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Covert Mobile Speed Camera on Gympie Rd Catches Speeding Motorists’ Ire

Photo Credit: Milksha Australia / Facebook

A concealed mobile speed camera on Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside has sparked outrage among road users, with some commenting it has been set up for “revenue raising.”

A photo shared on social media shows a Mercedes van parked behind an LED road work sign taking images of speeding vehicles on a section of Gympie Road without warning.

“Not hiding honest !!,” wrote the photo uploader.

“Perfect spot! Nice cover from the sign, and at bottom of a downward slope to grab that extra revenue,” comments one user. Another said there used to be warning signs on that section of the road and that “they got rid of them to make more money.”

Entrapment?

One comment called it “entrapment” since the “offender has no idea that they have been speeding until they get the photo a couple of weeks later” and consequently, the offenders “can not adjust their driving behaviour appropriately.”

In early May, a motorist shared his dashcam footage showing a mobile speed camera in Sydney hidden between three cars. Another video showed another speed camera in Central Coast tucked away behind a tree where several cars are also parked. The videos sparked renewed calls for the placement of more warning signs on mobile speed cameras.

Beginning in February, the NSW Government reinstated warning signs on roofs of mobile speed camera vehicles as the state’s revenue from speeding fines rose, reaching $40 million over the 12-month period ending November 2021 for low range speeding (exceeding 10 km/h or less).

Queensland Government says that camera locations are chosen based on their crash history or assessed risk, especially for active and parked mobile speed cameras.

There should be at least two speed-related crashes in the area within the five-year period for mobile speed camera enforcement to be considered in that location.

No Problem if Not Speeding

Other users, however, argue that covert or not, mobile speed cameras shouldn’t be a problem for those obeying the rule and not speeding.

“I don’t see what the issue is with speed cameras, even if they are ‘hidden’. We all know the speed limit. We all know the rule. And we all know the consequences. If you can’t follow the rule then you deserve the fine,” one user said.

“The easy way for this to not be a problem is to you know, not speed… Then it doesn’t matter what they’re doing,” agrees another.

Volunteers Needed! Seeing-Eye Dogs Puppy-Carer in Kedron, Northern Suburbs

Photo Credit: Garrett Karoski / Unsplash

Do you have a place in your heart and home to take care of a little puppy that will one day become a Seeing Eye dog? If you are from Kedron or another northern suburb, find out how to volunteer to become a puppy-carer.

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is seeking carers for eight-week-old puppies who are willing to have a puppy inside their home, have a secured yard, are willing to provide the puppy with regular socialising, can conduct basic training and can make themselves available for group training as needed.

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs established its first training school for dog guides in Victoria in 1960 and has since been a national provider of world-class bred and trained dogs. There are currently 200 pups in the Puppy carer program that could one day become dog guides providing independence and improved quality of life for people who are blind or have a low vision.

Applications are open for carers from Northern Brisbane and select Sunshine Coast and Victoria areas. Volunteers may apply for a full 12-month program or a shorter six-month program. Seeing Eye Dogs covers the cost of the program including the cost of all equipment, food, dog health care, vet costs, and training.

You may be qualified to join the program if you have the following skills:

Able to drive, own a car and have immediate car access to transport the pup/dog to Kensington or any other location as required
Patient, dedicated and flexible
Willing and able to follow instructions
Dog handling skills (enjoys working with dogs)
Interpersonal and communication skills
Fluent English speaking

No prior dog training experience is needed to be a foster puppy parent. However, a volunteer should be comfortable being around dogs and is willing to care for an eight-week-old puppy until it is approximately 12 to 15 months old.

Puppy carers are also expected to provide the puppy with a loving home, help them learn to socialise, and teach them basic skills including toilet training, sitting, and walking on a lead in a relaxed manner.

For more information about the program, click here.

Greville Terraces Residential Precinct to Rise on Bridge St, Wooloowin

Plans have been laid out for the construction of Greville Terraces, a townhouse facility in the former Sisters of Mercy site on Bridge St in Wooloowin.

Per the development application (DA A005904947), the multiple dwelling precinct will consist of five residential clusters with a maximum three-storey height. Each townhouse, separated into clusters, will have its own private space through the balconies and heaps of communal open spaces.

Per the planners, RPS Group, “The dwellings have been designed to ensure a high standard of materials and finish, and to incorporate variation and articulation in façade design between individual homes through the provision of varied dwelling types. Dwellings are provided in three types which vary in lot depths, frontage widths and garage widths. The intention is to create a cohesive internal streetscape through consistent setbacks to internal roads, while simultaneously providing architectural diversity through varied lot types, design elements, and articulation and recesses.”

The clusters will have 50 car parking spaces plus an additional 12 car parking spaces for visitors. Bike storage areas for each unit will also be allotted. The townhouses will also have new internal driveway access to connect the different clusters.

Graceville Terraces will stand on the heritage site, Holy Cross Laundry (Heritage Laundry). Per RPS Group, “The eastern section of the driveway is the only section of the proposal which is located in the Heritage Laundry Precinct. The proposed dwellings are not located within the Heritage Laundry Precinct, however, they comply with the maximum building height and setbacks plan requirement for the precinct.”

Heritage Laundry was built around 1889 and has long been planned for repurposing as a residential site, following its sale in 2015. A small section of the land will remain under the use of the Sisters of Mercy when Graceville Terraces is completed.

The master-planned urban community will be a mix of modern apartments with facets of a Queensland terrace home, alongside the adaptive reuse of existing heritage buildings. There will also be a parkland within the village.

Works To Reinstate Kedron Brook Waterway Now Progressing

Kedron Lions Kick off 2022 Season With Unveiling of Upgraded Oval

Photo Credit: AFL Queensland / Facebook

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