Kedron Archives - Page 8 of 11

One-of-a-Kind Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron Almost Ready

The much-awaited upgrades at Bradbury Park in Kedron, including a unique playscape, are nearly complete and will soon provide local children and families with a diversified space for recreation.

The working team behind the project expects the playscape to open sometime in April 2023, weather permitting, and have been working double time to deliver what may likely be one of Brisbane’s best playgrounds, according to Cr Fionna Hammond.

“Bradbury Park will quickly become a favourite destination of northside families, as well as residents from right across Brisbane,” the councillor said whilst giving locals a glimpse of the project’s progress in a video.

“I can’t wait to see this one-of-a-kind park in action, with kids smiling from ear to ear when they see the gigantic new playscape and take a turn on the winding slide.”

The upgrades are part of Council’s $22 million investment in park improvements across Brisbane. Work commenced in late 2021 after extensive consultation.

Once completed, the massive playscape will feature a “biological city” with tower-like structures (hollows) and bridges (byways) connecting these towers.

As explained in the project’s concept: “It is within these ‘hollows’, that lorikeets live, and that is where inspiration is found for the shape, form, and name of describing the playscape. ‘Byways’, meaning a road or track not following a main route. It is the road less travelled, but it also alludes to a sense of mystery.”

The looping playscape is highly suited for kids between 10 to 15 years old but there are also other sections that offer play opportunities for all kids, such as the Magic Forest for 3 to 10-year-old children, completed in July 2021, and the 200-metre scooter track for both beginners and advanced riders, opened a year before the Magic Forest.

For more information about this project, phone 1800 884 681 during business hours or 07 3403 8888 after hours.

Published 30 March 2023

Kedron Included In Full Fibre NBN Connection Rollout

Kedron and a number of other suburbs in Brisbane are set to receive a more reliable internet experience as NBN rolled out its full fibre connection.

Read: Kedron Brook Lighting Restoration Works Get Underway

The full fibre connection offers customers access to the higher speed tiers, promising faster uploads and downloads for homes and businesses, as well as faster game upgrades and streaming.

A Venture research commissioned by NBN revealed that online health consultations have increased by 147 per cent, online secondary educational engagement has grown by 114 per cent and a third of people who can work from home now expect to continue working from home at least one day a week.

The upgrades are part of the network’s fibre upgrade program, which was boosted by the Federal Government’s recent announcement of $2.4 billion investment.

NBN has selected the locations based on demand, workforce, and cost-effectiveness or the network’s ability to deploy at the location with speed and agility.

Kathrine Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at NBN said they have identified the suburbs and towns across Australia where customers living and working in around 3 million premises currently served by nbn Fibre to the Node will be able to access full fibre upgrades by the end of 2025.

“We are unlocking social and economic benefits across Australia by pushing fibre deeper into communities. Fibre is inherently more capable of delivering faster upload and download speeds, is generally more reliable than copper connections and reduces our ongoing maintenance and operating costs,” Ms Dyer said.

“In just six years data use has tripled on the nbn network – and that exponential growth is expected to continue as customer demands increase to meet new technology.”

Read: Starbucks Submits Plans For 24/7 Drive-thru Coffee Shop In Kedron

To see the full list of suburbs and to get more details about upgrading to their higher speed plan, visit NBN’s website.

Bring Your Pups to Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at Petbarn Kedron

Photo Credit: Nancy Sticke/Pixabay

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.

Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser — Photo Credit: Precious Paws Animal Rescue/Facebook

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.

Kedron State High School Debating Team Beats Powerhouses at State Debate

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.

Police Heightens Security at Kedron Brook Bikeway Over Stalking Incidents

Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo, Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Police have heightened patrol at the Kedron Brook Bikeway following safety concerns recently raised by several women who experienced harassment whilst on the bikeway.

A Mitchelton man, who has since been arrested and charged with unlawful stalking, willful exposure, breach of bail, and obstructing police, had allegedly followed and approached a teenage girl walking on the bikeway.

Information provided by the community has led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man who was subsequently charged with unlawful stalking and wilful exposure in relation to two alleged incidents.

The man allegedly approached a teenage girl on the afternoon of 4 April. She was walking on the Kedron Brook bikeway at Gaythorne and was on her way to a Belleview address when she was allegedly followed by the man on a bicycle. He left the scene after the girl went inside the property.

Moreover, the Mitchelton man was also alleged to have exposed himself to a 49-year-old woman at a Keperra station last December 2021.

In response to these complaints, Inner West police conducted a coordinated operation and investigation, deploying a bike squad, highway patrol and mounted police units in the area. On 13 July, bike squad officers who were proactively patrolling the bikeway located the man who then allegedly ran when the police approached him.

Further investigations later led to the North Brisbane Tactical Crime Squad officers locating his Mitchelton address. He was taken into custody and was charged with unlawful stalking, wilful exposure, breach of bail and obstructing police.

“We’re grateful to local residents who report suspicious and criminal behaviour, which in this case helped us put an alleged offender before the court,” Inspector Allen said.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, and we encourage anyone who witnesses incidents like these to contact police.”

Before the man’s arrest, claims of harassment surfaced recently with several women recounting their individual experiences of being stalked, approached and even touched without permission by a man whilst on the Kedron Brook bikeway. Residents said that these incidents have been happening in the area for years now.

In early June 2022, Police sought public assistance in the investigations into multiple wilful/obscene exposure offences on Kedron, Grange and the Kedron Brook bikeway allegedly committed by a man in his early 20s. The incidents happened between 28 May and 2 June 2022.

Security within the bikeway area has been tightened following these reports with more patrols being conducted daily.

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you can report it online by visiting this page, over the phone or face to face at a police station. If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

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

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.