Club has assured the public that it will collaborate with various community groups and relevant stakeholders to create a space that serves the wider community.

Published 7-July-2023

Kedron Teen Tops the Young Archie Competition

Photo Credit: Art Gallery of NSW / artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Her beloved “Äunty Erika” is both the inspiration and the subject behind the winning artwork of Lily Hobbs, a 17-year-old artist from Kedron, who won the top prize for the 16-18 age group at the 11th annual Young Archie competition.

Inspired by the famous Archibald Prize, the Young Archie competition asks young artists aged 5 to 18 to create a portrait of someone special to them, someone who plays an important role in their life.

Lily chose her aunt Ericka and lovingly painted her in a pensive mode, her face in light and shadow.

Kedron Teen Wins Big at Young Archie Competition — ”Aunty Erika” | Photo Credit: Art Gallery of NSW / artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Lily explained that her winning artwork captured a rare moment. She said her aunt has a bright and charming personality and in the portrait, Lily said she chose to show deeper emotions and her aunt’s more vulnerable side. She said she also wanted to show her aunt’s generosity and strength even in difficult times.

In the 5-8 years category, eight-year-old Phoebe Raft from Terrigal, NSW, won the top prize for her amazing self-portrait and Toby Lopata, a nine-year-old from Elsternwick, Victoria, was awarded the 9-12 years prize for his portrait of his grandpa.

Jasmine Guy, 15, from Oatley NSW, won in the 13-15 years category with a striking painting of her friend. Finally, Kedron’s 17-year-old Lily Hobbs received the top award in the 16-18 age group for her thoughtful portrait of her aunt.

This year’s competition received a record number of submissions from all over Australia, with over 3,400 artworks entered.

The guest judge, artist Grace Lillian Lee, faced the difficult task of selecting the finalists from such a talented pool of young artists. Lee expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the artists and the people they depicted in their portraits.

Maud Page, the deputy director of the Art Gallery of NSW, praised the Young Archie competition for supporting the next generation of Australian artists. She emphasised the importance of encouraging young artists to express their individuality and creativity.

The winners in each age category were announced in Sydney, and now an exhibition of all the finalists’ artwork can be seen at the Art Gallery of NSW. The winners in each category will receive a cash prize of $200, while the remaining finalists will be awarded $50 each.

The Young Archie exhibition, featuring incredible artworks, is now open to the public for free at the Art Gallery of NSW. Visitors can also explore the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes for 2023. This competition celebrates the talent and artistic expression of young people while showcasing the power of art to capture emotions and tell stories.

Published 4-July-2023

Experience Thrills For the School Holidays at the Futuristic Playscape in Bradbury Park

Kedron’s Bradbury Park has undergone a remarkable transformation just in time for the school holidays, with a new, futuristic playscape for older kids, updated play areas for activities that include cricket and netball, and spaces for the whole family to gather, pets included.

Located at 91 Kitchener Road, Bradbury Park has long been a popular recreational spot for the community. Designed to cater to children aged 10 to 15, the park now boasts a revitalised playscape, complete with climbing towers, bridges, and whimsical play structures. The exciting additions to the park aim to provide older kids with an engaging and thrilling outdoor experience.

Aside from the new playscape, families can enjoy a range of amenities, including shady spots for picnics, electric barbecue facilities, and various sporting facilities like cricket nets and a netball facility.

The introduction of the futuristic playscape fills a gap in the recreational offerings for older kids in the area. With indoor play centres often being expensive, this innovative outdoor play area provides a more accessible and affordable option for families.

Bradbury Park Kedron — Photo Credit: BrisbaneCityCouncil

The park also features a dog off-leash area, making it a suitable destination for the entire family. Parents and children alike have expressed their gratitude for the addition, praising the park as an amazing and much-needed facility.

However, one visitor did offer a word of caution, advising others to wear dark clothes when visiting the playscape. The wooden structures in the park have been charred, resulting in black residue. Whilst this may not deter the adventurous spirits of children, it’s important for parents to be aware.

The Bradbury Park improvement project is part of Brisbane City Council’s commitment to enhancing and maintaining over 2100 parks across the city. As the Marchant ward continues to grow, it is crucial to ensure that parks can cater to the recreational needs of residents.

The project has been a collaborative effort between Brisbane City Council and the community. Extensive community engagement was conducted in late 2019 to gather feedback and ensure the park’s enhancements align with the community’s desires.

Published 3 July 2023

Proposal for New Multi-Dwelling Residential Development on Norman Avenue Lodged

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Combining contemporary design and community living, a residential development has been proposed on Norman Avenue, Lutwyche.

A development application has been lodged for a multiple dwelling project located at 19-25 Norman Avenue. Designed by HAL Architects, this proposed development aims to offer a modern and vibrant living space whilst prioritising community engagement and comfort.

Proposal for New Multi-Dwelling Residential Development on Norman Avenue Lodged — Level 1 | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The centrepiece of the project is a six-storey residential building that will house a total of forty-two (42) apartments. The design incorporates a range of materials and innovative screening techniques, ensuring a visually appealing facade that enhances the living experience for both future residents and neighbours.

Each unit above the ground floor will feature a minimum of 12 sqm private balconies, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor spaces and soak in the surrounding views. Additionally, the ground floor units will have the added benefit of a minimum 35 sqm private courtyard, providing ample room for relaxation and leisure activities.

One of the standout features of this development is the generous rooftop garden and communal recreation area. Situated on the top level, this space will offer on-site passive recreation opportunities for the residents, fostering a sense of community and providing a tranquil retreat amidst the urban landscape.

Parking and accessibility have also been carefully considered in the plans. The proposal includes 75 car park spaces, with 67 dedicated to residents and 8 for visitors. Furthermore, the development will provide 53 bicycle spaces, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable transportation options.

The design philosophy behind the development emphasises a human scale, promoting casual surveillance and an engaging streetscape. Balconies, openings, and strategically positioned windows overlook Norman Avenue, encouraging interaction between residents and the neighbourhood.

Privacy is also a key consideration, achieved through fine-level elevation detailing and screening techniques that ensure a sense of seclusion whilst enhancing the facade’s visual appeal.

In terms of landscaping, the proposed development strikes a balance between the built form and green space. Ample deep planting areas, capable of accommodating subtropical shade trees, will be incorporated along the front and rear property boundaries. This thoughtful approach will soften the overall built form of the apartment building, providing shade and contributing to a visually pleasing environment.

Published 23-June-2023

Kedron Residents Voice Concerns Over Potentially Hazardous Crossing on Gympie Road

A potentially dangerous crossing on Gympie Road has been the subject of much concern among residents in Kedron.

Read: Northern Transitway Makes Headway as State Government Injects $53M into Project

Several near misses and the presence of trip hazards caused by uneven ground have been worrying residents familiar with the controversial crossing. Compounding the issue are the ongoing bus works taking place at the same location.

These bus works are part of the Northern Transitway project, a large-scale initiative which involves constructing a dedicated bus lane on Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside. Once completed, this project is expected to benefit over 5,000 people during peak periods each weekday.

However, the safety of pedestrians at the said crossing on Gympie Road is currently safeguarded only by a rope barrier placed at the centre traffic island where Castle and Strathmore streets meet. The ongoing construction works have not only raised safety concerns but have also disrupted access to some establishments in the area.

In response to the situation, a spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Main Roads acknowledged that the pedestrian island would be rebuilt as part of the Northern Transitway project.

The works are expected to be completed by late June 2023, assuming construction progresses smoothly and weather conditions permit. The entire project covers a 2.3km corridor along Gympie Arterial Road between Sadlier Street in Kedron and Hamilton Road in Chermside.

Meanwhile, Councillor for Marchant Ward Fiona Hammond has been actively involved in addressing the issue, having received multiple calls from concerned locals, particularly those worrying about schoolchildren and elderly individuals who must cross the road daily.

Read: What You Need to Know About Gympie Road Bus Stops and On-Street Parking Proposal Changes

Cr Hammond said she has already urged the State Government to promptly review the works and prioritise safety measures in the area.

Published 22-June-2023

$35 Million Allocated to Check Viability of Toll Tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine

Would a toll tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine alleviate traffic congestion? That is the $35-million question. The proposed 7-km tunnel would potentially traverse the long-preserved North West transport corridor and closely follow Gympie Road to connect the two suburbs.

This proposal for a tunnel from Kedron to Carseldine comes after Brisbane City Council’s North West Transport Network plan, which included two options for a road tunnel, was rejected by Infrastructure Australia earlier this year.

Council’s proposal had yet to sufficiently consider a cheaper surface route, although this alternative faces community opposition and environmental concerns due to its impact on ecologically sensitive areas.

To undertake the necessary assessments and analysis, a new entity named North Brisbane Infrastructure will be established by the Queensland Investment Corporation. This entity will be responsible for detailed transport modelling, technical assessments, and financial analysis.

In addressing traffic congestion, the project will also consider public and active transport needs, including bicycle lanes.

A recent statement outlines the potential benefits to be examined as part of a detailed investment proposal, including:

shorter commuter times
better connections with the Bruce Highway to and from the Sunshine Coast
better connections to the west of the city through Legacy Way and south through the Clem7 to the M1
improving amenities and liveability for locals by removing through traffic from Gympie Road

Treasurer Cameron Dick is confident that the tunnel could be constructed within eight years if it proves viable.

Mr Dick emphasized that the state government’s proposed toll tunnel offers a new solution to the long-standing challenge of easing congestion in Brisbane’s north. The forecasted population growth in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay region is expected to increase traffic into Brisbane, making it an opportune time to address this issue.

“This is a new solution proposed for a long-established challenge – easing congestion through Brisbane’s north,” he said. As a world leader in funds management, the Queensland Investment Corporation has nearly $30 billion worth of infrastructure assets under management.

“It has the expertise to give us the clearest answer in the shortest time to decide whether a Gympie Road toll tunnel stacks up.

“Forecast population growth on the Sunshine Coast and in the Moreton Bay region will increase the traffic into Brisbane, so now is the right time to do this work. Based on Brisbane’s most recent road tunnel projects, from this point the tunnel could potentially be built within about eight years if it stacks up.”

The Kedron to Carseldine tunnel’s construction would be tolled due to the project’s significance. The project’s proponents anticipate that the tunnel would improve connections with the Bruce Highway to and from the Sunshine Coast, as well as facilitate better connections to Brisbane’s west via Legacy Way and south through the Clem 7 to the M1.

A community consultation will be conducted in the last half of 2023 to gather input from local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. The work on the investment proposal is set to begin in the 2023/24 financial year.

Published 11-June-2023

From Flipping Houses to Flipping the Real Estate Industry on its Head in Kedron

The Brisbane property market is maturing. As the 2032 Olympics looms on the horizon, it’s a rare analyst that sees anything other than substantial growth over the next few years. Did you know that there’s a new agency in Kedron who’s building market share with a fresh approach to the real estate agency space?

After selling homes for the last three years from his home-office, Daniel Hooper opened his new office at 7/359 Gympie Road, Kedron in January 2023 and has already built a reputation as the highest sales volume agent in Kedron.

He spent 4 years buying, renovating and flipping houses between 2016 and 2019 which gave him an insight into the main drivers of improving value in property. From the value of a new kitchen to the flow of a home to removing stud walls to open up living space, Daniel developed a fundamental understanding of what buyers value most.

“We would increase the value between 30k and 150k over the course of a four-week renovation,” he said.

One Percent Property Daniel Hooper — Photo Credit: One Percent Property/Daniel Hooper

Though he says the main thing he learnt was that the flipping “gave me insight into how to structure a sales agency from the customer’s point of view as I dealt with so many agents, which gave me an opportunity to assess the things I wanted as a buyer and vendor, as well as the things I didn’t want in an agent.”

Over the last three years, Daniel Hooper has sold over 160 properties in his new agency, One Percent Property, which as he says gives him incredibly fresh data.

“As we are selling so many properties due to our much more attractive commission and business model, our buyer data is incredibly fresh. Every week, we have a lot of buyers that miss out on a property which means the new listings we take on will be placed immediately in front of those pre-qualified buyers” says Daniel.

A recent listing, 15 Parkdale Street in Kedron was on the market for three months with another agent at the peak of the market but failed to sell.

“We were approached by the owner of 15 Parkdale Street to take over the listing last month. We had it sold before we could even get the sign up.”

Another successful sale by Daniel Hooper and his team at One Percent property

Other recent sales in Kedron by One Percent Property include homes on Glenhaven Street, Seventh Avenue, View Street, Sixth Avenue, Armentieres Street, North Street, Childers Street, Eleventh Avenue, Somerset Road, Achilles Street, Figgis Street, Tanimbla Street, Homebush Road and Emerald Street.

Daniel’s real estate model looks beyond the standard “fixed fee”commission structure. He has instigated a policy of “pay what you wish” commission, giving vendors the option to pay less or more at the end of the transaction.

“Decide our fee AFTER the sale! – Our revolutionary commission structure allows you to decide how much we get paid after you have seen how hard we have worked for you and the price we have achieved. What better way to know I will strive to get you the absolute best possible result? No Sale, No Fee – We do not ask our clients to pay massive sums of advertising upfront. Instead, we have a small marketing levy that covers all advertising costs and it is charged out of the settlement. If I can’t sell your home, you don’t pay me a cent!”

One Percent Property is a proud partner of Kedron Today, helping us to bring new stories to Kedron locals.

Padua College’s 6th State of Origin Representative Didn’t Let His Grandfather Down

Origin 1 was on a knife edge. The Maroons had lost the lead to a controversial try (surely it was a knock-on) then wrestled it back when “The Hammer” was put away by the mercurial Cam Munster. Only 12 men on the field with tiring legs, then as they say, “cometh the hour cometh the man.” Step forward the prop, Padua College, Kedron’s Lindsay Collins.

It was a moment of utter brilliance! Daly Cherry-Evans launched a speculator. James “Teddy” Tedesco went up in the challenge with Lindsay but Collins launched himself and attacked the dipping ball as if there was only one outcome and the quick offload to the genius that is Cam Munster,
sealed yet another extraordinary chapter in the Maroons’ Origin Legacy.

It was no surprise that the whole Maroons team ran to Collins after the try. Munster had created room for Hamisa Tabuai-Fidow a few minutes earlier to put the Maroons back in front but the sheer effort of Collins to put Munster over was iconic.

Read: Mount Alvernia College Kedron Students Compete in ESU Public Speaking Competition Finals

Lindsay’s grandfather, Lionel Williamson, was known as the “Innisfail Flyer,” a speed machine on the wing representing the Innisfail club, 50 years before Billy Slater scorched the Innisfail touchlines.

The Innisfail Flyer in action
Photo Credit: https://www.roosters.com.au/news

Williamson went on to play first grade for the Newtown Jets in Sydney and represented Queensland and Australia, including scoring two tries in the 1968 World Cup final win over France.

Lionel Williamson
Photo Credit: https://www.qrl.com.au/

Lindsay himself, as a Padua College youngster, represented Queensland in Rugby Union as a flanker and played AFL as a ruckman. This led to him being invited to a Brisbane Lions rookie camp, though his junior Rugby League club, Brothers, fed his passion.

A stint at the Broncos began whilst still at Padua in year 11, but he continued to play Union for Padua which led to selection for the National Gold Squad with the ARU.

Lindsay Collins training in training with the Roosters.
Photo Credit: https://www.roosters.com.au/news/2022/10/18/kangaroo-collins-following-footsteps-of-famous-grandfather/

The Sydney Roosters saw his potential and signed him in November of 2016, slipping through the Broncos’ fingers, the team he had always supported.

Collins was considered one of the standouts of Origin 2022. In Adelaide, the Padua boy took his reputation to a new level and delivered a boost to the extraordinary reputation Padua College has built, becoming their 6th graduate to play State of Origin.

Origin 2 kicks off at 8.05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 at Suncorp stadium.

Published 6 June 2023

Mount Alvernia College Kedron Students Compete in ESU Public Speaking Competition Finals

Three talented students from Mount Alvernia College in Kedron have secured spots in the grand finals of the prestigious English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition.

The three students, Metben from Year 8, Millicent from Year 7, and Amaeh from Year 10 . will advance to the ESU finals in June, July, and August 2023.

The achievement is already a win for the school’s public speaking program. In early May 2023, the school concluded its first-ever public speaking workshops, titled “Mt A Speaks.” which were aimed at enhancing students’ confidence, pronunciation, and non-verbal presentation skills.

The participants described the workshops as a “safe environment” where they gained valuable insights into elements such as tone and body language. The college congratulates the students who completed the workshops, applauding them as pioneers in the field of public speaking.

About the ESU Public Speaking Competition

The English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition is an internationally recognized event that brings together students aged 16 to 20 from over 50 countries around the world. It serves as the cornerstone of the English-Speaking Union’s mission, promoting oracy, cultural exchange, and fostering friendly rivalry among participants.

The ESU, an international educational charity, is committed to advancing international understanding and human achievement through the English language. In Queensland, the ESU operates as a not-for-profit organization led by a board and supported by dedicated members and volunteers.

Throughout the year, the ESU (Queensland Branch) hosts a diverse range of events aligned with its objectives. These include the public speaking competition for secondary schools, featuring Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions across South-East Queensland, Toowoomba, and North Queensland. Additionally, the ESU organizes the Roly Sussex Short Story Competition, the annual Churchill oration and formal dinner, lectures, discussions, and cultural events. It also conducts workshops focused on public speaking, English language, and communication.

Mount Alvernia College takes immense pride in its students’ achievements and their representation in the grand finals of the ESU Public Speaking Competition. The college recognizes the importance of fostering effective communication skills and remains committed to providing opportunities for personal and academic growth for its students.

For more information about the ESU (Queensland Branch) and its programs, please visit their official website.

Published 1-June-2023

Pro Wrestling League’s ‘All Killer No Filler’ Promises an Unforgettable Night of Wrestling

Get ready to rumble as some of the most talented wrestlers of the Pro Wrestling League return to Kedron-Wavell Club to prove their mettle at the highly anticipated event, “All Killer No Filler!”

On Saturday, 3 June 2023, at 7:00 p.m., witness one of the most exciting matches with Tim Hayden, whose mind has been tormented by none other than Rufio. Brace yourself for an epic showdown as Tim tries to conquer his fear at the All Killer No Filler.

The tension doesn’t stop there because Big Boi Renegade has been hurling fiery words at Jake Taylor, a young and promising wrestler looking to make a name for himself. Will Jake rise to the occasion and shut Renegade’s mouth once and for all? The answer lies in their highly anticipated clash at Kedron-Wavell.

In another thrilling matchup, Bojack, a professional wrestler who impressed the audience in his PWL debut, finds himself thrust into the deep end as he faces off against the current number one contender, Mitch Ryder, for the PWL Championship. Can Bojack emerge as the new standard-bearer for the Pro Wrestling League, or will Mitch Ryder retain his title and continue his reign of dominance?

Meanwhile, Lil Marz attempts to win the heart of Lucille Brawl through a plan around the power of friendship. However, recent events have shown that Lucille has no intention of playing nicely. As the future of their friendship hangs in the balance, Bobby Bishop and YEET Stevens find themselves caught in the crossfire. With common enemies like Roberto Puccino and Handsome Billie Mac in the picture, the unravelling of a once-promising alliance promises to be explosive.

So don’t miss out on this night of adrenaline-pumping action and incredible athleticism!

Secure your tickets to the Pro Wrestling League | All Killer, No Filler or grab them at the door.

Published 31-May-2023