Concerned locals are planning to regain community ownership and use of the Stafford Bowls Club after its lease was transferred, allegedly without proper consultation, to the Brisbane Racing Club.
On Facebook, about 70 locals formed the “Stafford Community Hub not Race Club” to work on cancelling the lease granted to the commercial racing club. The group also created an online petition for the same purpose.
Brisbane Racing Club (BRC) apparently plans to refurbish Stafford Bowls Club with a new dining area, a cafe, a sports bar, and a gaming room with 80 pokies. The design and details have yet to be released.
But Anna, one of the more active members of the group, said that the Stafford and Kedron communities do not want the bowls club to become a commercial entity, citing that the locals would greatly benefit from a hub similar to Grange or the revitalised Moorooka Bowls Club.
The Stafford Bowls Club has been closed since 2016 and residents have waited for the site’s redevelopment into a family-friendly hub. Crushers Leagues Club lodged a development application for this redevelopment and even secured a 20-year lease extension in 2019.
Photo Credit: Anna Campbell/Stafford Community Hub Not Race Club/Facebook
However, Crushers Leagues Club could not proceed with the lease due to its licensing issues. Thus, Council apparently decided to turn over the lease to BRC “without debate, and without community support or input,” the petition stated.
“The community was not privy to the decision, nor consulted on what they would like or need for their community.”
As part of their campaign, the Stafford Community Hub not Race Club will gather at Gibson Park on Sunday, the 18th of December 2022 at 10:30 a.m., to discuss their visions for the community. A fundraiser has also been opened to help with the campaign.
Stafford Tavern, located on Webster and Billabong Roads, is gearing up for a major redevelopment that will include a new gaming lounge and modern upgrades to elevate its status as a four-star motel.
Sun Tavern Pty Ltd lodged DA A006052304 in July 2022, outlining plans for a massive makeover that will take place in two stages. The plans include the demolition of the current outdoor dining spot and garden area to create a new outdoor space and the gaming lounge with a bar.
The current gaming lounge will be transformed into function rooms, albeit temporarily until the second stage of construction.
The owners of Stafford want a stylish facade and a bigger landscaped outdoor courtyard for the hotel guests. The old playground for the children will be near the courtyard so parents can conveniently watch over their kids.
Photo Credit: DA A006052304/BCC
During the pre-lodgement meetings with Council, Sun Tavern Pty Ltd enumerated the expected works that will take place at the Stafford Tavern:
Stage 1:
The building is developed to increase operational flexibility on existing services, while making way for future ‘new’ amenity.
New gaming and gaming lounge area (including amenities) are developed on the Webster Road flank of the building.
Ex-gaming area is converted into a temporary function space.
Portions of the East side carpark are redeveloped for increased parking numbers.
The North-side flank of the site is converted into landscaped/covered external breakout
area for Hotel patrons.
Scale of works is commensurate with the scale of the existing building Architecture to emphasise greater relationship of inside/outside participation in
landscape environment
Photo Credit: DA A006052304/BCC
Stage 2:
The Stage 1 ex-gaming space (converted to function) is demolished to create a new motel Lobby
Three levels of accommodation of ‘4-star’ quality is developed over and along the south side of the tavern building complex, including the provision of increased car parking provision, porte-cochere for the motel and a slip lane to maintain bottle shop drive-thru.
Development is maintained within existing property boundaries and with no proposed alteration to site ingress or egress.
The scale of the accommodation building is no greater than 15 meters height above the natural ground line.
Orientation of long axis of the accommodation building in the north/south to minimise heat load on the building.
Photo Credit: DA A006052304/BCC
The hotel plans include adding 43 rooms across three levels, which will be built in the southern side of the property. Stafford Tavern will also have a rooftop space with a bar lounge, a terrace, and an indoor meeting room.
DA A006052304 is on public notification until the 7th of December 2022.
Brisbane Racing Club is now leasing the former Stafford Bowls Club site which has been disused since 2016 and now plans to revitalise it into a $7.5-million community hub.
Brisbane City Council has approved the transfer of the lease of the facility at 352 Stafford Road from Crushers Leagues Club to Brisbane Racing Club (BRC).
As part of the deal, BRC proposes to refurbish the premises at a cost of $7.5 million. The upgrades are estimated to be completed before April 2023.
BRC also estimates that restarting operations at the facility will create about 60 new employment opportunities and will provide a revitalised community hub for locals, and the social and sporting club members.
Brisbane Racing Club will also honour the community contributions stated in the lease, providing financial and in-kind support for activities initiated by GibsonPark Committee Inc which manages and improves the facilities at Gibson Park. That would mean BRC will contribute a minimum of $200,00 per year to the local community.
In 2019, Council approved plans by Crusher Leagues Club trading as Brothers Grange Sports and Community Club Council to renovate and extend the facilities at the site. Subsequently, a new 20-year lease to Crushers League Club was also approved by the Council.
Crushers, however, submitted a request on 5 August 2022 to assign the lease to BRC due to Crushers’ being unable to resolve the transfer of previously held licenses to the Stafford premises. The Club’s gambling licence application is still awaiting approval whilst the liquor licence was only approved last year.
The deal, however, drew criticisms with some councillors expressing concerns over the lack of transparency, lack of community consultation, and that the expression of interest and tendering process was not followed.
Kedron State High School’s Year 12 debating team lived up to the school motto, ‘to strive is to shine,’ as they rose to the top at the Queensland Debating Union – QDU 2022 Finals Series.
In a first for Kedron State High School, its Year 12 debating team has won the Seniors Champion title, wresting the title from the State’s most prestigious school for girls, Brisbane Girls Grammar School.
The team, consisting of Calvin Liu, Jack Turner, Bede House, and Hugo Hall, came out on top at the championship rounds at Somerville House on 24 August 2022.
“The entire 2022 QDU Debating season, Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu and Jack Turner lived the school motto ‘to strive is to shine,’ working hard and acquitting themselves as gentlemen and scholars, but on Wednesday evening, they also proved themselves champions,” Kedron State High School stated.
“Brisbane Girls’ Grammar were (sic) a formidable opponent, our students having to do their absolute best to meet the challenge,” the school said in a Facebook post, commending the students for a job well done.
Photo credit: Kedron State High School/Facebook
According to Lui, the team’s vice-captain, the community’s support “lit a flame” that pushed them to be confident about beating the powerhouses.
Kedron State High’s former students Jacob Morgan, James Shoring, Reily Chapman, Rowan Gray, and Wilson Heslop, who were also part of the debating team when they attended the school years ago, helped as the consultants of the team.
The talented students of Kedron State High qualified for the Finals Series after winning against Queensland Academy of Science Maths and Technology (QASMT) and Mary MacKillop College, Nundah earlier this year.
Dress your precious pups in the craziest costumes and bring them to Howl-O-Ween at Petbarn in Kedron, where you can have a professional photographer take really cool souvenir snaps of your fur-babies and help raise money for Precious Paws Animal Rescue too.
Debbie from DK Imagery will donate her time on Saturday, the 30th of October 2022, for the exciting photoshoot that will allow pet lovers to have a very beautiful memento of their dogs for Halloween. Each photo session will cost $15 and the money raised will go to heaps of rescue dogs in desperate need.
Dogs in their fanciest costumes could win the Best Dressed Competition. Their humans do not necessarily have to be in costumes as well but wouldn’t it be extra fun if they came in matching attires?
Get your furry pals ready for the trick-or-treat competition. Pets who do not fancy dressing up will have a chance to also participate in this game.
Dog owners may also treat their four-legged family members to mouthwatering pupcakes from In My Belly. The money collected from the pupcake sales will also go to the fundraiser. London Spuds will also have a setup for their delicious baked potatoes for famished visitors.
Children will not be left out because there will be a colouring competition. In fact, the colouring pages may already be picked up from Petbarn Kedron or downloaded online, and then submitted to the store before the 30th. Pls fill out the name, age and contact number on the back of their entries.
All guests will have a chance to win in the raffle. The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Petbarn Kedron is located at Gympie Road.
Established in 2016, Precious Paws Animal Rescue is committed to helping at-risk dogs with injuries, life threatening illnesses, or those that try to thrive in communities with no animal rescue operations.
“Our rescue dogs aren’t broken or damaged, they have just experienced more in life than others.”
For more details about the Howl-O-Ween fundraiser, visit the Facebook event page.
A concerned Brisbane resident has warned pet owners to be more careful when bringing their dogs to the Kedron Brook off leash area due to a case of suspected poisoning which has seen three dogs pass away and left one in critical condition.
The concerned local has taken to social media to tell other pet parents to be cautious around Kedron Brook off-leash area, which is one of the most popular dog parks in Brisbane.
“For those who visit Kedron Brook dog park, please be cautious with taking your pooches there!” the post reads.
“A friend’s dog, along with four other dogs ingested something poisonous there on Sunday (a fungal poison) which can come from mushrooms or possible baiting. Three of those dogs have passed away already while my friend’s dog has been in critical care since!” the concerned resident shared.
A similar case happened in Budina beach in Sunshine Coast just this August, where five dogs died because of poisoning. Authorities believe poisonings are either intentional or accidental. However, despite working hard on this case, investigators admitted that there may not be an easy answer.
Under the State’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, it is an offence to administer, feed or lay a bait, or a harmful or poisonous substance, with the intention of injuring or killing an animal.
The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of these offences is $41,355 or 1 year imprisonment.
Pet owners in Queensland whose dogs ingested poison may report the incident to the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL or QPS. You may also receive free poisoning advice from the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline.
How to Tell if A Dog Has Been Poisoned
Photo credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
The common signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions. Immediately seek vet treatment if you see these signs or suspect that your dog may have ingested something toxic.
Frontline resources will get a much-needed boost from Fire and Emergency Services, for ICT and audio-visual equipment improvements at the State Disaster Coordination Centre in Kedron.
More than $900 million will be invested to enhance the services being delivered by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) which includes the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Rural Fire Service (RFS), State Emergency Service (SES) and marine rescue services.
Moreover, the “If It’s Flooded, Forget It” campaign will also continue under Fire and Emergency Services’ 2022-23 budget. In particular, funding will be earmarked for a technology refresh and enhancement of the ICT and audio-visual equipment of the State Disaster Coordination Centre.
Residents of Airlie Beach, Caloundra South, Drayton, Greater Springfield, Gympie South, Hervey Bay, Loganlea, Lowood, Maryborough, Moreton Bay, Mount Cotton, and South Townsville are to benefit from the new and upgraded facilities as part of the record budget.
Photo Credit: Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – QFES / Facebook
“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services continues to stand strong alongside the community through emergencies, disaster response and recovery,” Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said.
“The delivery of new and upgraded facilities, equipment and infrastructure will enable crews to continue to serve and protect Queensland communities.”
“In recent months QFES officers, staff, and volunteers have shown exceptional skill and courage through one of the most challenging wet seasons Queensland has seen in recent history.”
Investment in new and replacement FRS and RFS trucks and new vessels for the SES and marine rescue services will also be part of the budget.
Committed as well for the next financial year is an additional $10 million to go towards new RFS facilities and an additional $8 million to marine rescue services to support operational capability and replacement of rescue vessels.
The State Government has also committed to enhancing the SES operational capability and risk management with a $20 million funding boost for 33 new positions and new equipment including new SES flood boats and upgraded facilities for the Lowood SES Group.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to enhancing QFES’ frontline resources so firefighters and fire and emergency services volunteers and staff can continue to safely and effectively respond to a wide range of emergency incidents, which often require specialist training and equipment,” Mr Ryan added.
“That’s why this budget also allocates funding for specialised firefighting equipment, scientific analysis and detection, breathing apparatus, severe weather response and rescue equipment.
“The Palaszczuk Government is supporting Queensland’s future single integrated marine rescue service (Marine Rescue Queensland) with a vessel replacement program that includes the delivery of the first new vessel in the program to Thursday Island.”
“We welcome the record investment in the FRS of new firefighters, facilities, and equipment and the historic additional commitment of funding to the SES, RFS, and Marine Rescue Queensland. Our workforce in Queensland is vital and we need to ensure they are appropriately equipped to continue to meet community expectations,” QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said.
“QFES is continuously looking at ways to evolve and improve its emergency response and upgrading facilities and equipment is at the forefront of how we can achieve this.”
Roses Only Brisbane is blooming in its newfound Kedron home, as it recovers from the effects of the February 2022 floods, at a new site with triple the capacity of its former West End site.
After the ravages wrought by recent extreme weather events, Roses Only was forced to vacate its West End location, temporarily take residence at their hear office, then relocate to a new site in Kedron.
The Kedron relocation has allowed the floral retailer to ramp up production and support local growers with its increased capacity, thanks to a spacious, new 1,000-sqm space and a fresh fit-out. The company is optimistic about the future growth of the business in its new home.
Blushing Natives Bouquet | Photo Credit: Roses Only / Facebook
Roses Only was established in 1995 by James Stevens, backed by the family’s more than four decades of experience in retail floristry. The business has since grown as Australia’s leading florist.
Under new management, the company now boasts of about a 300-strong workforce ready to fulfill customers’ needs for premium gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Endless Love bouquet | Photo Credit: Roses Only / Facebook
Roses Only Florist Studios can be found in several locations across the country including three studios in Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
Other studios are situated in Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney (NSW); Keysborough and Melbourne (Victoria); Adelaide (SA); Perth (WA), and Canberra (Australia Capital Territory).
“Great customer service,fast same day delivery and beautiful gifts. Thankyou for making the process easy and fast Thankyou!” – D. M. Duke
“I highly recommend Only Roses for top quality flowers and customer service.
I ordered flowers for my mother and unfortunately they were nit what I expected. Only Roses went out of their way to contact me do they could remedy the situation. They organised replacement flowers which were absolutely beautiful and fantastic quality. when they arrived my mother was overwhelmed with their beauty.
I would like to thank and compliment Only Roses for standing by their products and offering top quality customer service. They certainly are a company who cares 100%. Thank you so 🌹 🥀 much.” J. Shaw
“Many thanks to Roses Only !
A beautiful arrangement delivered today..it was my first time using the service ,highly recommend! will definitely use again 😄” – H. Ziolkowski
Summer Love bouquet | Photo Credit: Roses Only / Facebook
Roses Only florist studios offer same-day delivery when orders are placed before 2 pm, Monday to Saturday. Their Brisbane shop is located at 44 Millway St, Kedron.
Once dubbed the underdog, the Kedron State High School debating team has emerged victorious at the 2022 Queensland Debating Union Grand Final, beating elite squads from private schools like Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College.
Year 12 students Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu, and Jack Turner did their school proud as they were named champions of the prestigious competition, after knocking back two of its toughest opponents in the quarter and semi-final rounds.
The loudest cheers were heard at the spot where a large continent of Kedron SHS watched the debates on implementing a Universal Basic Income at the Somerville House on Wednesday, 24th Aug 2022.
According to Lui, the team’s vice-captain, the community’s support “lit a flame” that pushed them to be confident about beating the powerhouses.
The victory has been sweeter as Kedron State High School is a fairly young and small team, under the mentorship of its former student and English teacher Ryan Taylor-Davis. They admittedly had nerves knowing the accomplishments of Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College, which have been training longer and have bigger teams.
Also helping out the team as consultants were Jacob Morgan, James Shoring, Reily Chapman, Rowan Gray and Wilson Heslop, who were also part of the debating team when they attended Kedron State High School years ago.
“The entire 2022 QDU Debating season, Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu and Jack Turner lived the school motto “to strive is to shine”, working hard and acquitting themselves as gentlemen and scholars, but on Wednesday evening, they also proved themselves champions,” the school stated.
Spanning an area of more than 110 kilometres from Ferny Grove to Nudgee, the Kedron Brook catchment was among the Brisbane locations that were severely impacted by the February 2022 floods. Here are some updates and information on how the Kedron Brook restoration works are progressing.
Council’s Kedron Brook recovery and restoration plan consists of a three-stage approach: Assessment and immediate make safe works, restoration and reconnection works, and longer-term improvements at key locations.
Kedron Brook plan | Cr Andrew Wines / Facebook
Most of the sections and green spaces of the bikeway have been restored and reopened, whilst restoration works on lighting and electrical infrastructure are expected to commence when it is safe to do so.
Council expects all restoration and rebuilding works to be completed by late 2022. These works include:
reconnecting creek crossings at Royal Parade (reopened on 10 June 2022), Wolverhampton Street (underway), Walter Bourke Park (underway)
Creek crossing at Royal Parade| Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.auWolverhampton Street creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.auWalter Bourke Park creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
rehabilitating embankments at Bedford Street (nearing completion) and Johnston Street (nearing completion)
Embankment rehabilitation at Bedford Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au Embankment rehabilitation at Johnston Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
rebuilding at the rail underpass (reopened late June 2022) and culvert crossing (reopened late July 2022) and minor handrail replacement works at culvert crossing (underway)
repairing embankment under the Burwood Road bridge (underway)
Upcoming: restoration of lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au Section of Kedron Brook Bikeway in Corbett Park | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Upcoming are restoration and rebuilding works in Corbett Park at Uxbridge Street (erosion protection works on Burnwood Road bridge abutment and piers) and lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway. (design, repair and restoration).
For more updates, check out the Kedron Brook Restoration plan on the Council’s website to get the latest updates including works being undertaken along the bikeway.
