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Kedron Lions Kick off 2022 Season With Unveiling of Upgraded Oval

Did you know that the Kedron Lions has a newly upgraded oval?

Club members had raised $35,000 for the upgrade of the Kedron Lions’ oval. The Club also received an additional grant amounting to $40,000 from the AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund, $32,000 from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund, and $120,000 from BCC.

The State also rendered assistance by providing $100,000 for the upgrade of the oval and new irrigation at the Kedron Lions as part of The Gabba’s 2020 AFL Grand Final legacy.

“Some 500 tonnes of sand were laid under 17,500 square metres of hard-wearing Wintergreen couch turf with the Lions also putting in a new sprinkler and pump system,” Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said.

“This community partnership is a great win for the club’s 494 registered players including Lady Lions, juniors and colts.”

Kedron Lions are “off to a flying start” | Photo Credit: AFL Queensland / Facebook

For his part, Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan said that Kedron Lions football season was “off to a flying start” and encouraged more girls and women “to get onto an AFL oval and bring their best game.”

“Girls and women currently make up 42 per cent of player rosters at community AFL clubs in Queensland,” Mr Sullivan said.

“And we know when girls and women have access to female friendly community sport infrastructure, they’re more likely to join a club, stay active and excel.”

Kedron Lions 2022 Season — Photo Credit: AFL Queensland / Facebook

The State Government and the Australian Football League have together invested a total of $8 million in the Grand Final Facilities Fund which aims to assist local governments, community Australian football clubs, umpiring organisations and schools in developing AFL facilities.

“The Palaszczuk Government and the Australian Football League each put $4 million into the AFL Grand Final Facilities Fund,” Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

“To grow the game, quality field lighting, change rooms, ovals and irrigation are being rolled out at community AFL clubs across Queensland.

Currently underway are AFL infrastructure projects in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Mount Isa, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Toowoomba.

“These projects are co-funded by clubs themselves to qualify for Grand Final legacy funding and encourage community ownership of upgraded football infrastructure.”

NAPLAN Results Show McDowall State School Among Best Performing in QLD

Photo Credit: ACARA / Facebook

McDowall State School is among Queensland’s best performing schools according to the 2021 NAPLAN assessments.

McDowall State School ranks among the roster of high-performing schools, according to the latest NAPLAN results, compared to students with a similar background (as determined by parental occupation and education).

Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology bested other QLD schools, emerging top-ranked in all five categories with scores “well above” average for both Year 7 and 9 students.

Only 34 other schools scored at least a “well above” category rating including McDowall State School, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Brisbane Grammar School, Citipointe Christian College and Sunnybank Hills State School.

My School’s NAPLAN results update showed that McDowall State School Year 5 students have scored “well above” the average score in 2 of the 5 categories (Reading and Grammar).

Year 5’s scores in Writing, Spelling and Numeracy are likewise impressive which were “above” the average. This is a marked improvement from 2019 NAPLAN results where students have scored “above” the average in 5 out 5 categories.

Year 3 students also did well with “above” the average score in Spelling and Grammar when compared to students with a similar background. In 2019, Year 3 students scored “close to” average in all categories.

The 2020 NAPLAN assessments did not proceed that year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students’ results when compared to students with a similar background (2021)

Students’ results when compared to students with a similar background (2019)

As far as results being compared to all Australian students, the latest NAPLAN result showed that McDowall SS rating “well above” average in 7 of 10 combined categories for Years 3 and 5. Year 3 students did exceptionally well in Reading, Spelling and Grammar whilst Year 5 students were phenomenal in Reading, Writing, Grammar and Numeracy.

NAPLAN Results Show McDowall State School Among Best Performing in QLD — Photo Credit: ACARA / Facebook

Students’ results when compared to all Australian students (2021)

Students’ results when compared to all Australian students (2019)

In a statement released in late 2021, ACARA noted that the NAPLAN results report “reaffirmed” the preliminary findings that the students’ literacy and numeracy achievement at the national or state/territory level did not record a decline despite the pandemic-induced school disruptions.

“The NAPLAN results for 2021 indicate that when compared with 2019 – the last NAPLAN taken pre-COVID – achievement in numeracy, reading and writing remained largely stable at a national level for all students,” said ACARA CEO, David de Carvalho.

Mr de Carvalho added that the average trend is positive in general with Years 3 and 5 showing improvements in reading as well as in numeracy for Years 5, 7 and 9. On the other hand, the overall decline in writing has shown signs of flattening with apparent improvements for Years 5, 7 and 9.

Historic Kedron Retirement Home Now Under New Management

The Delamore House, a historic Kedron retirement home, is now under new management, after being operated by the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception for more than 30 years.

Ozcare, a not-for-profit aged care service provider, will now be in charge of the daily operations of the Delamore House. Ozcare became the principal operator of the Kedron retirement home in February 2022.

Sister Catherine White of the Franciscan order said that the transfer will secure the future of the Delamore Retirement Community. Most of the Franciscan sisters are ageing as well and their numbers have been dwindling. To date, there are only 20 sisters in the order and 120 globally.

With Ozcare, however, the needs of the retirement community will continue to be met. The missionaries chose Ozcare because of its special work of St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland. Sr Catherine said that the operators also uphold the same values that align with the sisters.

The Franciscan Sisters, however, will still continue with its ministry at the chapel inside the Kedron retirement home.

The Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception was established in Brisbane in the 1930s. The order purchased Delamore in 1935 as part of the St Anthony’s Parish Primary School. Delamore was turned into a retirement home in the 1990s.

Ozcare chief executive officer Tony Godfrey said they are privileged to carry on with the sisters’ 32-year-old legacy of running Delamore House.

Emergency ‘Kerbside Collection’ for Flood-Damaged Items Underway

As clean-up efforts commence in Kedron and many parts of Brisbane, an emergency collection will also be underway to pick up heaps of flood-damaged items from many homes.

For this emergency collection, residents are allowed to leave their flood waste and damaged items by the kerb as Brisbane City Council rolls out their free collection as of 1 March 2022.

This is not part of the regular Kerbside Collection program. It is a separate initiative meant to be part of Brisbane’s clean up and recovery efforts.

Cr Fiona Hammond’s office is providing information on the pick-up coverage and assistance on how to get on the list if you are not in it.

According to Council, delivery of new bins to those who require them will be prioritised as well to ensure that the locals have somewhere to dispose of their rubbish.

Northside Community Noticeboard
for Assistance

If able, residents are also encouraged to take their flood-related rubbish at Council’s four resource recovery centres in Nudgee Beach, Willawong, Chandler, and Ferny Grove free of charge. Locals may also get in touch with their local officials for further assistance in case the collectors have yet to come by their streets.

“We are gearing up to work our way across the city to help clean up where it is safe to do so,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“In order to prioritise the collection of flood-affected material, all general kerbside collection has been temporarily paused.”

“However, there are still many areas along the Brisbane River that are expected to experience more flooding as the tide rises and falls. If your property is in an area that experiences river flooding, please delay the clean-up until it is safe to do so.”

Meanwhile, the Kedron-Wavell Services Club is one of two main evacuation sites for displaced residents. The other evacuation centre is at Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler. Locals may phone 3403 8888 for further assistance regarding the temporary shelter.

Residents may also sign up for Mud Army 2.0. If you want to take part, register as an emergency volunteer. If you or your neighbours have been impacted by floodwaters, the Mud Army 2.0 will be deployed in your location. You should also register to get help.

MUD ARMY 2.0 REGISTRATION

Kangaroo Statue From Little Flower Church In Kedron Stolen

Father Mario Debattista is hopeful that the missing kangaroo statue from The Little Flower Church in Kedron will soon be returned to the church’s garden.

Read: Improved Bradbury Park To Open In 2022

The concrete kangaroo statue, which is around one metre tall, was reportedly stolen from the church garden, along with a turtle and a pig statue, right before Australia Day 2022.

The statues were originally owned by Fr Debattista’s mother but were passed onto him after she died in November 2020. They remind him of his mother and father that he decided to display them in the church’s beautiful garden.

However, Fr Debattista feels sad especially for the kids as the garden is less interesting now than before. The spot was such a hit among toddlers and little ones and they would go up to the garden’s edge to try to spot the different animals.

The church garden was created for the local children and it also features the patron saint of animals, St Francis, at the centre.

Some footage was sent to Fr Debattista by a local showing a man pushing a shopping trolley full of garden statues and pot plants in Stafford. However, it was unclear if it was related to the church or not.

Fr Debattista recalled it was not the first time that her mother’s prized collection of garden statues had been stolen. Many years ago, Fr Debattista remembered the police came knocking about a man they caught pushing a shopping trolley full of garden statues.

“If anybody sees a red kangaroo in someone’s front yard, or if the thief wants to give them back, there will be no repercussions, I’ll forgive them and be happy that they brought them back,” told the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Fr Debattista said he will forgive anyone who got the statues and they can drop them back overnight incognito if they want.

Farmhouse Kedron: Serving Vegan Food With a Countryside Vibe

Photo Credit: Farm House, Kedron / Facebook

Get the countryside vibe whilst enjoying a vegan meal made from fresh farm produce at Farmhouse Kedron.

Farmhouse Kedron was established in 2017 as a tribute to the family-owned former Farmer Joe’s and local family farms and fresh food producers. The cafe kept the country-style feel of the former warehouse it now occupies with a rustic fit-out including a wooden verandah whilst dishing out food made from ingredients that come straight from the farm.

Breakfast fare includes Farmhouse Bruschetta with baby tomatoes and Spanish onion on Danny’s sourdough topped with green tahini and marinated feta served with a fresh avocado cheek; Rice Cauli Bowl which is a hearty meal of fresh cauliflower rice topped with local avocado, a free-range poachie, rocket, pickled chilli, wakame and furikake.

Then there’s The Gnocchi fresh potato gnocchi, Farmhouse arrabbiata sauce with thick-cut bacon, mild chilli, baby spinach, parmesan, a soft poached free-range egg.

Lunch options include Lemongrass and Coconut Poached Chicken Salad with Asian slaw, julienne carrot, cucumber, chilli, toasted coconut, lime coconut dressing, coriander, peanuts, sesame seeds and mint.

And if you fancy a burger, there’s the housemade Ploughman’s Burger served with Farmhouse fries and Farmhouse aioli. Other must-try options include Bourbon Glazed Pulled Beef Sandwich on sourdough packed with pickled red onion, broadleaf rocket, horseradish, aioli; and Crispy Cheesy Potato Cake made with charred sweetcorn, cheese and spring onions, on grilled bacon w poached free-range eggs, wilted spinach, fresh hollandaise, sumac.

Crispy Corn and Cheese Potato cake | Photo Credit: Farm House, Kedron / Facebook

burgers and Sandwiches — Burgers and Sandwiches | Photo Credit: Farm House, Kedron / Facebook

Kids can choose from any of the five Farmhouse meals options:

One poached egg, bacon and sourdough toast
Broccolini, cherry tomatoes and poached egg
Avocado toasted soldier
Sourdough toastie, ham, cheese & tomato
Little pancakes, syrup & berries

Drinks at Farmhouse range from Loose Leaf Tea to fresh fruit blends and smoothies. Choices of wines, cider and beer are also available.

Farm House, Kedron is located at 9 Somerset Road, Kedron. The joint is open daily from 6.30 am to 2.30 pm.

Farm House, Kedron | 9 Somerset Rd, Kedron QLD 4031, Australia

Heads Up, Gordon Park! Check Out These Fresh, Gluten-free Macarons

Photo credit: Marche du Macaron/Facebook

Wondering where to buy freshly made, gluten-free macarons in Gordon Park? Head on out to Thistle St, and check out these artisanal goodies.

Read: Improved Bradbury Park To Open In 2022

Founded by wife and husband team Trish and Bernard Hollamby in 2015, Marche du Macaron specialises in beautiful handmade macarons which come in a variety of flavours.

cute macarons — Photo credit: Marche du Macaron/Facebook

The usual ones include chocolate, mint choc, orange, and strawberry whilst seasonal specials include Ferrero Rocher, champagne rose, plum pudding macarons, Macadami honey, and Belgian Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts.

Everything is handmade on site to guarantee their freshness. Another thing that makes their macarons special, is the fact that they use ganache for the fillings instead of the typical buttercream.

gordon park cafe — Photo credit: Marche du Macaron/Facebook

Before opening their brick and mortar store in Brisbane, they have been operating online since 2011 and their family was known for making macarons for special occasions like weddings, christenings, milestone birthdays and corporate events.

Trish, who has been a coeliac since 1997, has been very hands on with the business. They take coeliac disease and gluten intolerance incredibly seriously, hence, customers can make sure all the treats they order are 100% gluten-free.

Besides the macarons where they are best known for, this lovely little cafe also offers other sweet and savoury items and an ever-changing brunch menu.

macarons brisbane — Photo credit: Marche du Macaron/Facebook

The counters are always full of cookies, chocolate cheesecake scrolls, caramelised onion and herb focaccia, and muffins, as well as toasties and egg rolls. All items go perfectly with their coffee and hot chocolate.

One more plus factor, especially for pet lovers, Marche du Macaron is a dog-friendly place where they even have a special ‘dog station sculpture’ out front with designer leash to attach your fur babies.

macarons colorful — Photo credit: Marche du Macaron/Facebook

They are open Wednesday to Saturday in their Gordon Park store. Takeaways are also available. They hold macaron classes from time to time in their shop in Ashgrove.

To learn more about Marche du Macaron, don’t forget to check them out on Facebook and on Instagram @marchedumacaron.

Kedron Has Highest Covid-19 Numbers In Brisbane’s North

Photo credit: Elchinator/Pixabay

Kedron has the most number of COVID-19 infections in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, with 1,072 cases from 13 December 2021 to 19 January 2022.

Read: Farm House Kedron Hires Security to Protect Staffers Against Abuse Over Vaccine Mandate

Based on data from Queensland Health, Kedron has recorded around 1,072 cases whilst nearby Gordon Park has recorded 696 cases for the above period. As of the latest census, Kedron-Gordon Park has a population of 13,700.

Other nearby suburbs such as Wavell Heights (457) and Stafford Heights (283) recorded far fewer cases. Ascot, located seven kilometres away from Kedron, is one of the suburbs with the least Covid-19 infections with just 188 recorded cases for the same period.

Here’s an overview of some suburbs in Brisbane’s northside, from 13 Dec 2021 to 19 Jan 2022

Brisbane Suburb	Covid-19 Cases
Kedron	1072
Chermside	827
Gordon Park	696
Nundah	668
Wooloowin/Lutwyche	601
Stafford	591
Aspley	527
Wavell Heights	457
Carseldine	399
Ferny Grove	378
Banyo	360
Stafford Heights	283
Newmarket	282
Chermside West	256
Ascot	188

Read: Works Ramp Up On Webster Rd Footpath Upgrade in Kedron

Queensland ended all domestic border restrictions on 15 Jan 202, removing the need for border passes and the presentation of negative COVID-19 test results for anyone entering the state. Unvaccinated individuals no longer have to present quarantine requirements; however, establishments will still require proof of vaccination from their customers.

As of 24 Jan 2022, Queensland’s new COVID cases 10,212 with 878 patients at the hospital. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the state has had around 335,342 cases in total. Queensland has 89.2 per cent fully vaccinated individuals whilst 91.8 per cent have had their first dose.

Works Ramp Up On Webster Rd Footpath Upgrade in Kedron

Farm House Kedron Hires Security to Protect Staffers Against Abuse Over Vaccine Mandate

Diners who visit Farm House Kedron should expect to undergo a thorough check-in process with a staff and security guard before they enter the restaurant to ensure compliance with the state’s newly-implemented vaccine mandate.

Owner John Scott confirmed that they hired security staff to prevent any abuse of their hospitality workers, who are only complying with the rules so Farm House Kedron won’t incur a costly fine from the government.

Mr Scott said that businesses in Queensland that do not conduct a proper COVID-19 check-in could be fined between $6,000 and $13,000. The cost of paying for security will not matter if it means protecting Farm House Kedron’s service staff from incurring abuse from diners who refuse to follow the mandate, which was implemented beginning 17 December 2021.

That weekend, a man who could not show his vaccination certificate but wanted to dine inside accused Felipe Rizzi, the Kedron restaurant’s manager, of discrimination. Mr Rizzi also dealt with a customer who yelled at him and a law enforcer who insisted on being allowed inside the restaurant because he had a badge but no proof of vaccination.

“Our biggest thanks and sincerest apologies to our extremely hard working Manager Felipe Rizzi for the abuse he has endured today, by following the government mandate, and requesting guests show proof of vaccination,” the management posted on their social media pages, stating that they have given Mr Rizzi a few days off so he could recover from the abuse.

“From the man screaming at him and accusing him of discrimination, to the lady yelling ‘I have money to spend’ and the law enforcement agent who asked to be let in on a badge instead of a certificate…For those who we could not tell whether it was ‘a trick’ to see if he would bend, or really just belligerence – we apologise.”

“If you wish to complain please email info@farmhousekedron.com.au but please refrain from abusing our team, who like everyone else, come to work to earn a living.”

Mr Rizzi said that there were customers who seemed to be unaware of the vaccination mandate but this didn’t justify their rude behavior towards the staff. However, 99 per cent of their visitors have been respectful, compliant, and actually pleased to have the popular eatery re-open at full capacity for vaccinated guests.

Per Queensland Government, the following restrictions will apply to the unvaccinated in the hospitality setting:

Photo Credit: Screen Grab from QLD Health

Learn more about the mandate and what fully vaccinated people, or those who’ve had two doses of COVID-19, should carry with them if they are going outside from the official site.