Kenny, Australian Capital Territory Explained

Type:suburb
Kenny
City:Canberra
State:act
Lga:Gungahlin
Stategov:Yerrabi
Fedgov:Fenner
Postcode:2911
Elevation:597
Near-Nw:Harrison
Near-N:Throsby
Dist1:9
Dir1:NNE
Location1:Canberra CBD
Dist2:26
Dir2:NNW
Location2:Queanbeyan
Dist3:83
Dir3:SW
Location3:Goulburn
Dist4:280
Dir4:SW
Location4:Sydney
Near-W:Franklin
Near-E:Watson
Near-Sw:Mitchell
Near-S:Mitchell
Near-Se:Watson
Coordinates:-35.213°N 149.155°W

Kenny is a designated suburb in the Canberra, Australia district of Gungahlin. The suburb is named in honour of Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian who pioneered muscle rehabilitation practices which serve as the foundation of physiotherapy. It is adjacent to the suburbs of Watson, Lyneham, the Mitchell industrial estate, Harrison and Throsby and bounded by the Federal Highway to the east and Horse Park Drive to the north. The suburb Kenny is situated about 4 km from the Gungahlin Towncentre and 8 km from the centre of Canberra.

History

Portions of Kenny are occupied by the rural properties Bendoura, and Canberra Park. 'Canberra Park' was established by William Ginn, who previously worked for George Campbell, of Duntroon, and lived at Blundell's Cottage from 1859[1] The cottage named after a later resident George Blundell was located near to what was until the 1960s the Molonglo River and since then by Lake Burley Griffin. Ploughman William Ginn and his family were the first to live in the farmhouse, departing ten years later when they moved to 'Canberra Park'.

Urban development within the suburb commenced in 2021, with construction beginning on an $85 million high school, catering for years 7 to 10.[2] Opening in time for the 2024 school year, the facility was officially named Shirley Smith High School on 20 May of that year.[3]

Facilities

The Bimberi Youth Justice Centre is located in Kenny. The facility houses 10-21 year olds on remand or serving a custodial sentence.[4]

Transport

Kenny is served by the Well Station Drive station on the Canberra light rail network. ACTION bus route 18 deviates via the Bimberi Centre several times per day, connecting to Gungahlin and Dickson Interchange. The Bimberi Centre can also be reached by a short walk from Sandford Street light rail station. is also available.[5]

Geology

See also: Geology of the Australian Capital Territory. Located in the suburb is part of Sullivans Creek, which flows on into Mitchell. This is the lowest point at . The high side is on the east, with creeks flowing in the south west direction. The suburb is fairly flat. The geology of the area is mudstone and shale from the Canberra Formation of middle Silurian age. Around the creeks is plenty of alluvium.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. 3 February 1953, Miss Gertrude Ginn, The Canberra Times
  2. Web site: Relentless rain drives Kenny High School opening beyond 2023. Lottie Twyford. RiotACT. 7 March 2022.
  3. Web site: Official naming and opening ceremony for Shirley Smith High School. ACT Government. 20 May 2024.
  4. Web site: Bimberi Handbook - A guide for young people in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. ACT Government. 23 May 2024.
  5. Web site: Gungahlin to Dickson, via Franklin and Mitchell. Transport Canberra. 6 April 2024.
  6. Henderson G A M and Matveev G, Geology of Canberra, Queanbeyan and Environs 1:50000 1980.