upper kedron Archives - The Gap Today

From Student Laptops To Song Club: Ellendale Grants Reach The Gap

For disadvantaged children and young people pursuing their education, and for new parents and older musicians making use of a Creative Hub in The Gap, the latest Ellendale grants will provide practical support through laptops and new music equipment.

Two organisations in The Gap will receive a combined $6,000 from the $10,000 Ellendale Community Grants round, putting most of the local funding towards education assistance and community creative activities.

The St Vincent de Paul Society’s St John’s Wood / The Gap Conference has been allocated $5,000 to purchase laptops for disadvantaged children and young people pursuing educational goals.

For the local conference, the funding adds another practical resource to the assistance its volunteers provide to people experiencing crisis. The group meets on the first and third Monday evenings at the parish office and is part of the parish-based St Vincent de Paul network.

The Gap Creative Hub Adds New Equipment

A further $1,000 will go to Topology Inc. for a portable digital screen at its Creative Hub in The Gap.

The organisation has been creating music since 1997, with its work spanning contemporary performance, music education and community creative programs.

At The Gap hub, that work includes Metal Choir for new parents and Song Club for older musicians. The space is also used beyond music, with community groups holding information sessions, health and wellness classes, social events and exhibitions there.

The new digital screen will be available for concerts and presentations and can also be used by other groups accessing the hub.

Topology Creative Director Christa Powell said the equipment would give musicians and community organisations greater versatility when using the space.

The Gap local grants — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Junior Footballers Also Part Of Grant Round

The remaining $4,000 will be divided between two football clubs in Brisbane’s north-west.

Ferny Grove Falcons will receive $2,000 to replace worn goal-post padding and buy new portable goals. Founded in 1992 as a family-focused Australian Rules football club, the Falcons now cater for about 300 players across junior, youth, senior and masters teams.

Westside Grovely Football Club will receive another $2,000 for three portable gazebos, bringing extra shade and sun protection to its weekly football activities.

The gazebos are intended for the junior players on the field as well as parents, grandparents, carers, volunteers, coaches, match officials and spectators attending club activities.

The four organisations will share $10,000 through the latest Ellendale Community Grants round. Ellendale, a masterplanned community in Upper Kedron, is home to 590 families.

Across Ellendale and Cedar Woods’ Flourish community in South Maclean, $135,000 has been awarded to more than 60 community groups.

Published 19-August-2026

Upper Kedron Groups Invited To Apply For Ellendale Grants

Community groups in Upper Kedron and surrounding Brisbane north suburbs are being invited to apply for the 2026 Ellendale Community Grants, with $10,000 available for eligible schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit groups and local organisations.

Ellendale Grants Open for Local Applications

Applications are now open for the latest round of the Ellendale Community Grants, a funding program linked to Cedar Woods Properties’ Ellendale masterplanned community in Upper Kedron.

The program has supported groups in surrounding suburbs since 2017, with funding used in previous rounds for equipment, facility improvements, school programs and support for residents. Eligible applicants include schools and not-for-profit groups, including sporting and community organisations, that have been operating for more than 12 months.

Applications close on 26 June 2026, with successful recipients expected to be announced in July.

Cedar Woods Ellendale Community Grant Winners. Phoenix Netball Club. Photo Credit: Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch/Supplied

Past Rounds Show Practical Community Use

The 2026 round follows earlier grants that have supported clubs, schools and community organisations across Brisbane’s north.

Cedar Woods has awarded $115,000 in grants to more than 60 community groups across the suburbs surrounding Ellendale and the Flourish masterplanned community in South Maclean.

In the 2025 Ellendale Community Grants round, six local groups shared $10,000. Phoenix Netball Club received $3,500 to help resurface three playing courts used by 285 players across 32 teams. More than half of the club’s members were from Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron, with some also living at Ellendale.

Other 2025 recipients included Everton Physical Culture Club, Mitchelton Youth Club, Samford Play Group, St Andrews P&C and St John’s Wood The Gap Conference. The grants supported needs including promotional material for a Physie program, seating for a renovated lobby area, play fort repairs, aluminium soccer goals and school-related support for families.

Cedar Woods delivers the Ellendale Community Grant to Ferny Grove State School P&C for their Robotics program. Photo Credit: Sarah Keayes/The Photo Pitch/Supplied

Upper Kedron Program Reaches Nearby Suburbs

The 2024 Ellendale Community Grants also provided $10,000 to local groups, including Ferny Grove State School P&C Association, Westside Grovely FC, Samford Netball Club and St John’s Wood / The Gap Parish of St Vincent De Paul Society.

Ferny Grove State School P&C received $5,000 in 2024 to buy robotics kits, expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program to junior students. The grant was set to benefit 300 students.

The Ellendale grants page also lists previous recipient rounds from 2022 and 2019, reflecting several years of funding for groups linked to Upper Kedron and nearby communities.

Applications Close in June

Ellendale is a 227-hectare masterplanned community in Upper Kedron, bordering South D’Aguilar National Park. It is home to more than 590 families and includes nature corridors, recreation space and homesites.

The 2026 grants are open to eligible groups in Upper Kedron and surrounding communities. Applications close on 26 June 2026, with successful organisations to be notified in July.

Published 26-May-2026

Upper Kedron Telecommunications DA Draws Submissions Over Trossachs Place Site

Photo Credit: Pexels

A development application for a telecommunications facility at 49 Trossachs Place has drawn local attention, with submissions pointing to poor mobile phone coverage as well as concerns about the site, amenity and surrounding environment.

Upper Kedron DA Sets Out Telecommunications Proposal

A telecommunications facility is proposed for 49 Trossachs Place under development application A006823050. The application was lodged by Waveconn Operations Pty Ltd and seeks a development permit for a Material Change of Use. The proposed use is identified as a telecommunications facility.

The application is impact assessable and subject to public notification, which began on 13 April 2026 and is due to close on 5 May 2026.

Submissions Raise Coverage And Amenity Issues

Public submissions show the proposal has drawn both support and opposition, with mobile coverage concerns sitting alongside questions about the suitability of the Trossachs Place site.

Supporters point to poor reception in Upper Kedron, including difficulty getting reliable mobile coverage inside homes. One submission also supports a shared facility for major providers, saying one structure used across multiple networks would be preferable to separate towers.

Objectors refer to the proposal as a 35-metre telecommunications facility and raise concerns about visual amenity, bushfire risk, environmental constraints, koala habitat, scenic amenity, access, construction impacts and neighbourhood character. Some also argue that other locations should be considered before the application is decided, while suggested conditions include a reduced height, additional natural screening and further consideration of fibre connectivity.

mobile phone coverage — *Photo Credit: DA/A006823050*

Public Notification Continues

The Upper Kedron telecommunications DA remains in progress during the public notification period.

Supporters point to poor mobile coverage and the need for more reliable reception. Objectors focus on whether the Trossachs Place site is suitable, citing concerns about height, visual impact, environmental matters and local amenity.

The public notification period is due to close on 5 May 2026.

Published 30-Apr-2026

Upper Kedron Set for Major Water Upgrade with New Reservoir and Pipelines

Photo Credit: Pensar

Crews are preparing to dig beneath the streets of Upper Kedron and build new water infrastructure aimed at keeping taps running as more homes move in. The project, led by Pensar, will bring a new reservoir, pumping station and network of underground pipelines into the area, marking one of the largest local upgrades to water supply in recent years.

Construction is scheduled from April 2026 through to late 2027, with work staged across multiple sites.

Pipes beneath roads signal shift in how water moves through Upper Kedron

The project centres on installing underground trunk water mains along key routes, including sections of O’Quinn Road, Levitt Road and Canvey Road. These pipelines will connect to a new reservoir designed to store water and a pumping station that will move it through the network.

According to project information from Pensar’s Upper Kedron project page, most of the construction will take place below ground, with visible activity mainly limited to excavation zones and larger work areas around the reservoir and pump station sites. Temporary compounds at 301 and 383 Levitt Road, as well as the end of Canvey Road, will support equipment storage and site operations as work progresses.

Traffic changes and construction activity expected across local streets

Residents can expect shifting traffic conditions as work moves between locations. Temporary lane closures, reduced speed limits and traffic controllers will be used to manage safety during construction.

Project details indicate that access to homes and businesses will be maintained where possible, though some delays are likely as works move through different stages. Construction will generally take place during daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with occasional out-of-hours work flagged in advance when required.

Managing noise, dust and day-to-day disruption during works

Earthworks and trenching will bring periods of noise, dust and vibration, particularly during early and mid-stage construction. The project team has outlined measures such as dust suppression, monitoring and noise controls to limit impacts beyond work zones.

Information provided by Pensar states that work methods may be adjusted where practical, depending on site conditions and community feedback. Environmental safeguards, including erosion control and waterway protection, are also part of the construction approach.

New infrastructure aims to keep pace with population growth

The upgrade comes as Upper Kedron continues to expand, with new housing increasing demand on existing water systems. The reservoir will provide additional storage capacity, while the pumping station will support consistent pressure and distribution across the suburb.

Project materials show the works are part of forward planning to avoid larger disruptions in the future, as demand for water continues to rise. Once complete, the system will undergo testing before being brought into operation.

Residents encouraged to stay informed as project progresses

The project team has set up a community contact line and email service to handle enquiries and provide updates. Notifications, including letterbox drops and flyers, are expected to be distributed ahead of major construction stages.

Once construction is finished, temporary sites will be removed and affected areas restored, with the new infrastructure forming part of the long-term water network serving Upper Kedron.

Published 29-April-2026

Upper Kedron’s Eva Ilov Impresses Judges to Earn Australian Idol Golden Ticket

Eva Ilov/Instagram

Eva Ilov, a 20-year-old singer-songwriter who grew up in Upper Kedron and trained at Performance Studios in Loganholme, has secured a Golden Ticket into the Top 30 of Australian Idol 2026 after one of the season’s most talked-about auditions.

Ilov walked into her audition in front of judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines without a prepared song, deliberately leaving the choice in their hands. The calculated risk paid off. The judges selected three contrasting songs: a Whitney Houston ballad, a Chris Stapleton country-soul track that showcased her gritty range, and a Men at Work classic that put a smile on everyone’s face. Her ability to switch genres without missing a step earned immediate praise, with the judges awarding her a Golden Ticket to the Top 30 on the spot.

For a performer who describes herself as a “musical chameleon,” it was an entrance that made the label stick.

A Musical Life That Began in Upper Kedron

Eva Ilov’s connection to music stretches back to childhood in Brisbane’s north-west. Her granddad bought her her first guitar when she was around seven or eight, and her mother, determined not to let the gift go to waste, enrolled her in lessons. Vocals followed naturally not long after.

She appeared in the junior competition Take the Mic in 2012 and later performed in community music series Homegrown Superstars between 2020 and 2022, building stage experience well before any national platform came calling. Her early formal training included the Young Conservatorium Program at Griffith University, where she studied contemporary voice.

View this post on Instagram

By 2025 Ilov had completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music at QUT, while also building a portfolio of live performances, studio sessions and international recognition. Her recent achievements also include finishing runner-up in the 2025 Your Shot DJ competition and releasing her debut US single in collaboration with Roy Hamilton III and The Singers Company. She also performed as a featured artist at QPAC in 2019.

The Role Performance Studios Played

Before stepping onto the national stage, Eva Ilov was making the regular drive from Upper Kedron down to Performance Studios, to train with vocal coach Lisa Lockland-Bell. Ilov said Lockland-Bell had changed her perspective on singing entirely, helping her build confidence, discipline and control so she could approach music with greater intention and artistry.

Lockland-Bell brings more than 35 years of experience as a vocal coach, performance mentor and voice transformation specialist to her work at Performance Studios, coaching singers, performers and professional speakers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich and Redlands, as well as online worldwide. Her students have appeared on The Voice, Australian Idol, Eurovision and other high-profile platforms.

Lockland-Bell also founded Performance Studios’ Rise Up Competition, a singing contest for young artists from South East Queensland that offers a cash prize and industry training to help emerging performers build a career path. Ilov was a finalist in that competition across 2023 and 2025, making her path from local student to national Idol contestant a direct product of the studio’s ecosystem.

What Comes Next for Australian Idol’s 2026 Season

As of mid-February 2026, Eva Ilov had advanced to the Top 30 and was progressing through the early competition stages, with the show heading toward its live rounds. She joined the first group of Golden Ticket winners announced on the season’s opening night on 2 February, earning her place among 30 contestants selected from across the country.

Season 11 of Australian Idol features hosts Ricki-Lee and Scott Tweedie, with judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark returning to the panel. The competition airs Sundays at 7pm and Mondays at 7.30pm on Channel Seven, with all episodes available to stream on 7plus at 7plus.com.au. Viewers can watch Ilov’s audition and subsequent performances online now. Follow her progress on Instagram at @evailovofficial or through her official website at evailov.com.

Published 2-March-2026.

The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron Clubs Score Ellendale Community Funding

A netball club, a decades-old dance sport group, and several community organisations in The Gap, Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron have secured various grants through the Ellendale Community Grants, with projects ranging from resurfaced courts to school soccer goals all set to benefit.

Investing in Young Athletes

Phoenix Netball Club President Thom Contreras said the $3,500 grant will go toward resurfacing three well-used courts that have taken a beating from weather and heavy use since they opened in 2017. He explained the facilities cater for 285 players across 32 teams, training and competing up to five days a week, and resurfacing is vital to maintain safety and keep the courts in use during the coming season break.

“Over half of our members live at Ferny Grove and Upper Kedron, and we have a number who live at Ellendale,” he said. “We’re really grateful Cedar Woods supports not just our club, but other groups across the area.”

Celebrating a Growing Dance Sport

Everton Physical Culture Club, celebrating its 40-year anniversary, received $1,000 to improve its promotion at events and competitions. Associate Teacher Peta Tyquin said Physie is an accessible and affordable sport spanning children as young as three through to women in their seventies. She added the grant would help the club present professionally at national events while keeping classes affordable for its 80 members.

“We’re excited to have this injection of funds to help us continue providing for our community,” she said.

John Kibble, Mia Denning, Georgia Naggs, Elanor Lippett, Claudia Carter, Keirra Ryder, Peta Tyquin. Photo Credit: Supplied

Backing Families and Schools

Other groups to receive funding included Mitchelton Youth Club, which gained $1,500 to add safe seating to its lobby, and Samford Play Group, which will use $1,500 to repair unsafe play equipment. St Andrews P&C in Ferny Grove secured $1,500 for new aluminium soccer goals for students, while St John’s Wood The Gap Conference received $1,000 to help families purchase school supplies and cover the cost of camps.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Cedar Woods for its ongoing support through the Ellendale Community Grants Program,” Aimee Riedel from St Andrew P&C said.

“This grant will allow us to purchase durable aluminium soccer goals, a much-needed addition to support the highly popular sport during lunch breaks. For many students living in the Ellendale community, this investment encourages physical activity, teamwork and a sense of connection, both at school and within the wider local community. Initiatives like this truly make a difference in supporting the health and wellbeing of our children.”

Ellendale’s Ongoing Contribution

Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said this year’s round of grants brings the total contribution from the Ellendale initiative to $95,000, shared amongst more than 60 groups since 2017.

“With 590 families living at Ellendale we are proud to support these valuable initiatives, and this year’s recipients all share a common mission to improve the lives of young people in the community,” he said.

Awardee

Suburb(s)

Grant Amount

Purpose

Phoenix Netball Club

Ferny Grove / Upper Kedron

$3,500

Resurfacing three playing courts used by 285 players.

Everton Physical Culture Club

Everton Hills

$1,000

Marketing and promotional material for Physie’s 40th anniversary.

Mitchelton Youth Club

Mitchelton

$1,500

Seats and benches for renovated lobby area.

Samford Play Group

Samford

$1,500

Refurbishing unsafe and damaged play forts.

St Andrews P&C

Ferny Grove

$1,500

Purchase of aluminium soccer goals for students.

St John’s Wood The Gap Conference

The Gap

$1,000

Support for families in need (school supplies, camp costs).

Published 27-Aug-2025

Proposed Ellendale Connection Fuels Concerns Over Traffic, Parking Access

A decade after the Ellendale estate first made headlines, a proposed road connection linking the Upper Kedron development to Mt Nebo Road is once again raising concern among residents and business owners, this time over changes to parking and traffic conditions along Waterworks Road.

Read: Ellendale Stage 5 Development in Upper Kedron Rejected

The road link, intended to improve connectivity for thousands of homes in Ellendale, has prompted Brisbane’s local officials to roll out extended clearway hours along Waterworks Road, with the aim of easing congestion. However, some locals fear the changes may have created new problems for businesses, service providers, and customers who rely on convenient parking in the area.

Previously limited to weekday peak hours, the clearways now span from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day. Council maintains that the decision was guided by traffic data and resident feedback, suggesting most respondents supported the move. The road, a major arterial carrying more than 100,000 vehicles daily, has seen a high number of crashes in recent years, which council believes are linked to abrupt lane changes caused by parked vehicles.

Still, many business operators and nearby residents say they were not properly informed about the changes until after they were implemented. Some claim customers are already being fined for parking violations, and that elderly clients and service vehicles are finding access increasingly difficult. There are also concerns that the clearways could drive away trade and complicate logistics, with no alternative loading zones or nearby parking options provided.

The proposed Ellendale-to-Mt Nebo link has long been a point of contention, and recent state and council discussions have revived the plan. Officials have confirmed that planning processes are underway to remove barriers to the connection, which would potentially direct more traffic from Upper Kedron through Waterworks Road, which is one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Read: Upper Kedron Residents and Minister Exasperated by Delays in Ellendale Bridge Opening

While some welcome the potential relief for residents in the growing western suburbs, others argue that the changes have been rushed and that the broader impacts on surrounding communities and small businesses have not been fully considered. Some community members are calling for a more collaborative approach to traffic planning, urging authorities to provide long-term solutions that balance accessibility with safety and flow.

Published 15-July-2025

Upper Kedron Athletes Crowned World Cheerleading Champions

Photo Credit: Brianna Sarna/Instagram

Two Upper Kedron teenagers have returned from Orlando as World Cheerleading Champions after representing Australia at an international competition.

Upper Kedron Teens Shine on World Stage

Amber and Brianna Sarna, 14-year-old identical twins from Upper Kedron, have secured a World Cheerleading Championship title while representing Australia. The twins competed at a major international event in Orlando as part of Team Australia’s Youth Co-Ed Median Division. Their team’s performances earned first place in the division.

Upper Kedron twins — *Photo Credit: Amber Sarna/Instagram*

Pathway to the Championship

The Sarna twins began cheerleading at five years old, inspired by their older sister. They train with Outlaws Allstars Kedron and were selected for Team Australia from more than 300 candidates after submitting video applications. Their preparation included attending intensive training camps in Melbourne and Sydney, where choreography and routines were developed for the competition.

The Event and Achievement

The ICU World Cheerleading Championship took place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando. The event, held in April 2025, featured athletes from 70 nations and is considered a pinnacle event in international cheerleading. Team Australia, including Amber and Brianna, overcame challenges in their first routine and returned on day two with a clean performance that secured top scores.

Community and Family Support

Ferny Grove State High School celebrated the twins’ achievement through school assemblies and social media posts. Social media comments from friends, teammates, and supporters expressed pride and congratulations, with messages highlighting how proud they were and praising the twins’ effort on stage.

Comments included supporters describing the achievement as “so amazing”, “well deserved”, and “absolutely amazing on stage”. Amber and Brianna’s success was also acknowledged by those who helped along the way, with messages thanking and recognising team efforts.

Looking Ahead

Amber and Brianna plan to continue competing internationally. They hope to coach in the future and aim to represent Australia again, especially if cheerleading gains inclusion in the Olympic Games.

Published 28-June-2025

Local Schools and Clubs Invited to Apply for Ellendale Community Grants

Local schools, sporting clubs, and community groups in Upper Kedron and surrounding suburbs are being invited to apply for a share in $10,000 in grant funding, aimed at supporting initiatives that enhance community life. Applications for the 2025 Ellendale Community Grants program are now open, with successful recipients to be announced in June.

Read: Upper Kedron-Mt Nebo Road Connection Gains Momentum

The grants are part of an ongoing commitment by leading developer Cedar Woods Properties, which has delivered the program since the inception of its Ellendale masterplanned community. Since 2017, Cedar Woods has distributed $85,000 across 57 local organisations through the initiative.

Cedar Woods Properties Development Director Blair Britton said the grants had already made a significant difference to groups working to build stronger local connections. “The funding we provide enables local groups to continue their work, fostering connections and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Ellendale and their neighbours, and we’ve seen the impact of the grants firsthand,” he said.

Past recipients include Ferny Grove State School, which used a 2024 grant to purchase robotics kits to strengthen its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.

Applications are open until 23 May 2025, with schools and not-for-profit groups operating for more than 12 months, including sporting and community organisations, eligible to apply. The program’s reach is intended to extend beyond Upper Kedron, reflecting the broader community spirit fostered by the Ellendale development.

Read: Tony Cooper’s Journey: From The Gap to a Legacy of Colour and Healing

Ellendale is a 227-hectare masterplanned community developed by Cedar Woods, nestled alongside South D’Aguilar National Park and home to more than 590 families. The masterplan blends natural corridors and recreational spaces with premium homesites to create a balanced and connected community. To apply or learn more about the grants, visit www.cedarwoods.com.au/ellendale.

Published 29-April-2025

Young Couple Outbids Downsizers to Set Auction Record in Upper Kedron

Photo Credit: Pexels

A determined young couple upgrading from their first home in Keperra secured a record-breaking $1.301 million auction win for a three-bedroom house in Upper Kedron. The property at 54 Tooloom Circuit attracted nine bidders, most of whom were downsizers, with rapid bidding increments pushing the final sale price beyond expectations.

The auction began at $900,000, quickly rising through $10,000 increments before slowing to $1,000 bids as the final two contenders—a downsizing couple and the young buyers—faced off. The emotional winners, who had covered their home with handwritten affirmations before the auction, were overcome with joy as they secured their new home.

Upper Kedron property market — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

The Rising Market

The property market in Upper Kedron has seen a 20% increase in house prices over the past year, with the suburb’s median house price now sitting at $1.2 million, according to Domain. The suburb has gained popularity due to its proximity to more established areas like Ashgrove, Bardon, and The Gap, where comparable homes are up to $2 million.

Selling agent Lee Warren of Ray White Ashgrove highlighted the suburb’s growing appeal. Mr Warren stated that residents of Ashgrove and Bardon are looking at Upper Kedron because they can get similar houses at a lower price.

Brisbane’s Market Trends and Affordability Concerns

The Upper Kedron home was one of 177 auctions held in Brisbane last week, with a preliminary auction clearance rate of 36% recorded by Domain Group. Out of the 110 reported results, 10 auctions were withdrawn, indicating ongoing market caution.

According to AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver, Brisbane’s market is adjusting after a strong 18-month growth period and tends to lag behind Sydney and Melbourne by about six months.

Mr Oliver emphasised that affordability is becoming an issue, especially since Brisbane’s median house price passed $1 million last December.

Property market — *Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only*
*Photo Credit: Pexels*

Other Notable Auction Results in Brisbane

The record sale in Upper Kedron was not the only significant auction result last weekend.

Belmont: A five-acre property at 104 Boston Road sold for $3.9 million, marking Brisbane’s highest auction sale of the weekend. A New Zealand-based family won after 25 bids, outpacing a Brisbane-based family.
Paddington: A six-bedroom home at 51 Stevenson Street secured $3.28 million, ranking as Brisbane’s second-highest sale of the weekend. The buyers, a young family returning from overseas, won after 22 bids.

Future Outlook for Upper Kedron and Brisbane’s Property Market

With the property values of the suburb continuing to rise and Brisbane’s median prices surpassing $1 million, affordability remains a growing concern. However, buyer demand remains strong, particularly for well-located homes that offer value compared to premium-priced suburbs.

Industry experts suggest that a potential RBA rate cut in the coming months could further influence the market’s recovery, potentially driving more competition in Brisbane’s housing sector.

Published 17-Feb-2025