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Kelvin Grove State College Executive Principal Retires

After 39 years in education and eight years as Kelvin Grove State College Executive Principal, Llew Paulger has announced his retirement.

Read: New Childcare Centre Planned at Popular Paddington Site

Mr Paulger, who took a leave at the end of 2022 before officially retiring, considered it a privilege to lead the largest Prep-Year 12 state school in Queensland, for nearly a decade.

Whilst serving as the executive principal of the school, Mr Paulger witnessed the student numbers grow from 2,340 to 3,600, which is an indication of the high education standard being offered in the college.

Mr Llew Paulger (Photo credit: Kelvin Grove State College/Facebook)

Kelvin Grove State College, a merger of the previous Kelvin Grove State and Kelvin Grove State High Schools, is considered as one of the leading education providers in Brisbane. The school offers rich and diverse curricular and co-curricular opportunities for learners, preparing them to take their place in tomorrow’s world.

During Mr Paulger’s term as executive principal, the school has also partnered Queensland Ballet, offering the Queensland Ballet Academy Program, for students in Years 7 to 12. This program is conducted in the world-class $17.5 million Queensland Ballet Academy building located onsite at the school.

Mr Paulger began teaching in 1984, in Gladstone, before serving as Principal for various schools, including Browns Plains State High School and Redbank Plains State High School.

Mr Paulger believes his retirement comes at the right time for him, for his family, and for the community. He’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife and travelling together.

Prior to his retirement, Mr Paulger received Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association (QSPA) Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition celebrated by the community at Kelvin Grove State College.

QSPA described Mr Paulger as a “passionate defender and advocate of public education,” someone who sees school leadership not just as a job but as an opportunity and obligation to ensure success to high quality education for all students.

Mr Joe Joel Buchholz (Photo credit: https://pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au/)

Meanwhile, the school will welcome Joel Buchholz, executive principal at Townsville’s Pimlico State High School.

Read: Little Locals: Church Turned Childcare Centre Opens in Auchenflower

Mr Buchholz already met some members of the community and observed the end-of-year ceremonies with Mr Paulger.

Plans To Refurbish Former Egg Board Site In Red Hill For New Showroom Unveiled

The existing facilities at the iconic former Egg board site in Red Hill could be refurbished and reused as a new car showroom and vehicle service centre for Tesla.

Read: Historic Thomas Mathewson Home in Auchenflower Now Fully Renovated

Based on planning documents prepared for the applicant, the ground and first floor of the building would be used as a service centre whilst the second floor would be utilised for a new car showroom. Each level of the building, located at 25 Musgrave Rd, Red Hill, will also be associated with ancillary office space.

Egg Board site — Proposed site plan (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

A 1,097 sqm of office space on Level 2 will form the primary administrative and recreation space for staff, with direct access provided to the vehicle showroom.

In order to accommodate their integrated showroom and service facility, the applicant is planning to provide a new pedestrian entry point to the refurbished buildings.

The adaptive reuse and refurbishment of the former Egg board site in Red Hill will involve minimal works. There will be minor demolition to internal components of the existing building, and the external components.

Besides using it as a showroom, the proposal also seeks to revitalise the existing building, delivering a considerable improvement to the architectural form, streetscape presence, and embellishments along the site frontages.

About the Egg Board Site in Red Hill

Back in the 1960s, the site was used as a central distribution facility under the Sunny Queen Eggs banner. It started as the Queensland Eggs Board in the 1930s but it officially became the brand it’s known today back in 1969.

In 2016, the former Egg Board site in Red Hill was put on the market after almost 20 years since it last changed hands.

Read: ARLC Buys Gambaro Hotel Brisbane in Petrie Terrace

When Sunny Queens left the site, it underwent a $5.5 million refurbishment, when video game developer Halfbrick Studios took over the space for a five-year lease. The Australian company was known for developing a number of popular apps, including Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride.

Red Hill Resident Wins Case Against Billboard Installation Next to His House

Red Hill resident Richard Leahy has won his dispute with Brisbane City after he sued over a towering billboard installation next to his house along Musgrave Road.

In 2018, Council approved the billboard installation spanning 11.3-metre high and 5.3-metre wide. The size of the installation essentially blocked Mr Leahy’s view of the skyline from his cottage home and, as a resident, he was not notified of this approval.

By 2020, a billboard was indeed erected on the site thus Mr Leahy, who is a litigation lawyer, took the matter to court.

Council, however, argued that Mr Leahy took time to object to the billboard installation when he sued the city in November 2021. However, the lawyer said he did ask for information on why this installation was approved but Council had no response. Apparently, the person responsible for the approval has since left the council job thus a statement could not be presented.

Red hill billboard Musgrave Road — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Supreme Court Justice Peter Davis sided with Mr Leahy and said that the billboard’s installation, which also encroached on a portion of the lawyer’s property, was illegal and had to be removed.

“Mr Leahy made attempts to ascertain the reasons for the decision. He is prejudiced by the decision. A huge, imposing sign sits next to one of the boundaries of his land. For reasons I later explain, Mr Leahy’s application for review has good merits,” Justice Davis said in the decision.

“The Council was obliged to afford Mr Leahy an opportunity to make submissions before granting the approval for the sign.

“The delegate failed to take into account the mandatory consideration as to the interruption of views from 51 Musgrave Road.”

“It is ordered that: The decision of the Council made on 18 December 2018 approving the construction of an electronic advertising billboard on 43 Musgrave Road, Red Hill be set aside.”

Mr Leahy’s court expenses will also be shouldered by Council. Reports stated that Council will appeal the decision. No further comments were given.

Paddington Festival Returns After 20 Years

Photo credit: Facebook / British India

The long wait is over! After more than 20 years, the Paddington Festival returns for a day of fun, entertainment and music plus exclusive festival retailer discounts that you’ll not want to miss out on.

An event that the whole family will enjoy. The Paddington Festival will return after two decades and will feature live music at The Paddo with performances by Harry Kidd, Party in the Hot Room, Mayah and British India.

Kids will also have a grand time at Merlo Cafe where they can catch Bluey, Magician Magic Mike, LizzieLand and The Mini Moshers plus a chance to meet and greet Bluey and Bingo.

Note: The Meet & Greet is a free ticketed event for groups of up to six people. Book here.

Programme:

Site 1: Trammies Corner
Buskers / Vinyl DJ – 12 pm – 3 pm

Trammies Corner | Paddington QLD 4064, Australia

Site 2: Merlo Cafe – Kids Corner
Welcome Country / Opening – 1 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 1.20 pm
LizzieLand – 1.40 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 2 pm
Magician Magic Mike – 2.20 pm
Bluey and Bingo Meet and Greet (Bookings Essential) – 2.50 pm
Lizzieland – 3.20 pm
The Mini Moshers – 3.50 pm
Bluey Live Experience – 4.30 pm
Stage Close – 5 pm

Merlo Coffee Cafe | 1/78 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia

Site 3: The Paddo Tavern
Harry Kidd – 2 pm
Party in the Hot Room – 3.30 pm
Mayah – 5.15 pm
British India – 6.30 pm

The Paddo | 186 Given Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064, Australia

The Paddington Festival happens this 5th November 2022 from 1 pm to 7 pm as presented by Brisbane City Council in collaboration with Paddington Terraces 4064 and The Paddo.

This is a free-entry event.
To sign up for EXCLUSIVE festival discounts, visit their official page here.

Locals Raise Concerns On Proposed Build-to-Rent In Red Hill

Locals fear that plans for a build-to-rent residential building in a narrow street in Red Hill would cause more noise and worsen street parking in the area.

Read: Historic Thomas Mathewson Home in Auchenflower Now Fully Renovated

Proposal

Based on plans submitted to Council, the 41-unit located at 32-34 Lower Clifton Tce, Red Hill with 3-4 storeys would have a ‘build-to-rent’ housing model to deliver “inexpensive rental accommodation to assist key workers to find homes close to their employment.”

The proposal includes 21 car spaces and two motorcycle spaces. There will also be 39 bicycle spaces provided.

The developer believes this kind of housing model will contribute to delivering housing choice and diversity which is designed, built, and managed through long-term ownership and rental.

One of their key drivers for proposing a build-to-rent in Red Hill is the worsening housing affordability in Australia.

A report prepared by Urbis for the applicant indicates that since the beginning of 2022, the country now has the highest proportion of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rental costs in more than 15 years.

“The proposed accommodation will therefore be able to generate long-term rental income, rather than up-front sales and capital growth, driving an increased focus on secure residential tenancies and provision of desperately needed quality inexpensive housing,” the planning documents read.

Locals’ concerns

Residents living near the proposed development expressed some of their concerns, such as its impact on traffic congestion and potential noise coming from proposed development.

One neighbour said the street is not a through-way and an increase from the present residences of about 8 flats to the proposed 41, would make for a huge percentage increase on existing traffic movements and totally congest the area.

In response to the residents’ concerns, the developer said there are many current residents living in the street who do not own a car and are renting but are not contributing to the problem.

“Our residents must disclose if they have a car and provide car details and may not be offered a tenancy with us in some cases if they have a car,” the developer said.

Read: Cascade House In Paddington Recognised At Houses Awards 2022

“As a family owned and operated property, and something we’ve done for over 30 years, it has always been our approach to be mindful of our local community. There will be a greater level of control and management of the building,” the applicant has stated.

Kids, Parents Invited to Explore New Compass Independent School in Kelvin Grove

Photo Credit: Compass Independent School/Facebook

Did you know that a new primary school is preparing to open in Kelvin Grove? Compass Independent School offers a unique learning journey for the children as they navigate their daily interactions.

The staff and administration of Compass Independent School have begun moving into their new home in Kelvin Grove, within the QUT Creative Industries Precinct and are awaiting their Non-State Schools Accreditation Board approval.

Intentionally designed to have a small but multi-age class, the Kelvin Grove site will open in January 2023. For the first year, Compass Independent School has only one class for Prep to Year 5 kids but the school plans to expand to two or three classes as the community grows.

The class will have dedicated teaching teams to help the children discover their potential, skills and habits. The teachers are also trained to impart values like fairness, respect, open-mindedness and self-worth.

The lessons will follow the Australian Curriculum whilst allowing the children to inquire, create and collaborate. Kids will learn at their comfort level and enjoy the magic of play.

Photo Credit: Compass Independent School

Founder and Teaching Principal, Alicia Gilbert, will conduct family tours for those considering to enrol their children. She will explain the programs and learning spaces, as well as answer the parents’ questions about the new school. The children are enjoined to be with their parents so they can have a first-hand experience of what the school offers.

Principal Tours Schedule

Wednesday 12 October 2022	12:00 noon 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 15 October 2022	10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon

Book a Schedule

For those unable to attend a Principal tour, call 0491 737 352 for alternative schedules. Enrolment opening date will be announced on the official site.

Discover the Naughty Side of This Artisan Bakery in Paddington

Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

Have you checked out this sassy bakery on Given Terrace yet? Cakes & Shit is an artisan bakery that specialises in cheeky, naughty cakes and other baked goodies that are guaranteed to be the talk of the party.

Cakes & Shit is the brainchild of Samantha Holman who opened her first shop on Bakery Lane in 2018. Since then, the talented confectioner has attracted quite a following, and when she decided to move to Paddington, new and old customers made sure she was well-received.

artisan bakery Cakes & Shit — Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

The shop at Given Terrace, Paddington sports a colourful interior, with available seating for customers who wish to dine in. There’s a cabinet, a shelf, and a retail area filled with sweet creations that customers can enjoy onsite or take home. Most everyone that comes in leaves with cookies, brownies, and cakes happily in hand.

The artisan bakery also accepts made-to-order cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and other special occasions. They also have a range of bold and cheeky merchandise and gift items guaranteed to elicit a few giggles.

Cakes & Shit also offers workshops where attendees can learn how to bake cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. starting at $65 per class.

workshops at Cakes & Sht — Workshops at Cakes & Sht | Photo Credit: Cakes & Sht / Facebook

Cakes & Shit is located at 233b Given Terrace, Paddington. Hours of operation are from 10 am to 4 pm, Sunday to Wednesday and from 9 am to 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday.

Check out their website here to order online or book a session.

Cakes & Shit | 233b Given Terrace, Paddington, QLD, Australia, 4064

Looking Back at the Paddington Tram Depot Fire 60 Years Ago

One of Brisbane’s largest fires in history occurred 60 years ago when the Paddington Tram Depot fire destroyed 67 trams, more than 20 per cent of the city’s entire fleet. Here’s a look back.

In the early evening of 28 Sept 1962, residents near the two-storey depot alerted the staff about sparks underneath the facility. Though the actual site where the fire started was never determined, many believed that the spark came from the storage area.

Whilst waiting for the firefighters, some of the staff attempted to drive the trams out of the site and at least three were rescued before the fire eventually cut the electricity.

Firefighters were challenged to control the blaze due to very low water pressure. It did not help that the Paddington Tram Depot had heaps of tyres, oil and grease as well, due to the nature of its operation.

Photo Credit: National Library of Australia

As the fire progressed, it was becoming clearer that the building would collapse and can no longer be saved. Thus, the local fighters shifted their focus to ensure that the blaze will not impact neighbouring homes and buildings. Dozens of residents packed their belongings within a flash and evacuated away from the site.

Firefighters called to the scene recalled that the depot continued to smoke and burn for over a week.

Unfortunately, the trams and the depot were not insured and various conspiracy theories snowballed about its fate. Prior to the fire, plans have been discussed to replace the trams with buses from private operators.

A year after the Paddington Tram Depot fire, however, tram lines in Bulimba, Kalinga, Rainworth, and Toowong were switched to bus routes. Brisbane City Council had to ask help from New South Wales Transport Department for additional buses.

The tram system officially ended in April 1969. The former Paddington Tram Depot, on the hand, was sold and redeveloped as Paddington Central in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove has commemorated the Paddington Tram Depot fire every year. The museum’s vice president, Peter Hyde, believes that it’s still important to keep the history of Brisbane’s tram system alive.

“People enjoy reliving the time of their parents and grandparents,” Mr Hyde said in a radio interview. “They can see how these past events have led to the nature of the city at the present time and possibly give an indication of how the city will continue to develop in the future.”

Historic Thomas Mathewson Home in Auchenflower Now Fully Renovated

Photo Credit: Google Maps

‘Monterey’ is a grand, old Queenslander built in 1912 by pioneering photographer Thomas Mathewson on Aldridge Street in Auchenflower. What used to be student accommodation in the ’70s and ’80s has been given a new lease on life through a careful, yet extensive, renovation.

“Monterey” is a 5-bedroom. 3-bathroom grand Queenslander that sits on 1,012 sqm of prime land at 18 Aldridge Street. It comprises three flats with 12-foot ceilings, double-hung windows, ornate timberwork, and wrap-around verandah.

The property was previously owned by Thomas Mathewson who was known as the “Father of Photography in Queensland” but its most recent owner, developer Ms Michelle Cao, didn’t have any idea about its history until after she had acquired it.

Who was Thomas Mathewson?

Thomas Mathewson was born in Helensburgh, Scotland in 1842 and emigrated to Australia when he was just ten years old.

Whilst he was trained as a carpenter during his teenage years, he later showed talent in design and artistic work and became a leading Queensland Photographer.

Mathewson family — Photo Credit: Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Between 1864 and 1876, Thomas opened several Photographic Studios throughout the state including locations in Ipswich, Toowoomba, Dalby, Gympie, Rockhampton, and Bowen.

Thomas served on the Council of the Historical Society of Queensland and became a Councillor in what would later become the Brisbane City Council. He was a photographer in Brisbane from 1876 until 1922 when he sold the business to two of his staff which was later renamed Regent Studios.

Passion Project

The renovation of the former Mathewson home took eight months to complete, with the external part of the house requiring much restoration work.

Judging from how Mr Mathewson’s surviving family loved the final outcome of the project, Ms Cao has succeeded in paying homage to the historic roots of the home of the early pioneer, photographer, and historian with what she refers to as her “passion project.”.

Ms Cao has since subdivided the property and sold 18 Aldridge St for $1.48 million. She is building five apartment units valued at over $6 million on the other half of the block.

Cascade House In Paddington Recognised At Houses Awards 2022

A renovated Cascade House, originally an early 1900s timber cottage sitting on one of Paddington’s hilly streets, has received the ‘House Alteration and Addition under 200 sqm’ award at the Houses Awards 2022.

Read: New Childcare Centre Planned at Popular Paddington Site

Designed by architect John Ellway, Cascade House is a bright family home which was extended to include open living spaces.

Owners Jacqueline and Oscar requested from their builders a grassy space to picnic under a tree and the sky. They also wanted to have some space where kids can play independently, but just in sight.

paddington houses — Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

Two of the challenges encountered in designing the house was managing the connection to the ground on a sloping site and providing protection from afternoon sun.

A four-metre level change across the site breaks up the entry sequence into a series of split levels whilst screened doors lead the way into the garden, creating an uninterrupted connection to a grassy courtyard.

cascade house brisbane — Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

“Key to unlocking the diagram of the project was managing the western afternoon sun, but not losing the outlook. With the site sloping away, there was an opportunity to simply extend the pitch of the verandah roof over the cascading split levels below,” Ellway said.

The designer highlighted the importance of working with a talented garden designer, in being able to create a landscape that reinforces this separation. It was designed by Tom Collins, a landscape designer who’s also a graduate of Architecture.

The entire site measures 402 sqm and the additions made, which include the pool and the courtyard, measured approximately 65 sqm of the space.

john ellway — Photo credit: Toby Scott/John Ellway

The new centre of the house is the lounge, made with built-in seating to reduce building footprint. Facing the lounge is the kitchen, which features a window to the south overlooking the pool.

For this design, Mr Ellway came up with the new extension that sits below eye level, editing out the foreground, and allowing an uninterrupted outlook to the sunset, valley, and hills.

This isn’t the first time that Mr Ellway has been recognised for his projects in Paddington. His ‘Three House,’ located in a flood-prone site at Norwood Terrace was previously recognised as the Australian Home of the Year in 2021.