News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Clayfield and nearby suburbs.
Every entrant will receive a $65 voucher for a free evaluation and a free lesson. All entrants will go into a draw and the winner will receive a whole term’s tuition worth $650.
First Prize and Runner-Up prizes are only redeemable at Number Works n Words Clayfield. If the First Prize is unclaimed within 48 hours of the draw, there will be a redraw. Only one $65 voucher may be used per child.
Did you know that Wooloowin State School is the first primary school in Queensland to offer woodworking and domestic science classes to its students?
From its establishment in 1914, Wooloowin State School has gone through significant expansion, interesting developments, and numerous challenges (even a tragic fire incident) and come through it all with remarkable resilience.
Here are some things to know about Wooloowin State School:
In the early 20th century, Wooloowin emerged as a rapidly expanding suburb due to its proximity to the railway station, which opened in 1889.
Recognising the need for quality education, the Wooloowin Progress Association and school building committee spearheaded the establishment of Wooloowin State School.
Wooloowin State School was one of the most expensive schools to be built by Queensland Public Works. Its establishment came at a time when Queensland was undergoing an “educational experimentation” and a reworking of the curriculum.
With its construction occurring in four stages between 1914 and 1934, the school resolved to be a model institution in terms of curriculum, staff, facilities, and progressive education.
The first section of Wooloowin State School was completed in 1914, comprising two single-story brick wings with four large classrooms, spacious verandas, and modern furnishings. In subsequent years, additional classrooms were constructed, bringing the total count to six by 1918.
Employing the finest teachers in the state, the school eventually introduced woodworking and domestic science classes. It was the first primary school in Queensland to teach these subjects to the students.
Wooloowin, originally part of Lutwyche, flourished as a suburban community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The extension of the tramline in 1913-1914 played a crucial role in the area’s development. Wooloowin State School had to undergo more expansions, including a swimming pool, to fill the demand for education. These expansions in 1925 and 1934 reflected the school’s commitment to holistic education and catering to the growing population of the working-class suburb.
In 2003, tragedy struck Wooloowin State School when an arson attack damaged several key buildings, including the office, pre-school, tuckshop, School’s Out program, and library.
Despite the setback, the school’s heritage listing prevented the demolition of the damaged structures. Instead, the community rallied together, and the school was carefully repaired and rebuilt at a cost of A$4 million. Temporary classrooms were erected, and in September 2004, Wooloowin State School proudly reopened its doors.
The restoration process brought about several improvements, including the refurbishment of the main block, library, and pre-school. Additionally, a new tuckshop and uniform shop were constructed near the pool, further enhancing the school’s facilities. School’s Out program, initially located under the library, found a temporary home in one of the demountable classrooms.
Wooloowin State School stands as a testament to the power of community and resilience. From its early days as a model school at the forefront of education to the challenges faced during the 2003 fire, the school has evolved and adapted while preserving its rich heritage.
With the motto “Manners Maketh Man” guiding its students, Wooloowin State School continues to provide quality education and shape the lives of generations to come.
Published 17-August-2023
The fairy godfather of blind children. The flying doctor. Campaigner of women’s rights. Did you know that Clayfield was home to these local heroes who have left their mark on the history of Brisbane?
Read: Abandoned Clayfield Retirement Home to Transform Into Housing Complex
Developer of educational resources for blind children
Richard Frank Tunley was a small business owner from Clayfield who manufactured window blinds for a living. He devoted his life to combating the isolation faced by visually impaired children, by creating educational tools for them to explore and experience the world through touch. It earned him the title, the “fairy godfather of blind children.”
Mr Tunley made the first braille map for the children at the Brisbane School for the Blind (later known as Narbethong State Special School) in 1925, which was recognised as the first of its kind in Australia.
In 1962, Mr Tunley crafted “Brisbane Between the Three Bridges,” a remarkable braille map of the CBD. This unique creation goes beyond regular maps by incorporating relief outlines, allowing individuals to perceive the shapes of iconic structures like the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, and the William Jolly Bridge.
It showcases a representation of the three bridges located together at Indooroopilly: the Walter Taylor Bridge, along with the old and new railway bridges.
He also crafted the braille topographic map of Australia in the workshop of his Clayfield home in 1963.
It incorporates aluminium name tags, bearing embossed braille, to identify the names of locations, mountains, and other geographical features. Twisted wires are used to represent both major and minor rivers, while wooden pins indicate the elevation above sea level.
Flying doctor
After studying medicine in Ireland and training as a surgical registrar in England, Dr Tim O’Leary, became a second surgeon in New Australia, a liner bringing British migrants to Australia in 1952.
He stayed in New South Wales, where he worked as a clinical assistant chest physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, and as a medical officer in the tuberculosis eradication section of the Department of Health.
In 1953, Dr O’Leary became a member of the (Royal) Flying Doctor Service of Australia, specifically in the Queensland section, and was assigned to Charters Towers.
He was transferred temporarily to Brisbane in February 1958 when he was appointed RFDS acting medical superintendent. A year later, he married a nurse, named Yvonne Margaret Dowdell, at the St Agatha’s Catholic Church in Clayfield.
Dr O’Leary received a diploma in aviation medicine in 1972. The following year, he was elected as a founding fellow of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators. After experiencing a heart attack, he retired from the RFDS in 1980 and began practising privately on the Gold Coast.
Also known as ‘Dr. Tim,’ he contributed in the history of Brisbane as an exceptionally capable physician, who was particularly renowned for his expertise in obstetrics. He demonstrated empathy towards his patients, who cherished both his sense of humour and his unwavering dedication to their well-being.
Women’s rights campaigner and local government councillor
Ms White gained the endorsement of the Citizens’ Municipal Organization in 1949. The organisation is a non-political group founded by Sir John Beals Chandler.
This led to her historic achievement of becoming the first woman elected to represent a capital city council in Australia. For a period of 18 years, she served as an alderman, representing the Hamilton (Clayfield) ward within the Greater Brisbane City Council.
Ms White was a dedicated advocate for women’s rights and utilised her council position to advocate for improved public facilities and enhanced legal safeguards for women.
She actively participated in various community groups, including the Country Women’s Association, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and served as a patroness for the Kalinga Boy Scouts, the Civilian Widows’ Association, and the Clayfield Child Care Association.
Read: Clayfield Gems: Get to Know These 4 Heritage Homes on Norman Parade
Indeed, these remarkable individuals have left an indelible mark on Clayfield and have made the city proud through their invaluable contributions to the history of Brisbane.
Published 9-August-2023
Residents of Clayfield were given a stark reminder of the importance of home security systems as CCTV aids in the capture of an intruder at a residence on Queens Road.
Despite the absence of the homeowner, a timely alert from their CCTV security setup allowed them to promptly notify the police.
The suspect, gaining entry by tampering with a window, was soon located within the premises by a collaborative effort of Hendra Station, Boondall Tactical Crime Squad, and Boondall Highway Patrol officers.
In a tense turn of events, the alleged intruder barricaded himself inside a bedroom, forcing law enforcement to intervene forcefully.
Once in custody, authorities discovered stolen items, including valuable jewellery and cash, alongside tools commonly associated with break-and-enter crimes. Drug paraphernalia and a vehicle key were also seized from the individual.
Outside the property, a surprising find awaited as police stumbled upon a blue 2019 Subaru, its licence plates cleverly falsified. Investigations revealed the car had been reported stolen from an Ashgrove residence on July 17.
The ensuing legal proceedings have led to a 42-year-old man being charged with several offences.
These include entering a dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence, obstructing police, and the possession of stolen goods.
Additional charges for the Aug 7 incident pertain to the possession of burglary tools, improper disposal of drug paraphernalia, and the possession of items believed to be associated with drug-related activities.
Furthermore, the accused faces charges related to the break-in as well as the unlawful use of the stolen Subaru. The individual remains in custody and is set to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 8.
This incident underscores the importance of community collaboration and the critical role that home security measures play in safeguarding Clayfield’s tranquil environment.
Residents are urged to share any relevant information with authorities via Policelink, or Crime Stoppers using the reference numbers QP2301299969, QP2301172304.
The prompt response and effective teamwork demonstrated by law enforcement agencies serve as a reassuring testament to their commitment to maintaining safety and security within the Clayfield community.
Published 9-August-2023
The Greville Wooloowin development, an ambitious “urban village” project situated in Brisbane’s north, has been thrust into an $18-million legal battle due to a shocking asbestos discovery that has brought construction to a grinding halt.
The project, led by Dunland Property Pty Ltd, was intended to bring a touch of elegance to the city’s landscape, but now finds itself at the epicentre of a lawsuit against environmental consultants accused of negligence.
Dunland Property Pty Ltd, the owner of the development site at 60 Bridge St Wooloowin, has launched a lawsuit against MACH1 Environmental Pty Ltd and Butler Partners Pty Ltd in the Supreme Court.
The lawsuit alleges that these environmental consultants negligently cleared the contaminated site for construction, leading to costly delays and financial losses.
The legal claim, filed on 14 July 2023, highlights that Dunland relied on assurances from MACH1 Environmental and Butler Partners that the Cedar Woods’ townhouse project, known as Greville Wooloowin, was safe from contamination and suitable for construction.
However, once construction commenced in early 2021, asbestos was discovered in the soil, prompting a complete halt to work.
Subsequent investigations conducted in April and May revealed even more asbestos contamination on the site. To rectify the situation, Dunland had to remove a staggering 11,000 cubic meters of soil tainted with asbestos between June and November 2021, incurring significant costs.
By the time construction could resume, the project’s budget had ballooned from $15.3 million to $24.6 million for the townhouses, which were originally planned to be finished by October 2022. The consequences rippled through the project, forcing Dunland to cancel sales contracts for the terrace homes and incurring substantial financial setbacks.
The company is now seeking damages totaling $18.2 million, which encompasses increased construction costs, commissions paid to real estate agents for Francis Apartments, sunk marketing costs, and more.
Dunland asserts that the negligence caused the project’s crippling delays, costs, and cancellations.
The claim alleges that Butler Partners provided misleading information in their “contaminated land investigation” report, deeming the site suitable for unrestricted use and suggesting its removal from the state government’s environmental management register. Similarly, MACH1 Environmental’s report stated that “no contamination remains on-site.”
These reports were pivotal in the site’s removal from the environmental management register in October 2019. However, subsequent asbestos discoveries prompted the site’s relisting in June 2021.
Greville Wooloowin’s development includes 49 medium-density lots, 12 medium-density lots and two high-density apartment blocks, divided into four stages. Whilst the legal battle unfolds, the Greville Wooloowin development remains mired in uncertainty as no defence has been filed and no hearing date set, as of press time.
Published 7-Aug-2023
Cassiel Rousseau, who took the diving world by storm with his gold medal at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, says he will likely have to sacrifice his studies, social life, and job in Clayfield to repeat the feat at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In Fukuoka, the 22-year-old diving sensation became the first Australian ever to win gold in the men’s 10m platform . In doing so, he also denied China a sweep of all 13 gold medals in diving.
But with his rivals sure to come back stronger in their quest for Olympic gold, Rousseau believes he will need to wholly devote himself to training over the next year.
To stay at the top, Rousseau will have to give up working, which could change his financial prospects. He added that he might also have to take a break from his studies.
Cassiel is a receptionist at City Cave Clayfield and a psychology student at Griffith University. He is grateful for the flexibility both commitments have afforded his training so far. However, he says it is becoming difficult to balance everything.
His risky but high-scoring forward four-and-a-half somersault secured him a surprise world title.
Rousseau is careful not to get too complacent with his victory. He knows that maintaining his position at the top will require better training – especially with better-funded rivals and a target on his back.
With his grandfather Michel having won Olympic cycling gold for France at the 1956 Melbourne Games, the 2024 Paris Olympics hold special significance for Rousseau.
It is this family history that will drive him through the sacrifices ahead in his quest for more precious metal.
Published 05 August 2023
The owners of Wonga Villa, a colonial Queenslander on Bonney Avenue in Clayfield, are expressing concerns over a new development being built adjacent to their property, so close that they can almost touch them.
Read: First Residents Move into Former Retirement Village in Clayfield
The home, located at 194 Bonney Ave, was built in the early 1900s and purchased by the Bird family back in 2001. The family had hoped to sell the property in 2018 to downsize but still remain the owners up to this day.
An original development approval (DA) was granted in 2019 for the construction of a new two-storey complex next door. This DA outlined a 750mm boundary gap, matching the current space between the Wonga Villa and the fence line.
However, when construction started in April 2023, Wonga Villa’s owner Peter Bird claimed the concrete slabs were being placed much closer than approved.
The new development application, designed by architects from Jazz Designs, has since received approval for proposed minor changes, including extending walls nearer to the southern boundary and squaring off unit shapes.
Developers of the multiple dwellings at 196, 196A & 198 Bonney Avenue, also received a go-ahead to add block walls to each side, increase all finished floor levels by 300mm to allow stormwater discharge to be technically feasible, and configure window and door changes to all units.
The owners of Wonga Villa said they reached out to authorities but were reportedly told the issue was “beyond their authority.”
In response to the issue, Brisbane City Council noted that they investigated all concerns raised by Mr Bird but found the development complies with City Plan requirements and is being built per the approval. The application did not require public notification or referral to any agencies.
Read: Renovated Clayfield Home Enchants Buyers at the Auction
The Bird family remains upset by how close the new buildings are to their home, to the point they can almost touch the new units from their property. They had hoped authorities would have protected the original boundary gap outlined in the first DA, as attempts to halt construction have so far been unsuccessful.
Published 31-July-2023
A beautifully renovated five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence on Craven St in Clayfield went under the hammer, capturing the attention of enthusiastic buyers from all over South East Queensland.
The property, which underwent a meticulous 12-month renovation under the watchful eye of an interior designer, became a standout gem in the region’s real estate market.
The previous owners, Bronwyn Pitt and her husband Tony, were overwhelmed with the response from potential buyers as the auction came to a close at the end of July 2023. Whilst the specific details of the auction outcome have not been released yet, it was evident that the transformed property attracted considerable interest from individuals eager to secure their dream home.
Designed by the esteemed Bevan Lynch, the three-level family retreat exudes uncompromised contemporary excellence, offering an abundance of light-filled living spaces and high-quality luxury inclusions throughout.
The northeast facing family living areas, framed by floor-to-ceiling picture windows, provide an impressive view of a large private entertainer’s terrace complete with a swimming pool, water feature, and a spectacular outlook to Moreton Bay.
Inside, brush box floors create a warm and inviting atmosphere, harmonizing with the modern and spacious layout. The open-plan contemporary kitchen, boasting top-of-the-line appliances, stone benchtops, and a walk-in pantry, stands as the heart of the home.
The property also features a private study with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a media room leading to a serene back courtyard, and five bedrooms with built-in wardrobes.
The master suite serves as a tranquil sanctuary with his-and-hers walk-in robes, a full ensuite, spa bath, and a private terrace offering breathtaking views. The lower level provides added versatility with a rumpus/home office featuring a separate entry and internal access through the double auto lock-up garage.
The soaring demand for premium residences in South East Queensland and the unparalleled craftsmanship displayed in this renovated Clayfield home set the stage for an exciting and competitive bidding process.
Published 31-July-2023
Over the years, I have met with countless students who at first believed they were ‘no good at maths’. Imagine their delight when we helped them discover their inner ‘problem solver’.
Many would describe maths as ‘logical, black and white, right or wrong’; for there can only ever be one correct answer. While this may be true, there can often be several ways to solve the same problem, suggesting that mathematics is perhaps a far more creative endeavour than we have previously given it credit for.
The ability to solve problems, mathematical or otherwise, often requires us to think outside the box, to be original and to identify a way forward that others may not have considered.
It engages a creativity that is often not normally associated with the logic inherent in finding a solution, particularly as it applies to numbers.
However, some would argue that Mathematical problem solving is in the same realm as writing music or playing an instrument, in that while it is bound by laws and limitations, it is also a natural expression of our mind’s unique and infinite capacity to form patterns and ideas.
Everyone of us is a problem solver, in a multitude of ways and in a vast array of daily contexts.
When children see themselves as problems solvers and see maths as a way to ‘create’ solutions, it can help to break down the barriers that prevent them from trying in the first place.
Problem solving involves three key things:
When it comes to Problem Solving of more complex worded problems, it is important that children are adept at using a range of strategies, as it will enable them to discern what will be the best approach to use for any given problem.
For example, if a problem involves finding the area of a compound shape, ‘drawing a picture’ and writing measurements as described, will allow the child to visually understand the task and keep track of each step.
In another instance, it may be more efficient to ‘work backwards’ and in another, perhaps a ‘guess and check’ approach.
Below is a list of effective Problem Solving strategies that you and your child can explore when presented with a mathematical problem.
1. Read the problem aloud – By reading the problem aloud, they can help to clarify any confusion and better understand what’s being asked.
2. Summarise the information – Using dot points or a short sentence, list out all the information given in the problem.
3. Create a picture or diagram – By drawing a picture, can better understand what’s being asked and identify any information that’s missing.
4. Act it out – It can enable students to see the problem in a different way and develop a more intuitive understanding of it.
5. Use keyword analysis – Keyword analysis involves asking questions about the words in a problem in order to work out what needs to be done.
6. Look for a pattern – This could be a number, a shape pattern or even just a general trend that you can see in the information given.
7. Guess and check – Simply make a guess at the answer and then check to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you make another systematic guess and keep going until you find a solution that works.
8. Working backwards – Regressive reasoning, or working backwards, involves starting with a potential answer and working your way back to figure out how you would get there.
9. Use a formula – There will be some problems where a specific formula needs to be used in order to solve it.
10. Use direct reasoning – By breaking the problem down into smaller chunks, you can start to see how the different pieces fit together and eventually work out a solution.
12. Solve a simpler problem – Or if you’re struggling with the addition of algebraic fractions, go back to solving regular fraction addition first.
Published 26-July-2023
This competition is proudly sponsored by Number Works ‘n Words in Clayfield. Every entrant will receive a free evaluation and a free lesson. All entrants will go into a draw, the winner will receive a whole term’s tuition, worth $650.
TO ENTER: Simply pass the problem below onto your child and ask them to solve it. Then complete the entry form below it. Competition closes on July 31, 2023.
Published 26-July-2023
