Kedron Archives - Kedron Today

A Look Back at Kedron’s Cinematic Legacy: The WinterGarden Theatre

Once the heartbeat of North Brisbane, the WinterGarden Theatre on Gympie Road stood as a hub of entertainment for Kedron residents. Over a century ago, this iconic venue not only showcased the latest silent films but also embodied the communal spirit in an era without internet or television. Crowds would gather, eager for the escape provided by the flickering images of Charlie Chaplin and other silent film heroes.

“No internet, no TV” meant that people found great joy in simple things. In Kedron, people would line up for long periods to luxuriate in the privilege of watching the latest silent movie to be released.

WW1 was in the past; post-war austerity and the Depression years were in full swing.

Charlie Chaplin was the George Clooney of his era, initially with his non-talking comedy movies, though some, like “The Gold Rush,” were later edited with spoken narration. Crime movieslike “The Unholy Three” and hero movies like Douglas Fairbanks in “Don Q-Son of Zorro” were presented by Louis B Mayer. Seeing the latest new movie was a big deal for Kedron people.

The WinterGarden Theatre in Kedron was built in 1925 at 278 Gympie Road, initially known as Kedron WinterGardens Pictures then later Kedron WinterGarden.

Its owner was Fanny Bennett, who saw the theatre more as a venue than a movie business. She would host a range of events there including the Kedron Flower Show.

As picture theatre technology evolved (from silent movies to non-talking movies with music, to non-talking movies with narration, and eventually talking movies), each stage of the evolution required new investment.

The appetite to watch the latest movie was great. But when other picture theatres invested more than Fanny in their technology, this enabled them to show better movies whilst Fanny was stuck with showing the older, less sophisticated films.

As Kedron locals voted with their feet, going to better cinemas like those in Lutwyche and in the city, financial pressure led to the cinema being sold to the Brooks family who turned it into a joinery business.

At the time, it was known by locals as having one of the first TV sets in the area, placed in the front window possibly to attract passersby to taking an interest in their business.

Gympie Road at that stage saw very few cars.

Brooks Joinery thrived for several decades until the building was sold to the developers of the Kedron Bowl.

Read about the Kedron Bowl here.

Updated 12-Aug-2024
Originally published as “Remembering the Days When Kedron Had a Cinema”

Padua College Kedron Breaks into Queensland’s Top 150 Schools for 2023

Did you know that Padua College in Kedron is now one of Queensland’s top 150 schools for Years 7-10, debuting in the rankings as one of two schools who have made it to the Top 50 for the first time?

Read: Padua College Looks to Extend Facilities at Assisi Campus

The other school with a similar distinction as a first-timer on the list is Brisbane South Secondary College in Dutton Park.

According to data from the independent specialist schools website Better Education, Padua College boasts a State Overall Score of 98 percent, underscoring its academic excellence.

The school’s Better Education percentile stands at an impressive 94%, reflecting its top-tier performance relative to other schools across the state. This notable accomplishment is particularly significant given that Padua College did not make the cut in the previous year’s rankings.

Padua College: A Centre for Excellence

Padua College, an independent Catholic boys’ day school conducted by the Franciscan Friars, serves approximately 1,510 students from Year 5 to Year 12. With a Socio-Economic Status (SES) index of 95, the school offers a supportive and enriching environment that fosters academic and personal growth.

Further cementing its reputation for excellence, the school was recently named the first boys-only school in Australia to be recognised as a Middle Years School of Excellence by Adolescent Success. This prestigious honour highlights the school’s dedicated approach to the education, development, and growth of young adolescents aged 10 to 15 years.

On their social media page, the school expressed immense pride in this recognition, attributing the achievement to the hard work and dedication of their talented staff and the enthusiastic engagement of their students, fondly referred to as the “Good Men of Padua.”

Comprehensive Educational Approach

Padua College’s success can be attributed to its holistic and intentional approach to education. The school’s mission is not only to achieve academic excellence but also to cater to the diverse needs, interests, and achievements of its students. This is evident in the range of co-curricular activities offered, including music, choir, performance, debating, public speaking, chess, and community service.

Situated in Kedron, with additional facilities in Banyo and an Outdoor Education Facility in the Noosa Hinterland, the school provides a comprehensive environment for young men to thrive academically, socially, and personally. The school’s affiliation with the Franciscan Order further enriches its educational philosophy, instilling values of community, service, and personal integrity.

Understanding the Rankings

Better Education’s rankings are based on the Overall Academic Performance Rating or State Overall Score, which ranges from 60 to 100. A score of 100 indicates the highest level of academic achievement. Padua College’s score of 98 places it firmly within the top echelons of Queensland schools, translating to a top 6% percentile ranking.

Looking Ahead

With its recent accolades and rising academic standing, the school is poised for continued success. The school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals and its emphasis on both academic and personal excellence set a strong foundation for future achievements. As Padua College continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of quality education and a testament to the power of dedicated teaching and community support.

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

The school’s debut in Queensland’s top 50 schools marks a significant milestone in its journey towards educational excellence. The school’s recent recognition as a Middle Years School of Excellence and its strong academic performance underscore its role as a leading institution dedicated to the holistic development of young men.

Published 9-June-2024

Bradbury Park Playscape Wins Big Regional Architecture Awards

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron has been named Brisbane’s Building of the Year at the prestigious Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards. The revolutionary anti-screen time playground took home four major honours on Friday night, including the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year and the Greater Brisbane People’s Choice Award.

Designed by Joel Alcorn and his team at Alcorn Middleton, the playscape was conceived to lure teenagers aged 10-15 away from digital devices by providing an adventurous play experience resembling the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of Mad Max films.

“They wanted to cater for that age bracket to get them back in the world because they’re so digitally focused now,” said Alcorn.

With features like a 6m high balancing beam, climbing walls, tunnels evoking hollowed logs, and a massive slide, the jury praised the “pioneering approach” that “reimagines the traditional playground.” They highlighted how it builds risk-taking into play in an innovative way.

Alcorn explained, “We’ve never designed a playground before so we came in with a unique perspective and challenges. We had to entertain a certain age group so what we offered had to be more adventurous than your typical playground.”

The jury lauded it as “a new benchmark for both government and private industry in the provision of innovative play for older children”.

The unconventional Bradbury Park Playscape captivated judges and public alike, setting a new standard for playground ambition in Brisbane.

Published 6-May-2024

Marketcart Kedron Brings Healthy Drive-Thru Dining to Brisbane

This passion project offers ‘real food alternatives, real fast’ without even leaving your car! Check out Marketcart Kedron, a drive-thru cafe that offers preservative-free meals, made fresh daily for people on-the-go.

Read: Stafford Tavern Offers Free Meals for Kids

Tucked away just off the busy Gympie Road corridor, the cafe charms with its rustic green weatherboard shed exterior and striped awning. Marketcart Kedron is the passion project of married couple Andrew and Andrea Harcourt. Their goal? To provide “real food alternatives, real fast” to busy locals.

The inspiration derives from farmers markets, with an enticing menu of preservative-free meals made fresh daily on the premises. From savoury breakfast muffins with double-smoked bacon and free-range eggs to zesty Mexican chicken burritos and vegan granola cups, there’s something to satisfy any craving.

Photo credit: Marketcart Kedron Drive Thru/Facebook

According to Andrea, she was inspired after seeing healthy grab-and-go cafes whilst in the UK and wondered why the concept wasn’t available back home. After opening their first successful cafe at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital nine years ago, Marketcart Kedron is now their newest “little baby.”

What sets Marketcart apart is its commitment to using quality local ingredients from small Australian businesses whenever possible. The coffee is roasted just up the road by Bear Bones Coffee in Fortitude Valley, using 100 percent Arabica beans. Meanwhile, the smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and desserts all showcase fresh seasonal produce.

“It’s not diet food or rabbit food. It’s simply real food that tastes better because it’s natural, handmade and balanced,” the owners stated in their website.

Despite the healthy slant, the menu is far from boring. Indulgent yet nutritious options like smashed avocado with feta on Turkish bread and blueberry and cream cheese bagels make regular appearances.

Read: How Repair Cafe Workshops Foster Community Connections

With its cheery striped awning and convenience of drive-thru service, Marketcart Kedron makes eating well on-the-go a reality for time-poor locals. This charming addition is surely welcomed in a world of ubiquitous fast food chains.

Published 30-April-2024

Kedron State High School: A Multicultural Legacy Forged on Historical Grounds

Kedron State High School, originally the site of Kedron Park Racecourse, has evolved from a historic racing venue into a vibrant educational institution since its establishment in 1956, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Queensland.

Situated on an expansive 12-hectare site, Kedron State High School’s history dates back to the Turrbul People’s traditional lands.

From Racecourse to Classroom

Initially established in 1881, the Kedron Park Hotel, built by Frederick Morris who also organized races on adjacent land, stood as a central landmark. By 1888, the property transitioned towards becoming a formal racecourse with the formation of the Kedron Park Racecourse and Sports Ground Company Limited, which acquired the hotel, sports grounds, and additional land from the estate.

Kedron Park Racecourse — *Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

This period saw the first races taking place in 1889, though a subsequent lull in the 1890s possibly linked to the floods of that era suggests challenges that impacted the site’s development.

By the early 20th century, ownership and management of the racecourse shifted dramatically. In 1911, James Sharpe acquired the racecourse, only to sell it a year later to Benjamin Nathan and John Wren for a significant sum that reflected its value and potential.

John Wren’s legacy in the area extends beyond his early ownership stakes. His entrepreneurial spirit influenced various facets of Queensland’s recreational and cultural life, including his ownership of Albion Park and Brisbane’s Festival Hall. Wren’s multifaceted career, which spanned from bookmaking to newspaper ownership, left a lasting imprint on the community, bridging past and present narratives of the Kedron site.

John Wren Kedron Park Racecourse — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

The next decade saw further infrastructural developments, including the extension of the tram line to the hotel in 1914 and a Royal Commission’s safety recommendations in 1921.

However, financial difficulties became apparent as the Kedron Amateur Racing Club, formed in 1923, struggled to meet the financial obligations of their contract to purchase the course, leading to a precarious financial state by the late 1920s.

The final chapter of the racecourse’s history began with the last racing events in the early 1930s, influenced by another royal commission which led to the Racing Act and the eventual closure of the racecourse.

The land’s fate was sealed when the Queensland Government resumed it in 1955 for educational purposes, leading to the establishment of Kedron State High School.

Kedron State High School — *Photo Credit: KedronSHS*

This transition from entertainment to education is echoed in several Brisbane locations, where former racetracks, such as Coorparoo Secondary College and East Brisbane State School/The Gabba, have been repurposed to serve community educational needs.

Educational Achievements and Community Integration

Over the decades, Kedron State High School has embraced substantial growth, with student numbers swelling from an initial 274 to almost 1700 by 2020. The site has seen significant architectural advancements, replacing old racecourse buildings with modern facilities designed to support an increasing number of students. These developments have accommodated educational needs and enhanced the school grounds’ aesthetic and functional aspects.

Kedron’s student body mirrors the evolving multicultural landscape of Queensland. With over 20,000 alumni, the school’s community reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds, evident in the 38 languages recorded in a 2003 language census.

This diversity is celebrated annually during Kedron Week. This event highlights the rich culture of the school through language presentations, music, and dance, reinforcing the school’s commitment to an inclusive educational environment.

Ongoing Educational Excellence

The school’s alumni include distinguished personalities such as Professor Kenneth Wiltshire, actress Rowena Wallace, and sports figures like David Nilsson and AFL stars Aliir Aliir and Ally Anderson. These individuals exemplify the school’s ability to nurture talent across various disciplines, contributing significantly to both national and international communities.

The school continues to uphold high educational standards, adapting to contemporary academic demands while maintaining a nurturing environment that values the individual potential of its students. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for various future paths, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalised world.

Published 18-April-2024

Transforming Kedron Brook: A Vision for Flood Resilience and Recreation

An ambitious $85 million, 20-year plan to revitalise the Kedron Brook catchment area spanning 14 suburbs from Ferny Grove to Nudgee has been unveiled.

Read: New Bridge From Leyton St to Wolverhampton St Takes Center Stage Over Kedron Brook in Stafford

Dubbed the “Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision,” this far-reaching initiative aims to enhance flood resilience whilst creating vibrant recreational spaces for the community.

The key features of the vision include four targeted precincts across the upper, middle, and lower catchment areas for interventions like bank stabilisation, habitat planting, and waterway management.

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Facebook

Major bank stabilisation works have already happened in parts of the catchment area, with over 4,000 native plants used in just one section to help retain the creek banks.

The vision includes seating areas, shaded rest stops, and other amenities to encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle for residents. It builds on ongoing efforts like the planned Downfall Creek revitalisation in Stafford Heights, replacing a concrete drain with a green waterway and parkland similar to the award-winning Hanlon Park project.

Hanlon Park (Photo credit: Rob/Google Maps)

A major goal is achieving 80 percent tree cover across the entire catchment by reinstating native vegetation and stabilising creek banks. This will create a lush green corridor to bolster flood defences and provide a haven for wildlife.

Recognising the value of the area, LM Adrian Schrinner emphasised the plan will also integrate community spaces along the 20 kilometres of existing pathways used by over 600,000 people annually.

“This long-term vision is focused on clean and sustainable outcomes that will make Brisbane more flood resilient while also improving the lifestyle of our suburbs,” said Cr Schrinner.

“We have a track record of delivering master-planned lifestyle precincts, such as Hanlon Park and the Archerfield Wetlands, and the new Kedron Brook Vision will add to our strong record of increasing lifestyle and leisure opportunities and making our suburbs even better,” he stated.

Read: How Did Kedron Get Its Name?

As Brisbane grows, the Kedron Brook Revitalisation Vision demonstrates the council’s balance of sustainable development, flood mitigation, and preservation of natural assets for present and future generations to enjoy.

Published 11-March-2024

Kedron Included in Proposal for Safer School Precincts in Brisbane

Plans have been unveiled to enhance safety around schools by expanding 40km/h zones around 21 schools so that kids can walk, bike or ride a scooter to school under the proposed Safer School Precincts initiative. The program will cover seven parts of Brisbane, including Kedron.

The proposed Safer School Precincts program is expected to have an upgrade to existing funding of approximately $10 million. This initiative is designed to encourage more parents to walk, ride a scooter, or bike with their children to school, thereby reducing reliance on automobiles.

The initial phase of the plan involves four separate areas encompassing 12 schools and approximately 10,000 students. Subsequently, three additional areas comprising nine schools would be considered for implementation, pending the successful execution of the initial phase. Each proposed area will undergo detailed planning, with potential measures including new pedestrian crossings, widened footpaths, and the introduction of school zone gateways to delineate safe walking routes for children.

The immediate earmarked areas for the Safer School Precincts include Mansfield, Wynnum Manly, Indooroopilly, and Kedron. Notable schools in the Kedron precinct include Padua College, Mount Alvernia College, and St Anthony’s Primary School.

Future areas under consideration for the program include Enoggera, Bardon, and Forest Lake, with respective schools such as Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School, Bardon State School, and St John’s Anglican College.

Community consultation and planning will precede any modifications to existing 40km/h zones, ensuring alignment with Department of Transport and Main Roads guidelines.

Concerns have been raised regarding the proposal’s timing, with calls for increased investment in suburban road projects to address existing safety issues.

The Safer School Precincts initiative marks a significant endeavour to prioritise the safety of Brisbane’s schoolchildren and foster a more sustainable approach to transportation in the city.

Published 4-March-2024

Brisbane Commuters Face Soaring Toll Costs as AirportlinkM7 Fees Increase

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Motorists using the AirportlinkM7 tunnel, including Kedron locals, are now facing the prospect of shelling out a hefty $94 per week in toll charges.

As of 1 Jan 2024, the toll prices for the Brisbane Airportlink tunnel will increase in line with the All Groups Consumer Price Index. Following the increase, trucks are now charged an additional 80 cents per trip and regular cars an extra 34 cents.

Motorists looking to take the tunnel between Bowen Hills and Kedron or Toombul will now pay $6.72 a trip, up from $6.38 in 2023.

According to reports, car drivers using the tunnel twice daily will pay $13.44 a round trip, or $94.08 a week if they take the tunnel to and from work each day.

Those taking light commercial vehicles through the tunnel, such as load-carrying vans or utilities, will pay even more, with the new trip price now $10.08, up 50 cents.

Heavy commercial vehicles including trucks will pay a staggering $17.79 per trip, an increase of 82 cents each way.

Those travelling between Kedron and Toombul only will pay slightly less fares, with car trips priced at $5.03, up from $4.78 in 2023. Light commercial vehicles taking the shorter trip will pay $7.55 instead of $7.18, and trucks will be stung with $13.35 per trip, an increase of 67 cents.

A Transurban spokeswoman confirmed the toll price increase, which will not change until 2025. Motorists may contact the Linkt Assist team to help with a range of services including payment plans, more time to pay, and toll credits.

The AirportlinkM7 is a 6.7km twin tunnel connecting the Clem7 and Legacy Way tunnels via the Inner City Bypass. Drivers who use the tunnel can avoid up to 14 sets of traffic lights. According to Transurban’s latest traffic data, on average 63,000 trips are taken on the Airportlink every day.

Published 9-Jan-2024

Scaling Back Challenges: The Northern Transitway Adjusts Path through Kedron

The Northern Transitway project in Brisbane, initially intended to stretch to Hamilton Rd, has been curtailed due to budget overruns and delays, now concluding at Rode Rd in Kedron. This revision has also led to the layoff of about 300 workers, signifying a significant alteration in both the scale and influence of this key public transport development.

These changes have raised questions about the project’s future. A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson noted that it is “working collaboratively with its contractor to deliver the works as efficiently as possible, targeting completion by mid-2024.”

Despite the scale-back, the project’s core goals of improving safety, capacity, and efficiency remain steadfast.

Project Overview

The Northern Transitway extends along a 2.3km corridor on Gympie Arterial Road, stretching from Sadlier Street in Kedron to Hamilton Road in Chermside. The project’s construction has been in full swing, promising to revolutionise public transport in Northern Brisbane.

Key features of the project include:

Dedicated Bus Lanes: Serving over 5,000 commuters daily, these lanes aim to streamline bus travel.
Travel Time Reductions: Anticipated time savings of up to 6 minutes during peak hours.
Increased Bus Frequency: Bus services within the corridor are set to increase significantly.
Accessibility Enhancements: Upgrades to bus stops will ensure compliance with disability access requirements.
Safety Improvements: The removal of unsignalised right-turn movements and new traffic signals at key intersections will bolster safety.

Community Impact

The transitway has stirred mixed reactions among local businesses and commuters. The removal of on-street parking to accommodate the bus lanes has particularly affected local businesses.

As the Northern Transitway progresses towards its revised completion in mid-2024, it continues to be a symbol of Brisbane’s evolving public transport landscape. Despite the challenges, the project holds the promise of a more connected and efficient Northern Brisbane, albeit with a footprint different from what was initially envisioned.

Published 29-Nov-2023

Public Consultation Opens on Proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel

Consultation on a proposed Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel between Kedron and Carseldine has commenced and will run until this December.

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

The Queensland Government is inviting residents, businesses, and other interested parties to have their say on the tunnel proposal, which aims to tackle congestion in Brisbane’s North.

The consultation follows an announcement by Treasurer Cameron Dick in June this year that a detailed investment proposal was underway into the proposed tunnel.

Map of the Gympie Road Bypass Tunnel investigation area, from Kedron to Carseldine, and the surrounding road network (Photo credit: northbrisbaneinfrastructure.com.au)

The investment proposal analysis is being conducted by North Brisbane Infrastructure, a subsidiary of the Queensland Investment Corporation. The results are due to be submitted to the State Government in mid-2024 for further consideration.

Treasurer Dick said the Government is committed to listening to Queenslanders and investing in planning for the state’s future growth.

“This tunnel proposal presents a potential solution for a congestion challenge on Brisbane’s northern fringe,” he said.

Forecast population growth on the Sunshine Coast and in the Moreton Bay region is expected to result in increased commuter traffic heading into Brisbane.

“Now is the right time to do this work,” Mr Dick said.

Minister for Transport Mark Bailey said the tunnel proposal is one way the Queensland Government is tackling congestion.

“From the ‘Second M1’ on the Gold Coast to significant upgrades along the Bruce Highway, we are doing the heavy lifting for commuters in the South East,” Mr Bailey said.

Read: Kedron Residents Voice Concerns Over Potentially Hazardous Crossing on Gympie Road

The community can have their say by taking a quick poll, completing an online survey, posting on the comment board or attending an information session. More details are available at www.northbrisbaneinfrastructure.com.au. The consultation period ends on 3 December 2023.

Published 1-November-2023