Walking along Nelson Street in Kalinga, you will notice a sizeable house that is handsome enough to make you do a double-take. Kedron Lodge, a heritage-listed villa, projects an image and facade as magnificent and imposing as the day it was first built in 1859. The property is an iconic figure in local lore and Queensland history.
Justice Alfred Lutwyche was the first owner of the home. He had John Petrie and Christopher Potter build his home following his new appointment as judge of Queensland’s Supreme Court, which also makes him the first ever judge of the state.
The villa is a two-storey, 20-room property that sits beside Kedron Brook. It was built using sandstone material with distinctive gable roofs and five brick chimneys.
The home was named “Kedron Lodge.” In the early 1890s, the name was further adopted as the name for the locality, subsequently referred to as “Kedron,” by John King.
After the death of Mr Lutwyche, the property was sub-divided. For a long time, it was owned by the Catholic Church. Since then, the site has changed hands, undergone gentrification and is now a private residential property.
According to Domain Group’s latest property reports, Brisbane is one of the capital cities where you can rent the most affordable house or unit in Australia. Current median rent price for units in Brisbane is at $370 per week while units in Sydney and Melbourne are priced at $550 and $410 per week respectively.
Making it to the top of the list of Brisbane’s cheapest suburbs to rent is Grange with a median weekly rent of $295 a week. Others suburbs that followed are Bardon at $305 a week, Gordon Park at $325 a week and Newmarket at $328 a week.
Photo credit: CC-BY/Brisbane City Council/Flickr
When it comes to the choices of rental properties, Brisbane has lots to offer with the number of new residential developments in and around the CBD. According to experts, one of the factors that affected the prices of units in the said suburbs is the number of older apartment buildings in those areas. While the prices of units in suburbs close to the city centre remain competitive, units in other suburbs have reportedly suffered.
In order to compete with newer developments, older buildings with no facilities needed to bring down their prices to increase their demand.
According to Domain Group, rents in Gordon Park fell by three percent over the past year, as did rents in Grange which went down down by 1.7 percent, Newmarket down by 0.8 percent, and Bardon down by 4.7 percent.
When it comes to the current demand for properties in Gordon Park, figures from realestate.com.au show that the suburb currently has a high demand market with 953 visits per property over the last 12 months.
If you want to know other suburbs in Brisbane with the lowest prices for units for rent, here are the 10 cheapest suburbs to rent a unit in Brisbane.
Grange: $295
Strathpine: $300
Bardon: $305
Red Hill: $320
Gordon Park: $325
Newmarket: $328
Camp Hill: $330
Herston: $330
Clayfield: $335
Wooloowin: $335
*Based on median weekly rent data over the past 12 months. Source: Domain Group
In anticipation of a rise in the number of Catholic students in the near future, Queensland Catholic schools such as Mt Alveria College in Kedron have been expanding their infrastructure.
There are currently 304 Catholic schools in Queensland based on Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC). However, recent data shows that these schools may need to expand or the state may need to build more schools due to the projected additional 47,000 Catholic students by 2036.
QCEC, which is the peak body for Catholic schools, is tasked to deal with government funding, but the diocese or religious institutions are responsible for building and expanding schools. Dr Lee-Anne Perry, the executive director of QCEC, said that the government’s decision to include Capital Assistance funding of $45 million every year for three years in this year’s State Budget will help them with the infrastructure needs.
The government also prepares for the influx of students in state schools via their 2020 Ready Program. In the suburb, Kedron State High was also given a $5.1-million funding to build new facilities within the campus. The $250-million program aims to helps state schools in Queensland with their infrastructure needs following the two educational reforms that took place in the past years.
Better Facilities At Mt Alvernia College
In Kedron, Mt Alvernia College has taken on a number of expansions to accommodate more students in the future. It collaborates with the firm m3architecture that has shown interest in supporting Catholic schools with the growing number of students in the state.
Mt Alvernia College’s masterplan commenced in 2011 and by then, the firm was able to complete establishments within the campus such as the la verna building and the la foresta garden.
The master plan centers around the patron saint of flora and fauna, St Francis. It proposed a school based around three gardens. The la foresta garden is also a place where students can learn. It has science labs, economics spaces, and General Learning Areas (GLAs).
Photo credit: http://www.m3architecture.com/
Overall, the project includes 20 classrooms, six laboratories, three home economics spaces, commercial kitchen and cafeteria, administration, a prayer space, a roof terrace, and the community garden.
Photo credit: https://www.designboom.com/
Michael Lavery, the director of the architecture firm also said that they are working with Catholic schools to build newer infrastructure that can accommodate the influx of students in the coming years.
Kedron State High is set to benefit from the State Government’s $250 million budget for the ‘2020 Ready Program.’
The program’ is helping schools across the state to build more infrastructure to accommodate the influx of students come 2020.
Kedron State High will be getting $5.1 million in funds, which will be used to build a new two-storey learning centre with additional classrooms, a union kitchen, and an industrial kitchen.
Other high schools that will receive funds from the ‘2020 Ready Program’ include:
Albany Creek SHS
Alexandra Hills SHS
Beenleigh SHS
Bremer SHS
Bribie Island SHS
Caboolture SHS
Cairns SHS
Cavendish Road SHS
Centenary Heights SHS
Centenary SHS
Chancellor State College
Cleveland District SHS
Coolum SHS
Ferny Grove SHS
Flagstone State Community College
Forest Lake SHS
Glenala SHS
Harristown SHS
Helensvale SHS
Highfields State Secondary College
Indooroopilly SHS
Ipswich State High School
James Nash SHS
Kawana Waters State College
Kedron SHS
Kelvin Grove State College
Laidley SHS
Lowood SHS
Mackay Northern Beaches SHS
Mansfield SHS
Maroochydore SHS
Marsden SHS
Meridan State College
Mount Gravatt SHS
Mountain Creek SHS
North Lakes State College
Ormeau Woods SHS
Pacific Pines SHS
Palm Beach-Currumbin SHS
Park Ridge SHS
Pimlico SHS
Pimpama State Secondary College
Proserpine SHS
Rochedale SHS
Southport SHS
Springfield Central SHS
Stretton State College
Sunshine Beach SHS
Tamborine Mountain SHS
The Gap SHS
Toolooa SHS
Trinity Bay SHS
Varsity College
Windaroo Valley SHS
Wynnum SHS
Yeppoon SHS
Education Minister Grace Grace said that the funds will accommodate additional students in the state’s high schools in 2020 following the two education reforms that took place in the past years.
“This funding is a major boost and it will mean more than $470 million has been invested by this Government over the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 to increase the capacity of our state secondary schools,” she said.
Kedron is home to a number of cafes and restaurants serving tasty and Instagram-worthy dishes that are sure to brighten up your day. While breakfast is considered as the most important meal of the day, most people don’t have the time to prepare a hearty meal early in the morning. Good thing is, you can kickstart your day with healthy and delicious breakfast meals from these top breakfast places in Kedron.
One of the most visited breakfast stops in Kedron, Nana & Da’s is a popular pet-friendly cafe serving homestyle food. The cafe has an outdoor dining area where pet lovers can enjoy dining with their furry friends.
Their freshly brewed coffee is a local favourite paired with a vast offering from their breakfast menu.
Photo credit: Facebook/Nana & Da’s
You can also indulge in this decadent apple crumble pancakes with slow-cooked cinnamon apples that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings in the morning.
Nana & Da’s is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and they serve dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Farm House, Kedron is one of the most recommended breakfast places Kedron. The cafe is popular for serving healthy dishes made with ingredients sourced from local and regional fresh food producers and dairy farms.
Try their beautiful and tasty ricotta hot cake or check out their early and all day breakfast menu which includes Breakfast Gnocchi, Crispy Cheese & Potato Cake, and New Farmhouse Summer Bowl.
Photo credit: Facebook/Farm House, Kedron
Farm House, Kedron is open from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days a week. To learn more, visit their website and their Facebook page.
Another local favourite, Fuzzy Duck features a vibrant, quirky cafe located on the busy Kitchener Road. The family-owned cafe is known for their good food and laid-back atmosphere.
Photo credit: Facebook/Fuzzy Duck
Have a taste of their Instagram-worthy Breakfast Panna Cotta and check out their selection of all-day brunch menu.
Photo credit: Facebook/Fuzzy Duck
Fuzzy Duck is open from Mondays to Fridays, 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and until 3:00 p.m. on weekends. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more.
The Council has recently announced its plans for an on-road separated bikeway at Price Street, Wooloowin to link the North Brisbane Bikeway to Kedron Brook. Some residents and business owners are not happy about the plans as the proposed bikeway can cause tons of inconveniences for the community while serving an estimate of one hundred cyclists.
The project is open for community consultation until the 8th of May 2018. Residents are encouraged to have their say on the project by completing the survey form provided by the Brisbane City Council or sending them an email at bikewayprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
The project plans include installations of three-metre-wide on-road separated bikeways along the western side of Kent Road, between Price Street and Rose Street; along the eastern side of Park Road, between Rose Street and Brook Road; and along the northern side of Rose Street, between Kent Road and Park Road with an addition of 1.5-metre-wide pedestrian footpath.
Photo credit: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
A new cycle street along Brook Road will also be built for shared use by vehicles and cyclists. Another 150-metre-long concrete path will also be constructed along the southern side of Brook Road.
Expected benefits
The Council has identified several benefits that the project will bring to the community. Such benefits include an uninterrupted recreation and commuter route for residents from the northern suburbs, enhanced access to local destinations and the CBD, road safety improvements, and reduction of traffic congestion.
Impact on the local community
A parking survey commissioned by the Council as part of their investigations has found that several car parking spaces were currently underutilised or used by commuters. With this, they plan to remove approximately 69 informal on-street parking spaces to accommodate the bike lanes.
Residential bin zones will also be changed and placed on the road, between the bikeway and road carriageway for collection.
Some of the trees that will be removed along Kent Road. Photo credit: Google Street View
Five trees from Kent Road and four trees from Rose Street will also need to be removed in order to complete the project.
Such decisions has elicited negative reactions from residents who claim that the plans are focused on providing advantages for cyclists without regard to the local community. Residents are also concerned about drainage problems that cause frequent flooding on the corner of Kent and Junction Roads. They claim that such problems should be prioritised before the construction of the project.
Provide your feedback
Members of the local community can provide their feedback for the project until Tuesday, 8 May 2018 through the following:
Call the project team on 1800 010 705 (during business hours) or the Council on 07 3403 8888 (after hours).
Email the project team at bikewayprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au.
Despite a couple of objections for the development, the Council has approved the proposal submitted by AAD Design for a mixed-use development which includes a new childcare centre, multiple dwellings, and a cafe at 26, 28 & 30 Lawley Street and Gallagher Terrace, Kedron.
Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The seven-storey development was designed by Regional Design Studio to have a childcare centre, thirty medium density apartments, and a food and drink outlet.
Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The development was initially objected to by some residents who raised their concerns regarding traffic safety for current and future road users. The number of cars that would probably park along the road was cited as an issue. In response, the plans included basement parking provisions for 40 resident car parks, five for visitors, 16 for childcare use, one for PWD and one for a van.
Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The childcare centre is set to accommodate up to 80 children and will have two outdoor play areas. Positioned on the ground floor, the indoor area consists of a reception area, group rooms, changing facilities, a sleeping room, and a kitchen. Once completed, the child care centre will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Brisbane Bronco Sam Thaiday, Australian acting legend John Howard, ‘All Our Exes Live in Texas’ band member Katie Wighton, and Melissa Downes of 9News have all rallied behind a call for the QLD State Government to prioritise funding for a new Performing Arts Centre for Kedron State High School.
The current Performing Arts Centre in Kedron State High School is 61 years old. At present, it can no longer accommodate the needs of the school’s award-winning Performing Arts and Music Department. A new hall will also benefit the outside community because the hall can serve as venue for concerts, events, meetings, and other community events.
A petition for a new hall has actually been lodged in October 2017 but has only been able to acquire 500 signatures to date. The petition will close on the 30th of March.
To raise more awareness to the said petition, Australian professional rugby league footballer Thaiday agreed to appear in a campaign video that is now going viral in the internet.
The video demonstrated that the size, technology, and practicality of the old performing arts hall can no longer accommodate the increasing members of the Performing Arts and Music Department as well as concerts, events, meetings, competitions, and similar community events.
Credit: Jack Greentree YouTube
In media interviews, School P&C President Tony Howell said the students of the graduating class of 2016 asked Thaiday if he will be willing to appear in the campaign video. The same class co-starred with Thaiday in the video. They also shot and edited the film.
The school could not thank Thaiday enough for agreeing to the offer. He is not a former student in the school and only said yes in order to give back to the community.
The school has also expressed its gratitude to Ms Downes of 9News for visiting the school page and sharing the campaign video.
The same gratitude has been given to Ms Wighton, a former student at the school, who went out of her way to record a video showing her support for a new Performing Arts Centre at Kedron.
Mr Howard, for his part, has been active in posting about the campaign. He has also shared the campaign video which starred Thaiday.
Mr Howell told media that the school has raised a few thousand dollars. However, the new hall they have in mind will cost around $8-10 million.
Everyone is encouraged to support the campaign for the Performing Arts Centre in Kedron by liking its official Facebook page here and sharing the video which can be found here.
Spice of India at 386, Gympie Road, Kedron is the place to experience authentic Indian food in Brisbane seven days a week. The place has an assortment of Indian Tandoori starters, Mughlai Biryanis, Indian curries, and Indian breads. The restaurant, in fact, takes pride in being the first and only Indian restaurant in Kedron to be making the most genuine Naan Breads and Tandoori dishes right on site.
Credit: Spice of India Facebook
Whether it’s dine in, takeaway, home delivery, or even catering, Spice of India promises an experience closest to what authentic Indian cuisine is all about. Their in-house chefs, headed by Chef Hardip Singh who has more than 20 years of culinary experience, only use authentic Indian spices which they personally grind and blend to achieve the true Indian flavour and aroma. They also use fresh Halal Australian lamb, beef, and chicken and vegetables are sourced from the local Brisbane market in Rocklea.
Owner Sudhir Shetty makes sure that customers are provided excellent service. This includes considering the current economic circumstances. To address this, Spice of India offers deals and specials every day of the week.
A Week of Indian Food
Credit: Spice of India Facebook
Sundays are for “Crazy Sunday” special where customers can buy any two curries and Naan bread to get a third serving of curry for free.
“Monday Mansala”, on the other hand, is a special where customers can buy one curry and get second curry for half the price.
Next they have “Tuesdays Tandoors” where anyone who spends a minimum of $30 for a meal can get one plain or garlic Naan bread and a serving of Papadum for free.
Wednesday and Thursday are the time for their “Buffet Bonus” days, where customers can order the “All You Can Eat Buffet” to get a Mango Lassi for $2 only.
Also on Wednesday and Thursday is “Midweek magic” where those who will spend a minimum of $40 will get a serving of Chicken Tikka for free.
On Fridays and Saturdays, anyone who spends a minimum of $50 for meals will get the Chicken pabora for free.
Quick Trivia on Spice of India
Spice of India also accepts catering services and can even cook for more than 1,000 people. During such catered events, they use Ecoplates which are 100% biodegradable, natural, organic, eco-friendly utensils manufactured using their bio-ethical model. These plates are made from the naturally fallen leaves of palm trees. The process does not involve cutting and harming trees. Just like the regular plates, ecoplates can withstand hot food, including liquids and oils.
To know more about the special offers at Spice of India, please click here.
Wondering whether you’ll get your regular fix of coffee from the cafes within the neighbourhood on Christmas Day? Or whether there’s a special menu for the holidays?
Here we list what’s cooking in cafes around town for this holiday season.
Farm House Kedron
Farm House Kedron remains open between Christmas and New Year from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be serving their special Queensland Prawn tacos with mango and coriander salsa, crispy vermicelli and namjim sauce all through this period.
Credit: Farm House Kedron
The cafe, however, will be closed from the 25th to 26th of December and the 1st of January.
Farm House Kedron holds a special spot among residents of Kedron because it serves as a tribute to Farmer Joe’s which was closed in 2009 to pave way for a road construction. The closure of Farmer Joe’s has been sad as it was a community hub where local fresh produce were bought and sold. In the hopes to still support the local farmers in Kedron, Farm House sees to it that they remain to buy supplies from them. The cafe hopes that more and more local farmers will soon come to them. As for its customers, Farm House Kedron aims to take food from the farm to the plate.
Fuzzy Duck has just reinvented itself as a restaurant last November, held their soft launch on 7th of December, and is now getting ready for official re-opening in 2018. It may not have your regular fill of coffee for the holiday season, but the place’s specialty gift shop is filled with quirky items for gifts. It has been restocked with a variety of succulents and other potted plants.
This cafe at 12 Homebush Road Kedron has unfortunately officially closed for the year on the 22nd of December to allow for its staff and crew to enjoy the holiday seasons too. The place will open again on the 19th of January and everything will be business as usual then.
