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Bardon Teen’s Leukaemia Battle Drives Surge in Stem Cell Donors

Photo Credit: Brisbane Grammar School/Facebook

A 19-year-old from Bardon diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia has sparked a global response after calling for stem cell donor registrations.

Former Grammar Prefect’s Health Journey Begins in Bardon

Rowan Tong-Law, a former prefect at Brisbane Grammar School and current University of Queensland physiotherapy student, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in September 2024. The diagnosis came after a routine blood test while he was on medication for acne. At the time, he was living with his family in Bardon and felt no obvious symptoms.

Initial treatment involved five rounds of chemotherapy. However, by March 2025, doctors advised that the treatment had not succeeded, and a stem cell transplant would now be necessary.

Urgent Need for Donor Match

Rowan’s family has since launched a global push to find a full stem cell match, which must be Eurasian for optimal compatibility. His siblings have been identified as 50 per cent matches, but partial matches carry higher risks of rejection and serious complications.

Donor registration can be completed through a cheek swab; if matched, the donation process is similar to giving blood. People between 18 and 35 years are urged to register for Rowan.

stem cell therapy — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Grammar School/Facebook*

Support Network Expands Beyond Bardon

The response has been widespread. After Rowan spoke at Brisbane Grammar on 21 March 2025, donor registration numbers with Stem Cell Donors Australia increased from an average of 200-300 a month to 1300, with 1200 registrations occurring since his speech.

The initiative, known as Register for Rowan, has drawn attention across Australia and internationally. The campaign website has recorded nearly 11,000 visits from 60 countries.

Rowan’s former schools, UQ’s physiotherapy faculty, Wests Rugby Club, and the networks of his parents—Bronwyn Tong, a Logan-based vet, and Robert Law, an employee at Wesley Mission—have all played key roles in amplifying the message.

Reflections on Diagnosis and Perspective Shift

In the months following his diagnosis, Rowan has experienced multiple complications, including a heart valve infection. After completing chemotherapy, he briefly returned to study and work, including a new role with UQ Rugby.

Bardon leukaemia campaign — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Grammar School/Facebook*

He recently returned to Brisbane Grammar to speak at the World’s Greatest Shave, sharing his experience and encouraging others to register as donors. He emphasised the importance of perspective, noting that minor daily inconveniences have become insignificant compared to his current challenges.

Continued Search and Community Support in Bardon

Rowan and his family remain hopeful that a full match will be found, even if it must come from overseas. In the meantime, the campaign continues to raise awareness and encourage registrations, with the aim of helping not only Rowan but others awaiting transplants.

Support from Bardon and broader Queensland continues to build, reinforcing the strength of community during difficult times.

Published 10-Apr-2025

The WAAAF and the Women Who Served: Evelyn Proposch’s Story

As ANZAC Day 2025 approaches, we pause to honour not only those who served on the front lines, but also those who contributed behind the scenes. Among them was Evelyn Maud Proposch (née Beaumont), who served in Brisbane during World War II as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF). Her story is one of quiet courage, transformation, and the unexpected paths opened up by war.

Read: The House He Never Called Home: Joshua Jeays and the Bardon House

A Country Girl Called to Serve

Evelyn Beaumont as a new WAAAF recruit in 1942 (Photo credit: Proposch Family archives/judithsalecich.com)

At 26 years of age, Evelyn was one of approximately 27,000 single women between the ages of 18 and 40 who enlisted in the WAAAF during World War II. She had grown up in country Queensland and spent several years working in Rockhampton, a regional city of about 30,000. Before enlisting, she had never been to Brisbane, let alone to larger cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

A recruiting poster for the WAAAF, with an image of a uniformed WAAAF in the centre (Photo credit: Public Domain/Jardine, Walter Lacy; RAAF Publications Unit/Wikimedia Commons)

She joined the WAAAF in 1942 and was posted to RAAF Command Headquarters in Bardon, Brisbane. Life in the WAAAF was strict and structured, but for Evelyn, it was also full of new experiences. It was the first time she had lived in a big city, worked in an office, or been part of a shift-based workplace.

A New Kind of Military Service

A group of WAAAF women during a period of physical training at No. 5 WAAAF Depot RAAF (Photo credit: Australian War Memorial/awm.gov.au)

The WAAAF, established in March 1941, was the largest of Australia’s women’s wartime services and the first to allow women to work in roles previously reserved for men. Its creation followed lobbying from women eager to contribute more directly to the war effort and a push by military leadership to free up men for overseas service.

As a clerk signals, Evelyn played a key role in managing communications for Allied air operations in the South West Pacific. It was demanding and vital work. She gained new skills, travelled more than she ever had before, and made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

She took part in “The Big March” through the streets of Sydney, which featured 2,500 servicewomen—including 1,000 from the WAAAF—and drew a crowd of 250,000 cheering onlookers. It was celebrated as the greatest women’s march in Australia’s history.

Wartime Paths to Love

It was during her time in Brisbane, in late 1943, that Evelyn met her future husband, Lieutenant William Edwin (“Bill”) Proposch of the 2nd AIF. They were introduced at a dance held in Brisbane City Hall while Bill was on leave. Their engagement followed a year later, and in 1945 they were married at St Paul’s Cathedral in Rockhampton.

Their meeting was one of the many wartime encounters that changed lives forever. Evelyn’s daughter Judith would later write that if there hadn’t been a war, her parents likely never would have met. They came from different backgrounds and widely separated parts of the country, but the war brought them together.

Homeward Shift and a Lasting Legacy

In early 1944, Evelyn’s father became gravely ill with cancer. Wanting to be closer to her family, Evelyn applied for a transfer to Rockhampton. She performed her final shift at Headquarters RAAF Command on 21 March 1944.

Years later, in 2005, Evelyn received a commemorative medal in honour of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. She was 89 at the time, living with her daughter Judith and son-in-law. Evelyn passed away on 30 January 2011 at the age of 95.

Read: Freer Farm Redevelopment: A Clash Between Progress and History of Bardon

This ANZAC Day, Remember the Women Who Served

Evelyn Proposch’s story is one of quiet service, resilience, and the far-reaching effects of a time that reshaped countless lives. She, like many other women of the WAAAF, stepped into unfamiliar territory and emerged with new strength, new skills, and lasting bonds.

This ANZAC Day, as we reflect on the many faces of service, let us remember the women who kept the lines of communication flowing, who stepped beyond expectations, and who found their way in a world forever changed by war.

Published 7-April-2025

How Rainworth State School’s Focus on Literacy and Numeracy Led to NAPLAN Success

Rainworth State School has solidified its reputation as one of Queensland’s top-performing primary schools, making a remarkable leap from 23rd place in 2023 to sixth in 2024. This impressive jump in the rankings, based on the latest NAPLAN results, highlights the strength of public education in a competitive academic landscape often dominated by private institutions.

Read: Rainworth State School Ranks Sixth in Queensland NAPLAN 2024

With an average Year 5 NAPLAN score of 562 across key academic areas—including 577 in Reading, 581 in Grammar, and 558 in Numeracy—the Bardon primary school has outperformed many independent schools in the state, proving that high-quality education is thriving in the public sector.

A Model for Success

The school’s rapid ascent in the rankings is no accident. Rainworth State School has implemented a structured and research-backed approach to teaching, blending clear instruction, differentiated learning, and strong parental engagement.

A core focus on literacy and numeracy has been pivotal. Students engage with learning walls and writing goals to guide literacy development, while in numeracy, problem-solving strategies and collaborative activities enhance critical thinking. The school also leverages formative assessments to tailor instruction to individual student needs, ensuring every learner reaches their full potential.

Public Education at Its Best

Rainworth’s achievement is particularly significant given the broader trend in Queensland’s education landscape, where independent schools make up 70 percent of the top 50 primary and secondary institutions. This success story underscores the potential of government-run schools to deliver outstanding academic outcomes through innovative and student-focused teaching strategies.

Read: Bardon Ranked Top 6 Safest Suburbs in Queensland

As Rainworth State School continues to refine its approach, its rise in the rankings serves as both a blueprint and an inspiration for other public schools striving for excellence. With its strong academic foundation and commitment to student success, Rainworth is proving that public education can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the state.

Published 4-April-2025

Rosalie Village Extends ‘March Munch & Win’ to Support Local Businesses

Photo Credit: Rosalie Village/Facebook

With just over a week left, Rosalie Village has extended its March Munch & Win prize draw, giving residents another shot at a $2,000 prize—and a good meal.

Rosalie Village Extends ‘March Munch & Win’ as Local Businesses Rally After Cyclone Setback

Rosalie Village is giving locals more time to dine and win, extending its popular “March Munch & Win” campaign to Friday, 11 April. The extension comes after recent weather disruptions from an ex-tropical cyclone impacted parts of Brisbane.

*Photo Credit: Rosalie Village/Facebook*

Originally set to end on 31 March, the campaign supports Paddington’s community-run eateries and shops for a chance to win a prize pack worth over $2,000.

Local Support at the Centre

The campaign invites people to discover or rediscover Rosalie Village’s cafes, restaurants, and wellness spots, aiming to boost foot traffic and support small businesses as they recover from recent weather challenges.

Backed by Brisbane City Council’s “Growing Precincts Together” program, the initiative showcases how local government and business owners can work together to keep neighbourhood precincts thriving. Community response has been positive, with many locals embracing the focus on supporting independent traders and the vibrant local economy.

How to Submit Your Entry

The competition’s simple format—dining at three different Rosalie venues and collecting a staff signature at each—makes it accessible to a wide audience. Entry cards are available at participating venues, and completed cards can be dropped into collection boxes on-site.

What’s on Offer

The prize pack features a variety of contributions from local businesses, including spa treatments, fitness passes, garden centre vouchers, and dining gift cards. It highlights the diverse experiences Rosalie Village has to offer, from yoga and pilates to gourmet food and beauty services.

Local business owners have welcomed the renewed interest in the precinct, saying the campaign has helped bring in new customers while encouraging regulars to discover more of what’s available. The extension comes as a timely boost following recent weather disruptions.

The competition winner will be drawn after the closing date of 11 April. Check Rosalie Village website for more info.

Published 3-April-2025

Grants Announced to Help Sporting Clubs with Post-Cyclone Clean-Up

Queensland has announced funding to help sporting clubs across the state recover from the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The initiative is part of the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program, designed to assist not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations with immediate clean-up efforts.

Read: Street Spotlight: Tristania Dr, Bardon

This funding is welcome news for clubs in areas like Bardon, where the Bardon Latrobe Football Club is dealing with waterlogged fields at its home ground, Bowman Park. The club reported that a significant amount of water remains on the fields, and it will take time for them to dry properly.

In the aftermath of the storm, clubs have also faced issues with children playing on flooded fields using boogie boards. Some were seen at Bowman Park, prompting the club to issue a reminder on social media: “Please remind children that playing in the water at Bowman Park is not only dangerous and unhealthy, but even the lightest child is cutting up the turf. If we all stay off the park, then the grass has the capacity to recover remarkably quickly.”

Bardon Latrobe has urged the public to respect sporting spaces and for members to stay off the fields during the recovery process. The club remains optimistic about a swift return to play, stating: “The fields are recovering well, and with everyone staying off like this, we’ll all get back to playing soon.”

*Photo credit: Bardon Latrobe Football Club/Facebook*

Football Queensland has suspended all football activity until 17 March due to flooding and damage across many clubs. Affected clubs are encouraged to complete the club damage report form on Football Queensland’s Disaster Recovery Hub as soon as it is safe to do so. This will help assess their readiness to resume training and host fixtures.

Read: Brisbane’s Performance Physio, with Bardon Branch, Joins Football Queensland

Grant Assistance for Affected Clubs

The program provides financial support to re-establish facilities and activities after extreme weather events, including floods, fires, cyclones, and severe storms.

To assist with clean-up efforts after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, grants of up to $5000 are available for eligible not-for-profit organisations in disaster-declared areas.

With around 5000 clubs affected across South East Queensland, work is ongoing to assess the extent of the damage. Further financial assistance will be considered once damage assessments are complete to ensure clubs can return to full operation as quickly as possible.

Published 14-March-2025

Bardon State School Launches LEGO Robotics Program with QVSA

Photo Credit: Bardon State School/Facebook

Bardon State School has introduced its LEGO Robotics program in collaboration with the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy (QVSA), engaging students in hands-on STEM learning and problem-solving through robotics and engineering.

Advancing STEM Education Through LEGO Robotics

The LEGO Robotics program is part of the school’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The initiative supports the Queensland Government’s Advancing Education action plan, which aims to strengthen STEM education across the state.

In collaboration with the QVSA, the program provides an enriched learning experience for students in Years 4 to 6. The QVSA, coordinated by the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), connects students with STEM education opportunities.

Bardon State School — *Photo Credit: QVSA*

What the Program Offers

The LEGO Robotics course falls under QVSA’s Skill Builders. It is a series of programs focused on developing core problem-solving skills in STEM disciplines. These courses are structured to enhance students’ abilities in:

Scientific Inquiry & Engineering Design Thinking
Mathematical Modelling & Computational Thinking
Digital Technologies & Automation

Students participating in the LEGO Robotics program will engage in a 10-week interactive course. They will learn to build, program, and test LEGO robots in real-world scenarios.

The Role of the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy

QVSA supports schools across Queensland through online and interactive STEM courses. Its programs ensure students, including those in rural and remote areas, gain access to high-quality STEM education.

How Bardon Students Benefit from the Initiative

By joining the LEGO Robotics program, students at Bardon State School will:

Gain hands-on experience with robotics and coding
Enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Collaborate with like-minded peers across Queensland
Receive a certificate of completion, recognising their new STEM capabilities

These experiences not only enhance their learning but also build a strong foundation for future pathways in STEM-related careers.

Future Outlook

The program is set to continue in multiple rounds throughout the year as part of the QVSA’s 2025 schedule. Bardon State School’s involvement in this initiative highlights the growing emphasis on hands-on, future-focused learning in education.

Published 6-Mar-2025

March into Fitness with These Exciting Activities in Bardon

Bardon residents are in for a treat this March with a series of Brisbane-sponsored fitness activities designed to boost strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve balance, increase flexibility, or enhance cardiovascular fitness, there’s something for everyone.

Read: Brisbane’s Performance Physio, with Bardon Branch, Joins Football Queensland

These low-impact sessions cater to all fitness levels and provide a fantastic opportunity to stay active while connecting with the community.

Strength, Agility, and Balance

When: Every Wednesday – 12 March, 19 March, 26 March
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Bowman Park, 247 Simpsons Road, Bardon (Meet near half basketball court)
Bookings: Essential – Email Fitness with a Twist or call Christine at 0406 425 561
What to Bring: Exercise mat and hand weights

This low-impact body conditioning program is tailored to help participants build strength, endurance, and overall fitness. It’s suitable for men and women of all fitness levels and is part of the GOLD (Growing Older and Living Dangerously) initiative aimed at seniors. Secure your spot today to enjoy a fun and supportive exercise experience.

Tai Chi Qigong

Photo credit: Australian Academy of Tai Chi/Facebook

When: Every Thursday – 13 March, 20 March, 27 March
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: Fletcher Parade Park, Bardon (Meeting point: Bardon Lions Park, Fletcher Parade, opposite Alexandra Street)
Bookings: Not required – For more information, call Jan from the Australian Academy of Tai Chi at 0414 569 492

This dynamic and rejuvenating session is perfect for those seeking a sense of calm while improving balance and flexibility. Tai Chi Qigong promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Feel free to join any week and experience the benefits of this ancient practice in a peaceful outdoor setting.

Tabata and Core

When: Every Saturday – 15 March, 22 March

Time: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Where: Jubilee Park, 52 Crown Street, Bardon (Meet near the old cricket pitch roller)
Bookings: Essential – Email Fitness with a Twist or call Christine at 0406 425 561
What to Bring: Exercise mat

For those looking for a high-energy workout, Tabata and Core is the perfect option. This combination of interval training and core stability exercises will help improve cardiovascular fitness and core strength. Designed for all fitness levels, this session provides a great way to challenge yourself in a supportive environment.

Read: The Streets of Bardon: How Time Reshaped Local Thoroughfares

Join the Fun and Stay Active!

These Council-sponsored activities provide an excellent opportunity to stay fit while enjoying Bardon’s beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re focusing on strength, flexibility, or endurance, there’s a class suited to your needs. Mark your calendars and take advantage of these fantastic community events this March!

Published 6-March-2025

Brisbane’s Performance Physio, with Bardon Branch, Joins Football Queensland

Photo Credit: Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has named Performance Physio its Official Physiotherapy Partner for 2025. This move strengthens the state’s injury prevention, management, and rehabilitation services. With a branch in Bardon and multiple clinics in Brisbane, Performance Physio has extensive experience working with leading football clubs and competitions.

Football Queensland Bardon — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Physiotherapy at Key Football Queensland Events

Performance Physio will provide on-site physiotherapy, injury prevention, and rehabilitation services at major FQ events, including:

FQ Academy programs
Queensland State Teams competing in the NPL U23 competition
National Youth Championships
FQ Academy QAS players during training and matchdays

The partnership will integrate physiotherapy into FQ’s high-performance programs. It aims to support players at all levels, from grassroots to elite competition. This initiative will enhance player welfare, ensuring athletes receive professional care tailored to their needs.

Long-Term Athlete Development

Beyond treating injuries, Performance Physio will focus on education, prevention strategies, and long-term health management. Implementing cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques and sports science innovations will help athletes recover faster and reduce the risk of recurring injuries.

The partnership also emphasises collaboration with coaches and teams, providing tailored training and injury prevention programs to maintain player performance throughout the season.

Brisbane’s Performance Physio — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Exclusive Benefits for Queensland Footballers

Footballers within the FQ community will have access to exclusive benefits in addition to direct physiotherapy services. Players can receive discounted physiotherapy services throughout 2025 by mentioning their club when booking an appointment.

Strengthening Player Welfare Across Queensland

This partnership marks a significant step in Football Queensland’s efforts to enhance player welfare. By aligning with an experienced physiotherapy provider, the organisation aims to ensure that athletes at all levels receive the best possible care and support. Performance Physio’s expertise is now integrated into FQ’s programs so players can expect a more structured approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation throughout the 2025 season.

Published 28-Feb-2025

Young Resident Leads Pedestrian Safety Campaign on Bowman Parade in Bardon

Photo Credit: Pexels

Eight-year-old Sam from Bardon has taken action to improve pedestrian safety on Bowman Parade, where he and his family walk to school daily. Concerned about the lack of proper pedestrian infrastructure, Sam has started a petition urging the city officials to implement safety measures at a crossing near the Bowls Club.

Bowman Parade is a heavily used route, and the current crossing near the creek underpass lacks zebra markings, speed humps, or slow-down signs. Sam’s mother does not allow him to walk alone due to the high speed of vehicles and poor visibility at the crossing.

Residents have reported frequent near-misses, with pedestrians often forced to wait in the middle of the road or retreat quickly when vehicles appear. Sam’s petition, with more than 1,200 signatures, reflects widespread concerns from the community.

Bowman Parade pedestrian safety — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Limited Traffic Calming Measures Across Brisbane

The campaign highlights a broader issue in Brisbane, where pedestrian safety measures have been a low priority. In the last budget, only one new traffic calming project was funded for the city.

City authorities have faced criticism for prioritising car-centric transport planning, with limited investment in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Efforts to Improve Bowman Parade Safety

While BCC has not yet committed to significant upgrades for the Bowman Parade crossing, local representatives have secured approval for an LED Slow Down sign near the crossing. However, many argue that this is not enough to ensure safety. The feasibility of a new chicane is currently under review.

Sam’s petition aims to push for further traffic calming measures, such as a zebra crossing or speed humps, to reduce vehicle speeds and improve visibility for pedestrians.

What Happens Next?

With growing community support, Sam’s petition is putting pressure on BCC to address pedestrian safety on Bowman Parade. The outcome of the BCC’s investigation into a potential chicane will determine whether more significant changes will be implemented.

Residents who support improved pedestrian infrastructure in Bardon are encouraged to sign the petition and voice their concerns.

sign petition here

Published 3-Feb-2025

La Belle Vie Bistro Continues Bardon’s Legacy of Fine French Cuisine

Photo Credit: La Belle Vie/ Facebook

La Belle Vie Bistro in Bardon offers an authentic French dining experience with stunning views, a commitment to quality ingredients, and classic dishes.

A Taste of France in Bardon

*Photo Credit:* *La Belle Vie/ Facebook*

La Belle Vie Bistro, located at 1/60 MacGregor Terrace in Bardon, brings the taste of France to the hills of Brisbane. Head Chef Samuel Perrin, who trained under the renowned chef Alain Ducasse, uses his French countryside upbringing to inspire the restaurant’s menu.

Diners can enjoy classic French dishes like confit duck leg, snapper en papillote, and beef cheeks in classic Bourguignon style. The bistro prides itself on using quality ingredients and providing an authentic French experience, from the food to the atmosphere.

More Than Just a Meal

La Belle Vie Bistro — *Photo Credit:* *La Belle Vie/ Facebook*

La Belle Vie is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience. The restaurant has a sophisticated atmosphere, crisp white tablecloths, elegant lighting, and large windows showing off Brisbane’s west’s panoramic views. The bistro also boasts an extensive list of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from France and Australia.

A Community Favourite

Since opening in August 2020, La Belle Vie has become a favourite among locals. Many appreciate the restaurant’s dedication to maintaining the high standards of the previous establishment, Lutèce, while also creating a fresh and modern dining experience.

Guests praise the bistro’s exceptional food, professional and friendly service, and good value. The delicious food, elegant surroundings, and attentive service make La Belle Vie Bistro popular for special occasions and everyday dining.

Continuing the “Beautiful Life”

The team at La Belle Vie, which translates to “The Beautiful Life,” is passionate about sharing their love of French cuisine and wine with the community. They host special events like wine dinners, where guests can learn about different wine regions and varieties. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious meal with a view, La Belle Vie Bistro offers a taste of France in the heart of Bardon.

Published Date 20-Jan-2025