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Rainworth State School Now on the Queensland Heritage List

Rainworth State School, one of the leading primary schools in Bardon, has been entered in the Queensland Heritage Register.

Inscribed in the heritage register on 21 August 2019, the school was classified as a State Heritage site for its significance in the following criteria:

demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Queensland’s history
demonstrating the principal characteristics of a Queensland state school of the Depression-era
strong association with past and present pupils, parents, staff members, and the surrounding community through sustained use since its establishment in a rapidly developing residential area in 1928.

Block C, north elevation (Photo Credit: apps.des.qld.gov.au)

During the 1930s, the Queensland Government launched building and relief work programmes that provided work for men unemployed as a result of the Great Depression. The school’s Brick School Building, retaining wall with stairs, and the levelling of parts of the school grounds for a playing field and tennis courts were the results of these relief work programmes.

Tennis courts at Rainworth State School (Photo Credit: apps.des.qld.gov.au)

Until today, the original timber building in the school is still being used and currently houses eight classrooms. A complete refurbishment of all the existing buildings was done in the 1980s.

Rainworth State School History

In 1928, Rainworth State School opened with only 238 students and five teachers. It was built on land purchased by the Department of Public Instruction from a farmer named Robert Finnick to accommodate the need for a new school in the area.

Back then, the school had an easier access to pupils. It helped relieve overcrowding at schools in surrounding areas and served Rainworth, Rosehill and Soudan localities, and parts of Birdwood Terrace, Upper Paddington, and Bardon.

Fast-forward to present day, the primary school now has twice the number of students since it opened. As of 2017, there were a total of 549 children enrolled at Rainworth State School. It is located 4.2km west of Brisbane CBD and currently accepts Prep Year to Year 6 students.

The school is considered among Queensland’s top school catchments. Rainworth State School landed on the top spot of Better Education’s best public primary school in Brisbane for 2018.

Rainworth State School: Among Top Primary Schools Based on 2019 NAPLAN Results

Rainworth State School is among the top performing primary schools based on the released NAPLAN 2019 Preliminary Results.

Rainworth State School follows top-ranking St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot. Ashgrove State School, Ashgrove; St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School, Corinda; and Indooroopilly State School, Indooroopilly round out the top five.

NAPLAN 2019 Outcomes for Rainworth State School

Year 3	READ	WRITE	SPELL	GP	NMCY
Average Score	554	459	459	551	459
% of students at or above NMS	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%

Year 5	READ	WRITE	SPELL	GP	NMCY
Average Score	598	523	549	613	558
% of students at or above NMS	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%

Source: NAPLAN 2019 data from Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority

It is not at all surprising to see Rainworth State School ranking among the best primary schools in Queensland. Based on Good Education Group’s website showing Rainworth State School’s NAPLAN results from 2014 – 2017, the Bardon-based primary school has consistently done well, scoring well above the national average, in all areas: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, and Numeracy.

The Concerning 2019 Preliminary NAPLAN Writing Results

ACARA noted that NAPLAN results in writing for 2019 have revealed a “pleasing improvement” from last year, especially that there was a noticeable decline in recent years across all year levels.

“Schools have been making focused efforts for some time to address concerns about their students’ writing. Students are to be congratulated for this year’s improvement, especially Year 3 students, where the results are particularly encouraging,” ACARA CEO David de Carvalho said.

*Photo credit: State of Queensland (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) / qcaa.qld.edu.au*

Despite the improvement in writing results, comparison of performance in writing by state and territory reveals that Queensland Year 9 students are the second least performing, just a step above the Northern Territory students, with only 77.6 percent of the cohorts meeting or above the national minimum standard. The Qld average is 5.3 percentage points lower than the national average of 82.9 percent.

Moreover, the percentage of Qld students at or above the NMS in Years 3, 5, and 7 also fell below the national average, with the gap increasing with each year.

NAPLAN 2019 achievement of Qld and Australia Year 3,5, and 7 students in writing:

Qld Year 3 – 96.3%, Australia – 96.9%; difference 0.6
Qld Year 5 – 91.2%, Australia – 93.1% ; difference 1.9
Qld Year 7 – 86.8%, Australia – 89.8% ; difference 3.0
Qld Year 9 – 77.6%, Australia – 82.9% ; difference 5.3

Still, Education Minister Grace Grace lauded the preliminary results, stating that Queensland students continue to perform well in many key areas.

“This year’s results continue to confirm Queensland as one of the most improved states since testing began in 2008,” Ms Grace said.

“It is great to see our students improving in 17 of 20 NAPLAN test areas against National Minimum Standard, Mean Scale Score and Upper two Bands.”

“After more than 10 years, it’s time for a comprehensive national review of NAPLAN to ensure it remains current and responsive to changes in education,” she said.

“Queensland is still proud to be the star performer when it comes to NAPLAN.”

Aircraft Traffic Above Bardon To Increase Beginning Mid-2020

With the opening of the new runway in mid-2020 and the introduction of new flight paths, Bardon and The Gap may notice an increase in aircraft traffic overhead.

*Photo credit: 2019 Brisbane Airport Corporation / flightpathtool.bne.com.au*

To help residents check flight paths and understand related flight information specific to an address, Brisbane Airport Corporation recently released its Flight Path tool.

Video Credit: Brisbane Airport / YouTube

The flight path tool shows aircraft arrival and departure flight paths, for both current and when the new runway opens, depending on the direction of the wind that is blowing at the airport. Along with the flight paths, the tool also provides noise mapping which indicates areas that will experience aircraft noise of 70 decibels or more.

Aircraft Traffic — *Photo credit: 2019 Brisbane Airport Corporation / flightpathtool.bne.com.au*

The new runway will allow aircraft to land over the city and depart over the bay on both runways when northerly winds prevail or arrive over moreton bay and depart over the city on both runways when the wind blowing is predominantly southerly.

Utilising the new runway, the new flight paths during predominantly northerly breezes could bring about an average of seven arriving aircrafts flying above the suburb of Bardon between 6am and 6pm, with the numbers possibly reaching as high as 29 flights in Brisbane winter months.

In Brisbane summer months, there will be about 14 arriving flights above Bardon between 6am and 6pm when the wind blowing at the airport is predominantly northerly. The flight path plan sets the number of maximum arriving jet flights above Bardon at 30.

When the new runway is fully operational, aircraft traffic will be moved further west and removed from suburbs like Zillmere, Aspley, Chermside, Chermside West, Stafford, Stafford Heights, Enoggera, Alderley, and Keperra.

Whilst suburbs that will be under the flight path for the first time will include Upper Kedron, Albany Creek, Bridgeman Downs, Banyo, Nudgee, Bald Hills, Strathpine, Bray Park, Lawnton, and Joyner.

Departing flights over these suburbs will however be at an altitude of about 10,000 to 20,000 feet, so aircraft noise is not expected to be noticeable. Also, as much as possible, flights will directed over the bay between 10pm to 6am.

Chef Gives Traditional French Dishes a Modern Twist at Bardon French Restaurant

If you’re looking for a bit of indulgence, the sumptuous dishes exquisitely prepared at Lutece in Bardon may just satisfy your craving for a delightful dinner. Choose from the four-course Lobster Celebration, the Canard à la Presse (Duck on the Press), the Winter Special lunch menu, or the Dinner by Sunset list.

Lutece serves traditional French food with a modern twist, which is prepared so meticulously by Chef Romain Bapst. If it is your first visit then you need to try the creamy crab lasagne signature dish and the classic escargot.

While the restaurant’s food choices are limited and change seasonally, you’ll appreciate the set menus because you just have to order and wait comfortably as every meal is served at your table, including the desserts.

Lutece also has a vegetarian and kids menu, as well as an extensive wine list to pair with your meals.

*Photo Credit: Discover Brisbane/Facebook*

From the moment you step inside this chic establishment, you’ll get first-class service. Price points might be a bit more expensive than other restaurants, but the fine dining experience is very much worth the price.

To be clear, Lutece isn’t cheap but you’ll get great value for your money. On Wednesday nights, a jazz band serenades diners. What’s more, the restaurant is located in the foothills of Mt Cool-tha with a great view of the western suburbs so be sure to reserve a seat by the window to make your dining experience even better.

*Photo Credit: Lutece Bistro & Wine Bar/Facebook*

Lutece’s trading hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. For reservations, phone (07) 3161 1858 or email bookings@lutece.com.au.

“My husband and I went there this past weekend for lunch and the food was unbelievable. I highly recommend the Lobster Bisque and Crab Lasagna. We will definitely be back! Great views too. Best french restaurant in Brisbane, by far.”
~ Nicole Maria, Google Reviews

“The food was delicious, the service impeccable and the ambiance amazing. We will certainly be back especially as we live so close. What a gem! Perfect for a special occasion! They even gave us a treat with Happy Anniversary written in chocolate with a sparkler. So special!”
~ Narelle Keresztes, Facebook

“Something really special. The view is spectacular. The menu spectacular. Get an uber – you don’t want to be the designated driver. Very well priced for food of this quality.”
~ Emma, Zomato

Why Dog Owners Like to Hang Out at Bardon Thyme

Bardon Thyme has a favourable spot at the corner of Morgan Terrace. It’s right across the beautiful Bowman Park in Bardon, where plenty of dog owners stroll with their pets to find a place to relax or dine.

Owners and life partners Michael Wendt and Gary Hamilton have capitalised on the crowd that walks the footpath of their shabby chic cafe by providing exactly what they need. They’ve set up an establishment where people can hang around comfortably amidst the garden greens and the lush surroundings.

To the back of Bardon Thyme is a spacious garden where dogs can enjoy their puppycinos. The front of the restaurant has a shaded outdoor area as well, where people can take their leisure time to enjoy their coffee or food.

The menu at the cafe changes regularly but being vegetarians, the partners that run this shop serve mostly wholesome food for diners. However, they also recognise meat lovers so they source hams and slices of bacon from local farmers while the eggs are free-range.

Most of the food is made from scratch including the jams and preserves since Bardon Thyme has a productive garden at the back. The pastries and bread, however, come from Crust & Co.

Bardon Thyme opened in November 2018 and it’s quite packed during lunch hours. The store starts trading at 6:30 a.m. and closes shop at 4:00 p.m. Weekend hours are shorter, though, as the restaurant closes just right after the lunch hour. They are closed on Mondays.

“It’s very hard to find a cafe with great coffee and friendly service; in a convenient and relaxing environment. In fact it’s very rare. The addition of a very healthy and delicious food menu is an absolute bonus. Keep it up, guys. I will be coming back!”
~ Shane Fracchia, Google Reviews

“Welcoming staff. Great neighbourhood atmosphere. Really good food. Excellent coffee.”
~ Sue Thomas, Facebook

Bardon: Brisbane Suburb with Highest Jump in Unit Rent Price

Bardon recorded the highest rise in unit rent price in the past 12 months to June 2019, the latest report from Domain Group revealed.

The latest report by Domain revealed which suburbs recorded the biggest rise in rent price and which saw the biggest drop. Unit rental market in Bardon rose the highest in the last 12 months with an 18 percent jump and a 20 percent rise over the past five years, for a median weekly rent price of $360.

Experts attribute the surge in unit price to the growing number of smaller units and townhouses which are popular choices for established renters who choose the suburb for its location and amenities.

Bardon is also the catchment zone for two of the sought-after schools in Brisbane, Bardon State School and Rainworth State School, the report said.

Other suburbs that saw unit rental price hike is Yerongpilly with a 14.3 percent rise year-on-year and Holland Park with an 11.1 percent year-on-year rent price increase.

The report also noted that Brisbane’s rental market has experienced a rising trend in the past 12 months with an overall increase of 6.25 percent for units in inner-city suburbs which indicates a strong demand for new apartments.

Fortitude Valley, on the other hand, had the biggest jump in rental asking price for houses with a 16.3 percent increase or a median weekly rent price of $500. The report said that the increase in rental price in the suburb is likely due to demand already catching up with the supply boom over the past years.

House rental price in Fig Tree Pocket also has risen by 12.5 percent with a median weekly rent price of $675 whilst in Ashgrove, house rent price increased by 10.6 percent, for a median weekly rent of 575.

As far as locations that saw the biggest decrease in rent price for units, Rocklea declined the most with an 8.9 percent drop year-on-year for a median weekly rent price of $280. For houses, Chelmer dropped the largest with 11.2 percent for a weekly median rent price of $675.

Bardon Bowls Club Bids Goodbye to Pokies

Bardon Bowls Club is gearing up for more enhancements following their decision to get rid of their last ‘pokies.’

The club finally decided to remove the last gambling machines in the premises in June 2019. This move makes it possible for the club to offer more spaces for social gatherings.

*Photo credit: The Bardon Bowls Club/Facebook*

According to Bardon Bowls Club’s volunteer president Trevor Worth, the poker machines saw a decline in users over the years. Revitalising the area to accommodate function spaces can possibly generate more income for the club compared to its previous use as a gaming area.

Significant changes are already noticeable in the former gaming area. In fact, the club already hosted a kid’s disco on the said space after the removal of the machines.

In connection with their move away from gambling, the club will be adding new activities in addition to bowls for families to enjoy. Whilst the club has no current plans in re-opening their restaurant, food trucks can now be seen regularly on-site from Fridays to Sundays.

The club also plans to create a kids’ playroom in the corner room next to the family green. This will be accessible from inside and out.

Clubgoers can also enjoy a selection of drinks from the club’s improved wine lists and craft beer offers. Currently on-offer are locally-sourced beers from independent breweries including Eumundi, Newstead, and Green Beacon.

Bardon Bowls Club is hopeful that these changes will help the community hub prosper and allow families to enjoy the club much more.

Voices of Birralee Launches ‘Where Do You Sing’ Competition

Photo Credit: Voices of Birralee/Facebook

Voices of Birralee, one of the finest child and youth choirs in Bardon is calling on the community to join its “Where Do You Sing?” competition.

Answer this question through a one-minute video of yourself singing in unusual places and upload it to their Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #wheredoyousing while tagging @Voicesofbirralee.

Alternatively, entrants can email the video to assist@birralee.org. The competition will close midnight, 21 July 2019.

Participants with the most unique and fun responses get a chance to bring home $100 worth of voucher from ColesMyer. They will choose one as an overall winner and one for ‘People’s Choice’.

The organisation’s Founder and Artistic Director Julie Christiansen OAM said the competition calls for people to get involved, no matter their singing expertise.

“It’s all about having fun and celebrating music in the community. Our team at Birralee has already provided an example via our Facebook and Instagram-so now it’s your turn!” she said.

Provided they meet the competition’s T&Cs, all entries will be shared via Birralee’s social media. Entry is open to anyone but anyone under 16 must have parental authority to be involved

The competition is in time for the World Music Day celebration, which is celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st of June.

For further information on ‘Where Do You Sing?’ competition, visit the Voices of Birralee website or Facebook page.

Community, Convenience, and Comfort at The Bardon Shed

Photo Credit: The Bardon Shed/Facebook

Looking for a fresh food market where you can meet with friends and simply soak up the friendly vibe after grocery shopping? Take a trip to The Bardon Shed, a food market located in the corner of Runic Street where you’ll find community, convenience, and comfort whilst shopping.

One of the newest additions to the suburb’s fresh food markets, The Bardon Shed offers a diverse range of specialist food brands and local fresh produce. Shelves are filled with gourmet groceries like fresh pasta, ravioli, jams and sauces. More than the shopping experience, the market has become a meeting place for locals who want to enjoy fresh juice or espresso, light snacks, and bite-sized treats.

Just recently, The Bardon Shed introduced its own lunch menu consisting of nine new dishes. Think pork sausages paired with creamy mashed potatoes and wine or a bowl of comforting soup served with freshly baked bread. There will also be gluten-free and vegetarian options, soon.

The Bardon Shed prides itself in having an array of products sourced from Brisbane’s best markets and local growers.

Convenience meets comfort in this one-stop shop for produce, because you can sit back and relax at the verandah before or after grocery shopping. And if you’re wondering whether you can bring your fur baby with you, yes, they are dog-friendly too!

The verandah has an outdoor TV set on the wall and a comfortable 10-seater sofa in addition to individual tables and benches.

They have a delicatessen where you can buy rolls, hot free range chickens, hot pies, and filo pastry cooked every day. If you need a morning pick-me-up, try their hot chocolate, milkshakes, or the strong and rich Genovese which is the coffee of choice at their espresso bar.

For the health conscious customers out there, you can get your supplies from The Bardon Shed’s organic and vegan merchandise in-store.

The Bardon Shed opens seven days a week from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm and has a free parking area. Check out their website or Facebook page to learn more.

Get Your Fill of Hungarian Comfort Food at Smoked Paprika in Bardon

If you’ve ever had a hankering for Hungarian comfort cooking, come and dine at Bardon’s Smoked Paprika. Named after Hungary’s most popular spice, Chef Gabor Traub has carefully selected his family’s recipes to serve at his restaurant whilst adding his own creative touches.

Located at 65 MacGregor Terrace, Smoked Paprika is an all-day breakfast restaurant that serves home-cooked meals with distinct Hungarian influences.

Chef Traub changes the menu regularly to keep the choices interesting but the cafe’s signature meal, the Smoked Paprika breakfast, is a must-have for first-timers. This order has spiced beef with a rich layer of goulash served on Turkish bread, poached eggs, roasted tomatoes and grilled halloumi with hollandaise sauce.

The flavours of every dish in this foodie spot are guaranteed to gratify your cravings. But your eyes will also light up because of the fantastic way Chef Traub plays up the colours in the food and desserts he creates.

Locals think this foodie spot is easily one of the best breakfast places in Brisbane but you must come and try it for yourself. Smoked Paprika opens all week from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Highly recommend smoked paprika to everybody! I’m a huge fan! The best thing about this place is their creativity…you will always be surprise with the presentation of their meals and of course the taste. Also very friendly staff. Definitely the best cafe in Brisbane!”
~ Vanessa Soares, Facebook

“My new favourite Brisbane cafe! The service here was next level, the were staff always accommodating us at each stage of the dining experience.

I had one of the green smoothies to start. It was very natural, smooth & not overly sweet. I chose the Sweet Potato Hash for Breakfast. A crowd favourite 3/4 from our table selected it. How delicious, avo, goats fetta, sweet potato hash & a large serving of bacon definitely hit the spot.

Worth the wait in gold, but make sure you book ahead.”
~ Nicholas Doran, Google Reviews

“Innovative take on breakfast/brunch.
Was impressed by the use of ingredients such as kale etc.
Lovely beverages to go with the meals.
I must add that the staff were very patient as it was well past closing time and I was taking my sweet time doing justice to my dish.”
~Mithran M, TripAdvisor